Breed

Chapter 21: Family

"Hey, I never said I was an angel. No, I never said I wouldn't break down. Yeah, beside myself, living in a cold cell. Don't shut me out. Yeah, you look at me like I'm a stranger. Yeah, you make me feel like I betrayed you. Don't leave me stranded as I reach out my hand.

"'Cause I wear my heart on my sleeve. If you cut me, I'll bleed. I know I cannot erase every mistake that I've made. Yeah, I never said I was an angel. No, I never said I wouldn't break down. But life keeps on moving. By now you should know I'm only human.

―"Human" by Manafest

Oo_oO_Oo_oO

While Himuro redresses, Murasakibara hides under the blankets. How to explain…everything. There's no simple way to do that. He's sat in on two of those―sort of―already, and he's not looking forward to this one. But he also remembers Akashi and Kise going over some extra things about the Bond that night. How the human-turned-elementals always accept their mate; it's just part of it.

It's different though now, Murasakibara thinks. This is his partner. That makes it a million times more difficult.

"Atsushi, I know you're probably not a morning person, but you plan to get up at some point, right?" Himuro asks.

The bed-lump doesn't move, but it replies, "Muro-chin is leaving?"

"No, I'm not leaving. Besides, we came here in your car."

After a moment, Murasakibara says, "Can…can I tell…?" He rethinks his words. "I need to…tell you…something really important."

He feels the bed dip next to him. "What is it?"

"I…I…" Still struggling with his words, the giant sits up and wraps his arms around Himuro. The dark-haired male doesn't seem surprised or bothered by this and simply returns the embrace, his hands rubbing Murasakibara's spine. It takes another minute for Murasakibara to say, "My family isn't…we aren't human."

Himuro doesn't say anything. Actually, he doesn't react at all.

"Did…did you hear me?" Murasakibara asks.

"I did," Himuro replies. "I'm waiting on an explanation."

Murasakibara speaks more in the next twenty minutes than he has in the past year. It's a record for him.

Through the lengthy explanation, Himuro listens wordlessly. Eventually, the position they're in becomes very uncomfortable, so Murasakibara settles with using Himuro as his teddy bear once again.

When Murasakibara finishes, they fall into silence.

It seems like hours before Himuro finally says, "Okay."

"O…okay…?"

Himuro combs his fingers through his mate's hair. "I've felt…off since last night. Not majorly so, but enough that it left an imprint on me. I don't mind that you're different, and it doesn't really bother me if I'm like this now, except for my family."

Murasakibara nods. "We need to talk to my brothers about it, but Takao had a younger sister that moved in with us, and we have plenty of space at the house. I mean, they don't have to, but I know they're really important, and if there was some way around it, I would be fine with you staying with them, but―"

"Atsushi," Himuro interrupts with a small smile. "I've never seen you upset like this before."

Murasakibara huffs. He's happy his face is hidden in Himuro's chest.

"From what you've told me, I'm assuming that you and I can't be apart for long periods of time?"

Murasakibara nods.

"I don't mind living with you. It'll take some adjusting, but I like your brothers, at least the ones I've met, and as far as family goes…I don't know." Himuro pauses. "Kira is my biggest concern, but I certainly trust Kuroko with her, and…I just don't know yet. It's a lot to process."

oO_Oo_oO_Oo

When a car pulls into the driveway, no one thinks anything of it. After all, it's just Murasakibara coming home.

Momoi politely asked if she could touch Kise's tail again, something that's relatively common, so he's on the dock while she pokes and prods his tail. Aomine, Kuroko, and Shikari are watching from the bank. Midorima is also lying on the dock, his hand trying to reorder Takao's wet hair with little success. On the balcony, Furihata and Akashi have finally gotten out of bed to sit in the rocking chairs.

However, when the passenger door opens, Aomine turns to see an unfamiliar black head of hair and immediately snaps, "Kise!"

The blonde glances up at his mate's voice, but when he sees the "threat", he simply shakes his head. "Aominecchi, that's Himuro."

"Himuro?"

"Muro-chin," Kuroko supplies.

Aomine looks back over his shoulder for a moment. "That's him?"

"Yep," Kise says. "Even I can smell it, so you should be able to, too. They're Bonded."

"You can smell that?" Takao asks.

Having given up on arranging the ravenette's hair, Midorima is simply playing with it now. "Yes. Your nose isn't keen enough yet, but you'll pick up on it soon, though if it has to do with element, Waters' have a horrible sense of smell."

After a moment of thought, Kise explains, "It's kind of like a hickey. When you smell that scent, it's like a sign of 'he's mine'."

"Ki-chan leaves on Dai-chan," Momoi says in confusion. "Why if no need?"

There are a few raised eyebrows.

"What are you talking about, Momocchi?" Kise laughs awkwardly.

