Pairing: AkaKuro

A/N: Thanks to my reviewers: DarkWolf991, silver woman, yoshan-chan, Rinfantasy, ToiletBrushCat, Shiro-chan1827, New Procrastination, Angel3687, Jennosaur, r3crd282, BabyNightmareLady, 123ANIMEfun, zoedapoey, ShinseiShinwa, ghost reader, Kottori, Purified Sins, Kasu97, lulubeck, Guest, Shinju Hatsune, kyujoonis, sozoushiyouXD and akamekoi13. Thanks for the favorite and follow alerts, too.

「Second Descent: Arc II」

Twenty-First Night: Hear Me, Past

Kuroko blew out air to warm his freezing hands and the cold breeze carrying the saline scent of the sea weren't helping either. He glanced at Akashi beside him, who was unfazed at the chilling morning air Noticing his stare, Akashi gave him a smile as he took Kuroko's hands and rubbed them together; holding his right hand and motioned Kuroko to tucked his other hand in the pocket of his coat. Akashi's warmth from his hand seemed to seep through Kuroko's body.

They resumed walking along the shore, grains of sands sifting between the spaces of Kuroko's toes and sandals and getting washed away with the waves; the process continuously repeating. It was a bit uncomfortable but he relished the feeling of it. Kuroko was surprised when Akashi visited him at the break of dawn and invited him out for a breath of fresh air. He accepted easily since he was getting bored and antsy secluded in his room.

"What are we doing here Akashi-kun?" Kuroko broke the silence that already stretched too long.

Akashi looked at him before veering his eyes to the expansive blue sea. "I thought you would like to get out of your room. I know how on edge you are with nothing to do but stay on bed. Do you not like it? Or if you're tired we can go back."

"No, I like it. This feels nice."

The smile Akashi had given him made Kuroko's spine tingle. His mind recalling what happened yesterday and it took everything he had not to blush in front of Akashi. He wouldn't hear the end of it. He wasn't that bold normally but he was too frazzled when he heard Akashi letting him go that his feelings were out of control and just did what he felt right.

Still, remembering what he did was really embarrassing. Do no blush Tetsuya, he inwardly ordered.

"I'm ready now Tetsuya."

Akashi suddenly speaking snapped Kuroko out of his stupor and stared at him in confusion. "What are you talking about Akashi-kun?" He watched Akashi worriedly; there was something off about him that Kuroko couldn't pinpoint out. Akashi didn't answer and instead faced the sea as if he didn't have the courage to look at Kuroko.

And then, he remembered. "Ah yes, Akashi-kun's promise."

Akashi nodded and returned his gazed at him. "Yes, my promise. I will tell you anything you wished to know Tetsuya. If it's about your powers and ancestry—"

"You had a lover before me," Kuroko interrupted. He looked shocked at his own words but it didn't compare to Akashi's own incredulity. Kuroko quickly composed himself however before Akashi could. "Hanamiya said he and I were the same. Is that the reason why Akashi-kun kidnapped me before?"

That wasn't supposed to stumble out of his lips but as soon as Akashi said he was going to tell everything, Kuroko couldn't help himself. More than what he endured, his nightmares, his witch lineage and powers; that insignificant thing was the only matter that plagued his mind but shelved it to the deepest recesses of his brain as there were more important issues to handle first.

But he didn't forget. And this time, he was ready to find out. It was finally time to know more about Akashi.

Akashi continued to watch him in disbelief but there must be something in Kuroko's face that verified his seriousness. He sighed and answered. "You and he do have some similarities. But that was not what prompted me to take you away. I was captivated by you, Tetsuya. That is the only reason. And Hanamiya was right. He was my lover before you."

Kuroko instantly noticed the sadness belying Akashi's monotone voice that he couldn't seem to hide. "What happened to him?"

"He died," Akashi stated in a matter-of-fact tone. "And it was all because of me."

xXx

His name was Mayuzumi Chihiro.

