Yooo, peeps! *dodges pineapple* YES YES I KNOW. I'm a bit late, I understand that (if can call nearly three months a bit *gets hit by a tomato*) But hey! I do have explanations, alright? First, surprise surprise, school. Ya see, I ain't the sharpest. And I just don't like math. Or any math-related subject for that matter. Sooo, when my grades got a lil bad, I had to focus a little more on that. Alright, second, I honestly for the longest time didn't know how to write this out. I knew it had to happen sooner or later, but for love of Seven I couldn't figure out how I wanted to do it. So eventually I just said 'Ah, fck it' and went the easiest way. Sorry not sorry. Oookay, now third. Again, sorry not sorry, but I had tons of other sht to write. And I mean TONS. So time just got cut short.
HOWEVER.
If you'd look at today's calendar, you'd find that today's date is special.
That's right.
It is Sei-chan's birthday.
And you all know how much I love him.
So, I threw all my other plans out the window and worked on this chapter for LIKE FIVE HOURS STRAIGHT. No kidding. It's just that today's chapter is very Akashi-centric, so I absolutely had to post it on his birthday. Dedication I tell you, dedication.
So, you can say this is my gift for you all readers to celebrate Akashi's birthday, even though this chapter isn't anything birthday related. It's Akashi related okay.
Reviews at the end as always!
...
Nifa: Cake for everyone!
Papyrus: Did someone say cake?!
Nifa: Wrong dimension, dude. *shoves through magic portal*
Nagisa: Well that was random.
Kuroko: Was that a skeleton?..
Karma: Who cares. We have cake!
Akashi: Exactly. We.
Karma: Don't be like that, Sei-chan.
Nifa: No fighting or no one will have cake!
Akashi:...Are we children?
Kuroko: But first, a greeting is in order I assume.
Nagisa: That's right!
Nifa: On the count of three! One, two, three!
Kuroko/Nagisa/Karma/Nifa/therestofthefandom: Happy birthday, Akashi-kun/Sei-chan/Sei-kun/(orwhateverthefckyoucallhim)!
Akashi: Thank you everyone. That's very nice of you.
Nifa: Of course, how else! Now, who wants cake?!
Chapter XIII – Change Time
The ringing of a phone resonated through the whole room, reaching the bathroom. The teen inside released a sigh and put down the chunk of slightly black cotton. Glancing at the mirror one more time, he exited the bathroom and went to retrieve his phone. If truth be told, he found it quite odd that someone was calling him at this hour, usually normal people should be asleep by now. That's why, when he took note of the caller ID, he rose a brow and answered it.
''Hello, Akashi-kun?''
''Tetsuya, for what reason are you calling me at this hour?'' the redhead inquired blankly, glancing at the wall clock.
''...I'm sorry, were you asleep already?''
''...No, I wasn't.''
''Okay then. I just called to make sure you're okay,'' A pause. ''...You are, right?''
''I suppose I am,'' Akashi responded with a sigh. ''Just tired. Why are you interested?''
''...I wanted to apologize for today. I know I should have helped you, but I thought some... diversity in your activities would be... beneficial to you.''
''Interesting choice in that diversity I'd say,'' the teen muttered.
''...I'm sorry, I understand why you're mad at me. I would like to make it up to you somehow.''
''It's fine,'' the redhead sighed once more as he made his way to his bed and sat down on the soft mattress. ''I'm not mad at you. I'd be lying if I said I was.''
''...Why?''
''I'm not sure,'' he murmured a bit absentmindedly, laying down on the bed and staring at the ceiling. ''For some reason it's difficult getting mad at you.''
'Perhaps because you are starting to accept him as your-'
''Oh, well that's nice,'' a small smile broke through the other end. ''I'm glad you're not angry with me.''
''...Tetsuya, what are you doing up this late?''
''Ah, I was helping my mother around the house. Besides, I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep unless I called you,'' Some shifting was heard from the other side. ''What about you? Did you manage to remove those marks?''
''Almost,'' Akashi sighed, lightly touching the side of his face as a frown crept onto his lips. ''Whoever thought children and permanent markers together was a good idea should rot in hell.''
