WARNING! If you don't like yaoi (boy x boy) then please don't read this.
Kuroko no Basuke as well as the cover image used for this story both belong to their respective owners.
This is a roleplay story done by KurokoTetsuya101 and The Lucky Bell.
Chapter 11 - Already too late
"That sounds good." Momoi happily nodded with a smile, "We have so much to talk about." She wanted to catch up after all these years of not seeing the other after all.
As the two made their way to the food stands, they noticed Murasakibara walking along the crowd, carrying a handful of festival sweets... "Ah~ Kuro-chin~ Are you going to eat~?"
"We were just on our way to get food actually... I see you're all set with snacks." Kuroko smiled in amusement. "Would you like to join us Murasakibara-kun?"
"Hmmm~ Okay~" More snacks will never hurt and so the purple head decided to join the two. They made their way to various stands, buying food before deciding to sit down on some chairs and a table. Luckily the festival even prepared this, knowing people would need to eat their food somewhere.
"I see that you didn't lose your love for vanilla Tetsu-kun." Momoi smiled, seeing all the vanilla flavored items that Kuroko bought.
"It's something that cannot be broken, even by Akashi-kun." Kuroko grinned, feeling proud that nothing had stopped his addic- ahem, love for vanilla. "So, what would you like to talk about?" He asked Momoi then looked at Murasakibara. "What about you?"
"Ehh~ Nothing in particular~" Murasakibara just wanted to eat his snacks in peace.
"It's a bit strange when you say it like that Tetsu-kun. Let's just go with the flow." They're not in an interrogation after all, plus Momoi didn't want to evoke a sense of guilt in Kuroko for leaving... "So I heard that you became a psychiatrist. What do you specialize in?" Momoi curiously asked.
"Uh... people with... couple or love troubles." Kuroko explained. "People who want to break up or get back together, or maybe people who can't reveal their feelings or share them too much, anything to do with that. It's hard sometimes but I like helping people..."
So couple problems, huh? "Why do you do that in particular?" She couldn't help but ask.
"...I keep telling Akashi-kun it's not this reason but... I think our break up had a lot to do with it..." Kuroko shrugged. "I just didn't want anyone else feeling like we did when he split..."
"I see." Their break-up must have affected Kuroko as much as it did Akashi, although in a different sense. She wanted to ask why they broke up but... didn't know if she could... "You're really kind, helping others like this. I'm sure that there are many patients who are thankful for your help."
"Yes, although I won't see any of them until after my vacation." Kuroko said. "I hope they'll do okay without any sessions with me."
"Hmmm~" Murasakibara chewed on his food, interrupting them for a second.
"Aren't there other doctors who can take care of them?" Momoi asked in concern.
Kuroko nodded, "But usually their cases are similar to mine so... I feel like I could help them better. Since I understand what they're going through, you know?" Kuroko shrugged. "I just want to help them, that's all."
Because they went through the same thing... Momoi placed her hand on Kuroko's shoulder, "I'm sure they'll be fine. Don't worry Tetsu-kun, a week will pass in a second, you'll see."
"I hope so." Kuroko sighed then smiled. "Anyway, how about you, Momoi-san? What about your job?"
"Me?" She moved her hand away, "I've told you that I've become a journalist right? I do many interviews with celebrities and such but I don't find it as fascinating as basketball. Analysing players to estimate the probability of victory and increase it. I've enjoyed doing that but now, I only search for gossip on celebrities. It's not like I care about what they do either." She was somewhat happy with the job since she can still use her research skills but... not in a way she wanted to.
"I see... I wish I could help you in some way." Kuroko took Momoi's hand as she pulled it away. "Have you ever interviewed Kise-kun then? I'm sure that would have been... fun." Or annoying, depending on who it is.
"Ki-chan?" Why Kise though? Because he's a model? "I didn't."
"Really? Why not request to interview him then? It'll be different than interviewing any other celebrity." Kuroko suggested with a smile. "And you two could talk normally and just relax."
He was right! "I'll do that then." Momoi nodded, "And I have to interview Tetsu-kun as well, maybe Akashi-kun too." Kuroko's medical comments could turn into an article while Akashi's reputation speaks for itself. There will surely be readers who will want to read about them! "Thank you for the idea Tetsu-kun. Then when we come back, I'll be sure to interview you all."
"Alright. That sounds great." Kuroko said. "I can't wait. I'm sure it'll be fun. But for now, let's focus on our vacation. Oh, and our food. We only have so much time until the fireworks after all."
"Hai~ Will you eat all of your food Kuro-chin~? Do you need help~?"
"I-I can manage." Kuroko pouted. "But if I can't, I'll tell you, Murasakibara-kun."
"Okay~" Murasakibara said before continuing eating his own food. It was amazing just how much one person could eat, a complete opposite to Kuroko who has very small portions.
The three ate and once they were done, Kuroko did give Murasakibara his leftovers. He couldn't finish everything after all... Afterwards, they headed to the open area where the fireworks would be held to meet up with everyone. They made it to the said place, seeing a crowd gather to sit on the grass. Most people were wearing a yukata so it was a nice sight to see.
