Dedicated to Elli (hope you feel better soon, hun!)
Chapter 29: Conclusive Battle
Akashi-kun..!
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Akashi stirred a little before reopening his eyes to be met with total darkness and somehow his whole body was covered with something sticky. "Susano-o?" He called out, clutching at his throbbing head.
'Yeah, I'm still here. Too bad you can't equip me while you're in here though.'
"Here..? Ah, you mean inside the tsuchigumo's stomach?" The redhead finally realised where he was. And that his sword was not in his hand. "This would prove to be a problem..."
A thought crossed his mind just then.
"All is not lost though." Heterochromatic eyes seemingly glowed in the blackness of the spider's stomach as he took a better sitting posture. He wiped away some of the grossly-looking slime from his left cheek and tossed the sullied handkerchief aside. Smirking, he said to the god of war spirit, "We just need Tetsuya's aid from the outside."
Susano-o sceptically countered, 'Oh, will it come?'
He will give it to me, without fail.
Akashi languidly stood up, the knowing smirk never leaving his handsome face, "Well, time to deliver the finishing blow."
"Akashi-kun was just..! I-I have to get him back-" Gone was any trace of calmness in Kuroko's voice, expression and all as he tried to dive straight into the tsuchigumo's now tightly shut mouth.
Kagami grabbed the slender waist with his tail just in time, exclaiming, "Calm down, Kuroko! Don't be hasty!"
'Taiga's right, master. Seijuurou's alive. I can sense him through Susano-o's presence still!' The Phantom Heart's voice resonated with Kuroko's soul right then. Upon hearing those words, the bluenette halted. He shakily exhaled, "…apologies. I seem to have lost my composure just now."
Kagami soared in the air beside him, wearing a wide grin as he said, "Nah, it's cool. You have every right to feel worry for that reckless redbean. And if my hunch's correct, he damn well let Hanamiya swallow him whole on purpose.
Kuroko gave him a puzzled look, "On what purpose?"
The fiery tiger stared at the rampaging giant spider below them, its long legs stomping about in rage. He made a slicing motion across his neck with one paw, "To kill that oversized bug from the inside."
'Ah, don't tell me…'
Kuroko could sense a faint irritation in the flat tone of voice of Phantom Heart. He softly called its name out of concern,
"Phantom-san?"
Phantom Heart, 'Tetsuya, you're VERY welcome to decline it if you don't want to. You are to be…'
"…bitten by Hanamiya so his venom would flow inside your blood and concurrently, Akashi's." Continued Kagami as if he too could hear the voice inside Kuroko's head. "That way, Akashi could easily slip past the barrier protecting Hanamiya's core and he'd be able to finish him off there and then."
"Oh." Kuroko looked unfazed as he lightly scratched his right cheek. "Alright then."
"Oi, aren't you agreeing to this way too easily? Look a bit worry dammit!" Kagami chided his friend's lack of concern regarding himself.
"I am worry. Though more so for Akashi-kun rather than myself." Kuroko deadpanned, "Besides, I have you two to protect me, do I not?"
Kagami's bifurcated eyebrows twitched in annoyance, "Argh, this part of you is so not cute."
'We can never win against you to begin with, can we.' The Phantom Heart reluctantly gave him the green light. 'You can count on me, master. I'll immediately seal the poison away once it enters your body. Get that greenhead friend of yours to provide the antidote afterwards.'
"Oh, you're referring to Midorima-kun? He's certainly skilful. We can definitely count on him for the antidote later."
Kagami swiftly whipped his tail back and forth in excitement a few times, "C'mon, enough talk! Let's get on with it!"
Kuroko nodded, "Let's."
Akashi felt a stinging pain on his right wrist. Soon enough, two dots of red formed on his skin, his whole arm felt tingly numbed. "Ah, he did it. Well done, Tetsuya."
'Oh, he really pulled it off? Not bad.'
He had already arrived at the centre of the spider's body. A dark purple light glowed just a few feet away from him. It looked like a portal of some sort. And in there was where Hanamiya's human body resided.
Akashi touched the warped light with his right hand, his fingers safely slipped through. Exhaling low, the redhead strode into the portal, a calm smile gracing his handsome features.
He had to be quick. Taking in the tsuchigumo's venom was equalled to courting one's own death. The method was a double-edged sword to begin with. Which was why it was only executed in times of desperation, when no other options were left.
