A/N: Warning, some sexual content this chapter.
Sunday found Kuroko at a local library with Hanamiya. Both somehow came to the same conclusion that they shouldn't spend any time practicing basketball with each other to protect whatever trade secrets for their match in the coming week. Instead, Kuroko had a strategy prepared and had engaged Shuutoku's Takao to help him with practice since the point guard was a similar height to Hanamiya. Takao was surprised at Kuroko's request but if it was to take down Kirisaki Daiichi, it was worth it. The match would determine which school would represent their region in Interhigh to go up against Yosen and Rakuzan, both whom have qualified.
Weekends used to be time spent at Kagami's, with Kuroko attempting to help the red-head keep up to date with homework and lessons. However, since the new term, Kuroko's weekends had freed up leaving him to meet up with Hanamiya instead.
"I need help with math." Followed by "Fine. I need to head down to the library to find some reference books. You're coming with me." And "fine." Was how the two found themselves studying side by side on a Sunday afternoon. Studying with Hanamiya was almost a one-eighty from his sessions with Kagami. Hanamiya was one year ahead of Kuroko, a genius, and a great help when Kuroko had questions. His studies have never been better and Kuroko mentally thanked the other for it.
"Why do you need to use this formula instead of this one?" Kuroko scooted closer to get Hanamiya's attention. The other boy looked up from his reading immediately to scan the math question.
"It's hard to explain such simple things. Isn't it obvious? Can't you see that this equation breaks up in this manner and you have to use the formula for this to differentiate the first part?" Hanamiya leaned over to gesture at the question.
"Ah. I see. Thank you for explaining it in such a polite manner without insulting my intelligence, Mako-tan." Kuroko turned to give Hanamiya a deadpanned look.
For some reason, the older boy spluttered and swatted at Kuroko's face. "Yeah whatever. Now tell me if you have any background knowledge on Korea's involvement in World War 2."
Kuroko raised a brow at how awkward Hanamiya's movements were but decided to let it go. "There's a book on the last isle referencing some leaders and their sacrifice. I'm sure you'll be able to find it on your own."
"Come on, don't be a brat. I made the cheat sheet for you. Go grab it for me."
Hanamiya grinned while Kuroko glared.
"Say please." Kuroko tried.
"No." Hanamiya continued grinning. Kuroko continued glaring.
"I made the cheat sheet for you." Hanamiya repeated. Kuroko weighed the favours.
"You passed me your old cheat sheet. It's not like you made is specifically for me."
"Hmmm…" Hanamiya still had a broad grin on his face and Kuroko could clearly tell he was being played with. "Well, I guess I'll take my cheat sheet back then." The older boy reached for the piece of paper, while Kuroko pressed the paper hard down on the table refusing to let go of the god-sheet.
"You used ankle break on me. This was payment for that." Kuroko argued.
"Nope! Ankle break was for the bounce pass practice, and I gave you milkshake to top it off." Hanamiya tried tugging on the sheet again but it didn't budge. "You know that favour has been paid."
"I still have the bruises."
"And I'm still feeling thirsty from not finishing my milkshake. Want to spit that back out? If you can't even measure how much you owe me, we shouldn't even bother with favours for each other." Kuroko looked at Hanamiya's raised brows and knew Hanamiya was calling him stupid without saying it.
"Fine. Fine. I'll go get the book." Kuroko sighed knowing the other was right. He went to grab the book. Kuroko remembered how the front and spine looked like, but not the title. It took him 5 minutes to find it. When he brought it back to the table, Hanamiya was fiddling with Kuroko's phone. Hanamiya was unpredictable at best and Kuroko found himself really worried about what the other had done while he was away.
"What did you do?" Kuroko immediately reached out for his phone but Hanamiya moved it away.
"Nervous, Tetsu-tan? What could I have done with your phone in just 5 minutes?" Hanamiya taunted with the same stupid smile on his face. "I could have texted your coach telling her that you've been injured and won't be able to play the next match. Maybe I texted your mum and said something really embarrassing."
