Chapter twelve.
The amusement park / Akashi's secret.
Akashi blinked a few time, as he realised that Kuroko and Aomine were present in his room. ''I thought I made clear I was gone for a while. How come that most of you are still visiting me?'' Akashi asked, clearly annoyed. ''Kagami-kun and Kise-kun believed you, I didn't expect you to be here, I dropped by in the hope you were actually gone.'' Kuroko said. ''You said we were dropping by because he's too much of a wuss to admit that he is-'' Kuroko slammed his hand over Aomine's mouth.
Akashi nodded, amused. ''Kazunari told me the same thing, you know. I'll have you known that you're off track if you really think I have such feelings.'' he told them. ''If you say so, but I have the feeling you are just lying to yourself. It'll show when we go-'' Akashi interupted Kuroko, ''I know, okay.'' ''Well, as long as he's being honest. I don't see an issue here though, we all have crushes at some point.'' Aomine said. ''Very wise words, Daiki, but I do not have a crush.'' Akashi had the nerve to sound offended.
''Sure you don't, perhaps you just have possible feelings for someone, that's all I'm saying. But he rejected Kise, so don't get your hopes up.'' Aomine said. Both Kuroko and Akashi blinked a few times. ''Surely you must have some kind of death wish, if you even think I have-'' Akashi started, but decided against finishing his sentence. What the hell was Daiki thinking?!
''You've missed the point, Aomine-kun. Akashi-san here is in love with-'' Akashi cut him off. ''Listen, there are no feelings. We're going to that amusement park tomorrow, and seeing how we can't hold back our urges, I would confess right? If I had actually fallen in love. But I won't, because-'' ''You're denying it.'' Kuroko bluntly stated, before taking Aomine's hand, even though he was shaking. ''Let's go, Aomine-kun. See you tomorrow, Akashi-san.'' he said, before dragging Aomine with him.
''Tetsu?'' Aomine asked after a while, when they were a good distance from Akashi's mansion. Kuroko was still holding his hand, and even though he was still shaking, it had become less then before. ''I can't believe how stubborn he is.'' Kuroko replied. Aomine smiled, before he stopped walking, and pulled Kuroko close, before cuddling the bluenette. ''He's irrational right now. When you like someone, you don't think straight anymore.'' he explained.
''Still... he can hurt someone with this. Either someone else, or himself. I don't want this to go wrong again.'' Kuroko's muffled voice replied. ''Akashi knows what he is doing, and maybe he's not making the right decision, he'll face himself eventually. We can't force him to talk, and he said so himself, his urges will probably make him face it either way.'' Aomine said, feeling quite content.
''You speak as if you are experiencing the same thing.'' Kuroko said. ''Kind of am. Told you before, I like you, Tetsu. But... I can hide from you, so you'll never fear me again, or help you and myself with this.'' Aomine said, before adding, ''I'm holding you close, and you aren't even scared. I think that whatever I am doing, is gaining your trust rapidly, Kuroko.'' he said. Kuroko, Aomine never called him Kuroko, always Tetsu. But being called Kuroko with that nice voice, Kuroko blushed.
''And I don't even have the urge to push you off...'' Kuroko whispered, somewhere inbetween amused and shocked. ''So, are we going to keep complaining about his situation, or do something fun, and figure out what we are going to do with us?'' Aomine asked. ''You were going to teach me how to defend myself, against taller man. How about we start there?'' Kuroko asked, earnestly. Aomine sweatdropped, why had he made that promise again? ''Sure.'' he answered, leading Kuroko to a more private part
''Tomorrow, amusement park, be on time.'' was the text they all recieved at the middle of the night. ''Cool.'' Kagami had replied. ''Sure.'' Midorima had texted back, before adding, ''Takao is coming too. He earns it.'' ''Welcome back, Akashicchi! Look forward to it. On what time will you be expecting us?'' Kise had texted. ''Ten.'' Akashi texted back. ''Damn, that's early.'' Aomine replied, who was currently laying on his bed. He had learned Tetsu a rather too good method, and the tealnette seemed really happy with it. Aomine's southern region not as much.
