Akashi was an asshole.
'You needed to get over him.'
'You have us now.'
Who was Akashi to make such decisions?
What did Akashi know about the depth of his feelings towards the light of his world?
Fuck.
Shit. Shit shit shit.
Kuroko gave a small knock on the door. His legs were ready to crumble from the weight in his heart and the exhaustion from going into Zone.
Makoto opened the door with a beer in his hand and a smirk on his lips. Both disappeared the moment he saw Kuroko.
"What the fuck did they do?" the captain growled. At the same time, Kuroko felt Hanamiya tug on his arm and close the door behind him.
Kuroko didn't, couldn't, didn't feel like answering. His jaw just didn't want to work. He felt drained both emotionally and physically. He just wanted to drift.
He was then ushered into the toilet and Hanamiya left for a little while, then came back with a towel. Next thing Kuroko knew, he was shoved under a warm spray and Hanamiya proceeded to pull off his soaked jersey. His pants were kept on.
"Can't even talk? What did they do to you? I'd understand if Red had some issues with you being acquainted with me but for you to end up like this? Didn't Blue or Yellow stop it? I would think Pink had some brains to actually intervene before you got this bad."
He was still feeling numb about Kagami and Akashi and Jess.
"I'm going to get you clean and we're going to talk about this. The guys are coming in another hour or so. There's food if you need it but you can take a nap in your room if you want after this shower."
Mind swirling, he felt fingers scrubbing his scalp and pressing into his heavy thoughts. Nails scratched soothingly behind his neck, behind his ears, all the way to the top of his head. He saw soapy suds slide down his chest down into the drain. Hanamiya must have thought that he was clean enough when the water turned off, a fluffy towel wiped his hair and body dry, then he was pushed out of the shower and handed some clothes.
"Change. I'll be waiting outside." the door shut.
Kuroko looked at the clothes in his hands. They were Makoto's sleep wear. The shirt was too big, the pants were too small, but they fit and they smelled like Makoto.
Kuroko stepped out and was immediately manhandled by Hanamiya once again and led to the guest room. He was pushed onto the bed, the lights were off, and all he could think about was the mess that was his life. Hanamiya's weight dropped onto the bed next to him. The other didn't do much other than provide some warmth as they both faced the dark ceiling.
"Talk." commanded Hanamiya. He really didn't want to talk about it. But he knew he needed to talk about something.
"I went into zone." Kuroko started.
"Cool. And?" The other pushed.
"And we trashed them."
"You and Blue?"
"No."
"Red?"
"Tall Red."
Hanamiya cursed. "Fuck. Tall Red was there?!"
"Yes."
"Small Red called him?"
"Yes."
"But why? I thought Small Red wanted you to himself? Why would he summon Tall Red when everyone knows you have a crush on him?"
Kuroko didn't reply. What the heck did Makoto mean by everyone knowing he had a crush on Kagami?
"Okay. So Tall Red and you were in a team and you went into Zone?"
"... yes."
"Isn't that good?"
"It was great." It was amazing.
"Then something must have happened. You couldn't have lost, right?"
"No." How could they when they were the perfect light and shadow duo?
"I can practically hear your thoughts but I don't want to puke so let's not say them out loud. Okay, so you guys won. You must have been elated. So why are you depressed now?"
Kuroko didn't reply.
"Did Blue or Red act out at your couple act?"
... Kuroko bit his lips, almost crying at the word couple. Fuck. Shit. He needed to keep it together.
"Okay I guess not but holy shit you're being depressed." Hanamiya had rolled onto his side to face him. The other's hand was a weight across his arm and it felt somewhat comforting. Kuroko felt Hanamiya's eyes drilling into him with concern. "Something happened. Couple? Okay fuck don't cry on me yet. Couple. Yes ok you're affected by that word why the fuck are you affected by that word? Did you confess to Tall Red?"
"Almost."
"Almost? Why the fuck not? Did Blue cut in? Did Red cut in? Look, we all know that Red and Blue and maybe Yellow all want you for themselves. So which one of them interrupted your confession to Tall Red?"
"Kagami's girlfriend did." Kuroko's voice was barely a whisper.
"Oh fuck. Girlfriend? But Small Red had to know that, right? Oh… Fuck!"
"Yes. Fuck."
"Don't use vulgarities they sound weird coming from you. Ok so Red knew, but still invited Tall Red and side chick all because he wanted to make you realise that your feelings for Tall Red were unrequited. What else?"
"Akashi said it was a necessary move for me to get over Kagami and rely on them now."
Hanamiya snorted. "What a sly snake. What a plan to use the shock of realising Tall Red had a girlfriend to push you into one of their rainbowed coloured arms. Too bad he didn't account for me being around."
Huh?
Hanamiya ignored Kuroko's perplexed look. "Anyway, sounds like Red or Blue or Yellow will try something to get your affections soon since you're all vulnerable and whatever at this moment. Watch out for them. And I did tell you that Tall Red doesn't value you like he should. Sleep on it and we'll figure out our next steps from here, alright?"