"That's not funny, Mako-tan." Kuroko was just slightly irritated. He really wanted his phone back. How did Hanamiya break through his passcode in the first place?!
"Hmmm… Maybe I texted your little red to shit talk him. Wouldn't that be funny, Tetsu-tan? Do you think he would be worried that you're in trouble? Or would he be pissed and punish you?" Hanamiya used a foot to push Kuroko away while his fingers worked at the phone. The Kirisaki Daiichi captain actually swiped his thumb across the fingerprint reader and unlocked Kuroko's phone. How in the world?!
Kuroko could only blink, stunned. On one hand, he was irritated at the possibilities of what Hanamiya could have done. On the other hand, he was surprised that the other had cracked through his passcode. Also, Kuroko cursed his short arms.
"Maybe I texted yellow to tell him you have a crush on him. He would be so delighted and absolutely clingy." Hanamiya pressed some buttons on the phone but Kuroko was unable to see or guess what was being pressed.
"Please stop." He took another swipe at the phone only for Hanamiya to dodge. He tried a kick to Hanamiya's shin but the other had shifted his leg just in time and Kuroko's foot met with the hard wood of the chair's leg.
Hanamiya had a creepy look of excitement. "Or, I could have sent the American a little text telling him how upset and destroyed you were after he left you and your little team without a light. Maybe he'll rush back from all the guilt of knowing hard you've been working while everyone continues to blame you for all their failures and how useless everyone's been saying you are-"
"That's enough, Makoto." He might have snarled out. Somewhere deep down, he wanted to hit the other.
Hanamiya smirked like a cat that ate a bunch of canaries but Kuroko was thoroughly pissed. He knew Hanamiya was goading him but bringing Kagami up… and with how accurate Hanamiya was to the truth… How was it so easy for Hanamiya to read him so well? He wasn't an easy person to see through but somehow the captain knew what would upset him the most. How and when did that happen?
Kuroko grit his teeth in silent fury.
"Just wanted to see how you'd react." Hanamiya shrugged as if nothing happened. "Have some faith. You know I'm not in a bad mood anyway."
Kuroko didn't say anything as Hanamiya slid his phone back to him, grabbed the book Kuroko brought back and went straight to reading it. Kuroko took a deep breath, he needed to take a short break to calm down. Breathe out. He looked over at Hanamiya who had a bored expression on his face, uncaring. Okay. Fine. Time to check the damage.
Unlocking his phone, Kuroko looked through the recently opened apps, and checked through his texts and social media apps. Nothing seemed out of place, and he wouldn't put it past Hanamiya to have done nothing just to play with his paranoia. After a couple of minutes of searching, Kuroko was about to give up when he finally went back to the home page and saw what Hanamiya did.
The background on his homepage was a photo of one of Hanamiya's raised, thick, black eyebrow.
Kuroko was stunned for a moment, confused by the sight. So… Hanamiya didn't do anything malicious? He didn't text anyone? It was just a prank? Was this it? Before he could consider any further, he heard a slight snigger coming from his right.
"You should have seen your face. You were fucking pissed but went straight into confusion. That was hilarious." Hanamiya's fist were clenched tight over his mouth, eyes sparkling with mirth as he tried not to laugh.
Kuroko took one more look at the photo on his background. The single eye brow fitted just nicely under a straight line of apps. It was so thick that it framed the icons. For the first time in a long time, Kuroko choked on his own laughter and wheezed out a chortle, unable to hold back how ridiculously funny the photo on his background was.
There was an eyebrow – Makoto's bushy eyebrow, filling up his entire screen.
The notorious spider of Kirisaki Daiichi had broken through his phone's pass code, added his own fingerprint, just to change his wallpaper to a hairy eyebrow.
After all that talk – the taunting and threats, there was a bushy black brow in high definition on his phone.
Kuroko burst out laughing which caused Hanamiya to laugh out loud as well. Both teens trying to hold back tears.
A loud "SHHHHHHHHHH" interrupted them. They both tried to hide the noises they were making to no avail.
