Hey guys, I'm back... I just want to say sorry for being away for so long, a lot of things happened and caused me to stop writing for a while but I think the biggest issue is that I'm just really lazy. I hope you can forgive me and I'll try not to be away for so long next time, hopefully I'll post another chapter this month, I'm hoping to actually finish this story... anyway, enjoy chapter twenty one!

Chapter Twenty One, The Meeting.

'The last thing I remember is the hands holding me down, and waking up in the hospital.' Akashi finished.

Kuroko hugged Akashi tighter, his mind whirling as he tried to work out everything Akashi had told him. 'I'm sorry that happened. I can't believe I didn't notice that someone was tormenting you...'

Akashi kept his face buried in Kuroko's shoulder as he spoke, 'You weren't supposed to notice, and none of that matters now. Father's going to make me go home, and there's nothing I can do about it.'

'That's not true, they haven't called him yet, have they?' Kuroko asked.

'I don't think so, but it doesn't matter, how else am I going to get back to school? They are going to want an adult to sign me out and pick me up.' Akashi mumbled.

'We'll find a way around that, trust me.' Kuroko said, with determination in his eyes.

'How?'

Kuroko pulled out his phone, 'I have to get back to the school as well.'

'I don't understand.' Akashi said.

'I've already called my mother, she was coming to get me anyway. There's no reason for her not to bring you back as well.' The blue-haired boy explained.

'But why is she driving all the way here?' He asked, confused.

The smaller boy tilted his head slightly, 'I called her yesterday and told her that my friend was in the hospital, so I might miss a few days of school. The minute I told her, she told me not to worry and she would come get me the minute you were allowed out.'

'She sounds nice...' Akashi said, thinking of his own mother who passed away when he was young.

Kuroko nodded, 'Well, I've talked about you a little bit, so she knows... that I like you...'

'Did you tell her we were going out?'

'Um, not really... not because I'm ashamed or anything... she's just really embarrassing, and she would have made me bring you over during the breaks...' Kuroko flushed and looked down.

Akashi smiled, 'Okay, but I still don't see how this is going to work, she's not my guardian.'

Now it was Kuroko's turn to smile, 'Trust me, my mother is very good at getting her way.'

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Akashi sat in silence as he watched Kuroko's mom sign him out. He leaned towards Kuroko, 'She's very interesting...' He mumbled.

'Mm, she has a special talent for getting her way.' Kuroko mumbled back.

'Now, I see where you get it from.' He replied, smiling.

'Me?' Kuroko asked with a innocent look on his face.

'Okay, boys, shall we go?' Kuroko's mother asked as she approached them.

They both nodded, got up, and grabbed their bags that they brought for the trip.

They waited until they were outside before anyone said anything. 'Excuse me... Kuroko-san, I was just curious, how did you convince them to let you sign me out?'

She smiled, 'Oh, it wasn't that hard. Now, Akashi-kun, I hear you and Tetsuya are pretty close...'

'Mother...' Kuroko mumbled, dropping his face in his hands.

'Shh, so that's true, right?'

Akashi felt no reason to lie, so he nodded.

'Oh good, let's talk, than.' She said, opening the door to her car.

'Of course...' The redhead answered, suddenly uneasy.

As she pulled her seat belt on she laughed, 'Don't worry, I don't bite.'

'Yes ma'am.'

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While his mother spoke to Akashi, Kuroko sat silently, he held his lover's hand tightly and listened to the sound of his voice.

He heard a sound from his pocket and pulled out his phone, he had a new message that read,

Kuroko, sorry to bother you, but could you give the phone to Seijuro?

He stared at the message, he could just by a glance that it wasn't any of his friends. The only one calls him just Kuroko was Midorima, and he wasn't that polite. He looked up at the number but didn't recognize it.

He texted back, I'm sorry, but who is this?

The reply came fast, Sorry, it's me, Nijimura. This is important, can you let Seijuro borrow your phone? He lost his, right?

Yes he did, just give me a second.

'Akashi-kun, it's Nijimura-senpai. He wants to talk to you.' Kuroko said, sliding the phone in the other boy's hand.

