Disclaimer: Kuroko no Basket is owned by Fujimaki Tadatoshi
Pairing: AkaKuro
A/N: Thanks to my reviewers: Alina 'AK47reloaded, silver woman, ShinseiShinwa, lumiere du soliel, Harihi, C.C Britannia, jilnachtaugen, kichan, Tamani, Purpley97, Moonta11, My Own Pitiful Daydreams, kh07gl, 123ANIMEfun, Kottori, Hasuki-chan, dayanayaacob, Kuro13Dead, ma-chan-chan, BerryBliss, Cheshire ShiroNeko, Knight Yuuki, Happy-With-Anime, grey socks, SkillzR3solve89, you-know-who, ilikepancakes, DarkWolf991, AkaKuroShipz321, rhizz17, blacklotus23, celestial spirit leo, Crane, psynekopath, Ritsu0593, KV202244, astridghering, lmao, ghost reader, Krinya and 4 Guests. Thanks for the favorite and follow alerts, too.
Fifteenth Night: A Knight's Tale
Kise was jealous.
A little bit. Just a little bit.
Okay, maybe a lot.
Everyone could see the change in Kuroko and Aomine's friendship. And it was really the first time Kise saw Aomine so carefree, like all his troubles were gone with the wind and Kise envied that freedom. He always had to be cheerful and optimistic because that was his job, to be the positive one in the coven. But there were times that it was hard to keep up with pretenses. He had those times and the coven was okay with him crashing down for a little while. But he had to go back to being happy again because they seemed a little lost if he continued to be depressed and even Akashi didn't know what to do.
And in a way, Kise was used to it.
But his world tilted when Kuroko broke past his barriers and allowed him to let out his feelings, to not hide behind fake smiles and he was grateful for Kuroko. But telling Kuroko his past, would that help him? It obviously worked with Aomine.
Akashi already talked to Kise about it, that he didn't need to follow Aomine and tell his story to Kuroko. It wouldn't be fair for Kuroko and him to unburden something he was unwilling to let go. It would only hurt both of them and it might ruin their friendship. Kise didn't want that. Kuroko was important to him, too.
"Kise-kun."
Startled, Kise almost dropped the knife he was holding and it was only thanks to his reflexes that he caught it before he could hurt anybody particularly Kuroko. "Ku-Kurokocchi, please don't surprise me like that!"
"It's not Tetsu's fault, you idiot," Aomine said, flicking a finger to Kise's forehead and ignored Kise's whine. "You were the one spacing out. You only need to cut the carrots into strips not grind it to pieces."
Kise looked down at the chopping board and saw the carrots in a pulverized state. He winced before placing down the knife in his hand. "Maybe we should just order something," he suggested. Murasakibara was out doing an errand for Akashi so it was up to Kise to take care of their food but he wasn't really in the mood to cook right now.
"Are you alright, Kise-kun?" Kuroko asked, a worried expression on his face. "You don't have to cook if you don't feel well."
Kise let out a tired smile. "I'm fine Kurokocchi. Just a bit distracted is all." He made sure not to make eye contact to Aomine since he would immediately figure out what was wrong with him. "What do you guys want? Pizza? Chinese? Oh, I do know a restaurant that has the tastiest sushi! Are you guys in the mood for sushi?"
Kuroko and Aomine glanced at each other before facing Kise again. Aomine shrugged. "I'm okay with anything. What do you want Tetsu?"
"Sushi," Kuroko answered. "I trust Kise-kun's judgment."
Kise smiled. "Sushi it is then."
When their food was delivered, Kise left Kuroko and Aomine in the kitchen while carrying Akashi and Midorima's portion to them. He knocked on Midorima's door once before opening it. "Midorimacchi, I brought you lunch," he said as he looked around the room and as usual Midorima's room was the epitome of organization, the bed was made, the books arranged alphabetically on the shelf and not a thing out of place. With the exception of Midorima's desk that had many papers in disarray.
Midorima was nowhere to be found though. Kise stepped inside as he called out Midorima's name again. "Midorimacchi?"
"What?"
Kise whirled around and found Midorima behind him while carrying a folder. "Midorimacchi, don't scare me like that! Are you imitating Kurokocchi now?"
Midorima deemed no response and walked past him to the desk. "What do you want Kise?"
"Lunch," Kise said as he brought up a box full of assorted sushi. He passed the box to Midorima and after he took it, they stood there staring at each other silently.
Midorima sighed. "Do you need something else Kise?"
"What are you working on Midorimacchi?" Kise asked, peeking behind Midorima to stare at documents lying on the desk but before he could even catch a word, Midorima pushed his hand on his face and steered him out of the room. Kise pouted when he heard the lock clicking in behind him. "Midorimacchi, stingy~"
Kise put it out of his thoughts as he made his way to Akashi's office. He gave the door a warning knock before opening it and found his leader on his chair behind the big wooden desk talking to his cellphone. Akashi turned to him and Kise showed the box of sushi in his hand. Akashi waved him inside as he continued to talk to the other line.
"So Chuugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu prefectures are left," Akashi said as he took the box from Kise. "No, I'm certain they're not here. The whole Kansai region is my territory and they are not that suicidal to have their main base in here. Good. Call be back when you have news."
"Was that Momocchi?" Kise asked.
Akashi shook his head. "No, it was Takao. Momoi already did her part."
"Are you going to ask Kasamatsu-senpai, too?"
"No," Akashi said as he took out a salmon roll. "Do you want me to?"
Kise was surprised. "Eh? Why are you asking me, Akashicchi?"
Akashi only stared at him as if trying to read his mind. "Maybe talking to Kasamatsu will make you feel better. Tetsuya noticed you were not yourself these past few days and he's getting worried."
Kise tugged the collar of his shirt. What a way to make him feel guilty. "Kurokocchi didn't say anything."
"He's giving you space. Tetsuya doesn't want to overstep his boundaries." Akashi continued to stare at him so intently that Kise unintentionally straightened his posture like a loyal knight to his master. "There's no need to force yourself, Ryouta. Take your time, it doesn't have to be today or tomorrow or any time soon. When you're ready you can tell Tetsuya all you wanted to say."
Kise bit his lower lip. "I know that. But the more I put it off, the more I get scared and lose the will to say it. I feel that…I feel that if I don't do it now, I won't be able to get the courage again. And it isn't like I'm not ready. I just don't know how to say it. It still hurts."
