Kuroko's P.O.V:
Seiji's party was mostly an excuse for the most powerful men and women in Japan to meet and kiss up to Seijirou's ass. I could handle most of it since I have Seijirou and Seiji by my side, the problem was when they were called out by an associate. However, I soon found myself in a nice group. It all started when Kaguya-dono and his oldest daughter came to me to question me about their youngest son/brother. Most of rich people would never talk in such a public gathering about a relative assisting to therapy but Zero saw his best friend be murdered right in front of him. That was public knowledge and no one could really fault him for searching for help.
Soon, others started to gather around me, curious about the man who managed to capture the great Akashi Seijirou's heart when not even the most beautiful women in the country could.
We began talking about psychology, then the conversation moved to more varied topics: world matters, politics, business, etc. I noticed more than one being impressed by how well rounded I am and what a good listener too, knowing when to stay quiet and when to comment. Then, we moved to what they really wanted to know: me.
"So, you work at Midorima Hospital?" one man asked.
I heard clearly the unasked question: Did Akashi-sama get you that job? It bothered me, since I've been one to push myself to my limits and work hard for everything I've got. But I also knew that it came with the ground of dating Seijirou so I didn't show it bothered me.
"Yes, I do. Actually it was Midorima-dono the one who presented us" I answered, confidently.
"Really? So, you know Midorima" an old woman commented kindly, her eyes watching me warmly. She reminded me of my grandma "How has he been doing? It's been a long time since I've last seen him"
"He's been well. Busy but it was well paid off, his developments in cancer treatments will be treasured by the medic community and will save many lives" I told the lady "At least now he can take a breath and relax a bit"
"So, it's finally over? His research?" a man demanded to know "It isn't a rumor from the media"
"No, it isn't a rumor. His research will be published in the Japan Medical Magazine the following week-end" I assured the man "However, it is incorrect to say that his research is over. The field of medicine progresses with every year, no, with every day. For now yes, Midorima-dono's research will be the most advanced in cancer treatments but that doesn't mean that there's still no ground to keep on advancing. We can always get better" my answer earned many nods of approval and voices of accordance.
"What does this research entail?" a woman asked curiously.
"I believe that such answer is confidential until the release of the paper" I answered, with an apologetical small smile "Even if it wasn't I could not answer you, I work in a different area at the hospital"
"Yes, with the crazy people" a sweetly sickening voice, sniggered behind me followed by malicious giggles from who must have bene her companions "Or under Midorima's desk"
All conversation around me stopped, many gasped and even a few looked offended for my sake. I was touched by that, but I could also fight my own fights. I calmly turned around and raised an eyebrow at the men I suddenly faced, they rapidly moved aside letting me a clean view of a very beautiful group of woman. The ring leader used a very tight red dress that showed too much of her cleavage, and a little too much of make up.
"I will ask you to please never repeat that. Midorima-dono and Seijirou's friendship goes back to middle school. I would not want such a precious bond to be broken by a false rumor" I told the slutty woman calmly but firmly "I would expect more from a woman of your caliber to repeat unsustained rumors"
My words seemed to make some of the expectators chuckle, which only served to anger the lady- if one could call her that.
"How dare you talk back to me you little gold digger? You don't even know me!" she hissed, that beautiful face cracking in a horrendous sneer.
"I don't need to have met you, to know you" I replied, my cool expression never changing "Your daddy was never there and you mommy was very strict and might have given you a little too many spankings" that caused more chuckles and that lady's face to redden in anger or shame, I still do not know "By the ring mark on your wedding finger, lack of black and that used dress, not to mention all that make up, I can deduce that your husband or finance tricked you and run away with all your money. Which brings you to this gala, trying to impress a man with money, preferably young, so you can continue living your spoiled style of life. If I am not wrong, I believe that's the definition of gold digger" the woman paled at my words and many sniggered by me having put her on her place "I request an apology"
"I will never apology to the likes as you!" she snarled.
"Likes of me? You mean gay people? Or those who are not rich?" I asked, faking obliviousness "Because I believe you fit one of those categories now" my comment only made her cheeks redder "And I didn't mean an apology to me, but for those you insulted. My patients are not crazy, they are people who have passed by a traumatic event or have emotional problems. Brave people who instead of staying quiet and bottling up their emotions, they do what many are afraid of doing: asking for help. I will not allow you to call them crazy, they do not deserve that" by now my cool expression was broken and I was glaring heatedly at that bitch.
Many realized that I was not angry at her words against me, but her insult to my patients. I guess that earned me some more admiration. Not even bothering to wait for an answer, I turned my back towards her and faced Kaguya-dono again. Putting back my usual expressionless face I asked: "Where were we?"
I didn't care if that bitch was still there or if she felt insulted by my dismiss of her. All I could pay attention to was the gratefulness in Kaguya-dono's eyes and think that I did the right thing.