Makoto made it sound like the two of them were a team against the rest.
At least Kuroko had someone on his side. Who knew it would be Makoto though?
"Sleep. We'll talk about it when you're no longer depressed or dead."
Sleep really did sound good right now and it wasn't long before Kuroko drifted off, his personal heater staying by his side all the way.
Kuroko woke up to aches all over his legs, arms and back. His body was obviously not used to the strain of going into zone and had started to protest now that the adrenaline had worn off.
There were multiple voices talking out in the living room, and the window showed it was dark outside. He had probably slept for a substantial amount of time and Hanamiya now had guests over.
Speaking of Hanamiya, the other wasn't in the room with him anymore and Kuroko was feeling a little cold from just the warmth of the blanket alone.
Huh.
It was nice of Makoto to cover him with a blanket.
Kuroko took some time to thank God that he had Hanamiya to rely on what with majority of his close friends being difficult. He decided to wallow in the room alone for a while to think through what had happened earlier until he finally felt guilty about not greeting the guests that had arrived. He was taught better manners than this after all.
Wallowing could wait.
Checking the cupboard, he found a set of his Seirin jersey and school uniform but no casual clothes. The shirt he was wearing at the moment was way too big and drooped off his frame when he moved too much. His shorts were too short and Kuroko knew he would not look presentable.
But what choice did he have?
Taking a deep breath, Kuroko opened the door slowly and stepped out into the living room.
Multiple eyes turned to him immediately and everyone, including Kuroko, froze.
"Fuck!" Imayoshi Shoichi who had just graduated from Touou Academy quickly snubbed the cigarette in his hands out onto an ashtray and pushed it out of sight. Kasamatsu Yukio, the former captain of Kaijou, hacked a cough and quickly hid his cigarette too. Both were sitting at the dining table together with Ootsubo Taisuke, the former captain of Shuutoku, who wasn't smoking but had stacked up several cans of beer on his side of the table. Hanamiya, who was also sitting at the table, quickly stood up and rushed over to Kuroko.
Someone whistled from his right. "Well well well. If it isn't our captain's little phantom! Finally decided to join our party?" Hara chirped in from the rug in front of the TV. The bubble-gum fanatic wasn't chewing gum for once because he had a can of beer on his hands and probably couldn't chew if he was drinking. Sitting with Hara were the rest of the Kirisaki team piled together comfortably on the couch or rug.
Kuroko gave them a quick wave before Hanamiya descended on him.
"You dumb shit. Why didn't you get changed?" Hanamiya hissed softly but the room was so quiet everyone could hear. The grouchy male pulled up the collar of Kuroko's t-shirt which had slipped down Kuroko's shoulder making sure he looked presentable again.
"I didn't have anything else to wear." Kuroko blinked at Hanamiya who seemed really flustered. Was Makoto embarrassed? "Should I change into something else?"
"What's wrong with what he's wearing, Makoto?" Imayoshi asked innocently but even Kuroko could read the teasing glint in the other's squinty eyes. "It's okay for Kuroko-kun to dress casually since this is his house too, no?"
Both Kasamatsu and Ootsubo coughed and hid their mouths behind their hands.
Kuroko tilted his head in confusion. "This isn't my house, Imayoshi-san. Hanamiya-kun just allowed me to crash here for a while."
"Hanamiya-kun? Come on Kuroko, we've never heard you address the Captain so formally before!" Yamazaki teased and the rest of the Kirisaki team sniggered. Hanamiya tossed the whole team a glare which everyone effortlessly ignored.
It seemed like everyone who was immune to Makoto's death glare was conveniently gathered in this room.
"Come on. Let's get you dressed properly before these perverts prey on you." Hanamiya tugged Kuroko by the arm while the Kirisaki team catcalled from behind. Kuroko was sure everyone had to be drunk for the normally serious team to be that rowdy.
They entered Hanamiya's room and the captain pulled out appropriately sized clothes while muttering something about "perverts", "bait", and "clueless". There were lots of vulgarities thrown in there as well but Kuroko chose to ignore it.
"Here, put this on." Kuroko was handed a plain black hoodie and a long sleep pants. "If you come out and hang with us, will you kill the party by being all depressed and shit?"
Kuroko understood that as Hanamiya-speak for 'are you ok?'
"It'll be great to keep my mind off things." Kuroko decided to reply, reminding himself to wallow about things later. He pulled on the hoodie and made Hanamiya turn around before taking off his shorts to wear the longer pants.
Before going back out to the living room, Hanamiya issued a warning. "You know my friends are all assholes so don't take anything they say to heart."
"Sure. But if they tell me any embarrassing stories about you, you can be sure that I'll keep that in my heart forever."
Hanamiya snorted. "You'll fit right in, you little shit."
