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Beta-ed by CatVi
XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX
Timeline
.
DarkBlueLynx
.
.
When things go bad
When things go wrong
You're on the verge of letting go
There's something I really want you to know
You're not alone
Not anymore.
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.
XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX
Kuroko read the open proposal on his right hand while he calmly walked on the busy corridor of the Seirin's University. The summer holiday has just ended five days ago, but the excited buzzing of summer was still as high as ever for the college students. Kuroko expertly avoided several crowds of students who hung out around the corridor. It usually wasn't this crowded, but with the chairman's kindness, all students from any majors' timetables were ended on lunch time; a kind offer for adapting back to the ever busy schedule of college life after such a long holiday. He closed the proposal gently before holding it in his left hand.
It was unbelievable.
Arranging a 'joint exercise' between Seirin, Too, Yosen, Kaijou, Shutoku, Rakuzan… Kuroko shook his head. He already could feel the migraine he would definitely get when his team knew about this.
To think that he dared to arrange something like this.
Kuroko stared again at the unwanted proposal. Assembling five subs of the already known Generation of Miracles was one thing, but to openly invite Seirin's, his team, was another completely different thing altogether. Really, what was Akashi thinking? He would be surprised if his chairman hasn't connected the dots.
"Nee, have you heard that Kuroko-san was caught in a date with a red hottie?" One of the girl crowds talked excitedly, unaware that the person in question was slowly walking pass her.
"Un! I heard that even the red hottie kissed Kuroko-san in the one of the supermarket nearby!"
"Ehh?! Really? How do you know?"
"Because my friend watched it! She was doing her grocery shopping when it happened!"
"Kyaa! So hot!"
"Ne ne, does it mean that Kuroko-san swing that way?"
"Probably, but the red head was really, superbly hot so I couldn't blame him~"
"Ehhhh? You saw him, Akane-chan?"
"Yeah! He's really a hunk." She sighed dreamily
"Aaa, such a waste! Kuroko-kun was really cool too…"
"I agree! I thought he was ordinary, but somehow he's really cool now!"
"I know right! He looked kinda dangerous and hot now! Not to mention, he's such a nice person!"
"He helped me when I accidentally stumbled down on the stair. He's such a well-mannered man."
Kuroko mentally thanked God for his lack of presence. He really couldn't afford to have a horde of curious crowds on his tail just like when he was in Junior and High school. Kise and Momoi's tendency to act like a fangirl around him was more than enough for him to handle.
But then again, if Akashi didn't pull that stunt, the rumor wouldn't be this crazy. All he could hear for the past days was the 'hot, juicy' gossip of 'Kuroko and an unknown red hottie'. He got enough annoyance from his team because of this, thank you very much. He never liked to receive such unnecessary attention from anyone, especially from people he barely knew.
He fished out his phone out of his pocket and texted his team.
Meet up at seven later. Usual café. There's something to talk about.
He was too engrossed in replying the message that he didn't notice the big crowds on the entrance as he neared it. He automatically avoided them, resuming his walk whilewith his eyes on his phone. He didn't really notice the difference between the crowds in the entrance with the crowds in the corridor.
He heard a faint sound of zing and he nonchalantly caught the thin blade of a cutter that was meant for his phone with his right forefinger and middle finger.
Zing!
Without even bothering to look up, Kuroko nonchalantly caught the thin blade of a cutter between his right forefinger and middle finger that was aimed to his phone.
"That's not nice, Sei-kun." Kuroko said detachedly while putting his phone back into his jean's pocket. Then he shifted his focus to the smirking-like-the-devils-advocate-himself red head, revealing an aloof countenance.
In front of him stood Akashi Seijuuro in all of his glory. His locks have gotten longer from the holiday as they framed his handsome face with a carelessly discarded style. His attire for the day spoke wealth and a cool attitude with a tinge of dark danger. His usual black dress shirt and red tie he used to wear for work were absent but instead he wore a nicely fitted black short-sleeved polo shirt with a red strip on the button areathat pronounced the muscles underneath with an agreeably matched black jeans and black belt. On his left hand was a familiar black FOSSIL watch. Unlike the usual neat and tidy Akashi, he unbuttoned the first two buttons of his shirt, revealing a chain necklace which was hanging on his strong neck. The pendant was hidden behind his clothes, but he was sure it's the narrow rare black diamond pendant he gave him on his birthday years ago.
His eyes gazed behind Akashi. There was a sleek black car he knew all to well. A McLaren MP4-12C which was coincidently one of Akashi's favorites. The matte black McLaren, withdarkened windows and all-black wheels only enhanced his dangerous aura as Akashi leaned onto it.
His ears picked up the not so subtle whispers around them.
"Kyaa! So hot!"
"OH MY GOD, is that the red hunk Kuroko-kun was seen back then?"
"So cool!"
"Shit man, it's a fucking McLaren!"
"What's their relationship I wonder?"
"Dude, the red head looks kinda scary…"
"Kyaa~"
"Kuroko-san is so out of our league…"
"Kuroko-kun is so cool!"
"I'm so jealous with Kuroko-kun!"
"I'm more jealous with the red head. He gets Kuroko!"
"I know.I would love to date Kuroko-san!"
