Author's notes: To the best readers ever, I love you, you're amazing, I couldn't make it through this fic without you guys. You're my light and inspiration and motivation and all things sweet and yummy in the world. To show my love for you, I'm forgoing studying finals to deliver this long(ish) chapter. I hope you enjoy!

cameos and references everywhere! lalalallalallalala; ALSO, at long last appearances of the poll results from ages ago!

Chapter 14

Natashou Yuna sighed contentedly into her tea. "No matter how often I see it, I'll never get over how attractive men look in suits. Or in this case, tuxedos." She sat at the top of the staircase overlooking one of the galleries of the Dulcinea, an art museum featuring notable neoclassical works mainly from Spain. This museum had recently been built a few years prior and was already popular among the locals, attracting many tourists from all over Japan and the world. Masamune made an arrangement for the models to get ready on site so they wouldn't have to go through the trouble of paparazzi.

Below, assistants set up lights and furniture and helped five boys and two girls into hair and makeup. "Beautiful. Just beautiful. And their improvement is phenomenal!" She scrolled through her portrait shots of the GoM dressed in their wonderfully tailored tuxedos. "It's just too bad we couldn't go all out with the costumes for this party. Right, Kana?" Her assistant nodded and gave her the schedule. "Yes, let's get down to business," she said, taking her camera and trotting down the staircase that curled around the side of the decorative arts gallery.

Momoi greeted her at the bottom of the steps, "Hello, Natashou-san. It's nice to see you again." The photographer cast her eyes on a goddess. Momoi looked stunning in a dress of pastel mint that draped over the shoulders and fell in graceful ripples off her curves like those of Greek caryatids. When she inclined her head, Natashou saw that half of the long pink hair was tied up while the rest tumbled in waves down her back.

"Oh my," Natashou cooed, "You look lovely, Momoi-chan."

Momoi blushed. "Thank you very much... Uhm, Teru-chan isn't ready yet." She said gesturing to Kuroko sitting in the makeup chair with his normal clothes.

"That's fine." Natashou waved her hand dismissingly. "I want to take some pictures of the boys in pairs," she quickly looked over the five boys talking to each other in their seats before zeroing in on a set. "Oh, I'm loving that color scheme. Midorima-kun, Kise-kun!" They came over at their summons.

"Hi, Natashou-sensei," Kise greeted cheerily.

"Good afternoon," Midorima greeted.

"Hello, boys. We're going to take your photos now so come out to the veranda for a few shots will you?" They followed her out the large glass doors where she stood at an angle to the marble tiled terrace. Natashou opened her mouth to instruct them into position but stopped when she saw them posing on their own. Being the taller one, Midorima stood behind and leaned against the balustrade, looking away into the Dulcinea's garden area. Kise stood a bit forward, tucked his hands in his pockets, thumbs out, and tilted his chin down, keeping his gaze somewhere inside. The photographer smiled and began taking pictures. "Very nice, boys." Hearing this comment, Kise ran a hand to his hair and smirked at the camera. Taking the cue, Midorima lifted his head and gave the camera a patronizing glare. Click. Click. Click.

Kise changed his position to lean against the balustrade too and angled his face towards his fellow model. "Midorimacchi, I haven't seen your lucky item of the day."

Midorima cast his gaze to something above the camera. "I'm wearing it," he said simply.

"Which is…?"

Sighing, Midorima unbuttoned his jacket and swept it back to tuck his hands in the pockets. "My lucky item today is a satin shirt. The designer found out and brought me one to wear." True to his word, Midorima's dress shirt was a pearl color with the shiny effect of satin. Coupled with the matte coral tie and ash grey tuxedo, he gave a more mellow impression than his usual uptight character.

"Ehh… that's not fair. Yours looks better than mine," Kise pouted. His own tux was a darker, charcoal grey over a white shirt and orange-gold bowtie. Contrary to his belief, the splash of color brought out the gold of his eyes and hair. He was the sun in a well-tailored tux.

Midorima shrugged, moving to stand in front of Kise and angled his body profile to the camera. "Naturally. I only deserve the best."

Kise rolled his eyes. "So wait, how're you going wear the mask later with your glasses on?"

