Warnings: Potential PSTD/Trigger inducing scene with gunshots
Please pay attention to the end of the chapter! We have an important note!
Note: SO SORRY THIS IS LATE! The internet I had access to this past weekend was really crappy, and while I could login to FFN, I couldn't upload anything T-T My bad, guys, my bad. Anyway, first I just gotta say that I wrote you 30+ pages of porn and all you could talk about was MidoTaka :P See if I'm good to you guys like that again, XD jkjk, promise! So this chapter we get more Akashi and Masaomi interacting, we get a flashback to Kuroko's birthday, AkaKuro lecture Midorima, The Winter Cup starts, A book club meeting happens, and finally a generation family dinner goes terribly wrong. Hold on to your seats, ladies and gents, cause it's gonna be crazy!
Kida-Asumi
November was growing to be one of Seijuurou's least favorite months. The Winter Cup preliminaries were a trying time on all of his friends, and he was pushing his team members to practice harder than ever for the final tournament of the school year. The 3rd semester of the school year usually started out strong, and as the Akashi Corporation moved into its holiday season, things were stressful at home. He was looking forward to December, where everything ended and a celebration period began.
Currently the Akashi heir was organizing a set of files for his father, who was in an intense HR conference call in the conference room that was attached to his office. Every now and again Seijuurou would hear his father's voice raise in response to something stupid that was said. He did not envy the moron that had suggested whatever it was to irk his father.
A vibration from his phone brought his attention towards the device. He smiled as he read Tetsuya's text message, letting him know that he was on his way home. He and the book club had went to a local bookstore that afternoon, so Seijuurou had returned home by himself for once. He responded with a quick thank you and to not rush home before resuming his filing.
Coming home last month to a hysterical Kazunari had certainly been an experience. Even to this day Seijuurou hadn't figured out what possessed his glasses-friend to break up with the sweet, eccentric man that was Kazunari. He had given him noncommittal answers when he was texting him, and had given him excuses when he tried to set up a time so they could talk. However, Seijuurou could wait to confront him in person. The Winter Cup preliminaries would soon be upon them, and when they went to inevitably watch the other Generation teams fight to get in, he could corner him then.
The rest of their friends had been doing well. Daiki had finally accepted an offer with a university, though legal contracts kept him from announcing it until the entrance ceremony for the Winter Cup. Seijuurou's sources told him that it was a college out of the country. His relationship with Ryouta was progressing smoothly as well, much to their relief. The two were more smitten than ever, and they looked relaxed and happy in the pictures they kept sharing. They even did an interview together with a local teen magazine.
Satsuki had a new boyfriend, he had been informed by a disgruntled Daiki when they met up for coffee a few days ago. He didn't approve of him, and Seijuurou was eager to meet him and put him to the test. If he couldn't keep up his game-face in front of Seijuurou's intimidation, he wasn't good enough for Satsuki.
Atsushi had begun to get lazy in his studies, an annoyed Tatsuya informed them when they had met for dinner last night. Seijuurou made a mental note to chastise him for it the next time they were together. As for Tatsuya and Taiga, they were doing fine as well. Both had applied for colleges in America, and were waiting on their responses. Seijuurou had little doubt that they would both get in on scholarships for athletics, and he silently wished them the best.
He and Tetsuya received their acceptance letters in to Tokyo University that Monday when they returned home after practice. Elated, they had told his father and began to search through course curriculums and plans. As soon as Masaomi left them to return to work, they had come together and made love on the couch in the study, their excitement and triumph at achieving this next life goal leading for one of the best bouts of sex they had had in this house. He closed his eyes as the memories interested his dick. Forcing back his arousal, Seijuurou focused on the finer details on some of the documents as a distraction.
"Seijuurou." He glanced up at his name, locking eyes with his father.
"Yes, Father?" He asked. Masaomi sat down at his desk, eyes glancing over the files to make sure that they were perfect. His tsked and corrected a few of them, irking Seijuurou. Finally, his father let out a sigh.
"You have a dinner scheduled Thursday night with Akazo. My sources believe that they are going to ask you to plan a gala celebrating the building out a new port on Japan's western coast. You are to accept it, and then contact Shinning's Agency and several other media outlets to help with the planning." Masaomi ordered. Seijuurou nodded, feeling a little awkward as he heard his father's unspoken message.
