Chapter 36 – Akashi's relentless attack
HELLO HELLO HELLO! I felt a sudden rush of motivation to write so here is another chapter!
I DO NOT OWN KNB
Hayama fumed. Never had he ever felt so angry that he was the reason Seirin was gaining points. But with further thought, he knew that if he lost it, he would only make things worse. Taking a deep breath and calming down, Hayama let out a huff of frustration but his anger receded.
"Hey Akashi, my bad. I'm gonna hold off on one on ones for now. I underestimated Izuki and I'm gonna hold off until I come up with a better plan."
Akashi glanced at Hayama and then headed off without bothering to check to see if he was alright,
"very well...it seems like you've cooled off. That's good then. I will let it go until we make our comeback."
Mibuchi appeared alongside Hayama, rolling his eyes.
"You're lucky. If you had gotten angry and tried to get back at Izuki, who knows what he would have done."
Suddenly realizing it, Hayama let out a sigh of relief,
"Holy! I could have died!"
"Jeez…"
Akashi started to feel annoyed at his teammates. They were beginning to show signs of weakness and if they faltered even once, he was going to take things into his own hands.
Mibuchi smiled as Koganei approached him in an attempt to stop his shots. As Mibuchi went for an earth shot, Koganei stepped back as a reflex which surprised Mibuchi. Did he know I was going to do an Earth shot? Fine, I'll turn it into a heaven shot then.
But even so, Koganei managed to react to it but it wasn't enough to stop him. Hyuga saw this and finally understood how to deal with the heaven and earth shot. Thanks to Koganei's reflexes, Hyuga was able to identify how Mibuchi's shots worked. Getting quite annoyed at Koganei, Mibuchi turned to his void shot, attempting to shut him down but to his surprise and anger, Koganei also managed to react to it. Hyuga suddenly saw the final trick. With a rush of thrill and new hope, he jumped up and turned to Riko.
"In the last quarter, send me in coach. I know I have 4 fouls but I can take on Mibuchi now. Thank you for showing me how to beat him Koga! You've done an amazing job."
Koganei gave him a thumbs up and a goofy smile,
"of course! Go kick his ass!"
Meanwhile….
"Reo, it seems like Hyuga is going to be sent in. Even with 4 fouls, keep an eye on him and don't be too reckless. The same applies to you Eikichi. Kiyoshi still has fire in his eyes. Kotaro, how long do you plan on being submissive. There are points to be earned."
But there were no words for Mayuzumi because to Akashi, he was not important. The final quarter began as Hyuga gained possession of the ball and with a flick of his wrist, the ball sank into the hoop, earning Seirin the first points of that quarter. Mibuchi received the ball from Mayuzumi and went for a shot, thinking that Hyuga was going to get his fifth foul and be sent off for good but Hyuga managed to stop Mibuchi, causing the ball to rebound off the ring.
Knowing that this was the moment, Kiyoshi spun around Nebuya with great speed and managed to get the rebound, throwing it across the entire court to Kagami who dunked the ball into the hoop, bringing the score difference to 15.
Knowing that Hyuga had shut down two of his three shots, Mibuchi decided to use his void to stop Hyuga but with a mighty roar, he managed to knock the ball out of his hands and stop Mibuchi. The ball fell in front of Kuroko and she passed to Kiyoshi who knew that he couldn't beat Nebuya in this position and passed to a waiting Hyuga who shot a perfect three. The next turn, Kiyoshi received the ball and this time, he wasn't going to pass. He was going to use his strength and dunk. With a flashy twist, he managed to get behind Nebuya and dunk the ball, bringing the scores to 78-88.
Akashi finally decided that it was time to ditch team play. He was going to take matters into his own hands. Passing the ball to Hayama, Akashi stood at the end of the court, gathering his strength and releasing the shackles of the zone. When Kagami rushed forward to dunk, he realized that the ball had flown from his hands into Akashi's and his eyes glinted with power as he awoke in the zone.
"To all of you gathered here in this place, I will show you the difference in our power."
Akashi rushed past Kagami with ease and although he tried to catch up, Kagami was left behind. Izuki and Hyuga ran forward to stop Akashi from passing but it meant nothing to him. Opponents this easy bore him.
"You dare defy me? In that case, merely forcing you to sit isn't enough is it?"