''No need to me so harsh, Akashi-kun. They're just kids, they're harmless.''
''Harmless? I'd like to see you getting overrun by a flock of them,'' the teen snapped.
''I apologize, I suppose those weren't the correct words,'' Kuroko lightly chuckled. ''Though it is nice to see children liking you this much.''
''For you that is,'' the redhead grunted displeased. A thought bubbled inside his mind and he continued in a lower voice. ''Tetsuya, what about that recording? I swear to God, if it-''
''You needn't worry, Akashi-kun,'' the tealnet interrupted him. ''No one besides me is ever going to see it,'' he finished bluntly.
''Tetsuya, delete it.''
''No.''
''I'm not joking, Tetsuya.''
''Neither am I.''
''Why must you do this?'' Akashi sighed, rubbing one of his eyes. ''You changed so much in these few months you know.''
''How exactly?''
''You are way more daring and carefree.''
''I didn't notice. Though I suppose you might be making a bad influence on me, Akashi-kun.''
''No one is forcing you to be around me if you think that way.''
''I know, I'm being with you because I want to. You're my friend, remember?'' A small smile was audible in the teen's voice.
''That's the other thing that changed. You didn't think like that back in Teiko.''
''...I suppose I didn't. Akashi-kun, why don't we continue this conversation at a later time? I assume you must be tired and there's school tomorrow.''
''...Alright.''
''See you tomorrow then, Akashi-kun.''
*call ended*
The teen stared at his phone screen for a few moments before a sigh left his lips and he placed the device on a nightstand next to the bed.
Kuroko certainly knew how to mess with his head.
…
'We both know what is really happening.'
…
To anyone with a pair of eyes it was obvious that something was off with Akashi. That, naturally, didn't escape Kuroko's notice as well. Due to their unfortunate duties at the kindergarten for two weeks and midterms at the very end, the pair had no chance to talk. However, in all those days Kuroko could see that Akashi seemed rather odd and that didn't change even after everything was over. A few days after they got back to school, the tealnet noted that his former captain still seemed quite out of it. He was unusually absentminded, and even ignored every single world a certain red-haired devil said to him. Eventually even said student decided to give Akashi a break for today and not go near him. The teen merely sat in his desk, not hearing most of the things that were being said to him. The redhead just looked so... deep in thought. Or very troubled. It was quite hard understanding the situation actually.
After observing his former teammate for a good while, Kuroko came a certain assumption. It may had been a long-shot, but perhaps he was right. And if so, the tealnet wanted to somehow help him.
So Kuroko did something he honestly never thought he would.
''Sensei,'' the teen spoke from behind his teacher just as he was about to head out for a lunch break. Naturally, his sudden words startled the giant octopus quite a bit, it was difficult getting used to Kuroko's out-of-nowhere appearance after all.
''A-Ah, Kuroko-kun,'' he tried to regain his composure as quickly as possible as he turned around to face his student. ''What can I help you with?''
''There is something I'd like to ask of you, sensei. Regarding Akashi-kun.''
Akashi was a bit puzzled when his teacher suddenly asked him to stay after class for awhile. Since he had no business to take care of that day, he decided to do as told. Besides, if truth be told, the teen was quite interested why his teacher and target suddenly wished to speak to him. Or discuss something.
For some unexplainable reason the redhead had a nagging feeling though.
And so, when all of the periods had ended and all of the exhausted from learning students left the classroom – Akashi didn't miss that strange glance Kuroko gave him before exiting the room – the former captain remained seated in his place, head resting in his palm and absentmindedly twisting a pencil with his fingers, waiting for his teacher to speak.
When the classroom was completely empty apart from Akashi and his teacher, the latter stood in silence for a few moments, carefully observing his student, before he spoke in that strange voice of his.
''Akashi-kun, how are you these days?''
Honestly speaking, the teen wasn't all that surprised by such a question. He kept his eyes on the twirling pencil in his hand as he lightly shrugged.
''Fine, I suppose.''
''How are you fitting in with the class?''