"Don't you think that Kuroko-kun is from a prestigious family or something? I mean, look at that and do you remember months ago where there's this butler thing and bodyguards picking him up?"
"I see you've been told, Tetsuya." Akashi said instead; eyeing the proposal on his hand.
"Yes and I'm not exactly thrilled about it." Kuroko ignored the whispers. "So," Kuroko said aloofly, "What's your business here, Sei-kun?"
"I'm picking you up." Akashi said coolly with a tinge of his 'Duh' trademark.
In just two steps, Akashi closed the distance between the two of them. He bended slightly as his right hand reached out and tilted Kuroko's chin before leaving a deep but chaste kiss on the teal haired man lips. The leader of Generation of Miracles did not mind to the slightest of the shocked gasps or squeals of the watchers or in particularly the surprised gasp of the commoners who fond of his Kuroko.
Kuroko swiftly pushed him at the same time Akashi retreated.
"Seijuuro." Kuroko said with a warning tone; he has overstepped his line.
"I take what I want Tetsuya." Akashi replied as he gave Kuroko considerate distance.
"What are you doing here?" Kuroko rephrased his question. His clear sky eyes pierced Akashi's.
"I'm picking you up." Akashi replayed his answer.
"My apartment is just blocks away. I don't need a lift." Kuroko replied indifferently before walking to the opposite direction of the car.
"And who said that we're going back to our apartment?" Akashi replied. A Chorus of surprised gasps of the implication fell deaf to both members of the Generation of Miracles.
Kuroko turned around to openly glare with questioning intent at the red head.
XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX
"I'm counting this as kidnapping." Kuroko said after he realized that Akashi indeed steered out of Tokyo.
"It's not." Akashi replied. "There are more than enough witnesses who saw that you went into the car willingly."
Kuroko groaned when he remembered that Akashi practically has confirmed the rumors. God help him deal with the aftermath.
"If this is your payback after that thing, it's hardly fair."
"Who said I'm taking revenge after the stunt you pulled with Kagami?" Akashi coolly remarked though Kuroko recognized the acidic end on his voice
"Yes, of course." Kuroko sarcastically replied. His suspicion was confirmed. Akashi did take revenge over it. It wasn't like he was deliberately pissing Akashi off or something, really.
By the end of the summer holiday, Kagami got sick. Just a mild fever and all that jazz, but Kuroko felt responsible to take care of the red haired man until he's healthy, since he's his partner and he also cared about him even though he didn't reciprocate the bigger man's feelings. Long story short, he ended up taking a night in Kagami's apartment without informing Akashi. How could he since he accidently fell asleep?
But apparently, Akashi was pissed off enough to actually brood over it. He hasn't even opened his mouth to explain –seeing that Akashi fell asleep on the sofa in his apartment made him feel guilty-, but the first thing Akashi said was-
"You smell like him. What the hell did you do with him?"
Another long story short, Akashi's brood ended when Kagami came over the next day with a basket of homemade meals in bento. It was still quite early morning; he had just woken up from his slumber after all when the bell of his apartment rung. Clad only his pajamas pants and comfortably worn out, slightly bigger t-shirt, he greeted his door and found Kagami, nicely but casually dressed standing in front of his apartment.
"I feel bad for making you taking care of me, so breakfast?" Kagami said with an embarrassed gesture as he rubbed his hair while lifting the basket.
"Ah," Kuroko nodded in understanding. "It's okay, Kagami-kun. You don't need to do this."
"No, it's okay. I'm sorry for waking you so early though. I didn't realize that it's still this early." Kagami said with a sheepish look. I was too excited to notice. Kuroko understood the unspoken sentence.
"No, I've woken up anyway Kagami-kun. Come-" Kuroko stopped mid-sentence. None of his friends knew that Akashi was currently occupying the flat next to him and specifically sharing a bedroom with him. It wouldn't end well if both Akashi and Kagami clash now.
"Let me change my clothes and let's have breakfast on the park." Kuroko said as composed as he could be. "It'd be a nice change." Kuroko added when Kagami furrowed his eyebrows at the unusual request.
"Okay." Kagami nodded.
"You didn't tell me that you'll have a play date so early in the morning, Tetsuya." An all too familiar voice said behind him. Kuroko mentally smacked himself for not noticing his fiancé sooner.
"I don't need appointment to hang out with my friends, Sei." Kuroko countered instead. His eyes raked the half-naked red head behind him. It was obvious that Akashi had just rolled out of the bed. And quite hastily he might add with the state of his hair. Not that anyone other than the GoM would notice of course.
"What are you doing here?" Kagami half-snarled; attempting to control his rage.
"I live here." Akashi unperturbedly said. Although he quickly amended when he saw Kuroko's concealed deadly pernicious glare. "Or next door, to be precise. Details." Akashi dismissed.
Kuroko sighed.
"Why don't you come in while I change, Kagami-kun? Then we'll have breakfast." Kuroko smiled rather apologetically as he gestured the red head to come in. "And Sei, please put on your shirt, I have a guest." Kuroko scolded although his expression turned into his disapproving look.
"I would, but you're currently wearing it." Akashi remarked rather slyly before sauntering back to their bedroom.
Flashback end
"Why do you always act like he's your enemy, Sei? It's ridiculous." Kuroko deadpanned.