"It will always hurt Ryouta," Akashi advised, solemn. "The pain will never go away. We can't hide nor can we erase it. It is that pain that led us to where we are now. The only thing we can do is for time to at least lessen the ache. Or to find a person we want to share the burden with. However, you are asking too much of Tetsuya if you're seeking absolution. He can't give you that. You need to forgive yourself, Ryouta, not seek it from someone else."
Kise nodded even if he didn't understand. "I'm going back to the kitchen, Akashicchi," he said and after Akashi nodded, left the office as fast as he could.
Kise stopped in the hallway and took a couple of deep breaths. Kuroko already noticed that he was acting weird and he was pretty sure the whole coven was aware of it as well. But he would act ignorant for a bit longer before he was ready. And he knew Kuroko wouldn't push him so Kise could pretend that everything was fine for now when in reality, it really wasn't.
Kise had a smile on his face when he stepped inside the kitchen and greeted both Kuroko and Aomine. He didn't know if his smile was fake or not but he was sure the smile Kise gave Kuroko when he handed him a plate of cheesecake was genuine. At least with Aomine there, he momentarily forgot everything else when they bantered and squabbled.
He would talk to Kuroko soon.
xXx
Kise gave the library door a warning knock before hesitantly opening the door and peeked inside. He knew Akashi was inside to spend some time alone with Kuroko, it was the only thing that could de-stress his leader and everyone knew not to interrupt them. He slipped inside when Akashi didn't made any threatening moves and saw Akashi lying down on the sofa with Kuroko sleeping on top of him. With trepidation, he slowly moved towards them and sat down on the carpet next to the sofa as he watched Kuroko's peaceful expression.
Kise closed one eye when he felt Akashi's hand on his hair and shifted his eyes to his leader. Akashi looked relax but Kise could see the worry in those crimson eyes. "Sorry for disturbing," he whispered but Akashi didn't say anything and only kissed Kuroko at the crown of his head.
Kise was a bit uncomfortable since this was the first time he saw Akashi being so affectionate to someone and felt a bit guilty intruding on them. He made a move to stand up and leave but stopped when Akashi called his name. He turned to his leader. "Akashicchi?"
"You want to talk to Tetsuya, am I right?" Akashi said.
Kise nodded. "Yeah, but it could wait. Later is fine, too."
"There's no need. Tetsuya is waking up."
True to Akashi's word, Kuroko stirred in his sleep as his sky blue eyes gradually opened and then blinked when he saw Kise in front of him. "Kise-kun?" Kuroko mumbled, half-asleep as he rubbed his eyes with one hand. His body rested heavily against Akashi and made no effort to change his position even when Akashi sat up with Kuroko now perched on his lap.
"Ryouta wished to talk to you, my love," Akashi murmured near Kuroko's ear as he tamed Kuroko's wild bed hair.
That seemed to wake Kuroko up as he stared at Kise. "Is that so?"
"I think Ryouta prefers it if the two of you were alone," Akashi disclosed as he leaned forward and gave Kuroko's lips a soft peck.
Kise hastily averted his eyes when he noticed Kuroko leaning closer to Akashi. He self-consciously thought of different things all at once to distract himself from what Kuroko and Akashi were doing. He knew Kuroko wasn't the type to be so bold in company but they seemed to be at ease even with Kise there. He didn't know whether to be happy of that fact or be embarrassed by it.
Kise looked up at Akashi when he stood up and accepted the soft pat on the head his leader had given him. Murasakibara may had been the one Akashi spoiled too much but when it came to physical affections from Akashi, Kise was the most indulged one (though Akashi drew the line when it came to hugs except for those rare times when Kise really, really needed it). Akashi knew why he craved touch and humored him even if his leader was awkward at it in the beginning. But at least now there was Kuroko, who let Kise do as he pleased…well, most of the time.
"I'll see you both later, Tetsuya, Ryouta," said Akashi as he walked out of the library, leaving them alone.
"Kise-kun," Kuroko called and Kise turned to him. Kuroko patted the free space beside him and Kise wasted no time to sit next to Kuroko, their shoulders bumping together with Kuroko's weight mostly on Kise. "So what do you want to talk about?"
Kise fiddled with his fingers on his lap. "I don't really know how to say this," he started. "You see, I…I want to tell you about my past."
"Kise-kun, just because Aomine-kun shared his story with me, doesn't mean you should, too," Kuroko advised. "Don't force yourself if you don't want to."
Kise nodded. "I know. Akashicchi talked to me about it but I really wanted to share this with you, Kurokocchi."
"Alright," Kuroko granted after a few moments of hesitation.
Kise gulped and tried to swallow down his nervousness. "Um, okay, so where should I start?"
"Perhaps you should start in the beginning, Kise-kun."
Kise clenched his fist tight. "Y-Yeah, okay, so, um…" he faltered and closed his eyes, scenes from his past flashed in his mind and he felt like puking his gut out. He felt Kuroko's hands on his back, rubbing soothingly to calm him down. And it helped a little as the sensation of emptying his stomach dwindled down.
"Maybe we shouldn't do this now," Kuroko suggested, the worry in his voice prominent. "You don't look good, Kise-kun. Your face is so pale."
Kise let out a deep sigh. "Sorry Kurokocchi, it's just my past isn't a really good story."
"I know."
"It's worse than Aominecchi."
Kuroko was quiet until he pulled Kise to him and held him protectively. Kise felt crying but he pushed his tears back and closed his eyes. He listened to Kuroko's steady heartbeat and for some reason that seemed to help in gathering his courage.
With Kuroko's fingers running through his hair, Kise began his story, "Unlike the rest, I've never met my parents. I was an orphan. They sold me to a brothel. I was okay with it. I don't really remember them that much. And the okaa-san and the people in the okiya became my family. The okaa-san wanted me to be a geisha even if I was a boy and I accepted it. I was assigned to two onee-sans. They treated me like their younger sibling. They respected me as a little sister and loved me as a little brother. They raised me well.
"But it all changed when a coven of vampires came to our shop. We didn't know they were vampires, of course so we treated them like ordinary customers. But I had a bad feeling about them. And that fear took a deep root when the boss took a particular interest in my sisters. I actually plan to escape the okiya with my sisters so those bastards can't touch them. I was too late though. They revealed themselves as vampires. And then, they killed everyone. They killed my family."