''Well, I guess.''
''Are you enjoying their company?''
''Sensei,'' Akashi sighed and finally lifted his heterochromatic eyes to meet his teacher. ''I'd appreciate it if you got to the point already. What did you want to discuss? Surely not my relationships?''
''Yes, yes, of course. Actually, Akashi-kun, earlier today Kuroko-kun approached me,'' the teacher said, carefully observing his student's reaction.
The pencil stopped twirling.
''Oh?''
''Yes, and he told me some quite interesting things about you.''
''Did he now...'' the redhead murmured. For some strange reason, he didn't get irritated by the fact that Kuroko talked about him to his teacher. Perhaps his mind was too troubled with other things.
''Akashi-kun,'' Koro-sensei started once more, this time in a slightly different tone. ''I'm well aware that you won't tell me anything, but as your teacher I wish to tell you a couple of things. From what Kuroko-kun told me, you seem quite troubled. And I understand that. The students of this class also had and have different problems, but, with the help of their friends, they manage to overcome them. This class is unlike any other. They are all bonded and always helpful and understanding to each other. I know that, I've seen them grow, and I'm very proud of that. The point it, Akashi-kun, that whatever troubles you're facing, you don't have to tackle them alone. You have people who care for you, for example Kuroko-kun. He is genuinely worried about you and would be happy to help you in any way. You shouldn't neglect your friends, Akashi-kun. Sometimes they may hold the right medicine you seek for.''
The teen remained silent. He had averted his eyes from his teacher at some point and was now gazing out the window. What was he supposed to say? Honestly, he disliked when others barged into his own personal life. Why couldn't they just mind their own business?
''Oh, oh, by the way,'' Koro-sensei suddenly spoke again, this time his tone was significantly more cheery. Akashi cast a puzzled look at him only to find that his teacher's grin had also widened oh-so slightly. ''I have heard this wise quote awhile ago and I've been meaning to use it for some time now and this seems like the perfect situation given your special case.''
The being held up one of tentacles as if preparing for an inspiring speech or something.
''Akashi-kun, you must look within yourself to save yourself from your other self, only then will your true self reveal itself.''
Alright, that took a couple of moments for the redhead to process what his teacher just said.
The teen could only arch an eyebrow and lift his head from his palm with an unamused expression.
''What?''
''Ah, it means-''
''I'm well aware what it means,'' Akashi cut him off, slight irritation audible in his voice.
'Actually, based on the one who originally said it, it makes no sense.'
Shut up for a moment.
''But I'm quite confused why you said that to me,'' An annoyed look entered the teen's heterochromatic eyes. ''Since, based on those words, I'm the wrong self. Are you implying I should disappear?''
Obviously, the teacher didn't think about that.
''No, no, not at all!'' he began excusing madly, shaking his tentacles defensively. ''I didn't mean it like that! You know, it just-''
''Whatever,'' Akashi sighed and dropped his annoyed look, ignoring the other's frantic words. He stood up from his chair and picked up his bag. ''If you don't have anything else to tell me, sensei, I'll be taking my leave.''
''Ah, yes, of course,'' the teacher finally more-or-less composed himself. ''Take care, Akashi-kun.''
Without another word the redhead left the classroom. Finally out, he released a deep breath. Honestly, why did others have to bother him all the time? Even so, his teacher's words still lingered in his mind...
'He's right, you know. You should accept it already.'
Akashi pursed his lips.
Right...
When the teen had left the school building, his eyes slightly widened as he noticed the surprise that was waiting for him.
''Tetsuya, what are you still doing here?'' he asked a bit puzzled with a tilt of his head.
''I thought we could walk some distance together. Of course, if that's fine with you, Akashi-kun,'' the tealnet answered, carefully observing the other's reaction.
''I suppose,'' Akashi shrugged. There was no reason for him to refuse after all.
Slowly, the pair began walking down the mountain in silence. Kuroko wished to break it somehow, but he couldn't think up of any correct words. He knew what he wanted to talk about with his former captain, but that needed to be done delicately after all. For the past few weeks the redhead had been opening up more and now it seemed as if he was facing an internal crisis. Perhaps this could be the chance Kuroko was waiting for.