Bring in other groups and make them do the actual work.
He hated that. A job wasn't worth feeling proud of if he didn't get his hands dirty. However, with the Winter Cup coming up soon, and his student council duties were about to increase with students cramming for entrance exams. He didn't have time to actually play a major role in this event.
"Tetsuya can help as well. He can consider this a trial run as his future duties as your spouse. He is in charge of the seating arrangements and together you can plan a menu. You are also to pick the venue. The entertainment can be left to the other parties involved." Masaomi continued. Seijuurou nodded.
That wasn't too bad. It could be much worse.
Suddenly Tetsuya's conversation about telling his father that he wanted a different future came to mind. Seeing how his father seemed to be in a good mood, he decided to try and test the waters.
"Father?" He asked as he returned to his task. His father nodded, signaling for him to continue. "Is it possible for me to choose a different position in the company?" He asked. Masaomi's gaze snapped up to look at him.
"As an entry level, you mean." He stated. Seijuurou nodded.
"Yes. For example, we currently have my major set as finance. However, I was doing my research and I was wondering if it would be possible to switch it to something like Human Resources, or even Engineering." He said.
"Why?" Masaomi asked.
"I was reading an article while we were having lunch in Italy about how most of the CEOs around the world became successful not from basic majors such as business administration or finance, but instead in one of those two fields. I found the idea intriguing. I could choose one of them, and then get a minor of the other in addition to an international business relations management. This would give me a variety of skill sets to help me lead our company in to the international marketplace." He explained. Masaomi leaned back in his chair, and Seijuurou resisted the urge to squirm under his calculating gaze.
Something about his father had always sent him on edge. If he were to wonder about where his mental instability came from, he had no doubt in his mind that it was probably him. Akashi Masaomi could be completely friendly and welcoming one moment and cold and ruthless in the next. Now, as he tried to open up to his father, he feared that he would be ridiculed.
"I will look into this, Seijuurou. Continue to plan out your first years with a movable set of general education courses, and I will let you know my decision within due time." He ordered. Seijuurou nodded, masking his surprise at such a genuine and thoughtful answer. "You are dismissed, Seijuurou. I am sure that your studies await." At his father's words, Seijuurou gave a polite bow before leaving the room.
The bathroom was full of wet heat when Seijuurou walked into it Thursday night. He had just returned home from a very successful dinner with Akazo. It was agreed that they would try and bring in as many partnerships for this gala as possible, and on the ride home, he had texted Ryouta inquiring about the number for his agency and emailed Shinning.
Despite the successful night, Seijuurou was exhausted from the day. His first round of tests for the semester had happened, practice had been long, and he had two student council meetings. When he walked in and heard the shower, he was eager to join in his boyfriend, seeking relief under the hot water.
"So dull and dark are November days." Seijuurou mused as he began to unbutton his pants. After a day like today, one of his mother's favorite poems was most certainly true.
"What was that, Seijuurou-kun?" Tetsuya called from the shower. His boyfriend peeked his head out from around the corner, offering him a warm smile. "Welcome home." He added. Seijuurou pressed a quick kiss to his wet lips before pulling off his shirt and climbing in with him.
"Thank you, my Tetsuya." He said, fondly brushing his wet hair out of his eyes. Sometimes the water and Tetsuya's hair didn't mix well, and it would cling obnoxiously in his line of sight. "I was just thinking of one of my mother's favorite poems. It seemed fitting for a day like today."
"Oh?" Tetsuya asked, easing Seijuurou in front of him and in direct line for the spray of water. Seijuurou ducked his head forward, a grateful moan leaving him when Tetsuya began to massage his shoulders.
"'So dull and dark are the November days. The lazy mist high up the evening curled, And now the morn quite hides in smoke and haze; The place we occupy seems all the world.'" Seijuurou spoke, shoulder drooping forward as Tetsuya massaged the knots from his back. "November, by John Clare." He added.
"So your day was full of terrible tasks, and tomorrow's path and agenda are going to be a mystery. But more importantly, you're glad to be home." Tetsuya interpreted. Seijuurou smirked at the perfect analysis. God his boyfriend's perfection and ability to pick up on mature things like this was a huge turn on for him.
