Hey everyone! As I promised, I am finally back on track with writing, so here is another chapter. As you may remember, I had once posted a whole chapter based on a memory from Teikou. Here's another one. Get ready for some more explanation about Chiara's and Akashi's past in middle-school. Thank you so much for the warm welcome after my absence, you're simply amazing. I'm not going to take your time, go ahead and read :) Let me know what you think about that and I'll see you soon! Ciao :)

"Is everything alright?" she turned back from the window, hearing Akashi entering the classroom. He wasn't smiling faintly as he used to do. Instead of that, he watched her with interested in those crimson eyes. She clenched a fist on her blazer's sleeve and nodded at him.

"Yes, of course." she answered weakly; the throat went dry and she wasn't able to say something more. Fortunately, the jug full of water was standing on the desk. If only it wasn't the left side... Maybe she could avoid touching papers.
The redhead was silent. He had already taken his place and reached for a book from the bag. He was observing Chiara from above his reading and shaking head in disbelief. He couldn't ascertain if she impressed him more or irritated.

He'd never question his President's acts; actually she was one of very few people he confided in absolutely. Her moves were completely considered, supported by detailet analyze of consequences that could occur in the future. They haven't been working together for too long, but the collaboration had already gave him much. Brunette, thanks to her activity opened his eyes for new aspects. Until he started his work in Student's Council, Akashi wasn't aware of how much he needed somebody's interest, warmth, sincerity. Chiara was truly concerned about what happened to him. She always had a nice word and a smile just for him. She easily found out about his habits and adjusted herself to him. The girl was brave enough to question and critisize him, but never without a proper argumentation and support.
For the first time since his mother's death he felt this kind presence of a person, that cared about him. Almost immediately Akashi wanted to reciprocate those feelings. He pushed them away at the beginning, convinced that it's all because of a drastic surroundings change he spent time in. Beside, how creepy and cheesy would he look, already in love with a girl he barely knew? But every other day made him sure their relationship could go a different way. Chiara became a dweller of his heart, who healed his tired mind by taking small steps. She was like this balm with aphrodisiac that made him addicted. He'd give her everything if she only asked. She was there for him and anyone else, then why couldn't she look at herself too?
And there he was, watching as President struggled with the pain, which she desperately tried to hide. She surprised him though; she reached for the jug with her left hand. He was sure she'd do it with a right one! The glass shook lightly in her grasp; water touched the edge dangerously. He saw her twitching her lips, holding back a whimper. His eyes went darker for a split of second; the book ended up on the floor, while he caught her arm. She squeaked, both scared and in pain. Tears filled her eyes, but she remained silent.

"If you wanted to drink you could have asked me." Akashi started politely, taking the responsibility of filling the glass on himself. Brunette watched him from half-closed eyes, nodding her head and pretending everything was just fine. Too ashamed to admit her defeat, she stared out of the window with her left arm squeezed between legs. The redhead sighed soundlessly. He went over to her seat, and before she could protest, stretched his arm. "Come. And take off your shirt, please."

"What are you talking about, Akashi?" she frowned, as if not understanding the situation.

"Chiara-senpai" he said that on purpose, knowing how much the girl hated all these formal words. "I believe we should drop the formalities and go straight to the point. Your shirt. Off. Now."

Akashi struggled a lot, trying not to laugh at her shocked expression. Well, she didn't expect that. But he knew, that if he asked about her arm, she'd pout at him. And this cute expression that would come with it would be too much for him.
Chiara watched him carefully, disturbed. The hell was going on?! Her arm hurt more and more with every second and she wasn't sure for how long she'd keep it a secret. "Step back or I'll make sure this water lands on your head."

"I've seen everything, Chiara. Can you please now stop being so stubborn and go with me to the infirmary? Your wound needs a proper care." he sighed, already winning the battle. Brunette widened her eyes, but followed him without a word, still clenching her fists.

She was walking few steps behind him, with head held down, completely embarassed. Did he really mean it? Could it be that he witnessed the whole situation? But... whole?! The President gulped, the feeling of dry throat returned. Cheeks turned red, even more than before.
The corridor was empty; well, students still had to attend classes. Only members of Student Council had a bit different schedules, so they could cooperate between school and Council. Chiara quickly found the silence relaxing and calming at the same time. As if the pain felt her body relaxing, cause it stopped this annoying pulsing going to her chest. Not sure if Akashi was watching she rolled up the sleeve.

"Damn." she muttered, seeing the stains of blood all over white material. Even blazer got dirty, never mind the dust and mud.
When they arrived to the infirmary she suddenly felt insecure. Crap, it was another time when Akashi was saving her ass. She should finally properly thank him for that. And apologize for worrying him with her troubles. The walls of the nurse's office were painted light blue, with white furnitures all over the room. The woman wasn't there to no one's surprise - she barely ever showed up to take care of injuries. That's why, a year ago, Chiara decided to organize a crew of students responsible for helping during the breaks. The Health Committee did amazing job.
Brunette sat down and watched Akashi, who disappeared behind the curtain only to come back with a small first aid kit. She frowned, seeing him sitting in front of her.

