Disclaimer: Kuroko no Basket is owned by Fujimaki Tadatoshi

Pairing: AkaKuro

A/N: Thanks to my reviewers: Taylor Devline, kh07gl, Dark Cat Food Lover, Kottori, KurokoTetsuya101, LadyOtaku99, Akakuro Seiya, Tamani, Silvinukas, Kujo Kasuza, Swtazngrl5, Kiki2000, chii, Guest, 123ANIMEfun, Alyce Ochoa, AugustInk, Kuro13Dead, lovleydragonfly, Kasu97, Loverfiona, justdroppingby, StrawberryDemon and Noel Scarlet. Thanks for the favorite and follow alerts, too.


First Descent: Arc I

Eleventh Night: A Precipitous End


Aomine yawned as he reflexively scratched the back of his head while walking in the hallway towards the garden for a well-deserved nap. It was almost a week ago when the incident at the orphanage happened and it took a lot of bribing on their part for the case to be confidential and under wraps. Midorima and Kise handled that part efficiently though they did asked for his help at times. He so envied Murasakibara for having nothing to do but entertain Kuroko. As for Akashi…

He sighed, remembering his leader.

Akashi was busy doing his own thing that he didn't even had the time for Kuroko. It was weird to say the least. Kuroko was only with them for more than a month but this occurrence was strangely bizarre to see. They could see Kuroko torn for being bothered and pleased by this.

Aomine confronted Akashi about his odd behavior since he could guess it was about the vampires opposing them. But Akashi dismissed him saying he would announce it to the rest of the coven when he gathered all the facts. He knew Akashi found out who were targeting them but that was not all there it was to it. Akashi was hiding something else. Something very important judging by Akashi's cagy actions.

But there was no point in dwelling on it. Akashi would reveal it to them soon enough when the time was right. All Aomine could right now was to trust his leader's judgment.

"Ao-mi-ne-cchi~!"

Aomine looked back and saw Kise skipping merrily towards him with a huge smile on his face. "What?"

"I have news!" exclaimed Kise, catching up to him and walked alongside him. "Haru-chan got approval in adopting both Daisuke-kun and Emi-chan, isn't that great? Akashicchi helped in swaying favors for them."

"That's good," said Aomine. "I'm surprised her husband agreed on taking them in. But Haru will good for those two. They need a stable family to grow up in."

"Right?" Kise said. "Hideki-san doesn't really mind. Haru-chan told me they've been trying to have kids for years now so they consider this as a blessing. Too bad they're leaving Kyoto and moving to Tokyo but I guess it's for the best."

Aomine raised an eyebrow in surprise. "They're leaving?"

"Yup. Haru-chan wanted them to have a fresh start and Kyoto has too many bad memories for the kids. She said it will be good for them to live in a different environment."

"I get that," Aomine agreed. "So when do they leave?"

"Tomorrow," answered Kise, glancing at him. "You want to go and say goodbye to them?"

"Don't know," he said, shrugging. "Maybe."

Kise smiled. "You should. We can go together."

"Yeah, okay." Aomine took a quick look at the papers on Kise's hands. "What's that? Midorima giving you paperwork or something?"

Kise stared at the documents on his hands before handing it to Aomine. "Transcripts, actually. One of the solid evidences against the director. Daisuke-kun copied it from the director's computer with the help of another kid. Everything is in there, his plans, his conversation with his associates, fabricated documents for adoption, his embezzlement of money; the whole thing. Daisuke-kun even has recordings of them talking and planning in his office."

"Was this the thing he carried in his bag?" asked Aomine, skimming the records. "Evidences against the director?"

"Yeah," Kise nodded. "Midorimacchi was surprised when Daisuke-kun offered it to the police. The director is an idiot for not deleting it from his computer but it worked well in our favor. He and contacts are going to face jail time for a long time. I made sure of it."

"What about the orphanage? What will happen to it?"

"They're closing it," said Kise. "It won't be good if it stayed open anyway due to the rumors about the director. The other kids are being moved to another orphanage, too. Midorimacchi made sure it's a good one and will help them get over what happened. Plus, it has a unique system that will help develop their talents."

Aomine's brows scrunched together in confusion. "Talents?"

Kise blinked at him. "Oh, I haven't told you yet? Most of the children in the Himawari Orphanage are geniuses and have certain gifts. Like Daisuke-kun, he's has an IQ above 140 while Emi-chan is a piano prodigy."

"If these kids are talented as you say, why did they become orphans?"

"Various circumstances," said Kise. "Daisuke-kun's mother died during childbirth while he's father died due to overwork and he doesn't have any relative left. Emi-chan's parents meanwhile died in a car accident. She was the only lone survivor. Emi-chan has an aunt but nobody knows where she is. The other children have more or less the same story."

"I don't think it's a coincidence that those gifted kids are in one orphanage," Aomine mused.

Kise nodded in agreement. "I was curious so I investigated a little. It turns out those kids were taken in personally by the old director—Amamiya Yuuko. Rumor has it that she's an eccentric and well-educated lady. All the kids she took in became distinguished people in their chosen field after carefully selecting a family for them."

Aomine mulled over this. "So you're saying she finds orphan kids who are genius or talented, takes them in and search for a family that will suit them? Did I get it right?"

"Yeah," Kise agreed. "I don't think she has any ill intentions. If anything, she helped those kids have a better future. Some people might use those kids to do, well, bad or for, you know, their own selfish reasons. It was a good think this Amamiya Yuuko person found them."