Kise's clutch on Kuroko's clothes tightened as those memories washed over him. "I don't know why I was spared. Maybe my sisters begged for my life. We left the home we once knew, those vampires taking us with them to somewhere else. I was imprisoned while my sisters tended to the boss. They visited me once in a while and I was glad that nothing bad happened to them aside from drinking their blood.
"The boss wanted to start a business like our ochaya and consulted with my sisters in starting one. But his business wasn't an ordinary one. The ochaya was just a guise and his real business was selling women."
"You mean like human trafficking?" Kuroko whispered, his tone sad and a bit angry.
Kise nodded. "Only women though and they were sold to humans instead of vampires since that coven was hiding from vampires, too. Of course, the boss hired some entertainers to make the business appeared legit with my sisters heading it. He blackmailed them and the workers to work for him. One night, one of my sisters had fallen ill and there was no one to replace her. I offered to take her place. The boss was reluctant at first since I'm a guy but agreed on it. And that's how I got entangled myself in a more terrible mess.
"I thought my life at that point was unbearable but I was wrong. It got more horrible. The boss found out that my sisters were having an affair with their customer. I'm sure you know what happened afterwards." Kise paused and tried to choke back his tears. "I was there. I saw it all. The boss made me watch as a lesson. I was numbed and acted on autopilot after that. I did everything the boss ordered. I let him drink my blood. I trained the entertainers. And sometimes oversee his shady dealings.
"I wasn't feeling anything. I was lifeless. My sisters were the only reason I kept on living under those bastards' rule. And they were gone. Why did I keep living? I tried to take my life once"—Kuroko's hand on his hair froze for a second before resumed running it through Kise's hair—"it ended up badly. The boss found out and threatened to turn me to a vampire if I did it again. I didn't want to be a vampire so I stopped thinking about suicide."
Kise stopped and prepared himself for the next part. "One day, the boss ordered a job for me. Selling women wasn't enough. He wanted more. He tasked me to lure and trap children. They sell a higher price than women apparently. Do you know what I did after that Kurokocchi?"
"No, I don't," Kuroko said but there was dread coating in his voice as if he knew what Kise really did.
Kise closed his eyes. "I did it. I took those children from the street and brought them to the boss. At that time, I didn't feel guilty. I was indifferent and apathetic to their cries and pleas. I was just doing what I was told. I could have helped them or even refused the order altogether but I didn't." Kise breath hitched and he couldn't stop the tears pouring from his eyes. "I did that to them. I took their innocence away. I led them to a life of hell. I got some of them killed. And I did nothing. I let them get sold.
"I thought that would be my life until I died or when the boss decided to kill me. My life veered again to another nightmare. There were vampires hunting that coven under the Council's orders. The boss was afraid of them, really scared. Luck seemed to be on my side at that time as I met the leader of the coven hunting the boss. I told them I was working for the boss and pointed his location.
"Unfortunately, the boss found out that I sold him out and stabbed me with a knife. I was dying but I welcomed it. It was going to finally end. But I was wrong. The boss did that so he could turn me—transforming me into a vampire. He probably did that to hinder the vampires hunting him since an untrained newborn would go on a killing spree. Too bad for him and instead of going out of crazy he gave me what I always wanted to do—power to kill him. So I attacked the boss. He was too surprised to fight back as I drank his blood dry.
"His minions came to help him but he was already gone. I don't really recall much of what happened. It was like a blur. I was just attacking, drinking and getting beat up. Thankfully, the humans fled away from there as I continued to rampage. I only stopped when the hunters came to the scene and forced me to calm down."
Kise wiped the tear stains on his face as Kuroko asked. "Did they help you?"
"Yeah," Kise nodded. "Yeah, they did. I was wary and distrustful of them at first. But the leader—Imayoshi-san—understood what I was going through. I was depressed, traumatized and refused to see anyone but he was stubborn. He explained a lot of things to me. He also helped me to stand up on my own. He also gave me all the money the boss's coven accumulated from the business but I refused. I don't want to do anything with that kind of money. Imayoshi-san insisted though and said that I would need money if I want to continue living.
"Their job there was done and soon they left but Imayoshi-san directed me to a vampire town—hidden from the human's notice—if I had no place to go. I kept it in mind but the first place I thought of going was my hometown. I went there and when I saw the once okiya burned down, I got more discouraged. For years, I traveled to all kinds of places but I always kept to myself. Until one day, I remembered the town Imayoshi-san suggested and went there…"
xXx
Kise felt a little lost.
He didn't know what to do next. He didn't know where to go. He was living his life monotonously, moving in a routine. Colors faded in his surroundings and he had a fleeting thought that he was going blind when all he saw was black and gray and white.
It was all in his mind though.
Maybe he was going crazy.
Maybe he was already insane.
Kise considered killing himself. Not often but it was there. Why should he keep on living when he wasn't really alive or dead? Continuing breathing this paradoxical life? But he couldn't seem to do it. He was scared. He was a coward.
But that was nothing new.
Kise only just wanted for the remorse—grief—shame—regret weighing him down to disappear. (He also wanted to drown in them.) But no matter what he did, they continued to fester in his soul. (He wanted to be eaten alive by it.)
He wasn't wishing for a miracle. All he wanted was for this negativity to leave him. All he wanted was to go back to the time when he was happy. He just wanted to smile again.
And as if answering his prayers, Kise met them.
Kise was wary whenever he sensed a vampire in his vicinity and would try to avoid them. He grew a huge distrust to vampires even if he was one. And it only backed up his belief when he saw vampires being cruel to humans and at times other vampires as well. He turned a blind eye to this. Why would he unnecessary involve himself to something he had no business in? He had enough on his plate.
Until one day, he overhead some vampires beating and tormenting their human pet but that was nothing new. He only stopped when he overhead a bunch of vampires helping the human, quickly defeating the cruel vampires.
Kise was shocked. In this hidden and small vampire town, they minded their own business and tried to minimum the fights as possible. All the vampires in this town were either newborn, nomads or had no coven (and some were probably in hiding). There was no way a vampire here would start a fight and because of a human no less. They must be new here but considering what he heard; Kise knew they weren't newborn or weak either.
Against all odds, Kise was curious. An emotion he hadn't felt in a long while or maybe this was the first positive emotion he had felt since he was turned. And without any conscious thought, Kise spun around and went to where he heard the skirmish.