"You are such an intelligent man, Tetsuya." He said. His boyfriend wrapped his arms around his waist, fingers teasingly running over his crotch.
"How was dinner?" He asked. Seijuurou closed his eyes, allowing the little sparks of pleasure to bring his cock to life beneath Tetsuya's hands.
"Not terrible. Much better than school. However, I now have so much to do. As do you." He added. Tetsuya nodded, nibbling between his shoulder blades. A shiver ran through Seijuurou at that action.
"I know. But for now, you are home." He reminded him. Seijuurou nodded.
"Father sent me an email on the way home explaining a new investment the company is going to start pursuing. It's an athletic endorsement project that we are partnering with the Takizawa group. I have a meeting with them sometime next week." He said. His concentration was beginning to waver as his body gave way to his boyfriend's touch.
"Next week. For now, I think I have a better idea on what you should invest your interests in." Tetsuya murmured in to his ear. Seijuurou turned around and pressed him against the wall, their mouths coming together for a heated kiss.
He couldn't agree more.
As he walked across the frozen ice, Seijuurou realized that he must be dreaming. No, a more accurate description would probably be remembering.
"I'm not too sure about this, Akashi-kun." Tetsuya's voice was laced with nervousness as he appeared in front of him, wobbling in the pair of ice-skates that he wore. Seijuurou heard himself chuckle.
"You will be alright, Tetsuya. After all, I'm right here with you. I will never allow any harm to come to you when I am nearby." He promised. Tetsuya's blush seemed to light up the cold, frigid ice rink. He couldn't resist leaning in and capturing his lips, innocently pressing against his mouth before pulling away. Tetsuya's hand slid in to his, and he grasped on tightly.
Seijuurou watched as he led Tetsuya on to the ice for the first time. He remembered this happy memory. Today was Tetsuya's 17th birthday. He was in Kyoto like he always had been in those days, when he had been cutting his ties to Seirin.
Trying to come up with a great birthday celebration when Tetsuya was still so down was a difficult challenge. Finally, Reo suggested that he take him to a typical date location that wasn't typical for them. And so, after searching the internet for ideas, he compiled a list and presented it to Tetsuya, asking him to mark off the things that he had done and would never want to do. After that, Seijuurou picked an activity and went with it.
"Why ice skating?" Tetsuya was asking him as Seijuurou pulled him across the ice with practiced ease.
"It's like dancing with a thrill of danger." Seijuurou readily responded, having anticipated the question. Tetsuya rolled his eyes.
"Akashi-kun, I didn't know that you had a danger kink." He teased. Seijuurou shook his head.
"No, it's still tied to my power kink, I'm afraid. I like knowing that I can save you from dangerous situations if the need becomes relevant." He said. Tetsuya chuckled.
"So you want to be my knight-in-shining armor? Well, I have to say that you already are. Pick a new goal." Tetsuya teased. Seijuurou pretended to think about before coming to a quick stop. As he predicted, Tetsuya fell forward, and when he tried to right himself, fell back. Seijuurou quickly caught him, cradling him in one arm as he held him suspended above the ice. He smirked, and Tetsuya pouted.
"My next goal is going to be becoming the center of your world." He declared, and Seijuurou could still feel the surge of genuine affection that pulsed through him. Tetsuya's expression softened, and Seijuurou waited for the response with baited breath.
"You already are, Seijuurou-kun. Try again." Tetsuya said. Seijuurou smirked, pressing a quick kiss to his lips before pulling him up. They were just getting started again when suddenly, Tetsuya turned and looked at him. "Seijuurou, it's time."
Seijuurou frowned, not understanding what he meant. Suddenly the ice cracked beneath his feet and he fell.
Seijuurou jolted away with a desperate gasp.
"It's just me, Sei. It's alright." His boyfriend's soothing voice calmed his racing heart, but as he became more aware of his surroundings, something felt off. "Seijuurou?" Tetsuya's voice had him turning, his troubled eyes meeting Tetsuya's concerned ones. "Talk to me please." He said. Seijuurou shook his head.
"I'm not sure what to say. All I was dreaming about was your birthday last year. It was a good memory." Seijuurou said, his tone monotone as he searched for an answer. Tetsuya's hand rested on his forehead, feeling for a fever.