"Fuck! We're in the library. Shut the fuck up and stop laughing so loud!" Hanamiya managed to rasp out, totally out of breath.
Kuroko hid his face on the table, trying to soften the noise he was making, but still unable to give any sort of spoken reply. His chest hurt from trying to stop the laughter and he felt like he couldn't breathe. His head felt light and he needed to get the silly image out of his head.
Apparently he was still tittering because Hanamiya pushed his head down further into the table and whispered a "Shhhhhhh" into his ear, amusement still clear in his tone.
"They're going to chase us out!" The bushy-brow teen continued to ruffle at Kuroko's hair and tug on his shirt to get him to quiet down.
"But… what should I do with this?" Kuroko managed to get out as he turned his phone towards Hanamiya, clearly displaying the eyebrow again. This time, Hanamiya didn't hold back and burst out a roar of laughter which sent Kuroko into a similar state as well.
They were both sent out of the library after packing their bags by a livid librarian.
The two continued their boisterous laughter while stumbling out onto the streets.
"That's the first time I've ever been thrown out of the library. Mako-tan is a bad influence." Kuroko was still a little breathless.
"Bullshit. You enjoyed it." Hanamiya was wiping off some tears from laughing too hard and had one arm slung around the smaller male to keep his balance. "Come on, it's time for dinner anyway."
"Maji is that way." Kuroko tried to walk left but Hanamiya had an arm around his neck and tugged him to the right.
"Oh come on. The ramen place is this way. I'm craving ramen." Hanamiya insisted and used his slightly larger built to pull Kuroko to the left. Kuroko wouldn't have any of that and was planting his feet firmly on the ground, dragging as much as he could.
"We had that the other night. And I really want a milkshake." Kuroko frowned and tried to dislodge himself from the headlock.
Hanamiya growled, upset with the resistance. "If we go for ramen, I'll treat you." He tried to bargain.
"Maji is in the direction of your house. If we go to Maji you'll get home quicker to finish up that essay you still haven't completed."
"If we go to Maji it'll be your treat."
"No way. We had ramen last time. It's only fair we go with Maji this time. You're being unreasonable, Mako-tan." Kuroko gave a flat look, he knew that Makoto knew that this was an unfair trade, so why did the other still need to push his luck?
"If we go to Maji, you're helping me with my report. I didn't get to check out that book in the end because you got us kicked out from the library." Hanamiya squinted his stupid looking eyebrows and Kuroko couldn't help but feel a little endeared by them. Fine. It wasn't that big a deal anyway.
"Fine. We go to Maji and I'll help you with your report."
"Fine." The captain's smirk was full blown as if this was the plan all along. Kuroko tried not to feel like an idiot for falling for it but at least he would get some vanilla milkshake tonight. He was in an amazingly good mood anyway.
They had dinner and spent some time chatting at Maji while they people-watched. Hanamiya liked to shit-talk strangers and Kuroko would try to counter-argue the points. The mood was light as they continued to enjoy the light-hearted weekend.
"See that guy over there? Mid-thirties, using a fake branded watch, too much hair gel and that hair colour is obviously from some bad dye. He's wearing a fake leather jacket in this weather, and he's speaking too kindly. Obviously he's trying to get that girl who's way out of his league. He's probably working in sales or jobless or something."
"I think you're wrong. They're speaking too familiarly for him to be trying for something with her. I think that the watch was a gift. That's why it's the only worn out item he's wearing. The rest of his belongings are somewhat new. The hair colour and leather jacket could mean he's trying to be more relatable to the younger generation. He could be a youth leader or a social worker or something. And I think the hair gel is fine and you're just being harsh about it."
"Fine, I concede your point on the old and new thing. The watch does look sentimental. But look at the girl. She's wearing pearl earrings and her watch is branded. Unless he's really interesting, I doubt they're a couple."
"They could be old school mates that took different paths. People of different background can still be friends you know." Kuroko reasoned. "But I don't think they're dating. His handphone wallpaper had a cat on it."