"Kurokocchi!" Then they heard a familiar sound nearing until finally, the said blonde clung onto Kuroko tightly, "I was looking for you-ssu! Where were you?"
"Oh... Kise-kun." Kuroko greeted. If Kise was already here, he wondered where the others are. He wanted to see the fireworks with Akashi too... "We played a game then sat down to eat and chat for a while. What did you decide to do?"
"Ehhh! I was running after Aominecchi but then I lost him! I was trying to find him but then I got lost! i tried to find anybody else but only ran into Midorimacchi... so mean, he used me to get his lucky item!" Kise whined, leaning onto Kuroko for comfort.
"Used you?" Momoi curiously asked.
Kise nodded, "I had to sit on a chair and then he had to shoot the target! If he hit then I'd be dropped into the small pool of water." But if Midorima had to shoot... Oh... Kise was wearing new clothes, not the yukata he came in.
"Help me Kurokocchi! You're my solace!" Kuroko always comforts him at times like these.
"I see..." It was just like them. The thought made him smile. Everyone was still the same in one way or another... "It's alright Kise-kun, I'm sure you'll get revenge one day."
"Revenge-ssu?" The other tilted his head to the side, "I never thought Kurokocchi would say such a thing!" He clang to Kuroko closer, "My pure Kurokocchi can't be infected by such words! That must be Akashicchi's fault!"
"Whose fault is it Ryouta?" A malicious voice asked, making the blonde shiver before turning around while still holding the bluenette, "N-Nobody's fault!" He quickly replied, spotting both Akashi and Midorima arrive. The green head proudly carrying the tiger plush in his arms.
Kuroko chuckled a little before gently making Kise let go. "It'll be alright Kise-kun. I'll tell Akashi-kun to go easy on you." He teased before walking off to talk to said redhead. "How was it, Akashi-kun? What did you do? Did you play any games?" He asked curiously. He really hoped Akashi had fun.
"I did and I won." He moved to the side so that Kuroko could see the huge bag he was pulling behind him. The bag was huge and had many items within! Actually, it was attracting more attention than it should, everyone tilting their heads to look as they were passing by. If the festival was keeping a record of who won the most prizes, then Akashi would be on the number one spot!
"This is all for you." The redhead smirked, turning to Kuroko, "I couldn't settle on one prize only and so I decided that winning them all would be more suitable." Oh those poor men behind the counters... left without a single prize to give on the shelves...
"A-All of them?!" Kuroko shouted in surprise as he stared at the huge bag. All of them... for him? "A-Akashi-kun... You didn't have to..." All he got for Momoi was a plush... He looked bad now!
"Nonsense, of course I had to. They're for none other than you after all." He said with a smirk as the rest looked at the huge bag. They didn't know if they should admire it or look at it in wonder...
"Tetsu! I'm- Whoa! What's this?" Aomine stopped to stare at the huge bag.
"Mine apparently." Kuroko sighed. "We should all sit down soon. The fireworks are going to start soon. And I kind of want to see everything Akashi-kun got me..."
"O-Oh... Okay." Aomine nodded, "I guess that's expected of Akashi." He only knows how to win after all, "Good luck Kurokocchi, I'll be rooting for you." Kise encouraged the bluenette who had to get through all these things. Meanwhile Momoi tightly hugged her teddybear with a smile. Quantity didn't matter at all but the feelings that are attached to the said object. In her case, she was more than content with the plush she received from Kuroko, "Let's go Tetsu-kun."
The group slowly began searching for a spot to sit at. Eventually did they find a place with a nice overview of the field. From here, they'll surely see all of the fireworks, "This will do." Akashi told everyone as they all sat down.
They all sat down and relaxed, waiting for the fireworks to start. In the meantime, they conversed (mainly argued, because that was just how they were) as they waited. Kuroko sat close to Akashi as he attempted to go through the huge bag of prizes. "Just how many people did you put out of business to get me all of these?" He sighed. "You're so hopeless Akashi-kun."
"You make it sound as if it's my fault." He leaned against Kuroko, "It's their fault for making their games too easy. It's no challenge at all." As he was walking by the stands, the owners prayed in hopes that Akashi would pass them, although the cruel truth was that he stopped by them all, "Although I do find the bag too small. If it's for you, it should be much bigger in size."
"No no, this is good enough." Kuroko insisted. "Really, it's too much." He smiled to Akashi as he clung to a plush Akashi got him. "I'm just happy to be here with you and everyone else..." All of his old friends... He was still with them. It was like a miracle. He was so glad to be able to hang out with them all again.
"Kurokocchi look!" The said bluenette tilted his head to the side when he was called, "I got you some chocolate. It's vanil-"
"Move blondie!" And soon Kise was pushed aside, "Oi Tetsu, I found this milkshake stand so I got you this." Aomine raised up a bottle of vanilla milkshake.
"Ehhh!"
"What is it Satsuki!?"
"What do you mean 'What is it'!? You got Tetsu-kun a milkshake! That's not fair!" Since she was with him, she couldn't get him anything!