Kise halted as soon as he passed an abandoned house and blinked at the sight. He saw five vampires dressed in what seemed like a military uniform, its ocean blue color striking in the desolate place. Two of them were tying up some vampires whom Kise guessed were the culprits, plus another one that was interviewing them (or maybe interrogating) and one of them was helping and treating the human. But the one that stood out the most was the black haired man standing in the center, his right hand on his hip while holding a golden pocket watch in the other hand, surveying his team.
And as if sensing Kise's stare, the man turned around and Kise stood frozen in his spot as those steel blue eyes focused on him. "Do you know these guys?" the man asked.
Kise quickly shook his head. He didn't want to be mistaken as an accomplice. "I was just…" he trailed off. "I mean, I came here to see what the commotion was about."
The black haired man regarded him quietly before looking at his companions, silently giving them orders before walked towards Kise. "Are you a resident in this town?"
"I…I've been here for a couple of weeks," was Kise's answer. Who was this man, really? Were they some kind of vampire police or something? They kind of looked like it with the way they dressed.
The black haired man eyed him. "We're not who you think we are," he said as if reading Kise's mind. "But well, we were sent here for a mission. You seem to be a decent guy unlike the others that we met in this town so we're going to ask for your assistance."
Wait, what? Didn't he have a say in this? "Wait, officer—"
"I'm not an officer," the man interrupted. "We're just an ordinary vampire coven. Even so, we came here as a representative of the Council."
Kise's eyes widened in surprise at what the man said. The Council, as in the ruling body of the entire vampire society? "W-What are you doing here?"
The black haired man crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at Kise. "Just like I said, we were delegated here. What's your name anyway?"
"I—My name is Kise Ryouta."
"Nice meeting you then, Kise," the man said and held out a hand for him. "I'm Kasamatsu Yukio, leader of the Kaijou coven."
xXx
Kise was too confused and bewildered that he unwillingly found himself assisting the Kaijou coven in their mission. Apparently, the Council assigned them to put this chaotic town in order. The madness and turmoil this town caused caught the Council's attention and wanted to put a stop to it before it got out of hand. And the Kaijou coven was there to make it happen.
Kise stared at the cup of tea in his hand before looking up at some of the members of the Kaijou coven in front of him. They were in the one of the moderate and fairly cleaned houses this town had to offer specifically the living room. "Sorry, but why am I doing here again?"
The man sitting beside him—Moriyama Yoshitaka as he introduced himself earlier said, "As Kasamatsu said you're going to be our assistant also informant."
"I get that but why me? I mean, I only lived here for a short time so I don't know anything much about this town. I don't think I'm going to be that great of a help. Maybe you should ask someone else."
The vice-leader—Kobori Kouji looked at him in sympathetically. "We're sorry for dragging you here without explanations Kise. But you're probably the only vampire in this town that could help us. We already met the chief of this town but it seemed he doesn't like us nosing in his business even with the Council's decree. And some vampires already hate us in sight. You're the only vampire who wasn't angry at our presence."
Kise understood where Kaijou was coming from. When he first stepped foot in this town, he was wary and could feel the hostile aura surrounding the town. He felt being watched all the time. But he didn't left. He had no place to go. And he didn't dare try living in a human town. He didn't have the courage to do so. "I'm not being pessimistic but are you certain you can reform this town? It will take a lot of hard work to do that, maybe even years."
The last member, Nakamura Shinya, spoke. "What is a couple of years to us vampires? And the Council ordered us to do this, we only have to obey."
Kise quieted at that and only took a distracted sip of his tea. He was glad that this coven wanted his help. It felt nice to be needed. He was getting bored anyway; this was a good way for him to do something. A sort of purpose to his off course life. "Then, I will help you all to the best of my ability," Kise decided, bowing his head. "I'll be in your care from now on."
Moriyama patted his back gently and immediately removed his hand when Kise tensed at the touch. "Likewise, Kise," he said with a hesitant smile. "Why don't you stay here as well? It's best if all of us stick together. Who knows how many sabotages we're going to receive."
Nakamura gave Moriyama a confused look. "Uh, Moriyama, did you forget this place has only three bedrooms? Where would Kise sleep?"
"Kise can sleep in Kasamatsu's room."
Kise choked on his tea and turned to Moriyama beside him in disbelief. It seemed he wasn't the only one shocked judging by the surprise faces of both Kobori and Nakamura. "Are you crazy Moriyama?" Kobori said. "You know Kasamatsu doesn't like sharing a room. And he likes writing paper works in peace."
"Um, thank you for the offer but I think I'll stay at my own place," Kise suggested before Moriyama could respond. "I don't want to impose."
Moriyama looked like he wanted to touch Kise but remembered Kise's reaction a while ago and refrained to do so. "I insist Kise. We hired you as an assistant it's only polite that we offer you accommodations. You can ask Kasamatsu for your share of salary."
Sidetracked, Kise asked. "Wait, I'm going to get paid for this?"
"Of course," Kobori answered. "This is Council work. We'll tell them we hired you and compensate for your effort."
Moriyama clapped his hands. "And that's that. Nakamura, go with Kise to his place to get his things. I'll explain this to Kasamatsu."
Nakamura stared at Moriyama like he was crazy before glancing at Kobori. Kobori gave him a defeated look and nodded his head. "Okay," he agreed and looked at Kise.
Kise wanted to protest but he had a feeling he wouldn't win against Moriyama and just stood up, leaving the house with Nakamura. The way to his place was silent, Kise sensed that Nakamura wasn't really the talkative type but he was curious. "I know I already asked this before," he started. "But what if betray you or something. Maybe I'm untrustworthy."
"By asking that, it only shows how you're a good guy. You seem sincere and trustworthy. Also, Kasamatsu must have sensed something in you. That's why he offered you the job. And I trust my leader's judgment."
Kise had nothing to say to that so he kept quiet. They reached his place which was the lone inn in the town, going upstairs to his room. He noticed how the vampires there were on edge at Nakamura's presence, even the inn proprietor. Since he didn't have that many things on him he was finished packing in no time.
At the glares at his back when they left the inn, Kise was grateful that he was going to stay with the Kaijou coven. He knew he was strong but he couldn't defeat all the vampires in this town if it came to it. They arrived back at the house and Kise blinked in surprise when he heard shouts inside. He glanced at Nakamura in hesitation.