Kuroko was then ushered (shoved) back outside and left to make a decision on which group he wanted to join for the night. He decided to follow Hanamiya back to the dining table to join the other ex-captains since it has been such a long time since he'd seen them. Hanamiya pulled a stool between the wall and his own chair for Kuroko to sit on. Kuroko was sure he saw an exchange of smirks between all the captains but chose to ignore it since he didn't know what to make of it.
"You guys don't have to hide the sticks. He doesn't care." Hanamiya gestured at the cigarettes and Kuroko. Imayoshi and Kasamatsu exchanged looks before shrugging and lighting up another stick each.
"Do you want a beer, Kuroko-"
"He isn't of age yet." Hanamiya intercepted the beer that Ootsubo was passing over and drank it for himself. Kasamatsu and Imayoshi had matchin grins on their faces as they proceeded to tease Hanamiya.
"You know, I've never seen Makoto so…"
"Motherly?" Kasamatsu provided.
"Dude I was going to say protective. Motherly sounds way to incest for this." Imayoshi waved.
"Hmmm. You're right. Makoto is being such a good boyfriend, isn't he? So how'd you two get together, Kuroko-kun?"
Kuroko swore Kasamatsu and Imayoshi high-fived under the table for their successful team up against the usually composed Makoto.
"Shut the fuck up you both. We're not together." Hanamiya growled, flustered, and gave the two a warning look. Kuroko tapped on Hanamiya's thigh to tell him it was alright and he knew this was what Hanamiya warned him about earlier.
"Hmm is that so? Then I'd better send a text to his other boyfriend." Without warning, Imayoshi snapped a selfie of the whole group and sent it along on his phone.
Kasamatsu gave a boisterous roar of laughter. "I'd better make the playing field even then." And the ex-Kaijou captain too took a selfie of the group, making sure to hide their cigarettes from the photo.
Kuroko blanched. Oh my god. They didn't… he wasn't sure if he was ready to meet them.
"Should I summon mine as well then?" Ootsubo waved his phone around, taunting.
Hanamiya snorted. "He's not in the running. Don't bother."
"Please tell me you didn't text Daiki-kun and Ryouta-kun." Kuroko despaired.
"Oh I'll have so much fun making him beg for your location." Imayoshi's specs glinted in the light, evil aura almost palpable.
"Oh did I just hear you call them 'Daiki-kun' and 'Ryouta-kun'?" Hara joined the table and draped his body over Kuroko's shoulder. "You won't even call our captain by him name. Does that mean you're closer to them than you are to our captain?" the purple haired nuisance teased. Makoto must have growled softly or something because Hara scooted as far away from his captain as he could.
"I'm just shy to address him casually in front of his close friends." Kuroko quickly explained with a straight face. The last time Hanamiya was upset with Kuroko about Kuroko addressing his Teiko teammates so casually, his ankles faced the wrath of Hanamiya's attempt at ankle break. Hanamiya even made it worse by giving Kuroko's feet a little tap at that moment.
"Yeah right! Come on! You called him by his pet name in front of your whole team as well! Everyone already knows about it!" Hara continued to tease
"What? Why haven't we heard of this?" Imayoshi sat up and pried his eyes away from his phone.
"Come on, Kuroko. Share with us. Makoto doesn't mind, does he?" Ootsubo leaned closer to nudge Hanamiya who chose not to answer.
"Oh no, Ootsubo, I'm pretty sure the captain likes it. Kuroko doesn't just address him as Makoto, you see. It's much more interesting than that!" Hara's stupid smile was getting wider and wider. Kuroko tried to shrug the other off his shoulder but Hara wouldn't budge. He sent a look to Hanamiya to ask for help but the captain wouldn't turn to look at him.
Was Hanamiya upset? Over this? Really?
His ankles throbbed again.
Kuroko wanted to roll his eyes at how childish Hanamiya was being but he refused to show that in front of the others.
"And how does Kuroko address our grumpy spider?" Kasamatsu asked, eyes still glued to his phone.
"I'm betting 'Makoto-chan'." Imayoshi cut in before Hara could answer.
"Oooo I'm betting 'Hanamiya-chan'." Ootsubo continue.
"Fine I have my money on 'Makoto-kun'. That's how he addresses the others as well." Kasamatsu finally pulled his gaze away from the phone hoping to win the bet.
Hara sniggered. "Buuuuuuuu! Everyone's wrong! Go on little shadow! Tell everyone what you call the captain!" Hara squeezed his shoulders. Kuroko glared. Was Hanamiya going to kill him if he addressed the captain by his pet name?
Hanamiya was being awfully unhelpful by looking away. Kuroko frowned. Then, he noticed a little grin on Hanamiya's face behind the can of beer. This was a test, Kuroko was sure of it. But what was the correct answer?
"They are awfully cute! You have to hear this." Hara continued to tease. Kuroko saw Hanamiya's eyebrow twitch. Cute was one word Hanamiya hated. Kuroko knew that much. "The captain has the cutest way of addressing our Kuroko as well!"