"Ehh~ Too bad~" Aomine smirked as Momoi pouted.
"Hmm~ Here Kuro-chin~" Murasakibara placed some of his candy in Kuroko's lap, "I tried to save you some of the candies I got~" And all of a sudden, Kuroko's bag of presents turned out to be much bigger...
Midorima ruffled through his pocket as well, taking out a keychain with a small piglet plush on it, "It cannot be helped. Since you fall into trouble easily, I got you your lucky item for tomorrow, a pig plush."
"Ah! Midorin! That's cute!"
"A pig? Why would Tetsu need that?"
"It's a lucky item nanodayo!"
Kuroko looked between all of his friends, surprised by the amount gifts. Even when they were all out having fun at the festival, they thought of him... He didn't deserve such good friends... After he left them for so many years. They were the kindest friends anyone could ever ask for. "...Thank you, everyone..." He could feel his eyes water with emotion. To spend the festival together like old times... It was the best thing Kuroko could ask for. "I'm so glad we can be like this again..."
Akashi moved to embrace the bluenette gently, holding him in his arms, "And we're more than happy that you're here with us." They made it their goal to find Kuroko one day but fate seemed to have different plans. Kuroko was not with them again and with that, the group was complete.
"Don't cry Kuro-chin~ Do you want some more candy~?"
"I can't bare to see my solace cry..." Kise wished he could embrace the other again but that wouldn't be a good idea since he was already held by Akashi.
"S-Sorry... I'm not sad... I'm just so happy..." Before Kuroko could continue, an explosion went off into the sky. Everyone looked up to see the beautiful colors fill the sky. The fireworks have started.
Kuroko leaned against Akashi with a small smile. He wished he had a camera to take a picture of this moment. He'd keep and cherish that picture forever. "Thank you for thinking of this, Akashi-kun. About the hot springs and everything..." He whispered.
A smile appeared on the redhead's face, "Anything for you Tetsuya." He leaned closer, embracing the other as they watched the fireworks in each other's arms. The warmth beside them and the many different colors in the sky made them all appreciate what they have. Loneliness is hard to bear but when you have friends by your side that will help you through your troubles, the future suddenly looks much brighter.
The fireworks were great, and everyone loved them. It was nice to take off work and live life a little sometimes. Especially with friends and close ones. Especially since at times like these, Akashi always gave him the sweetest kisses.
Sadly all good things come to an end. It was time to head home since the festival has ended. Many people and booths were packing up, readying to go. The group did the same, although the only thing they had to really carry was the bag Akashi had for Kuroko. Murasakibara carried that so everything was all figured out as they walked back to the hot springs.
"I really liked the fireworks that made the shapes. Those were pretty cool." Kuroko commented happily. They were still talking about the fireworks. It was hard to forget after all.
"And the ones that split in half as well! Especially the blue ones!" Momoi couldn't take her mind off those flashes of color. They were so beautiful when mixed together and choreographed in a manner that would make them catch the eye of the people.
"It wasn't that bad." Aomine admitted.
"It was amazing! We should definitely go again next year!" Kise cheered as well, the group now walking beside a street, although now that they were beside residential houses and near their hotel, the group could see two dogs running around on the other side. It was a black and white husky running after a poodle, as if he was aiming to catch it.
"Is that... Nigou and Makkachin?" Kuroko asked with surprise. They must've went out to play as Nigou waited for his owners. Aww, it was so cute! However Kuroko didn't like that they were close to the road... "I should go get them." He said to the group. "They're probably having too much fun to hear me call anyway."
With a nod from Akashi and the group, Kuroko quickly crossed the street and walked towards the dogs. It was so cute how they were so distracted by their playing. "Nigou! Come on, we're back! Let's come inside with Makkachin."
"Woof!" The husky barked happily, licking the poodle's ears as he did.
"I'll help you out Tetsu!"
"Me too!"
Kise and Aomine followed since they're not the types who just watch. Aomine got a hold of Nigou who happily sat down and wiggled his tail. However, the same couldn't be said for Makkachin...
"H-Hey! Stay still! I want to help you!" Kise cried out as he tried to keep the poodle still. Makkachin was startled and so he began moving around to try and get out of Kise's grasp. It managed to escape, running towards the rest of the group in an attempt to escape.
"Ah! It's running away!" Momoi looked at the running poodle in surprise before it his a leg, making it fall on it's back.
"Good puppy~" Murasakibara who the poodle ran into scared the poor dog, making it get up and run again.
A chase had began as the group and even Nigou ran after the poor, startled poodle. It was then that Akashi noticed a jet-black van that had been parked start up.
"Makkachin! Don't worry, they won't hurt you!" Kuroko called out as they followed the poodle. Oh boy, he hoped the owners didn't get mad at them for startling their dog!
It was still kind of adorable how even Nigou was helping catch Makkachin. Kuroko smiled slightly before focusing on the poodle. When the poodle turned the corner, Kuroko quickly followed.