With a simple step, both Izuki and Hyuga fell to their knees as Akashi ankle broke them both and casually strolled past them.
"Kneel."
In another attempt to stop him, Kiyoshi and Kuroko jumped up to stop him but he scoffed at their attempted and went right past them. his gazed turned to Kuroko, a dark and dangerous glint flashed in his eyes.
"And now that you have seen my incredible power, realize that your defeat is absolute."
Riko called for another timeout as they took a break and decided what to do next. Kuroko still felt chills up her spine as that glance that Akashi gave her imprinted itself into her mind.
"I'll do it."
This brought her out of her trance and stared at Kagami. Everyone stared in shock at Kagami's decision to take on Akashi alone. To everyone's surprise, Hyuga did not stop him.
"Fine…then I'll leave it to you."
"Dai-Chan? What did you mean last time about how deep in the zone you could be?"
"hm…I dunno how to explain this but you're gonna have to use your imagination. When you're in the zone, there's like this huge door that you open. Once you are in it's like your under water and your concentration grows and you sink deeper and deeper. Eventually you'll hit the bottom and that is your full performance but at the bottom there is another huge gate. And standing in front is some sort of gatekeeper who is shrouded in darkness and you can't see their face."
"So if you open that gate then?"
"How would I know! But if Kagami and Seirin want to win…Kagami needs to open that second door."
As the game started again, Akashi stopped bothering with his teammates and stole the ball by himself and zipped through Seirin's defense to the hoop. Kagami ran after him, trying to stop but that failed as he fell to his knees,
"What a laughable attempt. You should stay where you are, groveling at me feet."
Many attempts later, Kagami began to get sore and frustrated. Damn! What can I do?! I need to open that door. I can see it but that person won't let me open it. DAMN!
"Hey Kagami. It's about time you stopped. You know…stop trying to do this on your own."
"What?"
"We know that we said for you to take on Akashi alone before, but I think it's about time you stopped and shared that burden with the rest of us. After all, what kind of a partner would I be if I couldn't help you Kagami?"
"No! I can do this! You don't have to worry! I'll find a way on my own! Just wait a bit mor-"
But Kagami knew that this wasn't right. He remembered the last time he said that and regretted it soon after. He remembered how sad and pathetic he was and he didn't want to make her feel sad anymore.
"Sorry, you're right. I think it's about time that I got help from you guys. Let's do this together. You and me Pipsqueak! Let's defeat Akashi!"
"Count on it."
"but do you know what you are going to do?"
"Hm? Of course…there is only one thing that is different between Akashi and Kagami. And that is, one of them has the emperor eye. Therefore, I will become the eyes that breaches the gap."
Akashi almost laughed at the sad state that Seirin were in. Kuroko was determined alright but now, I had become nauseating. Her optimistic nature and naivety was getting onto his nerves. As he went for another shot at the hoop, he was intercepted by both Kagami and Kuroko. Kagami stood in front while Kuroko stayed behind to watch his every move.
How ridiculous. To think that Tetsuya and Kagami believes they can stop me and my emperor eye. I am absolute because I always win and no one can outwit my emperor eye!
As Akashi rushed forward, Kagami lunged but it was all predicted. Pathetic. But as he came to the other side of Kagami, he noticed a flurry of shining blue hair. Looking up, he saw her waiting for him in the spot that he was about to arrive at. How?! How did you get to me destination before I did?!
This is it Akashi! I will bring you down from your throne!
With a fast jab, Kuroko knocked the ball out of Akashi's hands. Her face ever so close to him. At this distance he could feel the passion emanating from her soul. This rattled him. How did he make a mistake? Him! Akashi! Made a mistake! It was unacceptable. He ran after Kagami and Kuroko with fury at his own mistake and managed to get in front of Kagami but he then only realized that Kuroko had the ball as she passed to hoop where Kagami leapt up to dunk it. Akashi, with reflexes of a god, jumped up to intercept.
I am Akashi Seijuro! I am perfect! I can't…I CAN NEVER LOSE TO YOU OR ANYONE!
But Kagami, carrying the strength of his teammates and the support of his shadow, didn't and couldn't allow Akashi to stop him here. With a powerful, beastly roar he slammed the ball into the hoop above Akashi's head, ending the reign of the emperor.