Kuroko flinched. Hara was going to be in trouble at the next basketball training session.
When Hanamiya suddenly pushed Hara off and draped an arm around Kuroko's shoulders, Kuroko knew he was in for a rough time. The spider had finally decided to come out to play.
"Oh please Hara. You've only ever heard us address each other in public. You don't know what he calls me behind closed doors." Hanamiya shifted even closer to Kuroko and nuzzled his cheek with his own. "Go on, tell them what you call me in bed."
In bed?!
What?
Kuroko could literally hear that everyone had stopped breathing to hear the answer.
He felt like he couldn't breathe too. It would draw too much attention.
He really wanted to disappear.
Why why why why.
Hara was the one who should be punished! Not him!
Kuroko wanted to groan but saw Hanamiya move to hold up one finger against his cheek.
Damn it. Now?!
Fine.
Fine.
Fine. If Makoto wanted him to act along, he could do it.
It was a rather harmless favour after all. And Kuroko did owe him one from the Kirisaki vs Seirin match.
And he really wanted to get these perverts off his back.
Fine.
Pulling a gentle smile onto his face, he turned to face Hanamiya. "If you're okay with letting everyone know, then I'm okay too, onii-chan."
Kasamatsu and Imayoshi both choked on their cigarettes.
Ootsubo did a spit take.
Hara collapsed.
The rest of the Kirisaki team had their jaws dropped open.
Uncharacteristically, Seto wheezed a high-pitched sound.
Hanamiya almost burst out in laughter but caught himself successfully.
"ONII-CHAN?!" multiple voices exclaimed at once.
"Mmnn that's my good little bunny." Hanamiya stroked Kuroko's hair fondly.
Kuroko's face twitched.
"BUNNY?!"
"I've been a good bunny, haven't I? I deserve a reward, onii-chan." Kuroko continued in his usual tone of voice. The words weren't hard to get out when he knew he was trolling everyone else.
"Of course! You deserve everything in the world my precious little bunny. Tonight we will do it in your favourite position." Hanamiya's thumb caressed his cheek and then booped his nose.
"Fuck. Ok. No. Stop. I cannot." Seto groaned.
"Please stop captain." Yamazaki pleaded.
"I apologise for teasing you Captain. Please stop talking about your sex life." Hara cried.
"Good. Now get the fuck away from us and drink in your own corner." Hanamiya's usual scowl came back online as he shooed Hara away. "And really? Onii-chan? Where the fuck did you learn that from, Tetsu-tan?"
"Language, Mako-tan. You called me your little bunny. I believe I was within expectations to call you onii-chan." Kuroko pushed Hanamiya further away from his body. He didn't want to remember that night.
"Please tell us you two aren't really like that behind doors." Kasamatsu kneaded his temples, nursing a headache.
"Have you both really slept with each other? I need to let my kouhai know so he doesn't get his hopes up." Imayoshi asked, fingers poised to type a text out.
"Now why would I give you that information, Shouichi?" Hanamiya smirked and Imayoshi returned the gesture. "What goes on between us behind closed doors is really only our business, Yukio."
"God please, let's move on. Let's talk about something else please." Ootsubo begged. "So Seirin beat us all again. Is there some secret to your training methods, Kuroko?"
Kuroko was glad to get some reprieve from Hanamiya's shenanigans. "We just have a whole lot of determination, Ootsubo-san."
"Now if only you could get my kouhai to be as determined as your team." Kasamatsu continued and Imayoshi agreed.
The group continued to talk about playing basketball in university and their area of studies. Hanamiya spoke about the university he wanted to enter and even Kuroko chipped in on which Universities he would consider.
Hanging out with Hanamiya's group of friends was surprisingly normal and Kuroko felt himself settling into their pace of things and getting comfortable. Ootsubo and Hanamiya finished another 3 cans of beer each within the hour and didn't seem to be slowing down. Imayoshi and Kasamatsu both had stopped smoking and joined the other two in drinking. The Kirisaki team were watching a basketball match on the TV and they gave the occasional cheer and comment once in a while. The vibe was more tamed than Kuroko had expected and he continued to enjoy their company.
Until the bell rang.
Hanamiya and Kuroko exchanged looks.
"If you're up for a talk with them then you can go open the door yourself. Otherwise I'll get the door and chase them away." Hanamiya shrugged, trying for flippant but was obviously protective.
"Why? Did you miracles have a fight or something?" Ootsubo asked.
Kuroko and Hanamiya replied with an immediate "It's complicated." At the same time.
The bell rang again.
The Kirisaki team all turned to look at Kuroko and their captain like some sort of tennis match was going on.
"Just let them wait." Hanamiya encouraged, the hidden 'take your time' wasn't said.
Kuroko took a breath and stood up. He was angry with Akashi and knew he shouldn't be taking it out on his other teammates. It wasn't fair.
But he really wasn't ready for any talk about Akashi or Kagami.