Aomine's eyebrows furrowed contemplatively. "I don't get it. This Amamiya Yuuko looked like she cared for the orphanage and its kids like her own. So why did she leave the ownership to her granddaughter who doesn't even live in Japan? Shouldn't she entrust it to someone who can continue what she began?"

"She did actually," Kise revealed with a knowing smile on his face. "She entrusted it to Daisuke-kun. There was another clause in her will that the director's assistant purposely ignored: 'If by chance, my granddaughter—Mrs. Chiyo Clovis (née Amamiya) refused the rights of Himawari Orphanage (Kyoto, Japan), it will pass on to Daisuke Mamoru with the support of his guardian', is what it says. The director's assistant knew about it and didn't tell anyone and made an executive decision to hand over the rights to its sponsors."

"Can the vice-director do that, hand over the orphanage's title without Daisuke knowing?"

"Why do you think he's in jail right now?" Kise blatantly stated. "Amamiya Yuuko's lawyer was livid when he found out. He thought Daisuke inherited the orphanage and retired with his family in England. The director's assistant lied to him about it. The lawyer contacted Haru-chan and met up with Daisuke-kun. The deed of ownership passed onto him with Haru-chan as his representative until he's become of age."

"Hmm…" Aomine hummed, burying his hands on his pocket as they made their way to one of his favorite hang-outs—the tallest sakura tree which looked a little dead since it was fall. He flopped down on the grass with his arms behind his head as a pillow. "This is all a huge tangled of mess."

"True," said Kise, leaning against the tree bark. "But it's all untangled now."

Aomine closed his eyes as a soft breeze brushed past them and tranquil silence enveloped around them. Peeking at Kise with one eye opened, Aomine noticed he was strangely quiet. He wasn't dumb to not notice that what happened at the orphanage invoked some disturbing memories for Kise. "You okay, Kise?" he asked, sitting up.

Surprised at his abrupt question, Kise blinked at him before answering. "I'm fine Aominecchi. What's with the question? Everything's good and—"

"Kise."

Kise paused at Aomine's curt tone before pushing himself off against the tree. "I'm fine, really," he said, giving him a wide smile. "Anyway, I better check on Kurokocchi. He might get lonely since Akashicchi seems busy. Later, Aominecchi!"

Aomine watched Kise's retreating back knowingly, a bit worried. "Idiot," he muttered, his voice low, so low it didn't reach Kise's ear. "Don't smile if you don't mean it."

xXx

don'tthinkaboutitdon'tthinkaboutitdon'tthinkaboutit

Don't think about it.

stopthinkingaboutitstopthinkingaboutitstopthinkingaboutit

Stop thinking about it.

Kise kept repeating that mantra over and over again. He couldn't afford to think about it again.

Not anymore.

He was done with it. It was in the past. He got over it. He didn't need to dwell all over it again.

Kise slowed to a stop. He didn't even realize he was running. To where, he didn't know but he sure as hell knew from what. He wanted to laugh at that. He couldn't run from it. He couldn't run from himself.

Weakly, pressing hand against the wall, Kise took a deep breath, taking as much air as he could. He felt suffocated. Drowning in his own dark abyss.

He can't breathe.

hecan'tbreathehecan'tbreathehecan'tbreathe

"Kise-kun?"

With a gasp, Kise whirled around and found Kuroko staring at him with worry in his eyes. "Ku-Kurokocchi…"

Kuroko walked closer to him. "Are you alright Kise-kun?" he asked, placing a hand on his arm. "You look a little pale."

Kise unconsciously took a step back away from Kuroko. Away from his touch. Even with the turmoil swirling in his mind, he noticed Kuroko's surprise and a bit of hurt at his actions. He never shied away from physical contact especially from Kuroko, who never initiate physical affection except for at times.

"I'm fine Kurokocchi," Kise lowly muttered, the tiredness in his voice was obviously evident. "I…I need to—"

Kuroko cut him off. "Can you accompany me to the library Kise-kun?"

Kise didn't have the chance to refuse when Kuroko turned around and strode towards the direction of the library. Though reluctant, he followed Kuroko; the silence between them was uncomfortable and awkward. If Kuroko was mad at him, Kise wouldn't begrudge him of that.

Kuroko opened the door to the library and wordlessly walked over to the couch, sitting on it as he looked up at Kise and patted the space beside him. "Sit here Kise-kun," he invited though there was an underlying tone of command in his words softened by the small gentle smile on Kuroko's lips.

Kise hesitated for a few seconds before sitting beside Kuroko. His shoulders taut and tensed as if readying to pull back or move away. His hands gripped his knees in discomfort as he tried not to look at Kuroko. Kise wanted to get away but he couldn't tell him that. Kuroko would ask and he wasn't ready to talk nor would he ever be.

"Are you done with your work Kise-kun?"

Kise blinked and slowly turned to Kuroko. That certainly wasn't he was expecting. He thought Kuroko would demand what was wrong with him or get mad at him. "Work?" he repeated, confused.

"Yes," Kuroko nodded. "Midorima-kun said you were working on something about an orphanage. He said there was a problem and you helped solving it."

"How much did Midorimacchi tell you?"

"Just that."

"Oh…" Kise averted his eyes away from Kuroko's observant ones. "Yeah, I'm done with it. Everything went well."

"That's good."

Another bout of awkward silence ensued and Kise had enough. "Kurokocchi, I—"

"How long have you been in this coven Kise-kun?" Kuroko quietly asked.