As the final quarter grew closer to the end, Rakuzan's attempts to stop Seirin became sluggish and wrong. It was not the Rakuzan that everyone had come to know. Without Akashi, the powerhouse of the team, being in his right mind, the team was slowly falling and the GOM knew that this was the first time that Akashi had ever tasted some sort of defeat.
Kuroko stared at him. This Akashi was even more foreign than before. but she knew that right now, he was a mess. This thoughts must be everywhere and his heart is unsettled. This was affecting his play and she felt some sort of pity for him but it was gone within the second.
Akashi did not improve. Even with the timeout, he was too everywhere. He kept making mistakes, his passes were off. Rakuzan began to feel slightly annoyed at him. Just one little slip up and he was in disarray. This was unbecoming.
With Akashi on lock down and the rest of the team struggling to stop Seirin, Kagami and Seirin were able to continue scoring, bring the gap to now only 2 points.
Nebuya lost his temper and grabbed Akashi firmly by the collar of his jersey which, if done before, would have been a death wish.
"Gimme a fucking break! What the hell is all of that!? EVEN A SECOND GRADER COULD PASS BETTER THAN YOU RIGHT NOW?! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?! THIS IS COMPLETE BULLSHIT!"
Rakuzan called timeout as everyone glared at Akashi. Subbing Akashi out right now would be the best decision.
"Wait…"
Mayuzumi stopped the coach and stood in front of Akashi.
"How pathetic. What? Did you want us to comfort you? Encourage you? Cut the bull! After all this talk about you being absolute! Perfect! Top shit?! Though…I don't really care you are a completely different person from the guy who spoke to me on the rooftop. So I ask you this…Who are you?"
Those three words were all that really struck at him. Those words were also asked back in Teiko. He remembered those three words from the lips of his loved one. Her eyes were terrified as she stared at the unfamiliar person standing in front of her. Deep down in the depths of his heart, Akashi woke up to the sound of those words.
I see… at any time, I could have woken up and taken over. My poor other self has been causing too much trouble. It was quite obvious that the others would have been able to defeat him. After all, they are my friends. Especially you, Tetsuya. Its seems like we can't go back to being teammates no matter what happens, the sins that I have committed cannot be erased. I have been so terrible to you Tetsuya. It was not my intention to hurt you so. I guess, the only thing I can do now, is take on that burden and face you as enemies. I believe it is time I see you again, my dear.
"Coach, pardon me but I would be grateful if you allow me to stay on court. And you, Mayuzumi…it's very puzzling to have you ask who I am…"
Akashi opened his eyes and Rakuzan stared in shock as the cold and chilling presence that he had before was gone and had been replaced by a warm and calculating aura.
"I am Akashi Seijuro of course."
Nebuya jumped up and growled at him,
"What the hell?! weren't you just worn out and weird just now? You sure you're okay?!"
"Well…I showed a very unsightly side of myself and for that, I must apologise. I'm sorry for my unbecoming behaviour. I'd like it if you would lend me your abilities so that we may win against Seirin."
Unsure how to react, Rakuzan nodded in agreement as they stared at each other with confusion. Who was this person?
As the timeout finished, Akashi pretended to have his persona as Kagami ran to stop him. But Kagami could feel the sudden change in the air around Akashi as he approached. Easily, Akashi dodged past Kagami and was stopped by Kuroko which brought a smile to his face. it had been so long since he was able to gaze upon her face.
"It's been a while hasn't it? Tetsuya…"
This tone. This aura. Those eyes…it can't be…
"Eh? Sei-tan?"
With a relieved expression and a slight nod, Akashi passed to Mibuchi who received it perfectly and shot it perfectly.
"Nice shot…Well done Mibuchi."
What the? Sei-Chan is praising me? But also that pass was perfect. This is the first time, I've felt so good.
I see…so then, the old Akashi has returned.
"Kagami, I think the old Akashi is back."
"What?!"
"I think when you beat him before, it brought him back into his senses and he's returned to normal self. But if this is the case, please be careful. Akashi is now a lot more powerful."
Kagami smirked,
"Is that right?! Then, that's fine by me. He hasn't scared me before and he ain't gonna scare me now!"