But Aomine and Kise had nothing to do with this mess. They were probably just concerned. Kuroko sighed.
"Should I let them in or talk outside." Kuroko had made his decision to face the two.
"Up to you."
"I don't want to ruin your party."
"You've ruined it enough already. I haven't even smoked this whole night."
"It seems like I've saved a few years of your life. You should be thanking me Mako-tan."
The doorbell rang again, this time banging on the door followed.
"You can use the room if you want. But no hanky-panky."
Kuroko gave Hanamiya a look that clearly said 'you're an idiot' but in a much more polite manner.
"Please excuse me." Kuroko gave a bow to the people at the table and moved to the door. A whispered "he knows we're all going to listen in on his conversation right?" was heard followed by some loud hushing sounds from the others.
Kuroko steeled himself before opening the door. There stood Aomine in all his frowning glory and Kise who had a look of impatience on his face.
"Tetsu." "Tetsuya-cchi!" and then Kuroko was pulled into a massive crushing hug.
"God damn it you had us worried." Aomine started.
"Seijuro-cchi explained everything and Satsuki-cchi scolded him until he had such an apologetic look on his face. I've never seen her that scary before in my life!" Kise continued and nuzzled his face into the crook of Kuroko's neck.
"He was an asshole but he had the right intentions. But fucking Kagami was an asshole too."
"You went into zone for him! That's so romantic but tragic as well! You know you still have us right, Tetsuya-cchi? I'd give you all the love you need! That stupid American can fly back with his stupid girlfriend."
"I swear, Tetsu. You don't need him anymore. We've got your back."
A neighbour popped her head out and Kuroko suddenly remembered that he was supposed to invite them in.
"Daiki-kun, Ryouta-kun, come inside. We can talk in private." Kuroko opened the door a little wider, revealing the rest of the group who were intently listening in on their conversation. Ootsubo was even filming it to probably send to Midorima.
"Yes, Tetsu-tan. Why don't you bring your little friends to your room to have your little heart to heart talk?" The owner of the house was back to his power plays. A whispered "oooo Makoto said 'your room'" was exchanged between Kasamatsu and Imayoshi and the two sniggered.
Kuroko frowned. Hanamiya raised a brow in challenge.
Really. This was Hanamiya's domain. He just hoped the other wouldn't provoke his friends too much.
"Oh, and here's your phone. I forgot to return it to you after I took your clothes off to get you showered earlier. Your coach texted to check if you were alright with the new training schedule and I replied to say you were good with the changes." Damn you Hanamiya. So much for hoping.
Another whispered "ooooo Makoto took off Kuroko's clothes." Was exchanged between Kasamatsu and Imayoshi again and they both sniggered like little gossip girls.
Hara and Yamazaki decided to copy the act and added an "Oooo our captain has free reign over Kuroko's password protected phone ooooooo~!"
Aomine's face was going through some sort of spasm, while Kise's jaw was clenched tight looking like his pearly white teeth were going to crack. Okay, Kuroko needed to defuse the situation. Hanamiya could be such a possessive child sometimes.
"Come on, Daiki-kun, Ryouta-kun. Let's go into my room where none of these kids can eavesdrop on us." Kuroko quickly snatched his phone from Hanamiya's hand and ushered his teammates into the guest room.
"Remember! No hanky-panky! If those boys do anything you don't like just shout for us!"
Hanamiya was an asshole.
The noise level outside rose again once Kuroko closed the door behind him. Before he knew it, Kuroko was snatched into a warm, tight hug as both his team mates swamped for his attention.
"He didn't do anything, did he?"
"He said he took off your clothes?! Did he molest you, Tetsuya-cchi? You can tell us. We can beat him up for you."
"Why does he have access to your phone? Did he bully you into it or something?"
"Wait a moment, you two." Kuroko held a hand up to stop their flood of concern. "I'm ok. Hanamiya-kun took care of me. Stop bad mouthing him, please."
"That creepy spider! As if he'd-" Aomine was cut off by Kise who slapped the back of his head. "Ouch, fuck! What?!"
"Shut up, Daiki-cchi. We're here to support Tetsuya-cchi remember? We're not here to criticise his friendship with Hanamiya Makoto. We've talked about this." Kise furiously whispered as if Kuroko couldn't hear them.
"Damn it. Ok. Fine." Aomine rubbed at the back of his head but focused his attention on Kuroko again. "What we want to say, Tetsu, is that we're really sorry. We didn't know Sei was going to do something like that and we didn't know that Kagami had a girlfriend and all."
"What Daiki-cchi is trying to say is that we're here for you and we're not all out to sabotage your relationships with anyone else. We're just concerned and would like you to know that we'll support you through your heartbreak, Tetsuya-cchi." Kise added.
"Please, Daiki-kun, Ryouta-kun. I'm not some fair maiden who wallows in misery after a rejection." Kuroko wanted to flinch at his hypocritical statement but didn't. "I'm ok."