Their first meeting wasn't entirely unpleasant but not conventional either.

Akashi was strolling in the night, having a pleasant walk under the blossoming cherry trees until his keen hearing detected a small skirmish a few ways off. He paid no attention to it whatsoever as it was a common occurrence and didn't want to trouble himself. Why should he? It was no one important. But his feet stopped when he heard an indifferent voice spoke.

"I didn't tell her the truth because I wanted to help her or slander you. I did it because it was truly pathetic. And frankly, I was only mumbling it to myself. It's not my fault that she overheard."

"Why you, bastard—"

"If you're going to beat me up, could you hurry it up? I have novels to finish reading and I'm already at the climax."

"You! Take this!"

With his curiosity peeked a little, Akashi walked over there to see what happened. What he didn't expect was a grey haired man with an average build, evading his attacker's punch and sidestepped, tripping the other man to topple over the other attacker. The grey haired man ducked to avoid the blow from the third man and with his forefinger hit the assailant's pressure points. That didn't even last a minute.

The grey haired man straightened up and dusted off the dusts on his hakama. "I guess I need to find another teahouse to frequent from," he muttered to himself.

Akashi leaned against the wall as he watched the man leave the scene without as much as a backward glance to his attackers. The grey haired man froze on his tracks when he saw him and narrowed his eyes at him suspiciously. Deeming him unimportant, the man turned away from him.

Against his better judgment, Seijuurou followed the grey haired man and wasn't even a little discreet with it as the man looked back at him a couple of times. And as if annoyed at him, the man halted and turned around to face him. "What do you want?"

Seijuurou walked closer so he could see his face better and almost raised an eyebrow when he saw the empty and blank gaze in those gray eyes; it was quite eerie being in the receiving end of that stare. "I'm merely satisfying an idle curiosity."

The grey haired didn't seem impressed at his answer and walked away. "Then, don't follow me. I'm not a damn curiosity."

Not even a bit discouraged, Seijuurou continued to trail after the man and taking inward amusement when he sensed the rising annoyance coming from the man. He kept his poker face when the man faced him again and the irritation on his face was pretty obvious. The man crossed his arms. "Fine, who the hell are you?"

"And I here I thought that you'll prohibit me to follow you again," he remarked, nonetheless he decided to humor him. He bowed as he introduced himself. "My name is Akashi Seijuurou. And may I know your name, young man?"

The grey haired man rolled his eyes at his mocking bow but answered him all the same. "Mayuzumi Chihiro. And don't call me young, baby face, you look younger than me."

His lips quirking in an unexpected amused smirk surprised him a little. "Well then, Mayuzumi-san, could I borrow a bit of your time? I know a good teahouse that would definitely suit your tastes. We will talk about my intentions there."

Complaining you don't even know my tastes, damn brat under his breath, Chihiro eyed him for a moment probably weighing how truthful he was or if this was just a hoax. Chihiro sighed and waved a hand. "Lead the way."

(He would later regret this decision for the rest of his life.)

This time, Seijuurou went in front not minding the intense dubious stare on his back. Once there, he asked the waitress to a more private seat which she gladly obliged. As soon as they sat, Chihiro immediately interrogated him. Seijuurou only gave him vague answers like his age, family or the reason why he was in that town before laying out his purpose and shocking Chihiro to stupefaction.

Chihiro stared at him like he was crazy which, last time Seijuurou checked, wasn't the case although he did have another personality residing inside him but that was a story for another time. "Do you like me to repeat it again?" he offered considering the look of utter confusion on Chihiro's face.

"Hell no," Chihiro quickly replied. "I already heard you the first—"

"Third."

"—third time. What I can't figure out is why you're asking me this."

Reaching for his tea, Seijuurou peered at Chihiro from the rim of the cup. "And as I have said before, you are interesting Chihiro," he yet again explained, ignoring Chihiro's stop calling me by my first name.

