Disclaimer: Kuroko no Basket is owned by Fujimaki Tadatoshi

Pairing: AkaKuro

A/N: Thanks to my reviewers: AK47reloaded, Alexiella, Knight Yuuki, Noel Scarlet, herbert942, Reality Slap, Echizen Dyoma, KurokoTetsuya101, Akakuro Seiya, Silvinukas, Kottori, Tamani, AugustInk, Dark Cat Food Lover, shirobara1, miki565, 123ANIMEfun, lumiere du soliel, shounengirl, Kingyo, Blank ojou-sama, Alyce Ochoa, deadlycute17, AngelTricks, Kujo Kasuza, Kuro352, Guest, Yuka N Yuki Futago sutoori, Purified Sins, Kuro13Dead, Satomi-chi, Wings of the Fallen, Kasu97, bioman, xDarkxKurokox, Cynthia412, berno, neither-of-them, angelaki13 and Crimson Siyrean. Thanks for the favorite and follow alerts, too.


Twelfth Night: The Phantom's Choice


It was just an idea.

Whether it was stupid or ingenious, he didn't know. And he wouldn't know unless he tried it.

Kuroko knew himself and he knew he wasn't the type to just stay around, idling about and doing nothing. After asking some questions to Midorima, he knew there was nothing useful he could do. But it didn't mean he wanted to stay as a burden, a cumbersome responsibility to the coven. There must be something he could do.

And then this idea came to his mind.

And he knew the perfect person to help him with this.

(He was so not going to ask Akashi.)

"Kurokocchi!"

Kuroko halted in his tracks and looked back at Kise, who was coming towards him while carrying a box. "Kise-kun," he greeted and then curiously stared at the box. "What's that?"

Kise sighed. "I don't know. Midorimacchi asked me to take this to the command center. It was a pain looking for this in the basement. I didn't even know we had a basement. And I thought I knew every nook and cranny of this mansion. Oh, but I did found some old pictures from before. I can show it to you later if you like, Kurokocchi."

"That would be nice Kise-kun," was the only thing Kuroko could say to the vampire's long speech.

Kise walked along beside him. "Are you going to see Midorimacchi, too Kurokocchi?"

"Yes," he nodded. "There's a favor I want to ask of him."

"Does it have to be Midorimacchi? You can ask me Kurokocchi! I'll do anything you want."

Kuroko quietly and thoughtfully regarded him. He could ask Kise and he was a hundred percent sure, he would do anything he asked. But for some reason, he was settled on Midorima (and probably because he would suffer a lot of hugs from Kise if he chose him). There was also Aomine, who was the first person he actually thought of to ask, but Kuroko didn't know if Aomine would be motivated to help him. Maybe he would, maybe he wouldn't. It was a bit unclear when it came to Aomine.

"I think I'll ask Midorima-kun first," Kuroko answered. "But I'll keep your offer in mind."

Kise nodded and smiled as they continued their way to where Midorima was. After giving a warning knock, Kuroko opened the door to the command center and motioned for Kise to go inside first, following after him. Midorima looked up from his laptop when they stepped inside and gestured for Kise to place the box on the table.

Midorima then gazed at Kuroko inquisitively, probably wondering why he was there. "Do you need something Kuroko?" Midorima asked.

"I have a favor to ask Midorima-kun."

Midorima nodded at him to go on. "Okay."

Kuroko opened his mouth to start and then paused, looking over at Kise, who was aptly attentive. Midorima noticed it and stared hard at him, too. Kise blinked at the stare he was receiving until he finally got what they were hinting at.

"Oh, you want to talk alone? Just the two of you?" said Kise and when he only got silence, sighed. "Right, I'll go now then." As soon as he said that, he left the room but not without leaving a questioning stare to both of them though.

Midorima turned his attention back to Kuroko when the door was closed. "So what is this favor you want Kuroko?"

"I want you to teach me how to defend myself Midorima-kun," Kuroko revealed, determined.

Midorima's eyes widened in surprise and gaped at Kuroko for a minute quite not believing what he just heard. Midorima shook his head as if dispelling his words, like it was just his imagination playing tricks on his mind. "Could you repeat that, Kuroko?"

"I want Midorima-kun to teach me how to defend myself," Kuroko repeated. "And if you can how to fight, too."

"You're serious," said Midorima, seeing his resolute face.

Kuroko nodded. "I am."

"Why do you want to learn? Is it because you're bored?"

"I won't do something because of a frivolous reason as that. You know me better than that Midorima-kun," Kuroko asserted. "I know I can't be on par with you all since I'm just a human. But I can't stay like this. Being helpless, always being protected. I want to do something to help you, to support you. Frankly, I still don't know how to do that. But to find the answer I need to at least get stronger first. And for that to happen, I need your help."

Kuroko clasped his hands and then lowly bend forward in a formal bow. "Please lend me your strength Midorima-kun."

Midorima stared at hard at Kuroko. "Why me? Wouldn't it be better if you ask Akashi or even Aomine?"

"That's true," said Kuroko. "But I don't know if Akashi-kun will take me seriously, maybe he might do it just to humor me. As for Aomine-kun, I don't really know if he'll help or not. He's fickle that way. The reason why I chose Midorima-kun is because I know you'll understand why I wanted to do this and will take me seriously."

Midorima sighed in defeat, knowing he couldn't persuade Kuroko to give up. Everyone knew how stubborn he could be. "Alright, I'll teach you, Kuroko. But for the record, I won't go easy on you."