"Yeah you seem quite fine and having fun hanging out with them." Aomine growled and jabbed a thumb towards the living room but was given another smack to the arm by Kise. "Ouch what the fuck man!"
"Please talk to us, Tetsuya-cchi. We can see that you're upset." Kise urged, holding both of Kuroko's hands tight.
"We're here for you, Tetsu. Talk to us." Aomine nodded in agreement with Kise and pulled Kuroko to sit on the bed while Kise knelt in front of them.
Kuroko felt conflicted. They were his teammates – he could trust them. He should trust them. They've grown closer this year and he knew he could rely on them. And yet, at the same time…
"Blue or Yellow will try something to get your affections soon since you're all vulnerable and whatever at this moment. Watch out for them."
Makoto's words came back to remind him that these guys knew about his feelings for Kagami and they knew how vulnerable he was at the moment. He needed honestly. He needed them to be open and clear about what was going on.
"Did you guys really not know about Akashi's plan?"
"We swear. We didn't know." Kise vouched and Aomine nodded.
"But you guys knew about my feelings towards Kagami?"
The two exchanged looks then Aomine finally answered. "We did."
"And what did you plan to do after you found out? Were either of you two supportive of my feelings towards Kagami? Or did you two have agendas to make me stop loving him?" Kuroko flinched after he used the word 'love'. Damn it. He was too emotionally compromised to have this conversation at this moment.
The two were silent for a while. There was some exchange going on silently between them and Kuroko gave them some time to make a decision.
"I was glad when Kagami left for America." Aomine confessed. Kuroko nodded. Aomine grabbed on to the side of his shirt and Kuroko knew he was going to hear some difficult things from Aomine. "I hated it. I hated that he held your attention and affections. I was your light once, Tetsu. Seeing him take my place was absolutely unbearable. Knowing that you love him made it hell." Aomine practically spat out the word.
Aomine continued. "When he left, you were mine all again. We were close. You were affectionate. You spent time with us. I was elated." He took a breath before continuing. "I couldn't support your feelings for Kagami simply because I am your light, Tetsu. You're my shadow, not his."
"I have feelings for you, Tetsu. How can I ever support your feelings for him when I want it to be me?"
Kuroko sucked in a breath. Fuck. Hanamiya was right. Aomine really just confessed to him and being in such a vulnerable state, he had no idea how he was supposed to react to this. He was still sorting out the mess that was his feelings for Kagami, only to be handed another bomb that held affections from another light of his.
To make things worse, Aomine was a man of action, not words.
"Tetsu. I'm not asking you to forget about Kagami. I'm just asking you to give me a chance to show you I'm better than him." Aomine had threaded his fingers through Kuroko's hair and cupped Kuroko's face with his palm. There was a warmth on his cheek but he felt a cold dread shooting down his spine.
As if it was an out of body experience, Kuroko watched Aomine's face inch closer until their nose touched, and finally, their lips touched. Aomine pressed in and gave a firm kiss, lips moving slightly against his.
Oh. Fuck. Fuck.
The dark-skinned man moved back slowly to await Kuroko's reaction but Kuroko was really just too stunned to reply.
Damn it. Did Aomine really just confess and kiss him? Why did Kuroko have to handle this now?!
"You asshole!" a smack resounded through the room. Oh. Kuroko had forgotten about Kise. "You're always doing this. I hate it! You two are always one step ahead of me and I'm always just living in the aftermath of you two idiot lights! You can't just confess and kiss Tetsuya-cchi like that!"
"What? Why not? I'm being honest about my feelings. It's not my fault if you don't have the courage to do the same, Ryou."
"That's not the point! I was trying to be considerate to Tetsuya-cchi's feelings! He was just getting over Kagami and now you throw him some curved ball with your stupid kiss! You probably stole his first kiss, you demon!"
"If you're jealous, do something about it, Ryou."
"Tetsuya-cchi? Are you alright?" Kise shook Kuroko's hands to get his attention.
"I…"
"Please consider my feelings for you, Tetsu."
"I told you to have some fucking consideration for him, Daiki-cchi!"
"I… it wasn't…"
"Tetsuya-cchi you're saying it wasn't satisfying?! Daiki-cchi doesn't have any skills does he? Do you want me to kiss it better?"
"What the fuck, Ryou!? That's not what he means! Tetsu! Explain it to him! Tell him it was good!"
"No…"
"SEE! YOU DEMON! TETSUYA-CCHI HATED IT!"
"What…? No way. But…"
Kuroko was really getting a headache from all this. "It wasn't my first kiss."
"What…?"
"What? Really?"
"WHO!?"
"WHO STOLE MY TETSUYA-CCHI'S FIRST KISS?! Was it Kagami?! That fiend! He kissed you and left and got a girlfriend?! WHAT A FUCKER!"
"No. Ryouta-kun, please calm down. It wasn't Kagami." Kuroko tried to reign in their temper.