"You were shaking in your sleep. Now I understand why you were mumbling my name, at least." He said. Seijuurou nodded, sitting up. Deciding that he didn't want to get out of bed quite yet, he pulled Tetsuya in to his arms.
"Let's stay like this for a minute." He murmured in to his boyfriend's shoulder. Tetsuya wrapped his arms around him, pressing them impossibly closer. Seijuurou closed his eyes, letting the quiet morning soothe away the anxiety shaking his heart. Tetsuya's warmth was a wonderful comfort that he clung to, desperate for some form of normality admits his confusion.
He hoped this wasn't a sign of the day to come.
The Winter Cup is a high school basketball tournament that takes place annually in the winter. It is held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Before the Winter Cup, preliminaries are held in each prefecture. Only 2 teams can represent a prefecture. In addition to that, only the top 8 teams from the Interhigh can participate in the Winter Cup preliminaries. The winner and runner-up of the Interhigh enter the tournament automatically. A couple of years ago, more schools were participating than was usually accepted in correspondence with a memorial anniversary. It was because of this, Seijuurou was able to reconcile with the Generation.
The Winter Cup preliminaries were set to be on November 5th this year. At the preliminaries, there is a 'best of four' determination match. The winning teams advance to the final league. Those four teams compete in three league matches, and the top two teams get a ticket to the actual Winter Cup.
The Winter Cup itself is in a classic tournament structure, a single elimination tournament, or more commonly known as sudden death. It begins with 2 basic rounds, then eight, quarter, and semi-finals. The final match between the two schools is always a big media sight.
Together with the Interhigh Tournament and the Nationals, it completes the three big high school basketball tournaments.
As Seijuurou and Tetsuya walked from Kaijou's locker room to Yosen's, their hands laced together, both enjoyed the buzz of everything around them. It was nice to be the spectators at an event such as this for once.
"Did you manage to get lunch with Midorima-kun?" Tetsuya asked. Seijuurou squeezed his hand as he nodded.
"Yes, we are going to be meeting with him after we check up on Atsushi and Tatsuya. We will have a light lunch and then return to the stands to watch the preliminaries." Seijuurou said, winking at Tetsuya. His boyfriend grinned, his cheeks turning a light pink at the flirting. Seijuurou smirked, pulling Tetsuya's hand under his arm before lacing their fingers together again, seeking the comforting closeness with his boyfriend.
They had been in a 'couply' mood all day, Daiki informed them earlier. Both had taken that as a wonderful compliment, and after meeting one another's gaze, they proceeded kiss a little less than innocently in front of Daiki as his reward. Of course Satsuki had gushed and taken their picture. Sakurai, who had been with the other two, had proceeded to get a nose bleed and fell, screaming his apology as he went down.
Seijuurou wasn't sure what the reason behind their affectionate actions. He was really enjoying it, and was glad that Tetsuya was just as open to this course of action. The warmth of his boyfriend helped bring him at peace with the world. The stress of the past week seemed to melt away, leaving all of their troubles back in Kyoto. Tetsuya rested his cheek against his shoulder as they came to a stop in front of Yosen's locker room.
"Ready?" Tetsuya asked, glancing up at him. Seijuurou pressed a kiss to his forehead, nodding.
After their prepping of Yosen, the two left the stadium to find the café where they were meeting Shintarou. The place was a cozy little shop between two large hotels. Seijuurou pushed open the door for Tetsuya, who let go of his arm and stepped in first.
"Midorima-kun." His boyfriend's soft call didn't disturb the café, and he followed where his boyfriend was waving to see Shintarou sitting at a table in the corner, a book in his hand. The Captain of Shutoku put it down when he heard his name, raising his hand in greeting.
"Akashi, Kuroko." He said.
"Hello, Shintarou. The weather is wonderful today." Seijuurou commented as Tetsuya passed their drink orders to a waiter.
"I got us a slice of cake to share too." Tetsuya informed Seijuurou. The red-head captured Tetsuya's hand in his own, leaning over to press a grateful kiss to his lips. When they pulled back, Shintarou was staring at them as if it was his first time seeing them.
"Daiki informed us that we are expression our affections more openly than is usually typical. I should have forewarned you." Seijuurou stated, giving an unapologetic shrug as Tetsuya nuzzled against his cheek. Shintarou shrugged, his expression unreadable.
