A/N: I got a couple more wonderful reviews and amazing comments from the incredible themikealson234! Thank you so much for your wonderful comments, it makes me happy knowing you guys adore my story.
Guest: You don't how happy I was after seeing your review. I don't know if you're the same person as the next user I'm replying to–but even so, I truly appreciate your support. I'm glad to make things that bring people enjoyment and bliss.
JPRW: Dw I got your review! :D – I'm glad you're enjoying the story! Here is a new update that will hopefully fill your needs! I've been trying to update as much as I can, but summer school sucks and I have edits to do LMAOO.
In any case – I say this a lot – things are picking up from this chapter onwards… At least I hope my ideas are enjoyable to read; I'm not much of a writer but I absolutely enjoy it. I'm planning on making more fanfictions in the future but for now this one is my main priority. I have a Wattpad account which has… another story of mine… It sucks– you don't need to read it. It's Fairy Tail so you KNB fans may not enjoy it as much haha–but maybe you will… I'll never know LMAOO.
I don't usually add warnings–but I feel like they are necessary now soooo...
Warning: Tw–Mentions of suicide and ghosts!
BoyxBoy / Yaoi – don't like, don't read! (Profanity and future M-rated content).
Pairings: AkaKuro – possible side-pairings.
xXx
"Tetsu~"
"Kurokocchi~"
Kuroko let out a strangled groan, pulling his book closer toward his face in frustration. At the moment – at least before it was ruined – he was relaxing on his couch, trying to finish a novel he had recently picked up. However… two pestering basketball idiots would not leave him alone.
He could hear their calls from behind the closed – locked securely – door. They have been out there for hours, trying (and failing) to convince him to let them inside. His grandmother would glance at him worriedly, teal eyes pleading him to shut them up.
She most likely worried the neighbors would start complaining and that wouldn't do them very good, especially if they were gonna start bargaining with the landlord for lower rent costs.
Kuroko slammed his book shut before forcibly pushing himself to his feet. He pulled the door open with more pressure than necessary, almost hitting himself in the process. "What?"
Blue eyes watched as Kise shrunk – and hid – behind Aomine after hearing the blunette's tone. Aomine blinked in surprise but didn't stop him.
"Tetsu, finally! We have been calling your name for hours! Why didn't you answer the door?" Kuroko leaned on the doorframe, massaging his temples. "Because I wanted to see how persistent you were."
"I can never tell if you're joking or not…"
"What do you think?"
Kise gulped, pushing Aomine out of the way before approaching the tealnette. "Kurokocchi, is Tame-san here?" Kuroko almost rolled his eyes in annoyance. "No."
"Now I can tell you're lying."
"I would never lie, Aomine-kun."
Kise breathed out a huff as he pushed his way into the house. "Tame-san! It's Kise Ryouta, are you home?" Kuroko froze in shock for a second before running after the blonde. "Kise-kun wha..!"
"It's Aomine Daiki as well. We wanted to talk to you 'bout something," Aomine joined in, hand cupped around his mouth while he shouted his declaration. Kuroko slapped his forehead. Why did he befriend such crazy people? Just why…?
Tame chose that moment to enter the living room, a towel in hand. "Ah~ You're those kind boys from before. How are you?" Kise nodded a bit before bowing respectively. "We're doing good, Tame-san. Thank you for asking."
The woman smiled kindly, gesturing to the couch. "Come. Take a seat. I heard you two outside but didn't find it my place to say anything." Tame sent Kuroko a look to which he simply shrugged.
"Arigatou." The two teens took the seats opposite the old lady. Kuroko sighed, heading into the kitchen to make his friends some tea or at least get them some water. Their throats must be sore after all that shouting.
"So what brings you boys here this fine evening?" Tame asked as she folded her hands on her lap. Kise cleared his throat, giving her his brightest smile. "We actually wanted to ask you something."
"Oh? And what would that be?" the female-blunette tilted her slightly, a gesture Kise remembers Kuroko doing on multiple occasions – mostly when he was confused. He refrained from giggling at the similarity.
"Well, our friends were planning a trip this summer and we'd like to know if–"
"We could watch their dog." Kuroko cut in, having just joined the trio in the small family room. He was carrying two glasses of ice water, placing them down on the coffee table before his friends. Kise gave him a look. "Kurokocchi…"
"Now, now, Tetsuya. It's rude to interrupt. Please continue, Kise-kun." Kuroko huffed, flopping down onto the couch beside his obaasan. Kise grinned victoriously.
"We were wondering if Kurokocchi would accompany us on this vacation. When we first discussed it, he refused because he was worried about you. I know we should respect his wishes, but we'd really like him to come," Kise explained–Aomine nodding silently beside him.
Tame appeared pensive for a second. "I don't see why not," she started before turning to face her baffled grandson. "It would do you some good to get out of this cramped apartment. All you do all day is read and laze around. You should go enjoy life with your friends." Kuroko looked like he was about to protest before Tame raised a silencing finger.
"You will go on this trip, Tetsuya. You wouldn't want to disappoint your friends, would you? Look, they came all this way to ask for my blessing. You have to give them props for that." Blue eyes drooped slightly. Kuroko was conflicted. On one end – he wanted to go with Aomine and Kise – but on the other… he didn't want to leave his grandmother alone for three weeks.
"B-but obaasan–"
"What I said goes, Tetsuya. Why are you worrying over a silly old hag like myself? Go! Have fun with your friends! I'm sure you'll have a great time. I will be here waiting for you when you return, I promise," Tame assured, holding Kuroko's hands in her own. Kuroko glanced at Aomine and Kise carefully before sighing in defeat. "Fine."
"Yay!" Kise cheered, racing over to embrace the blunette tightly. Aomine pulled him away before he could reach him though–much to Kuroko's gratitude. "I'm glad you're coming, Tetsu. I said this before, but it wouldn't be any fun without you."
Kuroko rolled his eyes amusedly. "Really? You'd have more fun with me there rather than with your other six close friends?" Aomine shrugged, rubbing his nape.
"You're... different. I may have known them longer but that doesn't mean I always have fun with them. Satsuki would rather go get her nails done or shop, Kise is annoying at times–" the blonde wailed in response – "Midorima is… weird and a major tsundere, not to mention stuck-up. Murasakibara is a food maniac, lazy and immature, and Akashi…" Kuroko sweatdropped seeing the color drain from Aomine's face.
"I think you know why I would rather hang with you rather than Akashi…" Kise and Kuroko chuckled–the copycat slapped Aomine cordially on the back. "It's alright, Aominecchi. Don't cry now."
"I'm not crying, idiot."
Tame watched the three fondly. Kuroko had finally found a good group to hang with. Last she remembered, Kuroko had only 1 or 2 friends back in his middle and grade school days. Hearing about his new crowd of buddies was like a breeze of fresh air.
"Well, if that's all you two are here for… get out!" Kuroko grabbed the two loud-mouths by the ear, dragging them back toward the door. Kise let out a yelp while Aomine bellowed out expletives.
After kicking out his two friends, Kuroko clapped his hands free of imaginary dust while releasing a breath of exasperation. Tame simply watched the display, amusedly.
"That wasn't very nice, Tetsuya." Kuroko shrugged, picking up his discarded book before plopping back down on the couch. "They'll get over it." The female chuckled as she rose to her feet, heading back to the kitchen.
"How does fish and rice sound?"
"Absolutely delicious."
xXx
"I'm so glad we were able to convince Tame-san to allow Kurokocchi to come with us," Kise chirped, hands resting behind his back childishly. Aomine simply grunted in response but the blonde knew he was happy as well.
It had been a couple days since he and Aomine… – less than cordially – hutted outside Kuroko's apartment in an attempt to persuade the other to join them on their trip. It had concluded successfully… of course!
At the moment, the yellow and navy haired duo were just exiting the gym–practice had just finished for the day and the two were more than happy to leave and go home. As they reached the high school gate, they saw a flash of azure hair blowing in the light wind.
"Kurokocchi, you waited for us again?! How nice of you!" Kuroko gave him a look before generating a casual persona. "I always wait for you, Kise-kun. Today would be no different."
Aomine yawned, arms reaching above his head. "Let's get something to eat before heading home, my stomach is literally eating itself." Kise laughed at the satirical-insinuation.
"Good idea, Aominecchi! We could also use this time to talk about what we will bring on next week's trip! By the way, thanks for agreeing to come along, Kurokocchi!" The blunette nearly scoffed.