"You do know we're both guys, right? Unless you're telling me you're a girl which is highly unlikely. And brat, for the last time, I'm not interested in men. I am not going to be your lover. If you're bored just crawl back to daddy dearest and ask for another toy or something. You're too young to play this game." And with that declaration, Chihiro crossed his arms over his chest appearing like he won.

Seijuurou placed down his cup. "Despite my appearance, I'm actually older than you—"

"That's what you're commenting on?"

"—and I think you're mistaken about some things, Chihiro. I'm not asking for your permission. I am telling you what I'm about to do."

Chihiro's eyes widened and those gray eyes finally showed fear and panic. "What are you—" he didn't get to finish his sentence when he looked at him straight in the eye and promptly passed out after Seijuurou whispered sleep.

Carrying an unconscious Chihiro in his arms, Seijuurou left the teahouse with a generous amount of tip to silence their questions and headed to a nearby inn. A hard look from him instantly made the proprietor to lead him to their most private room with orders not to be disturbed. Seijuurou put Chihiro down on the futon and pleased that he had the foresight to notify his coven that he wanted to be alone. Finding Chihiro was a stroke of luck that he would like to exploit.

Running a finger down Chihiro's cheek, he waited until he woke up and to his utter delight he did. But before Chihiro could move, he captured his gaze to his and used his persuasion. "You'll do as I say Chihiro," he ordered.

A glare full of wrath was the only thing he received but it was enough for him.

That night, Seijuurou made Chihiro his in every possible way.

xXx

A careful choice of words, threats and promises was Seijuurou's only weapons in conquering Chihiro. He didn't have to do anything physical except for that one time where Chihiro tried to escape. He had to reveal he was a vampire because of that and that was when Chihiro realized that he had nowhere to run off to.

He wasn't that unfair all the time and rewarded Chihiro like showering him with gifts and whatnot (preferably novels as he liked to read) when he was in a pleasant mood just as long he followed his every command. In time, Chihiro became agreeable apart from those bouts of defiance which Seijuurou quickly rectified. After that, Chihiro turned quiet more so than usual. But he didn't have to be a mind reader to know how Chihiro frequently cursed him to the depths of hell in his mind. He was actually enjoying that.

As much as he want Chihiro to stay cuffed to his side (maybe he should do that literally; one day perhaps), Seijuurou let him have his own degree of freedom especially when he met with his coven and none of them knew about Chihiro's existence yet. Chihiro wasn't stupid to try and flee again anyway and seemed to look forward to those days.

Seijuurou knew he couldn't hide it from his coven for long so he brought Chihiro to meet them. That meeting wasn't congenial to say the least. Shintarou was the only civil one while Daiki kept glaring at Chihiro and kept asking rude questions and Atsushi only ate the food after introducing himself. And of course, Chihiro wasn't making it easier as he unleashed all his pent up brazenness to them. Seijuurou didn't have the heart to punish Chihiro for that fiasco as he liked watching him smart-mouthed someone that was not him (much to Daiki's displeasure).

Both Seijuurou and Chihiro stayed at the inn instead of the house Shintarou rented for the coven per Chihiro's wishes. He only agreed since he didn't want to share his time beside from Chihiro. But due to his responsibilities, he sometimes took Chihiro to the house as he didn't like leaving him for a long period of time.

He wasn't oblivious to his coven's feelings and unspoken negative sentiments whenever he brought Chihiro to their home and neither was Chihiro. But he didn't mind them and did what he wanted; no one could stop him anyway. And Chihiro didn't seem to care how the others ignored or tolerated his presence nor did he try to socialize with them. Not surprising considering Chihiro wasn't sociable to begin with.

And as Seijuurou predicted, Shintarou was the only brave one to confront him about this subject. "Are you certain of what you're doing Akashi?" Shintarou asked after handing him a stack of paper works. It was a rare day where Chihiro was out for an errand and was adamant in his decision not to miss it even after a whole night of persuasion from Seijuurou.

He smirked as he recalled last night. Playing with Chihiro was always fun.