"Was it Sei then?" Aomine growled. "He's always planning and one step ahead of every single one of us."
"Just wait a moment you two." Kuroko rubbed at his temples, all awkwardness forgotten at the usual chaos these two brought to his life. "Can we focus on the important matter at hand? I have something to say."
"YOUR FIRST KISS IS RATHER IMPORTANT, TETSUYA-CCHI!"
"Ryouta-kun please keep your voice down. Remember we have guests outside."
"GUESTS?! DO YOU REALLY LIVE HERE?!"
"Please listen to what I have to say." Kuroko stood his ground and gave the two a serious look to make his point. "Daiki-kun. I appreciate your feelings for me but I really cannot reciprocate them for two simple reasons: I'm still getting over my feelings for Kagami-kun and I really do love you as a brother just like I love Ryouta-kun, Shintaro-kun, Satsuki-chan, Atsushi-kun, and even Seijuro-kun. You guys are my family and no one, not even Kagami or Seirin, can replace you guys. I'm always thankful for having you all in my life. Please accept these feelings I have for you.
"Ryouta-kun. I'm sorry that you feel like you're always being overshadowed by them. I promise to be more affectionate towards you and spend more time with you. You really do mean a lot to me."
There was silence for a moment while they processed what has been said.
"Oh my god, Tetsuya-cchi! My heart can't take how good you are to me!~"
"Fuck. This is how rejection feels like. I understand what you had to go through today, Tetsu. God damn."
"At least I haven't rejected you by introducing a mysterious, out of the blue girlfriend to you, Daiki-kun."
"Fuck. Kagami is an asshole. Akashi is an asshole too."
"I second that. How could they be so uncaring towards our cute Tetsuya-cchi's feelings?!"
"We can get over our rejection together, Tetsu. Satsuki told me that heartache shouldn't be handled alone."
"Please give up on your forward intentions towards me, Daiki-kun. If not I'll start avoiding you."
"Damn it, Tetsu! Do you have to be so freaking cruel?"
"I think I might be starting to understand Seijuro's intentions. The cruel and straightforward way might really be the best way to get over someone." Kuroko teased and Aomine groaned. It seemed like the situation was slowly diffusing.
"Hey Tetsuya-cchi. Is this really your room?" Kise finally got off the floor and came to bounce on the bed. "It really does smell like you."
"You're being creepy." Kuroko turned a deadpanned look towards Kise who visibly shivered.
"Hey Tetsu." Kuroko turned his attention towards Aomine who held his arms open. "We good?"
Kuroko really did feel better so he smiled and settled into Aomine's arms. "Yeah. We're good. Get over here too Kise." And the blond bounced over to join the group hug.
"Does this mean I can give Tetsuya-cchi a kiss too to make things even?"
"No, Ryouta-kun. Hanamiya-kun did say no hanky-panky."
Both Kise and Aomine frowned simultaneously.
"You sure he's treating you alright?"
Kuroko was tired of their overly protective streak. "Why don't you two join us outside and see for yourself?"
They exchanged looks and nodded. Kuroko knew they were curious after all. He made sure to straighten up his clothes and hair before heading outside. He didn't want to be poked fun at anymore tonight.
Exiting the room, the first thing Kuroko noticed was that they had shifted seats at the dining table. Hanamiya was now seated on the chair closest to the corridor leading to the rooms. It seemed like he had switched seats with Kasamatsu who was now sitting at Hanamiya's previous seat.
Kuroko huffed but smiled. Makoto was really such a mother hen.
The next thing he noticed was that the volume of the television had been turned down. Kuroko had no doubt that they had really been listening to their whole conversation from the living room.
Damn it. That means that they knew about the kiss to some extent.
Hanamiya's eyes locked onto him immediately as he stepped into sight. The captain's eyes scanned up and down then took time to observe Kuroko's minute facial expressions before looking away. Makoto must have deemed him fine since there were no comments made but it did seem like the other was sulking in his seat a little.
"Mako-tan." Kuroko called out knowing Makoto would be happy for Kuroko to call him casually in front of his Teiko teammates. He knew how Makoto liked power plays after all.
Makoto's eyes shot back to him instantly. A slight upturn of the corner of his lips suggested the captain was pleased. Eyebrows raised, a silent "what is it?" was asked.
"Can Daiki-kun and Ryouta-kun join the party for the night? It's been a long time since they've caught up with their captains too."
Makoto snorted. "You live here too. You don't need to ask."
Kuroko chuckled in amusement. A pleased Makoto was always a treat. "You heard him. Daiki-kun, Ryouta-kun, feel free to join us tonight." He then moved to pull a chair between the wall and where Makoto was sitting – just where Makoto placed him earlier on. Immediately, Makoto's arm draped over the back of Kuroko's chair possessively but perhaps unconsciously.
"So you heard everything?" Kuroko whispered to Makoto who gave him a look that said "duh". "Fine. So I don't need to tell you about it then."