"Of course," Kuroko smiled, pleased that he got Midorima to agree. "I already expected that from you, Midorima-kun."

"When would you like to start?" asked Midorima as he closed his laptop and stood up from his chair.

"If you're not busy then now would be fine."

Midorima raised an eyebrow. "Eager are we?"

"No time like the present, right?" Kuroko said, shrugging his shoulders.

"Okay, let's go then."

xXx

Midorima was confounded.

He could count in his hands the times he felt that way. But Kuroko's declaration sure topped them all. With his keen hearing, he could hear Aomine asking Kise why he was in the armory with Kuroko, Murasakibara unusually not munching on some snack in the kitchen and even Akashi's thoughtful hum on the way to his office.

Midorima watched as Kuroko looked around the room, eyeing the various weapons displayed in both wary and anticipation. All kinds of firearms could be seen inside the room from swords, daggers, lances, to guns, rifles, shotguns, bows and arrows and axes, machetes and even nunchak, kunai, knives, handguns and many more. Kuroko walked to the wall where different types of swords hanged. His hand reached out to touch a long broad sword.

"That's not the right weapon for you," Midorima found himself saying, stopping Kuroko.

Kuroko looked back at him and then at the arrayed weapons around them. "Then, what weapon do you think suits me best Midorima-kun?"

"Something light and inconspicuous," answered Midorima as he went to the drawer were the daggers, small knives and kunais are kept. He took out a dagger specifically a stiletto, its long, slender blade up to its needle point tip glinting dangerously against the light and handed it to Kuroko. "Hold this."

Kuroko carefully took the blade, testing it in his hand and then abruptly swung it forward, surprising Midorima as he took a step back before it could stab him. "Ah, sorry about that Midorima-kun," said Kuroko, his face devoid of emotion.

Midorima frowned at Kuroko. "Kuroko, refrain from swinging blades around until you properly mastered handling it. You could hurt yourself." He plucked the stiletto from Kuroko's hand and replaced it with a kunai. He gestured at the target board hanging on the other side of the room. "Let's test your throwing skill. Try to hit the board with the kunai."

Kuroko looked down at the kunai in his hand and then at the board. His grip on the kunai tightened as he brought his hand back and haphazardly threw the kunai in the board's general direction. "Ah," he uttered as they watched the kunai sailed through the air and fall before it could touch the board.

"I see," Midorima muttered, thinking of drills Kuroko has to undergo through. He turned to Kuroko, who took out another kunai from the drawer. "Use your wrist more Kuroko," he advised.

Kuroko looked up at him before nodding. This time, he threw the kunai more evenly with a flick of his wrist. It was more successful this time as the kunai hit the board though it was far from the center.

Long range is next, Midorima thought as took a bow and a handful of arrows from a shelf. He signaled for Kuroko to follow him out of the room and made their way outside towards the back of the mansion, veering left opposite of the garden and walked a few meters to where he generally practiced archery or gun shooting.

"This is the first time I saw this," said Kuroko, his eyes wandering around the wide open space void of trees to the arrow targets a few distance from them. "Do you go here all the time Midorima-kun?"

"Yes," Midorima simply answered as he started to set up. He motioned Kuroko over and passed him the bow. "Normally, I'll let you get used to do the right handling of a bow and arrow but I have the feeling you won't need it. So we'll proceed to train your accuracy."

"Are you sure?" Kuroko asked as he fiddled with the bow string. "This is my first time doing archery. I might shoot myself."

"You'll be fine," he tried to reassure Kuroko. "And I'll be here. I won't let you shoot yourself."

Kuroko gazed at Midorima uncertainly. "Um, Midorima-kun, what are we doing exactly? I thought you're going to teach me how to fight and defend myself."

"I am," Midorima nodded. "I'm testing what type of training I'll put you through, what method to use, what type of weapons you'll be good at; those things. Truth be told, I still think it's best to ask the others for help since some of them will be the appropriate teacher for you."

"I know that. I'll ask them when I'm ready," said Kuroko as he took an arrow, carefully nocking it to the bowstring. He righted his posture to that of the archers he watched in his school clubs' before pulling the bowstring and then let the arrow go. They both eyed the arrow zooming through the air and hitting one of the targets by chance.

Midorima blinked at the target and then to Kuroko. He didn't know if Kuroko was just lucky or he had a hidden talent in archery. "I do hope that is soon since they're curious," he said, continuing the conversation and then peered at his right where Aomine and Kise were (unsuccessfully) hiding, "so curious that some of them followed and is secretly watching us now."

Kuroko followed his line of sight and saw Aomine and Kise pushing each other while bickering a few ways from them. "Aomine-kun, Kise-kun," he greeted, knowing the vampires could perfectly hear him.

"Y-Yo Tetsu," Aomine greeted as he reached them, uncomfortably pocketing his hands in his pockets.

Kise uncertainly followed Aomine and smiled at Kuroko and Midorima nervously. "Hi Kurokocchi, Midorimacchi."

Midorima crossed his arms over his chest, staring hard at the two vampires. "Aside from the obvious, what are you two doing here?"

"C'mon Midorimacchi," said Kise, giving him a small smile, "you can't expect us to not be curious. So what are you doing here with Kurokocchi?"

Midorima was miffed that Kise threw the question back at him and his opened his mouth to tell them to mind their own business when Kuroko beat him to it. "I asked Midorima-kun to train me," Kuroko answered as he handed the bow to Aomine, who seemed more interested in shooting arrows than the ongoing conversation but Midorima was certain he was still listening to them.