Akashi accepted the phone with slight confusion, 'Shuzo? What does he want?'

Kuroko shook his head, 'I'm not sure. You may as well ask him.'

Shuzo? Is there something you need?

Seijuro, how are you feeling?

Akashi sighed, he could tell Nijimura didn't want to talk about it. I'm fine, now, what is it you want?

A few minutes passed before he replied. Now Seijuro, I don't want you to get annoyed, but the council wants to call a meeting, and they would like you to attend.

Akashi stared at the message, the council was having a meeting, and he was invited? He assumed it was because of what happened, but he couldn't honestly be in trouble because he almost died? That didn't seem right.

Why?

There's just a few things they would like to discuss.

Say I do show up, am I just going to sit there and be attacked the whole time? If so, I'll pass, thank you.

Seijuro... you know I wouldn't let that happen, I'll explain more when you get back, do you know when you can leave the hospital? The text read.

Akashi looked up at Kuroko, he showed the other boy the phone and let him read the messages.

'What do you think?' He asked.

Kuroko was surprised that Akashi was asking his for advice, he read the message again, and shook his head. 'They probably want to talk about what happened, if they've been thinking that you were being bullied, then of course they're going to look into this. But if you don't want to go, no one can force you.'

'Thank you Tetsuya, I'll figure it out.' Akashi read the messages again and sighed, He texted him back. I'm on my way back right now, I'll attend your meeting if you really want me to, but if I feel under attack, trust me, I'll make the meeting very unpleasant.

The reply came back almost instantly. You're coming back now? That's wonderful, I'll meet you at the gate.

Akashi waited, sure enough, another message came up.

And I wouldn't expect any less of you, Seijuro, if I feel you're being treated unfairly, than I personally will make the meeting unpleasant, don't forget, I am the president.

Fine, I'll see you at the gate.

Akahsi was about to hand Kuroko's phone back to him when something occured to him. He wrote quickly. One more thing, I want Tetsuya to be there as well.

He waited, he knew that Nijimura wouldn't like that. But he made up his mind, he turned the phone to Kuroko and let him read it.

Kuroko read the message twice before nodding, he didn't expect that Akashi would want him there.

Akashi smiled and waited for the reply.

Seijuro, I'm not sure if I can convince anyone to allow that.

He raised an eyebrow. Are you not the "president?" Shouldn't you be able to overrule the others?

Seijuro... it doesn't work that way.

Akashi scoffed, I don't believe that, it works that way in the world I live in. Make it work, or I'm not coming.

He smirked as he got a reply. Fine, but if I lose my position because I abused my power, you won't ever hear the end of it.

I can live with that. Akashi replied.

He handed the phone back to Kuroko and smiled. 'Well, I guess we're going to the meeting.'

'I guess... but, Akashi-kun, do you realize that you aren't a very nice person?'

'Yes,' Akashi smiled again. 'I've been told that before.'

'As long as you are aware.' Kuroko said, he grabbed Akashi's hand again.

'Of course.' He leaned against the smaller boy and closed his eyes. 'Wake me when we arrive.'

Kuroko smiled. 'Okay...'

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Nijimura read the conversation over again, he sighed and snapped his phone shut. 'Does he always have to be so difficult?'

He made his way towards the front gate. He was busy sending an email to everyone on the council when he bumped into Imayoshi.

'Ah, president, have you contacted Akashi yet?' He asked, glancing down at Nijimura's phone.

Nijimura nodded, it annoyed him when Imayoshi referred to him as president, he felt like the other boy was mocking him, and to be fair, he probably was. 'Yes, I just finished emailing everyone.'

'And?'

'He said he would come...'

But?' Imayoshi said, waving Nijimura to go on.

'Well, first of all, he's worried that he's going to be attacked... mostly by you, I think.'

'Yeah, probably. What else?' Imayoshi said, smirking slightly.

Nijimura glared at him and continued. 'He would also like Kuroko Tetsuya to be allowed to attend as well.'

Imayoshi shook his head. 'I don't think so, there's no reason to let him come, he would just be in the way.'