"We're having a talk later. You're going to tell me which one of them defiled you. I told you they would catch you while you were vulnerable!" Makato hissed into Kuroko's ear.
"Hmm sounds awfully like you want a favour from me."
"You fucker. I bathed and clothed you when you were all depressed earlier. I gave you a fucking blanket."
"Language, Mako-tan." Kuroko was having way too much fun with Makoto being so worked up with the situation. He didn't even notice Aomine had settled on the couch while Kise had pulled up a chair next to Kasamatsu. Both had their eyes on Kuroko and were watching him but Kuroko's attention was on a rare flustered Makoto. "Fine. I'll tell you about it later."
"Really you two. Did you miss each other so much that you have to whisper sweet nothings in each other's ears the moment Kuroko comes back? Please realise the rest of us are here." Ootsubo interrupted and Kuroko finally noticed how close he and Makoto were sitting.
"Yeah yeah whatever." Makoto simply waved the other away. "So I was saying earlier, this guy actually made me trip over him on purpose and the referee called a foul on me. On me! Can you believe it?!"
"Oh you're telling them about our match? Yeah, Mako-tan was rather pissed. He really looked like he wanted to punch me." Kuroko added, making sure to do everything he can to add to the conversation and steer the attention away from… yeah.
"I mean, I really didn't expect that from you. Who the hell taught you to do something like that?"
"Oh. I practiced it a lot with Takao-kun. You know him right, Ootsubo-kun?"
"Oh yeah! Takao Kazunari! Amazing player, all over the place like a fox." Ootsubo nodded. "He's really good at thinking out of the box and working through difficult predicaments."
And just like that the conversation steered back to basketball. Kise managed to fit right in and made everyone laugh at the bantering with his ex-captain. Imayoshi shared about the Touou team and managed to rile up Aomine who was sulking on the sofa. After that, Aomine was back on his feet and joined the conversation to talk shit about players in each team. They spoke about the odds of Seirin winning against both Rakuzan and Yosen with their current line-up. Hanamiya started to discuss techniques that could help increase Kuroko's abilities against the two giant teams and even encouraged Kuroko to start learning how to shoot from a layup. This kick-started an argument between Aomine and Hanamiya about what sort of close ranged shooting style would best suit Kuroko's current form.
"As someone who specialises in formless shots, I'm pretty sure I'm more capable of finding a style that suits Tetsu!" Aomine argued.
"Yeah but I'm the one who taught him his Shadow Zone. I know how to utilise that together with his vanishing drive to get him to do some sort of layup before moving on to dunking or whatever." Hanamiya was stubborn too and was unwilling to lose to Aomine. Kuroko gave a pat to Hanamiya's thigh to show he supported Makoto's statement quietly.
The topic soon moved towards the level of basketball in the University teams and both Aomine and Kise were hyped by the level of competition they would face in the future. As the night continued, Kuroko relaxed and enjoyed the company of these people who he knew but were never close to. At some point, several of them became drunk and Hanamiya decided to call it a night.
Seto and Yamazaki offered to bring a slurring Ootsubo home, while Kise took care of his captain who could barely walk on his feet. Imayoshi was still coherent and pulled a resisting Aomine to walk home with him, while the rest of the Kirisaki team stayed nearby and could find their way home on their own. Hanamiya was too prideful to admit he was tipsy but Kuroko could see it in how careless his words were becoming and decided to help clean up the house once the rest had left.
He made sure to see them off at the door like a good host as if this really was his house.
"Thanks for hosting us, Kuroko!" Hara called out and the team sniggered as they waved goodbye. Kuroko couldn't be bothered anymore and waved back, resigned. He gave Kise a hug and told the blond to drop him a message once both he and Kasamatsu were back home safely.
When it was Aomine's turn to leave, the taller male pulled him in close and nuzzled into his hair.
"He's quite alright." It must have pained Aomine to say that.
"Mmm. I'm glad Daiki-kun thinks so too."
"You'll tell us if he's being an asshole, yeah?"
"He's always an asshole." Kuroko stated as a matter of fact.
"Well. Yeah. If he's being a bigger one than usual."
Kuroko smiled. "Sure thing, Daiki-kun."
"Alright. Good. Bye Tetsu."
As Kuroko watched Aomine and Imayoshi leave, he had the sudden thought that someone needed to teach Daiki the right steps to kiss. Aomine should really learn how to do it step by step like Makoto did. Perhaps that was why he didn't feel anything when Aomine kissed him. None of the heat or shivers that came with Makoto's kiss. Kisses. Yeah. Wells. Aomine was definitely not Kuroko's first.
Closing the door, he set out to make sure Makoto got into bed safely and hadn't black out in the toilet or something. That guy could really pretend he was alright when Kuroko could see how drunk he was.
All thoughts about Kagami, Akashi, and whoever left him for the rest of the night as Kuroko moved off to care for his landlord.