Surprised at the unexpected question, Kise glanced at Kuroko, answering, "More than a century, I think."

Kuroko's sky blue eyes lightened in understanding and gave Kise a sympathetic smile. Kuroko reached out to touch his cheek, his thumb brushing lightly and gently. "It must be hard, huh?" he said, meaningful. "You know, it's all right to let your emotions out when you're feeling overwhelmed. You don't have to be strong all the time. Everyone will understand. You don't have to smile when you're not feeling happy."

Kise's eyes widened in surprise and let out a diminutive laugh, the sound brittle even to his ears. "What? Kurokocchi, I don't know what you're talking about."

"Please don't lie to me Kise-kun."

Kise paused, looking right into Kuroko's eyes. "I know you're worried and I appreciate it but please don't push me about this Kurokocchi," he said, his voice hard.

"I'm not pushing you, Kise-kun," Kuroko sighed softly. "On the contrary, I just want to be there for you. Just like the time you were there for me when I said goodbye to my parents. You don't have to tell me anything nor am I asking for it. I just want you to be yourself. I don't like you because you're always happy and energetic. I will still like you even if you're sullen and morose. I accept all sides of you, Kise-kun."

"So please," Kuroko beseeched, taking a hold of his hand, "don't hide your true feelings for me. It doesn't matter if you're a vampire or not. All of us still have emotions we feel. I just want you to know that I understand if you don't want to be happy. I will still be here with you, Kise-kun, everyone is. So please trust in me."

Kise stared at Kuroko in shock and then he felt a single line of tear streaming down his cheeks. Numbly, his cold trembling fingers touched his wet face and stared at the tears in his hand. "Huh? What? I'm crying? But I don't…I don't…" He tried to wipe it off but no matter how much he rubbed his eyes, they still continued to fall and fall.

"It's okay Kise-kun. It's okay," Kuroko soothingly murmured as he brought down Kise's head onto his shoulder. "Everything is going to be fine. You're not alone."

Kise couldn't help it anymore and as if a dam broke inside of him, he closed his eyes and wept. He could feel Kuroko's fingers shifting through his hair, comforting him. Shakily, his hands reached out and wrapped around Kuroko's body, bringing him closer to him as he buried his face to Kuroko's shoulders, seeking solace.

Kise knew Kuroko didn't know what was happening to him but he was grateful for his words. He didn't know how much he wanted to hear those words for a long, long time. Those words were salvation to him. And Kuroko gave him the redemption he unknowingly searched for.

For once, Kise wasn't scared as memories of past buried in his very being flashed through his mind. He sifted through them, letting them go one by one. And as he went through them, he didn't feel the shackles of emotions binding him to them.

For the first time, he felt free.

As Kise unburied the stifling emotions to Kuroko's small and fragile shoulders, sharing half of the burden with him, he continued to cry.

And cried.

And cried.

xXx

Crouching down in front of the oven, Murasakibara watched as the sponge cake baked, trying hard not to pay attention at the sound of Kise breaking down with Kuroko comforting him. He was glad Kuroko saw through Kise's façade and told him off. No one in their coven knew how to approach Kise whenever he was troubled by his past. They tried but failed and just gave him some space to work it out himself or try to distract him with anything as Kise easily bounced back and went back to normal.

Being in their coven sometimes helped and they were always around for each other no matter what happened. But they all have their own demons festering in their souls and hoped to exorcise. That was why it was difficult at times to be with any of them.

As their leader, Akashi tried to always be with one of them and advised them or just accompanied them in solitude. But they all knew Akashi had a more troubled past out of everyone, from what they could glean of him anyway. No one knew the real story of Akashi's past except for himself nor had they seen their leader lament about it if he even did.

Hearing Kise's cries, a small hope burst in Murasakibara. Kise was crying for his loss and grieving for his anguish past but he knew a bigger part of Kise was crying in relief for being freed from his demons. And it was all because of Kuroko.

Murasakibara wasn't as plagued of his past like the others. He grieved over the loss of his parents and siblings and even the loss of his human life. But he already moved on and accepted the fate of being a vampire. Still, he was not inconsiderate enough to be insensitive of everyone's feelings.

Maybe it was destiny that brought Kuroko and Akashi's path to cross; for Akashi to bring Kuroko into their lives, to probably change the course of their immortal life.

"Arara~" Murasakibara said to himself, wondering when he became so philosophical. "Mido-chin must be rubbing off on me."

He straightened up when his phone, placed on the kitchen counter, rang and was surprised when he saw Akashi's name flashing. He immediately answered it. "Hello Aka-chin~"

"Atsushi, tell everyone I won't be there tonight."

Murasakibara blinked languidly. "Eh? Why not Aka-chin? Are you following another target?"

"No, I'm meeting with our informants. It will probably take all night so I might be back by tomorrow morning."

"What about Kuro-chin?"

"What do you mean Atsushi? All of you are there to protect him."

"No, that's not what I meant…" Murasakibara trailed off, trying to explain it. "Aka-chin, remember the time you went to Shizuoka?"

"Yes, Tetsuya slept in your room. I'm not mad if that's what you're worrying about Atsushi."

"No, that's not it. Kuro-chin didn't sleep well that night. He kept turning and tossing in the bed. He didn't say anything but I think he was worried about you. I think Kuro-chin missed sleeping beside you."

"…Oh? Well, distract him. Tell him I'm meeting someone."

"Eh? But if I tell Kuro-chin that, he might think you're cheating on him, Aka-chin."