"It's not like I had much of a cho–"
"I couldn't help but overhear that Tetsuya has decided to join us." Aomine and Kise jumped at the sudden voice, whipping around to face the assailant–instantly palling when their eyes spotted the one and only Akashi Seijuro. "What the fuck, Akashi! You scared the shit out of us!" Aomine screeched.
"Language, Aomine," Midorima joined in, taped fingers readjusting his glasses; Murasakibara stood beside him holding a candy bar.
"Mido-chin cusses sometimes too~" the giant indicated, earning a sharp glare from the shooting guard. Kuroko released a silent breath. All the generations of miracles had 'impeccable timing' he presumed.
"Yes, I have decided to accompany you six, is there a problem with that?" Kuroko asked rather charily. Akashi laughed lightly, shocking the other four members–with the exception of Murasakibara.
"Of course not," the redhead started, hands placed on his hips. "Though, I would have appreciated a heads-up. Y'know, just in case we assembled a plan–we would have had to fit you into it." Kuroko raised a fine eyebrow. "But, did you?"
"No, but there was always the possibility. Don't think short of us, Tetsuya." Kuroko almost groaned at the snooty remark. "Apologies, I will remember that for next time."
"That's good to hear."
Aomine cleared his throat, catching the shortest twos' attention. "Anyways, what are you three doing here? Shouldn't you be heading home?" Midorima snorted, his bandaged hand clenched around a potted cactus–most likely his lucky item for the day.
"You act like I'd rather be here than at home. The only reason I'm here is because Akashi dragged me along," the greenette corrected – activate bitchy tsundere mode. Murasakibara hummed in agreement.
"I feel it is imperative that we plan everything out in advance. I absolutely do not want to take things by storm, so what do you all say? Shall we all meet up for dinner and discuss our schedule?" His statement may have come out as a question, but the others knew better than to defy Akashi Seijuro.
"Ugh~ Fine! Tetsu and I were planning to head to Maji burger anyways, wanna tag along?" Kise shot Aomine a glare. "I'm here too, y'know!"
"As expected of Aomine, eating such plebeian sustenance," the megane scoffed. "Don't let yourself be dragged into his shameful habits, Kuroko."
"Bastar–!"
"Shall we go now?" Akashi interrupted the obscenity, already walking toward their designated terminus. Everyone soon followed in tow–Aomine transmitting a deathly glare toward the greenette's direction; one Midorima simply shrugged off.
"Shouldn't we wait for Momoicchi? She was the main cause of this whole vacation arrangement, don't you think we should discuss this type of thing with her?" Kise quiered, practically running in front of the group to stop them in their step.
Akashi gave a curt nod. "In most cases, I would agree. However, today, she is busy with school tutoring. Finals are this week, mind you." The blonde's lips formed an 'oh' shape before a smile bloomed. "Alright then!"
Upon arrival, the group quickly ordered a decent amount of food (with the exception of Aomine's pile of burgers) before taking a seat toward the back of the joint. As they settled in, Akashi started speaking.
"We are leaving next Monday, have all of you packed or at least started?" A series of nods emitted from the teens; Akashi smirked. "Good."
"I know this trip was a little sudden but I'm glad all of you are able to come! It's been so long since we all hung out together–aside from practice," Kise exclaimed before wrapping an arm around Kuroko's shoulders. "And now Kurokocchi gets to join us too! Don't worry, we'll take care of you!" The blunette shrugged off the arm. "I hope I'm not intruding. I know most of you don't know me too well."
"That may be true, but I can't imagine how you are feeling. Being surrounded by multiple people that you know nothing about. We could be axe-murderers for all you know," Akashi joked rather wryly. Aomine and Kise sweatdropped.
If anyone was a murderer, I'd be you, Akashi/Akashicchi.
Blue eyes observed the redhead dubiously. Was he serious? Kuroko shook his head mirthfully. Of course Akashi was joking, he had to be… right?
"It doesn't really bother me. Aomine-kun and Kise-kun trust you all so I shall as well. Thank you for accepting my presence," Kuroko bowed slightly in his seat causing Midorima to huff. "There is no need to be so formal. We are all simply high school students."
Kuroko let out a miniscule smile with a nod. "Gomennasai, it's my nature, but I suppose you might have a point." Akashi raised a brow surreptitiously. 'In his nature, huh?'
"Aside from that, I think it would be wise to establish roommates. Despite my profusion, the family-home isn't very large, maybe three or four bedrooms, tops," Akashi explained, recounting the amount in his mind.
He hasn't visited that 'dreadful' place in a little other five years. It held… special memories of a specific family member; ones he would rather keep to himself. Regardless of that, he was more than happy to sojourn with his friends. At the time, he had offered it insensibly but didn't regret it, somehow. His father had hired someone to keep the place tidy and clean while they were away so he was almost positive the place was unsullied.
"Aw man~ Seriously?! I gotta room with one of you idiots?" Aomine groaned loudly, slumping back in chair–Kuroko was shocked it hadn't tipped over. "B-besides Tetsu and Akashi, of course."
"You aren't the only one displeased with the news, Ahomine. If anything, I should be the one complaining considering I could end up rooming with you or Kise," Midorima crossed his arms indignantly, his glasses tinting.
"What did you call me?!" Aomine jerked into a sitting position so fast he almost got whiplash. "You bastard!"
"I think it's only fair that Momoi-san gets her own room," Kuroko declared, completely ignoring Aomine's bellow. He took a sip of his milkshake before continuing, "She is a lady, after all. We should respect her privacy."
"Ha~? What, and we shouldn't get any? Why does Satsuki get special treatment?!" Kise slapped the ganguro on the back of the head, earning a smack in return. "Itai! Aominecchi is mean! I only hit you because you don't regard Momoicchi's feelings enough," Kise snapped as he held the assaulted area, crocodile tears flowing down his cheeks.
"I already told you why, Aominecchi. She is a lady and deserves her own solitude," Kuroko clarified, patting Kise on the shoulder idly. The ace looked ready to protest before Midorima cut him off.
"How do you think she'd feel sharing a room with a bunch of guys? Please be mindful of others, Aomine."
"Damn, why are you all ganging up on me now?!" Aomine squawked while rubbing his nape petulantly–you could see small droplets of sweat forming on his tan face. Akashi sighed, shaking his head disbelievingly. "Have you forgotten your place, Daiki. Need I remind you?"
Aomine flinched before raising his hands in surrender. "Ha ha, I was only kidding, Akashi. I swear!" The captain smirked again before closing his eyes smugly. "Good to hear." The navy-head grumbled under his breath.
"Since we're on the topic of rooms, I believe Momoicchi should choose who rooms with who. Y'know, since we have her to thank for this whole trip," Kise proposed, a hand raised to accentuate his point. Everyone nodded in agreement.
"If anything, I believe we have Akashi to thank considering he is supplying us with the summer house," Midorima gibed, readjusting his glasses again. "Not that I care who takes ownership of this whole ordeal."
"They are both to thank, we should just let Akashi-kun and Momoi-san decide," Kuroko advised, gaining a baffled look from the redhead. Kuroko almost laughed in astonishment.
Midorima looked pensive for a moment before he nodded with a sigh. "I suppose you are right. Good thinking Kuroko." The blunette exuded another small smile as he finished his milkshake. "Happy to help."
"Ah~ it appears to be getting late. We should all start heading out now, I suppose," Akashi announced as he glanced out the restaurant window. "Just confirming, everyone is satisfied with the plans, right?"
"Yes."
"Duh!"
"Absolutely, Akashicchi!"
"I suppose."
Akashi glanced at the–previously quiet–giant who just nodded while crumpling up his burger wrappers. "Yes, Aka-chin~"
"Good. You are all dismissed."
xXx
"So Momoicchi, have you decided who is gonna room with who yet?" Kise inquired as he approached his manager who had been sorting out her strategic blueprints–information she had gathered on their former opponents. As he neared, Momoi gave him a diminutive smile. "Not yet, Ki-chan. I have been kind of busy, but I will soon!"
Kise laughed heartily, rubbing the back of his golden head. "Ah, gomen! I'm just excited is all, I didn't mean for it to seem as if I was rushing you!" Momoi giggled, covering her mouth delicately. "It's okay, Ki-chan. Honestly."
It was mid-afternoon on a Wednesday and the basketball team was currently having an overexerted practice courtesy of yours truly, cough – Akashi – cough. At the moment though, they were allowed a five-minute break which leads to our recent event.
After a thorough reflection, Akashi had granted the decision of roommate categorization to Momoi, stating, "I am busy and have no time for such trivial matters." – Kise assumed Midorima was rubbing off on the redhead.