"Kasamatsu and Hayakawa must have come back. And our leader probably found out what his childhood friend had decided," Nakamura answered.
Kise gulped. "I can sleep on a tatami mat, just spare me a blanket. I don't mind. Rather, please let me stay in the living room. Your leader is kind of scary."
"Kasamatsu is nice but you're right, he is scary," was Nakamura's response before motioning Kise to follow him inside the house.
With apprehension, Kise stepped inside the house and trailed after Nakamura. At the living room, he found Moriyama trying hard to breathe from Kasamatsu's chokehold. Kobori watching them like it was the norm. Kise eyed the other member of the Kaijou that he hadn't met yet.
The guy must had sensed Kise's stare as he turned to him. "You mus be Kise Lyouta! 'Ice to mee you! I'm Hayakawa Mitsuhilo!""
Kise could only shake his hand, looking at the others for help. He didn't understand what the guy just said. "Um…"
Kasamatsu thankfully saved him from the awkward moment. "Sorry, that's just the way he talks. You'll get used to it. His name is Hayakawa Mitsuhiro. He's loud as you can see. Just ignore what he says."
"You'le cluer, Captain!" Hayakawa complained.
Kasamatsu rolled his eyes before focusing his attention at Kise. "Well, we're going to be roommates evidently," he said and glared at Kise. "I only have two rules: One, don't disturb me when I'm working unless it's an emergency. And two, keep quiet." Kise could only nod in fear at the vampire leader.
"You're scaring him Kasamatsu. At least be gentle with him," Moriyama commented and only smirked at Kasamatsu's scowl.
Kasamatsu faced Kise and signaled him to come with him. "I'll show you the room."
Kise quickly went after the vampire leader. They went upstairs and to the last room with Kasamatsu sliding the door open. The room wasn't that big but it was enough space for the two of them to sleep. Kise placed down his bag to the side and turned to the cabinet where Kasamatsu pointed at. That must be where the futons were. Unsure on what to do, Kise eyed Kasamatsu.
"Moriyama told you about the mission and your share, right?" Kasamatsu started, leaning against the shoji door as Kise nodded. "Tomorrow you're going to tell me all you know about this town, how the humans are being treated, what the chief is doing for this town and names that are prominent in this place. Also, I'm going to test you a little just to see what you can do. For now, we'll talk about your fee. Kobori said you didn't know that you're getting paid."
At Kise's nod, Kasamatsu continued. "Since this is work for the Council, they'll be giving us allowances for the whole duration of the job and the whole pay when we're done. We'll divide it equally—"
"Wait," Kise interrupted, "you don't need to give me that much. I'm just an assistant. I'm pretty sure all of you are going to do the whole work."
"We are all going to work. You might be a novice when it comes to this but we'll train you. And I'm sure you'll have a part that only you can do. We will split the money evenly," Kasamatsu decided, rebuking any objections. "Any other questions?"
Kise was reluctant to inquire but he did it anyway. "Why are you doing this, just because the Council ordered it? Or is there some other reason?"
"It's hard to refuse any orders the Council gave you. Only powerful selected vampires can do that," Kasamatsu replied. "But the Council won't give us a job that we can't do or those that oppose our principles. The Council gave us this particular mission because they know how my coven hates unjust towns like this. My coven mates came to this type of town and we don't want anyone suffering like we did."
"How heroic," Kise couldn't help his sarcastic remark. At that, he looked fearfully at Kasamatsu. "I—"
"We're not being heroic," Kasamatsu stated. "It's true that what we're doing helped a lot of people, both vampires and humans alike. But we're not doing this out of the goodness of our heart. We're doing this for our own selfish reasons. We just wanted to eradicate vampires similar to the ones that tormented us. Aiding and helping the victims are just a bonus.
"And you're the same aren't you?" Kasamatsu eyed him knowingly. "You're not doing this to assists us or help this town. You have your own reasons. I'm not going to ask. I know it's personal. Despite our own motives, we still agreed to do this job. My coven will see to it that our mission succeeds. Are you with us on this?"
Kise was speechless. Kasamatsu was blunt and straightforward and he knew the vampire leader was serious. "I accept. I will help the Kaijou coven with the mission."
"Good," Kasamatsu nodded and beckoned Kise to go back downstairs. "Let's go. It's time for dinner. I'll answer any other questions you have tomorrow."
Kise could only follow Kasamatsu Yukio.
xXx
Kise had doubts and worries whether they would be able to pull off this difficult and challenging mission. But watching how the Kaijou coven worked it was all for naught though. They were used to this kind of job and knew what to do and Kise could only marvel at how fast and efficient they work.
Only two months passed, and they already found how prevalent the corruption in the chief's administration was. And the strong vampires in the town (who were also leading the humans' oppression) were in league with the chief. Of course, not all vampires sided with the chief, some hate him and how he ran the town and all the humans detested the chief and his croons. The Kaijou coven and Kise rallied them to rebel against the chief and took the power away from its administration.
Kise expected it would be bloody but thankfully it didn't come to that. Another coven—Seihou— sent by the Council came as reinforcement and apprehended the chief and its allies, taking them to the Council for their sentence. Obviously, the work wasn't done even after the chief was gone. There were a lot to do due to the power vacuum.
Kise thought the vampires would be clamoring to take the head position but not many wanted it. And there were no higher-ups left in the last administration that would take lead. Many wanted the Kaijou coven—specifically Kasamatsu to take the rein—but Kasamatsu explained that his coven only helped the town due to Council's orders and would leave once everything was settled.
Some even came for Kise when they found out that he wasn't really a part of Kaijou. It was a good thing that Kise was considered a newborn and knew not one thing about governing that they stopped pestering him.
In the end, the leader of the rebellion got assigned to the position and his partners filling the rest. There was also a new division that would assess the humans living in the town; its head was a human, too to make it more equal. Kasamatsu informed them that the Council would send people from time to time to check up on them until they could function independently.
All in all, everything seemed to be going well. And Kise was happy that he became a part of such a result. In a way, helping and assisting Kaijou in their mission was a good distraction. It was the first time that Kise felt this kind of fulfillment. He never knew that helping so many people would felt this good.
And yet, that only made what Kise did before much more painful. He wished he could atone for what he did. But he could do nothing about it anymore. It had been more than a decade already.