"And yours has an eyebrow from another male. What does that say about you?" Hanamiya snipped back and Kuroko returned with a glare, trying not to think about the image less he break out in laughter again.
"Ok they're dating for sure. I saw them play footsie under the table."
"Her feet bumped into his. That's not whatever you just mentioned."
Hanamiya turned to him with a smirk. "Ahh little Tetsu-tan. So unaware about the things of the adult world."
Kuroko scowled. "You're only a year older than me."
"And an adult." Hanamiya sat back, arrogant. "We know of things little children do not."
At this point, the male they were observing leaned over the table, used a hand to cup the lady's cheek and gave her a peck on the lips. She smiled and caressed his face, dropping another peck on his lips before letting him go.
"Case and point. I win." Hanamiya threw his hands to the side in a flourish to flaunt. Fine. Hanamiya just got lucky at reading this couple.
"Fine. They're a couple."
"You're pouting by the way."
"I'm not pouting." Kuroko made sure to fix his glare. "I don't pout."
"Hmmm pretty sure that was a pout. I read people well, you know?" Why did he hang out with such irritable people?
"Let's get going." Kuroko placed his milkshake on the tray and proceeded to clear the table. Hanamiya definitely knew Kuroko had enough of the conversation but didn't mention it as he too followed and cleared his tray. The two left Maji together.
"This way." Hanamiya directed and Kuroko followed, suddenly reminded they were heading over to Hanamiya's place to continue with their work. Kuroko had never been there before but he knew the general direction the Kirisaki Daiichi captain lived in.
It was quiet as the two walked side by side, without any need for conversation. It was usual and comfortable for them.
Kuroko thought back to the couple. They seemed like really different people. The guy seemed down to earth while she was a little classier. He seemed animated while she seemed really serious. They both appear to be happy though. How exactly were they suitable for each other? And what was with the leg thing under the table? He didn't see how something like that would be romantic or sexy. Wasn't it all about the breasts (Kuroko thanked God Daiki couldn't listen into his thoughts)? She did have some decently sized ones though. Or maybe it was a love at first sight thing like Ryouta always talked about. He wasn't going to entertain the star-aligned paradigm that Shintaro subscribed to.
What was this love thing actually?
Nothing could really explain why Kuroko himself had a particular affection for him. It definitely wasn't about the boobs or physical looks. Otherwise, Kuroko would have fallen for any one of the miracles seeing that most of them had an ideal body shape. It wasn't a love at first sight thing either – he knew his affection for his light grew over time. Shintaro-kun mentioned their star signs didn't match as well so that couldn't be it. How exactly did this work? Kuroko totally didn't understand.
And yet, he was deeply aware of the infinite space that the other took up in his mind and heart.
It's been 12 weeks and it seemed like Kuroko was the only one counting.
Whatever it was, Kuroko didn't have much time to ponder as they reached the steps of Hanamiya's apartment. The adult's apartment was a simple, clean two bedroom unit with a rather big dining area and an attached kitchen. Next to the dining area was a carpeted area with a low coffee table. It was a rather similar set up as… another apartment he was familiar with.
"Nobody's home? Please excuse the intrusion." Kuroko removed his shoes at the entry and noticed the lack of any other footwear by the door.
"I live alone." Came the other's reply. Hanamiya didn't explain more so Kuroko didn't ask. Kuroko took a sit at the dining table while Hanamiya dropped his bag by a dining chair and disappeared into a room. "Please help yourself drinks!"
"You're supposed to be a good host, Mako-tan."
"Screw that. Get what you want on your own!" Kuroko felt a slight affection towards how casual Hanamiya was being. He was usually careful when going to someone else's house because he didn't want to seem disrespect or overstep his boundaries but if Hanamiya says it's alright… Kuroko felt his guard drop and started to relax in the new space. He helped himself to a glass and filled it up with water from the tap. He also opened the fridge out of curiosity.
"You have a lot of alcohol in here." He commented. Hanamiya had changed into causal clothes and emerged from what must be his bedroom to join Kuroko in the kitchen.