Apart from that, Kise has noticed that Momoi was taking this task very seriously. He would often catch her observing his friends comprehensively, as if she was anticipating their next moves–now that he thinks about it… That's basically her job as a manager.
Anyways, he could tell that she didn't want to screw up on the assortion. Knowing her, she'd want to room everyone up according to their personality and how well they got along. Though, with their group… Everyone is different in their own way and they all have their 'dislikes' for one another. But that doesn't mean they don't have their good moments, too.
Kise could care less about who he's paired with, but if he had a preference, it would most definitely be Kuroko. He got along better with him than he did with any of the others–well maybe besides Aomine.
"Ryouta, what are spacing out about? Get back to practice." Kise cowered at the authoritative voice, squeaking out a small, "Yes sir!" – before racing back onto the court. Momoi watched him leave, amusedly.
Akashi glanced around the room promptly before sighing iratedly, catching a certain Oha Asa fanatic's attention. "I'm assuming something is wrong. What is it this time?"
"Shougo." Midorima quirked an emerald brow, before nodding in understanding. "He skipped again?"
"Yes. He is becoming quite troublesome," Akashi folded his arms across his chest, glancing at the clock momentarily. "I'm tired of it."
Midorima exhaled, rubbing his temples. "I agree, sadly he is a good player. In any other case, I suppose you would have kicked him out by now." Akashi sent him a look to which Midorima shrugged off. Out of all the miracles, the shooting guard feared Akashi the least.
"If this behavior keeps up, however, I might be forced to evict him from the team. Not only does he skip, he's been starting more fights recently, as well. Quite bothersome, indeed," Akashi explained while rubbing his chin in malicious contemplation. "Keeping him could be counterproductive."
"Do as you must. I could care less about what happens to imbeciles such as Haizaki," Midorima huffed, placing down his stuffed frog – aka his lucky item – before he started off toward the court again. Akashi smirked cattily with a chuckle. "I'm pleased to hear that."
"Wah~ Why do we even have practice during a test week? Shouldn't we be home studying or something?" Kise whined as soon as he neared Aomine; the latter simply sighed. "I don't know, why don't you ask Akashi?"
The copycat flinched before deflating into himself, comically gloomful. "I think I'm good." Navy-blue eyes rolled beguilingly as the owner picked up a stray basketball. "Here, start practicing before Akashi beats the shit out of you."
Kise caught the propelled leather object while crying crocodile tears. "Why did you have to word it like that…"
"It's true, is it not? Now go!" the ace shoved the blonde rather roughly onto the court, chuckling inwardly. "Or else I'll be forced to call the demon~"
"So mean, Aominecchi!"
The gangruo simply snickered.
xXx
Testing week went by slower than anyone cared to admit. It could have been their excitement for the trip or simply the pain of exams, but nonetheless the dreadful week was finally over!
At the moment, five, tired and vexed, teens (with the exception of Akashi) waited outside of a small convenience store at the early hours of six o'clock on a Monday morning. The past weekend, said teens had been busy packing and mentally preparing themselves for their 'vacation' with troublesome comrades.
Don't get them wrong, they were excited, however, that didn't change the fact that this trip was planned rather… spontaneously. Most procrastinated on packing till early that morning and ended up rushing to the meeting spot.
Apparently, none of that mattered anyways considering the 'drivers' were 30 minutes late (much to Akashi and Midorima's annoyance).
Aomine ran a hand down his face while glancing at the time displayed across his phone screen. This was starting to get increasingly boring, not to mention maddening. He had woken up at the ass-crack of dawn just to rush down to their meeting spot, only for Kise – being the idiot he was – to decide to arrive late! He swore if the blonde didn't show his bubbly blonde head in five minutes, someone was gonna get hurt.
"Has Kise-kun texted anyone?" Kuroko spoke up after being soundless for more than an hour – some of them even forgot he was there (being too caught up in their own livid thoughts). Being the polite boy he was, the blunette opted for being early rather than late (having left the house an hour ago!). He simply exchanged greetings when the others arrived but remained silent otherwise.
"No," Midorima started. "I've even tried calling him but he hasn't answered." Midorima fiddled with his glasses before snapping his phone shut and shoving it into his pocket.
"Ne~ Aka-chin, do I have permission to crush Kise-chin when he gets here?" Murasakibara asked, uncharacteristically solemn – much to Akashi's amusement. Taking a moment to look pensive – albeit sardonically – Akashi nodded.
"Yay~" Everyone was silent after that ineffectual attempt at small talk making Kuroko sigh internally.
Another thirty minutes passed before Kise and Momoi appeared, grins of delight molded across both their faces, almost twin beams. As the two exited the vehicle, they both shouted, "Who's ready for a vacation?!" – not even taking notice of their friends' disgruntled expressions.
After receiving nothing but absolute silence, the two exchanged a look while approaching the opposing teens.
"Minna-"
Finally someone snapped… that person being Aomine.
"Where the fuck have you two been?! We've been waiting out here for more than a hour!" Aomine shouted, not even caring that it was close to seven in the goddamn morning. The others watched the display disapprovingly despite their agreements to his spurs.
"Aomine-kun, please be more considerate of the houses nearby," Kuroko chastised, emitting a nod from greenette. "I agree with Kuroko. Regardless of our nettle, there are still other people needing sleep–not that I care about them or anything. It would simply be troublesome if they came out screaming like banshees at seven in the morning."
Kise pouted, arms moving to cross firmly over his chest. "We were busy getting gas and packing up some other stuff for the trip. Cut us some slack…" The others didn't seem very convinced–and Momoi's fidgeting wasn't helping Kise's 'all too persuasive explanation'.
The driver (aka Akashi's butler) rolled down the window before stating, "They weren't ready to leave till six-thirty, Seijuro-sama." Kise and Momoi felt a sweat drip down their palling faces and they surreptitiously inched away from their team's captain.
Blank heterochromatic eyes gazed into the two guilty teams making them even more nervous. "I thought we agreed on five-thiry… Did you forget?" The question came out innocent but Akashi's 'all too sweet' smile caused the blonde and pink haired duo to latch onto each other in fear.
"A-a-akashicchi, we're sorry!" Kise started, slightly trembling. It was way too early for this shit. "M-my alarm didn't go off till like a quarter to s-six and I still had to get ready and pick up Momoicchi!" Kuroko watched the interaction with a hint of a smirk.
Serves them right for being late, Kuroko thought to himself rather uncharacteristically. Normally he would sympathize with the victims, but at the moment, those 'victims' caused him unneeded stress and lack of sleep. Hell, he even arrived earlier than anyone else just to make a good impression. What a mistake that was…
"Whatever, let's just get going already, okay?" Aomine eased himself back into the conversation, gruffly pulling the RV's door open and stomping his way inside. "What should we do with our luggage?" The tealnette piped in after seeing his friend's abandoned suitcase. He just left his junk for us to handle, what a jerk.
"Ah~ Ki-chan and I put our things in the 'trunk'. Well, it's more of a storage compartment but it serves its purpose," Momoi informed as she walked to the back of the RV before pulling a small latch up revealing a few suitcases laying soundly. "I would take out any personal items, though. Just to keep with you in case you get bored or something. Y'know, like phones or tablets."
The males did just that before they all threw their baggage into the 'trunk' followed by Momoi slamming it shut with a 'Alrighty then!'. The teens quickly entered the vehicle, immediately spotting Aomine lounged out on one of the small couch-like seats toward the front of the van. "What took you all so long?"
Midorima snorted, messing with the bandages wrapped around his fingers. "It's not like we had any help getting your luggage into the trunk, now did we?" The tan teens simply shrugged while waving him off dismissively.
As the two bickered – one-sidedly – the others took a seat in the remaining open seats. Kise took a seat with Momoi by a window, Murasakibara sat on one of the small beds, legs crossed indian style while rummaging through his bag (most likely for snacks), Kuroko sat on the armrest of the couch Aomine was occupying with Akashi sitting next to him (despite his distaste) on the small bed opposite of the purplenette.
"This… is rather spacious," Akashi commented as his dichromatic eyes examined the relatively average sized camper. There was a small couch (one Aomine seemed to already have claimed) with a small bed and two bunk beds – not that they would need them. Aokigahara wasn't too far from Tokyo, maybe a little more than an hour's drive.
Kise seemed to beam after hearing that 'praise', rubbing his neck in mock sheepishness and laughing bashfully. "Ah~ Well y'know… you guys deserve the best!" All, but Akashi and Kuroko, stared at the blonde disbelievingly, much to his dismay. "I'm telling the truth!"
Midorima took the seat opposite Kise and Momoi, ultimately ignoring the copycat's spluttering. "Any on case, what shall we do to pass the time?"
