A/N: This is BerryBliss, featuring ImayoshiShoichi! :)
Summary: Imayoshiplays a dangerous game. But Akashi isn't up to losing, not when Kuroko's involved.
Any similarities to real life are purely coincidental.
Imayoshi sipped on his morning coffee, leaning on his chair, whilst whistling satisfactorily. It was an all-nighter, writing the 25th chapter of his fanfic. After this would be the epilogue.
It was far from over for Imayoshi, though. He quite like being entertained by his whims - writing fiction was definitely one of them.
After uploading the 25th chapter of his primary focus at the moment, Bargaining with Love, he then moved on to make his next move.
[New Story]
Keeping that in mind, he typed in the summary, directly after uploading the document. After doing so, he decided to end it with a final touch.
(ImaKuro)
There was once a time when ImaKuro was a... overlooked pairing. Imayoshi wanted to change that.
Every choice makes a difference.
And it did make a difference. ImaKuro was starting to be known after he published his first contribution to the fandom and the pairing itself, Bargaining with Love. Maybe not recognized by all, but definitely known.
He came to fanfiction looking for something...
Closure, perhaps?
Closure on the fact that the emperor did indeed, hold feelings for the phantom?
(What about him then? What did he feel?)
Clicking continue, he further inputted the necessary information. He let out a sigh of contentment when he clicked [Publish Story].
Now, as for the bags under his eyes... well, there was no helping it.
The next night would probably be another one for brainstorming ideas again. And then, the day would come that an unexpected turn of fate would occur...
Hopefully, it would turn out the way Imayoshi wanted it to turn out.
Expect the unexpected.
After having done his work for the day, Akashi loosened his tie, and retreated to the company of his bed. And hisipad.
Fanfic***.net, the Kuroko no Basuke fandom, and Tetsuya of course– was all he could think about.
Akashi x OC? He cringed, shaking his head. Sighing, he scrolled down. Get used to it, Akashi, a voice in him said, It can't be helped.
Yes... it can't be helped.
MayuAka? Humph, Chihiro had warned him about this. Oh well, Akashi decided to let the fans do as they please.
Ah, he forgot to change the filters again.
[Rated K to T]- [All].
No way was he going to miss the M section. He quite liked some mature content with him and Tetsuya once in a while.
Tsk. OCs everywhere! Guess there's no helping it. In these times, one could not turn to anything but their library. It was the last resort.
He browsed his to-read list, until something caught his eye.
Bargaining with Love by Ambition4114
Rated: M
Summary: Kuroko Tetsuya is matrimonially bound to a prince of the Touou kingdom, AomineDaiki. The royal palace though, holds more secrets than Aomine would ever think of. Imayoshi Shoichi, after all, has other plans for the kingdom and for himself. His answer to all his questions and the key to all his plans? Why, Kuroko, of course! [ImaKuro, AoKuro, slight AkaKuro incest] (Completed)
And though it was mainly about his Tetsuya, paired up with two imbecilic perverts, he figured it would be worth it. AkaKuro incest after all, never went wrong in his eyes. (It must have been why it was in his reading list in the first place.)
Seeing the chapters amounting to about twenty-five now with almost six hundred favourites, he couldn't help but be interested - impressed even. An ImaKurofic had never reached these heights before. What made this so special a case?
Yo. Ambition4114[1]here. Yaa, a rather interesting fandom you have here. I've decided to contribute to it. I hope you like this. ImaKuro is one of my personal favourites, particularly because Imayoshi is definitely underrated.
Oh? And I'm not underrated?
Enjoy.
Akashi decided to read on. It wasn't as if he had anything to do anyway.
And oh boy, the first line got him good.
Eighteen year old AomineDaiki, was a very young and accomplished king.
Pfft. No, change, change. Eighteen year old Akashi Seijuro, was a very young and accomplished king.
Better. Definitely better.
Blessed with a kingdom of resource and abundance, not to mention a spouse of his own, AomineDaiki truly was a fortunate royal. He had his fair share of the rich, aristocratic life, and fair share of what victory felt like.
The arranged marriage was made in order to once again bring back the ties Touou and Seirin once shared with one another in peace. And so far, things between him and His Royal Eminence, Aomine – once Kuroko Tetsuya – were going smoothly.