"Atsushi."

"Fine~ I'll tell Kuro-chin. But if Kuro-chin got mad at you it's not my fault."

"Tetsuya isn't that petty."

"If you say so Aka-chin," said Murasakibara as the oven let out a ding, a sign the cake was done baking. He was puzzled as to why Akashi got quiet on the other line.

"Atsushi, is someone crying?"

"Ah, you can hear that? As expected of Aka-chin. It's Kise-chin."

"Why is Ryouta crying?"

Murasakibara inwardly winced at his leader's biting tone. Even if Akashi wasn't showy of how he cared for his coven, they all knew how protective he was of them. His leader didn't like it if one of them was upset or sad and would rain down hell to anyone who hurt them.

"It's okay Aka-chin. Kise-chin is safe," Murasakibara said. "What happened at the orphanage must have triggered something from his past and you how he is when he gets one of those. Kuro-chin is consoling him so he's going to be fine. Kise-chin is going to be fine Aka-chin."

"…I see. I'm glad to hear that. Tetsuya is really remarkable."

"Yeah…"

"It seems they have arrived. See you tomorrow Atsushi."

"'Kay, bye Aka-chin~"

After that, Murasakibara busied himself finishing the strawberry cake which was tonight's dessert and informed everyone about Akashi's news while working. He didn't know if Kise heard or what but one of them could notify him later on. He glanced up when someone went inside the kitchen before returning his attention back to his cake. "You need something Mido-chin?" he asked.

He heard Midorima walking closer and sat on a stool, watching him work but he knew Midorima was occupied with something. "I heard your conversation to Akashi," Midorima said.

Murasakibara took the piping bag filled with cream. "And?"

Midorima continued to watch him. "The reason you and Kuroko were up early the day after the orphanage incident was because he couldn't sleep without Akashi?"

"Yeah," he answered, looking up at Midorima. "That's what I think anyway. Kuro-chin looked tired but he slept fitfully. When the three of you came home unscathed, he was relieved but he got restless when you said Aka-chin won't be back before lunch."

Midorima edgily crossed his arms. "And since Akashi won't be back tonight you think Kuroko won't be able to sleep again?"

Murasakibara blinked, gazing at Midorima for a moment before placing down the piping bag to the side. "If you want to sleep beside Kuro-chin just say so Mido-chin. All this talk is confusing."

"That's not it!" Midorima irately said, his face red as a tomato.

"Careful Midorima, you're showing how perverted you are," they heard Aomine muttered somewhere in the mansion.

"Shut up Aomine!"

Murasakibara took the bowl of strawberries to cut them in half (while eating some of them, of course). "So what are you talking about Mido-chin?" he asked, distracted.

Midorima sighed as he pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose with his finger. "Kuroko missing Akashi… don't you think their relationship is progressing?"

"Why the hell are you interested?" said Aomine, coming inside the kitchen and flopped himself down the stool beside Midorima. "That's their business. We're out of it." He stared at the bowl of strawberries and his hand reached out for one but Murasakibara slapped it away. "Damn it Murasakibara! Just give me one. You're eating some of it, too!"

Murasakibara ignored Aomine and looked at their vice-leader. "Isn't that good? Kuro-chin and Aka-chin's relationship progressing?"

"Well, yes, normally," Midorima assented. "But we all know Kuroko's presence changed something in our coven. And it's just a feeling but what if Akashi intended for Kuroko to be his mate?"

Both he and Aomine looked at Midorima in surprise. Then, simultaneously, they said, "I don't mind."

Midorima blew an exasperating breath at their nonchalant answer. "Do you know what this means?"

"Uh, yeah," said Aomine, successfully getting one strawberry and quickly ate it before Murasakibara could take it away. "It means we have to follow Tetsu, too."

"It means Kuro-chin is going to be our Mom," Murasakibara added which prompted the two vampires to stare at him in incredulity.

Aomine blinked. "Uh, never thought of it that way before but that sums it up, I guess. Nice Murasakibara."

"Thanks Mine-chin. But no more strawberries."

"What!"

Midorima shook his head helplessly at them. "You two are hopeless," he mumbled. "I shouldn't have asked."

"I know why you're worried Mido-chin," said Murasakibara as he looked down at the cake after doing some finishing touches before putting it in the fridge. "But if that were to happen, don't you think it will do well? Our coven will be more stable."

Aomine placed his chin on his hand, a bored look on his face. "Yeah, it will but it comes with consequences depending if Tetsu stays human or Akashi turning him into a vampire."

"Obviously, Akashi will turn Kuroko into a vampire," Midorima put forward. "The problem is…"

"…The vampire community," they chorused.

"Don't forget the old geezers in the Council," Aomine reminded them. "It's common knowledge how they always wanted Akashi to join the Council and Kuroko as his future mate will ruin that. They won't approve of him."

Murasakibara hummed in agreement. "But Aka-chin won't care if they approve of Kuro-chin or not. He always does what he wants. No one, not even the Council, can force Aka-chin to do anything."

"True," both Midorima and Aomine nodded.

"Do you think there will be a wedding?" Murasakibara considered to which the two vampires studiously ignored. "Oh, and what if Aka-chin and Kuro-chin had a kid?"

Aomine gave him a wryly stare. "They're both guys Murasakibara. And it's not like vampires can reproduce."

"Well, they could adopt."

"Don't be stupid Murasakibara," Midorima tiresomely stated. "There are no vampire children. And it's forbidden to turn one."