Murasakibara raised a purple brow, a pocky sticking out from his mouth. "That's unlike you, Mido-chin~ You actually wanna socialize with us?" The megane readjusted his glasses to hide the shameful blush creeping upon his face.
"Of course not. I could care less what you do. I was asking out of pure curiosity." Akashi smirked at the tsundere response while Kise and Momoi giggled (being the ones closest to the greenette, they could see his blush rather clearly).
"How about we play the 'twenty questions' game!" Kise suggested, childishly raising a hand vehemently. Momoi's pink eyes seemed to light up in agreement before she suggested her own, "Ooh, ooh! Or the 'Who is Lying' game!"
"That's a good idea, Momoicchi!"
"Your's was even better, Ki-chan!"
The excluded teens watched the exchange apathetically – with the exception of Aomine's annoyed, "Jeez they are exactly the same," comment. Kuroko patted the tan teen's head somewhat harshly with a hushed exclamation of, "Don't kill the mood."
"We'll just do both," Akashi proposed, breaking up the two bubbly teens' din. Kise and Momoi nodded vigorously in response.
"Which one should we do first?" Kuroko asked. "Either is fine with me."
"Same with me," Akashi and Midorima confirmed while Aomine and Murasakibara simply grunted. Momoi clapped her hands together in delight.
"Let's do the twenty questions game first, mostly because we don't know Tetsu-kun all that much yet. This would be the best time to learn more about him." Kuroko didn't know why… but the way she said that sent a chill down his spine.
"I agree!" Kise exclaimed, leaning a bit forward in his seat. "I'll go first!" Kuroko merely stared at the blonde expectantly, albeit nonchalantly.
"Who do you like more, me or Aominecchi?" the blonde asked, looking all too confident in himself–oh how Kuroko was gonna crush that conviction. "Neither. I like Aomine-kun and Kise-kun equally."
Kise appeared hurt but Kuroko knew he was only playing around to make him feel guilty. "How mean, Kurokocchi! I thought we had a bond!"
"Ki-chan, you are supposed to ask 'yes or no' questions!" Momoi scolded, arms crossed tightly under her bust. "Have you ever played this game before, or did you just hear about it from someone?"
The model pouted, averting his gaze. "Of course I've played this before!"
'You aren't very convincing!' Everyone, aside from Aomine and Murasakibara, shouted in their minds.
"Moving on~" the ganguro drawled from his lying position. "Tetsu, is Kise annoying?"
"Wha–! How mea–!"
"Am I supposed to only answer 'yes' or 'no'?" Kuroko asked, completely avoiding the question. If he was being honest, he has never played this game before–mostly because he hadn't had a lot of friends before this – cough – chaotic – cough – group. Okay, maybe he had two or three friends, but they never played any 'road trip' games- hell, this was his first road trip ever. Kuroko never really left Tokyo.
"Yup!" Momoi answered a little too enthusiastically, earning a small glare from the blonde model. Kuroko inwardly groaned.
"Yes."
…
There was silence for a couple seconds before almost everyone erupted in giggles – the redhead simply smirked in amusement while Kuroko glanced at everyone confused. Kise wailed from his seat, dropping himself hard on the table below him. "Kurokocchi, how could you?!"
"Apologies, Kise-kun. I had to answer."
"Yeah, but you didn't have to be so honest! Have a little care for my poor little heart!" Kuroko refrained from rolling his eyes at the blonde's overdramatic utterance – instead giving him his user poker-face while stating, "I am sorry."
"You don't look sorry!"
Aomine wiped a stray tear from his eyes (a result from his exuberant laughter) before sitting up a bit. "You should see the look on your face, Kise. Absolutely heart-broken." Kise shot the navy-head a glare before standing abruptly and pointing a finger at him.
"This is your fault!"
"Hah~?! My fault?!" Aomine sat up fully while sending the blonde a satirically bewildered look making the gold eyes narrow further. "How?!"
"You–!"
"Please refrain from having any childish fights during this vacation. I am here to get away from that… sadly with the two that cause the most hassle for me," Midorima declared, pulling out a blue and white headband from his backpack.
Kise huffed, plopping back down in his seat while Aomine sent him a look of satisfaction. The blonde nearly growled.
"What is that, Midorin?" Momoi asked, pink eyes peering at the item the greenette now held. Midorima breathed out a breath. "It is today's lucky item. I made sure to grab it before leaving."
"Y'know, speaking of your 'lucky items', while we're on this trip, how are you gonna buy them? And how are you gonna watch your Oha Asa horoscope?" Kise inquired, actually looking quite thoughtful for a second. Midorima's lips formed a small smirk.
"No need to worry, I made sure to grab every item I will need for the next few weeks." Aomine gave the bespectacled male a look before mumbling a small, "Oha Asa freak," and dropping his body back onto the couch.
Murasakibara stifled a yawn. "I'm tired~"
"Aren't we all…" Aomine grumbled from his position, yelping when Kuroko jabbed him in the side. "Do not be rude, Aomine-kun."
"Whatever~" the ganguro also yawned, leaning his head in the crook of his arm. "Goodnight~!"
"Aw~ Aominecchi, I thought we were all gonna play a game!" Kise whined as he practically hugged the table. Midorima leaned back in his seat when the blonde's hands nearly touched him. "Stop that, Kise."
"You all are so mean!"
"I don't see anything mean about not wanting you to touch me." Midorima scoffed, pushing his glasses up… again!
"What you just said is the epitome of meanness!"
"Such big words coming from an imbecile."
Kise groaned indignantly, dropping his head into the crease between his crossed arms. Momoi shook her head in amusement as she patted the model's blonde hair. "It's alright, Ki-chan. I won't be mean to you. Midorin is just a big bully."
"Hey–!"
"Thank you, Momoicchi!" Kise cried, pulling the pinkette into a tight embrace. He glowered at the greenette who was currently flexing his blue headband. "At least someone cares about me."
"Kise-kun, we all care about you. But you tend to be a little over the top sometimes," Kuroko assured, a ghost of a smile gracing his usual stoic mien. Kise sniffled, rising from his seat (pulling Momoi with him) and hugging the blunette as well. "Kurokocchi~! You haven't said something nice to me in a long time!"
"We barely met a few months ago, Kise-kun."
"Still!"
Midorima rolled his emerald eyes while Akashi watched the display expressionlessly. Murasakibara had collapsed on the bed, already asleep – same could be said for Aomine who was still on the couch.
"Alright, as touching as this is, we have two sleeping passengers so I would appreciate it if you toned down your voices a bit," Akashi reprimanded, causing Kise to instantly release the two shorter teens. "Haha, sorry Akashicchi."
Kuroko settled back in his spot on Aomine's couch's armrest while Kise and Momoi took their seats opposite Midorima again.
"Let's all get some rest, most of us have been waiting outside since five, I think we deserve some sleep," Akashi proffered, sending a knowing look toward the blonde and pink duo who simply shrunk in their seats.
Gold and red eyes glanced back at the blunette seated quite awkwardly on the armrest. He sighed internally, looking back at Kise. "Ryouta, trade seats with Tetsuya."
Kuroko flinched slightly, snapping his attention back to the redheaded captain. What is he up to?
"Huh? Why?" Akashi clicked his tongue, narrowing his eyes. "Because you got at least an hour's more sleep than him. Trade seats. Now." Kise gulped, slowly rising and gesturing his seat to the tealnette, much to his demur.
"N-no!" Kuroko exclaimed, waving his hands rejectedly. "I'm fine where I am, honest!"
"W-wait, Momoicchi is in the same situation as me… why aren't you making her move?" Kise asked, although he wished he could take it back after he received a sharp glare from the redhead. "How cruel of you, Ryouta. She is a lady, she needs her rest. You are no exception."
Momoi chuckled nervously, averting her gaze out the window while Midorima shook his head in displeasure. This group was gonna be the death of him… literally.
"A-ah! Apologies, Akashicchi! I should know my place!" Kise squeaked, quickly lifting Kuroko to his feet and pushing him into the seat beside Momoi and plopping down on the armrest. "Happy?"
"Very." Akashi smirked, all too proud of himself. Kuroko blinked in surprise – things moved a little too quickly than his brain could comprehend.
Why has Akashi suddenly been acting all nice? Is he planning something?
Kuroko watched the redhead warily, a blue eyebrow raised ever so slightly. He jolted back to reality when he felt a hand press onto his shoulder. He examined the hand for a second before moving his eyes upward toward Momoi's smiling face.