A smack on Kise's head jolted him back to reality. He looked up and found Kasamatsu frowning at him. "Kasamatsu-senpai," he greeted.
After a month of knowing the Kaijou coven, Kise got close to them but he was most especially close to Kasamatsu (probably because they were roommates). They brought out emotions from Kise that he hadn't felt in a long time. But most importantly, they gave him companionship that he didn't know he needed until he met them.
Because of that, Kise decided to call them senpai. The others were surprised when he called them that but they were happy and accepted it. Kasamatsu, at first, refused the term but after Kise continued to call him senpai, he agreed. (Kise knew he could be persuasive though Kasamatsu said it was because he was annoying.)
"What are you spacing out for?" Kasamatsu asked, sitting beside him.
Instead of answering, Kise said. "You're all leaving soon, right?"
"Yeah, our job here is done. Seihou did the preliminary report but we still need to report back to the Council. After that, maybe we'll go on a vacation and who knows what's next in store for us."
"Can I come with you, senpai?" Kise whispered, his eyes hidden behind his bangs.
Kasamatsu was quiet. "You're acting like a kid. You can't just come along with us when you don't have any intention of joining my coven and—"
"But I do want to join your coven!" Kise exclaimed, standing up and looked down at Kasamatsu in desperation. "I don't want to be left behind."
Kasamatsu calmly watched him. "Are you sure you want to join my coven because you want to? Or you want to join because you're clinging to us under false pretenses?" He didn't wait for Kise to respond before adding, "You're a good guy Kise; a little annoying and on equal terms to Hayakawa when it came to loudness but you're a good person. So I'm saying this because I like you—we like you, don't use us to hide from your fears and pain."
"I-I'm not doing…" Kise trailed off. What was the point in defending himself? It was the truth anyway.
Tears spilled from his eyes as he crumpled down on the floor and hid his face behind his arms, crying like a lost child that he was. "But I don't know what to do! It hurts! I want this all this pain to stop but I'm a coward to kill myself. I just want to be happy again. I just want to smile with my family and friends again. But I can't do that anymore! And I'm worst person in the world for sacrificing others for someone like me who's so selfish and worthless!"
Kise didn't hear Kasamatsu calling his name or trying to calm him down as he continued to sob. He only paused in his crying when Kasamatsu gently embraced him. "…Senpai…"
Kise couldn't see him but in the tone of his voice, he knew Kasamatsu was embarrassed at his odd action. "I don't know what to say," said Kasamatsu, "you're not making any sense. But I'm not going to ask. Do you know why I offered you to join in our job?"
Kise was confused at where this was going but it did distract him from his crying. "No, why?"
"Because I saw how lifeless your eyes were. You looked so lonely and lost. You were there, existing, but you weren't living. I never met anyone as miserable as you were—are. And I don't know, I just had this feeling that you needed my help so I came up with that offer." Kasamatsu carried on. "And as I saw you coming out of your shell as the days passed, I knew I made the right decision. You still have a lot to learn Kise. You still have many things that only you can accomplish. Don't waste everything just because you're trapped in your own past."
"Even if you say that, senpai," Kise sniffed, "I still don't know what to do. How can I move forward when the guilt of my past keeps weighing me down?"
Kasamatsu snorted. "Then, carried that burden no matter how heavy it is. Don't keep it in place. Try to atone for your mistakes. It will take a while but I know it will lessen the pain. We live forever Kise. It's too sad to stay rooted in one place bearing that boulder of remorse all alone. Do you want that kind of life Kise?"
When Kise shook his head, Kasamatsu pulled back and stared at him resolutely. "Look, you don't have to tell me or us anything. But whatever you decide, we'll be there. We don't have anything to do after this mission anyway. We'll stay here with you until I deemed that you're okay."
"But what about the Council? Won't they get mad that you're not getting back yet?"
"Screw the Council!" Kasamatsu snapped. And then thinking it through he added, "Okay, maybe not. I'll take care of it. I'll just write my report and asked a messenger to send it to them. I'll take any scolding afterwards."
Kise couldn't help the small smile on his lips. "Thank you, Kasamatsu-senpai."
xXx
After thinking it through, Kise finally decided on his next step. Kise told a little bit of his past to the Kaijou coven. It was hard but since they were helping him, it was only right that they know. They gaped at him in disbelief after telling them his plans.
"You know, when I said atone for your mistakes, I didn't mean it in the literal sense, you idiot!" Kasamatsu yelled, kicking Kise. "So you're going to look for those children, waltz in in their home and asked for forgiveness, did I get that right?"
Although scared, Kise nodded. He could only brace himself as Kasamatsu kicked him again and smacked him on the head. "Then, what does Kasamatsu-senpai think I should do? It's the only thing I can think of."
"Is it the only thing you can do?" Moriyama interjected. "From your story, those children were sold to human buyers, right? No vampires were included in those transactions."
"Yes, they were concealing their identities since they were hiding from some vampires," Kise answered. He was confused when all of them glanced at each other in a silent conversation. "What is it?"
Kobori pushed a cup of tea in Kise's direction. "Did you hear the names of those vampires? Or even an alias?"
"No, the boss was very cautious in not mentioning names. All I know was that they were hunting for the boss and have close ties to the Council. But I—"
"ISN'T THA THE TE—" Nakamura tripped Hayakawa before he could finish his loud outburst. "Wha was tha fo' Nakamula!"
Before Kise could tell them that he actually knew Imayoshi and his coven, Kasamatsu called his attention. "What was the name of the coven that imprisoned you? I can call some favors to the Council or some people to make our search easier."
"They called themselves the Hana coven," Kise disclosed. "But I don't know if that's their real name. It's not a really good one if you ask me."
While the others were puzzled at the name, Nakamura looked thoughtful. "Hana…Flowers…" he murmured. "The Flowers perhaps represents the women which must be the reason why they took that name. But we vampires are prideful and the name of our coven is our pride, we won't just erase or change it regardless of any reason. So their real name must be close to flowers or women. Were there any flowers common from that place Kise?"
"Well, there were a lot of various flowers in the garden like roses, lilies, camellias; there were also red spider lilies. Ah, but I overheard the boss liked cactus flowers the best."
"That's it! It's the Sayuri coven!" Moriyama pointed at him. "Orange lilies mean revenge or hatred."