"Your relationship does not affect me one way or the other. It's just…different. You both are usually more reserved and tend to keep your relationship private." He said. Tetsuya's eyes met Seijuurou's, and after gathering their answer, Tetsuya responded.
"We've recently come to a few important decisions about our life and future together. I think that the security behind our agreements has helped us relax in public, knowing that no matter what others think we are going to stay together." His boyfriend's honest answer was perfect. He was about to compliment him on it when he noticed a flash of pain in Shintarouu's eyes.
Seijuurou's eyes narrowed.
"So you got accepted in to the first school of your choice. Congratulations, Midorima-kun." Tetsuya murmured, offering the green-haired male a smile. Shintarou nodded his head in thanks.
"I also got into the accelerated program. As soon as April starts, contact with me will be limited. I apologize for the future inconvenience." He said, bowing slightly.
"Why did you break Kazunari?" Seijuurou asked suddenly. He felt Tetsuya's surprised gaze seek his, but he denied him for the first time that day. He kept his all-knowing gaze on Shintarou, knowing that he would bow under it and answer honestly.
"I didn't break him," Shintarou eventually murmured. "I broke up with him." He corrected. Seijuurou ignored that answer, though he was pleased to hear the strained tone to his voice. This meant he was just as affected by their break-up as Kazunari, if not more so.
"Takao-kun came to us the first night we returned from Italy." Tetsuya's soft voice was full of sympathy and concern, just the right amount to compliment and sooth his harsh question. Seijuurou squeezed Tetsuya's hand in approval.
Shintarou was silent for a few minutes, staring down at his cup of coffee. When their tea was delivered, Seijuurou and Tetsuya sipped on it and fed one another pieces of their cake, giving their friend as much time as he needed. Eventually, he sighed and slumped back against the booth.
"For three years I will be studying intensive pre-med courses. Immediately following my completion of the program, I will follow another intensive 4-year program. By the end of it, I will be a doctor. I will take 10-12 years of education and condense it down in to 7. Kazunari should not be tied to someone who cannot give him what he needs for 7 years." Shintarou spoke. The pain in his eyes combined with the monotonous, defeated tone to his voice had Seijuurou's gaze softening slightly.
"You didn't explain that." He stated next. Shintarou shook his head, glaring at him.
"No. He would have insisted that he could handle it. However, having been with him for so long now, I know that he would regret not being able to be a normal college student because he is tied down by me." Shintarou admitted. Seijuurou opened his mouth to refute that claim but his boyfriend spoke first.
"Takao-kun wants you, Midorima-kun. He understands what he is getting himself into, even if you haven't discussed it. Even if you do, I'm sure that he would still want to be with you. Supporting the one you love as they work hard to build a future for you is something that is worth sacrificing other things for. He loves you more than anything, Midorima-kun. You should at the very least give him closure for this sudden break up." Tetsuya said, eyes fierce with pain. Whether it was from his rejection, Daiki's abandonment, or Taiga's betrayal, Seijuurou couldn't say for certain. He squeezed his hand, rubbing reassuring circles in to his wrist. Tetsuya broke his glare at Shintarou, and offered Seijuurou a weak smile. "I'm alright, Sei." He said, but Seijuurou heard the promise to talk about it later.
"You're right, Kuroko." Shintarou admitted. "But how in the hell can I face him after what I did?" He asked, and the tone he used wasn't one that Seijuurou was familiar with. He reached out, placing a hand on Shintarouu's bent head.
"You talk to him. You speak your piece. You wipe away his tears and apologize for trampling over his feelings. Above all else, Shintarou, you make him happy." He ordered. Tetsuya nodded, and they watched it sink in to Shintarouu's thick skull. Finally, the green-haired male nodded.
"I will try." He promised.
"Do." Tetsuya and Seijuurou ordered together.
Amidst the chaos that was the first of his last 3rd semester of high school, Tetsuya began to really cherish his time with the Rakuzan Basketball Club.
Today they were organizing some of the latest books for the library. Tetsuya had been chatting with Rifujin and Mikami, with Shinikama listening close by for most of the afternoon. Kurosu was out sick, and Natama was drawing on the chalk-board, humming as she worked.