"He is." Akashi said while still focusing on the road.
"Do you ever listen?" Kuroko said with a bite on his tone. "He's nothing but my friend."
"Rarely. But I always listen to you." Akashi replied smoothly. "You may see him nothing but a mere comrade, but he sees more than that of you." His hand squeezed Kuroko's unsuspecting hand.
Surprised, Kuroko finally turned his head to face Akashi.
"I refuse to lose you again." Akashi simply said before silence dawned between both of them.
"I still don't see the profit of confirming the rumor around my university." Kuroko voiced out his puzzlement after a while.
"I don't gain anything. I'm just stating that you're taken." Akashi spoke. "I hear that college gossip system is meaner that than any high school system."
Kuroko openly groaned.
.
.
"Where are we going?" Kuroko voiced his question after almost half an hour silence. He recognized the street and which direction Akashi might take, but he wasn't convinced.
"To our summer house." His fiancé stated. "I'm serious about the joint exercise."
"What?" Kuroko whipped his head back to Akashi.
"Everyone was informed already. Your subs should've been informed by now. They'd arrive together with the rest of others' team by later this evening."
As if his words were law, his phone rang. Kuroko took out his phone and answered the call.
"Hello?"
"Kuroko-kun, is this true?" came Aida Riko's voice.
"Apparently yes. I've just been informed by Chairman this afternoon. Please organize the rest to prepare as soon as possible. I'm sorry for the sudden change of event."
"Okay. But where are you right now?" Riko asked.
"I've gone first to check on the arrangement. I'll meet you there this evening." Kuroko excused efficiently.
"Okay. We'll see you there, Kuroko." Kagami ended before the connection was cut.
"Is it that embarrassing to be known that you're with me?" Akashi scrunched up his nose. "You even lied just for it."
"First, it's not essentially a lie since I do will check on their arrangement, second, it's not a matter of embarrassing or not, it's more like choosing between peace and outright hell from my friends." Kuroko ended rather dryly. "Moreover, I haven't packed nor done any preparations before hand."
"It's been taken care of." Akashi shrugged.
"Even I, have scheduled meetings, Sei." Kuroko commented as he recounted the meetings he has to go through for this week.
"Already taken care of. I've postponed some, canceled some and personally handle some." Akashi simplified. "Though why you have meetings with those people still baffle me."
Kuroko shrugged. "I'm still my father's heir. He has delegated half of the important business to me for the past years. Even though I'm here, it doesn't mean I'm completely free of my duty;especially when he holds such a high position."
Akashi hummed in understanding. "It still doesn't explain the reason why I found my fiancée meeting up with some corrupt and needlessly dangerous people behind my back."
"You make me sounds as if I'm organizing a coup d'état to you." Kuroko wryly remarked. "Estreano Family from Italia is seeking refuge in Japan. They were busted in doing one of the taboos, experimenting on children in their hometown and other vile things that are very unspeakable. They're currently being chased down by the Italian Mafia boss so they seek illegal refuge to Awaranai, and he complied. I couldn't accept the notion, and father has given approval to take the matter into my own hands. It's one thing to give shelter upon killers and assassins; it's another to give asylum to such wretched immoral humans. If they can be called one." Kuroko rather furiously said.
Akashi nodded. "I heard about that, Awaranai seemed to have no choice upon that matter."
Kuroko nodded. "They blackmailed him. So I set up some conditions to get rid of Estreano without involving Awaranai."
Akashi gave a grunt, letting Kuroko know that he's listening and waiting for him to continue.
"I planned on making Estreano interested in me-" Kuroko was cut when Akashi hit the brake suddenly; making the seatbelt automatically tightened to hold his body from the impact.
"What?" Akashi suppressed his surprised anger. "You do understand what Estreano has done-"
"They're interested in unusual abilities some humans possess, and they'll do sick, twisted experimentation to achieve the same results with those who are born without such abilities, dissecting the original to learn how it works." Kuroko answered calmly; after all, he got the same outburst like his father did.
"If you've known that, why in seven hells are you using yourself as the bait?" Akashi growled displeasingly.
"It's making things simple and more efficient. I'm setting the bait itself, so don't worry about leakage of my ability."
"If something goes wrong, they'll have a field day with you. I'll butt in this scheme of yours." Akashi stated.
"No can do." Kuroko stated as hard as Akashi. "The bait has already been bitten and they should be walking straight into the trap as we speak right now." Kuroko remarked with a barely concealed smug.
"The men I'm going to meet this week are the ones who will handle their imprisonment during their stay here; they are also serving as a messenger between the Italian Family branch and me and also dealing with the aftermath. Cleaning duty and damage control couldn't be missed." He continued. "Have more faith in me, Sei." Kuroko miffed. "I've survived this long even after orchestrating some more dangerous things."
Akashi opened his mouth to argue, but closed it again. He openly sighed before he resumed the drive. It's lucky that the road was empty. "I do, but sometimes the things you pull aren't exactly good for my heart." He admitted. "Do anything but putting yourself as the bait." Akashi said with uncharacteristic concern. "I hear that the Kuroko's heir hates to be saved like a damsel in distress by his fiancé."
"He is and he doesn't need any saving." Kuroko rolled his eyes.
"Well done." Akashi congratulates after a while. "Are you hungry?"