"As certain as I will ever be," he answered and the nonchalance in his tone seemed to bother Shintarou, not that he was showing it outwardly. "I want Chihiro, Shintarou. Your opinion or those of Daiki and Atsushi's are of no consequence to me."

Shintarou looked like he had more to say but wisely refrained from doing so. And here Seijuurou thought he had someone to punish. He gave the paper works back to Shintarou after signing them. "And what of Hanamiya? That snake still slithering on the ground or did he grow legs to try and defeat me?"

"There are sightings of him in a couple of towns over. I believe he is planning to overthrow you," Shintarou explained. "It seemed he gathered forces to conspire against you. They are mostly newborn and some who foolishly wanted to kill you and gain influence. Aside from Hanamiya, there is no one noteworthy among them."

Humming under his breath, Seijuurou leaned back in his chair as he quietly regarded Shintarou. "I believe Imayoshi and his coven are still staying in this town so send Daiki to destroy Hanamiya."

"You're not going there yourself?"

Seijuurou only cocked an eyebrow at his second in command. "I have more important matters to attend to. Hanamiya is of no significance to me unless, of course, you're hiding something from me regarding him. By the way, are there any news concerning the Iron Heart?"

"Nothing as of yet," Shintarou answered hesitantly. "Akashi, you can't possibly think that they're working together, do you? It's a well-known fact that Kiyoshi Teppei and Hanamiya don't see eye to eye. And I have not yet met the Iron Heart personally but it is said that he is known for his kindness, a polar opposite to Hanamiya. Kiyoshi Teppei wouldn't dare go against you."

He already knew all that. He was just testing Shintarou. "Is he still missing?"

"Kagetora-san contacted me and said that the Iron Heart is under his care. He insisted that this information should be kept in utmost secrecy even to the Council it seems."

As expected, Kagetora could be conniving at times. Using Seijuurou's coven to hide as he knew the Council would be reluctant in facing his coven due to their rising power and influence. Be as it may, he would treat this as a favor to Kagetora. Now, he owed him. "Does anyone else know about this?"

"Just you and me," said Shintarou. And after a few seconds of hesitation, asked. "Do you know if Kagetora-san has plans in rebelling against the Council?"

Waving a hand in the air, Seijuurou dismissed the topic. "Kagetora has more sense than that. No matter his past, he knows the importance of the Council. In fact, it is because of his past that he precisely knows how vital the Council is to our world."

Before Shintarou could respond, the door abruptly opened revealing a panicked Daiki. "Akashi, this is bad! They got him!"

Standing up, Seijuurou narrowed his eyes at Daiki. "Speak up Daiki," he ordered, paying no heed to that foreboding emotion clutching his heart.

"Hanamiya got Mayuzumi Chihiro."

xXx

A week.

Seven days and seven nights.

Those were torturous days for Seijuurou. Of knowing nothing. Of only waiting for news. Of searching for no avail. Until fate finally decided to give him a break and gave him the answers he was looking for.

He speeded up, with his coven behind him, as they made their way to Hanamiya's hiding place. He would sure to destroy that snake once he got his hands on him. No one touches what was his without his permission. And Chihiro was his property.

Daiki went on ahead for the initial attack with Shintarou backing him up and Atsushi for reinforcement while he searched for Chihiro. Seijuurou didn't care of the other vampires blocking his way as he cut, slashed and killed mechanically. His only thoughts were of Chihiro. He needed to get to him fast.

