A/N: Covid happened, pregnancy happened, and wells at least it's finally out! sorry for the long wait and enjoy the read!
He woke up the next morning at the usual seven despite how late he slept last night. Yawning, he exited the guest room and headed towards the kitchen to boil some water and make some tea. Eyes half shut, he found his favourite brand of team effortlessly and managed to get the pot boiling without burning himself. His cup sat on the drying rack next to Makoto's own.
Last night after everyone had left, Hanamiya did end up crashing on the sofa which led to Kuroko dragging the other's bigger, heavier body back to the master bedroom. Kuroko was thankful that the captain didn't puke during the shift. Sleepy Makoto did, however, cling on to Kuroko for awhile.
"Tetsuuuuuu~" Hanamiya didn't want to let go of his shirt.
"Good night Mako-tan."
"Good night, Tetsu." Sleepy Makoto mutter and Kuroko managed to disentangle himself, tuck the older man in, turn off the lights, and head back to the guest room for some quiet time.
In the dead of the night, Kuroko finally slowly processed the things that happened – firstly about how thankful he was to have Makoto's support through this, then about Aomine's confession and Kise's feelings, then finally about Kagami and his girlfriend.
Strangely, Makoto was the easiest to read out of all of them. Hanamiya's no bullshit, what you see is what you get, asshole personality was what Kuroko needed amid all these hidden secrets and games. Maybe Kuroko just got better at reading him? Either way, Makoto's presence was like a safe shelter during a turbulent storm.
Aomine seemed alright as he left but Kuroko knew better. Satsuki-chan would be at the receiving end of the dark-skinned man's angst and childish behaviour for the next couple of weeks. Kuroko made a mental reminder to treat Kise and Aomine more equally and show them the same amount of affection. He was glad that they could be honest and open with each other. It was definitely a step forward in their friendship as compared to their Teiko days were everyone only knew how to say hurtful words to each other to hide insecurities.
It also seemed like everyone knew about his feelings for Kagami.
So, did Kagami know too?
Kagami did act as he always did during the match, showing the same amount of affection and comradery to Kuroko despite having a girlfriend which suggested Kagami probably did not know about Kuroko's feelings.
Would Kagami be disgusted if he found out about Kuroko's crush on him?
Would that change anything?
It wasn't as if Kagami would move back to Japan and break up with his girlfriend just for Kuroko. Hanamiya's words suddenly resurfaced – that Kagami only saw him as a shadow, that the other didn't value Kuroko the same as the other way round. Kagami was the only person who could send him into Zone, but Kuroko was probably just another player for Kagami to overcome and learn from.
Was there a point to holding on to these feelings and being hurt by Kagami's not-quite rejection?
Logically, not really.
Affections and emotions were hard to get rid with logic though.
In the quiet of the night, Kuroko relished in the memory of stepping into zone. It was a good experience. It was a good memory with the man he held strong affections for. The man who had a girlfriend and live in a land far from here. A man he probably wouldn't see again for a long time because of the distance invoked between them.
This man – Kagami and all the memories they had together. Their sweat and grueling training days that led to the sweetest victory Kuroko had ever tasted. And despite all these memories, Kuroko was just another thing of the past, sentiment to be forgotten.
Like experiencing a defeat in a crucial basketball match, Kuroko knew he had to slowly let go.
The whistle of the kettle pulled him back to the moment. Kuroko quickly turned it off and stood still in the silence for a moment to listen if the sound had woken his landlord up.
No noise came from the direction of Hanamiya's room, but a sound did from the door.
There was a knock on the door. At seven am.
Kuroko felt a shiver down his spine.
It could only be one person. Kuroko wasn't even surprised that Hanamiya's address got leaked.
Sighing, he dropped another tea bag into another cup (a cup for guests, not Hanamiya's cup) and filled it with water before going to open the door.
He had to face this someday anyway – the last item on his agenda he really didn't want to think about. Not because it was hard, but because Kuroko was truly still pissed off.
In Makoto's black hoodie and slightly large track pants, Kuroko opened his landlord's door to face Akashi Seijuro who was dressed in his Sunday best.
"Tetsuya." The redhead greeted, a cold smile on his face.
"Akashi-kun." Kuroko nodded back in greeting and took pleasure at the tiny flinch between Akashi's brows.
"May I come in?" Akashi asked. Kuroko considered making Akashi wait at the door while he went to ask Makoto for permission but decided against being a little shit. He held the door open and gestured for the other to come in.
Akashi took a moment to inspect Hanamiya's apartment and eventually settled on the corner couch in the living room. Kuroko silently hoped Hara had stuck some gum on that couch last night and it would stick to Akashi's stupid fancy clothes. He served the tea and sat down on a separate sofa making sure it wasn't the seat closest to Akashi.