"Hickey Dai-chan chest―"

"Don't want to know," Midorima interrupts.

At this point, Murasakibara has led Himuro to the dock.

Kuroko stands and bows in greeting. "Hello, Himuro-san."

Shikari hops up next. "So you're the Muro-chin Murasakibara-kun is talking about all the time? It's nice to meet you!"

Aomine stands and bows as well. "Aomine Daiki."

After the introductions and Furihata and Akashi join the group, there's one person left. Said person has lain down and wedged herself halfway under Kise.

"I'm sorry. I must have frightened her," Himuro says, taking a step back, though he just bumps into Murasakibara.

Momoi is watching him like a hawk. Every move he makes, everything he says, and every expression. Glancing down, Kise murmurs, "Momocchi, that's Himuro Tatsuya. He's going to be part of our family, too, because Murasakibaracchi really likes him the way Aominecchi likes me. He's an animal superhero."

"Animal superhero," Momoi repeats. "Fox Muro-kun."

"That's right. So do you really need to hide? He's not so scary, is he?"

After a moment, Momoi crawls out from under Kise, who is somewhat beached at the moment unless he wants to flash Himuro. The pink-haired girl goes up to the newcomer, looking him over.

Carefully, Himuro bows. "My name is Himuro Tatsuya. It's nice to meet you."

Momoi doesn't return the gesture, but she says, "Momoi Satsuki."

He smiles. "That's a beautiful name."

Aomine keeps a careful eye on Momoi. That is, until she grins and announces, "Fox Muro-kun! Fox and Bunny!"

"May I ask who this 'Bunny' is?" Himuro asks.

"Mukkun! Bunny Mukkun!" Momoi points to the giant behind Himuro.

Himuro nods. "Ah, of course. He is quite cute, even for a bunny, isn't he?"

Momoi beams. "Yeah!"

With that, it seems Himuro passed the test with flying colors. Kuroko isn't surprised, as he's seen Himuro interact with Kira before. The man works well with children the same way Kuroko does, with a calm and understanding demeanor, while Kise and Takao are good with playfulness.

After Aomine helps Kise flop back into the water, the blonde resurfaces and says, "Our little girl's growing up so fast."

"Seriously? Are you in on that now, too?" Aomine mutters.

Kise leans back and floats. "Hey, I'm pretty attached, so I'm not even going to mention how far gone that makes you."

"Shut up."

Two seconds later, there's a pink-haired leech on Aomine's back, and it's amazing that he doesn't fall in the lake. Kise laughs. "I rest my case."

Akashi, Furihata, Kuroko, Murasakibara, and Himuro sit on the balcony. The first two sit together on the padded swing to the left while the other three sit in rocking chairs.

"Can you tell us about your family?" Akashi asks.

Himuro nods. "I have an older sister, a younger brother, and a niece. We live in a house in a small neighborhood just outside Nagasaki."

"The decision is up to you. We're fine with it as long as they can keep the secret, but if you have any doubts, I would prefer you not tell them," Akashi says. "However, we―and Murasakibara in particular―need you here, especially when you don't know your powers yet."

"I understand."

Kuroko asks, "Himuro-san?"

Himuro glances at the Shadow.

"You know your family best, but I believe they would be accepting of it. Kira-chan is quite intelligent and mature for her age, and Kagami-kun is a very fair person. I do not know Alex-san well, but she seems the same."

"I think you're right, Kuroko-kun. Kira would probably be delighted to get seven extra brothers and two sisters," Himuro replies.

Furihata thought about having a family that big when he was younger. His family isn't as close as this one though, so he's kind of glad his family is normal-sized.

Himuro continues, "Alex and Taiga are off of work on Sundays, so I would like to tell them today. Kuroko-kun, would you accompany Atsushi and me?"

"I would be happy to."

Oo_oO_Oo_oO

"What did you think when you found out about…everything?" Takao asks his sister. They're laying in the yard, staring up at the slowly darkening sky. Midorima is on his right side, and Akashi has warmed the lake so Aomine and Momoi can swim with Kise. Furihata and Akashi are still too sore to do much more than sit, so they have settled for putting their feet in the water, which occasionally leads to tickling and cursing.

Shikari stretches a little. "Oh, a little bit of everything, I guess. My biggest concern was you and how it would affect your life, but you were okay with it, so it wasn't anything I was upset about. It's weird. Extremely weird. I'll never get used to it, but I don't mind."

After a minute, Takao says, "As far as humans go, it would be more than you and Momoi, so I guess this whole thing's kind of good in a sense."

Shikari pauses. "Do you think Kuroko-kun will ever Bond with someone?"

"At this point, it would be odd if he didn't," Midorima replies. "Considering that Akashi was the first to Bond with a human, anything is possible."

"Huh?" Shikari and Takao ask.

"When he was a year old, he dated a man who found out about us on accident, and the man told the police. Because of that, he hated humans until Furihata came along."