Natashou snapped a few more photos. "It was a trade…" he mumbled.

"What?"

"I could only wear the shirt if I agreed to put on contacts."

Kise tilted his head trying to understand. "Then," he said slowly, "why are you still wearing them?"

Midorima grimaced. "Like I would take off my glasses in front of you guys."

Amber eyes glittered with an idea. "That's silly, Midorimacchi," Kise said moving in front of him as if for another pose, "wearing both will ruin your eyes." Midorima barely had time to register Kise's sly grin before the glasses were swiped from his face.

"OI!" Midorima reached for them, but Kise kept his arm outstretched and far from the shooting guard's grasp. As Kise took another step back, he lost his footing and suddenly felt himself falling backwards.

"Are you and idiot?" Midorima growled after catching Kise's fall by keeping one hand on his back and swinging him up against the balustrade.

Kise blinked, suddenly aware of the close proximity between him and Midorima. He looked into the scowling face that hid the slightest touch of concern and then to Natashou's camera before grinning coyly. "Midorimacchi," he said, bringing his free hand up behind Midorima's head and pulling it closer, "you're so sweet," he hummed into his ear, which had turned a bright red, "thanks for catching me~" Click. Click. Click.

"…!" Midorima violently pulled away and was reduced to incoherent exclamations of disbelief and annoyance and other utterings that made the one hundred ninety-five centimeter tall shooting guard positively comedic.

"Wonderful! I'm so happy to see your improvement from our last photoshoot. Go ahead and take a break." Natashou watched the teenagers walk back inside, Midorima attempting to take back his glasses and Kise laughing in obvious glee at Midorima's embarrassment. Next up she asked Akashi and Murasakibara to pose by the staircase. This time, she didn't offer instructions and allowed the models to pose on their own. Akashi took three steps up and leaned elegantly against the railing. Murasakibara opted to stay on ground level and placed his elbow on the granite volute. Click. Click. Click.

"Ne, Aka-chin," Murasakibara drawled.

Akashi placed a hand on the banister and looked in his direction, "Yes, Atsushi."

"Muro-chin told me I like Kuro-chin. Is that true?"

"Hmm…?" His former captain tipped his head slightly, "What made him say that?"

Murasakibara fingered the obsidian cufflinks on his sleeves. "I just said that sometimes I feel like I want to eat him."

Akashi tucked a hand in his pocket and gazed down at the camera. Click. Click. Click. His ensemble consisted of black bowtie that matched the lapels of a midnight blue tuxedo. Very James Bond, the stylists had said. "That can't be right," Akashi said. "You were just hungry when you said that, weren't you? That doesn't mean you like Tetsuya."

"Is that right…" Murasakibara mumbled. He straightened up and lifted his head to look in a direction away from the camera. The stylists had tied his hair to the side and kept him in a classic black tuxedo with an ivory vest and bowtie. "If Aka-chin says so, then you must be right."

"Of course I am." Click. Click. Click.

"Then… do I look at him funny?"

This time, Akashi turned his head to look down directly at Murasakibara. The giant stood tall and graceful at the foot of the staircase, his face in an expression of aloofness. Murasakibara was such a kid. His face told everything. Of course Akashi would notice if he looked at Kuroko differently. Lately… there was a flash of possessiveness in his violet eyes, like a child unwilling to share his favorite toy. The corners of Akashi's lips turned up, amused, "Whenever you see him, you think of food don't you? That's all it is."

"I see…" Murasakibara cast his gaze up to Akashi and reached out a hand. "Aka-chin, how're you and your dad?"

Akashi raised an eyebrow as Murasakibara's fingers grazed his chin. His limbs were long enough to reach him even in his elevated position. "We're doing alright," he replied politely, distantly. Akashi took Murasakibara's hand and lowered it back down. "How kind of you to ask." Murasakibara frowned at Akashi's aloof answer, but he knew he wouldn't be able to get much else out of his former captain.

"Thanks, boys!" Natashou lowered her camera. "Aomine-kun," she called next, "and…" Ah, since they were an odd number she'd need another one to go again, "Kise-kun!"

"I get to go a second time?" Kise grinned.

"Tsk. Why do I have to be partnered with you?" Aomine complained.