As always with Akashi, there was some awkward silence and tea sipping first before anything was said.
Deep breaths. Do not punch the asshole.
"So," Akashi started as he settled his cup back down. "It seems like you've made yourself at home here."
"Makoto is a gracious host." Kuroko made sure to use Makoto's first name while Akashi was still referred to as 'Akashi' and not 'Seijuro'.
"Mmmm. You've grown close while no one was watching, it seems."
"Well, Seirin knew. And Makoto's team knew." Kuroko shrugged. "Satsuki-chan knew as well."
"Satsuki knew, you say?" Akashi nodded his head in contemplation. Kuroko felt his blood slowly start to boil.
"You can't always keep us within your control, Akashi-kun."
"No, no. Apparently there's no need for that anymore seeing as how we are all trying to establish a new level of friendship within the Generation of Miracles. It's really… interesting to see my teammates being so open with each other. What a fresh change."
Kuroko held back, and sighed. "What are you really here for, Akashi-kun?"
Akashi flashed his stupid placating smile. The asshole then reached over and held on to Kuroko's hand, slowly rubbing soothing circles into his skin and trying to provide some form of comfort. "I want to apologise, Tetsuya. For making you go through that horrid experience yesterday."
"Alright. Is that all?" Kuroko's uncaring reply made Akashi frown. At least Kuroko wasn't childish enough to shake off Akashi's hold.
"I was manipulative. You know I am. You know me, Tetsuya. But I do apologise for the situation hurting you this much. I didn't factor in the depth of feelings you had for Taiga."
Fucking manipulative asshole as if all his teammates were just numbers and statistics to be computed by that stupid brain of his-
"Akashi-kun," deep breaths. "Why don't you be honest and tell me what you had hoped to achieve from such an act?" Kuroko wanted to get straight to the point. Akashi's hand was still holding on to his and he couldn't drink his tea and he really needed tea to calm down.
Akashi still had his stupid smile plastered on his face. "Well, first of all I wanted to make sure you knew that your feelings for Taiga were unreciprocated and that you should move on. I think this was achieved."
Kuroko glared but held back any cutting remarks.
"Secondly, I wanted you to realise that there were other people who care about you that you could rely on. People who would not abandon you as easily as Taiga has, and would take better care of you."
"I'm assuming you're referring to the Generation of Miracles."
Akashi nodded, thumbs stroking Kuroko's hand. "Yes. I appreciate the change and want the old team to become closer and rely on each other more."
"Alright." Kuroko stared into Akashi's eyes. Deep breaths. "There's more, isn't there?"
"Of course, Tetsuya. I'll get to the point." Akashi proceeded to scoot to the edge of the seat and held on to both of Kuroko's hands. Kuroko felt his blood pressure rising, feeling a sense of déjà vu. Please, don't let this be Aomine happening all over again.
His senses were tingling and telling him that it really was happening again.
"I'm sure Daiki and Ryouta have already expressed their interest in you." Akashi started and Kuroko despaired. Damn it. "Tetsuya. I too have similar feelings for you. You were always special and different from the start. You were so interesting and you captivated me for so long. Seeing you on court in zone and how much you've bloomed just this past year has shown me that you are worthy of so much more than just someone who's never even noticed your feelings. You deserve more than Taiga's meger attention. I'm afraid that I've set my sights on you, Tetsuya, and I would like you to give me the opportunity to court you."
Ahh. Damn it.
On the bright side, Akashi wasn't kissing him yet. This wasn't as much of a disaster as Aomine's confession had been.
"Akashi-kun-"
"Tetsuya. Please."
Kuroko sighed again. "Seijuro-kun. I appreciate your honesty… but I cannot reciprocate your feelings."
"It will take time, Tetsuya. You are just getting over Taiga after all."
"That's not what I mean, Seijuro-kun. What I'm trying to say is that I really do appreciate you as a friend but I don't have feelings for you as something more than that. I told Daiki-kun and Ryouta-kun yesterday as well – that I love you guys as family and will continue to do so. I can't see you guys as anything more than a brother to me."
"You don't know that yet, Tetsuya. You haven't given it a try." Akashi was adamant and his smile had turned into a frown.
Kuroko shook his head. "I do actually know this quite clearly. Yesterday when Daiki-kun kissed me, there was nothing there. No sparks, no passion, and he's the one I've been closest to in the whole team."
"Daiki didn't tell me about the kiss." Akashi looked murderous.
Oops. "That's not the point, Seijuro-kun. The point is that I see you guys as my family and I cannot reciprocate the feelings you have for me. I hope that we can still be close as friends."