"I'm legal." He smirked. "Since I live alone, the guys come over to party once in awhile."
Kuroko nodded in reply and continued checking out the rest of the contents of the fridge while Hanamiya stood by and observed. There were some fresh fruits and other easy to cook processed items. There were about two packs of beer and some other coloured liquor.
"Are you curious?" Hanamiya asked. Kuroko wasn't too sure what the other was referring to: Why was Hanamiya living alone? Or what did alcohol taste like? Or why was that girl and guy together or howwhatwhy Kagami.
"There are many things I'm curious about." Kuroko decided to reply simply.
Hanamiya's smirk grew larger and Kuroko recognised the usual calculative gaze the other had whenever they were about to weigh in favours.
"I bet I can answer ever single one of Tetsu-tan's questions. I can really give you all the answers if you're willing to ask them."
Kuroko was pretty sure this was another game for the Spider. Hanamiya Makoto lived on reading others and trying to get the most unpredictable outcome and interesting reaction from his prey. Hanamiya often tried things on Kuroko just to guess his reaction or hope for an unexpected one – just like the incident in the library. Most of the time, Kuroko was willing to play along because he was curious about the other too.
He weighed out the pros and cons of this new challenge in his head. Pro – he'll get to understand some concepts he'd been pondering about. Con – he'd be divulging information that could make him vulnerable to someone who knew how to make the most of an advantage. Pro – Kuroko would get to understand Hanamiya's thoughts and views better. Con – Hanamiya was probably going to laugh at him or feed him alcohol despite him being underage. Another con – he would have to talk about Kagami.
Nope. No dice.
"I'm not that curious." Kuroko decided and tried to move out of the kitchen but was body blocked by the captain.
"Hmmm. But I am." Hanamiya had the look on his face – the one that alerted Kuroko he was slowly but surely falling into a trap. "Ok let's try this instead. You can tell me how many questions you had on mind and if I guess the questions correctly, you have to confirm it honestly."
What was in it for Hanamiya? What was the captain seeing that Kuroko wasn't? Hanamiya was being rather insistent but Kuroko couldn't see an equal payoff. On the surface, it didn't seem like Hanamiya would get much out of this agreement.
Ahh. Ok. Kuroko understood. Right so this was why. Kuroko wasn't an easy person to read so Hanamiya must have made some guesses about Kuroko after observing him all this time and so Hanamiya wanted to have a confirmation that he was reading Kuroko right.
Hmmmm… was it worth it?
"Fine. I'll throw in one more since you seem unconvinced." Hanamiya frowned but Kuroko was rather sure it was all just an act. He was still in the trap after all. "For the upcoming match, I won't hurt any of your team mates."
And now the scale tipped over entirely again. This was way too big a favour for the price Hanamiya initially proposed. Kuroko noted that the captain had said "I" and not "my team". Still, it was a huge favour. What was the captain playing at? Kuroko glared at the other, knowing that the other knew this was something Kuroko couldn't say no to. But he also knew that the other knew that Kuroko knew this was a trap. So was Kuroko willing to play anyway? He was aware that there was a trap perfectly set in front of him and he was willingly stepping into it. Damn Hanamiya and his mind games.
Urgh. It's been a long day of mind games with Makoto. He really needed a break.
Fine.
Fine.
Fine.
"Fine. I accept." How could he not? Kuroko folded his arms and took a couple of steps back to lean against a kitchen counter, mentally preparing himself from the onslaught that was Hanamiya Makoto. Stupid games.
But Kuroko enjoyed the challenge.
"Good. I enjoy it when you're being so cooperative, Tetsu-tan." Hanamiya stood with his hands in his pockets, same cunning smile on his face.
"And you're being really obvious, Mako-tan." It was a weak comeback and Hanamiya simply shrugged.
"How many questions?"
Kuroko didn't hesitate to answer. "Three."
Hanamiya glared. "Oh come on. It's only the first question. Be a good boy and answer honestly like you said you would."