''Okay, this only work on men, but that's okay for your phobia. You remember what we men have, and woman don't?'' Aomine asked. ''In your case, too much pride, or too less of a brain.'' Kuroko said. ''Real nice. But no, I meant the manly member. You're not too tall, but you can easily reach the half of people. All you need to do when they get close, and you get scared, is knee them. Go ahead, use it.'' Aomine said.
''No one is making me feel uncomfortable right now, even though I should feel that. So, who am I going to knee?'' Kuroko asked. ''Ah, that would be me... go easy on me, but you need to learn this.'' Aomine said, mentally preparing himself. ''You actually want me to...'' Kuroko didn't want to finish his sentence... ''Just kick it.'' Aomine said.
Kuroko smiled as he overwatched the conversation. Going out tomorrow was going to be great, and after what Aomine had teached him, he wouldn't get scared of other men that easily. That being said, tomorrow would be troublesome. ''This could go awry.'' he texted to Aomine. ''What, us? I only confessed so far.'' Aomine, the most fast lazy typer in the world, texted back.
''No, not us, you idiot.'' Kuroko found himself blushing, he wouldnt mind an 'us' together with Aomine. ''I meant what could occur tomorrow. Have you forgotten the situation, and this is a public place. It could go wrong when one of us acts on their urges.'' Kuroko texted, and soon enough his phone rang. He picked up, only to hear Aomine say
''It'll be alright. I mean, it already got out of hand last time, and Kise is improving by day. And if Kagami does something.. we both know they like eachother. The only thing that can go wrong is Murusakibare stealing candy because he wants it. And Akashi can handle himself, really. Kagami will probably let him down easy enough, and Akashi probably understands why. Stop worrying, okay?''
''I'll try.'' Kuroko hesitated. ''That's the spirit. Go to bed, I'm going to make one more phone call, before sleeping as well.'' Aomine said. ''Sure thing, sleep tight.'' Kuroko said, before hanging up. He hugged his phone tightly, as he thought of Aomine. The tanned player had matured so much, and he was perhaps falling for his friend. With a smile, Kuroko fell asleep.
Aomine, true to his words, called Kise. ''Huh, Aominecchi, why are you calling in this late?'' the blond model asked, who had been close to falling asleep. ''Just because.'' Aomine replied. ''Just because?'' Kise asked, pouting, even though Aomine couldn't see that. ''A friend can call his friend for just because, it's a legit excuse.'' Aomine argued. ''Not at nighttime.'' Kise countered.
''Definitely at nighttime. Hear me out, okay, I do have a reason for calling.'' Aomine said. ''Okay, okay.'' Kise said, and Aomine heard some rustling, probably the blond pulling the blankets of himself, to sit up straight. ''Go ahead.'' the blond said. ''I think I'm dating Tetsu.'' Aomine said, and it fell silent at the other side. ''Kise? Oi, are you even still there?'' Aomine asked after two minutes.
''I have no idea how to reply to that. I mean, it's cool if you are dating Kurokocchi, and all, but... ehrm... well, you think you are dating, and then there is the fact-'' ''That he's scared of dudes? I know, we're working on it. Can we focus on the more important stuff, because, well, this wasn't the reason I called out. Just wanted to let you know that, before I head to more important stuff.'' Aomine said.
''Kurokocchi is important, and you are my best friend.'' Kise said. ''We'll discuss that later, okay. Just wanted to let you know.'' Aomine argued. ''Fine,'' Aomine heard Kise groan, but he couldn't give information he was uncertain about. ''What is the more important news?'' Kise asked, sounding impatient. ''It's about tomorrow. Akashi has some kind of secret.. and you musn't become jealous. I think he likes Kagami, and seeing our situation, he'd probably act on it.'' Aomine explained.
Kise blinked a few times, he hadn't seen that coming. But, it somehow made sense.. ''That seems not unlikely, Kagamicchi is very likeable.'' Kise replied. ''Between you and me, I don't think he stands a chance. I mean, Kagami seems smitten with you, even though he hasn't said yes yet. But, if something does happen...'' Aomine didn't know how to finish his sentence. ''I promise you, I won't do anything rash, even if Kagamicchi says yes. If he'd make Akashi happy, then I should be happy too.'' Kise said.