"I don't give up that easily, Tetsuya." Akashi's grip on his hands tightened. Kuroko tried tugging back but Akashi wouldn't let. Suddenly, Kuroko felt his body being hauled backwards, away from Akashi. His hands were disconnected from Akashi's tight hold, and new arms snaked around his waist protectively.
"You don't look like you're satisfying Tetsu-tan very well. Maybe with more practice you'll get better at it." Makoto's teasing voice came from right beside Kuroko's ear.
Oh. Shit.
Oh fuck. Shit.
"Gosh, it's so early Tetsu-tan. Why did you get out of bed? It was cold without you." Makoto nuzzled into the side of Kuroko's neck sending shivers down his spine.
Fuck. The look on Akashi's face. Shit shit shit.
"Hanamiya-san please get off me. We have a guest. You're being unslightly." Kuroko tried to push the clingy spider away but Makoto wouldn't budge. He was practically sitting between Hanamiya's legs and DAMN IT WHY WASN'T MAKOTO WEARING A SHIRT?!
This was a set up. For sure. 100%.
"It's impolite to visit someone's house this early in the morning especially when the man of the house isn't awake yet. You have to excuse me, Akashi, for being unsightly." Makoto was being such a piece of shit.
"I was just having a private conversation with Tetsuya so if you could leave us to speak in private, that would be great." Akashi's patience was clearly running thin. The redhead's fists were clenched and eyes were burning with hatred.
"Well I hate to be a bad host and leave a guest here without my presence so if You don't mind, I'll just be staying right here." Hanamiya shot back.
Damn it. Kuroko was going to die an early death. For sure. This was too much stress for anyone to handle. He wanted to rub his temples or drink some tea but his arms were circled by Hanamiya's own.
Today really wasn't going well so far.
"Seijuro-kun. Please consider what I have said and perhaps we can speak about this another time?" Kuroko tried.
"I'm serious, Tetsuya." Akashi's glare continued on Makoto. "I will not give up these feelings for you."
"And I'm serious too. I only have platonic feelings for Seijuro-kun. Please respect my decision."
"Yeah, Seijuro-kun." Makoto parroted mockingly. "Please respect Tetsu-tan's decision."
"Please stay out of things that do not concern you." Akashi's tone became cutting and all pleasantries were tossed aside.
"I think this matter concerns me even more than it may concern you." Kuroko knew Hanamiya was showing off that stupid smirk he always used when challenging people. "After all, you're just another shade of fucking rainbow knocking at my door at ungodly hours looking for your little shadow."
Kuroko squeezed Makoto's thigh. "Makoto. That's enough."
"Yes, my dear. Of course, my dear." Makoto sang cheekily and even drank from Kuroko's cup of tea, further taunting the redhead whose face was blooming into the same tone as his hair.
Kuroko sighed. Deep breaths.
Okay, he just needed to play mediator and disengage first.
"Seijuro-kun, please." Kuroko reached out to link his hands with Akashi again. He felt Makoto's grip on his waist tighten but ignored it for now. "You know I mean it when I say I love the members of our Teiko team. You guys are family and I'm not trying to replace you. I would appreciate it if you would respect my decisions in this matter. I am angry at you for trying to manipulate my feelings and plans with Kagami-kun but I know I will ultimately let it go because I knew who you were when I chose to love you as my family, manipulative asshole and all." Kuroko made sure to give Akashi a smile at that statement to soften the insult.
Akashi didn't seem too happy with the results but each time Kuroko mentioned that he loved the other, Akashi relaxed a little. In the end, the redhead sighed and reached a hand to cup Kuroko's face tenderly. Makoto's tried to jerk Kuroko backwards but Kuroko chose to resist the motion.
"My dear Tetsuya, I'll leave you to do what you please for now but know that this discussion isn't over." Akashi gave him a business smile and stroked a thumb along Kuroko's cheek. "You're one of us and we will always be there for you."
Kuroko sighed. This was as much he could get in terms of finding a middle ground with his captain. "Come on, let me walk you to the door. Please go ahead and arrange another meet up before you or Atsushi-kun leave Tokyo alright?"
"Of course." Akashi gave a winning smile.
Kuroko managed to wiggle out of Makoto's clutch as he stood up and ushered Akashi towards the door. The redhead had decided to hold onto Kuroko's hand all the way to the door and only let go to give Kuroko's hair an affectionate ruffle.
"I'll drop you a call when I've confirmed a time and location, Tetsuya." Akashi proceeded to drop a quick peck onto the corner of Kuroko's lips totally throwing him off. Damn it, it was really a repeat of Aomine.