"Not really." Kuroko shrugged.
"Let's stop on a nearby restaurant then."
.
.
A quick stop on a homey café and they resumed their ride. It was more peaceful that he had anticipated if nothing else. Halfway through the travel, Akashi gently ordered him to sleep.
"Sleep. You'll need it. Your bunch is more raucous than any of us." Akashi ended with distaste, though he wisely kept the unpleasant comment to himself.
He consented and couldn't deny that. The Generation of Miracle swas anything but raucous disorder and even with Kise, Momoi and Aomine, it's still within his toleration. It's probably either he's still wasn't used to such liveliness his friends in Seirin showed or he's rather biased regarding his 'toleration' between his subs and the former group.
When he opened his eyes, Kuroko saw that they're already in the parking area of their summer house. It's one of many Villas he, Akashi, Kise, Aomine, Momoi and Murasakibara have as safe houses and place to have some vacations or breathers.
"Why didn't you wake me up?" Kuroko said while holding back a yawn.
"I didn't feel like it." Akashi answered.
Kuroko resisted the urge to roll his eyes at Akashi's answer. He opted to stretch his stiff muscles.
"Come on, everyone must have been waiting." Kuroko tugged Akashi's sleeve.
"I don't feel like dealing with my pawns right now." Akashi commented while still closing his eyes.
"Too late for that. One of your minions has come to retrieve you, Your Highness." Kuroko sarcastically said while he sordidly eyed Mayuzumi who was walking toward the car.
The sound Akashi committed was close to an annoyed grunt. "Let's go then." Akashi said and they slipped out of the expensive sport car.
"Akashi-san!" Mayuzumi greeted cheerfully although both of Akashi and Kuroko didn't miss the hateful look he threw to Kuroko for a second. "Everything has been taken care of, Akashi-san."
"See you later, Sei-kun." Kuroko said before walking pass Mayuzumi with his 'Heir' persona.
"Don't be so uptight, Tetsuya." Akashi faked a sigh as he swiftly followed Kuroko; leaving Mayuzumi behind without even regarded his presence. "It makes me feel a bit lonely."
Kuroko's hand twitched in annoyance - a giveaway of his faithfully blasé expression.
Akashi smirked at the obvious display of jealousy. Kuroko might categorize it as 'annoyance' but it's a damn well hidden-jealousy from his view.
"Do you want me to take care of him?" Akashi rather playfully whispered to Kuroko while they walked to the stair of the huge Villa.
"No need." Kuroko answered evenly. "I would do it by myself if I see it fit." Kuroko lightly chided, earning an amused, pleasant smirk from Akashi.
Their conversation was closed when a very solid body collided into Kuroko in the form of hug; courtesy of none other than Kise.
"Tetsucchiiii!"
.
.
.
A few hours later.
"So that's how I finally invited Kasamatsu-senpai here!" Kise spoke eagerly to an amused Kuroko.
"More like he dragged me here." Kasamatsu twitched in annoyance as he hit Kise's head. The blonde feigning to wail to him while the rest of the Generation of Miracles shook their head at the blonde's never changing antic.
The complete set of Generation of Miracles were in the main recreation area on the second floor with the glass wall looking out on the beautiful scenery of the ocean in front of them. The members of the GoM's subs except for Kuroko's were either resting or playing around in one of many games room and playground surrounded the villa. The only people who were allowed to be here was the people who would be the 'right hand man' of each GoM's member.
"Himucchin, could you get another slice of cake for me?" Murasakibara turned his head to the young man who sat next to him.
"You'll get fat if you keep this up, Atsushi." Himuro lightly scolded but still moving to get the tall man his sweets.
"If I get fat then Himucchin won't love me?" Murasakibara tilted his head. It wasn't right to say this, but even Kuroko has to admit that Murasakibara emitted cuteness with that innocence statement of his; a complete opposite of what he could be in the field.
"If you get fat, I'll put a diet program on you." Himuro fixed before serving another slice of blueberry cheesecake Kise has thoughtfully bought in bulk.
"Oi oi, is he your boyfriend or your nanny, Atsushi?" Aomine remarked with raised eyebrow as he watched Himuro practically being glomped down by Murasakibara while balancing his treat on his hand effortlessly.
"Umm, Himucchin, do I need to ask for your hand to be my boyfriend?" Murasakibara asked Himuro while still munching on the cheesecake.
"It's not my hand, it's my consent, Atsushi." Himuro sighed as he took a tissue from the table and wiped Murasakibara's lips from the crumbs.
"It's different?" Murasakibara asked innocently.
The occupants on the room were torn between pitying Himuro and feeling amused.
"It is. When you ask somebody's hand, it means that you're asking them to marry you." Himuro patiently explained while he gently removed Murasakibara's arm around him so he could sit.
"Hnn…" Murasakibara hummed thoughtfully while he put the empty dessert plate on the table. Himuro took a bag of potato chips from the table and pushed it to Murasakibara who took it without much complaint.
"You're synchronized really well with Atsushi-kun." Kuroko commented after observing one of two new couples in the Generation of Miracles group.
"I just know his habits and routines enough to make some predictions." Himuro humbly said.
"And a hell lot of patience." Aomine shook his head in sympathy.
"Well, that too." Himuro grinned kindly.