''Tetsuya,'' the redhead suddenly spoke, bringing the other out of his thoughts. The tealnet lifted his eyes to his former captain only to find a rather blank expression. Akashi was keeping his gaze forward, not casting a single glance at the teen besides him. ''Next time I'd appreciate it if you asked me beforehand whether it's fine to spread information about me.''
''Oh, um, I'm sorry about that,'' Kuroko answered a bit uncomfortably. He was indeed feeling slightly guilty for his actions, but what else could he do? ''I just thought he would have something to tell you... Did he?''
Akashi only hummed in response. He was carefully thinking over all he had heard today and what he should say now. He had never opened up to anyone before after all. Always kept all his thoughts and troubles to himself. Would others understand? Of course not. And Akashi wasn't so weak to depend on them. He should just-
''Akashi-kun, you don't have to stay hidden in your shell forever.''
...Who exactly are you talking to?
''You know I only want to help you. But if you continue to be so closed, I won't be able to.''
''...Why are you so considerate suddenly?'' the redhead murmured a bit absentmindedly. ''Back in Teiko you were much more... distant. We rarely even talked outside anything related to basketball. Why do you suddenly care?''
''...That's a bit hard to answer,'' Kuroko spoke a bit hesitantly, averting his eyes from the teen besides him. ''I don't know. Perhaps a new atmosphere, a new class, a new extraordinary class changed my views a bit, cleared my mind. Maybe because you changed as well. You seem much more-''
''Like my other self?'' Akashi finished whatever thought Kuroko was planning on saying with a small bitter smile. He hung his head down, his red bangs falling over his eyes. ''I should have figured.''
''What exactly do you mean?'' Kuroko asked puzzled.
''...Tetsuya, do you think I should disappear?''
''What? What are you talking about, Akashi-kun?''
''...Nothing, forget about it,'' the redhead muttered and lifted his head back up. An unreadable expression had overtaken his features. ''Everything is fine.''
Everything is clear now. I finally understand.
The tealnet remained silent and only observed his former captain carefully. For some reason his attitude made him worry. Akashi was acting strange, but Kuroko didn't know what to do.
''This is where we'll have to part ways I'm afraid,'' the redhead suddenly announced, stopping in a crossroad. They had walked quite a distance it seemed.
''Oh, you're right. Well, see you tomorrow then, Akashi-kun.''
The redhead didn't answer anything to that.
Finally home, Akashi immediately went to his room, dropped his bag on the ground and approached his bed. With a deep sigh he laid down on the soft mattress and directed his gaze to the ceiling. This day was certainly... unlike the others.
And now, Akashi finally understood.
He had known this before, but for some reason the realization now seemed much heavier. Perhaps he had simply forgotten about it. Or had chosen to ignore it.
Akashi closed his eyes.
It was so obvious after all.
'You're misunderstanding.'
I don't think I am.
'They don't mean it like that. Not Kuroko at least.'
Easy for you to talk. You're not the one who's unwanted.
'...This situation is very difficult. You were not supposed to be real in the first place. Just the consequence of my struggles... But now... I really don't know. You seem much more real, much more human.'
Nevertheless, everyone wants you. And the reason why Tetsuya is acting the way he is is because he believes there's a chance you'll return.
'I don't think that's correct.'
Why are you even trying to comfort me in the first place? You said it yourself that I'm merely a representation of your struggles, so you should want for me to disappear as well. Not that I completely will.
'...Listen.'
Kuroko didn't immediately go home after parting ways with Akashi. Instead, he decided to wander around the city a little more, maybe visit a couple of shops. He wanted to think about certain things for a bit while being alone after all. However, such a wish went unheard by the heavens it seemed.
Apparently his lack of presence failed to function the moment he needed it the most.
While looking through some of the light novels in some store, the tealnet heard how his name was called out. Turning around, he met a certain blonde he was all too familiar with.
''Kurokocchi, long time no see!'' the obnoxious teen chirped, approaching the said student. ''How have you been? How's your new class?''