"Take care and stay true to who you are, Tetsuya. We love your free spirit, and that you never let any one of us push you into make a decision." Akashi's eyes flashed towards something behind Kuroko for a moment and Kuroko narrowed his gaze at the redhead knowing that Akashi was sending a message or threat towards Makoto. The stupid asshole was still being manipulative!
With one last tender pat to Kuroko's cheek, Akashi left, a smirk remained on his face.
As soon as that happened, before Kuroko could process anything, the front door slammed shut and he was pushed against it roughly. The impact jolted him but the pressure across the front of his body took over every other thought process. Makoto's wet tongue licked the spot Akashi had kissed previously, and his hot mouth proceeded to cover Kuroko's lips entirely. It was forceful and sloppy making Kuroko feel all sorts of dirty, but all he could do was let out a long moan in satisfaction.
His heart exploded in the same thunderous rhythm as it did previously when Makoto had kissed him in the kitchen. This was familiar and so very good.
But also, what the hell?
Kuroko quickly tried to shove Makoto away only to be dragged by the arm towards the master bedroom.
"Makoto?"
"My patience isn't infinite, Tetsu-tan." Makoto growled. The door to the room was carelessly tossed open, and Kuroko was flung onto the bed. The comforters were still warm from Makoto's body heat and the musky smell of his landlord surrounded him. The situation might have been scary to someone who didn't know Makoto but Kuroko knew he had pissed the Kirisaki Captain off when he spoke to Akashi and pretended Makoto wasn't there towards the end of their conversation.
Also, Akashi had probably aggravated the situation even more by trying to manipulate the spider.
"Makoto." Kuroko warned as the other got onto the bed and position himself above Kuroko, caging the smaller man in.
"It's fucking 8 am in the morning, I wake up with a hangover, then I walk to my fucking living room just see small red molesting you." Makoto had a hold of Kuroko's right arm and held it down against the bed.
"I'm sorry you had to see that." Kuroko deadpanned but internally he was trying to calm his breathing because Makoto was too damn close and his body was burning up.
"The fucker then proceeds to kiss you and tries to turn you against me. ME. He fucking challenged me in my own house, and tried to manipulate your fucking thought process after knowing that I would probably act up after he left with that shameless display." Makoto's face was too damn close and Kuroko could see the rage in the other's eyes.
"Act up?" Wait. It felt like Kuroko was missing some information. Why would Akashi think that Makoto would be affected by others showing affection towards Kuroko?
"You're so fucking stupid sometimes." Makoto then proceeded to grip Kuroko's hair to jerk his head backwards and angled a deep kiss onto Kuroko's mouth. Makoto's tongue didn't wait for permission and immediately entered. Kuroko relaxed and opened up, allowing the other to do whatever. The pressure was just right and he was feeling so tightly trapped and warm and Makoto's lips were so very insistent and demanding. Makoto's hot tongue scraped across the roof of his mouth and tried to plunder as deep into his throat as it could. The Captain's possessiveness made him shiver and his stomach tighten in want.
Makoto then decided to switch it up all of a sudden, teeth started to scratch down Kuroko's chin to his neck and Makoto bit down none too gently causing Kuroko to suck in a deep breath and let out a loud guttural moan, his hips jerked upwards involuntarily from the stimulation. Makoto's own body pressed down against Kuroko's and Kuroko felt a hard, warm length grinding against the side of his thighs.
Shit. Wasn't this a little too sudden and too fast?
"Mako-"
"Just shut up and and we'll talk about your stupid emotional revelations later." Makoto sucked on a spot just along his collar bone and Kuroko couldn't help but let out a hiss from the slight pain that tingled all the way down to his cock.
Kuroko had thought the kitchen incident was a one off thing. But with how much Makoto was demanding of him at this moment, he realised he probably understood Makoto's intentions all wrong this entire time.
Damn it. He could really be stupid sometimes.
Makoto continued. "You think I didn't know Blue was interested in you? You think I didn't notice Yellow's and small Red's intentions?" Kuroko realised his shirt had been lifted and Makoto was biting his way down his chest, trailing saliva and ohhhhhh it felt good when Makoto chewed his nipples like that.
"You think I didn't know one of then would try something at some point in time?" Hot puffs of breath caused his nipples to harden and Makoto moved on to the next nipple to give it the same attention. The slopping noises of Makoto's tongue was distracting Kuroko from the actual conversation happening. Why did Makoto have to talk about important matters when Kuroko just wanted the other to focus.
Suddenly, Makoto stopped the attack and tugged Kuroko's hair to get his attention back to the matter at hand. Kuroko felt breathless and his eyes could barely open. "Look at you, Tetsuya. So satisfied with what I do to you. So fucking aroused because of me. Listen clearly, my dear." Another tug and Kuroko's eyes focused on Makoto's serious gaze.