"So, is Murasakibara-kun your boyfriend, Himuro-kun?" Takao asked with a grin, mischief was gleaming on his eyes. Midorima quietly groaned when he saw the glint in his boyfriend's eyes.
"Probably? We never straighten it up." Himuro shrugged lightly.
"Then you're still technically single." Aomine mused.
"Go out with me then, Himuro-kun." Imayoshi playfully suggested while patting the empty spot next to him on.
"No!" Murasakibara's sudden yell surprised everyone. He quickly caged Himuro in a hug; like a toddler who hold onto her teddy bear while sulking.
"Himucchin is mine!" Murasakibara stated.
"If you don't ask him out, then anyone is still able to have Himuro, Atsushi." Akashi commented airily; deciding to provoke the purple head even more. They've been friend for years that they actually considered each other as family but no one could really predict or control the purple haired man. It seemed as if Himuro was the Heaven-sent God gave to Murasakibara. Anyone who could tame Murasakibara was Generation of Miracles worthy.
And none of the members of GoM really wanted to let that chance slip by.
"Like you and Tetsucchin?" Murasakibara asked.
Kuroko mentally winced. "Not like I and Sei for exact. Just like Shintarou-kun and Takao-kun for now." Kuroko suggested.
"But Daicchin and Satsucchin is also like you and Seicchin." Murasakibara commented.
"That's different, idiot." Aomine sighed.
Himuro sighed and turned to Murasakibara. "Atsushi, go out with me?" Himuro asked.
"Hm, Himucchin." Murasakibara nodded eagerly before leaving an abrupt kiss on Himuro's unsuspecting lips.
"Atsushi, what did I say about PDA?" Himuro commented calmly although his cheeks were painted red.
"It's no good?" Murasakibara said.
Aomine groaned. "I don't know whether to gag on the stifling romance or the fact that I've just seen Atsushi actually kiss someone."
"I second it." Kise said calmly while still nursing his head. "Wait, does it mean that I'm the only one who hasn't got anybody?" Kise cried while latching to Aomine.
Kuroko held back a smile as he watched Aomine and Kise bantered with each other. It's been a long time since all of them gathered like this and joked around. And the most important thing was that it felt right, somehow.
"Himuro and Atsushi make a good couple, don't you think?" Akashi commented softly as he slid beside him.
"I guess so." Kuroko replied with a calculative nod. "So do Takao-kun and Shintaro-kun."
Akashi hummed his agreement.
"Are we?" Akashi asked out of the blue. Kuroko turned his head to look at the red head. He looked composed if not a bit relaxed more than he let on.
"You're asking me this after the process we've went through." Kuroko said instead. It was true, the tattoo they bore together meant the seriousness both of them felt to each other. Even though they drifted apart a few years ago, the tattoo was still a solid evidence of their will to be together.
"I'm giving you a choice, Tetsuya." Akashi said softly as to not alarming the other about their conversation. "I could push my will to anyone, but never you. I could very well force you upon this marriage we have, but I don't need a half-assed devotion. Push me now and I won't bother you anymore."
Kuroko was silent as he contemplated his reasoning. "What relationship do you want to have with me?" Kuroko asked without looking at Akashi.
"Then, could I be anything to you?" Akashi answered in equal riddle.
"What you're asking is if I'm willing to be yours once more." Kuroko straightened the issue. "If I'm willing to accept you back as my fiancé and ultimately my..husband." He said with thoughtful tone.
"Will you?" Akashi asked.
Kuroko didn't answer and opted his silence as the 'meet and greet' continued on in front of them. Both Kuroko and Akashi inputted their comment and opinion some time, but they kept the silence between them.
"Um?" Momoi hummed when her phone vibrated on her hand. A look and she turned her head to Kuroko.
"Tetsu-kun, your subs are here." Momoi informed. "I've asked Kiyoshi-san to come up here."
"Thank you." Kuroko replied.
Five minutes didn't even pass and someone knocked on the door.
"Come in Kiyoshi-san." Momoi chirped and the door knob turned, revealing a casually dressed Kiyoshi.
Before Kuroko could raise his hand to make Kiyoshi aware of his position, Kiyoshi has beat him to it.
"Ho? I could easily spot you, Kuroko-kun." Kiyoshi said with slight puzzlement as he made his way to Kuroko.
"Because he's right next to Seijuuro." Aomine answered lazily. "Don't ask me how though."
Kiyoshi still looked a bit puzzled, but nodded nonetheless.
"I'm Kiyoshi Teppei. It's nice to meet you." Kiyoshi politely introduced himself. While he familiarized himself with the others, Kuroko stood.
"It's probably the best if I check on the rest first." Kuroko said. "I believe you'll be fine here Kiyoshi-senpai?" Kuroko made sure.
"Yes, I'll be fine. It would probably be the best if you check up the others." Kiyoshi supported.
Kuroko nodded before he stood up. He was halfway to the door when he abruptly turned back to where his friends were sitting.
"Please be nice to them." Or else. Kuroko said with a small smile full of promise of pain if they did otherwise.
"O-okay, Tetsucchi!"
"Hn."
"Yes, Tetsucchin."
"No problem, Tetsu-kun."
Kuroko nodded and turned his head to both Aomine and Akashi.