The golden child smirked, "Eh, is Aominecchi intimidated by my modeling skills?" He took a seat on the couch against the wall as directed by Natashou. "I definitely beat Midorimacchi earlier." Said person muttered curses from his chair. Kise kept a cool smirk to something above Natashou's head and crossed his legs like some high-class host.

"Like hell I am." Aomine plopped right down next to Kise, laid his arm on the back of the couch, and splayed out his legs like a delinquent. If anything, he was determined to "beat" Kise at this silly thing he was so proud of. Aomine's outfit was the only one that was all black save for the white bowtie. He made sure to keep his chin up to give the camera a haughty expression.

Oh, those poses really capture their personalities, Natashou thought as she snapped some pictures. "Could you boys try doing something a little more dynamic?" It's a shame they don't smoke… There was something about the aesthetic of holding a cigarette she couldn't shake off, but Natashou wasn't brazen enough to make underage kids do it for the sake of a picture however tempting.

Aomine placed his hand on Kise's shoulder and leaned closer, keeping his eyes to something far away. Surprise flashed quickly in the gold eyes before Kise followed suit and shifted his gaze in the same direction as Aomine's. He saw Kuroko then. It was only a brief glance of a pink skirt and sky blue hair, but it was enough to make him want to call out the his name. Aomine had seen him too.

"Oi. Don't you think Tetsu's gotten pretty?" Aomine tried saying it casually.

Kise raised an eyebrow. How strange… "Yeah. I've told him that multiple times," he grinned, "He looks better than most of the models I've worked with too, and that's saying something."

"Ugh, show-off," Aomine scowled. He resisted the urge to punch the blonde since they were in the middle of a shoot. "Seriously though, this cross-dressing shit is ridiculous."

Lowering his eyes, Kise leaned forward to adjust Aomine's tie. The power forward flinched back, startled at the sudden contact. Click. Click. Click. "I don't know what you're talking about, Aominecchi. Kurokocchi is beautiful even when he isn't dressed as a girl." Kise patted the tie when he finished adjusting it and stared directly at midnight blue eyes. "Aren't you just confused because he looks like your gravure models all of a sudden?"

Something about Kise's face at that moment really pissed him off. "He's nothing like them," Aomine retorted, narrowing his eyes. "And I didn't know you swung that way, Kise."

The blonde shrugged and crossed his legs on the granite coffee table in front of them. "Unlike you, I can admire someone's looks without feeling my sexuality threatened." He shot Aomine another look with his gold eyes. "How about you though? I never thought you'd bat for the other team."

This time Aomine gripped Kise's chin and turned it towards him, "It's the same isn't it, 'admiring someone's looks'?"

What started as a careless comment turned into a tricky roundabout conversation. Aomine and Kise weren't certain of how serious the other's insinuations were, but neither was willing to back down.

"Not that I'm complaining," Natashou said slowly, "But let's keep it classy, alright?" The pose was suggestive and everything she always wanted between two handsome boys, but there was a tension that didn't feel quite right.

Kise's eyes weren't smiling anymore. It dawned on him that Aomine might feel the same way about Kuroko as he did. Kise jerked his chin away and fixed his shirt and bowtie. "Then you wouldn't mind if I made a move."

Cobalt eyes narrowed. "You're kidding."

"And if I'm not?"

"OKAY! THAT'S GREAT BOYS!" Natashou suddenly said. "You guys are getting so good at modeling. Your interactions have so much energy, ne?" So much energy indeed, she felt a definitive hostility emanating from the two teenagers. Aomine and Kise glanced at each other before getting up from the couch and strolling back to their makeup chairs.

"Everyone!" Momoi's voice cut through the room in delight. "Teru-chan's all ready!" Her eyes contained hearts. When she moved to the side to reveal Kuroko, everyone could see why. He was in a gown of pale coral that drifted airily as he walked. A sheer ivory layer draped his torso in a bodice, lending the boy an illusion of curves he didn't have, and cut to reveal half of his back thinly veiled by strings of crystals in a web-like pattern. The stylists swept his hair into a loose braided bun and let thin wisps of hair fall delicately on his face, and they painted it in a way that brought out the softness of his features.