"I watch and I plan and I make sure things go the way I want it to because that's what I do, Tetsuya. I plot and I gamble and I weigh the odds. You've been my end goal this whole fucking time. You're stubborn and you don't back down. You're smart and calculative but you have kindness which makes you a gem. A fucking gem that I needed to have." Kuroko let out a groan when Makoto jerked his hair back again to lick a line up from Kuroko's collar to the back of his ear. The captain then rested his forehead against Kuroko's own, eyes blazing with intensity.
"You are mine. You were mine from the get go. I always play the long game and I made you mine the moment I set my eyes on you after your win against my team last season. Of course I made sure you came to me slowly. That's how I make sure I own you completely. That's how you know that nothing - not blue nor red nor yellow or that stupid American, can ever amount to the satisfaction you have with me.
"Now, can I have some fucking consent to properly fuck you?" Makoto's dumb eyebrow raised as if Kuroko didn't feel stupid enough.
Right. Hanamiya Makoto was chasing him all this time and he never noticed. Looking back, the other captains and the Kirisaki team probably knew and the teasing was so damn obvious now.
Right.
With a moan in want, Kuroko surged upwards to lock lips with Hanamiya. More more more, he needed more. He wanted to own Makoto as much as Makoto owned him. He wanted to make Makoto cravewantdesire this as much as he did.
How was he so damn stupid. Makoto was here for him all this time and so heartfelt and supportive and warm and open.
Kuroko was never just an afterthought or a shadow with Makoto.
But should they really be doing this at this point in time? When his emotions were so unstable? When his heart had just been broken? When he was just confessed to by two of his other teammates?
Urgh. His moral self was being a prude.
"Mako- wait." Kuroko moaned as Hanamiya pulled his shirt off entirely to nip and lick at his ribs. Makoto's hair tickled him sending shocks down every nerve in his body. He never felt so alive. But…
"We need to stop." Kuroko insisted.
"Why the fuck?" Makoto's rough tone sent hot shivers down to Kuroko's lower parts. Shit, was Makoto's voice always so deep and sexy? "You reciprocated, my dear Tetsu-tan. That's as good as an 'Oh, Makoto, yes, please' to me." Makoto mocked, trying to imitate Kuroko's voice.
Kuroko glared. Hanamiya smirked.
Fine.
Fine.
"Well, unless my dear, sweet Makoto would like me to occasionally think of Tall Red while he's fucking me, I suggest giving me some time and space to properly have closure would be a better option at this point in time, oh Makoto yes please." Kuroko glared, and this time Makoto narrowed his eyes to match his glare. Irritation and dissatisfaction rolled off the other in waves.
No one moved and no one spoke but there was an awkward moment where Hanamiya's nails accidentally scratched behind Kuroko's ear making Kuroko suck in a sharp breath involuntarily.
Then, Makoto decided to sigh and roll off the top of Kuroko. "Fine. I see your point." The Captain sighed and growled in frustration. "Fine. Fine."
Kuroko wanted to laugh. Makoto was probably feeling the same tension as he was at the moment at being so hard but not finding completion. He rolled onto his side to face the frowning Makoto and gave the other a peck on the side of his mouth.
The scowl on Mako-tan's face never looked so endearing.
"Just give me a couple of days to settle things and come to terms with moving on first, alright?"
Hanamiya huffed stubbornly and pulled Kuroko into a possessive embrace. "But you're still mine, right? I'll kick you out the moment you fall into the hands of any one of those stupid colour pencils or if you avoid me like a stupid emotional girl."
Ah. Posessive Makoto, he liked. But insecure Makoto he didn't like so much.
"You're stupid." Kuroko teased but nuzzled the other's neck affectionally. "You'll have me for sure if you buy me vanilla milkshake every day. Just leave one by your door and I'll always return. You'll never be able to get rid of me even if you try. I'll follow you like a shadow."
"You're not a stupid fucking shadow."
"Not to you." Kuroko smiled. "I was never one to you."
"Glad you fucking realised."
Kuroko gave the other another sweet peck on the cheek. "Thank you, Mako-tan."
Hanamiya's neck flushed red and the captain snorted in what seemed like embarrassment.
"Shut up. And get up, stop lazing around! Don't leave your stupid tea cup on the coffee table. If it leaves a stain, you're buying me a new table." Hanamiya complained and pushed away from Kuroko to get out of bed quickly.
Oh no, Kuroko was never going to be able to stop teasing Makoto now. The captain's blush was so cute after all. Without looking back, Hanamiya disappeared into the bathroom and slammed the door shut leaving Kuroko cosy in his landlord's bed, smile etched into his cheeks.