"Fine. Four." Kuroko look away while Hanamiya continued to read him.
"Ok. Fine. Four." Hanamiya nodded. "Your first question was about why I currently live alone, right? My parents work overseas and they decided they wanted to rent out our main estate. So they gave me some allowance to buy a smaller apartment. I chose this one because it's close to the University that I want to go to. That's why I'm living alone."
Kuroko glared at Hanamiya all the way through the explanation. The captain didn't even wait for him to confirm if that question was one he had in mind before going into the explanation. He could practically hear Hanamiya saying "I don't even need your confirmation for this question because you were being so fucking obvious."
Yes, internal Hanamiya was still swearing even though the real one had vowed to stop being so vulgar around Kuroko.
Without waiting for Kuroko to say anything, Hanamiya continued. "Your second question was probably something about the taste of alcohol, why would someone want to drink alcohol, or who are the people who drink with me. Which one was it? Never mind, I'll answer them all. You see, when adults get stressed or want to have some fun, they drink alcohol because it has a relaxing component in it and it removes inhibition a little to allow the person to feel a sense of euphoria. The people who drink with me are all legal and you're familiar with most of them. I'm sure you can come to your own conclusions from that."
"Are you going to be talking to yourself for the entire night?" Kuroko was getting slightly irritated that the other was being so full of himself.
"I might since I'm pretty sure I'm 100 percent right."
"Why are we even playing then?" Kuroko frowned.
"Because I was to see your face once I've shown you how simple and easy it is to read you even though nobody has been able to do it before. No, rather - nobody has bothered to understand you to this extent before. I want to see that face when you come to the realisation that you're not a shadow, everyone else just treats you as one." Hanamiya moved closer to Kuroko, intensity and resentment in his gaze.
Kuroko had no idea what to say to that. He didn't want to think about it and spiral down a bitter path. He wasn't a spiteful or vindictive person, but he wanted to hear more about what Hanamiya had to say. Kuroko found himself wanting Hanamiya to guess everything right and prove that there was someone out there who wanted to invest into a shadow like himself.
"Fine. Please continue, Mako-tan."
Hanamiya stood across him, one hand on the counter that Kuroko was leaning his back against. The other was a little close but Kuroko focused on the other's words instead.
"Your third question was about the couple earlier. You were either curious about the kiss, the footsie, or how two people so different could be in a relationship. So which one was it huh? I watched you while we were walking over to my place. You looked confused, conflicted. Like you trying to justify something you felt. Or you were confused about the idea of feelings in the first place. Especially after I called you a kid, you looked affronted but took some time to ponder something.
My final answer is this – you were either pondering about the philosophy of love, or you were hella curious about the sexual aspects of the adult world. Again, I'll answer them both." Hanamiya moved even closer until Kuroko had to strain his neck to look up at the other. He could feel the heat from where Hanamiya's arm was in contact with his. He could smell a slight musky book-like smell from the other.
"So what is love?" Hanamiya's voice was a little softer and deeper. "It could mean different things for different people but I don't care about them. Let's talk about you. You're loyal. You love supporting people. For you, love is being able to give. But you're selfish too. You want to receive. You want to be special. You want to be seen. It's not about looks or money or fame or the chase for you. To you, love means giving everything to make that person the light of your world, and you want the same in return. Simple."
As if it was possible, Hanamiya moved even closer. Knees pressed against his own and he had to bend a little backwards to accommodate Hanamiya's weight on him. He could feel the other's heat and overwhelming presence and breath and the other's gaze and-
"If love was about all that, what's sex even for? You're a logical person. You need to understand concepts. What do kisses do? Why did they couple even play with their feet at Maji? Let me explain to you how sexual intimacy adds another layer to love, my curious little Tetsuya."
Kuroko was having a little trouble taking it all in. The words made sense. He understood the idea and explanation. Having Hanamiya stand so close to him was confusing him so much. No matter how familiar they had become, they were relatively new friends. But Kuroko's heart was racing and his breath was caught in his throat. This never happened with Kagami. Was this adrenaline or fear? Fight or flight?