"What about a human kid? They could turn him into a vampire when he gets older," Murasakibara suggested.

Aomine shrugged. "Whatever, I don't care. What they plan is up to them." His stomach growled loudly. "Ugh, I'm hungry. Isn't dinner ready yet?"

"Don't be daft Aomine," said Midorima. "You can see Murasakibara hasn't done anything yet. If you want dinner help him prepare for it."

Aomine placed his arms down the counter and buried his face on them. "No, too troublesome," he lazily drawled. He peek an eye open at Midorima. "Don't you dare do anything, Midorima! You're hopeless when it comes to cooking." Midorima's left eye twitched in annoyance at the quip but didn't retort. It was true anyway.

"Hey, what are you guys doing?"

They all turned to the doorway and found Kise coming in with Kuroko. Kise gave them a weak smile, knowing they heard him cry. There were no evidences of what happened on his face like red eyes or blotted face except for his amber eyes which looked sad but there was a hint of hopefulness in them, too. No one tried to comment on it and was just relieved that Kise looked fine if a little drained. Kise's smile was small but it was genuine enough to ease them. They also paid no attention to how tightly he gripped Kuroko's hand as if his lifeline.

"I'm making dinner," Murasakibara answered as he took out pans and pots plus ingredients. "Mine-chin said he's hungry."

Kise and Kuroko made their way beside the other two vampires. "At least help Murasakicchi make dinner if you're hungry, Aominecchi," Kise suggested.

"No," Aomine groaned, burying his face again on his folded arms as his stomach growled loudly again which Kuroko could even hear.

Kuroko turned to the quiet Midorima, who was uncharacteristically still in the kitchen with everyone. "What about you, Midorima-kun? Aren't you going to help—"

"No!" Kise interrupted before Kuroko could finish his question. "Just imagining Midorimacchi cooking is giving me nightmares!"

Midorima glared hard at Kise for his exaggerating remark. "Then help Murasakibara or I'll cook tonight's dinner," he threatened.

"Jeez," Kise sighed as he stood up to help Murasakibara, "we're not your maids, you know."

"I could help, too," Kuroko offered.

Aomine's head snapped up and looked at Kuroko in surprise. "You can cook Tetsu?"

"I make a mean boiled egg," Kuroko straightforwardly said.

Aomine glumly sighed and dispiritedly put his face back on his arms. "Just stay in this corner Tetsu."

With the help of Kise, dinner was done in no time though Aomine prevented them for finishing earlier since he kept stealing some food until Kuroko put a stop to it. Dinner was an enjoyable affair and even Midorima was less sourly than usual. All was well until Murasakibara told Kise and Kuroko that Akashi wouldn't be back until tomorrow and the atmosphere got a bit tensed.

"Did he say why?" Kuroko casually asked though everyone could tell it was forced.

Murasakibara glanced at Midorima for help but he left it to him to handle. He hesitated for a few seconds before saying, "Aka-chin is meeting up with someone."

"Who?"

Murasakibara didn't know what to answer; it wasn't like he could tell the truth. Akashi didn't give him permission. Fortunately for him, Aomine answered. "Another vampire."

Kuroko turned to Aomine. "A friend of your coven?"

"You could say that," said Aomine, shrugging his shoulders in disinterest. "Don't worry your pretty little head about it Tetsu. Akashi gets calls from other vampires all the time though he ignores most of them. But sometimes he meets up with some."

Kuroko nodded in understanding. "I see."

Murasakibara silently let out a sigh of relief. He was grateful for Aomine's quick thinking. It wasn't really a lie but not the truth either.

"So does that mean Kurokocchi will sleep all by himself?" Kise asked, making him, Midorima and Aomine stiffened in their seats.

"I guess," said Kuroko and disbelievingly gazed at all of them, discerning their unease expressions. "I can sleep by myself. I don't need anyone with me."

Kise twirled the fork in his left hand, playing with his food, not noticing the other three vampires' discomfort. "I know that Kurokocchi. But, um,"—he shifted nervously and looked at Kuroko—"can I stay with you tonight? I mean, I just…I…"

Kuroko's eyes softened, knowing why Kise was apprehensive and gave him an indulgent smile. "Of course, Kise-kun, you can stay with me."

Murasakibara relaxed. Kise needed Kuroko at the moment so he was fine with it and he could see Midorima agreed with him as his tensed shoulders loosened up. Except for Aomine, who let out an inaudible mutter of "lucky bastard" to which the vampires disregarded.

Midorima ordered Aomine to take out the strawberry cake to eat and Murasakibara watched everyone's lively face as they indulged in the dessert he made. Aomine and Kise bickered as usual but he knew it was Aomine's way of cheering up Kise. Kuroko and Midorima talked various things, sometimes Murasakibara joined them but most of the time he just ate, contented. The only missing thing was Akashi but he wasn't worried.

Their makeshift family would be complete.

xXx

Akashi stared up the dark moonless sky.

The countless twinkling little stars painting the vast obscure sky were kind of beautiful to his eyes. When was the last instance he took the time to just appreciate such beauty? Was it decades ago? Centuries? He couldn't remember.

All Akashi recalled was the bitter memory of death, the tangy smell of blood so vile that it sometimes hurt to breathe, the echoing sound of metal when he fight, the smell of rotting corpses and whirling gust of dusts and ashes, the stifling scent of fire smoke and the fizzing sea of red inferno.