"Daiki-kun, if you don't comply, I'll persuade Satsuki to forbid you from playing basketball for at least a month." Kuroko said calmly.
"And you, Sei-kun, if you don't act nice to them, I won't make anymore meals. Period."
Both of the men were silent before they resigned.
"Tch. Fine."
"Deal."
"Thank you.." Kuroko politely said before he disappeared completely from the door.
"…Kuroko-kun is kinda scary." Imayoshi commented.
"You're just scratching the surface." Midorima fixed his glasses." Oha-san predicted that there's something big going to happen to Kuroko's zodiac."
"This week is going to be interesting." Akashi mused to himself.
.
.
Interesting wouldn't even cover it.
The members of Generation of Miracles minus Akashi's, spent solid two days to reduced the animosity between their subs before they could actually train.
Another four days were extensively and exclusively used to display and hone Seirin's ability, considering that they're currently the weakest among the subs. Since Kuroko was adamant and refused to change his subs anymore, he has reached upon agreement between him and Kise, Aomine, Momoi, Murasakibara, Midorima and Akashi. They are free to train and put any methods to train them as long as it doesn't put permanent scars on his subs mentally and physically, and he's allowed to watch and interfer if it goes too far.
"We'll shape them into our standard," Aomine seriously said. "It's hard and if they can't keep up, they're going to be kicked out lest they jeopardize anything in the future." The sad thing was, Kuroko had to agree on that. He has put enough training to them, so they won't at least, endure harsh training, but one could only hope. In any case, if some of his subs do get kicked out, it's probably for the best. Things have gone serious and even more dangerous than before. Akashi wouldn't bother to pull so many strings just to make this 'joint exercise' occur without any major reasoning. In fact, he has a hunch why.
He was a bit late to know, but the suspected man in command of the assaults on Generation of Miracles has been found dead horribly with a nasty '1' carving on his forehead few months ago. Then there were several assassinations on some civilians who bore the same traits. There were numbers '11', '1' and '19'. If it not because of the initial murder, they'll think that it's merely another normal serial killer who didn't have connection with GoM.
Either way, for the first three days his subs were put into –Kuroko has to admit- more hellish drilling from Kise, Akashi, and Aomine, while the others' subs were being drilled about medication knowledge and actions by Midorima with his and Momoi's assistance, Observation skills from Momoi and him, Stealth and Self-Defence from him and Akashi with the assistance of Kise, Strategy from him, Midorima and Akashi, Weaponry from Aomine with his and Murasakibara's assistance, Technological knowledge and dirty tricks known to any dangerous organization from Murasakibara, and the last, the Art of Assassination from him and Akashi.
It wasn't easy at first, teaching things to some people who still skeptical about his position as the infamous sixth member which incidentally, is also Akashi's direct second in command. The public might think that Midorima was the GoM's second in command, but in reality, Kuroko was the one. But after a few days and little demonstration of what he was capable of doing and what he didn't mind on doing to them if they keep rebelling, everything went smoothly.
It's like teaching temporary cram school in reality.
Imayoshi, Kiyoshi, Takao, Kasamatsu and Himuro also helped to soothe the kinks between six different groups.
With a tired sigh, Kuroko plopped down on the chair in front of the area where his subs was being trained mercilessly by Aomine. His share of teaching for today has ended earlier, and all he needed to do right now was wait for his friends to finish the extra punishment that has been graciously bestowed upon them courtesy of Kise.
"Here, Tetsu-kun." Momoi offered a bottle of cold Pocari Sweat.
"Thank you." Kuroko courteously replied. He opened the cap and took a generous amount of the drink.
"It's quite tough, isn't it?" Momo initiated the conversation as she sat beside him.
Kuroko nodded. "It is, but the results are satisfying." He confessed.
Momoi made a committal hum. "Tetsu-kun is awfully close with Sei-kun these days." Momoi commented out of the blue.
"Am I?" Kuroko replied.
"It's a relief. For me that is." Momoi spoke truthfully. "Even until now, I'm afraid that Tetsu-kun is still unable to take us back." Momoi bluntly voiced out her distress."You can't imagine the relief I felt when Ryouta-kun sent a photo of you with your subs back when he visited." She continued; her voice was trembling. "It's scary. To think that we've screwed up so bad…" She whispered while trying to control her sobbing.
"Satsuki …" Kuroko hesitantly said softly. His sleeve was tugged by Momoi while she still rubbing the tears from her cheeks.
"Please Tetsu-kun… Come back." Momoi miserably murmured between her hiccups. "I can't-" She choked. "I can't pretend anymore." She tugged Kuroko's sleeve once more. Countless 'I'm sorry' were coming out of her lips, being murmured like a chant.
Without much trouble, Kuroko set his body,so he could comfortably embrace the sobbing girl in his hold.
With the warming gesture, her sobs got even worse.
"Shh.." Kuroko tried to soothe Momoi while absently rubbing his hand on her back.
"Forgive us, Tetsu-kun.." Momoi's words were muffled between his shirt.
"I have." Kuroko nothing but kindly spoke.
"Then why?" Momoi's glassy eyes stared at Kuroko's. "Why are you still faraway? Do you hate us?"