Kise blinked. "I thoughts it's the Cactus flower. It's more relatable since its meaning is Lust and Sex."
Kobori explained that the boss of the Sayuri coven had a human lover who betrayed him and sold herself to someone richer. The boss didn't like the cactus flower; he hated it and kept it close to remind him of her betrayal. He formed the Sayuri coven to get revenge to all women especially prostitutes and some vampires joined him in his warped purpose.
Kasamatsu added that he could get the records of that coven in the Council's archives even the names of the sold children. But they were going to do their own research on their whereabouts. Kise was really grateful the Kaijou coven was there. He wouldn't be able to do this much if it weren't for them.
After getting the records from the Council, they set off to work. It took a lot of time and resources but they managed to find all of them. Unfortunately, of those thirty kids, ten of them were killed; six were missing and couldn't be found and two others that were out of the country. That only left twelve kids that Kise needed to visit. (He would later visit the other two.)
Kise first went to the ten kids that he failed. He could only offer for their souls to rest in peace and the knowledge that were now safe in the heavens. He liked to think that the gusts of wind and soft breezes after his prayers were them absolving him of his sins. He also went to a shrine, praying and wishing for the missing ones for their safety and their souls. (Kise would later found some of them and laid their bodies to rest.)
Even with the Kaijou's help, Kise requested that he would visit those kids alone and asked them to leave him on his own until he was finished with his quest. Kaijou understood and left him to his devices. Kasamatsu reminded Kise that they would stay closer to him just in case he needed them.
Kise's visit to the first kid—now a grown woman—was an utter disaster. As soon as she saw him, she gave an ear-splitting scream that attracted her husband's attention and shouted for him to leave. Kise didn't give up and visited for days and days until the woman begged him to leave her in peace. Kise asked for forgiveness but the woman only looked at him in sympathy and left him on the road.
And that was when Kise knew it wouldn't be easy. Still, he never gave in. He found out that the woman's child was sick and dying but they couldn't afford the medicine. Kise sought the best healer and bought the medicine for the child. He chose to leave it at their door since he knew his kindness was unwanted. Up on a tree branch, Kise watched as the father saw the medicine and gave it to his son. He was surprised when the woman saw him and tried to flee until the woman gave him a nod of appreciation. And Kise knew that everything was going to be fine.
The second and third children were more or less the same, they didn't forgive him but Kise tried to help as best as he could in their problems. Just their acceptance and gratitude in helping them was enough for him.
The fourth kid was probably the hardest for Kise. Unlike the others, the kid was a boy but due to his looks his parents sold him to the red light district. The same situation with Kise except the boy had no one to rely on. If the others cried in fright at the sight of Kise, the boy—a grown and respected man now—punched his face hard.
"What are you doing here?" the boy—no, Saitou gritted out. "Wasn't I enough? Are you here for my siblings, too?!"
Kise slowly sat up and kneeled in front of Saitou, lowering his head to the ground. "No, I…I'm here to seek forgiveness. I know I could never repay for what I did to you—to all of you. I know that I brought you to hell and made you suffer. But even so, I am here shamelessly asking for forgiveness, atoning for my sins."
Kise took the kick to his head and endured as Saitou dug his feet onto his head. "You think that will make me forgive you? You're just doing this because you couldn't live with the guilt! And now, you're here asking for forgiveness so your conscience will be clean?! Don't kid with me! Saying sorry means nothing to me! It won't turn back time. It won't erase all the hardships I've experienced! It won't take back what I lost!"
"I know that. I know that what I'm doing is entirely selfish and that I couldn't be able to get rid of your fears and pain but…" Kise sobbed. "But even so, let me atone for what I did. Let me make it right."
Kise only heard silence as Saitou removed his foot from his head and heard footsteps leaving him kneeling on the ground. He looked up and saw Saitou walked away without a backward glance. Despite the hatred Saitou was showing, Kise diligently and persistently came to Saitou's house and waited for him to talk again.
However, it was no use. Saitou ignored his existence and acted like Kise wasn't there. Kise thought of helping Saitou in anything but it seemed Saitou didn't need his help. He was successful in his business and from what Kise heard; he was courting a daughter from a samurai family. There was nothing for Kise to do for him. Saitou's life was going well and Kise's presence was beginning to be a nuisance to him.
For the last time Kise tried to talk to Saitou again but it ended in a disaster as Saitou snapped in anger. He grabbed an abandoned pike on the ground and angrily speared it through Kise's chest. Kise knew it was coming but he was too shocked to evade it and took the hit head-on.
Stunned, Saitou stared at Kise as he shakily released the pike embedded in Kise's chest. Kise knew that when those kids saw him again, appearing the same as he was before, they would know that he wasn't entirely human but the other four from before seemed to disregard this as their trauma overcame them. But this incident determined that Kise wasn't human to Saitou.
Saitou could only watched him in horror as Kise slowly and painfully removed the pike from his chest and threw it aside. Kise placed a hand on his bloody chest, fully aware how his wound was healing fast. He turned to Saitou and seeing his frightened face, he knew the forgiveness Kise yearned for wouldn't be given to him.
Still, Kise repented once last time and bowed at Saitou before sluggishly retreated, leaving a bloody trail in his wake. He knew he wouldn't be welcome there anymore. He let out a weak and pathetic laugh. It seemed he only added another trauma to Saitou instead of amending his mistakes.
After what happened with Saitou, Kise's heart to took a deep dive and he was having second thoughts. He discouragingly went to the fifth child and when the woman saw him, Kise braced for the cries, slaps and insults but he was shocked when the woman smiled and invited him inside her house. Before Kise could begin his purpose there, the woman told him her tale.
Her name was Marika and the one who bought her was her biological father. She thought she was orphaned when Kise found her and took her to the brothel. But her mother fled away while pregnant with her without the man's knowledge. Her father looked for her until he found her in the brothel and raised her. Her father recently died a week ago but she was happy that they got to meet and lived with him.
Kise was happy for her as he could see the fulfillment in her expression. Marika asked if he was there for her and when Kise told him why, she easily forgave him. Kise couldn't believe that it was that easy. So easy that it made Kise cried in relief.
But all Marika said was, "Kise-san, not all of us—our lives—ventured to a terrible and painful path. Believe it or not, you helped some of us to have a good future. For me, there is nothing to forgive. What I can give you is my gratitude. So thank you Kise-san."