"This is how you build tension. There's a purpose to everything and I'll explain it step by step to you. Now listen, Tetsu-tan because I won't slow down. Firstly, physical closeness and tone creates a mood. Notice how close I'm standing? Notice how that allows me to talk to you at this volume? It doesn't happen with just anyone, does it? It's special, thus causing an increase in tension. I don't need to be a model like yellow, or a light like blue to be able to make you feel like this."
Hanamiya's free hand came up to cup Kuroko's cheek. The hand felt cold against Kuroko's warm face. His heart was racing so fast that he could hear the thundering beats in his ear. He could see the strands of hair on Hanamiya's head. His eyes focused on the shape of Hanamiya's lips because they were just right there. So close and such an interesting shape and how pink it was in contrast to Hanamiya's white skin-
"Can you feel the difference in temperature between your face and my palm? Because of the intensity of the situation, the feeling of the coldness of my hand has been magnified, hasn't it? Surely your heart feels like its going to explode. Just a simple touch to your cheek and you're feeling this intensity of heat. This was what he did to her at Maji wasn't it? So simple, and yet so heavy. Can you feel my thumb move against your skin? So smooth, isn't it? I wonder if Tetsu-tan feels a tingle down his body?
"Have you ever kissed, Tetsu-tan? Can you imagine? I'm just touching you with a finger. What if I come closer? What if I bend forward a little more? Will you be able to feel my muscles moving? Will you be able to feel my heat seeping from your chest down to your toes?"
Hanamiya moved both hands to cradle his face. Majority of the other's weight leaned on his pelvis area. He felt pinned, securely held. Stable. Enclosed. Treasured.
"Step by step, Tetsu-tan. Understand it. Do your thoughts make sense? I'm not doing anything grand nor special. But you're feeling something totally different from the ambiguity at the start, aren't you? I'm trapping you but do you feel trapped? I'm in control but are you scared? You don't know what's going to happen next and yet you're allowing me to do this. Its amazing to see trust in such a tangible form isn't it? Are you ready Tetsuya? I'm going to show you how a kiss works. I'll break it down for you slowly. Please keep up Tetsu-tan and remember I don't have all the time to slow down for you."
Kuroko knew what a kiss was but nothing could really describe what happened factually when Hanamiya's lips touched his. It was a by fact a kiss, but a simple word couldn't describe the term. Oh… so this was why people kissed – because there was no other way to truly understand the word other than through experiencing it.
Hanamiya's breath ghosted over his lips first before he felt a soft pressure and slight heat on his lips that was totally unlike consuming food. The tension that had built up and Hanamiya's words resounded in his brain creating this new, indescribable sensation on his lips.
"Amazing isn't it? How the body and mind work in tandem? Are my lips soft? Are they rough? Look how I can change the mood with some pressure, Tetsuya." Hanamiya put more pressure and his lips felt wetter, hotter, moremoremore. Kuroko groaned and instinctively pushed back, giving back.
Hanamiya hummed in praise. "Tetsuya learns fast." He spoke and kissed at the same time, breath puffing into his mouth with each word. Kuroko felt a warmth pooling deep within. "Close your eyes, this is a tactile and auditory learning experience." Kuroko complied. "That's a good boy. Feel this." Kuroko felt more pressure and Hanamiya's lips parting. It was hotter and wetter and there was spit but Kuroko groaned feeling the intensity jump higherandhigherand he groaned into Hanamiya's mouth and felt the other's body shiver in response. The feedback pushed him deeper into the haze of his mind as his hands grasped onto the other's arm to steadysteadysteady himself.