Only when he sensed Hanamiya's presence nearby did Seijuurou hurried up and past the vampires thwarting him. He skidded to a stop and froze on his spot when he saw Hanamiya holding Chihiro by the neck. Chihiro wasn't moving. He couldn't even distinguish if he was still alive or not. No, he had to be alive. He couldn't—

"Hey now, Akashi, are you going to just stand there?" Hanamiya taunted, shaking Chihiro's limp body like a doll. "Aren't you going to save your precious lover? Well, not like he could hold out long though. He got me mad, you see. I actually don't know what you see in this infuriating human. He's annoying. Well, come on, dear Emperor, time's a wasting. Your lover here is close to dyi—"

Seijuurou clenched his fists tight and yelled out loud, fires and flames sprouting all over the place as it incinerated everything. He charged at Hanamiya but he quickly noticed it and threw Chihiro's body at him. Seijuurou paused and hurriedly caught Chihiro's unconscious body. He looked up to find Hanamiya gone but he sensed that snake was still in the vicinity.

Gritting his teeth in anger, Seijuurou summoned his fire dragon and ordered it to find Hanamiya. The flame dragon flew overhead in a specific direction, blowing out a breath of fire. A pained howl alerted him that Hanamiya was found and with Chihiro in his arms, Seijuurou trod over there. He coldly watched as his fire dragon painfully coiled its body around Hanamiya singeing his body.

Seeing him, Hanamiya spat blood on the ground as his blood horridly spilled out his eyes, nose, ears and mouth. "You're…too late…" he muttered between coughs. "…the human's…gone…dead! I won Akashi!"

Not giving anything away, Seijuurou mentally directed his flame dragon to tighten its grip quite pleased at the screams and curses coming from Hanamiya. But it appeared that Hanamiya had a last ace on his sleeve as parts of the fire dragon's body froze over. He didn't even bat an eyelash as the ice quickly melted, no magical item could match his flames after all. But Hanamiya was waiting for it and used the melted water to slip out of the dragon's clutch.

The dragon quickly followed Hanamiya but Hanamiya threw something at the dragon and Seijuurou didn't have the time to evade as he curled his body over Chihiro protectively. The magical bomb detonated at once and his back received the full force of the impact, his body flying but he didn't let go of Chihiro. He couldn't. Never again. He turned them sideways as his back crashed painfully on the ground and yelled out in agony.

He opened his eyes and when he saw Chihiro bruised a little but still intact, he let out a sigh of relief. He tried to push away the darkness clawing in the edges of his vision but he knew he was close to passing out. No, he had to get Chihiro away from here first. He needed to bring Chihiro to safety. He needed Shintarou to check on him and heal him. Chihiro was alive. He's alive.

His body is cold for a while now, a voice in his mind said.

'No. No! Shut up! Chihiro is still alive. He's not dead. He's not dead.'

Hanamiya was telling the truth.

'…Then, I'll turn him. I'll turn Chihiro into a vampire.'

As it is, he wouldn't survive the transformation. You'll only give him a horrendous and excruciating death.

'Shut up! Chihiro isn't dead! He can't die yet.'

Face the truth.

'No. No…If Chihiro isn't here with me. Then I'll—'

I can't let you do that. Our coven needs us. So sleep.

…

…

When Seijuurou woke up next, he felt nothing. Shintarou, Daiki and Atsushi fretted around him, asked him questions but he didn't respond. He only knew of one thing without them telling him, afraid of saying it. Chihiro was gone. It was like there were thousands of needles pricking his heart whenever he thought of him. It was only through that stinging pain that made him realize that he was alive and Chihiro was not.

Except for that pain, Seijuurou couldn't feel anything. He didn't even care of the worried glances from his coven or their concerned hushed whispers. He ignored everything. He just continued to sleep dreaming of only void and darkness. Sometimes he dreamt of Chihiro—their memories and that only hurt him more when he woke up back to reality. The knowledge of Chihiro gone and the devastating ache and grief accompanying it was once again fresh. Repeat and rinse again. It was an endless cycle of torture.

The first time he spoke again—to his coven's shock and relief—he asked where Chihiro's body was. Shintarou said they preserved his body until Seijuurou woke up to say goodbye before burying Chihiro. He didn't want to say goodbye. He wanted Chihiro by his side even if he knew it was possible. He didn't want to see Chihiro's cold and lifeless body. He didn't want that to be his last memory of him. He was grateful when Atsushi volunteered to take care of Chihiro.

