rabid dog

Reluctantly I let Akashi and Furihata enter, I still have a sneaking suspicion that Akashi may attempt to kill me, but for some reason I doubt he'll attempt anything like that with the brunette close by. For Furihata's presence I'd beyond grateful.

My efforts for my somewhat unwelcome guests actually surprise me. Soon we're sitting with drinks and nibbling quickly whipped up tomato sandwiches – well, Furihata nibbles, I'm still full from earlier and much too nervous, while Akashi simply keeps giving more food to Furihata whenever his food diminishes in the slightest. Oddly enough Akashi reminds me of a keen mother intent on keeping her child fed, Furihata makes no mention of the treatment – it must happen often.

"I've mentioned to you my terms for your attempts at courting Tetsuya, Kagami Taiga-"

"Seijurou! Stop using that word," Furihata intercepts with a small frown, his tone pleading. "People don't use that in the 21st century,"

Akashi frowns slightly and flashes Furihata a glance, "What would you have me call it then, Kouki?"

For a moment Fuihata splutters and his eyes try to focus on anything except Akashi. "W-wooing?" It comes out more of a question than a statement, but Akashi seems to take the suggestion seriously and he gives the brunette an affectionate look.

"Very well then. Kagami Taiga, you know my terms for wooing Tetsuya, correct?"

"Ah," I pause, wandering whether Furihata knows about the death threats. "I think I got it,"

"Good, then we may start. Kouki, if you please?"

The brunette flashes a small smile and scoots forward; he places his plate on the coffee table although Akashi grunts in disapproval as he's just filled it back up. "I have known Kuroko-kun for many years now, so has Aka-Seijurou. We've always known him to be dispassionate and meek, with a very mild personality – almost invisible at times. Yet," Furihata's gaze swings to Akashi momentarily before coming back to focus on me. "Recently, he has been more expressive in his actions and emotions. I'd like to believe it's because he has found inspiration." His face quickly turns sour, "Akashi-kun," he stresses, clearly on purpose, "Believes Kuroko-kun has always been expressive, yet has chosen not to show it to anyone – not even his friends it seems."

"A logical conclusion from a childhood friend," Akashi says in all seriousness.

Furihata rolls his eyes, but his lips quiver with the beginnings of a smile. "Anyway, we've dallied at the possibility that you are affecting him."

"I haven't done anything wrong!" I say fast, eyes boring into Akashi in worry.

"Of course not," Furihata laughs and it makes Akashi's own lips curl slightly, "In fact, you've done something right."

"I have?" I highly doubt it…

"Yes," Akashi interjects, "Whereas Tetsuya's first light," Again with that light stuff…"Daiki, behaved like a rabid dog that attacked and snarled at the slightest provocation; you, Kagami Taiga, seem to handle Kuroko with care and genuine interest. It has come to my attention that perhaps this is what Tetsuya has needed all along: someone who will tease and bond with him, yet at the same time take precious moments to attend to his human nature as none of us ever had the time or ability to."

I frown, the words might light up my chest in pride, but it bothers me still. "Why me?" I shake my head, adding bitterly "It doesn't matter anymore, he probably hates me now."

Akashi's eyes gleam dangerously, "Tetsuya did not choose you only to give up. His will is strong, he will remain your shadow until the day you no longer need each other. And right now, Tetsuya needs you."

:) :D :D :D :D :D ;D