But it seemed to sweeten as Akashi remembered his coven. The steady presence of Midorima accented with his quiet, calm demeanor and his eccentricity. Aomine's wildness, stubbornness and his fearlessness which at times amplified the coven's confidence. Murasakibara's idleness that lets them to take a moment to just breathe and live. And Kise's bundle of sunshine and abundance of liveliness and energy that kept the coven happy and positive.

But everything changed when Akashi met Kuroko.

Now, Akashi's experiencing many emotions for the first time and at times, feelings so nostalgic that he was surprised to feel them again after a long time. The darker part of his personality—the vampire in him seemed so quiet and serene but still ready to be unleashed. While the other part of him—his human side that was buried deep in him seemed to resurrect. He once thought of it as a weakness but perhaps it was not.

He could feel the harsh power of his vampire but also the gentleness of his human side.

He felt powerful but peaceful at the same time.

Akashi closed his eyes and blew out a sigh. Kuroko and his coven were the most important thing in his immortal life right now. He couldn't afford to lose them. They were the only reason why he continued to live day by day. If they were gone it was the same as killing him. He would do everything in his power just to keep them safe and alive.

That was why the thought of someone endangering them made his blood boil.

Akashi's fists involuntarily clenched tightly, his nails digging into his palms, leaving a crescent mark but he didn't care. He would find him and when he does, mercy would be the last thing on his mind.

"Hey, put a lid on your bloodlust Akashi," a familiar voice said behind him. "You're scaring the animals away."

Akashi didn't look back since he knew who it was, already sensing his presence following him after their meeting. "Shouldn't you go back to the hotel? He's waiting for you."

"It's fine, he can wait. What are you going to do now?"

"You followed me all the way here just to ask that?" Akashi asked as he put his hands deep in his coat's pocket as he moved his foot forward. He heard footsteps following him but he didn't mind.

A sigh and then, "Yeah, I'm worried, okay. If you're right and it's him, shouldn't I stay at the mansion, too, for extra protection? Heck, I can even convince the idiot to stay, too."

"Not right now," answered Akashi. "It will only worry the others more. And this is personal, it's better if this stays within the coven."

"I—no, we are a part of your coven, too Akashi."

Akashi almost stopped but continued to walk forward. "I'm not ostracizing both of you from my coven. You're still part of it but both of your roles are different from them. Your task is to flush him out of hiding, destroy all their bases, and kill every soldier you can get. I want you to find him."

"Fine, fine, I get it. What about the Alliance? We could ask for their assistance."

"I'd rather not," said Akashi. "We'll try to keep this in our coven. If other covens especially from the Alliance got dragged into this, it will turn into a full-scale vampire war. And some of my enemies will use the chance to align themselves to him. I want to prevent that outcome."

"Hah…I remember the time when you flourished every time there's a war. You always seemed alive when you always win every battle."

"That was a long time ago. Time passed and changed and I did, too. It's the same for everyone as well. Don't tell me you haven't changed after all these years?"

Akashi heard him snort in indignation. "Of course, I changed."

Akashi's lips quirked up in a small smile for that. "Call me for updates," he said, dismissing him.

"As you wish," he heard him answer and a gust a wind passed by, a sign of his departure, leaving Akashi back to his thoughts.

Akashi walked in a slow pace almost to that of a human, watching the quiet and remote road to the mansion. He looked up when he perceived the tall trees in the garden as if beckoning him. He found himself quickening his pace as he past the gate, then the courtyard and opening the main door, stepping inside the mansion.

He could sense Aomine and Midorima waking up and settled back to sleep when they recognized his presence. He went up the stairs to the right wing and to a certain door.

Akashi soundlessly opened the door to Kise's room where he could hear Kuroko's faint steady heartbeat and treaded inside. He silently walked closer to the bed and watched the peaceful expressions of both Kuroko and Kise as they slept. He slightly bent forward and gently touched Kise's hair, pleased that he now looked well.

Kise stirred and slowly woke up to Akashi's touch. He blearily stared at him and opened his mouth to probably greet him. Akashi raised a finger to his lips, shushing Kise and signaled for him to be quiet. He mouthed to Kise to go back to sleep to which he drowsily obeyed.

Akashi gently picked up Kuroko and carefully carried him into his arms as to not wake him up. And after one last look at Kise, who was soundly back to sleep, he left the room and walked towards Kuroko's room. He looked down at Kuroko when he felt him burrowing closer to his chest. He kissed Kuroko's teal hair as if soothing him.

"Welcome home Akashi-kun," Kuroko sleepily mumbled.

Akashi froze on his tracks and stared down at Kuroko in his arms. He didn't know if Kuroko was awake or probably dreaming. In any case, he was still surprised to hear those words. It was a severely long time since he last heard that greeting. He could feel an unknown emotion crawling up at him. It wasn't entirely unpleasant and it was familiar somehow.

And in a soft whisper, he murmured, "I'm home, my love."

xXx

"Are you sure about this?"

Midorima carefully regarded Akashi after asking his question. His leader looked preoccupied but seeing Akashi's calm face while absentmindedly staring outside the window, showing the open blue sky, Midorima figured it wasn't about their enemy. Maybe it was about Kuroko? Only he could make Akashi this puzzled.

"Yes," Akashi answered, shifting his eyes from the window to him. "You looked worried Shintarou. Don't you trust them?"

"Of course, I do. You know that, Akashi," Midorima retorted. "I'm just surprised you're leaving it up to them. I thought you might personally hunt him down."

