I came to Student's Council Room for the last time as the President. For the first time in my life I lost. It wouldn't hurt that much if I didn't lose to Akashi. This pain in my chest was kinda overwhelming. I tried to stop my tears while I was packing my stuff into a box. In front of me there was still the memory of his face when we were shaking hands. The result was unexpected and even the headmaster looked confused. All of my papers were ready to go. I stood there, leaning against the table. I wonder what my father will say. Probably he'll find another extracurricular activity to fill into my free time. Maybe another language? I don't want to leave my position! I fell in love with this school.
"I knew I'd find you here." I didn't even bother to turn around.
"I thought I should make you space for your rules. It's all yours now, Akashi." He was standing behind me, with folded arms and this rude expression on his face. I felt trapped, like an animal caught in the cage. The silence between us grew heavier and I'd probably start choking if I breathed stronger. He was waiting patiently - I could swear he wanted me to make mistake. The one that he would use later against me.
"You look awful." he commented. This statement left his lips so fast I didn't understand what he meant. I burst out laughing loudly. I wiped the tears away, putting my hands on the box.
"You definitely know how to impress a girl, Akashi. But thanks, now I feel completely humiliated. Anything else...?" he interrupted me, closing the gap between us. His fingers grabbed my chin, making me look at him. Those heterochromatic eyes were burning with anger. He tightened his lips. It was one of the moments when he scared me to death, because I couldn't read him behind this mask of him. I stood paralyzed, afraid to make a move. I don't know how long we were in this position. Akashi didn't dare to stop staring into my eyes. His aura truly was intimidating.
"Don't be stupid, Chiara. I won, because I was meant to. It was really fascinating battle - you went beyond my expectations. And I admit, that for the first time I was thrilled. Also, I'd like to apologize for wrong choice of words. You don't feel well." he said. It wasn't even a question. "Chiara, it's hard lying to me. You're tired, it's clear to me whenever I look at you. You're pale, got eye bags and even your movements are shaky and delayed. It hurts my eyes to see you in this state. It makes me feel that you didn't give it all in our competition."
"Oh, I am so sorry that I work for my satisfaction! But why do you even care?No, you don't care. You're just concerned about yourself." I growled, standing in a defending position. His clenched fists said everything. He was enraged. His face remained still. No emotions.
"Don't put those words in my mouth. I'd never say that. You're more important to me than you can probably imagine."
I felt my knees going weak. I knew I had a fever. I couldn't keep myself in shape for last few days. I was tired. Election campaign, school, practices... Everything gathered together and I could feel the energy leaving my wasted body. Akashi was right. I haven't slept for four nights, I've also lost some weight. I should have rested but who had time for such a trivial thing?! Words of my teammates still rang in my head.
His sudden movement woke my self-preservation. I pushed his hands away. And that was my worst mistake. This kinda aggressive gesture caused dizzy spells. I saw Akashi saying something but his words didn't reach my ears. His gaze softened. In this slow motion I waited for my head to hit the edge of the desk. I closed my eyes, preparing myself for the worst. But it didn't happen. Redhead caught me and pulled into a warm embrace. My lips curled into a shy smile, while my body started radiating heat. It was almost like during Teikou days. It felt awesome to lean on his toned chest, with those basketball arms wrapped around my silhouette. I let myself rest for a while, and then my rational mind woke me up from this pleasure. I tried to set my body free, but his grip was ridiculously strong. I managed to look at him. He was concerned, watching me carefully.
"Akashi..." I whispered. My consciousness was at its limits. He gently pressed his finger to my lips.
"Haven't I told you during our first meeting in Rakuzan? I'm always right. But for now, do me the honour, and let me take care of you..." I couldn't. I fainted not hearing the last two words that left his lips. I'd probably stand up in a second, blushing madly and cursing Akashi. "... my Empress."
The feeling of opening eyes after fainting isn't my favorite. Unfortunately, subsequently my knee-injury it happens pretty often. Whenever I over-train myself or get sick I try not to spend my free time alone. I've hurt myself enough. This time wasn't different from the rest. Intense daylight brought tears to my eyes. I instinctively covered them with a palm.