But something wasn't right... Akashi could hear the sound of a car but couldn't see any lights in sight. It was nearing but with no lights, he couldn't tell where it was coming from. No... "Tetsuya!" He called out but as he did, it was already too late.
Kuroko who had turned the corner first, was hit by the jet black van Akashi had seen starting up before. The vehicle was as dark as it can be, having it's lights turned off to hide the horror that was unfolding before them...
Kuroko's body flew before them, their eyes widening as time slowed, seeing red blood spill before them... tick... tock... Then finally Kuroko landed on the ground while the van continued on its way, speeding away to escape from the scene of the crime. At this time, however, none of them cared. All they could do was stand in place, horrified by the sight before them...
"Tetsuya!" A loud scream resonated throughout the entire village, a cry of the horrendous tragedy that had just occurred.
...Beep...
...Beep...
...Beep...
...Beep...
"Quickly! Get him into the emergency room! We don't have much time!"
"What is his condition!? Will he survive!?"
"Sir! Pease step away! We can't guarantee his recovery if you don't!"
"No! I have to stay by his side!"
"Hurry!"
Bam! The door of the operating room opened and then closed. Red light was lit up above the entrance, a sign showing that an operation was in process. Akashi stared at the red light, along with the words 'Operation in process' that were written in bright light color.
All he could do was stare, his eyes unwaveringly glued onto the red sign.
The others were close behind Akashi, yet no one knew what to say. What should they say? What could they say about their friend getting ran over? They were all just as shocked as Akashi. Their friend got into a hit and run...
Kise decided to approach the redhead first. He hesitated before gently touching his shoulder. "I-It'll be alright Akashicchi! Kurokocchi is in good hands! I-I mean, there wasn't... that much blood..."
Blood? Red blood... it spilled all over... It was as if everything was covered by that crimson color... Just like the colour of this sign, it was red as well. Akashi's world... was it turning crimson red?
The redhead didn't respond at all, standing with his head still tilted upwards. There was silence before Aomine took a few steps forward, moving Kise's arm gently from Akashi's shoulder. He shook his head as a way to tell Kise that it was a bad idea. All they could do now is wait and look up at those frightening words, 'Operation in process'.
A lot of time has passed, nearly two hours actually, since Kuroko was taken into the emergency room. It was getting late but no one wanted to leave. Not when Kuroko was in the hospital, his condition unknown to the group as of right now.
So when the doctor finally exited the operation room, the group jumped up quickly, nearly startling the older man.
"How is Kurokocchi?!" Kise asked just as everyone else was. They had to know! Was Kuroko okay? Was he still alive?
"Now now, your friend is in a stable condition now... It was a bit difficult, but we managed to keep him alive. We were just in time." The doctor explained before noticing the redhead from before who didn't want to leave the patient's side beforehand. "Don't worry, we're moving your friend to his own room, but no one is allowed in yet since he just came out of an operation."
Kuroko would live? Those words gave Akashi some relief, although it wasn't much. He looked up at the man, approaching him before grabbing his shirt, "What do you mean by 'It was a bit difficult'? 'We managed to keep him alive'?" His tone was dangerously low, "Don't talk so lightly about his life you lowlife."
"A-Akashi!" Aomine and Kise intervened, separating the redhead from the doctor. The last thing they expected was for Akashi to attack him like this!
"Calm down Aka-chin, Kuro-chin is safe now." Unlike his usual lazy tone, Murasakibara's voice was serious. He helped Aomine and Kise separate the redhead from the doctor.
"Akashicchi, he still helped Kurokocchi!" Kise told the redhead, hoping to change his views on the doctor.
The doctor had been surprised by the reaction but he wasn't angered by it. It wasn't uncommon to receive this kind of reaction. "I apologize if I came off as uncaring..." It was late so everyone was tired after all. "We'll keep him monitored all throughout the night to make sure stays stable. Is that alright with you?" He asked Akashi. "If his condition gets better, you'll be able to visit him soon."
That 'soon' isn't soon enough! He needs to be by Kuroko's side, "Take me to him, I'll stay with him." Akashi's voice was unwavering as he stared at the doctor with determined eyes, not willing to take a 'no' for an answer.
Momoi squeezed the teddy bear that Kuroko had won for her close to her chest, afraid of what will happen next.
The doctor was obviously hesitant. They weren't supposed to let other than the hospital staff near the patient after an operation, but he already knew this man was stubborn and desperate. "...Only if you do not touch the patient or any of the equipment that could make his condition worse."
"Of course, I'm not a fool to do such a thing." He'd never do anything to worsen Kuroko's condition. He'd rather kill himself than do it.
"How about us doc? Can we come with him?" Aomine asked before Midorima spoke up, answering for the doctor, "Nobody else is allowed inside. Those are the hospital rules we all have to abide with." He glanced at his colleague, "Would you be willing to share Kuroko Tetsuya's file with me? I'm an old friend so I would like to be assigned to monitor his health."
"Yes, of course." This was the hospital Midorima worked at after all. He was supposed to be off today because of the vacation, but things obviously didn't turn out well. "Let me lead you two to Kuroko's room while I give you the details."