Kuroko waited till the very last moment to meet up with Kagami. It was the last evening the tall redhead would be in the country before flying back to America with his girlfriend.
Kagami had called him a couple of times over the last week but every single call went unanswered because Kuroko felt like he hadn't sorted his emotions out yet. It came to a point where Makoto got pissed at him, picked up Kuroko's phone and dropped Kagami a text stating where and when to meet.
"The faster you get over the stupid tall red, the faster we can fuck." Was Makoto's explanation.
So here he was, waiting in their usual booth at Maji Burger for Kagami to arrive.
The more he thought about things with Kagami, the more Kuroko saw that his crush was probably fueled by the memories they had together. They had many golden moments together – hardships undergone, challenges faced, victories won. Perhaps, Kuroko didn't really know what love was, until now.
A group of four with multi-coloured hair took up the booth two stations down. Kuroko sighed out loud, but internally he smiled affectionately at the protective gesture. Makoto must have predicted this to a certain extent as well because the captain didn't even seem concerned about Kuroko meeting with his crush… no, ex-crush alone.
"Yo. Kuroko." Kagami's voice made Kuroko sit up straighter as his former teammate plopped down onto the seat across him. "Why have you been hiding from me man? I tried to call you a million times and you disappeared on me. What gives?"
"Kagami-kun. I apologise. Things were… hectic for awhile." Kuroko tried to look everywhere else but Kagami's eyes. Damn it. Maybe he wasn't really ready for this. Damn Makoto for forcing him into this awkward situation.
"Dude. You need to tell me what's going on man. You're acting strange and avoiding me as if you're in some deep shit. Coach has been telling me that you've been meeting with that damned Kirisaki Spider too. Did he do something?" Kagami leaned forward and stared him down.
"You're mistaken. I had some personal matters to settle and it took some time. There's nothing to worry about, Kagami-kun."
"Look. I'm still your friend. You can count on me to help you out when there's trouble man."
Kuroko scoffed. "Then why hasn't Kagami-kun replied any of my messages since you've moved to America? Why did you not tell me you were coming back? Why did you not tell any of us about your girlfriend? Why did you disappear the moment you found other sources of challenges overseas?"
Kagami looked affronted but Kuroko couldn't give a shit. This was the guy that he loved and had let him down.
His light who disappeared.
Kagami frowned but eventually sighed. "Yeah I really should have texted back. Things were happening so quickly back in the States and one thing happened after another and the next thing I know half a year had passed. And when Akashi sent me a message to fly back I thought we'd just go back to how it was before. I thought you guys wouldn't be interested to know about my private life so I didn't mention anything.
But I did read all your messages! You scored a buzzer beater man! That's fucking awesome! And I can't believe you carried the team to win the finals this season! And dude, you went into zone while playing with me. I can't freaking believe how much of a monster you turned out to be without me, Kuroko."
"It would have been nice to celebrate that buzzer beater with you, or winning the finals, or any other victories Seirin had over the last season. If only you had replied." Kuroko wasn't really too upset at it by now since it had been awhile since it all happened. And he also had Makoto along the way – and impressing Makoto was more rewarding because of how much of a shit he knew the Spider was. Kuroko also had his Teiko teammates' support through the season which diluted the negative emotions he had about Kagami not replying all year long.
He might have lost a beloved Light, but he gained a family and whatever Makoto was along the way. It was alright.
But he planned to guilt Kagami as much as he could.
"Look man. I'm really sorry. But I mean you did go into zone with me on court the other day so you can't be too upset with me, right?" Kagami's exasperated look used to endear to him but now it just irked him like how Seijuro's meddling or Satsuki's overbearingness irked him.
"What an idiot."
"SHHHHHHHHH."
Kuroko held a chortle in. Aomine was such an idiot.
"Huh? Did I hear something?" Kagami turned around to look.
"Nah. Probably just some insignificant customer in Maji." Kuroko waved off the other's concern and Kagami shrugged then became serious again.
"But seriously. What's going on Kuroko?"
A buzz on his handphone caught his attention and Kuroko gave a quick look to see if it was anything urgent.
'Hurry home so that we can fuck. I'm not sexting you, just a reminder. – Mako-tan'
What an asshole. Kuroko smiled and found some courage.
"After you left Makoto helped me a lot with basketball. Somehow we grew closer and I got better at the game. When Kagami left everyone thought I'd be useless without a light and that Seirin didn't have a strong enough light for me to work off on. Everyone missed you and I was never enough for the team alone."
"Those assholes. Sorry that happened man."