"That was quite a show, Chiara. You like being in the centre of attention, don't you?" I turned my head only to see Akashi sitting by my side. I quickly recalled everything that happened between us in Student's Council Room. Was he waiting till I wake up? He hid his blazer and loosened the tie. I wanted to laugh. Akashi has always been strict with his school uniform, I've never seen him in a sweater or with unbuttoned shirt. Why now? Was this some kind of a rebel? Even if so, he managed to look incredibly... tempting. If I could, I'd kill myself in a second. Why am I even thinking of something that stupid!
"How long do I have to stay here?" I asked, concentrating my gaze on shelves full of different medicaments. After so many years I can easily say which bottle is for my current state.
"The nurse said you should leave the school and rest for a few days. You were dehydrated and lacked many minerals. Fortunately they didn't take you to the hospital." Akashi explained to me everything. I still felt dizzy, but the shiver was gone. I laughed, surprising him.
"I don't have time for this bullshit. My team needs support for today's practice. Besides, we'll probably be raising new members into the first string. There's still lots of paperwork! Oh, and did I mention those upcoming tests?" seriously, irritating him would be my favorite game since he's always so cold and stoic, but this time everything went wrong. In a second I was locked underneath him. His hands found their place at both sides of my body. He bent down to me, our foreheads were only few inches apart. I thought about his previous behavior. He surely doesn't know what a personal space is. We were stuck in this uncomfortable position for a while.
"Stop being reckless! They can do it without you. Why don't you just listen to me? Or someone else?" he asked. I have never felt this kind of pain in my entire life. Akashi's tone of voice was harsh, as if he was scolding me. Even my governesses never tried to intimidate me. Tears filled my eyes.
"I don't need your advices, nor your help. Could you please stop interfering into my school life? I've never asked for it. I respect you, but it doesn't make you better than me." the answer was quite incoherent. But what was I supposed to say? This relation between us got incredibly weird. It's like becoming friends with someone you just met. But you made mistake in the beginning and you're not doing it well. The most important question was - are we friends? His hands finally left my wrist; I noticed small red marks made by Akashi's fingers. I was so hypnotized by his voice that I didn't feel the pain.
"I won't let you go to waste, Chiara. I hope you're aware of the fact that I made you my vice-president?"
"Che cosa?!" I made him stay away feeling my body began to shake. "But you already have full Council! Why would you put me in somebody's position?! That's not fair!"
"I'm absolute. I am supposed to rule this school from now on. That is why I do not want to see this shocked and angry expression on your beautiful face. I find it as a great opportunity to have you by my side, working for the sake of Rakuzan. I won't accept rejection." his statement calmed me down a little but I still felt guilty for everyone. The oh-so-called Emperor finally got what he wanted. Small sigh left my lips as I tried to raise myself up. Still my body was too numb to do so. Akashi sat down on his chair probably waiting for some kind of an answer.
"Do you know the result of election?" I whispered, turning my head away. I immediately remembered what my teammates told me right after the ceremony. Akashi kept silent while I was admiring the views.
"I won." he answered slowly; I heard the note of insecurity in his voice. I smirked, mustering up the courage and looking him into eyes. Emotionless as usual, yet thanks to my ability I noticed some changes. Faster heartbeat, nervous small movements... He seemed curious and excited.
"Of course you did. But did they tell you the proportion of votes?" he shook his head, leaning to me more. Withdrawing would be considered a runaway, so I stayed in my position, enjoying this tempting smell of Akashi's perfumes. His scent was a mix of musk, expensive cologne and this specific smell of basketball. Finally I had something I could use against him and maybe ruin his confidence?
"Voting usually parts into three phases. The first votes come from students, second from teachers and the last one from candidates. May I tell you about the score?" I think I saw him nodding, but I wasn't sure. "After the second part it was your lead with one vote, and in the end the result was the same. I know who I voted for. Guess you've already figured out how it went?" this time I was waiting for his answer. To be honest, after this confession I felt more guilty than earlier. Will he find it fair I knew the result? Akashi stood up and went to the window. Every time he did it made me feel insecure, cause I couldn't understand his moves. My Eyes haven't work this out yet.
"But it was worth it, you know? Fighting you brought me to my best. Again I was able to motivate myself for higher aims. If I voted for myself I'd keep my position. I should be thanking you - if it wasn't for you, I'd be dishonest with myself. It wouldn't be fair." I said, breaking this uncomfortable silence. Have I ever said I'm not patient enough? He looked at me with interest.