Akashi linked his fingers together and placed his chin on top of it. "In any circumstances, yes, I would. But Tetsuya is here and I can't just leave him alone. Moreover, if I leave my coven for a long period of time who knows what chaos you will all come up with again."

Midorima's left eye twitched at the reminder. The last time Akashi left for personal business and left them unsupervised was…well, let's just say they had to compensate and helped build a village after they demolished most of it. And after that, they were banned for coming there again. He wondered if that ban was still applicable. "I'll try to not let that happen again," he guaranteed.

"You said that the last time."

Midorima had no comeback for that.

"Forget about it Shintarou," said Akashi, waving his hand dismissively. "I already made up my mind and will stay here. I won't waste my time hunting a vampire when I can spend it wisely with Tetsuya. He's more important. By the way Shintarou, how is Ryouta?"

"Kise is fine. He's back to normal," Midorima answered. "He looked happy and lively as ever. He left together with Aomine to say goodbye to the children they met at the orphanage."

With a thoughtful expression in his face, Akashi said. "Does Tetsuya know about Ryouta?"

"No, he knows nothing," Midorima shook his head. "Kuroko saw through Kise's pretense and cheered him up. Are you worried Kuroko will found out about Kise?" About us?

Akashi considered his question. "No, not really," he said, his tone firm and knowing. "Knowing Tetsuya, he'll understand and will whole-heartedly accept us after knowing our history."

"You seem absolutely sure."

Akashi's mouth twitched up in a small smile and shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "Don't you think so, too?"

Midorima dithered and recalled Kise, who looked more lively and happy than he ever seen him. He seemed to lighten up as if a heavy burden was lifted off him. He was certain Kise wouldn't ever be depressed about his past again. "I guess you're right," he admitted.

"Also, Shintarou, here," said Akashi, handing him a folder after withdrawing it from one of the drawers. "There's a letter there, too. You can give it to Tetsuya."

Midorima confusingly took the folder and opened it, reading its content. "This is…" he trailed off as he continued to read. He stared up at Akashi. "Why can't you just give this to Kuroko himself? I'm sure he'll appreciate it."

"I don't think he wants to see me."

Midorima raised an eyebrow. "You and I both know that's not true. Kuroko misses you even if he won't admit it. The two of should make up so everything can go back to normal. There's no point in dragging this out."

"I'm not dragging this out," Akashi denied.

"You are," Midorima dryly said. "You want Kuroko to miss you."

Akashi smirked at his answer. "As they say, 'absence makes the heart grow fonder'."

"You're both going to quarrel again when Kuroko finds out about this," Midorima feebly sighed.

Akashi looked amused. "Quarreling or fighting between two people is a sign of love or so I've heard."

Midorima frowned at that since it reminded him of the bickers between Aomine and Kise or sometimes him and Aomine or anyone of them in the coven, really. "I'd rather not think about that."

Akashi watched his reaction in amusement, knowing where his head was at. "You should be more honest about your feelings Shintarou. Not everyone is adept as me or your mate to ascertain your feelings."

"I'm always honest with my feelings," Midorima insisted.

Akashi shook his head in beguilement as he sifted through some documents lying on his desk. "See to Tetsuya," he directed. "Make sure he receives the letter."

"Alright."

xXx

Today seemed peaceful.

That was the conclusion Kuroko came up with after mulling over things. Kise went back to his energetic self and probably a lot more than usual. (He was almost suffocated to death because of the bone crushing hug he received at breakfast.) Kise and Aomine left for some reason he wasn't privy to but he was all right with it. Murasakibara, after breakfast, went to run some errand and then grocery shopping after. Midorima was with Akashi in his office.

He blinked at the thought of the red haired vampire.

It felt like it had been so long since the last time he was with Akashi. It wasn't like he was still mad. He calmed down and was really grateful for Akashi saving his parents.

Wait, did this mean his parents knew Akashi?

Kuroko shook his head, erasing that thought. He didn't want to think how that happened especially what reaction his mother had in meeting the vampire. His mother was completely protective of him. From what he could remember, that protectiveness was inheritable as his grandmother was the same to his mother when she was alive. However it seemed that his grandmother took it to another degree when it came to him though he didn't know why.

Kuroko closed his eyes as he breathed the cool air as he stepped out to the garden, serenely watching the brown leaves slowly fall to the ground, showering the place with it. It was now in the middle of autumn, just a few more months before winter would come. It seemed time flies so fast.

Was it just a while ago when life was normal to him? Going to school, playing basketball (though he could still play as Aomine liked the sports sometimes with Kise, too), eating lunch with his friends, living with his family?

And now, he was just here. Like a standstill.

Kuroko had no complaints living with a vampire coven especially as interesting as Akashi's coven. He already accepted it. But was giving blood to Akashi his only purpose here? The rest seemed busy doing their own thing, having their own duties and role they worked.

But what could he do?

Kuroko ambled his way to the fountain Midorima showed him before and sat on the edge. He dazedly watched the clear blue sky before sighing heavily and held out a hand to catch a leaf falling from the trees. Gently placing it on the surface of the water in the fountain, he stared as the leaf drifted aimlessly; a feeling that he was becoming familiar with.

"Kuroko there you are."

Kuroko looked up at Midorima striding towards him. "Is there something wrong Midorima-kun?" he asked.

"I just got the report," Midorima answered. "They're doing fine and already settled comfortably in their new home. They seem to like the place and even gotten well acquainted with their neighbors."

"Um, Midorima-kun," Kuroko interrupted, his eyebrows scrunched together in confusion, "what are you talking about?"