"Breathtaking," Natashou sighed dreamily. "I love my job." She glanced quickly at her other models to see their reactions. Somehow, she thought, they'd gotten better at hiding their expressions. Thank goodness she knew better. Their eyes were wide, yes, and probably dilated. Kise had this small smile on his face. Aomine was scowling. Murasakibara had stopped chewing his candy bar. Midorima had clenched his jaw. Akashi only lowered his eyelids. "Ahh… if only we had more time to photograph all of you together," she said distractedly. "But since we don't, Kuroko-chan, Momoi-chan, the lounges please."

Momoi snapped out of her dream world. "Eh?"

"Come quickly, dear, you kids have to go soon."

"W-wait, me?" she asked in disbelief, though she followed Kuroko to the decorative lounge on one side of the room.

"Yes of course. You're all dolled up and you've not had your pictures taken. It'd be a terrible waste. Besides, this is an informal shoot so don't worry about it."

Momoi nodded dumbly and sat stiffly down on the chaise. Wait, this is too much, she thought. She didn't know she'd be taking pictures with such a talented photographer and in a really fancy getup. My heart's not ready!

"Momoi-san." The corners of Kuroko's lips were turned up. "Why don't you lean on my shoulder?" She flushed immediately.

"E-Eh?! No, I couldn't possibly-"

"It's alright," Kuroko said, raising a hand to her temple. "It's for the sake of the pictures, isn't it? I always thought that Momoi-san would make a great model." He spoke so sincerely that Momoi flushed again. But this comment gave her confidence. If Tetsu-kun said it was possible, then it must be true, right? With her newfound courage, she allowed herself to lean against the love of her life and looked at the camera with her best model face.

"They look like a yuri couple," Kise said while watching their photoshoot.

Aomine scoffed, "You're just jealous."

Kise eyed him. "Look who's talking." At his point, Momoi had rested her head on Kuroko's lap, glossy pink hair tumbling on the sheer fabric of his dress.

"Aomine-kun, come take a picture with Momoi-chan," Natashou called.

"What?" the power forward exclaimed. "Why do I have to take pictures with her?" Momoi also had an unenthusiastic expression.

"Please don't be difficult, Aomine-kun," Kuroko said as he got up from the chaise. "I know your mother will appreciate it."

Aomine frowned, partly because there was truth in the statement. Ever since he started the whole modeling thing, his mom had been pestering him for pictures and bothering him as to why Satsuki wasn't included as well. "Fine."

"I would rather take more pictures with Tetsu-kun," Momoi pouted.

Kuroko softly brushed a strand of hair out of her face, "Don't say that. I'm sure you'll do better than Aomine-kun anyway."

"Oi!" said Aomine as he came forward and sat beside his childhood friend. "I'm good at this now, remember?"

"Of course you are," Kuroko said airily.

After some squabbles and when Natashou finally deemed the shots decent, she promptly announced, "It's time!"

Her assistants went to work taking down the equipment while Natashou ushered the teenagers out of the gallery. "I'll join you in awhile after everything's cleaned up, but don't forget what Tasuku told you. This is a super high-class party with lots of famous and/or affluent people in attendance so please be on your best behavior…" she continued to speak as she took them through the employee corridors of the museum that connected all the different galleries together, "Also, try to be sociable and meet with people. Tasuku and I will introduce you to some once we arrive, but it doesn't hurt to leave some good impressions before we do. I say this because this is a wonderful opportunity for potential work offers and campaigns and even runway jobs!" She opened the door into a smaller room that displayed small sketches and studies on its walls, and handed out everyone's masks. "For shame, for shame we couldn't go all out in this masquerade party. Cerny provided everyone uniform masks, and I'm not complaining because they're gorgeous, but I would have so loved if they matched your outfits." The masks were velvet, with a malleable material underneath that formed to fit the face of the wearer so there was no discomfort in keeping them on, and covered only the eyes. Each mask was dotted by semi-precious gemstones, an obvious design of Cerny Jewelers, white with black stones for boys, black with white stones for girls.

"Woah… legit," Aomine said, fitting the mask over his face.

"Do we get to keep these?" Kise marveled at the detail of their design.