"Is something wrong, Tetsu-kun?" Kuroko hadn't completely gotten used to that nickname yet. Sure, Aomine called him 'Tetsu' but the name spoken by anyone other than him felt weird. Maybe it was because he hadn't known the pinkette long, hopefully they will start getting to know each other during this trip.
"Pardon?" Momoi giggled at his befuddled expression.
"You were looking into space, is there something on your mind?" Kuroko blinked a few times before his face molded back into his usual calm pretense.
"No. I am fine, Momoi-san." The pinkette nodded a bit, releasing his shoulder and leaning her head on the window. She looked ready to doze off. Seeing that, Kuroko felt a yawn coming which he quickly covered with his hands.
He folded his arms over the table, lying his head in between them. No more than ten seconds later, he was out like a light.
xXx
An hour passed quickly – everyone sleeping soundly – but as soon as they arrived, everyone was wide awake. The butler parked the car carefully before rising and opening the door for his passengers. Everyone rushed out quickly– with the exception of Kuorko who bowed politely and Akashi who gave the butler a thankful nod.
"Wow! Akashicchi, this place looks amazing!" Kise exclaimed as soon as the seven teens entered the medium sized cabin.
The building was made mostly of wood (at least that's what they assumed) and it gave off a homey atmosphere. There was a family room to the left, a couple couches and coffee table established in the middle with a large fireplace off to the far end of the room. To the right there was a hallway that led to an average sized closet – a rack was placed next to it; most likely for shoes.
As they moved further into the house, they entered a large kitchen that had a dining table just the right size for the seven of them. A clean marble island surrounded the area around the stoves and refrigerator – giving the room a more regal 'bar' look. There were small stools set under the island.
"Wow, this place is absolutely stunning!" Momoi squealed, hands clasped together in awe. Her eyes were practically stars – comically of course.
"Upstairs is where the rooms are," Akashi informed, a stately finger gesturing to a wood and carpet staircase that ascended to the second floor… obviously. Kise seemed to beam brighter after hearing that.
"That reminds me, Momoicchi, have you decided who is gonna room with who yet?"
There was a silence for a few seconds before Momoi started chuckling evilly. "Hehehe, of course I have. And I'm sure you all will find the pairings quite... pleasurable."
All the males paled at that sudden allegation – Kise gulping the lump swelling in his throat, wishing he hadn't asked after seeing such a reaction. They watched as the pinkette pulled out a small piece of paper from her pocket, narrowed pink eyes examining the teens wholly.
"Mukkun and Midorin." The greentte's nervous attitude deflated after hearing that – he slumped into himself, disgruntled. Murasakibara simply grunted, plunging another handful of chips in his mouth.
"Dai-chan and Ki-chan." Aomine groaned melodramatically causing Kise to squawk, offended.
"Great, I'm stuck with Kise…" Said blonde huffed, crossing his arms grumpily.
"That leaves Akashi-kun and Tetsu-kun!" Momoi cheered happily, crumpling up the paper and throwing it into the nearby thrashbin. "That's it! You all are happy with your pairs… right~?"
Kuroko froze after hearing that announcement. Akashi? He was gonna be stuck with Akashi fucking Seijuro for a whole three weeks?! What the fu–!
"Now that that's settled, let's decide who gets which room and start unpacking. We have three weeks ahead of us, there is time for other things later. For now, let's focus on getting settled in," Akashi directed, already heading up the stairs – appearing completely unbothered by the flatmate arrangement.
After each team (with the exception of Momoi) picked a room, they quickly rushed back down the stairs and snatched their luggages – and said goodbye to their butler escort – before entering their rooms and unpacking their bags.
"Hey Aominecchi, why do you think Momoicchi put Kurokocchi with Akashicchi instead of either of us?" Kise questioned, pausing in his unloading which ultimately caught Aomine's attention. The blonde had used so many 'cchi's in one sentence that it nearly gave him an aneurysm.
"I don't know, Kise. Why don't you ask–"
"Why don't you just ask me?"
Aomine jumped at the sudden feminine voice of his childhood friend. Instantly glaring at her as she let herself into their room. "Jeez. What do you want, Satsuki?"
"I think Akashi-kun and Tetsu-kun need to work things out! They seem so close yet in the wrong way," Momoi explained, blatantly ignoring the tan teen's question, making him squawk in demur.
Golden eyes blinked a couple times, the owner having been caught in his own thoughts over the matter. "What do you mean?" Kise asked after a few moments of silence.
The pinkette put a pensive finger to her chin. "Well, it happened about a week ago…"
– Flashback –
"Is there something I can do for you, Akashi-kun," Kuroko asked inanely, his arms tightening around the books in his crossed arms. The redhead in question simply smirked.
About five minutes prior to this event, lunch had been announced – meaning most students were either outside or in the cafeteria eating, leaving the hallways vacant and ostensibly quiet. Kuroko had been on his way to his locker, exchanging brief farewells with Aomine before he ran into the snobbish Teiko basketball captain.
"Actually… there is something I'd like to speak to you about." Kuroko remained in his place, his blue eyes bore into the captain's smug expression seemingly dully. Akashi would have flinched if he wasn't… y'know, him.
"And what would that be?" Heterochromatic eyes examined the boy's tedious mien, somewhat jaded. The question was phrased so… 'un-Kuroko-like'… if that made sense. At least to him it seemed that way.
Over the last week, Kuroko had seemed detached and aloof – more so than usual. Akashi didn't know why it bothered him so much; the blunette was nothing to him! He should be happy Kuroko was actually being 'civil' – kind of.
The blunette hadn't bothered him or started any unnecessary arguments, life should be great! Yet… Akashi felt like he had before meeting Kuroko.
He felt... bored? Irritated?
He wasn't completely sure… which he loathed!
The Akashi's were intelligent, cognizant people. They didn't get confused or perplexed. The Akashi corp. was one of the most influential businesses around – the proprietor and successor were above all else.
However… At that moment, all Akashi could feel was satiated. As much as he hated to admit it, Kuroko was amusing. He brought him something to look forward to whenever they 'talked'. The blunette would stand up to him – something, most can't do – and even deride him! Calling him names and mocking the shit out of him.
It was annoying at first… but he got used to it. Sometimes, he even liked it!
Don't get the wrong idea, though. An Akashi like himself would never go down without a fight. Most of their 'talks' were insinuated by him. Meaning, he was teasing Kuroko most of the time… you couldn't really blame him, though. You gotta show the has-beens their place.
"Well..?" Akashi jolted slightly, though, not enough for Kuroko to notice. Apparently, he had been staring at the blunette for an uncomfortable amount of time – if Kuroko's shifting wasn't evidence enough.
Shrugging off his agitation, another, arrogant, smirk formed over the handsome face. In an instant, the redhead had Kuroko pinned against one of the many lockers occupying the halls, arms trapping the bewildered blunette.
"What are you doing?" Kuroko seemed to shake off his surprise quickly, he was now giving Akashi an unimpressed look. The redhead leaned down closer, almost making contact with the pale ear.
"This abnormal attitude of yours better stop by the time we head out on our… 'vacation'. You wouldn't want to bring the others down, now would we?" Akashi felt proud of himself for being able to keep his cool in such an embarrassing position. Although, it did make him feel powerful; especially with Kuroko being under him.
Akashi watched as Kuroko's neck bobbed ever so slightly, evidence of him swallowing the lump that had formed in his throat. The redhead's smirk widened.
"I don't know what you're talking about…" Akashi refrained from rolling his eyes.
"Don't play dumb with me," The captain hissed, causing shivers to trail down Kuroko's spine. Akashi's lips were a little too close for comfort and his hot breath made the blunette a bit too hot – more than he cared to admit.
Kuroko didn't know why his body was reacting to Akashi's… advances? like this. He hated… (okay, maybe that's a bit much)... disliked the teen. He was condescending and snarky. Two attributes Kuroko hated the most… especially when it was directed towards him.
"A-akashi-kun, could you please release me..?" Kuroko cursed himself for stuttering and the way Akashi's smirk grew even more pissed him off to no end.
"Why the sudden stammering, Tetsuya? Am I making you… nervous?" Kuroko huffed, pushing against the redhead's chest forcibly. "Please let me go."
"Oh? but it doesn't seem like I am touching you at all. You are the only one touching someone… me," Akashi rectified, causing Kuroko to quickly pull his hands away.
Damn this guy… Kuroko screamed in his mind.
"Apologies, but I promised to meet with Aomine-kun for lunch. So if you'd excuse me…" Kuroko slid under the redhead's arms hastily, somewhat shocking him. Akashi retracted his arms after the pale teen had escaped. He was now watching as the blunette took off down the hall.