Chihiro. Chihiro. Chihiro was dead. He was dead. Dead. Dead. Not alive. Chihiro is gone. He would never see him again. He died because of him. It was his entire fault. He felt…defeated.

With that silent confession, Seijuurou completely shut down.

After that, he didn't know anything anymore. He refused to move or eat, uncaring how he was troubling his coven. They tried to make him feel better and offered anything that could make him go back to normal. But their efforts were futile. All he wanted was Chihiro and no matter how strong they were, they didn't have the power to bring Chihiro back to life.

They tried to distract him instead. Daiki said Hanamiya escaped and offered to track him but he refused. He didn't have time for that snake. Chihiro was important. Shintarou said the Council was asking for him but he ordered not to be disturbed. He didn't care what the Council thinks. Chihiro needed him. Atsushi said the preparations were done so Seijuurou went there. He stayed beside Chihiro's grave for days.

Chihiro was dead.

He didn't know what this stabbing pain in his chest was but he hated it because it hurt. It was so painful, more agonizing than when he lost his mother or when his humanity was taken away from him. He wondered what this feeling was.

Shintarou said he was mourning.

Daiki said he was in a state of shock.

Atsushi said he was heartbroken.

Maybe all three of them were right.

But despite what they all said Seijuurou couldn't bring himself to cry. He didn't cry as if his eyes were devoid of tears. He didn't care anymore. He was tired. But most of all, he was angry and fuming with rage. He wanted to destroy everything. He really wanted to but he was exhausted to do anything. Even to live.

In the void of his mind, he could feel him stirring awake. Seijuurou remembered the times when he said that he was weak and a coward but it turned out that both of them were.

It's because no matter our personalities, we still are the same person. It's alright to feel weak but what we need to do is to overcome our weakness. But loving someone isn't a weakness. It's a great source of strength.

Seijuurou mirthlessly laughed in his mind. 'I don't feel strong at all. I feel like a failure. I failed Chihiro.'

You didn't fail him. You did everything you could.

'You're only saying that because you don't love him as much as I do. Just as you said, we're the person. I know how unsure you were of your feelings for Chihiro. You were holding back.'

You're right. I have uncertainties when it comes to Mayuzumi but I love him just as you. And it's also hurting me that he's gone. But you—we can't continue like this. We can't just let ourselves washed away in time, grieving all the while. There are people who need us. We can't just abandon them. We need to live.

'But I can't. I'm tired. So, so tired.'

A hand patted his back and Seijuurou didn't even argue back as he let go of the reins and allowed his other self to continue living for them. He fell back to that dark abyss of nothingness where nothing could disturb him. Was it a cowardly move? Maybe; he was running away after all. But he was numbed to feel anything. He would rather sleep. Perhaps for a long, long while.

Akashi opened his eyes, knowing both of them are red. He also knew it would be a long time before he would wake up again. He somberly gazed at the grave, the tombstone bare saved for the name etched on it. Reaching out a hand, the coldness of the stone seeped through his fingers but it was nothing compared to his hollowed heart.

He knew he, and his other self, wasn't a good or perfect lover to Mayuzumi but in his own way he did loved him. Still, do in fact. Maybe it was different kind compared to his other self's but still love nonetheless. And he would continue to love him until the pain ebbed away or possibly if he found someone again. And that was a really big what-if. In the end, he never wanted to feel this excruciating pain again.

(Even so, he still hoped that he would fall in love someday and this time he would everything he could to never let history repeat itself.)

A bitter and melancholic smile appeared on Akashi's face. He gave the grave one last look before standing up. "Goodbye Mayuzumi Chihiro," he whispered to the grave and to the wind. He stood there for a moment as if his feet didn't want to move yet.

But he did.

Akashi turned around and walked away, taking step after another step, leaving the grave, memories and that love behind.

He never looked back since.

xXx

"It was one of the things I regretted. I mourned from him for a long while and my coven helped me coped up even if they can't understand what I was feeling. They weren't close to him as I am because I was selfish and wanted him all to myself."