"No way. They wouldn't let us have something this expensive," Midorima dismissed, brushing his fingers over the onyx stones.

Murasakibara whined, "This isn't something I can eat…"

"Tetsu-kun! How do I look?" Momoi asked once she slipped the mask on. "Eh? Tetsu-kun?" She turned her head trying to find him.

"I'm here, Momoi-san," he replied beside her. "You look very nice." His mask must have rendered his presence weak again.

Natashou guided them out of the small gallery and into a hallway leading to an ornate door. "Yes, you do get to keep them. Rich bastards give awfully wonderful party favors, and Murasakibara-kun, there's going to be a lot of food so don't ruin your mask. Okay," Natashou paused to take a breath. "Remember to keep in mind everything I've just said, but more importantly, enjoy yourselves!"

The main gallery of the Dulcinea was by far the largest and most extravagant, designed as an elaborate indoor Spanish garden underneath an atrium and populated by neoclassical statues situated throughout. A little smaller than half an American football field, the gallery was quadrisected diagonally by four main paths and converged at the center by an ornate fountain. One of the quadrants contained a stone pavilion that had counters loaded with all sorts of hors d'oeuvres and confectioneries and surrounded by large tables for guests to order meals from waiters. In the quadrant beside it, was a long reflecting pool bordered by bronze statues and ending in an open bar. The next quadrant over had a trail of steps leading to the second floor and an elevated terrace that overlooked the entire gallery. The guests themselves seemed well at home in such an environment, donned in well-tailored suits and tuxedos and expensive gowns with even more expensive jewelry, all with an air of sophistication and the upper-class.

"Is this still Japan…" Aomine muttered to no one in particular. Needless to say, the high schoolers felt utterly out of place in this extravagant environment. But at least they had each other… right?

Murasakibara immediately gravitated towards the pavilion of food, piled high with sweets he'd never seen before. "Oi, Murasakibara! Where are you going?" Midorima called out, but the purple haired giant was already gone.

Before anyone could follow, someone spoke up from behind, "Akashi Seijuro-san?" Akashi turned and paused for a moment trying to discern the elegant woman. "Oh!" she realized. The woman slipped off her mask and smiled apologetically.

Akashi recognized her then. "Soga-san, it's been a while," he said with a gentleman's charm.

"I didn't know you would be here," she said, fitting back her mask. "You look quite handsome tonight. Is your father here too?"

The captain maintained his pleasant face. "My appearance is nothing compared to yours, Soga-san. Unfortunately, it's only me tonight. Why don't I get you drink, and we can converse by the terrace?" he suggested.

"You're too kind. No, that's fine," Soga said waving her gloved hand. "I don't want to take you away from your friends."

"It's completely alright," Akashi insisted, looking over with an expression that said, This is important business. Don't get into trouble. "Shall we?" he said, offering his arm.

Soga slipped her hand in the crook of his elbow and giggled, "Always the gentleman, aren't you?"

As he led her away, Kise whistled inwardly, "Akashicchi's really something isn't he? Did you see how smooth he took care of that?"

"It shouldn't be a surprise. I bet he's used to this kind of stuff," Midorima said.

"Mm," Momoi agreed, "He probably goes to parties like this all the time."

"I'll give her an eight and a half for the face, but three for the boobs. OW-!"

Momoi elbowed him in the gut. "Neanderthal," she mumbled under her breath. "But apart from that, Tets- Teru-chan, will you walk around with me? I want to see all the artwork." Momoi's eyes glittered. She was awestruck by the beauty and grandeur of everything she thought it might be a dream. Surely her Tetsu-kun would appreciate the fine arts as well?

Kuroko smiled, "That sounds great, Momoi-san. I want to see them too." Momoi's face could not be any happier.

"Where're you guys going?" Aomine asked as Momoi moved to take Kuroko's arm.

She stuck out her tongue. "You guys can't come," she said before dashing in the direction of the marble sculptures. A sweet melody drifted in from somewhere in the garden.

Midorima coughed into his hand. "I'm going," he said before setting off as well, leaving Aomine and Kise alone together.