Akashi shook his head, this time… not even slightly entertained. That… 'interaction' was vague and moderately awkward– at least for Kuroko. Akashi would have felt that same way if it wasn't for the reaction he had seen from the male. Who knew Kuroko could get so nervous from such a simple display. That was rather funny.
Once the blunette had disappeared from sight, Akashi shoved his hands down his pockets before trudging off toward the student council office. The club may not be doing anything because of exams, but he should use his time wisely and go through some of the plans for events after the upcoming break.
Unknown to the two males, a certain pinkette had been watching from around the corner; face red as her hands covered her pink lips.
That correlation between her team's captain and newfound friend had been more than a little shocking. It was downright hot. She had no idea those two swung that way!
Oh ho ho ho… she was gonna tell everyone!
– End Flashback –
"And that's how it ended!" Momoi concluded, looking all too innocent with that beaming grin and arms hidden behind her back. Aomine shivered at her fujiyoshi fantasies.
"Akashicchi did what to Kurokocchi?!" Kise shrieked, ready to stomp out of the room before Aomine caught him by the shoulder. "Hey man, I hope you weren't about to do what I think you were…"
"Of course! I need to confront Akashicchi about his… vulgar behavior around innocent Kuroko–!" Aomine slapped a hand to the blonde's mouth just as he was about to finish his sentence. The ganguro slammed his door shut.
"Idiot, what if Akashi heard you?!" Aomine hissed. "What do you think would happen to you if you were to call Akashi 'vulgar' to his face!"
Kise actually had the gall to look pensive before sweat started forming on his brow. "U-uh… I guess you're right."
"Of course I am! And Tetsu isn't all innocent, y'know. He is a male too," Aomine finished with a puff of annoyance, none-too gently flopping onto his bed. Kise pouted, slumping into the small lounge chair that was seated in the corner of the small bedroom.
"I know, but Kurokocchi might get the wrong idea! You know how Akashicchi is! He tends to lead girls on–like with the ones from that 'Akashi-fanclub'!" Aomine rolled his eyes, an arm loafing lazily over his eyes.
"I'm sure that won't happen. We don't even know if Tetsu likes men."
"Y-yeah, but–!"
"Just drop it, Kise! Let them figure it out," Aomine started before he averted his attention back to his quiet childhood friend. "And you, stop snooping your annoying head into everyone's business! They aren't dating or having any sort of sexual relations so just drop it."
"Why are you so mean, Dai-chan?! And how would you know?! Tetsu-kun could be doing it behind your back! Why would he tell you something like that? And I know what I saw! I may not have heard them completely but I definitely saw it!"
Kise rubbed his temples, seemingly confused. He was gonna see Kuroko in a whole new light now. Could he really be doing… things with Akashi? There's no way… right?
Aomine groaned rather loudly, completely fed up with the blonde and pink haired duo's over dramatic imagination. "Tetsu hates Akashi, there's no way he'd date him."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Aomine quirked a blue brow at the pinkette. "You seriously haven't seen it?"
Momoi crossed her arms under her bust. "The only times I see them together are when we are all hanging out as a group–and the first time I saw them together alone was… well basically the story I just told you."
"Psh, yeah well, Akashi bugs the shit out of Tetsu quite a bit. It's scary sometimes. I've seen sides of Tetsu that I've never seen before. Akashi really pisses him off, acting all high and mighty and shit." The navy-haired teen looked up, thoughtful. "Also, Akashi never seems to get pissed at Tetsu either. If I were to talk to him like that… phew, I'd have scissors in between my eyes in seconds…"
"See! They are obviously closer than we all think! Like in the van, Akashi-kun made Ki-chan move just so Tetsu-kun could sleep in a more comfortable position. They have to at least like each other, right? There's no way Tetsu-kun hates Akashi-kun." Now, it was Aomine's turn too look appalled.
"Shit–you're right!"
"Aominecchi is slow–"
"Shut up, Kise." The blonde's pout enlarged as he stuck his tongue out at the ganguro.
There was silence for a couple minutes, each person seemed lost in thought before a knock brought them from their stupors. Aomine – who was the first to recover – opened the door quickly, almost flinching when he saw Akashi standing before him.
"Daiki, are you and Ryouta done unpacking?"
"U-uh, yeah?" Akashi rose a red brow at the unsure response but simply shrugged it off.
"Alright, meet us down in five. I've planned for us all to head into town, groceries and water are essential. There is a dispenser on the fridge but bottles would be most effective for outdoor activities," Akashi gave a dismissing nod before turning back down the hall. Aomine swallowed his spit–he was not prepared to see Akashi yet.
"W-was that A-Akashicchi?" Kise asked from his spot still on the chair, his fingers were laced together as if he was evaluating a serious predicament. He sounded more nervous than he looked.
Aomine sighed. "Yeah… He wants us to head into town to buy food and stuff."
"Ooh, there's a town around here?!" Momoi squealed, hurriedly heading out the room and down the stairs, instantly coming face to face with Kuroko and Akashi (Midorima and Murasakibara were seated on the kitchen chairs). "A-ah, minna!"
"Are Aomine-kun and Kise-kun ready to go?" Kuroko asked as soon as they gained Momoi's attention. She nodded, another gleaming smile shined across her pretty face.
"We're here, we're here," Aomine gruffed, rubbing his navy hair with Kise right behind him. The blonde was as bubbly as ever yet his topaz eyes seemed jittery.
"The town is about a fifteen minute walk from here, we should get going before they get too busy," Akashi instructed, his 'listen to me or die' voice ever so evident. Everyone gave their respective nods before they exited the cabin.
The walk was silent – mostly awkward for Aomine and Kise who stood behind the blunette. They hadn't said a word to him since they left but it didn't seem to bother Kuroko, he looked at peace.
Upon arrival, the group split into two groups once they entered an, almost, vacuous grocery store. Aomine, Kuroko, and Kise were sent to get water while Akashi, Momoi, Murasakibara, and Midorima went to collect food (mostly Murasakibara).
"How many packs should we get?" Kuroko asked his two companions as they approached the water section. There were multiple different packs–Kuroko really didn't know the difference, he just assumed it tasted differently?
Aomine and Kise started, staring at each other, silently pleading the other to speak up. Giving in, Aomine sighed while rubbing his nape. "U-uh, well we could always come back so… five for now?" Kuroko nodded, not even looking at them, making them even more on-edge.
Kise held in a chuckle as he watched Kuroko try to pick up one of the closest packs–he panted a bit before he dropped it back down and glared at Aomine who actually laughed. "What?"
"Too heavy for your fragile little body?" Aomine teased, a smirk present on his tan face. Kuroko gave him an indifferent look, though his eyes were narrowed ever so slightly. "No, and don't ever say that about me again."
Kise finally let out that chuckle earning him a jab to his rib. He held his assaulted side while crying crocodile tears. "Kurokocchi, so mean!"
"Then don't laugh."
"I-I wasn–"
Kise instantly shut up after receiving a piercing glare from the blunette. He let a sheepish smile grace his face as he grabbed two packs of water. "Let us do it, alright?"
"I refuse."
"Can you even carry one package?" Kuroko pursed his lips together but was determined to carry at least one case. "Yes."
"Okay, then do it." Blue eyes blinked a couple times before the owner looked back at the water. Kuroko released a sigh of resolution as he, once again, tried to lift the package–ultimately failing. Aomine had to pull him back before the case fell on his feet.
"Yeah, I didn't think so." Kuroko puffed out an irritated breath. Great, he was useless again.
When the trio met back up with the others, Aomine and Kise held two cases each while Kuroko stood beside them looking shamefully upset. Red and gold eyes narrowed at the scene.
"Tetsuya, why aren't you carrying one?" Kuroko glanced at the redhead for a second before averting his gaze.
"He couldn't carry it," Aomine replied and Kuroko would have karate-chopped his side if it weren't for the water in his arms. Akashi looked unimpressed.
"If you knew that, you should have come with us to gather food. Instead, you allowed yourself to handle something you'd be seemingly useless at." Kuroko felt his brow twitch at that humiliating conclusion.
"H-hey, he wasn't that useless…" Kise tried to defend him, however Kuroko was already feeling like crap.
"No, Kise-kun. He's right, I should have done something more productive." Golden and navy eyes glanced at the blunette worriedly. Something wasn't right.
"I'm glad you were able to comprehend that, Tetsuya. Now, let's be off." Midorima and Murasakibara exchanged expressions, sending a pitying look to the shamed blunette. Momoi pursed her lips together as her brows furrowed. Kuroko simply ignored it.