Kise looked surprised. "Eh? Wait, you mean that was the favor you wanted to ask from Midorimacchi?" he asked, incredulous and only blinked when Kuroko nodded in assent. "But why does it have to be Midorimacchi? I can train you, too Kurokocchi!"

"Midorima-kun seems to be the perfect person to ask," was Kuroko's only reply.

Aomine stared at Kuroko after shooting off another arrow, perfectly hitting the target dead-on and gave the bow back to Kuroko, interlacing his hands together behind his head in a casual stance. "Perfect? Shouldn't that be Akashi? Why didn't you ask him? I'm sure he'll say yes to your request."

"I don't know," Kuroko said as he pursed his lips. "I don't think Akashi-kun will understand why I'm doing this."

"He won't unless you tell him," Aomine informed and Midorima grudgingly admitted it was a sound advice.

Kise nodded his head. "Yeah, why did you want to train anyway Kurokocchi?"

Midorima only stared right back at Kuroko when he turned to looked at him. He tipped his head to the side, silently telling Kuroko that the decision was entirely up to him if he wanted to tell Kise and Aomine.

"I want to get stronger," Kuroko confessed but unlike before Midorima could sense a hint of uncertainty in Kuroko's tone. A quick glance at Aomine and Kise and he knew that they noticed it as well.

Aomine unlaced his hands and instead buried it in his pockets. "Okay, good luck then Tetsu," he said as he nodded his head at Kuroko before turning around to leave.

Both Kise and Kuroko looked at Aomine in confusion at his abrupt departure. Kise looked torn in following Aomine or staying with him and Kuroko. So Midorima glared at Kise which he seemed to understand as he hesitantly said goodbye to Kuroko and trailed after Aomine.

"What was that all about?" Kuroko asked in bemusement. "Is Aomine-kun mad at me or something?"

"Definitely not, he just wants you stay focused so he left," Midorima said as he pushed his glasses up to the bridge of his nose. "In any case, let's continue, shall we?"

Kuroko gazed at him for a moment before slowly nodding his head.

xXx

Akashi was busy reading the email Momoi sent him when the door to his office suddenly opened. He looked up and saw Aomine angrily strode towards him with Kise, who looked uncertain, on his heels. He overlooked the brusque and rude entrance as he faced them. "Do you need anything Daiki, Ryouta?"

"Did you say something to Tetsu?" Aomine asked without any preamble, his posture full of defiance.

Akashi coolly leaned back in his chair as he looked straight at Aomine. "You need to be more specific than that Daiki. I said a lot of things to Tetsuya."

"Fine, I'll be specific," Aomine said as placed his hands on the table as if to intimidate him. "Did you tell Tetsu that he was weak and defenseless?"

Akashi tensed and stared coldly at Aomine. "Whatever gave you that idea?" he said, the implication in his tone wasn't lost on the two vampires.

Kise intervened as if trying to diffuse the tense atmosphere enveloping the room. "Kurokocchi asked Midorimacchi to train him. He said he wanted to get stronger."

"I figured as much," Akashi said, his eyes not leaving Aomine. "Now Daiki, what made you think it was me that prompted Tetsuya to train?"

Aomine took a step back, taking a deep breath as he tried to let go of his stewing anger. "Tetsu won't do something like this unless you provoked him. I wouldn't put it past you to say something callous to Tetsu."

"The trust you put in me is truly remarkable Daiki," Akashi sardonically uttered. "Regardless, I said no such thing to Tetsuya"—his eyes turned colder and a spark of his bloodlust was enough for Aomine to flinch—"now will I ever say those things to him. Did it ever occur to you that Tetsuya decided this himself because he wanted to?" Aomine schooled his expression but Akashi's eyes caught the tiny scowl before that. "I guess not."

Kise took a sit on the couch when everything seemed to settle down as Aomine was put into his place and an imminent fight was averted. "But still why did Kurokocchi decided to learn how to fight?"

"Tetsuya's reasons are his own. He'll explain it when he's ready. For now, it is best if we leave him to Shintarou's hands," Akashi stated, effectively ending the topic and went back to his laptop. "Anyway Daiki, have you contacted Momoi?"

Aomine raised an eyebrow at the sudden inquiry and then shrugged as he flopped down on the couch beside Kise as if his insolence before didn't happen. "Yeah, last night."

"Did you tell her?"

Aomine blinked. "About Tetsu? Or about our old time nemesis?"

"Both," Akashi answered.

Aomine shook his head. "I didn't tell her anything but you know Satsuki. She'll find any information that interests her. And any threats to our coven will definitely catch her attention. As for Tetsu…" he trailed off. "I don't think she'll find anything about Tetsu but she'll have her suspicions."

"Don't you want Momocchi to find out about Kurokocchi, Akashicchi?" Kise asked.

Akashi thought about it for a moment before going back to the email from Momoi and typed his response. Once done, he closed his laptop and looked at Kise and Aomine. "It's not like I'm keeping Tetsuya as a secret but it's too dangerous right now for his presence in this coven to be known. So I advise you all to not tell anyone about Tetsuya."

Kise raised his hand as if they were in a classroom. "But I want to tell him about Kurokocchi, is that okay? I mean it's him—well, okay—them and they're part of our coven, too so it's okay, right? Unless Akashicchi already told them about Kurokocchi?"