"So we can't come?" Kise asked with a frown. They wanted to make sure Kuroko was okay too! But the rules said they couldn't. "Watch over Kurokocchi for us..." He said to Akashi and Midorima.
It fell deaf on Akashi's ears but Midorima heard him, nodding as they walked away. The group watched in worry, not knowing what they could do at a time like this. Kuroko was in an unstable condition, not knowing if he'll make it... Of course all of them had to stay, and so, they decided to go with Akashi and Midorima, if anything else just to sit in front of the door to be by the other's side.
Luckily the operation room had two doors so the doctors had already taken Kuroko to his room another way, out of the sight of the public. Akashi and the two doctors went to another floor until finally ceasing their walk to stand before a door. Akashi's eyes narrowed at a piece of paper that a nurse was holding in her hand. A nametag that she was placing in front of the room to show whose room this was, Kuroko Tetsuya...
The doctor opened the door for the two so they could see how Kuroko was doing. Well... he's definitely looked better.
There were many bandages around his arms and some on his face. Who knows if there are anymore under the gown. They also noticed some kind of soft padding around Kuroko's chest...
"Most of the bandages are just to help the burns and scraps heal." By burns, the doctor means when Kuroko skidded when he hit the ground. "He has a severely sprained ankle but the worst of it was... the broken ribs. That's why we were in the room so long and Kuroko was in an unstable state. Broken ribs can be very dangerous for the lungs or any other organ near the chest. Like the heart."
Broken ribs, hands, legs... His entire body was in shatters. Akashi couldn't hold himself back, he needed to be by Kuroko's side. He approached the bed before looking down at the bluenette. His peacefully sleeping face bore scratches while the bandages hid the rest. Kuroko's chest was slowly going up and down, the only sign that he was still alive... His heart was still breathing.
"Tetsuya." Akashi kneeled down beside the bed, gently and carefully reaching out to hold Kuroko's hand. The warm touch was still here, although now it was as fragile as it's ever been. It was just like a light feather, placed on a surface and waiting for light wind to blow it away.
Midorima pushed up his glasses, closing his eyes for a minute before opening them again. It was his duty to care for patients, he couldn't let himself waver now, "Now that I've briefly went over the files, I would like to discuss future treatments you have planned. It would be best if we could discuss this in the office."
"Yes, of course..." It wouldn't be a good idea to talk about it in front of Akashi who was already this effected just by seeing Kuroko. He didn't need to hear all the possible treatments, good or bad, for the bluenette.
The two doctors quietly left the room but even though they did, Akashi didn't care at all. His eyes were on the love of his life who was laying down, defenseless and vulnerable. Kuroko seemed to be sleeping peacefully... "Tetsuya, I'm right by your side." He tightened his hold on the other's hand, although it was much, much weaker than ever before, "Are you dreaming? If so, I hope it's a good dream. One where this didn't happen..."
He lowered his head down, raising Kuroko's hand up to his forehead, "It happened in a split of a second and I was powerless to stop it. I wonder if I could have prevented it... somehow... someway..." Akashi remained still, a few sobs escaping him, as well as tears that rolled down his cheeks, "You promised, didn't you? That you would stay by my side. That you wouldn't leave me."
Akashi closed his eyes but no matter how much he tried, he couldn't stop his tears, "I'll be waiting for you so come back Tetsuya. I need you..."
The sadness and shock that was built up within was released, leaving Akashi alone in the room, holding onto Kuroko's hand as he cried, uncaring of who would hear him. Minutes passed by and soon morning became evening.
After the incident, Kuroko was rushed in to the Tokyo hospital because the hospital back at Hakone didn't have the necessary equipment or staff to deal with the severe injuries Kuroko had received. They had all flown in with a helicopter, not leaving Kuroko's side before he was taken into the operation room.
The incident had taken place at night and so Kuroko was operated on almost the entire night before the doctor came out in the morning. It had been a long treacherous day but what awaited them ahead was even more frightening. Akashi didn't even want to think about what would happen if... No, Kuroko had promised. He always keeps his promises... He'll come back to them and recover. Akashi believed it with his whole being.
Hours passed but ever since he had come in, Akashi didn't move an inch. He leaned his upper half of the body against the bed, waiting for any kind of miracle to happen. What if he left and Kuroko had woken up when he wasn't here? He can't have that. There's nowhere else he would rather be than right here, in this seat.
However, unbeknown to Akashi, there was another tall redhead who was frantically pacing through the hospital, searching for a certain patient, "I'm searching for Kuroko Tetsuya. Will you tell me where he is?" Kagami found the nearest nurse he spotted and approached her.
"Kuroko Tetsuya?" She questioned, the name seeming familiar. Working in a hospital was a little hard sometimes, especially with remembering all of the patient's. Especially new ones, which she assumed this one is judging by the panic this man was showing.
She checked a paper on his clipboard, which was a list of all new patients in the past few days. She searched for a Kuroko Tetsuya and soon enough she found one that was admitted last night. "Oh, he's close by on this floor. I could show you the way if you'd like?"