"So Italy was everything that you wanted it to be?" Mikami asked as he carefully placed the sticker on the book. Tetsuya nodded, passing her another.
"It was beautiful. We went on a gondola ride and to the beach several times. One day we stayed in at the resort and just did a spa day. There were so many things that I had never done before." He murmured.
"Come to India next time!" Rifujin chortled as he stirred the curry. "My wife and I will feed you good!" Tetsuya offered him a kind smile.
"I will try, Rifujin-kun." He said.
"Your boyfriend looks stressed." Shinikama commented. Tetsuya rolled his eyes at the pleased tone that his friend took on.
"He is planning some form of a gala for next month. A lot of the details are completely confidential, even from me. I think that all of the communications on top of his school duties are wearing him down. I think it has been planned the third week of December, so hopefully we can relax when his birthday comes around." Tetsuya hoped.
"That would be so sweet, to have your birthday off." Natama whined. Her birthday was the second week of May, which was right after the Golden Week vacation had ended.
"Someday you won't have school." Mikami pointed out. Natama opened her mouth to retort when the door opened. Everyone was surprised when Ayato walked in. She hadn't been to club once since her falling out with the short girl.
Tetsuya and the others watched as she walked over to Natama. His eyes widened when she cupped Natama's face and kissed her.
"I love you." She said quietly. A hush fell over the room as every watched with anticipation at how Natama would react.
"Ugh." Natama sobbed, burying her hands in her face as tears of relief fell from her eyes. Ayato pulled her close, rubbing at her back. Mikami and Tetsuya shared a smile as the two girls left the room.
"Kurosu-kun is going to be upset he missed this." Tetsuya stated. Mikami agreed, and from the smirk on her face, she would love telling him about it. Tetsuya couldn't wait to tell Seijuurou as well.
"To our success!" The Generation cheered. They all took a sip of their drink of choice before resuming their conversations.
"The first three rounds are finally past us." Seijuurou sighed with relief. Tetsuya's hand slid in to his inner thigh, giving him a comforting squeeze and offering him a smile.
"Now we just need to get through the next couple and then we'll be done with high school basketball, guys." Ryouta pouted, leaning against his boyfriend.
"But we will still be together in college!" Satsuki pointed out, leaning over to wrap her arm around Ryouta's. The two shared a grin.
"Taka-chin." At Atsushi's lazy call, the atmosphere grew tense at their table. Kazunari had been passing their table, and from the way that his shoulder bunched up, he hadn't wanted to stop. He turned to them with a forced, cheerful smile, locking his gaze on Ryouta.
"Hey guys! I didn't see you here." He chuckled. Seijuurou watched as his expression cracked at an alarmingly fast pace. This didn't really surprise him, as Kazunari was one of the most open people he knew. "Well, I have to get going." He said. When he turned away, everyone turned towards Shintarou, who gulped and stood up. The sudden force from it had the china at their table bouncing on the table, causing Seijuurou to cringe at the rude gesture. Tetsuya squeezed his thigh again, and he felt the pressure of a reassuring and soothing kiss being placed on his shoulder.
"Kazunari, wait." He said before making his way around the table. Kazunari paused briefly before continuing away. The Generation watched as their shooting guard followed.
"I wish them luck." Satsuki sighed. Ryouta nodded, passing the leftover on his plate to his boyfriend.
"Me too. Poor Takaocchi has been so heartbroken over this ridiculous mess." He said, his nose wrinkling.
"Shintarou is a stubborn man." Seijuurou pointed out.
"Hopefully he listened to us. It would be such a shame to see him alone in this world." Tetsuya said, implying that Kazunari was the only one for their friend. Most of the table agreed with that sentiment.
They continued talking about the matches and some of their highlights until Shintarou returned. Everyone was relieved when it was with Kazunari at his side, his cheeks pink with joy to help offset his red-rimmed eyes.
"Can I join you guys?" He asked.
"Why would you even ask that?!" Satsuki and Ryouta gasped in mock-horror.
"Yo, waiter, we need a chair." Daiki called to the passing busboy.
"Taka-chin, you can have some of my sweets." Atsushi said, reaching for a plate to begin putting the food on.
"Please join us, Takao-kun." Tetsuya murmured.