Kuroko's heart ache for Akashi but at the same time he felt a twinge of pain in his chest that he couldn't describe.

"To be more precise, they didn't get along with him," Akashi continued, looking solemn. "Ryouta haven't joined us yet at that time so he doesn't know him. Daiki disliked him and it must be because their personalities clash. Atsushi doesn't interact with him much. And though Shintarou got to see him often because he was always with me, he was apathetic and indifferent to him."

There was a somber air surrounding Akashi as he bent down to picked up a seashell and distractedly inspected it before placing it down. "My coven didn't approve of him but I disregarded their opinions as I was consumed by my desire to possess him."

Kuroko clutched his chest tightly when he felt a sharp pain in his heart. Was he feeling…jealous?

"You don't have to be jealous."

He looked up at Akashi. Did he just read his mind?

A sad smile crossed Akashi's lips. "What I feel for you now and what I felt for him before are vastly different. You are more important to me than he is."

"But I'm close to your coven unlike him."

Akashi moved closer to Kuroko and gently took his hands, looking deep into his eyes. "Don't you see? That just proves you are more significant to me than anyone else. When I brought you to the mansion, I knew Shintarou and Daiki will be displeased while Atsushi will take it in a stride as always. They thought I was doing the same thing as I did before. But I knew this time was different. That you were different."

The hold on Kuroki's hand tightened, squeezing them in an almost desperate grip as if wanting for Kuroko to believe him. "But I didn't count on them easily accepting you. I thought it would take time for them to warm up to you. That is also the reason why I assigned Ryouta to take care of you since he doesn't know anything and won't make biased decisions. Imagine my surprise when I came home that day and found you getting along with everyone. Seeing you with my coven, I knew I made the right decision when I took you with me even if it was against your will."

"But I'm right here now because I chose to, because I wanted to be with you, Akashi-kun," Kuroko said as he intertwined their fingers together.

Akashi leaned closer, pressing their foreheads together and Kuroko closed his eyes, relishing his warmth and nearness. "I know. And I'm very grateful you're here with me, at my side. I can't change what happened before but the past is in the past and what I have now is you, Tetsuya. You are both my present and my future."

"Akashi-kun…"

"…I love you, Tetsuya," Akashi confessed, his voice so soft that Kuroko almost didn't catch it when a gentle breeze brushed past them, carrying the salty fragrance of the sea.

Kuroko opened his eyes in surprise and stared deeply at those crimson irises clearly reflecting what Akashi felt. There was so much love, desire, affection, protectiveness and so many emotions he couldn't quite decipher and grasp. Kuroko opened his mouth to say something, anything, but he didn't know what to say as so many emotions swelled through him. He couldn't even form any coherent thought or sentence.

Akashi took advantage of Kuroko being caught off-guard and kissed him. A soft and light kiss but the intensity of it was still overpowering. He moaned and Akashi took the chance to deepen the kiss. Akashi kissed him harder, deeper and Kuroko kissed him back just as passionate. He felt so many things in their kiss, so many powerful emotions that he felt like he was going to burst.

Akashi broke their kiss, both of them catching their breath, Kuroko more so.

He was thankful that Akashi trusted him to tell his story. It was only a part of his long history and past but it was a start. Kuroko took the initiative and hugged Akashi, his arms wrapping around him and buried his face on his shoulder. He felt Akashi sneaking an arm around his waist, the other on the back of his head, gently running a hand through his hair.

They stayed like that for a while as the sun started to rise on the horizon, signaling a new day and a new beginning for them.

Q&A CORNER!

Q1: When will akashi and kuroko have a date? (silver woman)
A: They will soon but it's not shown (like off-cam? in chapter breaks? forgot what it's called). But I might include it in WH.

Q2: Will haizaki be here in the distant future? (silver woman)
A: Very, very soon. And his role is not probably what you expect.