"Yes! E-Ehm... P-Please!" Kagami wanted to get to the other as fast as he could. When he heard the news from the mysterious phone call, he left everything and came running to the hospital. Who was it? That man who had called on the phone...
"Alright. Follow me." The nurse said before walking off, making sure Kagami was following. She led him to the patient's room and stood before it. "It says his condition is stable..." She commented, reading the small note by his name. "So I think you can go in. Just be careful."
"Thank you." Kagami walked up to the door, taking a deep breath before opening it. When he did, the sight before him more than surprised him. Kuroko was... he was... Kagami didn't even know how to describe it. He's never seen someone as injured as this.
Furthermore, there was one more person who was in the room. It was Kuroko's ex, Akashi Seijuro. After seeing him, Kagami's eyes quickly narrowed, "What are you doing here? What happened?" He asked as Akashi finally looked up. The face he revealed was nothing but pleasant. Although Kagami did notice that it was red as well, as if he had cried.
"What are you doing here?" Akashi's low voice was frightening enough to make Kagami shiver. Such anger... yet there was also something else within that voice...
"I came to my boyfriend's side. I had someone call me and tell me that Kuroko was being hospitalized and that I should quickly come. I didn't know if I should believe them but I'm glad I did." He took a step closer, Akashi narrowing his eyes as he did, sitting up.
"What happened?" Kagami managed to ask.
The room was dead silent, the two locked in a gaze that was conveying the messages within. Then Akashi finally turned to look down at Kuroko, breaking their eye contact, "Tetsuya was attacked."
"Attacked?" Kagami asked in startle, "By who?"
"I don't know." As of yet that is. When Kuroko wakes up, Akashi will venture out to find the one responsible and have them pay the price of trying to kill the love of his life.
"Che... I'll beat them up then!" How could Kuroko get attacked in the first place? "How did it happen? Weren't you there?" Kagami gave the other a 'look', as if saying that Akashi is responsible.
"I was there." And he saw everything, "When I said that Tetsuya was 'attacked', I didn't mean in a fight. He was hit by a black van."
Black van? Wait so was Kuroko attacked or did a car hit him? "That makes no sense. Are you making fun of me?" Was Akashi just teasing him? What did he mean?
Akashi placed his other hand over Kuroko's own, now both of his hands on Kuroko's one, "Tetsuya was hit by a van." Akashi emphasized every word he said, "And what I mean by 'he was attacked', is that this was staged. Someone had planed to hit him on purpose."
Kagami stood still for a while; processing the information he was told. Someone planned to hit Kuroko? But who would do that? Is that even true? "You're crazy. How can I believe anything you say?" For all Kagami knew, Akashi could be making everything up.
"I don't care what you make of it. The absolute truth is that Tetsuya is right here, in a coma." Nobody could say that is fake or untrue.
"Che..." Kagami clenched his fists, standing in place with his head lowered. What can he do? What should he do? He doesn't even know what happened yet alone how Kuroko is doing... Was Akashi involved somehow? How did he know that this was an attack? The mere thought was frightening...
Without warning the door suddenly opened, nearly startling the two redheads. Usually doctors and nurses knocked before entering so it wasn't one of those. However Akashi knew who it was immediately and he was definitely not pleased.
"Oh, he really is in bad shape like those doctors said." Yumiko commented as she closed the door behind her. She didn't look surprised to see Akashi there at all. As for Kagami... she didn't even look at him. "Oh, I didn't know you would be here~" She said but it was obvious she was being sarcastic.
"Get out." Akashi hissed with anger, making both Yumiko and Kagami flinch. Akashi's eyes were staring at the newcomer dangerously, hatred and anger visible within his mismatched eyes.
Kagami couldn't move for a bit but when he snapped out of it, he looked at the woman. She was wearing an expensive dress, jewellery and a branded bag. If Kagami had to guess then all of her clothing and accessories must have cost quite a bit... "Who are you?"
"Seijuuro's fiancé~" Yumiko claimed, ignoring Akashi's glare (as much as she could anyway). "I'm just here to see if his... "Friend" really was in the hospital. I just knew he'd be here too, so I came to get him." Meaning Akashi. But if that's true, how did she find out about Kuroko?
"How did you know Tetsuya was here? Who told you?" Akashi asked dangerously. Why was Yumiko here in the first place?
Yumiko looked over at Akashi then glanced over at Kuroko. "You shouldn't be worried about me. I heard from some doctors that he was in pretty bad shape. Said he might not make it and all that and there's not much they can do as for treatment."
"What!? What do you mean by that!?" Kagami immediately asked, almost jumping up. He did approach Yumiko though, looking down at her in panic. Akashi's eyes widened as well, his hand beginning to shake, "You're lying." That's who she is, lies to get what she wants.
"You'd think I'd lie about something like this?" Yumiko responded back to Akashi. "Even if he is practically a peasant... The doctors were saying things like he might not wake up and stuff. Like a deep coma."
"Peasant!?" Now Kagami was angered as well. She dares to call someone like Kuroko a 'peasant'? The Kuroko who wants to help others more than care about himself? "Take it back." Kagami demanded while Akashi stared down at the bluenette.