Something hot and wet and smooth grazed his tongue and he moaned at the feeling and thought of Hanamiya's tongue caressing his own and the idea made him pant in want. What was going on how was this happening-
"Feel that Tetsuya? Lesson two, French kissing." Hanamiya's voice was hoarse and breathy. The other swallowed before continuing, tongue still casually exploring while it continued to form words. "This is how you increase the intensity of a kiss. Can you taste me, Tetsuya? Can you feel my tongue flick against yours? You're letting me in, letting me explore where ever I want to. Such a compliant boy. So good for me when you're like this aren't you? But don't you like a little challenge? Don't you like to surprise me? Give it a try, Tetsu-tan. Fight back."
Kuroko moaned as Hanamiya's tongue started to methodically taste and check the inside of his mouth, under his tongue on the roof at the sides along his teeth and all of a sudden Hanamiya's tongue stopped and retracted. The other's lips weren't moving and there was a lack of heat and intensity and movement and Kuroko whined.
Copying the other, his hands slowly reached up and cupped Makoto's face. His breath was coming in pants and his eyes were glazed and heavy as he looked into the other's forest green ones. They were sparkling with mischief and daring him to challenge back.
Fine.
Fine.
Kuroko pushed back, teeth clacking. His tongue tasted the other's mouth and explored like Makoto did. The bumps along the roof of the Makoto's mouth, the heat under the Makoto's tongue. He needed to make the other pant and moaned like he did. His hands tugged against the strands of hair at the nape of Makoto's neck and the other opened up a little more for him. But he needed more intensity, he needed Makoto to respond. Kuroko growled and pulled hard at Makoto's hair and the other moaned oh so loudly.
Yes.
Kuroko's other hand continued to explore where he felt heat – down Makoto's sides, up his front and oh it was warm here and Kuroko slipped a hand under the front of Makoto's shirt and-
"Naughty boy, Tetsu-tan. This wasn't part of the lesson." Hanamiya's hand locked onto his and pull his arm out from under the other's shirt then proceeded to moved Kuroko's hand behind his back and pressed it firmly onto the counter. "Focus on the lesson, Tetsu-tan. Do you now understand why people look for physical intimacy? How it's different from love, but also how it can compliment feelings of affection?"
Kuroko panted hard and thought about what just happened.
What just happened?
Suddenly, he felt a sharp tug at his nape and was forced to look up into Hanamiya's eyes. "Pay attention, Tetsuya. Remember this feeling and take time to process it. You're smart. I hope that this experience will answer your third question.
As for the fourth question, you're probably confused about your feelings for tall red, aren't you? You have no idea why you like him. You both are fundamentally different in character. There's hardly any similarities at all. And yet, you feel an affection for him. You've never felt physically attracted to him though, right? So why? Why him? Actually, does it really matter?
Listen closely: Love has to go two ways for it to be successful. Just because he's your light doesn't mean you're his. You've always been a shadow to him. Think about what means for any relationship you want to pursue with him." Hanamiya stepped away and Kuroko suddenly noticed the lack of strength in his legs. Without Hanamiya's weight pressing him down or holding him up, he crumbled onto the kitchen floor and sat there.
"Now, when you're done processing, come outside and help me with my essay like you promised. Don't make me wait for too long, Tetsuya. I'll drag you out if I have to."
With that, Hanamiya left the kitchen and Kuroko plunged into deep thought, slowly sorting out the archive of emotions that Kagami Taiga abandoned within him.
It made sense. Kagami only saw him as a shadow. Kagami didn't feel for Kuroko the same way Kuroko felt for him. It made sense, and yet, Kuroko couldn't let go. Kagami's kindness, his cooking, his basketball, his presence. How was it possible for love to make sense when Hanamiya explained it, but make so little sense when it came to reality?
Half an hour later, Kuroko came out of the kitchen with thoughts about Kagami still unresolved in his mind, and with his lips feeling the phantom nibbles from Makoto's mouth. He would ponder over this another day. Tonight was the time for math and history. Kuroko joined Hanamiya at the table to complete his end of the bargain, and suddenly had the realisation that he paid a lot more for this favour despite Hanamiya's promise of not harming Seirin.
That night, Kuroko stayed in Hanamiya's guest room and dreamt about a reality where his light made him a light in their world as well.
Perhaps… just like Mako-tan did for him.