Kuroko held back a grim expression. "Even a ruined bridge couldn't be built over a night, Satsuki." He consoled. "I've always thought all of you as my family. I couldn't possibly hate you all." Kuroko said tenderly. "But it also the reason why I couldn't erase the…" Kuroko struggled with his words, "..pain so easily. I trusted you all and I gave one hundred and twenty percent of my effort, but then everyone changed so quickly and before I realize it, I've felt like my effort was wasted. You guys didn't need me anymore." Kuroko winced a bit at his harsh and blunt words. "I felt ridiculous." And betrayed. Because just like you guys sheltered me, I was abandoned so easily as well.
Momoi hid her wince when she heard the unspoken words.
"So I left." Kuroko calmly said.
"So much wasted time…" Momoi couldn't help but whisper in loss.
"Was it?" Kuroko wisely asked while he wiped the excess of Momoi's tears. "If I hadn't left, would we still be like this? Together, talking and laughing together?" He asked peacefully.
Momoi was silent as she contemplated Kuroko's question. While it was true that Kuroko left because they essentially 'abandoned' him who prioritizes team-work by thinking that they can do anything 'alone'… If he hadn't left…
What would the GoM be like then?
Even by the time before Kuroko left, they've been a mess. Of course she had stayed faithfully by Aomine's side, but aside of him, she rarely saw anyone else. They're busy with their own projects and works. They were hardly assembling together, even when there's danger or something on that line; they took care of it individually without bothering to inform the others. The confidence of being able to take care of it by themselves had blinded part of their rationality and boosted their egos and prides.
Greed…
"Then we'll be separated right now." Momoi whispered her answer. "It doesn't close the possibilities that one of us might be standing on the opposite line."
"See? Not every part of it was a pointless pain, right?" Kuroko offered a little smile.
"I've made my peace with everyone." He shared with a knowing smile. His thoughts were back to where he found his apartment literally filled with sweets and sugary assortments known to any man and when he found a note on his fridge with a new basketball underneath the note, 'Sorry. Let's play together again.'
"I just need time to adjust back." Kuroko patted Momoi's head. "I never stopped seeing you all as my most precious family."
Momoi's eyes tore up once again as freshly made tears sprang out and cascaded her already wet cheeks.
"TETSU-KUN-!" Momoi cried in relief as he practically glomped him down on the bench.
Kuroko was surprised at the sudden movement as he was brought to his back at the unexpected force, but he wasn't complaining. With a tender smile he patted and rubbed Momoi's head fondly as he rocked her gently to her composure.
As his focus was solely on Momoi's well being, he completely missed the relieved and contented looks on Aomine nor did he realize that Kise, Midorima and Murasakibara secretly watched the scene unfold from the window of the temporary 'class room's.
"Come on, Satsuki, I've got to sweet talk Ryouta-kun, so he will be willing to teach Koganei," Kuroko persuaded. "And I'll be late on preparing the lunch for us. Daiki-kun's stomach is a bottomless pit, remember?"
"Y-yes!"
.
.
.
Kuroko concernedly watched as Koganei failed to accomplish the 'exam' Aomine had established for that day. According to the other, Koganei has the hardest time in handling weapons. He's also not good to be put on medical field because his hands are always tremulous when he holds any medical kit. He's also unsuitable with technology and too weak hearted to properly follow his and Akashi's class.
'This wasn't good.' Kuroko thought. Aside of Koganei, everyone else pretty much could keep up with the hellish and ruthless regime. And he knew exactly well how it felt to be left behind.
On the other hand, he showed remarkable skill in communication and dealing with people. Not in the diplomatic way per se, but more in blending in and fast talking with people.
He has talked about this with Momoi and she agreed. He didn't have distinct features like Kagami or Kiyoshi and he could talk about anything without much effort. With the right assistance and mentor, he's sure that Koganei could blend in anywhere and anytime and be an excellent fast-talker.
Firming up his decision, Kuroko stood and walked toward Kise's class; intending to go as far as to bribe the blonde man.
He would do anything for the better of his friends.
.
It turned out to be a right decision.
It was difficult at the first, to convince Kise to train Koganei and vice versa, but in the end, everything worked perfectly well, and that's all that matters.
.
.
Different person, different kind of approach.
If Koganei could be easily persuaded with slight authority and compassion, dealing with Kagami was completely another thing to do.
The red head was rather furious at the turn of events, even more when he realized that the people who had belittle him would be the ones to teach him. Kuroko has realized that his friends are probably going to abuse their authority as a 'mentor' and bully Kagami, but his concern was proven to be worthless after he observed the second day. The first day was used to throw insults and major ignorance to his friends, but they quickly settled down and managed to have lessened enough to be learned properly.
The most effective class probably would be Aomine's, as the tan young man did nothing but provoke the red head again and again and again.
But it showed a satisfying result, so he has no right to complain. As long as Kagami's okay, then it's ok.
.
.
.
It wasn't until a week after the initial conversation that Kuroko voiced out his decision.
He met Akashi who was leaning with his hand on the railing of the balconyat the roof-less lounge with a glass of iced-liquor.
"You drink now?" Kuroko asked with a questioning frown.
"Not really," Akashi answered honestly, "Just a small habit I picked up a few years ago." He continued before he sipped his alcoholic drink.