This fic was pretty good... if you changed the names. Like, take his example, change Aomine Tetsuya, to Akashi Tetsuya, perhaps – see, didn't it sound better?
Don't get Akashi wrong, he liked it enough the way it was. He just... tweaked it a bit, that was all.
It all went down somewhere in chapter five that sudden revelation.
"Iya-a, Imayoshi-s-s-an, I- I-"
"I'll be gentle. You can rest easy."
And a dump of R-18 followed. The problem with it?Well, first of all, it wasn't of him and his Tetsuya! Or even Daiki, as a matter of fact. But rather, with an advisor who went by the name of ImayoshiShoichi! Gah, this abomination! Then, there was the fact that his Tetsuya didn't moan that way! He wasn't that quick to moan at all, as a matter of fact. Who did this person think he was, with his delusional fantasies of himself with his Tetsuya? Not to mention the fic ended with Imayoshi ruling the world like a tyrant... hell no!
There was something suspicious about this...
Something...
Message received.
From: Akashi-kun
Subject: An urgent matter
Message:
Momoi, have you heard of anything about that particular demonic captain of yours having plans for my Tetsuya, as of recent time?
Do not bother lying to me. Else, I won't hold on to our promise. You have my word on that.
Momoi gulped nervously. Her hands were shaking, and she couldn't make them stop.
A small smile was making its way through her lips though.
And so she typed:
Yes. Yes, I have.
She started typingin the meeting places, dates, and allotted times. Then, for a moment, she stopped.
Don't do this – don't do this – nonononononono-
Akashi-kun will never suspect it if I lied right? No, wait, he will –but still, Tetsu-kun trusts me with all his heart and-
Still, it was Imayoshi's fault for disclosing this information to her in the first place, in exchange for... date advice. Date advice, about all sorts of things. Kuroko's likes and dislikes... his food preference, scenery preference- those sorts of things...
If only Imayoshi knew she was a two way spy for both sides...
Unless, Imayoshi knew that and wanted to confront Akashi himself?Momoi gasped. What if that were the case?
Now wait a minute-
Oh, drat.
This was between AkaKuroand ImaKuro.
This may as well decide the truth behind her fujoshiness-
There was no undoing it now. She had already clicked the 'send' button before she knew it herself.
It was her AkaKuro shipper spirit telling her something! Yes, that must have been it...
She didn't betray Tetsu-kun... she didn't...
Gomen, Tetsu-kun... it's for the pictures. For the pictures, she convinced herself. And I just... didn't want to die yet.
Thinking of the contortion of Kuroko's expression from happy to simply betrayed, she considered sobbing into her pillow. And they were having their date too...
Then the maid outfit he wore in the school festival. The cat ears headband Akashi made him wear once, and... and...
Ugh, drama queen issues. Whatever should she do with them?
For the pictures.
Repeating this to herself over and over again, she eventually dozed off, dreaming of her Tetsu-kun picture collection... well, that, and her yaoi doujinshi collection too.
As expected, when Imayoshi woke up the next day, he found a rather disturbing matter concerning his fanfics.
All his ImaKurofanfics were gone – only those of other fandoms were spared.
As expected.
A private message came with it.
[This is far from over.] – AnonymitySays411.
"Have it your way," Imayoshi murmured in a way he almost anticipated it.
"I'll play your game."
It was the day of the date.
Kuroko was sitting on a bench, reading a light novel he had brought along, "Durarara!" volume 2. He quite liked it, and found himself hooked.
So hooked that he didn't see Imayoshi in the distance, waving. Well, that, and the kind of malicious smile on his face that was naturally malicious whether or not he had any plan in mind. He seemed to have something in the paper bags he was holding. Something that would please Kuroko very much.
Kuroko finally looked up after Imayoshi greeted him casually with "sorry to keep you waiting".
"It's fine," Kuroko smiled gently, closing the book and putting it in his bag, careful not to crumple it or anything. He had to be careful with books, after all...
"Ryugamine Mikado... he's..."
Kuroko put a finger to his lips, hushing Imayoshi.
"No spoilers please."
Meanwhile, Akashi was observing them from a far corner. He didn't even bother to put on anything to disguise himself. No, he actually wanted to be seen, for once.