''You are a good person, really.'' Aomine said. Kise smiled, ''You're too. You'll make Kuroko really happy, you know. And seeing that you know now, I assume you'll be able to help him with his androphobia.'' Kise said. ''Speaking of that, where did he get that?'' Aomine asked, and Kise swallowed. ''I'm not sure if I should be the one to tell you about that. It's pretty intense...'' Kise said. ''Who knows about it?'' Aomine asked. ''His parents, Akashi and I know. Other then that, he always kept it a secret. I think he'll tell you when he's ready.'' Kise said. ''You and Akashi know? Well, it's for the best that I hear it personally either way. Just, keep calm tomorrow, no matter what happens, okay?'' Aomine said. ''Will do.'' Kise smiled, before hanging up, and drifting to sleep.
Midorima was the first to wake up the next morning. Akashi had ordered for them to be one time. But that wasn't the only reason he had gotten up so early. He had gotten into a pretty big argument with Takao yesterday, even though Takao had saved him from being interogated by Moimoi. ''How troublesome.'' he muttered, as he dialled Takao's number.
Despite the fact that Takao had been annoyed, he did pick up the phone. ''What?'' was the first thing he asked, followed by a deep sigh. ''It's really early, you know.'' he added. ''I know. Akashi-sama ordered for us to be on time at the amusement park, as an outing.'' Midorima stiffly said. ''Cool, but what have I to do with that?'' Takao asked, wondering why Midorima had called him in the first place. If he weren't going to make it in time, he should call Akashi, not him.
''I was wondering if you'd like me to pay for your entree ticket, and if you could join us.'' Midorima was so glad Takao couldn't see his blush right now. Somehow, Takao thought the same thing as he turned red. ''Are...Are you asking me out? On a date?'' he asked. ''If you must call it that.'' Midorima told him. ''Shintarou..'' Takao said with a smile. ''I'd love too.'' he added, instantly forgiving Midorima for their argument. ''I will come and pick you up with the rickshaw.'' Midorima said. ''You mean, you come to me, and I get to cycle you?'' Takao asked. ''No, today I'm the one cycling.'' Midorima told him. ''Have you swapped souls or something?'' Takao asked, but Midorima didn't reply to that.
At strictly ten, the entire group had entered at the entrance of the amusement park, Akashi being the last to arrive, even though everyone had betted on Aomine being the last one. ''Akashicchi, welcome back!'' Kise cheered, and the others greeted him politely. ''Thanks you, Ryouta. I missed you very much.'' Akashi said, before turning red. ''By that I mean all of you.'' he added.
Kuroko and Takao smirked, as the rest just shrugged it off. ''Kazunari, I was in the understanding you were joining us.'' Akashi said. ''I am, Midorima invited me.'' Takao said, quite happily. ''That's so sweet, Midorimacchi.'' Kise said, and Midorima nodded, before he said, ''It only seems right to invite my boyfriend.'' Everyone in the group blinked a couple of times. ''Come again?'' Kagami asked, first one to regain his composure.
''You heard me, nandayo.'' Midorima said. ''B-Boyfriend?'' Takao asked in disbelieve. Midorima nodded in confirmation. ''Oh, congratulations.'' Kise said, shaking Midorima's hand. ''Yeah, good for you!'' Kagami added. ''Midorima-kun is so kind, you're lucky Takao.'' Kuroko said, before looking at Aomine. If someone like Midorima could make such a bold move, then why couldn't he? ''I am with someone too.'' he added, before taking Aomine's hand.
''What?'' Aomine said, really happy with that statement and yet so confused. ''Really?'' Akashi asked, and Kuroko nodded. ''So cool, Kurokocchi. Seems like a great day already.'' Kise said, cheerfully. 'He just got rejected recently by Kagami, how can he be this happy for them?' Akashi wondered. ''Enough with the love already, reminds me of Kagami's foolish mistake. Congrats to all, can we please go to the park?'' he asked.
''Hey, not cool.'' Kagami said, flushing deep red. ''I didn't throw my chance away, right Kise?'' Kise shook his head. ''Let's go already.'' Akashi said, getting fed up. Takao and Kuroko nodded, as Kise gave him a symphatatic look. 'Akashicchi, you'll get your chance too, I hope.' he thought, before they entered the park. Most of the park was fun, they entered a lot of rides, Murusakibara bought a lot of candy, and they scored all of the prices at the mini-basketball game. For once, it seemed like nothing was going on, even though it did. 'Akashicchi is avoiding me. I understand that this is awkward, but still, he's my friend.' Kise thought. The red-head had only answered a few questions, had been avoiding eye-contact, and never once had sat down next to Kise.