"I haven't actually," Akashi admitted. "And it's fine if you tell them. They need to know about Tetsuya anyway."

Aomine leaned forward and from what Akashi can glimpsed from his expression, he knew Aomine wanted to talk something important and serious. "Kise go somewhere else," Aomine ordered and Kise was about to protest but one look from Aomine and a nod from Akashi was enough for him to obey.

As soon as the door was shut closed, the silence in his office was overwhelming but neither of them paid any heed to it. Akashi patiently waited for Aomine to talk but either he was nervous to speak or he didn't know how to begin. "Daiki," Akashi called, snapping Aomine out of his reverie.

Aomine looked up at him. "I like Tetsu," he began. "And I'm pretty sure everyone in this coven does, too. I've only known him for a short while but he became important to me. And you know I don't just let anyone get close to me. Heck, it took you years to get my trust and few more years for me to join you."

Akashi only stared at Aomine when he stopped, knowing he was reliving certain parts of his past. He had an inkling where Aomine was going with this.

"Don't do it Akashi," Aomine whispered, to the point of begging. "I don't…I'm not…not Tetsu…"

Akashi sighed and then stood up to walk towards Aomine, stopping just in front of him and crouched down in one knee to meet his eyes. "Daiki, I'm not going to lie. I thought of the same thing when I first saw Tetsuya. And there's a part of me that wanted to do it even now."

That seemed to snap Aomine as he gazed at Akashi with fear, not for himself but for Kuroko.

"But I won't. I will never do that to him," Akashi confessed. "You're not the only one who was charmed by Tetsuya, Daiki. Even so, not everything will be smooth sailing. We have to climb many difficult walls for that to happen. Plus, Tetsuya himself is also a concern. Either he will be the one who will complete our coven or torn us apart."

Aomine looked affronted. "There's no way Tetsu—"

"Daiki," Akashi cut him off. "You were about to rebel against me earlier."

Aomine grimaced at the reminder and shifted his eyes away from him guiltily. "I wasn't rebelling," he futilely explained. "I know I won't win against you."

"Yes, I know," Akashi nodded as he straightened up. "You were just driven by your impulse and instinct to protect Tetsuya. I won't begrudge you of that. And frankly, I'm pleased you feel that way. I know I can leave Tetsuya in your care, Daiki."

Aomine blinked, trying to absorb what he just said. "Are you"—he shook his head in disbelief—"Sorry Akashi, but are you appointing me as Tetsu's—"

"No," Akashi interrupted, shaking his head as he moved around the table and to his chair. "I know you're capable Daiki and you would have been the perfect candidate. But I have the feeling the task isn't right for you. You would have been conflicted to both of your loyalty to me and to Tetsuya. Not to mention, it's still too early to appoint one."

Aomine scratched the back of his neck as he sighed. "Just in case, have you found one? Maybe one of them?"

"Not yet," Akashi concluded and left it at that as he sat on his leather chair. He took the documents on his table to read, leaving Aomine to his thoughts.

"I might choose Tetsu."

Akashi wasn't surprised to hear that from Aomine. He expected it. He stared at Aomine for a moment. "I know Daiki," he said. "I know."

xXx

Kuroko gave a wince as Midorima treated the cuts and scrapes on his hands. He inwardly sighed when Midorima was done and dressed his hands with tiny strips of bandages just like Midorima does with his own fingers. There were in the infirmary after his lesson with knife handling was finished.

"There," Midorima said as he closed the first aid kit and stood up to put it back in place. "I'll give that another look tomorrow."

Kuroko looked down at his hands and he could feel every muscle in his body ached in agony. "I never expected that this will be hard."

Midorima scoffed. "Of course, it will be. Did you expect that after a few lessons you'll be an expert without suffering any mistakes?"

"But not to this extent," Kuroko retorted as his mind went back to the past few days when his training started.

Midorima was true to his words and didn't go easy on his lessons. He was like drill sergeant, driving Kuroko to the best of his abilities and motivated him when at times he was close to giving up. He had to admit, it was hard, tough and demanding. But the feeling of accomplishment when he executed a move and even Midorima's pride drowned his pain.

At first Kuroko was hesitant since he was taking up Midorima's hectic time but he dismissed his worry and said that he wasn't busy as Kuroko thought. So they carved up some time for his lessons every day, each day different from learning self-defense, to knife skills and then archery. The last one was his favorite since it was the only thing he was excelling at. Or maybe because it was Midorima who taught him and admitted that it was one of his specialties.

Still, Kuroko knew it wasn't enough. He had more to learn and Midorima couldn't teach him all of it.

Maybe it was time to ask the others for help.

Speaking of the others, they surprisingly left Kuroko and Midorima alone and didn't probe more on his actions. Kise was sometimes watching Midorima train him but didn't join in (even though he got a feeling that Kise wanted to). Murasakibara was there whenever he was resting and gave him food when he was hungry. Even Akashi was tightlipped about it and only regarded his injuries in concern. Akashi didn't dare try to drink his blood not like he could anyway since after cleaning up, Kuroko was dead asleep as soon as his exhausted body hit the bed.

But the most surprising of all was Aomine. He was always there for his training. There were even times like Aomine wanted to get involved but stopped at the last minute. Once, Kuroko caught him and Midorima talking and only found out what it was when Midorima changed a few things in his lesson, no doubt because Aomine advised him to. There must be a reason why Aomine refused to participate in his training. But Kuroko was sure that if he asked, Aomine would easily comply. He made a mental note to talk to him later.