Blending in almost naturally, he watched. They were heading for a bookstore next.Pfft, typical was the only word for it.
"Pick anything you'd like," was Imayoshi's offer, Akashi overheard, "So long as it's within my budget, I'll pay for you."
"Really?"
Tss. This cheap jerk! Akashi shook his head. He crossed his fingers Tetsuya would not fall for it. Heck, if Akashi wanted to, he could buy this whole bookstore for Kuroko with a snap of his finger!
"Ah, but... I would have to hold back," Kuroko said, after thinking about it for a moment, "It is Imayoshi-san's money after all." He concluded such, to which Imayoshi smiled and said there was no need.
Akashi sneered. Of course, his family owned a business company too... Imayoshi's. Not close to the size of theirs... but still a company of their own. Who did this person think he was, trying to pull the moves on his Tetsuya?
He watched as his lover, unaware of his presence still, looked at the books in wonder, stacked in order on numerous rowed shelves. Akashi would dare say, this was a rather organized bookstore.
The good side of him was convinced that if Tetsuya was happy, he was happy too. Looking at the smile on his face like that... he was starting to have his second thoughts about this.
No, no, he was right to be worried. Something was definitely fishy! ImayoshiShoichi after all, though subpar-ish compared to him, was definitely a menacing plotter of sorts! There had to be something behind this!
Maybe he was overthinking it. Turns out it wasn't that deep of a reason at all. The way Imayoshi looked at Kuroko like that... like prey waiting to be touched... it was sickening.
Waiting, Akashi never really was good at. Though, the situation at the moment obviously called for it.
So he waited.
They were out of the bookstore soon enough. Kuroko had bought two books, Proxy , and The Maze Runner, the first instalment in a trilogy he really wanted to try out for a while now. He thanked Imayoshi for his kindness, and Imayoshi just said, "Don't mention it."
They left the bookstore with no regrets (Imayoshi still had some to spare for food, thankfully, since, knowing Kuroko, he did hold back regardless of what Imayoshi told him). Kuroko was all sparkles.
No, that was exaggerating. But rather, Akashi saw sparkles showering the bluenette's expression. Imayoshi took this chance, and held Kuroko's hand.
No, Akashi Seijuro – he told himself, you have to wait.
"Imayoshi-san..."
"It's crowded here." Imayoshi murmured into his ear, "Let's go somewhere else. Are you hungry?"
Kuroko nodded.
"Got it," Imayoshi's eyes started wandering around the park they were situated in, when something caught his eye.
"It's about time for lunch..." Imayoshi held out a hand for Kuroko to take. "Wanna go get something to eat? I happen to know a good restaurant nearby."
"Yes, please." Kuroko blushed, taking Imayoshi's hand. Akashi knew this part. His Tetsuya had a habit of blushing when his little cute stomach rumbled. Hah! He bet Imayoshi didn't know that!
"For the meantime, you can drink some of this vanilla milkshake from Maji Burger."
Okay, now Kuroko really was sparkling. Without reservation, he asked Imayoshi how he knew about his vanilla milkshake preference.
"I could just... tell." Imayoshi answered, almost mysteriously, giving Kuroko one of the cups filled with his heavenly paradisiacal drink. Kuroko frowned, but nevertheless accepted it gratefully, ceasing all suspicion. He drank to his heart's content.
"Shall we?"
Oh, no. Oh no. His Tetsuya was holding hands with someone else! This screamed red warning!
He had finally reached his limit.
Kuroko could not express his surprise at that moment.
Akashi, after all, took his hand from Imayoshi's grip, pulled him closer, and kissed him.
His lips puckered, and succumbed to Akashi's for a moment. And though he did enjoy it a tad bit – okay, maybe a lot ,but still – the more aware side of him broke away, leaving him slightly dazed. Imayoshi's eyes widened, he hadn't expected this to happen. Not – at – all.
Imayoshi then looked him in the eye, a death glare coloured ruby and gold, slightly painted over with bloodshed.
"How does it feel to have your... supposed boyfriend being touched by someone else while you're looking away, hm?"