And again, Kuroko has a hunch just when Akashi picked up the nasty habit.
"And a good practice to higher the tolerance." Akashi added after a while.
Kuroko nodded in understanding. Having a high alcohol tolerance was a must after all in their world. His tolerance was good, but it's not as high as Aomine or Kise's.
"Rough day?" Akashi asked while twirling his glass.
"Not exactly." Kuroko replied before he too, leaned on the railing with his back beside Akashi.
Comfortable silence filled between both of the young men as they enjoyed each other's presence. Akashi offered his glass to Kuroko, and he took it.
"Let us not burden our remembrance with a heaviness that's gone," Kuroko wisely said before he sipped the alcoholic drink.
"The Tempest," Akashi commented after a moment. Kuroko nodded as his mouth worked on the slightly bitter taste of the alcohol.
"It's tiring to evade and despise," Kuroko admitted after a while and handed the glass back to Akashi. "The past months have obviously shown that I do not despise you as much as I thought I did."
"I thought you hate me," Akashi said.
"Hate is a very strong word, Sei-kun," Kuroko replied, "Even though I hate to admit it, but I still deeply care for you." Kuroko almost smiled at the obvious relief Akashi unconsciously emitted. Was he that harsh to the red head to the point that Akashi believed that he doesn't care about him anymore? Oh well, he did make the red head wait for his answer.
'The tattoo is crucial proof that I'm ready to be committed to you whatever the situation is," he continued. "It may take longer to make things to the way the used to be, but I'm willing to try" Kuroko ended before he turned and walked out to the exit of the open lounge.
"That's good enough for me." Akashi replied, knowing that his fiancée heard him.
"I know," Kuroko replied for one last time before he slipped out completely.
"For you, it's not the matter of can or can't do, Tetsuya," Akashi sighed as the torturous suspense for the past week seeped out of him.
"Once you say you're going to do something, you're going to make it happen no matter what," Akashi turned his eyes and stared right to the night sky
"And I've always liked that about you,"Akashi said in the middle of the empty space
.
.
Despite all the positive development between Seirin's progress, and his mending relationship with his friends, there's still this 'bug' that has almost wore out all of his patience.
It has been exactly four weeks –Akashi thoughtfully arranged the joint exercise for six weeks- but he still felt completely biased and nonsensical hostility from one person.
Even Kagami was slowly being accepted by his friends: Kise has willingly called Kagami as 'Kagamicchi', much to Aomine's and Midorima's disdain even though verbal insult or protest never comes out from their mouth. If he could say it by himself, everyone got along pretty well, aside of the small incidence between Kagami and Himuro. But any dispute between two of them has ended well before Murasakibara managed to interfere. They are still obviously tiptoeing between each other, but he believed that Kagami and Himuro would be able to work on it.
Back on the matter.
He preferred to address any troubles with a cool head and justified objectivity before calmly making any decision. He liked to properly study the problem beforehand, and if possible, overcome this trouble by talking the solution out with any parties that are involved in the matter. He disliked unnecessary action; it only wastes resources and energy as well as time.
And currently, his so called 'patience-as-a-saint' was tested to the limit.
To make the matter more ludicrous each day, the people who he kept close in the circle of GoM, Kise, Aomine, Momoi, Midorima, Murasakibara, Himuro, Takao, Imayoshi, Kiyoshi, heck even Kagami and Akashi have noticed the blatant antagonism being threw to him.
They even made a bet about it. As usual, the initiator of the said bet was none other than Kise. He thought that it would be just another silly bet between Kise and Aomine, occasionally followed by Murasakibara, however, everyone who he has mentioned before participated on the said bet while his fiancé only smirked in high amusement at the turn of event.
He wasn't allowed to know exactly what the bet was, but he knows enough that it involved him and his loather.
"Want me to take care of it?" Akashi teased with entertained expression on his face; re-asking his question of when they had just arrived on the Villa. They were having evening tea with the rest of GoM's members, and their respective right hand man and boyfriend when he felt a familiar prickling on the back of his head. Kuroko took his iPhone and watched the view behind his back with the phone. True to his guess, Mayuzumi was currently discreetly glaring down on Kuroko while he was playing mahjong with his teammates.
"Again, there's no need." Kuroko answered coolly as he put his phone back to the table. "I'll take care of him myself." He sniffed disdainfully
.
Aomine, Kagami, Murasakibara, Himuro, Imayoshi and Kiyoshi were playing basketball with Momoi as the referee, while Takao was watching a mahjong match between Midorima and Akashi when Kise burst in, out of his breath.
"Tet-tetsucchi-!" Kise panted, earning alarm throughout the room.
"His… patience as a saint…is finally.. broken..." Kise managed to say as he caught his breath.
"Ryouta," Akashi demanded more information as he swiftly crouched beside Kise while the rest of the occupants also abandoned their activities.
"They... They are..fighting," Kise took a big gulp of air.
"Who?" Kagami asked with a confused frown.
"Tetsucchi and Mayuzumi," Kise finally told the news. "They're fighting for real down there."
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Please kindly drop a review please~ It's a 7.700+ words chapter not including the AN and appreciation part on the beginning.
Anyone bother to listen to Fullkawa's HOME? :D and is there any Linkin Park's fans here ?
Thank you for reading and again, please drop in a review!