"Perhaps it will best if we reschedule your archery training to tomorrow."

Midorima's suggestion brought Kuroko's thoughts to a halt. He looked up at Midorima, who was organizing things in the medicinal cabinet. "Why? I can still do it Midorima-kun."

"Kuroko, part of your training is to learn when your body needs rest," Midorima lectured. "At this rate you're going, it's only a matter of time until you overwork yourself and get sick. Everyone won't like it if that were to happen."

"By everyone, you mean Akashi-kun," Kuroko deduced and then sighed when Midorima refused to respond. "Fine, I'll rest but only after I shoot a couple of arrows." He stubbornly stared at Midorima when he opened his mouth to object. "Please Midorima-kun, I need to do it. Archery is like a therapy to me. I'll rest for the whole day tomorrow, I promise."

Midorima sighed in defeat. "Alright."

Midorima led the way to the back of the mansion for target practice with Kuroko lagging behind. His body ached badly whenever he moved but he learned to endure the pain. He was used to it anyway since this happened most of the time when he practiced for basketball. But it was still different from his training with Midorima though.

"Midorima-kun, can I ask you a question?" Kuroko asked as he took the bow Midorima handed him and nodded for him to continue. "When and why did you learn how to fight?" He stared at Midorima, who looked a bit put off at his inquiry.

Midorima took an arrow and looked at it for a second, lost in his own thoughts. "It was a long, long time ago since I learned how to fight. I wasn't good at it first since I wasn't really interested in it."

"Really?" Kuroko was surprised. Midorima was really good and that was only when he watched him did moves in his self-defense class, how much more when he fought for real. "So what made you take it up?"

"I just turned into a vampire and I was out of control at that time," Midorima revealed, turning his gaze away from Kuroko and into the wide space of their surroundings. "That lack of restraint was something I didn't want so I took up martial arts as a way of disciplining myself. It helped as I learned to control my bloodlust."

"That's good to hear," Kuroko said. "Did you learn medicine for that reason, too?"

"No," Midorima shook his head. "I was already interested in it before I became a vampire. In a way, my medicinal background helped when I was studying the vampire's physiology. Learning both human and vampire genetic make-up was challenging and I discovered a lot of things. Moreover, the progression in the medicine field over the years prevented my interest in it to wane."

"Is Midorima-kun the only vampire doctor?"

"I'm the best there is," said Midorima, no arrogance presented in his voice just stating a mere fact. "But yes, there are; a number of them working for their own coven while some work for money or favors."

Kuroko didn't show it but he was taken aback that Midorima answered him. He was prepared for Midorima to turn down his question since he could feel that the vampires didn't want to talk about their past especially for someone like them who lived for so long. That feeling took shape after what happened with Kise last week.

But maybe, just maybe they were trying to put their trust in him. Even just a little.

Kuroko let out a small smile. "Thank you for telling me Midorima-kun." Midorima nodded and cleared his throat to clear his discomfort and gestured for him to start his target practice.

Kuroko closed his eyes and blew out a breath to ease the tension on his body as he relaxed his posture, focusing his concentration. Part of the reason why he likes archery was this sense of calm he got; culminating all his stress and heavy emotion inside himself like a bullet until he let it go accompanied by the arrow.

"Are you sure you want to do this Kuroko?" Midorima asked as he handed Kuroko the arrow he was holding. "You don't have to force yourself. If you're tired just say so."

Kuroko took the offered arrow, loading it and slowly drew the bowstring, his eyes marking the target. He didn't answer Midorima as he was too absorbed in what he was doing and after a few seconds released the arrow, hitting the target a few ways from them though not the center.

"Well, you do have a talent in accuracy," commented Midorima. "Didn't you say that you never took up archery and this was your first time? I only taught you the basics just a few days ago and now you can hit the target spot on."

Kuroko shrugged. "You could say I'm a fast learner. But I still couldn't hit the bull's-eye though."

"I'll teach you a secret."

Kuroko looked up at Midorima and watched as he went behind him, Midorima's hands holding his own. "Here," Midorima murmured in his left ear as he handed him another arrow. "Load it and pull the string." Kuroko did as he was told and pulled the bowstring with his right hand, Midorima's hand atop of his own.

"Stay in that stance," Midorima continued to murmur. "The secret to hitting a target accurately isn't just to eye it, hoping you'll hit the target." Midorima's left hand then grabbed his bow hand, slightly tilting it up. "It isn't just you and the target; you have to feel your surroundings, too. Feel the wind; don't go against it as most of the time it's the one that helps you hit your target."

"Do you feel it Kuroko?" Kuroko involuntary shivered at Midorima's whisper and proximity but he did understand what Midorima was talking about and he did feel it. Even though his arms were already tired in keeping with his stance, he still waited and waited for when the time to release the arrow comes. Suddenly, Kuroko's instincts told him to release the arrow and he did just as the same time Midorima said, "Now, release it."

Kuroko blinked and blinked again when the arrow hit the target dead on the center and turned his head to Midorima behind him with a smile. "I did it Midorima-kun."

"I knew you can do it," Midorima said with a small smile on his lips.

"Well, aren't the two of you close?"

Both Kuroko and Midorima whirled around to Akashi, who was slowly walking towards them. Akashi glanced at the target before looking at Kuroko proudly. "I'm surprise, my love. I never knew you could be this good in archery."

Kuroko stared at Akashi thoughtfully. "For some reason, I feel insulted."