"But…Akashi-kun is so nice," Shikari says, unable to process this.

Takao hums in thought. "Now that you mention it, he does treat Shikari almost apologetically. I had never noticed before, but he really does treat you particularly well."

Shikari pauses. "Huh."

On the dock, Akashi sneezes.

Oo_oO_Oo_oO

"Kuroko-nii!" Kira exclaims as she jumps on her teacher.

Said teacher just smiles a bit and lifts her. "How are you today, Kira-chan?"

"Uncle Tatsuya ran away from home! I'm mad at him!" she says, pointedly turning away from the two other men who entered the house.

"Kira, I didn't run away. I can explain," Himuro says.

Alex appears down the hallway. "Tatsuya? Oh, good evening, Kuroko-kun, Murasakibara-kun."

Before any of them can reply, there's a man's voice from the kitchen. "Kira, you better get your little tail back in here!"

"Kuroko-nii, march!" Kira says and points to the dining room. "Uncle Taiga and I are making a cake!"

As Kuroko walks into the kitchen, he realizes that Kira must not have been helping at all, as it's far too clean. When Kagami sees him, the redhead smiles. "Hey, Kuroko. What's up?"

"The ceiling," Kuroko replies. Does Kagami need to get his eyes checked?

Kagami rolls his eyes. "Literal as always." He's currently pouring batter into a pan. "One second, and this will be going in the oven."

After a few minutes, the family has gathered at the dining table. Murasakibara and Himuro sit on one side, Alex is at the head of the table, and Kagami and Kuroko are on the other side, with Kira sitting in Kuroko's lap.

Only a minute into the explanation, Kuroko notes the looks on Kagami and Alex's faces. The "you guys are insane" look. So he raises his hand and waits until he has everyone's attention. Then he lays his hand on the table before he lets it pass through the wood.

Kagami stares at him for a long moment, gaping. Kira claps. "Kuroko-nii, again, again!"

Kuroko does it once more.

The explanation continues, and Kagami and Alex pay much closer attention.

After Murasakibara and Himuro finish, Alex says, "So let me get this straight: you guys went 'boom', so now Tatsuya has super powers, and you need him to live with you because you're magically connected. And you want all of us to move in, too."

Himuro pauses. "I have to go with Atsushi. There's plenty of room at their house, and they're willing to let us all stay there. You guys don't have to, but it's an option."

At this, Kira whines, "B-but…I don't want Uncle Tatsuya to leave! I wanna go, too!"

The oven dings, and Kagami immediately stands to get the cake. Kira has hopped down to run to Himuro, so Kuroko is able to follow the redhead.

As Kagami pulls the cake from the oven and sets it on the stove, he says, "So you're not…human."

"No, I am not, Kagami-kun."

"But you still…feel the same things."

"Yes, I do." Kuroko quietly continues, "If you are referring to love, then…I like you, Kagami-kun. That does not change whether one is human and elemental."

Kagami stands there for a long time. "What do you think is best? I mean, as far as moving."

"It is up to you what you want to do. However, I believe it would be easiest for everyone for you to move in with us. Again, it is your decision."

He nods.

Oo_oO_Oo_oO

Furihata hands a fifty dollar bill to Akashi. "Happy Birthday, Sei."

Akashi is trembling with excitement. Like a little kid, he glances between to money and Furihata before he bursts, "Really?"

"Yes, really. You can buy anything you want."

After giving his mate a quick kiss on the cheek, he says, "Thank you!"

Furihata has to monitor him though. Among other things, he has to teach Akashi how to steer a shopping cart. Every item has to be explained. It's rather tiring, but Furihata doesn't mind.

"There are this many types of ice cream?" Akashi asks. It's the last thing on his list, as he knows he doesn't have much money left. If he could, he would buy one of everything, but Furihata would never let him.

"Yeah."

"Which one's your favorite?" Akashi has to start somewhere, so he might as well buy his mate's choice.

"Moose Tracks."

Akashi suddenly wants to start with a different one, and noting the appalled look on the redhead's face, Furihata quickly says, "It's just a name, Sei, kind of like the gummy worms. It's ice cream with fudge and peanut butter in it."

So Akashi finds the Moose Tracks among all the different ice creams.

The only problem is that Akashi can't try all of the things he bought in one night. This bothers him greatly when he gets home.

"Try the ones that might go bad first."

"Go bad?"

Furihata pauses. He shouldn't be surprised. "Foods go bad after a certain amount of time. Fresh fruits and vegetables will usually be the first to go."

Akashi frowns. "That's stupid. Who came up with that idea?"

"It's just the way it works, Sei."

Of the apple, grapes, and banana he tries that night, the latter is by far the most amusing.

"How do I open it?" Akashi asks as he turns the yellow fruit over in his hands.