"S-Sei, it's not what you're thinking-" Kuroko seemed to search for the words frantically, all the while trying to keep himself calm. He just couldn't help it. Akashi was so close-
"You don't have to explain anything, Tetsuya," Akashi said, almost reassuringly, his fingers brushing tender teal locks. "I simply saw the need to deal with this... vile entity, trying to take advantage of your innocence...I am your protector after all." Soon to be boyfriend, Akashi noted to self.
Imayoshi was already backing away the moment Akashi's steps made their way closer to him.
"It's a misunderstanding-"
"Either you will leave and spare me your excuses," Akashi unsheathed a pair of scissors from his pocket, pointing them threateningly at Imayoshi.
"Or die."
"Sei," Kuroko whispered, "You're scaring the kids away..."
Imayoshi's hands rose in defeat. "I get it, I get it, you win." His expression was painted with feigned disappointment. "There's always next time-"
"There wouldn't be any next time for you." Akashi cut in firmly. "Any last words to Tetsuya?"
Imayoshi's wry smile was back. "...Yeah." He looked to Kuroko.
"It was fun. Just give me a call when you need me," he said suggestively, "You know my number."
And with that, he left – and he didn't dare turn back, else, he would face the ferocity of a certain redhead, and his overprotectiveness concerning a certain bluenette.
"It was a necessary countermeasure." Akashi was trying to explain himself. "He wouldn't have stopped."
"There's nothing to explain," Kuroko then said, facing Akashi, smiling. "Typical Akashi-kun."
Akashi stopped walking, making Kuroko stop too. Kuroko's head innocently bobbed to the side, expression speaking for itself, as if asking 'what's wrong?'.
"... I liked it."
"Hm?" Kuroko was confused, not knowing what Akashi was trying to point out. Akashi stuffed his hands in his side pockets. He never really was good at this.
"I liked it. How you called me Sei earlier."
Kuroko covered his mouth, "Did I, now?" His lips quirked into a playful, coy smile.
"You bet you did." Akashi retorted.
Kuroko huddled closer to Akashi, and their fingers entwined. Now that,is a bold move, Tetsuya, Akashi wanted to say.
"Where exactly are you taking me?"
"Oh, I don't know..." Akashi looked up at the sky, as if searching for answers. "How does your house sound?" was the unlikely suggestion from the redhead.
"Why would Akashi-kun want to go there?" Kuroko thought about it for a bit. Noticing the playful smirk his boyfriend(?)'s lips now donned, realization dawned upon him so fast he didn't even know what to say.
"Oh." was all he could manage. "Oh, no you don't."
Akashi's lips curved into a smile.
"You know what I mean."
"...No, I don't." Kuroko denied, unable to hide the blush on his face. Akashi chuckled. Seeing this expression on Tetsuya of all people, was amusing.
"You don't have to take it seriously." Akashi finally said after much thought.
Kuroko pouted. "It's not funny."
"Of course it isn't," Akashi stated firmly, "My jokes are never funny after all."
"So... it's a joke?"
"Hmm... I wonder."
"Sei!"
Status:
Certain circumstances have caused some complications, but needless to say, they're back, up and is merely compensation for all the support you've been giving me. A meek and trivial price.
This is far from the end. I will continue contributing to ImaKuro regardless of what may come.
Really, what an insolent fool he is.
Tetsuya is mine, no matter what.
Because it turns out 'paradise' has an adjectival form :V 'paradisiacal', wow xD
[1] 4114 – Imayoshi is the first 4 (jersey number), Kuroko is at the middle of the love triangle (why, of course he is!), and since this ficlet ends with AkaKuro, it's 4 (Akashi)! :3
Okay, I know that was a fail. /shot/ I feel like I didn't make Imayoshi evil enough. After writing this, I still don't know who's the lesser of two evils. Imayoshi sure knew Akashi hated Kuroko being touched. You think you knew Akashi was watching them? That's left for you to imagine :D
Hope you liked it~ and all hail the Kuroko Shipping Wars.
Additional A/N: To all Guest reviewers~
Our apologies for not being able to answer your reviews. With that being stated, we'll dedicate a chapter answering your questions and it'll be uploaded within a few days. For faster reply, you guys can always ask us on our fb page since there would always be someone in there and we'll be able to answer back faster.
- AkaKuro Shipping Warriors.