Akashi's mouth twitched in an amused smile. "I assure you, love, it's a compliment."

Kuroko was surprised when Akashi abruptly tugged his hand and pulled him into his arms and away from Midorima. He looked up at Akashi, who was intently staring at his second in command and seemed to communicate something with his eyes, before turning to Midorima.

Kuroko watched as Midorima fiddled with his glasses, a nervous habit of him that Kuroko was able to discern. "I'll go ahead Akashi, Kuroko."

"Thank you for the help Midorima-kun," Kuroko said, pulling away from Akashi's embrace. Midorima nodded at him and Akashi before walking away and into the mansion's direction. He watched Midorima's retreating figure contemplatively before turning to Akashi. "Why do I get the feeling that you chased Midorima-kun away?"

"Because both of you were too close," Akashi nonchalantly answered while picking up an arrow and lightly touched its pointy tip.

Kuroko sighed. "Midorima-kun was just helping me," he explained. He didn't even know why he had to explain himself to the vampire.

"Love, did you know that vampires are very possessive." Kuroko stared at Akashi in confusion. Akashi stared deeply into his eyes. "You are mine," he said carefully, enunciating every word. "I don't mind that you're close to my coven. But always remember Tetsuya, you belong only to me."

Slightly tilting his head to the side, Kuroko said, "In short, you were jealous of Midorima-kun."

"Perhaps," Akashi said with a shrug, showing indifference.

Kuroko sighed in exasperation. He knew the vampire enough that Akashi was too prideful to admit he felt jealous of his right-hand man. He gazed at Akashi wryly. Akashi even had a spiel about belonging only to him. "Does Akashi-kun know why I'm doing this?"

"Because you were bored," was Akashi's prompt answer.

Kuroko shook his head and took a step forward, his hands reaching out to cup Akashi's face. "I'm doing this for myself and for you."

Akashi eyed him pensively. "Is that so?"

Kuroko nodded. "Midorima-kun told me your coven is the most powerful in the world and as such you have many enemies. Since you've taken a liking to me they might perceive me as your weakness and I don't want that. Being a human, I can only do so much but I don't want to be a hindrance or a liability to you. I want to be strong enough to at least defend myself without having to rely on you and everyone else."

Akashi's eyes narrowed at him. "Tetsuya, you aren't—"

"Shh," Kuroko pressed a finger to Akashi's lips. "When I said goodbye to my parents, I hated you because you forcefully took me away from my family and I swore to myself that given a chance I will try and run away from you."

Understanding reflected in Akashi's crimson eyes. "Tetsuya…"

Kuroko softly smiled at the red haired vampire. "But I don't feel that way anymore. You may have taken me here against my will but I learned to love living here with you and with everyone. What I'm saying is I'm choosing to be here with you, to be beside you of my own free will. That is, if you will have me Akashi-kun."

xXx

Akashi stared at Kuroko in surprise.

Never would he have expected for Kuroko to say those things. Perhaps in the near future but not this soon. Hearing Kuroko accepting his fate to be with him and everyone—with vampires, was somewhat surreal. Achieving something like how to defend himself all to prove his worth to Akashi and to keep up with them was another thing he didn't anticipate from Kuroko. Certainly, he had his own inklings but hearing Kuroko's reasons from his own lips was still astonishing.

Ah, really. Kuroko was the only one who exceeded his expectations.

Akashi couldn't suppress his feelings anymore.

Sneaking a hand at the back of Kuroko's head, Akashi leaned forward and pressed their lips together for a heated kiss. Kuroko's lips parted in a gasp and he immediately took the chance and dove right in, their kiss getting deeper and intense and he wasn't surprised to find Kuroko's taste akin to vanilla. Akashi made a guttural sound at the back of his throat and groaned when Kuroko timidly responded, unsure of what he was doing and Akashi had no qualms in teaching him how.

Akashi kissed Kuroko so passionately, so ferociously as if Kuroko was keeping him alive with their kiss, breathing life into him and he would die if they both stopped.

And he didn't want to stop.

Bu he knew he had to.

Against his will, Akashi pulled back and his gaze seared onto Kuroko, watching the conflicting emotions in those sky blue eyes; shock, surprise, apprehension, confusion, and surprisingly desire.

Akashi closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against Kuroko's, their lips brushing lightly. He softly nipped Kuroko's bottom lip tentatively, letting Kuroko know that he could push him away if he wanted to. And when Kuroko didn't protest and instead tugged him closer, Akashi kissed him softly, gently, tenderly as if he was someone precious.

And he was. Kuroko was precious and important to him.

And as they kissed, Akashi silently vowed to do anything and everything for this person.

"I'm sorry, love," Akashi whispered apologetically before lightly pressing their lips together again. He couldn't get enough. "I couldn't help myself especially when you say things like that." He couldn't help the smirk splayed on his lips when he saw a tint of pink dusting Kuroko's cheeks and even his ears were red.

Kuroko pouted at him when he saw this. "That was my first kiss, you know."

Akashi smirked wider at the revelation. He supposed he could keep the kisses he'd given to Kuroko every night and every morning to himself, who knew what Kuroko might do if he found out. "Then it's my pleasure to be your first, my love."

"You're not being fair Akashi-kun," Kuroko half-heartedly complained as tried to hide his blushing face by burying his face onto Akashi's chest.

"When it comes to you, Tetsuya, I can't be fair."

Kuroko pulled back, narrowing his eyes at him before going back to his previous position, whispering to himself even if they both know Akashi could hear it. "Maybe I should have kept that to myself."