Furihata gently takes the banana from his mate and shows him how to peel it. However, when Akashi squeezes this one, it squishes between his fingers. He jumps. "I killed it!"

"No, they're just soft."

"So it's still alive?"

"I think it was already dead."

So Akashi cautiously bites the banana. After a moment, he hands it to Furihata. "It's squishy."

Furihata doesn't mind; he really likes bananas. Not like that though!

Well….

Author Note: What will the decision be? Will Kagami accept Kuroko as an elemental? Find out next chapter, and please, Please, PLEASE REVIEW!

Guys, I only got nineteen reviews, but I'm so excited for that and hey, it's Christmas! With that said, next chapter will be posted on Monday, and I hope that everyone has a merry Christmas and safe travels!

A hint for next chapter:

Momoi slowly releases Kise's shirt and bows in return. "I-I'm…Momoi Satsuki. Nice…t-to meet you."

Kira grins. "It's nice to meet you, Momoi-nee!"

"M-M-Momoi…-nee…?"

"Yeah, you're my big sister now, right? Like Kuroko-nii!" Kira explains.

Momoi lights up. "Kira-nee!"

And I also have an Extra for you guys! I hope you enjoy!

Ashen

A Breed Extra

"Paint yourself a picture of what you wish you look like. Maybe then they just might feel an ounce of your pain. Come into focus. Step out of the shadows. It's a losing battle. There's no need to be ashamed.

"They don't even know you. All they see is scars. They don't see the angel living in your heart. Let them find the really you, buried deep within. And let them know with all you've got that you are not your skin."

―"Skin" by Sixx A.M.

oO_Oo_oO_Oo

Murasakibara likes to think that Himuro likes him to some degree. After all, the older male responds to "Muro-chin", calls him by his first name, and gives him more attention than the other employees.

And Murasakibara may be a little smug about that, but he doesn't let it show.

Today is a very busy day at the bakery, as Thursdays usually are. When things get busy, Himuro often turns the counter over to Fukui and works his charisma with customers, asking about the pastries and what they would like to see changed.

Murasakibara admits that he may linger a few moments too long when he adds more food to the display, especially if Himuro is laughing or smiling.

Today, however, is different.

As for why, Murasakibara doesn't really know, but suddenly, a girl shrieks.

Near the front of the bakery, a woman shushes the child, obviously a young one, maybe four or five. But she's crying and clinging to her mother while said mother says, "I'm so sorry―"

"No, it's alright, ma'am," Himuro assures with an apologetic smile. "I probably startled her."

Startled her? Murasakibara can't imagine Himuro startling anyone, intentionally or otherwise. And it's even weirder that Himuro spends the rest of the day in the kitchen.

Later, after the bakery is closed and Himuro is cleaning, the man says, "Atsushi, you don't need to stay every day and help. I'm sure that there are a lot of things that you'd rather be doing."

Murasakibara doesn't look up, continuing to wipe off the tables. "Not really."

"Alright, but just know that you don't have to."

When Murasakibara glances up, Himuro is fixing his hair over his left eye. Again. He's been doing that all day.

Not all day, Murasakibara mentally corrects himself. It started after he "scared" that girl.

So once he finishes with the tables, Murasakibara ducks into the kitchen to wash his hands and then stands beside Himuro where the smaller male is locking the cash register.

When Himuro turns to look at him, the giant brings a hand up to brush back Himuro's hair, but the other slaps the hand away.

"Atsushi…" Himuro smoothes a hand over his fringe again.

After a moment, Murasakibara says, "Muro-chin is scared."

Himuro glances up at him. "There are some things that I want to keep to myself."

"Why?"

"Because our society stares at things that are different." Himuro goes back to fixing his hair.

"But Muro-chin is beautiful," Murasakibara says, taking Himuro's small hand in his own to pull it away from his hair. "And I'll think so no matter what."

There's a long pause, and the older male spends it playing with Murasakibara's gigantic hand. The added attention unnerves him, especially when Himuro moves their hands in a way that shows the size difference.

Himuro quietly says, "My left eye…I'm blind in my left eye." He forces a small smile. "It's, uh, pretty freaky to look at, so I keep my hair over it."

When he tucks his fringe behind his ear, Murasakibara has to keep himself from immediately saying anything. The orb is a milky white, the pupil unnaturally cloudy.

As soon as he can see it, his view is obstructed once again by dark hair falling over it. Himuro turns away and begins to gather his belongings into his bag, finally dropping Murasakibara's hand.

"Muro-chin is still beautiful."

After that day, Murasakibara thinks that their relationship changes a little. Now, he thinks Himuro is more relaxed around him, and the dark-haired male smiles a bit more. When he does, Murasakibara can't help but smile back every time, and he may be a little smug about that, too.

And he lets it show.

(One year, eight months, and twelve days before Murasakibara Atsushi Bonds.)