"Repeating this would be rude, but could you perhaps remove those clothes, Chiara? They only worse the problem." she couldn't refuse him. Not when he looked do seriously concerned about that. Trying not to hurt herself more she carefully took off the uniform and let him see the arm. From the wrist up to the elbow went a long, quite deep scar, surrounded with now purple, greyish bruises. Chiara bit her lip disguisted and turned her gaze away. That was too much. It didn't look that bad through the shirt. Akashi raised his eyebrow, but remained silent. He took the arm in his and began sanitizing. The redhead washed the wound carefully, using water and swabs, checking if bleeding had stopped. Fortunately Akashi's skills were good enough to do it right.

"Put on some of this ointment, it will help skin to regenerate. Maybe I'll survive without a scar." she whispered. Akashi smiled bitterly; he totally forgot it was her better in first aid. But he nodded and did as she said. "I'm sorry."

"For what?" he asked, not averting his gaze from the wound. It tore his heart, watching her eyes filled with tears. She really was strong, holding all those sobs inside. He searched for a gauze and bandage, so he could close it.

"For all the trouble you have with me. I mean, come on, you always take care of the mess I leave behind my back and..."

"Chiara." Akashi stopped her, aware that she was ready to talk without a break. "It's not a problem, really. Actually, it should be me making amends..."

Brunette looked at him confused; what was he talking about? Did something went wrong, when she was 'away'? Having Akashi as a part of Student Council was the best thing that ever happened to her in Teikou. Not meeting Nijimura, not steady healing of knee injury. It was this ambitious prince charming, who got her attached to him so much. He read her mind so easily, finding the solutions faster than anyone. Talking with him, planning, cooperating... everything seemed to be a piece of cake. The school bloomed under their reigns and she couldn't stop thinking, that his presence was crucial. Sometimes she felt she didn't have to even move a finger - Akashi was there, ready to go.
Was it also easy to fall in love? She didn't know. Confessions from other boys surrounded her through all those years, but she has never answered them. Chiara waited for her prince and, well, he appeared in a person of a basketball player. What did that boy do to her in no time?! Redhead melted her like ice cream on a sunny day, each time he entered the office. She had a chance to watch their practice; he looked even better with all this sweat and ruffled hair. It looked more like his true 'self'. Cause even if the polite side of his character was true, she always felt there was something more, hidden really deep under this appearance. And she wanted to find that out.

"You're so stubborn, yet so amazing, Chiara." he chuckled, finally looking at her. She blushed like crazy, she could feel the heat radiating from her. "I've been admiring your work and sacrifice ever since I joined you in the Council. You never take care of yourself, you put people around you on the first place. Just like you do with your teammates. Lucky guys to have such an incredible captain. But still, even though you impress me each and every day, you also irritate me. Why don't you try to think of yourself? Look how terrible it appears. You shouldn't have run to help that girl."

"Oh, really?!" his flattering words didn't hide the anger in his voice. "And let her hurt herself? If it wasn't for my knee, I wouldn't fall with her..."

"Of course, blame it all on this old injury. But imagine, what if you hurt your leg instead of your arm? It would affect your current games. Have you thought about your boys? How would they react?" his arguments were really hard to deflect. She knew he was right. But was he...?

"Seems like self-preservation is your strength, Akashi. I'm sorry, I can't change who I am. She was falling down from that ladder, she needed me there. If the ladder wasn't broken, I'd only end up with a bruise or two. But it had this sharp ending and... well, it hurt a little." Chiara explained everything to him, completely forgetting he had witnessed it all. Even the moment, when she smiled at the first-year and told her to go. How she stood there, crying and breathing hastily. Akashi watched her expressionless, but when she mentioned the ending, he smirked.

"Tch, you really are something, Chiara. I guess I won't convince you to my argument, right? Well then..." he took her injured arm softly in his hands, playing with her still shaking fingers. Akashi noticed small lines left from nails, when she had clenched her fists in pain. "Shall I call you a superhero from now on?"

"Very funny, Akashi" she snorted. "There may be a time when I will have to save you."

"You've already done that." he whispered, hiding his own blush.

"You said anything?"

"Not really. I was just thinking that even if you're a superhero, you still have to be careful. It hurts me to see you in pain. So as a way of saving me, can you at least let yourself rest? I believe you will need that. I can take care of everything... and you." last words left Akashi's mouth when he was slowly stroking Chiara's fingers with his lips. All she could do was nod, completely embarassed because of the situation. 'She's killing me.' came to his mind, as he slowly got up.

"Shall we go? Call your chauffeur, I'll take you home."

"Thanks..."

"You'll thank me, when you will finally get some time for yourself. Only then I can accept that."