Kuroko wouldn't wake up? His eyes would never open again?
No... Akashi refused to admit it! Yumiko was lying! He knew she was! All she does is lie and yet... why is it that this time, he actually believes her? When it comes to Kuroko, why is it so hard to distinguish a lie? What if it's not? What if it's the truth?
Akashi's head began to spin, moving his hand to lean his forehead against it. Although he tried, his hands only increased in their shake, "That's a lie." He suddenly said, his voice losing the might it had in it when Yumiko and Kagami entered, "Lie... That's a lie... You're lying..." He repeated, more than anything to assure himself.
"Believe what you want." Yumiko shrugged. She looked over at Kagami before looking back at Akashi, ignoring the other redhead once more. Kagami was of no interest or importance to her.
"Perhaps you should just forget about him. He's probably not going to make it. Not if the doctors can't do anything about it." Yumiko suggested to Akashi. "Would you like me to take you home?"
Not going to make it...
Not going to make it...
No... No... No! Kuroko will live! Akashi knows it!
Akashi reached out with his shaking hands to take the nearest thing he could. He ended up grabbing a vase, throwing it between Yumiko and Kagami as it splattered into pieces with water splashing on them as well.
"Get out." Akashi's voice held no hesitation this time, being as venomous as it's ever been.
They both looked a little startled. They didn't expect Akashi to throw a vase at them after all.
"...You should go home and get sleep or something. You're acting dramatic." Yumiko told Akashi.
"Dramatic? Haha... Haha..." Akashi slowly let go of Kuroko's hand before standing up. His head was lowered so they couldn't see his face, although what they did see was that Akashi picked up an apple knife that was on the bedside table, "Liars have to be punished for running their mouths too much~" Akashi took a step towards the two, looking up at reveal his crazed face.
"W-What are you doing!? Drop that!" More than anything else, what if he hurts Kuroko!?
"What is happening in here!?" Suddenly the door opened again to reveal Midorima in his white coat along with nurses behind him. What they saw made them jump out of their skins, "Akashi calm down!" Midorima warned as he quickly approached the redhead, managing to knock the knife out of his hand.
"What's wrong Shintarou? You seem panicked."
"Of course I am! Why are you holding a knife!?
"Why?" Akashi tilted his head to look at Yumiko, "To kill her."
The room became quiet, everyone staring at the redhead. Midorima hesitated, not knowing what to do at a situation like this. Akashi right now... he returning back to how he was when Kuroko left in high school...
"Everyone out!" The doctor commanded.
With the doctor's orders, the nurses quickly went to Kagami and Yumiko to escort them out. They were too frightened to go near Akashi. They both left without a problem, although Kagami was very worried about Kuroko.
As for Yumiko... she didn't say a word. She too had been surprised by Akashi's actions. To throw things at them and pull a knife on them... Just how desperate was he to stay by Kuroko's side?
Oh well, that peasant will soon kick the bucket anyway. With that in mind, Yumiko quietly made her way out of the hospital. Time will be in her favor that she knew.
As Yumiko was leaving, Kagami remained in place, standing before the room in worry. They can't possibly let Akashi stay with Kuroko inside, right? What if that maniac does something to him? Kagami wouldn't allow that.
Inside, Midorima tried to calm the redhead down, "Akashi, Kuroko is not in a life threatening situation. Now we only have to wait for him to wake up."
"Tell me the truth Shintarou." Akashi looked up at the other with his sharp eyes, "Don't lie to me. Tell me the truth." Just because they were friends, there is a possibility of Midorima lying. Akashi had to take that into consideration as well.
"Lying? I would never do such a thing, you know that." Did Akashi lose it? He led the redhead to the chair he was previously sitting on. This is no good... Even Midorima was concerned... If Akashi is acting like he did back then, then what would he do if left alone with Kuroko?
It was hard to admit but... right now, he needed to stay by Kuroko's side. Separating them would only make Akashi go more insane. If he's taken away... Midorima didn't even want to imagine what he would do... but at the same time he was dangerous to Kuroko...
"Doctor, what should we do?" A nurse had come in, looking up at Midorima for his orders. The said green head remained still, thinking of his next course of action. It wouldn't happen... Akashi would never hurt Kuroko.
"Let him stay but I don't want anyone else entering, especially those two individuals." Meaning Kagami and Yumiko.
"But doctor..."
"Trust me, it's for the best." He assured the nurse who nodded, walking out of the room. Midorma stood in place, looking down at Akashi. It would be better to take out any sharp objects with which he could potentially hurt himself. He did just that before placing his arm on Akashi's shoulder, "Kuroko will recover, that I can promise." He left his parting words before making his way out of the room.
Now that Midorima left and the room was cleaned, Akashi leaned his upper body against the bed again, moving to hold Kuroko's hand gently. He wished he could hold it tighter but even that was something Akashi didn't want to risk doing, "Tetsuya... They left, I made them leave. Was that the correct thing to do? I had to protect you after all."