"I'm glad our first battle was that thrilling, with changing pace. You entertained me more than I expected. But as I promised... Now you belong to me. And that's an order." I stiffed, looking at him. That's not going to work! I got up as fast as possible with a crave to grab his collar and simply kill him.
"I'm not an object, Akashi." I growled. Suddenly my sight blanked and legs once again felt weak. He caught my elbow, helping me keeping balance. It's been second time I fell into his arms in such a short amount of time, but what could I possibly do? I brought myself to this state. I can only blame myself for thoughtlessness. Akashi's hands wandered off to my back, reducing the space between us. I stared at him with a fear in my eyes; eventually, I irritated him quite a bit. I could expect unexpected.
His behaviour beat everything. He caressed my cheek with his cool fingers, making my whole body shiver. If I could, I'd probably blush even more. I wonder if I'd resemble color of his hair.
"I truly dislike your stubbornness. I don't wish you wrong, then why are you trying so desperately to put those words into my mouth?" he spoke quietly, almost whispering. I could swear he wanted to add something more, but suddenly he refrained. "I admit, your impertinence and perseverance are cute in some way... But still, I like you more with this commanding attitude and pert face. Just like in the last match you have played. It was so easy to see your anger about opponent's behavior."
I stood clear of him as far as my exhausted legs had let me. I was leaning on the bed, glaring at Akashi.
"Why are you trying to call me the shots? I know how to function, ya know?" I groaned, feeling that I won't be able to confront him any minute longer. I've been losing will, and more important strength, to our showdowns. Will we ever co-work as well as in Teikou?
"You're getting it all wrong, Chiara. I only pick what's best for you." I laughed bitterly, hearing the last sentence. Who did he consider himself as? My conscience? A god?
"Then let me decide for myself! I do not belong to you, stop treating me like one of your toys! Don't regard me as a puppet like Generation of Miracles..." I couldn't hold my tears. They were washing over my face, wetting the collar and sleeve of shirt. I probably shocked him a little, cause he took a step back, as if he tried to defend himself from my judgment. He stretched his arm toward me, but I hit it with a disguised expression. Am I dreaming or a painful expression just slipped past his face? No, impossible. The absolute Akashi doesn't feel such trivial things like shame or ache.
"Chiara, you keep on snapping. I am here to take over some of your duties and help you find..."
"Finiscila piantala! You're not my father nor my mentor! I hate using that word, but for you, Akashi, I'll make an exception..." I took a deep breath. "I beg you, come to your senses. I haven't been there for you for a year, and it already feels like I've never known you. I don't know what happened, I don't know why, but I'm sure about one thing: it's not you I've been waiting for. It wasn't supposed to look like that when we spoke in my office then."
I approached him and stood still. Will we ever explain everything to each other and come to terms?
"I hadn't finished one last sentence then, because they had called me to the gym. I honestly regret not staying with you though; unspoken words hurt the most, and can lead to misunderstanding. Let me do it now. I need you, Akashi. And you obviously know that, cause you wouldn't be in Rakuzan if you didn't. I will not believe that basketball club is the only reason of your presence. But if you keep on acting this way toward me... then I'd wish I'd never felt this burning craving for your person in my life."
I run away, leaving him alone. I passed the east wing of building and headed to locker's room. Still I had to change my shoes and after that I'd be free. I've never been that happy for a weekend. Two days of peace. Away from them. Only me, warm bed and a box of tissues. Turning right I hook against a corner and fell miserably. I rubbed my knees and palms. Few loud curses left my lips. It wasn't important anymore, my new position ensured me. While taking my bag and going to the school's gate I had no idea that a pair of heterochromatic eyes didn't lose a sight of me, until my driver left the driveway.
Author's note: woah, that's quite a chapter, isn't it? I hope you're not scared by the length. I have to admit I needed to gather up myself to write this chapter and I hope you'll like it! As always, I leave you to this stubborn imperial couple. Let them know what you think and I'll see you guys next week with further story!
Before I forget - thank you so so so so... much for your presence! You motivate me to continue writing. Love you all! :)