'Well, I don't any reason not to let him in, besides, I'm sure if we asked everyone most of them won't care.' Said Nijimura.

'Yeah, Momoi, you and probably Reo. I can't think of anyone else.' Imayoshi said, listing them off his fingers.

The presedent lifted his hand, 'Satsuki, Reo, Tatsuya, and Riko for sure. Hyuuga probably won't care one way or another, and I'm the president, so my vote counts for more. All an all, he's coming.'

Imayoshi sighed, 'Have you ever considered taking charge like this when it actually matters?' He thought about it again and finally nodded. 'Fine, let him in, but if he gets in the way of the meeting, I'm allowed to get rid of him.'

'Um, yeah... we'll discuss that later...' Nijimura mumbled, not really meaning it.

Imayoshi shrugged, 'Oh well, we should have the meeting as soon as possible, perhaps tonight?'

'Tonight? Isn't that kind of... soon?' Nijimura asked, thinking of the meeting they had just this morning.

'Fine, tomorrow then, how about five?'

'I don't think so, people will want to eat, seven?' Nijimura suggested.

'Okay, seven, shall I send out the message, or will you?' Imayoshi asked, already pulling out his phone.

Nijimura nodded. 'You can, thank you, I have to go now, I promised Seijuro that I'd meet him at the gate.'

'Mm-hm.' Imayoshi was busy writing out the message and wasn't paying Nijimura any mind.

The president sighed, 'I don't understand why he's such a good vice-president, but such a awful person. It makes me want to strangle him.' He mumbled sourly as he made his way towards the school gates.

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'Thank you, Kuroko-san, I can't express how greatfull I am.' Akashi said, leaning into a bow.

She smiled, 'Of course, if you ever need help again, don't be afraid to call,' She leaned over and hugged the redhead. 'You're welcome at our home anytime.'

Akashi flushed and nodded.

'Mother, I am going to take Akashi-kun inside now, thank you.' Kuroko said, grabbing Akashi's hand.

'Are you sure you don't want me to come in with you?' She asked, glancing at Akashi.

Kuroko nodded, 'I'm sure we'll be fine. Look, someone's coming to get us anyway.'

Akashi looked up and saw Nijimura making his way towards them.

'Seijuro! Kuroko! Welcome back!' He called, running the rest of the way.

'Hello Shuzo,' Akashi greeted.

'Nijimura-senpai,' Kuroko bowed. He turned to his mother, 'This is my senpai, and student council president, Nijimura Shuzo.' He turned towards Nijimura, 'This is my mother, she came all the way here just to bring Akashi back.'

The president bowed, 'It's nice to meet you. Thank you for taking time to drive out here, Kuroko-san.'

She smiled, 'What kind of mother would I be if ignored my son when he needed help?'

'That's true, but thank you all the same.' He said, still in a bow.

'Well, thank you for taking care of my son. I remember when he first attended school here, he didn't think that he belonged.' She put her arm around Kuroko.

Nijimura shook his head. 'Kuroko belongs here just as much as I do. I think you would probably find many people here who would be upset if he left, he's quite popular.'

Kuroko's cheek flushed slightly, 'That's not true...' He mumbled.

'Tetsuya, I would hate to attend here without you.' Akashi said quietly.

The blue-haired boy looked up and locked eyes with his lover, he smiled slightly, his blush becoming more noticable.

'Well, I'm happy to hear that, I told him he would be popular, but did he listen? No! Why should he listen to his mother?' She exclaimed, squeezing Kuroko's shoulders.

'Okay, okay, I'm going to take Akashi-kun inside now, goodbye.' He pulled away and grabbed Akashi's hand.

'Okay, I get it. Bye Tetsuya, Akashi-kun, and you too Nijimura-kun.' Said Kuroko's mother.

'Goodbye Mother,' Kuroko said, giving her a hug.

Akashi and Nijimura both gave another bow. 'Goodbye Kuroko-san, thank you for your help!' They said in unison.

'You're very welcome boys, take care!' She gave Akashi a hug and kissed the top of Kuroko's head before getting into her car. 'Bye!' She called as she started the car and drove away.