A small smile appeared on Akashi's face, "You don't have to worry, I'll be by your side... always. Even if you sleep for years, I'll still be here beside you." He tightened his hold on Kuroko's hand just a little, "You'll wake up. I know you will, isn't that right?" His eyes looked at Kuroko's closed ones, waiting for an answer that will not come.
Akashi leaned his head down, holding Kuroko's hand with both of his, "Please wake up Tetsuya. I need you." But no matter how much be begged, those wishes wouldn't be heard.
The door to Kuroko's room closed as Midorima came out, and as soon as he did, he was met with Kagami, "You can't leave him inside. Are you insane?" Kagami couldn't believe that a doctor would leave their wounded patient with a crazed maniac!
"Akashi won't harm him. I can guarantee that." The doctor pushed up his glasses but Kagami found his words surreal, "How can you say that? How can you be so sure?" After what just happened, how could he still have such faith in the other?
Midorima hesitated, holding his hand on his glasses to hide his face. He wasn't sure but... somehow he felt that Akashi wouldn't do anything... It was a gamble he took, "I just am. If anything happens, I will take responsibility." He promised while Kagami's brow rose. He could sense the determination Midorima had but it still puzzled him...
"I assume that you're Kuroko's friend? Come with me." Midorima began making his leave but Kagami stood in place. Should he leave Kuroko alone? With Akashi inside... he shook his head, following Midorima. If he was in this situation, Kagami was sure that Kuroko would do what's best for everyone and that is exactly what Kagami decided to do.
Hours passed by since the incident but even then, Akashi didn't move a muscle. The room was dead silent with the only sound that could be heard being Kuroko's pulse on the device above him.
Beep...
Beep...
Beep...
Thoughts ran through Akashi's mind as he was sitting beside the unconscious bluenette. He looked down at the other's closed eyes as if expecting them to open any second now. However, that wasn't the case... they were closed and showed no signs of opening...
Akashi slightly moved away, leaving the touch of Kuroko's hand. He wasn't waking up. Could it be that Yumiko was right? Is it possible that Kuroko won't make it? No... That can't be... Without Kuroko, what will he do? How will he go on? The future up ahead seemed to be so grey... The only light he had... had now gone...
Now that he thought about it, what is the point of even going on? If he can't be with Kuroko, then he'll join him on the other side. Akashi looked around, searching for anything sharp. When he spotted a piece of broken glass on the floor, the redhead reached out to grab it. Once he did, he sat back down on his chair.
"You won't open your eyes... am I right? Even though I beg for it, it won't happen, just like when you left me before." Akashi raised up the glass to cut his hand, uncaring if it hurt him, "You were too perfect for this world and that's why you left it... your smile and kindness were incomparable to anyone. You were... My everything... Now with you gone, I can't go on."
Once he pushed the glass far enough, he took it out, leaving the palm of his hand covered with blood. Next he raised it up to his neck, aiming for the scar that was already there; "If you won't come back to me then I'll join you on the other side." He said before he pushed the glass into his scar, trying to cut it open, "We'll be together again... I swear it."
Akashi smiled but even though he did, the pain from cutting himself made him clench his fist in pain. So painful... he couldn't take it but this was the only answer. In order to be with Kuroko again, this was what he needed to do, "Haha...Haha!" He laughed at himself as he pressed the glass harder against his skin.
"Sto..."
"It..."
Akashi paused as his eyes widened, immediately leaning against the bed to look down at Kuroko, "Tetsuya!?" This voice, it had to be Kuroko! But he wasn't moving at all... was Akashi imagining things?
"Stop..."
"It..."
Akashi could hear the soft voice but Kuroko's lips weren't moving at all. He gasped in pain, quickly moving his hands to place them on each side of his head. What was this? Why was the room suddenly beginning to spin? His head began to hurt as well...
"Stop it Akashi-kun."
Akashi's eyes widened as he was taken back to the past. He blinked, seeing Kuroko stand before him with a pout. The two were in what seemed to be a water park, surrounded by glass with all kinds of fish and water on the other side. He was holding a camera in his hand as well, that being the reason Kuroko was looking up at him.
Author notes
KurokoTetsuya101: First of all we would like to thank ShinseiShinwa and Voilz for reviewing the previous chapter. We would also like to apologise for not updating last week. The truth is that both Bell and I are going through some tough times and we just didn't have it in us to update. It didn't help that we only received one review at the time so that made us feel even worse. I know you may think that we're just making excuses but I promise that I'm telling the truth. Thank you so much ShinseiShinwa and Voliz for reviewing. It looks like you're the only ones who care enough about us... I'm sure there are some who forgot to review but plz if you can, plz review. Especially in these hard times... We hope you like the chapter and hopefully we'll see you next week with a new update. Bye.
The Lucky Bell: Yeah, sorry for the late update... some stuff is going on and things are busy... end of the school year approaching and all that. Uh, sorry if this chapter is real dramatic or cliche. Just roll with it please. It's fiction, fanfiction, just let it happen. Also sorry if I don't put notes. My tAblet glitches all the time, don't know why.
This story is updated weekly.