Q3: What about ogiwara? (silver woman)
A: I don't know if Ogiwara will be in DD. I can't really write him. And if he did show up in DD, it would only be in a minor role. Though there is a higher chance that he really won't be here.

Q4: Will there be a scene somewhere what will show a jealous, sulking and pouting akashi? i know its very not akashi like but i think he's cute when he's like that. (silver woman)
A: Heck, yes! A jealous Akashi coming right up in Arc III.

Q5: I once read a story of nigou having a super power, whether he can know if kuroko will be hurt or something, but in here... is he a normal dog? (silver woman)
A: I'm still unsure on how to introduce Nigou since I have plans for him. But Nigou won't be normal, that I'm sure.
Kuroko: Thank you, silver woman-san. And everyone send their greetings back.

Q6: So Akashi's blood is special than others. Is it the same like pureblood's blood can affect human in VK or because he's...well, Akashi? (Shiro-chan1827)
A: I'm not that familiar with VK so I can't make comparisons. But Akashi's blood is special because of a very different reason.

Q7: And what's wrong with Kuroko? He can't say "I love you" to Akashi but didn't want Akashi to stop his affection. Is he have any trauma or something that makes him can't say it? Or is it because of Hanamiya's mindfuck then? (Shiro-chan1827)
A: Yeah, I wonder about that, too. Kuroko isn't shy with physical affections (in private anyway) but he's a bit indecisive when it comes to his feelings. This will clear up in a few chapters. I hope.

Q8: Btw... since Kuroko is now a witch, what will happen to his powers when he gets turned into a vampire? Are they gonna get amplified or something like that? That would be really cool! (Angel3687)
A: Answered in Chapter 19's Q&A: Q6.

Q9: Kuroko is the only wizard family man? Because? (r3crd282)
A: I'm sorry I don't know Spanish so this might not be the answer you're looking for. Um, if you mean, Kuroko is the only witch in his family then it's because males are rare in their family and it's only a miracle that he was born as a guy in his lineage.

Q10: ...Can kuroko have babies? (BabyNightmareLady)
A: Unfortunately, no (though Akashi wished Kuroko could). (And no, don't worry it's not weird. I don't mind.)

Q11: Did this event take place before or after Kuroko's birthday? I remember that Akashi was going to bring Kuroko to see his parents on his birthday. Will we be approaching that event soon? (123ANIMEfun)
A: Before his birthday. And that's on Chapter 23.

Q12: And why was Kuroko laughing when Midorima told him that he may leave them? (ghost reader)
A: Because he couldn't believe what he was hearing. It was more of a deranged laughter really.

Q13: Will Kuroko have more of this nightmare like in this chapter and will Akashi and Kuroko be together officially after this? (ghost reader)
A: Yes, he will. And they will get together in a few chapters.

Q14: Can we expect the next chapter on Kuroko's birthday? (ghost reader)
A: That's Chapter 23.

Q15: When Kuroko-sama becomes a vampire, will Akashi-sama still drink his blood? (Guest)
A: Yes, of course.

Q16: Will Kuroko-sama's blood still taste the same despite the transformation? (Guest)
A: Yes, and like it's more delicious now to Akashi.

Q17: Will Kuroko-sama drink Akashi-sama's blood when he becomes a vampire? (Guest)
A: Yup.

Q18: so, how about akashi's blood? i remember you mention it when he gave kuroko the bracelet, and now kuroko was drank akash's blood. it is really exceptional? (kyujoonis)
A: Rather than his blood, there is something exceptional in Akashi.

Q19: and when will you publish witching hour? (kyujoonis)
A: Feb (this is just a tentative date though). If not, then March.

Q20: Will Kagami have crush on Kuroko? I love Akakuro and Kagakuro! (ghost reader)
A: Yes, he will.

A/N: A bit shorter than I would've liked but it was either this or a 10k+ chapter and I don't have time. Too bad, I really wanna write Mayuyu (&AkaMayu) more.