Kuroko waved him off. "Makoto showed me I didn't have to be someone's shadow, that I could be my own force to be reckoned with. I haven't enjoyed basketball this much until now, Kagami-kun. No one taught me to fight on my own and carry my own weight.
"Things are fine now, Kagami-kun. You can rest easy knowing things have settled down here while you're in America." Kuroko ended it off by staring into Kagami's eyes. There's nothing to be afraid of, nothing to be awkward about, they were just friends and were close teammates.
"Fuck, Kuroko, you make it sound like I'm not needed here anymore."
"Well, you did leave so we had to make do. Would you have preferred for us to beg you to stay?" Kuroko didn't mention that he was ready to do before he'd found out about Kagami's girlfriend.
"You could at least seem like you've missed me a little." Kagami pouted.
"I believe it was mentioned somewhere in our conversation. Perhaps you could read through your texts. Perhaps I mentioned it there." Kuroko tilted his head. Makoto always called him a 'little shit' when Kuroko acted innocent.
"You've changed. You've become more of an asshole since I've been gone."
"I learnt from the best." Kuroko gave a small tilt of his lips and his head rested on an arm propped up on the table - Makoto's signature taunting posture.
"Fuck man. I really don't want to know. So, tell me more about how you trashed the Seaweed Megane Shuutoku big shot."
Kuroko snorted. "Shintarou-kun didn't even try to block me. Takao redirected his team to block everyone else other than me. It was a clear shot and you know I never miss."
"I know you miss all the time. You have a shit posture for shooting."
"That hasn't changed. Daiki-kun really ruined my form. Makoto had a fit trying to get me to change the way I stand while shooting."
"You had to play Kirisaki too didn't you? How did you manage to win them? They play dirty all the time! Did they go after you this time too? Don't tell me Hanamiya Makoto is such an ass that he'll attack you even though you're friends." Kagami had a deep frown on his face.
Kuroko gave a little snigger. "He promised that he wouldn't harm anyone from Seirin that match. I made no such promise to his team, though."
Kagami had a look of surprise. "Holy shit. You dirtied him?!"
"Don't say it so crudely, Kagami-kun. We haven't done anything too dirty."
"I really don't want to know." Kagami paused. "Okay wait I kind of want to know but we'll get to that later. YOU PLAYED DIRTY AGAINST KIRISAKI DAIICHI?!"
"I told you, I learnt from the best. I tripped Makoto in the last second and Seirin won during the penalty shoot. Makoto was pissed but flattered." Kuroko shrugged.
"You've got balls man. He didn't try to punch you again, did he?"
"No, Makoto didn't." Kuroko wanted to test the waters. "But he was so flattered he almost kissed me on court."
"THAT FUCKER. I KNEW HE TOOK YOUR FIRST KISS." Kuroko looked up. Behind Kagami's seat were three heads of colourful hair and Satsuki had scooted into the seat next to Kagami. It seems like they gave up hiding altogether. Aomine continued to fume while Kise mourned Kuroko's innocence. Midorima frowned but didn't say anything.
"What the f- What are you guys doing here?!" Kagami shrieked after looking over his shoulder at the three heads hovering behind him.
"They were here from the beginning, Kagami-kun. Please be a little less airheaded." Kuroko tsked.
"So what happened, Tetsu-kun? Did he really kiss you?" Satsuki leaned forward and asked. "Dai-chan told me that you said Dai-chan wasn't your first and I was really relieved because no one should have to suffer from Daiki's kiss but after that I was kind of jealous because WHO TOOK IT and I thought maybe it was Sei-kun but now it's just obvious that it was Mako-kun instead!"
"Satsuki. Calm down." Midorima chastised but Kise's rant drowned Midorima's voice.
"THAT PERVERT! WHAT DID HE DO TO YOU KUROKO!? DID HE STEAL IT FROM YOU?! DID HE CORNER YOU IN AN ALLEY? DID HE FORCE IT ON YOU?! WHY DOES HE GET TO TASTE YOUR SOFT INNOCENT LIPS FIRST?!"
Kuroko threw a fry at Kise's face but decided they needed to be punished more. "Sure. Makoto cornered me, held me against my will against a solid surface and slowly had his way with me." Kuroko managed to hold a stoic face.
"What the fuck, Tetsu?!"
"I really didn't need to know that, Tetsuya."
"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
"MY POOR TETSU-KUN!"
"Kuroko, seriously? What the fuck? You're really dating Hanamiya Makoto?" Kagami finally got over his shock.
"Do you have problem with that, Kagami-kun?" Satsuki asked with a sweet voice but it made every guy in hearing range shiver somehow.
"I mean…" Kagami swallowed. "I didn't even know Kuroko was gay."