Susano-o was busy chanting something. He was preparing a sword manifestation out of Akashi's spiritual powers. Yet another gamble that the redhead was willing to make.
Poisoned and having his spiritual powers drained at the same time would take a great toll on his body but thankfully, Akashi's mental strength was nothing to be sneezed at. It would be a conclusive factor that would determine the outcome of his battle with the final boss later.
A few moments after, a ruby red crystal sword formed into Akashi's right hand. The redhead straightforwardly thanked Susano-o for his aid, and walked straight towards the leader of Hanamiya clan, his eyes were sealed shut still.
As if sensing the redhead's presence, however, dark currant eyes slowly blinked open, an eerie smirk took form on his lips. "Well, well. Welcome, Akashi Seijuurou."
"Hanamiya." Akashi pointed the sharp end of the sword directly towards the ravenette's throat. "Any last words?"
"Heh, you can't kill me."
A red eyebrow arched inquisitively, "Oh, and why not?"
"Because of your curse."
Akashi felt his head spinning upon hearing the word 'curse', as if something had been activated. And it was far from a good thing.
He began to see visions. Visions of the past.
The bloodbath.
Bloody hands. Bloody faces. The whole scene was dyed in a brilliant red. The stench of iron and burnt corpses was overwhelmingly sickening to the point that the ever so composed Akashi himself felt like gagging.
The events of the fateful night. When the other Akashi Seijuurou conveniently 'betrayed' the other Kuroko Tetsuya.
Only the redhead knew. He knew of the unspoken truth.
He was drowning in waves of emotions. Sinking deeper… and deeper.
No.
Not this time.
Akashi stubbornly reopened his eyes, thrusting the sword into Hanamiya with all his strength. He lucked out – having to pierce straight into the heart.
"The thing is, Hanamiya. I am a much simpler person that you think I am." Thin lips forming an upward curve, a terrifying glint evident in those mismatched eyes as Akashi said with a dark chuckle, "I am simply in love with Kuroko Tetsuya. And I want him. Status? Fame? Family tradition? History? Curse? I don't give a damn about any of those. Between him and those fickle things, I'd choose the former anytime, anywhere. No matter how many times he and I will be reincarnated."
The crystallised sword in his hand went deeper into Hanamiya's chest, dyeing his fingers as red as his crimson-coloured eye.
"…ngh!" Hanamiya's body jolted as soon as the sharp metal sank further into his heart, blood spurting from his chapped lips, "Kuheheheh… y-you…'re fucking mental…"
"Why, I appreciate such compliment. And… farewell, Hanamiya Makoto. It was never a pleasure knowing you." Akashi bent forward and murmured close to the ghastly pale face, his tone was cold but oddly soothing at the same time.
Hanamiya gritted his teeth before a defeated sigh escaped his crooked lips. "It's my defeat, huh…" Light slowly left his ebony eyes as he drew his last breath until they were nothing more than empty husks.
Akashi released his grip from the sword, staggering a bit as he stood before hacking out blood from his own mouth. The poison had finally reached his heart. He used his bloody hand to cover his lips, looking as pale as a ghost.
"…ha. I did it. Have I finally broken free from that stupid curse, Seijuurou-san?"
He caught sight of a red-haired man from the corners of his now clouded eyes. The male was cladded in a dark red yukata, he was smiling as he lightly nodded in approval. The man then turned, his broad back looked as dignified as ever. A snowy white hand extended to him. Another man with long soft blue hair tied into a loose ponytail in pastel blue robe reached for the redhead, in which he seemed to gladly take the hand.
Hand in hand, they steadily walked away from Akashi, whose consciousness was slowly fading.
"…no regrets, was it now."
Akashi slowly shut his eyes as pitch-black welcomed him. The last two things he recalled were a cool hand gently intertwined with his own and a gentle 'Akashi-kun' floated by his ears, like a sweet lullaby.
"…?" Dichromatic eyes blearily blinked open, meeting a white ceiling first thing. Then, a mop of sky-blue hair came into view. Kuroko was right by his bed, sleeping with two arms folded against his face. There were noticeable eye bags under his closed eyes. One of his hands was clutching onto Akashi's sleeve almost too cutely.
Akashi reached for the bluenette and only then realised the creamy white bandage tightly wrapped around his wrist. He must have passed out after his confrontation with Hanamiya and was presumably brought back to his mansion for treatment.