However, this warning was not enough as Rakuzan began to scoop in points and increased the difference to 5 points, with every score, they grew more powerful. And once again Akashi was in the zone but this time it felt different. Akashi was acting slightly strange but there was also something wrong with the way the others acted too.
"I've simply returned to the state I was before but with the other four, I cannot say for sure."
Seirin stared in shock as all five players were now in the zone, increasing their abilities by 10 times. The ongoing attack was relentless as now the members that had been shut down before, regained all of their strength while Seirin was beginning to tire. Kagami was now spent and had lost all of his stamina. It was over.
Kuroko clutched her chest as her breathing became hard. She was losing all of her strength and she knew that the others were too. This was opposite for Rakuzan though who had now received theirs back. That feeling of loss was coming back and just as she was about to cave in from fatigue a voice rang out from the crowd.
"YOU CAN DO IT SEIRIN! DON'T GIVE UP! YOU CAN DO IT KUROKO!"
Kuroko snapped her head up to the source of that voice and tears began to run down her face. That brown hair! That smile! Could it really be...?
"O..Ogiwara-kun?"
He reached down and held up a basketball and grinned his usual grin which caused Kuroko to burst into tears. Ogiwara had come back and was playing basketball again. This was the first time she had heard from him ever since that day and she was so happy and relieved that he wasn't sad anymore.
Aomine tsked as he recognized that brunette. He wouldn't let that bastard outstage him. He couldn't bear that fact that just a smile from Ogiwara could bring her to tears.
"Jeez…this is so stupid. HEY TETSU! KAGAMI! YOU BASTARDS WON AGAINST US REMEMBER!? SO DON'T YOU DARE LOSE TO RAKUZAN OR I'LL BEAT YOU UP!"
Dai-kun?
Kise jumped up too as he wanted to support Kuroko too and make her smile,
"WIN THIS SEIRIN! OR WE'LL BEAT YOU UP TOO!"
Even Midorima felt pumped and joined in which shocked his teammates,
"DEFEAT THEM KUROKO! BEAT AKASHI AND RAKUZAN!"
Due to embarrassment, Murasakibara refused to cheer for them but he wanted to.
Soon, the whole entire court was cheering for them. All the teams that they had gone up against and all the teams in the future were standing and cheering for them. Kuroko wasn't going to disappoint. All this cheering wasn't going to be for naught.
"Pipsqueak…you hear that? all that cheering was for us, for you…are you feeling better now?"
"Hell yeah…Let's show them Seirin's basketball."
Wiping away her tears, she looked up at Ogiwara once more before giving Ogiwara a thumbs up and a huge grin as the entire crowd cheered.
"Sorry for the wait Sei-tan…but we aren't done yet."
Akashi returned it with a challenging smile,
"It wouldn't be interesting if this didn't happen. Let's end this Tetsuya."
As the final three minutes of the match begun, the tense air grew denser as both Seirin and Rakuzan pushed for victory. Hayama attempted to score with a layup but Kagami managed to get there too with the zone. Although Hayama did expect this and went for a double clutch but was stopped as, out of nowhere, Hyuga leapt up and knocked the ball away. With a single glance, Seirin got into offensive mode and ran down the court with Rakuzan hot on their heels.
How did they all react so quickly? We caught them off guard didn't we? Not only that but they are perfectly in sync with Kagami. What is going on?!
Aomine then realized what had happened.
"Oh come on! So that was it?"
He then burst into laughter as tears ran down his face.
There was no way I could have opened up that last door, cause I threw that away long ago.
"That wasn't a gate keeper in front of that door. it was you all along wasn't it…Tetsu?"
At that moment, Akashi also realized what had happened. He finally realized that the true form of the zone was acquired through Kuroko. It was her ability to join the team as one that allowed for this zone to take form. And he had thrown that away. But that wasn't going to stop him.
Seirin managed to score a few more points but Akashi was going to stop them there. He managed to ankle break Kagami and score another three pointer,
"No, the victor will be me…You're one hundred years too early to defeat the kings."
There was the final few seconds left on the clock as both teams summoned all the energy they had left for this final attack. Using his eagle eye, Izuki mapped out the correct course to take to ensure that Rakuzan do not gain possession of the ball. With only 8 seconds left on the clock, Seirin ran for their lives. Izuki passed to Hyuga who knew that even though Mibuchi was on him, he had to take the shot. As he went for the shot, Mibuchi bumped into him and the ball hit the ring and rolled on it before falling into the hoop and earning them three points and a free throw.