"You have an issue with that, Bakagami?" Aomine bent over to growl next to Kagami's ear. Kuroko just sat there sipping on his Vanilla milkshake, content to watch the show.
"Get away from me you Aho! I don't have an issue! Kuroko and I have just never discussed this topic before! And wait a moment… YOU KISSED KUROKO?! YOU FUCKING PERVERT WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM?!"
"HAR?! IT WAS PERFECTLY CONSENTUAL YOU IDIOT!"
"Actually it might not have been as consentual on Kuroko's part. I was there. I would know." Kise chimed in.
"Ryouta-kun is right. Daiki-kun was a savage. He didn't even ask for permission and I was definitely not expecting him to kiss me all of a sudden." Kuroko added.
"Wait a minute... don't you turn this on me all of a sudden. I was a victim that night!"
"Poor you." Midorima sighed apathetically. Aomine scowled.
"Come on everyone, lay off Dai-chan. He was rejected and deserves our sympathy."
"Satsuki, what the fuck. Please stop."
"Yeah Satsuki-cchi you shouldn't rub salt into the wound!"
"Did I mention that Ryou tried to kiss Tetsu too but was hard out rejected?"
"Shut up Daiki-cchi!"
"I'm really sorry about that, Ryou-kun."
"Tetsuya-cchi, please, don't. You're making it worse."
"Oh. So Seijuro-kun came by the other morning. He pissed Makoto off after dropping a kiss and threatening Makoto at 8 in the morning in Makoto's own home." Kuroko added casually, watching Kagami's reaction to the whole situation.
"Oh shit. It wasn't me." Kise raised his hands up showing his innocence. Midorima and Aomine followed suit.
Satsuki huffed. "Fine. It was me. He asked and I informed him about the whole situation and he seemed irritated after I told him Daiki landed a kiss with Tetsu-kun."
"WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT, SATSUKI?! HE'S GOING TO KILL ME." Aomine despaired.
"You deserve it." Midorima added again and Aomine glared again.
"Anyway, I thought it'd be better for Sei-kun to get everything off his chest while Mako-kun was around so it wouldn't be too bad." Momoi shrugged.
"It sounds like a war waiting to be waged. You haven't seen how possessive Hanamiya is over Tetsuya-cchi."
"Makoto was pissed but things didn't turn out so bad." Kuroko replied. Everyone paused for a moment to shift their eyes between Kuroko and Kagami. No one wanted to voice out the obvious question.
"Wait a moment… so suddenly everyone's chasing after Kuroko?! What the fuck is going on man?! This must be one of those star players thing…" Kagami muttered to himself. "You're an MVP now, Kuroko, you better protect yourself from perverts. They're everywhere."
"Everyone wants a piece of me now that I won MVP." Kuroko deadpanned.
Midorima coughed.
"So are you at that asshole official yet?" Aomine shuffled the question in.
"No. I told him to give me some time to sort out some things first." Kuroko explained, eyes shifting quickly to Kagami. "But talking about everything really helped."
Everyone nodded in understanding and it was quiet for awhile. Kuroko exchanged a look with Momoi and side-eyed Kagami. Momoi then jabbed Kagami in the ribs and gestured to Kuroko.
"Huh? Oh! Right. Yeah man Kuroko, I totally support whatever or whoever you choose. You know I won't judge. You were my partner and I always wish the best for you. I can't kick his ass since I'll be flying back real soon but if you want to rant and shit I promise to reply your text man. He sounds like he's been real good for you but you never know so stay sharp alright? If he does shit, tell one of these guys and they can kick his ass for all of us." Kagami nodded, satisfied with his speech. "And if one of these assholes try to kiss you again, just kick them in the balls and they'll be sure to back off."
Kuroku snorted at how crude Kagami's little speech was but appreciated the gesture all the same. Kagami was happy for him – happy that Kuroko had found a love elsewhere. It was like closing the book on every affectionate feeling Kuroko had for his ex-light. The heartbreak didn't hurt as much as Kuroko was expecting.
This was really going to be alright.
"And what should happen if Kagami-kun doesn't reply texts again?" Kuroko teased.
"Sei can buy you a ticket down to the States to trash his stupid ass. You probably can play him one on one and win convincingly." Aomine suggested.
"Mock him in front of all his teammates in America." Kise added.
"Shame him for life. Make him lose his scholarship." Midorima continued.
"I think that's enough. You guys are really the worst." Kagami scolded.
"Not as bad as the person who doesn't reply Tetsu-kun's texts." Satsuki waggled a finger at Kagami. "Make sure you stay in contact, Bakagami. We'd love to hear back from you sometimes."
"I will. For sure this time."
"Don't be a stranger." Kuroko ended.
"Never." Kagami smiled back.