"And waste the opportunity to hear you say that you wanted to stay by my side?" Akashi contradicted, clearly reveling in Kuroko's embarrassment. "I don't think so."

"You're enjoying this way too much Akashi-kun," said Kuroko, his words muffled by his shirt

Akashi smiled as he dropped his face atop Kuroko's head, inhaling his sweet scent. "It's because I'm happy, Tetsuya. I really am. I didn't know I could be this happy until I met you."

"Akashi-kun," Kuroko breathed out as if he couldn't say what he wanted to say and Akashi understood what Kuroko wanted to convey, no words were necessary. It was enough with Kuroko's behavior, with how tightly he clung to Akashi, how relaxed he was in his arms and how contentedly safe he was with him.

Akashi could hear Kuroko's heartbeat starting to get erratic and it wasn't until Kuroko pressed his ear to his chest—to his heart that Akashi noticed it was wildly beating as well. "You should have said that and done nice things to me instead of opting to kidnapping, Akashi-kun."

"Perhaps," Akashi admitted, smiling at the thought of those first few days he met Kuroko. "But when I saw you for the first time, everything inside of me screamed that I need to have you and I couldn't suppress my instincts." He looked down to meet Kuroko's tender gaze and gently caressed his cheek with his thumb, staring deeply into those clear sky blue eyes. "In the end it doesn't matter, you're here now, aren't you?"

Kuroko let out a soft smile. "I guess I am." He stepped out of his embrace but their hands were still connected as if relishing the moment between, not wanting it to disappear when they would separate. Kuroko thoughtfully stared at their joined hands and then a frown showed on his face. "You know, I've been thinking about all the things that happened these last two months."

"Two months, you say," Akashi hummed. "That seemed so long but it feels so short."

Kuroko nodded noncommittally. "Hm-mm…"

"And? What are these thoughts you're thinking about, my love?"

Kuroko was too silent for a moment until he quietly muttered as if sulking, "I think I have big case of Stockholm syndrome."

Akashi paused at hearing that and then he uncharacteristically let out a hearty laugh. For the first time since he awoken as a vampire, he finally laughed. He wasn't the type to do it and everyone who met him knew that but for some reason Kuroko could make him laugh so easily. Kuroko was the only person who always managed to surprise him at every turn.

Akashi ignored the sound of shattered plates coming from inside the mansion Murasakibara had probably dropped, or the thud of Midorima's fallen lucky item, or Aomine cursing in shock, or even Kise's yell that it was the end of the world with Aomine telling him to shut up. Akashi pulled Kuroko in his arms again and rested his chin onto his shoulders, their bodies swaying to a phantom music.

"Ah Tetsuya, you really are one of a kind," Akashi whispered.

A tranquil silence filled between them as Kuroko let him do as he pleased. "Why do I get the feeling that everyone's attention is on us?" Kuroko asked, hugging Akashi back, the back of his shirt bunching as Kuroko gripped it tightly.

Akashi chuckled when he heard his coven running towards the other end of the mansion. He hummed in contentment with Kuroko in his embrace and nuzzled his face on the crook of Kuroko's neck, inhaling that familiar and natural vanilla scent. "I'm glad you chose to stay Tetsuya."

"Me, too," Kuroko mumbled.

Akashi sighed in defeat and let out a small smile, conceding his loss. He wouldn't deny it anymore.

He was in love with Kuroko Tetsuya.

Akashi has been defeated by a human and had his cold heart conquered. But he didn't mind. It was a loss he would willingly accept if it meant having Kuroko by his side.


Q&A CORNER!

Q1: You already mention Kuroko having a nightmare right? Is Akashi's Ex- whoever is he/she has the same bloodline as Kuroko? Well, Kuroko's blood is one of a kind but I just wanna asked this :) (dalianblackbiblioprincess)
A: No, Akashi's ex and Kuroko aren't related.

Q2: I know the main pairing in this story is AkaKuro but will you add another pairing? AoKi maybe? (Noel Scarlet)
A: I'm sorry but I won't add another pairing. The side-pairings will be obvious but I won't be dwelling on them. And there won't be an AoKi. They only treat each other as brothers, nothing more.

Q3: You've mentioned before that you don't really feel comfortable with writing M-rated scenes. However is it going to be confirmed that Akashi and Kuroko have taken their relationship "to the next level" in the future? (Reality Slap)
A: Yes, they will take their relationship 'to the next level' as you say. I can write, you know, foreplay but the act itself, well...I don't think I can. But you never know, I might write that scene in the future.

Q4: Will Momoi make an appearance later in the story? (Echizen Dyoma)
A: Yes, she will. On Arc III, in fact. The same for most of the KnB characters.

Q5: In the 1st chapters Kuroko told Akashi that he will make his stay in the mansion a hell for him (cause trouble) but he didn't do any of that. There were no attempts of escape either. Why? (KurokoTetsuya101)
A: Because Akashi didn't expect his coven to get along with Kuroko. Sure, they'll obey his order to watch him but Akashi knows they won't interact with Kuroko unless necessary. And well, that didn't happen. Akashi thought Kuroko will be miserable if he was left alone and disregarded by the coven. If that happen, Kuroko knows he wasn't welcome and will do anything to escape. And once Akashi finds out, of course, there will be punishments. It's a good thing the coven approved of him, right?