"I will wave down our waiter so you can get something to eat and drink as well, Kazunari." Seijuurou said, and with one glance he caught their waiter's attention and waved him over. Kazunari and Shintarou settled in to their spots, and Seijuurou couldn't help but grow pleased as they shared soft looks and little smiles.
They decided to order desert, as it gave Kazunari a chance to eat and none of them really wanted their time together to end. Eventually everyone was content to head back to their rooms, and as they exited the restaurant they discussed their plans for tonight.
"Oi, Ryo, we going back to your hotel?" Daiki asked as he followed his boyfriend out of the restaurant. Ryouta broke his conversation with Satsuki to wink at the dark-skinned male, and from the rugged smirk that broke out on Daiki's face, Seijuurou could guess that it was a yes.
"Oi, Dai-chan, you have to take me back to our room first!" Satsuki pouted.
"Kaga-chin and Muro-chin are staying in the city tonight too, so I'm going to go back to Yosen's hotel block." Atsushi commented.
"You could stay in one of the extra rooms in Rakuzan's block, Atsushi." Seijuurou offered, pulling Tetsuya's hand in to his pocket when he realized how cold it was.
"Kazunari and I will be heading back to our room too." Shintarou said, wrapping an arm around Kazunari's waist to pull him closer, even if his face burned red with embarrassment because of the PDA.
They were waving down taxis when it happened.
"Cold, Tetsuya?" Seijuurou asked when he noticed Tetsuya hovering close and wrapping his arms around himself. When his boyfriend let out a nod, Seijuurou slipped off his own jacket and moved to wrap it around Tetsuya's shoulders. A gleam from a window in the building across from them caught his eye and then something cut his cheek and then made a large impact in the window behind them.
"Down!" He ordered without thinking, quickly ducking himself and dragging Tetsuya first. His friends let out alarmed gasps as several more shots hit the windows behind them, shattering the glass.
"What's going on?" Tetsuya asked as they hid behind a parked car. Daiki was next to them, shielding both Satsuki and Ryouta with his body. Seijuurou couldn't tell where Atsushi, Shintarou, or Kazunari were. Suddenly a large, high-pitched squeal came from inside the building. His eyes widening with horror, Seijuurou quickly pulled Tetsuya to lay down on the pavement. A large boom sounded and something exploded, the impact of it raining glass down upon them. Satsuki screamed and Daiki cursed.
Then, just as suddenly as it came, it stopped.
"Akashi-sama!" The sound of sirens was heard as he and Tetsuya were helped up off of the ground.
"Tetsuya, are you alright?" Seijuurou asked, ignoring his guards. Tetsuya nodded, reaching for him. "Check the others, I am fine. There should be six more in total." He ordered, pulling Tetsuya in to his arms.
"What in the hell was that?" Tetsuya whispered, voice shaking with fear. Seijuurou closed his eyes, forcing back the growing rage within him.
"The first attempt on my life."
A/N: Alrighty everyone, I'll ramble first, then we'll chat! What did you all think? Were you surprised? I hope so. Next chapter things will be explained, no worries. And are you happy that MidoTaka are okay now? I promise I won't torture them like I do AoKi; they are a much more stable couple. Also, if you get confused about something, please ask! Seijuurou's mental state is deteriorating fast, so things might get a little weird as he switches between Absolute and his regular self (or Oreshi and Bokushi, as the fandom calls them)
Next chapter: Our babies are dealing with the assassination attempt in different ways, we get more insight in to the Akashi family, we get a flashback of the first anniversary they shared, more friction between Masaomi and Akashi, two young!Akashi flashbacks, a flashback to when Akashi first realized he loved Kuroko, the ball happens!, The Winter Cup ends(and I cried when writing it, it was so perfect).
So, big news: I will be out of town after the next update for TWO weeks. I am attending Project Anime/Anime Expo and then I am attending Ikasucon. So after discussing it with my beta, we will be posting TWO chapters this coming Friday, June 24th. Only 4 more days, guys~ However, make it last because the next update will not happen again until July 15th. I am not risking taking my computer with me to LA, and I will be too busy at Ikasucon to sleep, let alone get on here and post. I hope three chapters in one week will tide you over until then~
- Kida Asumi