''Fine, I suppose. Everyone is very friendly,'' Kuroko responded. Might as well engage in some small talk, he was a bit interested as well after all. ''How is the basketball club doing?''
''It isn't the same without you and Akashicchi,'' Kise sighed sadly and shook his head. ''Wonder how he's doing...''
''...He's also fine I guess. It's a bit hard to tell these days.''
The blonde looked at the tealnet with a puzzled expression.
''How would you know that?''
''Well, I do see him everyday after all.''
''Eh?..'' It took a couple of moments for Kise to process the information. When he did, however, his eyes widened in surprise. ''Wait, you and Akashicchi go to the same class?!''
Oh.
''Ah, I'm sorry, I forgot you didn't know,'' Kuroko mumbled. ''Yes, we do.''
''Oh wow,'' his former teammate breathed out. ''Now that's some news. How did that happen?''
''I'm not quite sure myself,'' the tealnet lied smoothly with a shrug. Well, half-lied. He still couldn't quite understand the current situation.
''I see... Wait, then what did you mean when you said that it's hard to tell how he's doing? Is something wrong?''
''I hope not,'' Kuroko slightly pursed his lips. ''Just recently Akashi-kun seemed a bit... off. Perhaps that's just temporary.''
''Let's hope... Hey, when we will get to visit you?'' Kise's eyes brightened up. ''Will there be any school festivals at your school?''
''I'm not quite sure actually. Perhaps,'' the tealnet shrugged. ''I'll let you know when I find out.''
''Great! I'll be waiting for your message then,'' the other grinned.
Now, should Kuroko ignore his word or keep it?
...It would be rather rude to do the former.
Oh well, only time will tell.
Why did Kuroko decide to wait for Akashi at the school gates the next day, he wasn't quite sure himself. Perhaps he was indeed worried about the redhead and wished to know whether everything was okay as soon as possible. Well, either way, here Kuroko was, standing just besides the school gate and patiently waiting for his former captain to show up. Akashi was always very punctual, so he always showed up at the same time every day. But still, just in case the tealnet came much earlier than it was necessary, for by the time his target entered his field of vision, Kuroko had gotten quite bored. However, as soon as his eyes caught the redhead, steadily approaching him, all boredom chased away.
The tealnet patiently waited for his former captain to reach him, closely observing him in the process. However, something immediately seemed different. Kuroko was always an observant person, so for him to catch such details wasn't a surprise, but it still puzzled the teen quite a bit. Akashi's posture seemed different, more relaxed. He didn't look as tense and stern as always, but instead gave out a slightly carefree vibe, though the obvious aura of authority still remained. Nevertheless, there was one last detail that seemed so strange that it completely confused the smaller teen.
Akashi wore a small, yet genuine smile on his lips.
As the redhead kept growing nearer and nearer, Kuroko could feel how his heartbeat oh-so slightly increased, how his eyes widened by a tiny friction as he kept seeing more and more details that were different from before. Or rather...
And finally, when the teen had finally reached him, one last thing send the tealnet's mind wild.
His eyes!..
''Hello, Kuroko,'' Akashi greeted him with a brighter smile, his tone gentle, yet with a tint of politeness and even cheerfulness. ''It's been quite awhile, hasn't it?''
Finallyyyyy. Finally. Jeez, this took me wayyy longer than expected.
But yes.
This chapter is very special because it features both Akashis.
But it wasn't supposed to be somewhat angsty.
I don't know what happened.
Sorry about that.
Yeah.
The next one will be so interesting though, ah mah gawd.
And you, who will want to see Bokushi again, do not fret! Everything will be explained in the next chapter!
Now, ze reviews that had been waiting for quite some time.