With only 4 seconds left on the clock and 1 point difference, Hyuga knew that it would be a mistake to score this free as it would leave time for Rakuzan to score if they gained possession of the ball. As Hyuga took the shot, Kiyoshi knew that his team's victory fell on whether he got this rebound or not and he was going to make sure he got it. With a mighty leap, Kiyoshi took possession of the ball and Nebuya immediately went into defense mode to prepare him for Kiyoshi's next move. Rakuzan was on high alert, keeping their eyes peeled on their opponents to make sure that not a single move was unnoticed. Who? Who is he going to pass to? Is it going to be a three? or a dunk? The corners of the blunette's lips curled slightly as Mayuzumi's eyes, for a brief moment, turned away from her. Sorry Mayuzumi, but this is my win. Finally realising that something wasn't right, Mayuzumi turned back to his opponent to see her race away.
Fuck it all! That little piece of shit! I knew she was being suspicious so I was keeping my eye on her but even so, the moment I thought of something else I totally forgot about her. That fucking piece of shit! The phantom sixth man! Her lack of presence is a major threat now! The moment I take my fucking eyes of her, she vanished.
"Kuroko!"
The ball landed neatly into her hands as Kuroko got ready to shoot, the ball ready to fire into the hoop. With 2 seconds left on the clock the world seemed to stop until she felt a familiar warm presence come up from behind her as Akashi leapt in front to block.
"It's your loss Tetsuya!"
In this brief moment, Kuroko remembered the words that Akashi had said to her back in Teiko. To be defeated by something that I created would be a disgrace on my behalf.
"No…I haven't lost yet Sei-tan. After all, I am the shadow that has now, overcome the light."
With a mighty push, the ball sailed into the air as Kagami leapt up and with a mighty and ground shaking roar, he slammed the ball into the hoop just as the buzzer sounded for the end of the game. Time stood still and what was seconds seemed like hours. No one could move or talk until the whistle blew and the announcer called for the end of the match.
"The time is up! WINNER OF THE WINTER CUP BY 1 POINT DIFFERENCE IS SEIRIN HIGH SCHOOL!"
The world went back to normal speed as Seirin let out shouts and cheers of triumph and pure joy as their dream of being the best in Japan had finally come true.
"OOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"WE DID IT! WE WON!"
The whole team leapt from the benches and the court and jumped on top of Kagami and Kuroko in pure happiness as tears coated the court and shouts of joy rang throughout the gym. Seirin burst into roars of triumph as they huddled together, hugging and sharing their joy with each other. Kagami lifted Kuroko up and spun her around, laughing and crying with uncontrollable joy.
"We won! Pipsqueak, we won!"
"Yes! We did it! All of us!"
Tears rushed from her eyes as this feeling of winning as a team overwhelmed her. This feeling brought back memories of what victory was like with her team in Teiko before the sudden change and what she had yearned and missed for 2 years. 2 years of emotionless playing and determination to fix things and this was her reward. Rakuzan stood, frozen as they couldn't believe that they had lost. For the first time, they had fallen. Akashi stared at the victors. He watched as they shared their victory and celebrated it together, something that wouldn't happen at Rakuzan. Amongst the sweaty bodies, he noticed his beloved. He watched as she cried and laughed and embraced her teammates. It brought a burning and piercing sensation in his chest. it was so painful and overwhelming that he almost collapsed. He had to feel her touch and hold her before he lost control.
I've lost. It is the first time since I was born. So…this is what defeat feels like…hmph what an incredible cruel and painful feeling. It hurts my chest. I don't know if I can keep my composure but because of that, I think that I am glad that I played basketball and that I was able to meet and love you. I know you will probably never forgive me for what I have done to you but please know that I will always love you and that I would never know true happiness without you. If it is possible, could i stay with you for a while longer?
Approaching her, he took in a deep breath as tears rolled down his eyes. Genuine tears of both sorrow and joy as he finally got to see that radiant smile on her face again and to be in her presence after so long.
"It's your, no, Seirin's win. Congratulations Tetsuya."
Akashi stuck his hand out as his Kuroko stepped forward to grasp it. A sly grin plastered on her face which caused his heart to beat a little faster.