They made their way to the check stand, where an old man sat looking tired and downright distressed. He jumped when the group suddenly appeared before him. Did he not see us? Ran through almost everyone's heads.
"A-ah, when did you all get here?" Akashi took initiative and explained that they had been inside his store for more than thirty minutes already, making the man appear even more frightened. "H-how do I know you're real?"
Navy eyes rolled in exasperation. "We are real, gramps. Now, just charge us and let us leave." Kuroko elbowed his stomach for being so rude to the elders.
"B-but, that one!" The man pointed at the blunette, who had been standing silently alongside the rest. "H-he is like… fading in and out! Is he a ghost?!" Kuroko actually looked confused for a second. Sure, he had a weak presence and was mistaken for a ghost–but the man looked adamant that he was actually one. "No sir, I am not a ghost."
"H-how can you be so sure?!"
"Have been on something recently. Maybe you ingested something that is making you hallucinate," Midorima (being the more rational one) tried making sense of this situation–along with calming down the frantic old man.
"N-no! I never took anything! And who are you anyways? Tourists? Not many people visit these parts… Why come here of all places?" The group directed their attention toward the redhead who sighed.
"My family has a vacation home around here. My friends and I have decided to take a small vacation together." Akashi placed the food on the counter before crossing his arms. "Why would you work somewhere with such little business?"
"I-I-I…"
"Please calm down, sir. We aren't here to harm you," Momoi assured, giving the man a gentle smile–though, he didn't seem to notice. The old man's brown eyes slanted ever so slightly. "You have a home around here?!"
"Yes."
"Y-you–t-then you've heard the tales!" Akashi's heterochromatic eyes saddened slightly, however it disappeared before anyone could take notice. "What tales?"
"A-about the…"
"Agh! Come on, spit it out already! We don't have time for this!" Aomine exclaimed, hands slamming on the stand separating the group from the male. The old man flinched, retracting backwards. "Y-you fools…"
"Excuse m–!"
"Be quiet, Aomine-kun. You are startling him," Kuroko pulled the ganguro back by his shoulder making the male yelp. "I apologize for my friend's rudeness." Kuroko bowed to show his sympathy.
"Could you please explain why you seem so frantic." The man watched the group wearily before sighing and renouncing.
"Aokigahara Forest is home to some of the most vast suicides in all of Japan. People end up having to carry dozens of bodies out of the forest every month because of it! I've tried leaving this blasted place but those… ghosts follow! I don't how but they do! When I came back here, they left me alone…I haven't left ever since..." Kuroko's brows furrowed, eyes widening.
"W-what? That's not t-true… right Akashicchi?" Kise asked, wholly not expecting Akashi to reply with a simple 'It is'.
"What the fuck! You knew about this Akashi?!" Aomine shouted, reaching to grab the front of his captain's shirt, however a hand hit him away. The navy-haired teen glared at the assaulter, eyes softening when he saw Kuroko holding his slightly redhand.
"Please do not resort to violence, Aomine-kun." To say Akashi was shocked would be an understatement.
"Wha– Tetsu–!"
"I did not tell you because it is all a myth. None of what this man said was true," Akashi explained as he averted his attention back to Aomine. The old man beside them spluttered.
"E-eh?! Y-you mean, you don't b-believe me?!" Akashi scoffed. "No."
"B-but… I thought you said it was true, Akashicchi!" The redhead slowly shook his head. "About bodies being dragged out, is true. Though, it is merely pranks set by ambitious teenagers. Absolutely annoying. I would know, I've been here many times."
"Y-you–!"
"Now, if you'd excuse us, we need to get going. So please let us pay and we'll be gone like that," Akashi snapped his fingers, instantly causing the man to look absolute crestfallen. "A-alright…"
As the man packed everything up, Kuroko couldn't help but feel… scared. What if what the man said was true?! Why else would he have reacted to seeing them before? But then again… what if the man was intoxicated or in the use of drugs. That would explain his odd behavior. Kuroko didn't know what to think.
"H-have a nice day…" the old man mumbled as they exited the store.
Each member carried their own luggage. Aomine and Kise carried the waters while the rest carried the food bags. Kise tried convincing Murasakibara to trade with him but the purplenette would not release his new snacks–amusing Kuroko.
Arriving back at the cabin, Aomine kicked the door open and everyone filed it. Kise and Aomine dropped the water by the sliding door in the back while the others put the grocery bags on the kitchen island.
Murasakibara took the initiative to organize the fridge–much to everyone's astonishment. Kuroko offered to help but the teen denied whole-heartedly. The blunette just shrugged and walked off toward the living room.
Akashi had retired to his and Kuroko's room, stating 'I still need to unpack' which Kuroko found weird because he vaguely remembered himself being the only one not done with such matters. Aomine and Kise were playing rock-paper-scissors on the couch while Midorima played with his lucky item. The blunette didn't see the pinkette so he assumed she retreated to her room as well.
"A-aominecchi, do you think what that old man said was true?" Kuroko couldn't help but listen into their conversation–I mean he was standing right there – obviously not having noticed him yet.
"Idiot, Akashi already said it was all rumors. Quit worrying!" Kise received a small punch to the head – as if that'd clear it. "Itai!"
"You shouldn't believe everything you hear, Kise. It's not beneficiary," Midorima piped in, bandaging his hands and adjusting his glasses.
'Jeez, he really needs to get those things tightened if they keep falling down his face like that' is what Kuroko would have said if he wasn't so nice.
Nonetheless, what Midorima said didn't help calm Kuroko0's nerves about the whole thing. Something didn't seem right… Akashi was acting weird and with that man…
Maybe it was all coincidence. Maybe this is how Akashi always is; he hasn't known him long so that has to be the answer… right?
"B-but Midorimacchi, that guy looked so scared! That face is not the face of a liar!" The blonde heard Aomine scoff from beside him. "How would you know?"
"I'm excellent at picking you liars," Kise said with a little too much pride in himself that Kuroko actually let out a laugh. The other three occupying the room jumped, eyes shifting around before they landed on the blunette.
"Goddammit, Tetsu! You nearly gave me a heart attack!"
"Please don't do that, Kurokocchi!"
"I would agree, it is truly unnerving."
Kuroko remained passive as he bowed with a small, "Gomen minna."
"H-hey, what do you think about the whole… ghost thing, Kurokocchi?" Kise asked, attempting to disperse the awkward silence. Kuroko appeared unsure, making Kise anxious.
"I… I couldn't say, honestly." Kuroko rubbed his pale nape softly. "I have never heard of such a thing… though that man seemed rather convincing."
Midorima sighed as he placed down his lucky item. "Please spare me."
"Hey, you believe in those… weird horoscope… things! Who's to say that ghosts aren't real?!" Kise exclaimed, earning a pointed look from the megane. "Ghosts and horoscopes are two completely different things."
"Yeah… As much as I hate to admit this, Midorima's right. You really shouldn't compare the two."
"As if you have any room to talk! You were scared too when that man told us his tale!"
"Was not!"
"Was too!"
"Not!"
"Too!"
"I was no–!"
"Aomine-kun, please stop arguing," Kuroko whispered, hands gently grasping the male's shoulders. Aomine released a not-so manly shriek as he jumped from his seat, almost hitting the coffee table.
"What the fuck, Tetsu!"
Kise choked back a laugh before letting it all out in one huge guffaw. "A-a-aominecchi…" the blonde spoke between his giggles. "W-what was that?!"
Aomine was about to retort before he heard a small snicker come from behind him. Turning sharply, he glared daggers into the – normally – 'strict' greenette. "What the hell are you laughing at?!"
"You. Obviously."
"Damn y–!"
"So, Aomine-kun is scared of ghosts," Kuroko concluded, causing Aomine to let out a loud 'Hey!'
"G-good one, K-Kurokocchi!" Kise held his stomach, almost tumbling over onto the floor. The navy-head gave each of them a dirty look. "Damn you all."
"Please be more civil, Aomine-kun."
"Me?! You're the one wh–!"
"Dai-chan, I heard you scream. What happened?!" The, previously, absent pinkette came racing down the stairs, looking at her childhood friend worriedly. Seeing him completely fine along with Kise who was still sniggering, she rose a pink brow. "What happened?"
The blonde model calmed down from his high before he started explaining, "Kurokocchi scared the daylights out of Aominecchi. He screamed like a girl!"
Aomine gave Momoi the 'say something and I'll kill you' look but she simply brushed it off. "Oh really~?" She chuckled evilly. "He is actually super terrified of ghosts."
"I knew it!" Kise exclaimed, pointing a finger at the aggravated ganguro. Aomine growled at the pinkette. "Damn Satsuki. What the actual hell?!"