"..Tetsuya?" The redhead settled his free hand on the soft blue head, patting it tenderly before bringing the same hand to the smooth porcelain cheek. He then gave it a rub a few times, afterward pinching it when he felt like it. Kuroko's cheek was soft and had a mochi-like feel to it, mused the redhead internally.
"Mmh…" The bluenette stirred a little in his sleep, a small crease forming between his eyebrows. Akashi quietly chuckled as he eased the tiny frown with his index finger. Before he could pull his finger away though, Kuroko had clutched onto it and was lightly nibbling on it.
Akashi's heart itched immensely.
"There, there. Sorry to have disturbed your sleep."
Adorable. It's proving to be unhealthy for my heart.
The door to his bedroom was pushed ajar after two precise knocks. Entered a green-haired male, carrying a glass of water and some pills on a small round tray. "You're awake. How are you feeling?"
"Shintarou." Akashi acknowledged the other's presence. "I'm feeling alright now. You have my gratitude." He bowed slightly, taking the doctor by surprise.
"Don't…mention it. It's my duty after all." Midorima readjusted his glasses, trying to hide his flustered reaction. Akashi Seijuurou sincerely thanking him? The world must be ending soon. "Anyway, you have Kuroko to thank for once he wakes up."
"Hm?" Akashi's eyes fell onto the slumbering teal-head once more. "Tetsuya?"
"He's been pulling all-nighters taking care of you for the last three days. He won't even let you out of his sight no matter how hard we tried to make him rest." Explained the kappa, emerald eyes fixed on the lithe boy with great admiration.
"Yes, I intend to reward him soon as he wakes up anyway." Akashi's gaze softened considerably as he affectionately patted his precious person on the head a while longer.
"Where are the others?" Inquired the exorcist soon as he noticed how strangely quiet it was.
"Kise and Aomine are out shopping for food. While Murasakibara and Himuro-san are in the kitchen baking. Momoi was adamant on throwing a banquet to celebrate our victory against Hanamiya clan. The Seirin people will be invited as well."
Akashi chuckled, "Heh, doing everything on your own accord as usual. What are you, my PA?"
Midorima huffed in return, "Well, you were out cold. Here, take your meds. There's still a bit of poison left in your system, you reckless human being."
"Alright, mother. Thanks."
"M-mother!" echoed Midorima almost too incredulously, he was quick to hotly refute, "I don't remember raising a handful son like you though."
Just then, a 'ping' sound reverberated along with a phone's vibration. Midorima's sour expression turned a tad brighter if it was even possible. The greenhead quickly excused himself as he stepped out of the room, a grin already forming on the once stiff lips.
Shin-chan! Shin-chan! Let's go somewhere to celebrate my discharge tomorrow~ (^o^)/
Sure. Where do you have in mind, Takao?
Let's go on an onsen trip!
Midorima's fingers halted on the screen of his smartphone, his ears turned a prominent shade of red. This little… did he even know what he was suggesting?
Are you sure you want that? I'm going to think you're implying in that sense.
I want you to, dummy! (⁎ᆺ˂)
Then, be a good boy and no escaping from your room again for the last time. I'll reward you later if you're obedient.
Aye, aye, sir~ Love you, Shin-chan!
Midorima's forest green eyes widened by a fraction when he saw the three heart emoticons. A secret code just between the two of them. His steps quickened as he slipped into his coat, with one destination in mind.
In the end, there is miracle.
"Aominecchi, over here! Should we get two large trays of eggs instead of one?" Kise excitedly waved at the tanned yokai to come closer as he voiced his opinion with a bright toothy grin.
Aomine languidly stood behind the blonde, toned arms wrapping around the lean waist as he propped his chin on top of the yellow head. "Sure, sure… Two or three won't make any difference…"
"Gosh, Aominecchi… Stop acting like a dog in heat all the time and take our grocery shopping seriously, will you?" Kise purposely smacked the navy-blue head with the shopping list in his hand, a prominent blush steadily spreading across his fair cheeks anyway.
Aomine lowered his face and smooched the exposed nape, garnering a surprised squeak from the unsuspecting blonde. "Just tryna make up for all these years. Sorry for running away that time…" Mumbled the tengu, his deep voice reaching Kise's ears syllable by syllable.
Kise blushed even harder, reaching for the head that now nestled on his shoulder and giving it a gentle pat. "The past is in the past. We'll make it up from here on, won't we?"
"Damn right we will." Aomine hugged his partner a little tighter.