'Okay, let's get inside.' Nijimura said, picking up Kuroko and Akashi's bags. They made their way towards the front doors.

Akashi strolled behind the other boy, 'When is the meeting going to be?'

Nijimura glanced over his shoulder at the smaller boy. 'Tomorrow night, at seven.'

'And Tetsuya can come?'

'Yes, I don't see why not.' Nijimura answered.

'Good, I guess I'll attend then.' Akashi smirked slightly and grabbed Kuroko's hand.

The dark-haired teen cleared his throat. 'Yes well, just be aware, Imayoshi wasn't exactly "happy" about the whole arrangement. So,' He glanced at Kuroko, 'try not to step on any toes.'

The small teen nodded.

'Well, whatever, I could care less what your council wants, so I'll see you there.' Akashi took his bag from Nijimura's hand and hurried down the hall, 'Come on Tetsuya!' He called over his shoulder, 'Bye Shuzo, I'll see you tomorrow night!'

Kuroko accepted his bag from Nijimura with a nod. 'Thank you, Nijimura-senpai.' He made his way down the hall after Akashi.

Nijimura watched them leave and shook his head. 'He's just as complicated as ever.' he mumbled.

He turned and headed back towards his own room, tomorrow night's meeting weighing heavily on his mind.

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'Hello everyone, first of all, I would like to thank you all for coming at such short notice.' Nijimura said, his hands folded on the top of the table.

Everyone nodded in acknowledgment.

'Secondly,' the president continued, 'I would like to offer a welcome to our guests. First-years, Akashi Seijuro, and Kuroko Tetsuya.'

Akashi and Kuroko both gave a nod and said nothing.

'Now, to discuss the issue at hand, as you are all aware, two nights ago, Akashi Seijuro had been taken to the hospital, we're here to discuss why he was taken to the hospital...' He turned to look at Akashi.

The redhead cleared his throat and laced his finger together. 'As you all most likely know by now, during the weekend, had Tetsuya not found me, I would have drowned. What happened was, we were down at the beach, when I received a call from my father, as I left to go answer it, I wandered towards the docks...' He glanced over at Kuroko who smiled and squeezed his knee. 'Once I got there, I realized I wandered quite far so I went to call Tetsuya so he wouldn't worry... as I began to dial, I turned to see someone in front of me.' He fell silent, the memories washing over him once more.

'Akashi-kun, you don't have to continue if you don't want to.' Kuroko mumbled.

'I know.' He cleared his throat once more and continued. 'Just as I had laid eyes on the figure I felt the hands push me and I started to fall-'

'Wait,' Imayoshi interrupted. 'Are you saying someone pushed you?'

'Yes, I believe that is what I just finished saying.' Akashi answered irritably.

'If that's the case, who was it?' Imayoshi asked, leaning back in his chair.

Akashi shook his head, 'I'm not quite sure.'

'Well isn't that helpful.' The vice-president mumbled.

Nijimura scowled, 'Imayoshi, if you're going to be a jerk, please go somewhere else.' he said irritably.

Imayoshui ignored him and moved on. 'As you were saying.'

'As I fell I heard someone say that I was "in the way" But that's all I heard.' Akashi finished.

No one said anything, each of them coming up with his or her own theory.

"Well, it's obvious that you must have made some sort of enemy since you began school, can you think of anyone, Seijuro?" Nijimura asked, finally breaking the silence.

Akashi hesitated, "Not really..." he said slowly.

"Well, perhaps it's someone outside of school, someone holding onto a past grudge?" Reo asked.

"I can't think of anyone." Akashi said, quickly. He thought for a moment of Haizaki before remembering that Haizaki was, as far as he knew, still in a ward somewhere, getting therapy everyday.

'Well, I think Sei-chan is too tired and we should have let him rest more.' Reo said, frowning at the rest of the council

Nijimura sighed, " Reo's right and we aren't getting anywhere, does anyone else have any ideas?" He waited as everyone shook their heads. "I guess we can't do anything until we know more." He turned to Akashi, "If you think of anything please come see one of us as fast as you can. In the meantime, we'll keep our eyes open. Hopefully, no more harm will come to you, or anyone else..."