"Hmpf…I'm glad that you've come back Sei-tan. I told you I would bring you back. Thank you for everything. Let's play again next time. Oh and I forgot one more thing."
Kuroko grabbed his hand and shook it but then ran forward into his arms and embraced him tightly, pressing her forehead into his shoulder.
"You're an idiot for leaving like that. I hate you. All the things that happened up til now, I know that it must have been hard for you and you probably didn't want to do any of that but I forgive you. I can't stay angry at you, you know. No matter how many times I tried to move on and forget about Teiko, I just couldn't. It hurt to know that the Sei-tan I knew and loved so much was so close and yet so far away. So this time, stay. Please don't leave again. I know this is probably cheesy and gross and all but I missed you so much and I love you."
Rakuzan froze and so did Seirin as they stared in shock at the intimate scene between Kuroko and Akashi who stared in shock and he was speechless. His Tetsuya had forgiven him and still loves him so much. She had sacrificed so much and given so much for him. He didn't deserve her. Ignoring the fact that the others were also there, Akashi returned her embrace with a kiss on her forehead.
"Tetsuya, I don't deserve you. I don't deserve your love or your time. But thank you for loving me and don't worry about me leaving. I believe that my vacation has come to an end and I am here to stay. I love you. But we will talk later unless you don't mind the audience."
Kuroko instantly went red and refused to make eye contact with anyone else but she heard the sniggering and man giggles coming from all around her.
"Okay, we'll talk later…"
She turned to her teammates and with a flushed face she walked past but Hyuga grabbed her by the shoulders and stopped her,
"Where do you think you're going?"
"To hide in shame."
"hahahahaha, don't worry kiddo I'll only punish you slightly because you helped us win."
Kuroko frowned and glared at her captain,
"Not funny captain."
Hyuga ruffled her hair and then everyone took turns in teasing her which caused her to shout at them to stop but they didn't care and continued with their endless barrage of teasing comments. Akashi watched as she walked off with her team and when he turned to his, he noticed that they had odd grins on their faces. Akashi's smiling face returned neutral in an attempt to intimidate his teammates but this time it didn't work.
"Ooh~ I didn't know that Sei-Chan and Cutie-Chan were dating! How cute!"
"That's soooo weird! I thought Akashi's type was someone elegant or rich?! But Kuroko-san is pretty cute! If Akashi wasn't dating her, I think I might!"
This comment caused Akashi to glare at Hayama with seething jealousy but it was carefully hidden in the passive expression that he usually wore.
"Careful Hayama. Just because I have returned to my old self, doesn't mean that I tolerate such comments or behaviour."
This caused Hayama to flinch. The end of the winter cup arrived as the teams were awarded their trophies and titles. Seirin received the Winter cup, while Rakuzan took second place, Shutoku took third and Kaijo took fourth. Photos were taken and comments were exchanged before Akashi turned to his coach.
"Coach, may I go tend to some business?"
The coach had seen what had happened on the court. Someone would be just plain stupid to not see that there was obviously something going on between Akashi and Kuroko.
"Yes, you can go but we leave in 10 minutes. Make sure you're back before then."
"Thank you."
Kuroko and her team laughed and joked around but she noticed Akashi at the end of the court, beckoning to her.
"Hey, um…Coach, guys….would it be okay if I have a talk with Sei- ugh I mean Akashi for a bit?"
Hyuga was about to refuse when Riko covered his mouth with her hand and allowed Kuroko to see Akashi.
"Let's find a quieter and more isolated place to talk."
Together the two got up to the rooftop where at the beginning of the Winter Cup tournament, they had exchanged words before.
"You know, it feels like ages since we've talked like this."
"Indeed. I know that the sins that I committed will never be forgotten nor will I be able to atone for them but I will spend the rest of my life carrying that burden as punishment for the harsh treatment that I gave you and the others. I am sorry."
Kuroko grabbed his hand and held her hand over his mouth to stop him.
"I didn't come here to speak about this Sei-tan. I have already forgiven you haven't you forgotten? And don't worry about that 'burden' or so you say. The others aren't going to hold you to it. It takes a lot more than harsh words to bring them down."
"I see. I am glad to be blessed with great friends and you."