"Payback for always being such a meanie to me and Ki-chan!" Kise gave a small 'damn right' while hugging the female. "That's why Momoicchi is my favorite!" The blonde paused before sheepishly adding, "Aside from Kurokocchi, of course."
Kuroko shook his head, amused. "I don't have to be your favorite, Kise-kun."
"Yeah but, I was your first friend… at least in high school! So of course you're my favorite!" Aomine groaned rather loudly as he resolutely flopped onto the floor – feeling no energy to move.
"Aw, don't be so sad, Dai-chan~"
"I'm not sad, dammit! Leave me alone."
The offending teens simply laughed – with the exception of Midorima, of course.
xXx
Distancing from the laughing bunch downstairs, Akashi sat on his bed with a small photo frame in hand. His usual sharp dichromatic eyes now appeared droopy and sadly soft. The picture held the image of a woman with maroon hair and eyes. Her smile is as delicate as her appearance.
"Maybe I shouldn't have offered to come here…" The redhead whispered to no one in particular. He let out a sigh, those mismatched orbs closing in desolation.
Folding the photograph into a clean square, the teen stuffed it into the bedside table. This vacation was meant to be relaxing but at the moment… things weren't going at all like he had planned.
That crazy old man had brought back some… gloomy memories – ones, he had rather forget.
Tiredly flopping onto his bed, Akashi drooped an arm over his eyes to block out any sunlight coming through the window. This was so unlike him. What was he moping around for?! He should be out there, doing something productive.
The whole 'I need to unpack' was a complete ruse. He just needed time to himself.
Suddenly, a knock resonated from the door. He peek from behind his arm, suppressing a sigh when a head of blue hair popped out from behind the door. "Akashi-kun?"
"Tetsuya."
The blunette entered the room before closing the door silently. The male stalked toward his bed, opening his luggage and pulling out his remaining clothing. Akashi ignored him, pulling his arm back over his eyes.
Kuroko gazed at the other teen from the corner of his eyes. Something was definitely wrong with the redhead – Kuroko just didn't know how to help. Why would he want to help, anyways? Akashi has been nothing but a jerk to him… well besides that time on the RV–but that was it! He hasn't been kind since!
Akashi inwardly cursed himself. He was acting weak! In front of Kuroko! The one person he shamed for being such. Despite his inner turmoil, Akashi made no attempt to move. He simply stayed put.
Somehow, Kuroko's presence made the redhead feel more at ease. Though, he still damned himself for appearing so… fatigued in front of someone.
"Akashi-kun."
Akashi gave an almost-inaudible 'hmm?' – but Kuroko caught it. "Are you alright?" Kuroko still asked that cursed question regardless of his dislike for the male. Cheering Akashi up was more important, anyways.
"Why do you ask?" Kuroko quirked a brow, somewhat irked. Why else would he ask? Obviously because the usual 'strong and powerful' Akashi Seijuro was now lounging on his bed looking like a deadbeat dealing with a hangover.
Akashi chuckled woefully when he didn't receive a response from the blunette. "Everyone has off-days, Tetsuya."
"I'm surprised you're willing to admit when you are having an off-day." The way that statement was phrased seemed serious but Akashi knew Kuroko was only mocking him. Somehow, that lightened his mood slightly.
"Well, it appears even I came have 'off-days'," Akashi felt a small smirk forming on his lips as he made 'parenthesis' with his fingers at the end. Kuroko seemed to notice his attempt at a comeback fail because he laughed softly.
"It's okay to admit when you are feeling worn out, Akashi-kun. No one is perfect." Akashi squinted his eyes from under his arm.
Akashi? Not perfect? He had to be perfect. Anything short of that was demeaning.
"I don't think we have the same views of 'perfect', Tetsuya." Kuroko shook his head, turning his back to the teen. "You are beyond help, you know that?"
"My, of course."
For some reason, Kuroko actually felt… happy talking with Akashi. They teased each other a bit, but it wasn't like their usual arguments – though that was probably because Akashi was incredibly tired.
Regardless, Kuroko enjoyed this side of Akashi. Where he would show that he's not as 'faultless' as he may seem. The redhead has many flaws, Kuroko knew that – but it's not everyday that Akashi would admit such things.
"You should get some rest," Kuroko demanded more than suggested. Akashi removed the arm covering his eyes, glancing at the blunette's back. "Really now..?" the redhead drawled.
Akashi sat up slightly. Seeing Kuroko organizing his things into the dresser, looking absolutely defenseless – it stirred something inside him. With the way Kuroko's soft voice had spoken to him just now… it almost felt like they were a newly wed couple having just moved into a new house.
He stopped those thoughts before they could escalate. Why would he think of such things? It was absolutely prosperous.
After putting the last of his clothes into the dresser, Kuroko slammed it shut gently before turning to face the captain. He had heard his shuffles on the bed a couple moments before.
"Yes, you deserve some rest. I appreciate you opening your vacation home to us. I'm hoping to get to know the rest of you guys fairly well." Those heterochromatic eyes blink owlishly. Had Kuroko just… thanked him?!
Clearing his throat, Akashi gave him another smirk. "No need to thank me. It was my pleasure."
He would have made a snarky comment, but then that would kill the good mood. This… atmosphere around them felt all too surreal and Akashi wanted to enjoy it for a little while longer. Despite himself he asked, "Are you going back downstairs?"
Kuroko shut his luggage, placing it on the floor before facing the redhead again. "I was. Wh–"
"Do you mind… staying up here for a bit?" Kuroko looked shocked for a second before those beautiful blue eyes softened and he gave the teen a smile. "Sure."
xXx
A/N: I hope you all read the warnings… I told y'all there were some touchy subjects. It will only increase from here so uhhh… hang on! HAHAH!
I've been adding new things as this story progresses; I've kinda switched it up a bit compared to my google doc notes – but that's fineeee.
Btw, chapters are updated… idk! LMAOO–whenever I'm free I try to write! With the chapters being so long- I feel like I never post, but dw I'm sure this LONG chapter will suit your needs.
Uh yeah–I made up the town near Aokigahara forest because… PLOT! I'm really excited to make this part of the story… I've been waiting SOOOOO long! If you wanna research Aokigahara forest–do it at your own discretion… It's kind of… tragic?
I feel like there was a lot of OOCness throughout this.. Especially towards the end. I just love soft Akashi, shut up! Bro–I feel like I'm always bullying Aomine in this story! I'm sorry Aominecchi, I love you so much, this is how I show it hehehe.
Anyways! I don't think I thoroughly explained Kuroko's apartment… Did I? Soooooo, basically it's more of a tiny 'two story' apartment–if that makes sense. Okay, hold on. Let me gather my thoughts…
So downstairs (right when you enter the home) the 'living room' is to the left while a small bathroom door is to the right. If you go a little further into the house, there is a small kitchen around a 'corner'... kind of. This is all made up in my mind–shut up! Anyways… right next to the bathroom door, there is a small flight of stairs that lead up to a door–like the door is exactly at the end of the stairs. This room is Kuroko's room–which is like a loft. You can see into the room from downstairs in the living room because there isn't a wall–it's more of bars that keep you from falling. Sooooo… yeah! That's it–sorry I'm not very good at explaining things,, I barely realized I had Kuroko's apartment in MY mind but none of YOU got a good explanation or at least a small description of it–my bad! I hope my explanation of Akashi's cabin was better-
Also, idk exactly how y'all play the twenty questions or 'who is lying' game– but this is how my friends and family play such things… I don't know if we did it wrong or not LMAOO. I was simply going off experience lol.
Anyhow! Thank you all for reading! I really appreciate the support I have been receiving from all of you! This story already has over 600 reads! That's more than the amount I got on Wattpad and I posted this story on Wattpad BEFORE–like WAY before! So… yeah. Y'all just make me really happy 0/u/0 .
Fyi, this story is gonna be long–like for example, this chapter was like… over 30 pages long (on google docs)– I don't really mind, though and I hope y'all don't either. I know I prefer long chapters over short meaningless ones- There are already eleven chapters in this story I-
The first, like… six chapters – ! – I could have made it into ONE chapter- I'm disappointed in myself for making such short pointless chapters… I truly apologize. Aside from that, I hope things are picking up faster now. I tried fitting as much as I could into the last chapter but this one seems rather jumbled and fast-paced. WELLLLL, that's alright, right? I hope you said yes because it's staying this way! HAHA!
Don't forget to review, I appreciate any and all criticism! Have a nice day everyone! See you next time!
To be continued…
~Rin