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"Akashi-kun..." Kuroko said, quietly as they left the room.

"Hm?'

'When Nijimura-senpai asked if you thought that you made any enemies you seemed hesitant to answer." He said, turning slightly to stare at the taller teen.

Akashi nodded, "Well, on our way to the office..."

"Does this have something to do with why Aomine-kun called you?" Kuroko interrupted.

On their way to the office, Kuroko's phone had rang, and for the second time, it was for Akashi.

"Mm, now as I was saying, when I talked to Daiki, he was acting strange..."

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One hour ago.

Kuroko and Akashi walked towards the student council room, where the meeting would be held.

'Akashi-kun, are you nervous?' Kuroko asked, curiously.

The redhead considered silently. 'I don't think so, most everyone there already dislikes me, so it's not as if I need to make a good impression.' He answered evenly.

'I wouldn't say most of them... sorry.' The smaller boy apologized as his ringtone sounded off, Kuroko pulled out his phone and placed it to his ear. 'Hello?'

Akashi waited silently as Kuroko listened to the person on the other end.

'Pardon?' He paused.' Okay, if you must.' He handed the phone to Akashi. 'Aomine-kun wants to talk to you.'

'Me?' Akashi replied, confused, as he accepted the phone. Kuroko nodded as he placed it to his ear.

'Seijuro speaking.'

'Akashi... I wanna talk...'

'I gathered that,' Akashi frowned, 'what do you want?'

Aomine hesitated, 'It had nothing to do with me.' he said finally.

The redhead was caught off guard. He knew that Daiki didn't like him, but he never expected the dark-skinned teen would try to kill him! Akashi weighed his thoughts, 'did he call because he felt guilty? I have a hard time believeing that he did anything... but maybe he knows who did...?'

He shook his head clear. 'Daiki, why have you called? You say you had nothing to do with it. Yet, you felt you had to call? You can't possibly tell me that doesn't sound the least bit suspicious to even you.'

A sigh sounded through the other line. 'I just didn't want you to blame me. I didn't do it... but...'

Akashi raised his eyebrow, 'But what? do you know who did?'

'I don't know... whoever did it might not have known what they were doin'... ya know?'

'Not really...' The smaller boy replied.

'Never mind...' The line went dead as Aomine hung up.

'Strange...' Akashi mumbled as he stared down at the phone.

Kuroko stared blankly at him. 'What's strange, Akashi-kun?'

'Hm?' He looked down at the smaller boy, 'Nothing.' He smiled and handed Kuroko his phone back. 'Come now, we don't want to be late.'

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'I don't think Aomine-kun did anything to you.' Kuroko said firmly.

'Nor do I. But I wish I knew who did.' Akashi replied.

They walked in silence until they made it to their room.

'Well, we aren't going to figure anything out by pouting about it.' The redhead said, suddenly. 'We should just relax, take a break and worry about it later.'

Kuroko nodded, 'Alright, if that's what you want.'

'It is. Now, we both have homework to do, right?'

'Right...' Kuroko sighed.

The taller boy smiled and sat at his desk, he waited until he saw Kuroko sit down before rubbing his temples. 'What did he mean by, "whoever did it might not have known what they were doing"?'

Kuroko looked over as his roommate sighed, 'Akashi-kun...?'

'Yes?'

'Are you sure you're-'

'Yes, I'm fine.' He answered firmly.

'Okay...' Kuroko replied, Giving his lover a long look before turning around.

Akashi put his pencil down and turned to look out the window, dropping his chin on his hand, he let his mind wander.

'There's something strange about all of this, and I have a feeling Daiki knows what it is. It seems that for me to find whoever it was that tried to kill me, I'll have to talk to Daiki once again. But not over the phone and not with Tetsuya there. Lord, this isn't going to be easy.' Akashi smiled to himself, 'But when is it ever?'

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Wow, that was long, I hope you guys liked it better then I did. Again, I'm relly sorry for the long wait, we're almost done so I'll try to stick it out. Tell me what you thought!