"Damn straight you are and don't forget it. You know, the next time you are troubled, don't be afraid to ask for help. You may be Akashi Seijuro but even a Seijuro needs the help of someone at times. That reminds me… Since I won against you, that bet with your father…I won that bet too. Meaning, you're free and if your father thinks otherwise, I will teach him a lesson. I won that bet therefore I am absolute and no one can defy me!"
Kuroko laughed at her own impression of Akashi who stared at her with a gentle smile,
"I wish that you would not do that again. It isn't pleasant for me and also….I do not sound like that."
"Um…yes you do!"
"You…through the last year, I haven't been able to get you out of my mind you know? Even when my other self was in control, my mind was filled with thoughts of you, when I could see you again, if I could hold you again and whether you still loved me. It was like a tightening feeling in my chest that I could not get rid of and my other self must have taken it as a threat and tried to force you to relieve the pain. I want you to know that, I Akashi Seijuro, will never let go of you again."
Akashi caressed Kuroko's cheek and wiped the single glistening tear that ran down her smooth pale face.
"You are the most beautiful and strong woman I have ever met and I will treasure you."
Kuroko smiled and pressed her face against the warmth of his hand and kissed it.
"Ditto. Sei-tan, you forget how handsome you are when you smile and you also forgot that I love your smiles the most. How about one right now?"
Akashi let his emotions take over as he kissed her, starting off gently before becoming more passionate and pouring his love into her. Her response sent this hormones through the roof as she deepened the kiss and wrapped her hands around him. She pulled away and let her head rest against his chest, hearing the beating of heart and feeling his chest rise and fall with every breath.
"You destroy me Tetsuya."
"And you complete me, Sei-tan…"
She looked up to see his eyes brimmed with tears and a genuine and beautiful smile on his face. The setting sun made his hair glow like wildfire and his smile shone. This was too perfect to be real. She slapped herself and Akashi flinched,
"Why did you do that?"
"I wanted to check if this was real or not. Usually the world likes to prove me wrong so I always have to check."
"So then, is it a dream?"
"You bet your sorry ass it's not. For once, I think the world is finally helping me out today. Let's go get ice cream!"
Akashi let out a warm chuckle as he stroked her head gently and stalled for time, not wanting this moment to end.
"I apologise but I have some business tonight. I will call you when I have some free time and we'll go and you can eat to your heart's content."
"Alright! You said that, not me! I'm going to hold you to it. If you're lying I'll beat you!"
"I wouldn't dream of it."
They shared another quick but passionate kiss as time and their teams forced them apart but this was enough for them.
"I'll see you again soon, Tetsuya."
"Of course! See you soon Sei-tan!"
When Kuroko returned to her team, they all stared at her with questioning looks,
"So what happened?!"
Riko questioned her, eyes glowing with interest.
"Sorry, but I'm not going to say!"
"OMG! Did you two…you know?"
"WHAT NO! WHAT THE HELL!? We talked about our relationship and that was about it."
"Lies! Pipsqueak is lying. Your face was all red when you got here. Did you two kiss or something?!"
The redness of her face showed them everything.
"OHH! How sly."
"NO! That's not it! Stop!"
"Who knew that Kuroko was such a grown up girl! Even Riko hasn't had her first kiss yet!"
This caused Riko to blush and smack Hyuga in the face while dishing out punches to his arm. The others tried to pry her off him but she held on tight like a leech.
"DIE! HYUGA DIE!"
"ARGH! GET HER OFF! I'M SORRY RIKO! OI! HELP ME!"
"COACH!"
"CAPTAIN!"
Kuroko sighed as Kagami ruffled her hair and they bumped fists.
"Thanks Pipsqueak…"
"No, thank you Kagami. Who knew that this would happen?"
"Hm…I'm still buzzing. I can still feel the rush."
"Same…What do you say you and me head to the court near my place for another round of basketball huh?"
"Huh? you think you'll beat me. You sure you aren't tired? Need a little massage from Akashi?"
The sly and teasing grin on Kagami's face made Kuroko fume with embarrassment, the mock glare she sent Kagami made his grin widen.
"Heh? you want to die early Kagami?!"
"Hah! Bring it on!"
End of chapter
Don't worry guys this is not the last chapter! I still have plans for this fanfic! SO LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU GUYS IN THE NEXT CHAPTER!