Their conversation from earlier still lingered between them awkwardly. Aomine rubbed the back of his neck. "That thing you said earlier… Were you serious?" He looked away.

Kise regarded him carefully before saying, "Aominecchi, do you remember what I said before?" When Aomine didn't respond, he continued, "I told you I wasn't mature enough to suppress my instincts to play basketball. This is the same. I'm not mature enough to hand Kurokocchi over just because you like him too."

"I don't li-!" Aomine spun around to meet Kise's cold expression.

You do, he didn't say. I know you do. Their eyes were locked in a staring contest before Kise rolled his in the direction of where Kuroko and Momoi went.

"So… What now?"

Midorima headed towards the sound of a piano playing a familiar song. The last quadrant had flowering trees that obscured a large gazebo. When it came in view, Midorima saw thick vines climbing up and on top of the structure so that its original color was nearly indiscernible. The vined gazebo fit a grand piano, and playing the instrument was a handsome man moving with the music, engrossed in the song. His hair was startlingly white, so much so he could have been mistaken for an old man if not for his youthful complexion. Midorima walked into a crowd of other onlookers who had gathered to watch the beautiful man and his beautiful playing. But despite the number of people, the pianist opened his eyes to look directly at Midorima. It lasted only a second as his concentration returned to the piano. Still, Midorima saw under the mask that his eyes were red. Red in a different way from Akashi's, even that idiot Kagami's. They were red like... blood. Unsettling imagery, yet Midorima couldn't pull his gaze away, or move for that matter.

The pianist finished his concerto with a flourish and bowed to the applause of his audience. He walked out of the gazebo to a crowd but gently waved them off to approach the shooting guard. "Hello," he greeted simply.

"That was a medley of Claire de Lune and Moonlight Sonata, wasn't it?" Midorima asked when the pianist stood before him. He was a head shorter than the basketball ace, older and more refined. Midorima had no idea why the pianist chose him of all people as a conversation partner, but there was something familiar about him...

The pianist smiled, "Indeed. You seemed the type to recognize it. Join me for a drink?" he asked gesturing to the bar.

"No, I'm not old enough," Midorima refused politely.

"Ah," the man smiled pleasantly and plucked two glasses from a passing waiter's tray, "cider then." Midorima wanted know who he was, but somehow he felt like a child in this man's presence and unable to formulate coherent questions.

"I'm Midorima Shintarou," he introduced, accepting the offered drink.

The pianist raised his glass, "Nagisa Kaworu."

It clicked. "You were in the Evangelion movies," he said. The movies came out when they were still in grade school, a series of large-scale mecha films famed for their realistic portrayal of human emotions and performances by a young cast.

"So you do recognize me." Kaworu took a sip from his glass. "I've been following your group's work. Yuna-san did a photoshoot for us awhile back as well."

More connections clicked in Midorima's head. "She was in charge of your EVA campaign back when I was in middle school."

"That's the one. Tell me, is Yuna-san still as loud as I remember her to be?"

"Perhaps more so."

Kaworu chuckled, "She's certainly a character."

Midorima adjusted his glasses to hide his embarrassment. Nagisa Kaworu had been one of his childhood heroes. To have the man in front of him and conversing so casually was incredibly nerve-wracking. He should have been prepared for this actually. Oha-Asa warned he would have a star fated encounter today, though he didn't think it would be so literal. "Nagisa-san, may I ask why you're talking to me?"

Kaworu tilted his head, amusement in his red eyes. "Am I bothering you?"

"N-no!" Midorima faltered. "I'm just wondering because there were some people who looked like they wanted to talk to you."

"Oh them?" Kaworu glanced over. "They're not an stimulating lot to converse with, I promise you. It's far more interesting to meet a new face."

"I see…" the shooting guard took a sip from his drink.

"There is something I wanted to ask you, actually." The pianist swirled the glass in his hands.

"Sure," Midorima said a little too quickly.

Kaworu smiled pleasantly again, "About that girl you model with, Kuroko Terumi."

End of Chapter

I don't consider this a crossover because it's not a story centered around those characters. Rather I'm using them as plot devices because I don't wanna write OCs and they kinda fit perfectly in this au so yay! also the 'EVA campaign' was mentioned in chapter 3