Wow...it's been like a month since I updated...I'm so sorry about that.

In truth, I was kind of getting annoyed with this and wanting to restart (but I won't)

And then I started writing four new stories that I probably will never post because I don't know if I will finish them and no one wants to read things that may not get finished. So yeah...wasting time. Tumblr is good for wasting time too. I'm sorry.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy.

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Kuroko flopped on his bed with an almost inaudible groan. Dinner had been a disaster again, only his father did more than just throw the dishes. Apparently his father had been bottling up all his anger over the past several days and the bad meal was a good excuse to unleash it all. If this was what happened whenever his father restrained himself, he would rather suffer the more frequent beatings.

Every inch of his body ached. Spots of blood seeped through the back of his light blue shirt officially rendering it unsalvageable. With slow movements to avoid further aggravating his injuries, Kuroko pulled out his phone and clicked on the calendar. "Four more months left before he leaves again…" Kuroko whispered to himself before burying his face in the bed and letting the phone plop on the bed.

Four more months left till his father's next business trip. This trip wouldn't be as long as the previous one, but Kuroko welcomed any reprieve. The only problem was whether he could survive the next four months. The hits were harder and more frequent now than before his father's last trip. It frightened Kuroko. It was getting worse and harder to hide too.

Speaking of hiding, he clearly wasn't doing a good enough job if Akashi's words to him earlier that day were anything to go by. He liked Akashi, but he wished the red head wasn't so perceptive. Kuroko had to work on his acting. If Akashi found out what was going on…..If anyone found out about his father, his father would kill him. Then his father would probably try to kill whoever found out. Hiding this secret wasn't just about pride; it was about survival and keeping his friends safe. He knew Akashi was trying to help, but Kuroko couldn't let him. Akashi didn't know how dangerous getting close to him could be.

The soft light of the morning sun streaming through the small bedroom window felt warm against Kuroko's cheeks as his eyes sluggishly forced themselves open. His muscles screamed as he pushed himself into a seated position and his lips curved downward. The pain was worse than he expected.

Being more careful with his movements, he pressed his feet into the cold wood floor and rose from the bed. A shiver ran through his body. Arms wrapped around himself, he rubbed his palms on his upper arms in a half conscious attempt to warm himself. It didn't work, but the shifting of the fabric reminded him he was still in his shirt from yesterday and had forgotten to clean his wounds.

Grimacing, Kuroko scolded himself for such carelessness. After sliding each button out of its respective hole, he began to peel off his shirt. The dried blood bonded the fabric with the gashes on his back. Pain seared through his back as the bonds were ripped apart consequently allowing fresh blood to ooze from the gashes.

Not a sound passed his lips as he turned in front of the mirror to inspect the damage. The sight wasn't as unfamiliar as the small teen would have liked it to be. Although his father rarely whipped him, preferring the use of fist or objects he could throw, it did happen on occasion. Kuroko did have to admit that last night his father had been a bit excessive. Even if Kuroko probably did deserve every bit of it, his father had never continued for so long.

It's getting worse…..

The evidence was on his pale scarred skin, as undeniable as his existence…..well perhaps that is a bad example. Still, it was undeniable. The violence was escalating no matter what he tried to do to appease his father. He just wasn't able to be a good enough son. The best he could do was let his father take out his anger on him. Better him than someone else.

Occasionally, he wondered how his father placated his anger while away on business. Actually, it was more like wondering why his father didn't use the same methods when he was at home. Kuroko knew what he did and was not at all fond of it. And to be honest, Kuroko would rather serve as a punching bag than have his father use other means of satisfying himself. He just wasn't sure how much longer he could last at this rate and he didn't want to let his team down due to his multiple injuries.

Speaking of injuries, the gashes on his back were now clean and covered in white gauze and bandages. New and old bruises on his arms and lower legs were covered with concealer. Hiding it all was a fresh new blue shirt along with the rest of his uniform. He was almost ready to head to school. There was just one more thing to do.

Kuroko adjusted his posture ignoring the protests of his battered body until the pain was no longer detectable by the way he held himself. Then he squeezed his eyes tightly and took several deep meditating breaths. When he opened his eyes, there was a coldness that rarely took up residence in those bright blue orbs. It was just another defense to keep those who were too observant from seeing his anguish. He had been far too naïve letting his guard down around his team and especially his captain, but that all ended now. Whatever suspicions they had, he would put them to rest. It would be exhausting to keep up all day and it was almost the same as lying, but Kuroko reasoned it was for his friends own good. He was protecting them.

Satisfied, he directed a slight nod to his own reflection and stuffed some spare bandages into his bag. He would have to redress the wounds at least twice during the school day, more if he wasn't careful enough with his movements.

Akashi studied Kuroko. After Sports Day, everything seemed to change, or rather, revert to how things were before. Seemed to. Akashi knew that wasn't quite right. Kuroko was more reserved at the very least. Maybe he was just trying to control his emotions better to control his on court presence more effectively…or maybe something was still wrong. Maybe Akashi shouldn't have approached him about his change in behavior. Maybe that caused Kuroko to withdraw into himself even more. He always had been the type to try everything within his power not to worry others or share his problems. Akashi probably should have thought of that sooner, like before he screwed up.

If something was going on, it would be harder to figure out now. Of course, there was the possibility that Akashi was overreacting, but since when does that happen? His hunches are always right. He is absolute after all. Now if only he could read minds. Contrary to the rumors some students chose to spread, he could not read minds anymore than he could sprout wings and fly. He could read body language and expression and use reasoning to stay a step ahead of people, but such things become increasingly more difficult when the person you are trying to read has an exceptional ability of their own. An exceptional ability at remaining emotionless and monotone in almost any situation. And a low presence to make finding him a challenge. Kuroko had such abilities.

"Akashi?" Aomine waved his hand in front of his spaced out captain. What was up with everyone today? Seriously! Akashi spacing out. Kuroko being harder to find than usual. Anyone else want to act strange….besides Midorima. Midorima was always strange in Aomine's book. He was walking around with a pink teddy bear for crying out loud, all because of some stupid horoscope! Just the thought of it made him groan.

"What are you doing, Daiki?" Akashi asked, realizing the tanned basketball player had been waving his hand in his face for a while now.

"Ahh…wha! Damn it! What is this, scare Aomine day?" Aomine cursed frustrated that he too had spaced out and gotten caught off guard while trying to bring back the spaced out Akashi.

"Aomine-kun should watch his language." Kuroko appeared beside the other two as emotionless as ever.

Unfortunately for Aomine, the 'sudden appearance' managed to draw out a very girly scream from him. "Seriously! Not funny, Tetsu! You either Akashi!"

"We didn't do anything." Akashi and Kuroko both responded blandly.

Kise burst into a fit of laughter until Murasakibara 'accidently' threw a ball at him. Kise's laughter was too loud for the giants preferences. He just wanted to eat in peace. Is that so wrong?

Slowly but surely, the usual antics of the first string pursued. Akashi smiled as he watched his ridiculous teammates make fools of themselves and each other. Whatever was going on with Kuroko could wait. For now, he needed to start practice, and they might as well enjoy each other while they could. Akashi had a sinking feeling it wouldn't last much longer. Best take advantage of it while they have the chance.

"Alright, practice is starting!" He shouted out.

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Comments/Feedback appreciated!