In the end, there is hope.
"Muro-chin, pass me the mixing bowl~?" drawled the purple-haired oni, he had just finished whipping the fresh cream for the cake topping. Some of the cream ended up on his face somehow and Himuro noticing this, gestured for the tall tall yokai to bend down a little.
Murasakibara obediently did so when the ravenette leaned closer to his face and licked the cream off his cheek without another word. "There was cream on your face just now, Atsushi." Smiled Himuro, ever so poised and elegant-looking. Yet his actions were full of affections with also a hint of suggestiveness in them.
The lilac eyed the cream-coated wooden ladle in his hand, afterwards purposely smearing some of the milky white cream on his lips. He readily pouted his lips, childishly saying, "Clean here next?"
Himuro could not help but chuckled aloud. He licked the cream-covered mouth anyway, pressing with his own lips into a quick peck. Murasakibara boldly returned the kiss by sticking his tongue inside Himuro's mouth, prodding at every corner of the unusually hotter, wetter cavity.
"Ah, we still have to finish decorating the cake…" panted Himuro after their short little make-out session.
"Eh… do we have to…" grumbled the giant child-like ogre as he clung onto the shorter ravenette close.
Himuro lightly tapped Murasakibara's nose, "Yes, we still have to."
"Uugh… okay then…"
In the end, there is tenderness.
Light blue eyes pried open, wincing when met with light from the outside. Kuroko slowly sat up, he then realised he had been tucked under the sheets on Akashi's bedroom. And said redhead was right beside him, a book in hand.
"A..kashi…kun?"
"Hm?" replied the red-haired exorcist, settling the book on his lap as he side-glanced to his fragile little lover. "Are you okay, Tetsuya? Want me to fetch you a glass of water?"
Kuroko shook his head, taking Akashi by surprise when he suddenly hugged him out of nowhere. He softly muttered, "You're here… It's not a dream." His voice was muffled by Akashi's night garment, a black-red yukata.
"What is it? Did you have a nightmare?" Akashi returned the hug, combing the silky teal tresses with his fingers. "Yes, I'm here."
"….." Kuroko's voice was as faint as ever, even the keen sense of hearing Akashi could not catch what he said the first time.
"Say again?"
Everyone. Everything. I have you to thank for. For giving a meaning to my otherwise meaningless life. For giving me a family, a place I belonged to. And lastly… For giving me that precious unconditional love of yours.
"Thank you, Akashi-kun." Kuroko repeated a little louder, tears unexpectedly began streaming down his face. Cerulean blue clashed with dual-coloured eyes. Slender fingers rubbed the pearly drops away, every touch was careful and immaculate.
Akashi leaned closer until the bridges of their noses mildly collided. He gently muttered under his breath, "Call me Seijuurou." He lightly tipped Kuroko's chin upward, touching the full, pink lips with his own before completely kissing the shorter male. The chaste kiss quickly escalated into a deeper, more sensual one. Hot breaths intermingled, wet tongues wrestled against one another, drips of saliva escaping from their steamy mouths.
"…I love you, Tetsuya. I wish to have your everything." The redhead dangerously whispered in a throaty voice directly into the bluenette's right ear, a mixture of longing and lust evident in his mismatched eyes.
Kuroko let out a trembled breath, pressing the back of his hand on his flushed cheek as he said in a tiny fluttery voice; "…I am, and will be forever yours. And I love Sei-…Seijuurou-kun too."
Akashi immediately pulled Kuroko into another tight embrace, nuzzling close to the crook of his beloved's neck. A small groan could soon be heard followed by a muffled voice saying; "Ah, I want to do it so bad…"
Kuroko blinked a few times in placid confusion, "..eh?"
Holding back was never this difficult before… Was it?
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In the end, there is love.
To be continued…
Wow, I'm finally back after a year++ long hiatus. *grovels for forgiveness* I'm not going to make excuses since I literally lost the motivation to continue this fic a while back when I was still studying. I've finally graduated uni and am currently working so I'm feeling less stressful than before and have even started writing again. (yay?)
Next chapter will be the very last chapter of Red String of Fate. I will include an explicit Akakuro bedroom scene as a final gift for y'all :D
I thank you all who have been following this story from the start (or even later) and also to those who were patiently waiting for an update. Reading uplifting or constructive or bad comments alike honestly made my day and motivated me to write an even better story for you guys. Thanks again, my sweet peaches xx
Till next chapter. :')