At the end of the day, Aomine wanted to one more thing. ''I'd like to go in that ride once more.'' Aomine pointed to the biggest one. As the others agreed, Akashi shook his head. ''Sorry, I'm sitting this one out, my stomach is feeling a bit quesy.'' he told Aomine. ''I'm not going, bit lightheaded.'' Kise said. The others shrugged, before Kagami asked, ''Is it okay if we go, or do you need to go to the infirmary?''
''Please go ahead. I'll be fine.'' Kise said, and Akashi nodded. ''I'll take care. You can go. We'll fetch something to eat after you are done.'' he added. The rest of the G.o.M headed towards the entrance of the ride, Kuroko gave them one last concerned look. 'I hope it'll turn out alright.' he thought, before taking Aomine's hand, squeezing it. As Aomine squeezed back, he didn't neccaserily felt more reassured.
''Sit down.'' Akashi told Kise, not making any eye-contact with the blond. Kise nodded, as he sat down on a low wall. Akashi sat next to him, feeling up his forehead. ''You are a bit warm. I hope you didn't fetch a fever.'' he said. Kise looked at him, he had missed that Akashi for a long time, the caring one. ''Akashicchi...'' he started, making Akashi avert his eyes. ''Uhm, I know. I mean, your crush...'' he added, making Akashi snap up.
''I don't know what you're talking about.'' he muttered, why was it so difficult. ''Uhm, I believe you, really. But if you do have one, I don't blame you. I mean, if you two end up together, I don't mind.'' Kise said, wincing at the end of his sentence. He really loved Kagamicchi, but making Akashicchi unhappy just didn't sit well with him. ''You've seem to get the wrong misunderstanding. I take that as Ahomine's fault.'' Akashi said, making Kise snicker.
''What?'' Akashi asked. ''You always say Daiki. To hear you say Aho, as a joke, it's really funny.'' Kise couldn't really hold back his laughter, and Akashi eventually joined in. ''I like you in this way. So carefree, so friendly.'' Kise said when the laughter had died down. Akashi smiled fondly, there was no helping their situation. He leaned closer, before kissing Kise's forehead. And before he knew it, he pressed a kiss against Kise's lips, leaving the blond startled.
Only in time, before he could take it any further, he was able to drew back, before whispering. ''Ryouta, I love you.'' just before the others return. ''That was fun... Oi, Kise, you look even worse then before we left.'' Aomine said, as Kise just sat there, wondering what the heck just happened. ''Kise-kun, did something happen when we were gone? Did Haizaki...'' Kuroko wasn't sure how to finish his sentence.
''Akashi, did the situation occur?'' Takao asked, the only one at least thinking of what could have happened. ''Nothing happened.'' Akashi said, as his cheeks flushed. ''Kise?'' Kagami asked, making the blond look up. ''Tell the truth.'' he asked. ''I... I... no.'' he said. ''No?'' both Akashi and Kagami asked. Kise nearly never used no, not that strongly. ''I'm heading home. I'm not feeling so well. Please have fun at dinner!'' Kise said, before running off. Kagami chased after him, demanding an answer.
Both Kuroko and Takao gave Akashi a look. ''So? What happened? Did you act on your feelings like I told you you would?'' both of them asked. Akashi nodded, before saying, ''If any of you talks about it, ever again, I'm going to kill you.'' he showed his red scissors, before walking off. ''Okay, I'm really confused. What the hell just happened?'' Aomine asked. Kuroko gave him a deadpan look, as Takao said, ''Didn't you know? Akashi is in love with Kise.''
Kyaa, nearly the end of this arc already, only one more closing chapter, and then the next arc... we're getting so close to finding out so much more and yes, Haizaki will appear again. I hope you still enjoy the fanfic, because even though I haven't worked a lot on it lately, I still quite enjoy making it. I'm getting ready for the next arc, and I hope you are as well. For now, I hope you've enjoyed this chapter, and please review after reading.