Midorima stared at him. "I'm talking about your parents Kuroko."

"Eh?"

"We gave them financial assistance to start anew but your father refused and insisted they can fend for themselves," Midorima continued and cocked an eyebrow at him. "Stubbornness runs in the family it seems. Anyway, they were worried about you and asked to give this to you."

Kuroko wordlessly took the letter in Midorima's hand, still in shock and processing his words.

"You can write a reply if you want. Just hand over your letter to me or to Akashi so we can send it to them. And just to remind you, even if your parents know we're vampires please be discreet in writing your replies. The less they know, the better it is for us and for them as well."

Kuroko gazed up at Midorima in surprise. "You mean I can write to my parents whenever I want?"

"Yes," Midorima nodded. "Also—wait, Kuroko! Where are you going?"

Kuroko didn't even notice he was running until Midorima called him. He glanced back at him apologetically. "I'm sorry Midorima-kun, I have to go. I'll see you later."

And with that, he ran towards the mansion, passing Murasakibara, who just got back from grocery shopping and with Aomine, yawning and then gawked at him when he passed by without a word. Seeing his destination, he abruptly opened the door without knocking and panted, out of breath from all the running he did.

"Tetsuya?" Akashi looked at him in surprise. "What's wrong?"

"I…" Kuroko didn't know what to say, he was at loss for words. He was feeling too much at the moment and couldn't quite think at all. "I…"

Kuroko felt Akashi's hands on his shoulders, rubbing soothingly. He didn't even notice Akashi had moved. "Love, you're shaking," he heard Akashi muttered. He grabbed Akashi's suit and leaned forward, resting his forehead onto his shoulder as he suddenly felt weak.

Kuroko didn't know how many times he thanked Akashi for his duration there. Could someone feel so much gratefulness to their captors? Could Akashi even be considered his captor anymore? He didn't know; the lines were already blurring. But he could feel it and he could now admit it. The red haired vampire wasn't his captor any longer, he was now his protector.

"…Thank you," Kuroko softly whispered.

Two words.

Just two ordinary words anyone would often say or hear.

But the real meaning of those two words wasn't lost on both of them.

"You're welcome," Akashi murmured back.

Kuroko smiled. Hearing the sincerity of those words lacing in Akashi's tone was enough for him.


Q&A CORNER!

Q1: In the Q&A corner you said Kagami will be one of the most important people to Kuroko, why is that? Does Kagami do something special for Kuroko? Also will Kagami fall in love with Kuroko and will Akashi get jealous of him? (kh07gl)
A: Hmm...Kagami and Kuroko will get close but for that special thing, I'm not sure yet. My head is full of things happening on Arc II that I don't have the full details on Arc III yet aside from the backbone. As for Akashi, I think he'll be jealous to anyone getting closer to Kuroko especially to someone he doesn't know.

Q2: Is the main focus AkaKuro? Or maybe, possibly GoM/Kuro? (LadyOtaku99)
A: The main pairing is AkaKuro, this is their story after all. But there are going to be GOM/Kuro moments, too because I just love GOM/Kuro.

Q3: ...The mastermind is going to be a knb character, right? (Kiki2000)
A: Yes, the mastermind/villain on Arc II will be a KnB character.

Q4: Is Kuroko going to get some awesome fighting scenes later when he becomes a vampire and gets stronger? (Kiki2000)
A: Yes, Kuroko will have fight scenes. He's going to be a badass in the later arcs especially Arc VIII.

Q5: Will Tetsuya get jealous over Akashi's ex? (chii)
A: Hmm...Kuroko will feel a little bit jealous when he finds out about Akashi's ex. But he knows Akashi lived for so long and of course, he would fall in love with someone else first. Kuroko understands that and doesn't condemn Akashi for it.

Q6: When will Akashi take Kuroko more seriously and will Kuroko get kidnapped again? (Guest)
A: Sorry, I don't get the first question. Akashi always takes Kuroko seriously. Kuroko won't get kidnapped...technically.

Q7: So, Is Akashi's parents still alive? Are they vampires? (Alyce Ochoa)
A: Nope, they're dead. I'm not sure yet if I want them to be vampires or stay human. I'll think about it when I'm closer to that chapter.

Q8: Will there be any dispute between the coven and the vampire council? (Alyce Ochoa)
A: No, Akashi's coven is the only coven the Council really respects. Though they have their own differences in opinions and views but they do get along.

Q9: Will you tell us how the coven formed? Like how the GoM joins Akashi? (Alyce Ochoa)
A: There are hints of it in chapter 4. But the full story will be revealed later on though not at the same time.

Q10: Will there be any fights in the future that targets the other GoM members that's not Kuroko or Akashi? (Alyce Ochoa)
A: Since this is an AkaKuro story, it mostly centers on them. But I don't know, maybe that might happen.

Q11: In the Q&A you mentioned that Akashi doesn't have good memories with his birthday. Will you tell us why? (Alyce Ochoa)
A: Akashi's past wasn't good, that's all I can say for now.

Q12: And the KagaKuro you mentioned, it's only bro ship right? The only one who can kiss or get intimate with Kuroko is only Akashi, right? Right? (Alyce Ochoa)
A: KagaKuro? *shrugs* Akashi is and will be the only one who gets to kiss Kuroko's lips.

Q13: When will Kuroko become Akashi's lover then? (justdroppingby)
A: Chapter 20+ or so though there are AkaKuro moments in between. (And I know it's taking too long but please bear with me.)