Guest:insertname: Glad you enjoyed that chapter! And yushhh, AkaKuro all the way! XD Here, have a muffin dearest *hands chocolate muffin*
Akashi Seiko-chan: Glad it did XD Poor Sei-chan indeed. Will he or will he not take revenge?.. I hope this chapter answered that :3 Thank you for your review! *gives a bowl of strawberries*
Penguin-chin: How could you not though about Sei-chan's hair like that? It is so fluffy, cmon. Glaaad you're getting impatient about their relationship, cupcake (didIjustcallyoucupcakewhat). Karma's and Akashi's relationship is the best, cmon XD They have such chemistry! My favorite flower? That will have to be a water lily! (and I don't mind random questions XD). What is yours? Thank you for your review! Here, have a cupcake, cupcake *hands a box of cupcakes*
Akari0415: Tet-chan always had that evil side of him, cmon :'))) Akashi with children is, by far, the best idea I've ever had XDD (am I kidding or am I not). What would happen if Akashi met Asano? Well, I'm not quite sure myself, I suppose I'll have to see how everything goes when I reach that part :D And if class E had a battle, the leader would still be Isogai, he's such a great leader after all, he also has everyone's trust. And I can't tell for sure how many chapters are left until the whole GoM show up, but I gave you a hint in this chapter when that will happen :)) I won't tell what kind of meeting it will be though, I'd ruin the surprise ;)) I don't mind all these questions at all! Thank you very much! Here, have a treat darling~ *gives a bag of truffles*
Guest:Tjj: Thank you! *hands a chocolate chip cookie*
Guest:theomeglechater: Thank youuu! I hope you liked it! *gives a caramel apple*
Asterbear: I DON'T KNOW, BUT I'M GLAD YOU DID AT SOME POINT :D I'm very glad you're enjoying their interactions! Ah, AkaKuro you say? Well, my darling, I'm afraid that will take awhile to finally sail, though they will have fluffy moments throughout the fic :)) Frenemies with Karma, yes, exactly that XD Oreshi, huh? Well, done that! I mean, cmon, it's the thirteenth chapter already, it's not too early! It's just right. I'm very happy you're enjoying this so far! I hope you will continue on doing so in the future :)) Thank you! *hands a piece of velvet cake*
Guest:JustMe: YES, I KNOWWW, RIGHT? YES YES, HIGH5 M8! *gives tofu soup because why not*
The Symbol of Faith: OH WOW, NOW THAT'S A LONG REVIEW M8. I would comment on everything, really, but time is running short for me! So just thank you for your kind words! And I'm very glad I'm managing to portray the characters and their interactions correctly! However, I'm very scared I may fail your expectations now XDD :')) Especially about Akashi and Asano... Alright, now about the questions. You don't have to look too deeply into Kuroko's words ''...but I'm already like a salad on the menu here.'' It was his (my that is) lame attempt at humor XD It meant that, like a salad, Kuroko is always there, but rarely anyone notices him (I mean, I haven't seen anyone buy some salad from a fast-food restaurant). Forget about that! Now, regarding the GoM and why I didn't put them into the story as well... First, I'll give you the explanation I should as a responsible author. You see, the government couldn't just take frickin six kids from another school, six exceptional kids and place them into a class that was supposed to be looked down on. That would naturally cause suspicion. Besides, I doubt the government would risk such a national secret being exposed by adding so many outsiders. And Akashi and Kuroko were just convenient. Now, I'll give you the explanation that a responsible author shouldn't give. I didn't add them because I didn't want to, alright? Can you imagine how difficult it would be to keep track of so many characters? It would be impossible to write them out accordingly and not loose track of which is which. Besides, Akashi and Kuroko are my favorite KnB characters and I'm an AkaKuro shipper through and through. It would be very difficult to work on their relationship. And I just really wanted to focus on Karma's and Akashi's relationship as well XD Hope that answered your question! I'm very glad that you're enjoying this! And you're not rambling, I love such reviews! Here, have a treat~ *gives a fruit smootie*
Guest:Tsukiyomi: Thank you very much! I'm glad! *hands a strawberry muffin*
Ailasca-chan: HERE IZ ZE UPDATE. HAVE SOME TEA AS 'SORRY' *gives a cup of warm tea*
proud-to-be-a-panda: I WILL CONTINUE, OKAY. I WILL NOT ABANDON IT. PROMISE. *hands sum chocolate*