As for the escape, Kuroko wasn't left alone all by himself as someone was with him most of the time (particularly Kise since Akashi ordered him). Sometimes Kuroko was left to his own devices but they're still around, watching him. He didn't dare try since he had a feeling Akashi would find him anywhere.

Q6: Do vampires go to human schools? Is Kagami Kuroko's classmate or something? If not will we see someone from Kuroko's school looking for him or approach him? Like his best friend? (KurokoTetsuya101)
A: They do when they're bored or want to learn something new (sometimes they're undercover) though there are a few vampires who look young enough to be a high school student so they're often in universities. Kagami won't be Kuroko's classmate. Kuroko also won't see anyone from his school. Any connection Kuroko has to the human world was cut off (even his parents are now under Akashi's protection).

Q7: Will Aomine drink Kuroko's blood again? (KurokoTetsuya101)
A: No, Chapter 8 was the first and last time someone drank Kuroko's blood aside from Akashi.

Q8: Are Akashi's spies (the one introduced in this chapters [Chapter 11]) KnB characters? (KurokoTetsuya101)
A: Yes, they are.

Q9: So does Midorima have a mate? Because Akashi alluded it to being he said "not everyone is adept as me or your mate…" is it Takao? Will we ever meet this elusive mate? (Tamani)
A: Yes, it was mentioned that Midorima had a binding ceremony with his mate in Chap 8. Well, it isn't a secret but yes, Takao is Midorima's mate. He'll show up on Arc III.

Q10: Also, at what point will the story be when their relationship starts? Like Arc I or Arc II? (miki565)
A: After Arc II.

Q11: Do you have an idea for how many chapters per Arc?/ How many arcs/chapters in total are you planning? (miki565/lumiere du soliel)
A: Answered on Chap 5's Q&A: Q #6.

Q12: ...But will Takao and the others such as Kasamatsu come into the story? (123ANIMEfun)
A: Yes, they will. They'll appear on Arc III.

Q13: How many more chapters until arc 2? We're still in arc 1 right? (lumiere du soliel)
A: 4 chapters until Arc II. Arc I is finished, chapter 11 was the last chap for that Arc.

Q14: I would like to ask if there would be a time where Akashi is going to do something that would make Kuroko hurt deeply and regret it in the end or somewhat did it on purpose? (shounengirl)
A: Yes, there will.

Q15: Just wanna ask if Akashi will be in danger or something for the next few chapters. Because usually it's Kuroko who gets in trouble... it would be nice to switch them once in a while (Blank ojou-sama)
A: Well, no. Akashi is strong. I mean, many want to kill him and such but no one was successful. Though there will be a time that both Akashi and Kuroko will be in danger. But that won't be until later. Much, much later.

Q16: Why is Midorima's mate doesn't live with him? (Alyce Ochoa)
A: Midorima did live with his mate before they moved back to Japan (the whole coven stayed there for a while actually). Ever since Midorima and his mate bonded, they lived together. Midorima only stayed with his coven when Akashi wants something as he is still his leader after all. But ever since they went back in Japan and Kuroko stayed with them, Midorima found no time to visit his mate as Akashi ordered the whole coven to look after Kuroko (they do call and text each other often though). He'll meet his mate again on Arc III.

Q17: Is their coven more important than their mate? (Alyce Ochoa)
A: No, not really (though in some cases or coven, yes). Akashi is lenient to his coven. He won't begrudge them of their happiness. So he lets Midorima stay with his mate most of the time. Midorima's mate understands his loyalty and obedience to Akashi so he lets him go to back to his coven when Akashi summons him.

Q18: And the person Akashi talked to, he/she said that they're a part of Akashi's coven, is it possible for a coven to live separately? (Alyce Ochoa)
A: Hmm, how to answer this? Most covens do live together. That person (and his partner) was actually the one who asked Akashi to live separately. Not because they don't get along with the coven but because he and his partner have this tendency to not live in one place (they have adventurous spirits). Akashi let them go and after some time, they kinda became like his spies/informants. Actually, not many knew that they are part of Akashi's coven so it's an advantage for them.

Q19: Kuroko-kun, it's almost Valentine's day. Do you plan to give Akashi a chocolate? (Alyce Ochoa)
Kuroko: Well, I don't know. I did notice that Akashi-kun doesn't like sweets all that much. And I don't really know how to bake either. I can't go outside, too. Akashi-kun forbade me even after I suggested that I will have anyone from the coven accompany me. But that is a nice idea maybe I'll ask Murasakibara-kun's help and give chocolates to Akashi-kun and the others.

Q20: Is there a scene when Kuroko get kidnapped n the enemy just bit him because of Akashi come late n he get angry n killed the enemy? (Kuro352)
A: It's a bit difficult answering this without being vague. One of those instances is right, the other two aren't.

Q21: Anyway, I'm not sure if someone already asked this but, how many chapters have you already wrote? (Satomi-chi)
A: Someone did ask me that before but that was long ago. Now, not including chap 1-12, I've written about 24 chapters. They're not all finished but some are close while the others are just a few scenes.

Q22: I was rereading the story and in chap 1 Akashi wondered if Kuroko was a ghost before hearing his heartbeat, so will ghosts be a thing later? It caught my attention and what about other creatures? (Kasu97)
A: Well, there are ghosts (also known as shades in this fic). For the other creatures, I can definitely say there are no werewolves/shifters, demons, angels, fairies (ugh, that's all I can remember right now) introduced in this fic.

Q23: Are you going to reveal the GOM's painful past? (bioman)
A: Yes, I will. Soon.