That totally made Kise bawled out loud to Marika's astonishment and tried to calm him down. Evidently, she knew the seventh and eight kid personally and pointed him their locations (unaware that Kise already knew about it). But meeting Marika really helped him. It gave Kise hope again.
At Marika's insistence, Kise visited them first and just like with Marika they thanked him (and shocked that he cried). They told him that the one who bought them treated them as their own children and gave them a good life. Kise thanked them for seeing him and wished them well before leaving.
The sixth was the same as Saitou and refused to see or talk to him. Kise took the insults she yelled at him. She told him that she would never forgive him. Kise couldn't do anything that could help her and left with a bitter taste in his mouth. Kise swore to try again in the future.
The ninth child was harrowing for Kise. It turned out she was dying and when he visited, she couldn't remember him. Except for that one time she was lucid and said that Kise was her blond angel. He didn't know if she was talking about him or mistook him for someone else. In the end, Kise stayed and told her he was sorry on her deathbed every single day. Before she took her last breath, she acknowledged Kise's repentance by squeezing his hand and smiled at him.
The tenth and eleventh drove him away but Kise persevered until they gave in and talked to him. They didn't forgive him that easily but Kise persuaded them and offered his help to anything. He helped the ninth woman marry in a samurai family and only then did she forgive him. (She was also surprised that Kise really did what she told him and wished him the best of luck at his quest.)
The tenth woman wanted to start a new business and Kise invested his money on her without a second thought. She was amazed that Kise simply gave her the money and promised to make her business successful. (Her business was successful and became known as one of the popular ochaya with Kise's tips.)
The eleventh child unfortunately died two days before Kise arrived at her house. Her husband took him to her grave and Kise could only wished she was well wherever she was. Kise insisted on helping the husband and his two children. In turn, they showed him what a family was even without a mother and Kise enjoyed his short time there the best.
The last child was a tad difficult to find since she lived in a very secluded place. Kise braced himself as he knocked on the cottage door. He didn't know what to expect so he heaved a sigh of relief when she welcomed him to her house. She—Mina—seemed to know why Kise was there and asked a favor in return for her vindication. Even confused, Kise agreed at her request.
Mina's request wasn't difficult and only wanted his help in tending her vegetable garden at her backyard. Kise stayed at her small house for a week until Mina finally accepted his expression of regret. Kise was puzzled why Mina let him off the hook that effortlessly. Mina explained that holding on to her anger and bitterness led her to destroying her family and left her alone. To move forward, she learned to forgive and let go and she knew that Kise was doing the same thing. And Mina gave Kise what they both needed and wanted to have peace in their lives.
Kise chose to hang around Mina's place for a few more days to keep her company which Mina seemed to appreciate. At his departure, Mina thanked him and wished him well. Kise smiled at her before turning around and left the place. A sense of accomplishment filled him as his quest was now finished. (Only for now, there were some loose ends left after all.)
It was time to for Kise to meet up with the Kaijou coven again.
xXx
Kise and the Kaijou coven exchanged letters while separated and in his Kise's last letter he told them he was done and would visit them at their place.
One year. A year had passed since Kise last saw them. And that year was grueling for Kise but it really helped in moving on with his life and accepted his sins and mistakes. Kaijou really helped in cheering him up and pushing him whenever he was depressed or felt like surrendering.
The warm welcome Kise received when he arrived made him teary-eyed. It really felt like he was coming home to a family. Kise told them everything in his letters so they didn't ask him for more details. Instead, Moriyama regaled him stories in his absence with Hayakawa's (gibberish) input and Kobori and Nakamura straightening and clearing their exaggerated stories. Kasamatsu only asked if he was okay and provided a safe and steady support.
Kise was really grateful to Kasamatsu and the Kaijou coven. They gave him a reason to move forward instead of just wandering alone, lost in his own guilt and shame. Kasamatsu didn't outright say it but he knew the offer to join their coven was in the table. He owed them so much that he wouldn't mind.
But…
But there was something that kept holding him back. Kise didn't know what it was. Spending a lot of time with them, he knew joining the Kaijou would do him good. However, he wanted more. More of what, he didn't know. Joining Kasamatsu and the others would be easy. But would it be enough to make him stay?
Kise didn't know how to articulate his thoughts. How could he explain it when he couldn't even grasp at what he was feeling? He didn't even know if he was making any sense or if his thoughts were just a jumbled mess. He was confused but Kasamatsu seemed to be able to read his mind like usual.
Kise gave a wince when Kasamatsu jammed his rib and Kise rubbed it as he looked at Kasamatsu. "Kasamatsu-senpai, I haven't done anything yet!"
"An idiot like you shouldn't think too much," Kasamatsu said as he crossed his arms. "You don't have to force yourself if you really don't want to. We'll respect your decision if you're not going to join us. A coven is like a family and I know you treat us as one but we're not the family you're looking for. You'll find a coven—a family that will make you feel like you belong with them."
Kise stared at Kasamatsu and tried to blink away the tears gathering in his eyes. He couldn't hold back the tears when Moriyama and Kobori comforted him. Kise let out a choked laughter at Hayakawa's incomprehensible shouts of encouragement but he did get the sense of it. Nakamura gave him a silent reassurance and Kise was glad for it.
And lastly, Kasamatsu lightly smacked Kise upside the head. "Stop crying, you idiot! It's not like this is goodbye and that we're not going to see each other again. You can contact us anytime and whenever we have the chance, we can visit each other. So wipe off that snot, you brat!"
"Okay," Kise sniffed and rubbed the tears off his eyes with his sleeves. Kasamatsu was right, even if they were not the family he was looking for; the Kaijou coven was still the family that found him and accepted him. He was really glad and thankful that he met them.
Kise smiled at the Kaijou coven. "Till we meet again, senpai-tachi."
xXx
Kuroko didn't know what to say.
Kise was so quiet that Kuroko fleetingly thought he was asleep but quickly disregarded it when Kise kept clenching and unclenching the fabric of Kuroko's shirt. He didn't know that Kise carried this heavy burden within him. He understood that everyone in this coven had a terrible past but hearing Kise's story, he felt like crying. How Kise could smile, laugh and cheer everyone up when he harbored this sorrow and regret, Kuroko didn't know.
"You must hate me now," Kise whispered too quietly that Kuroko had to strain his ears to hear it.
Kuroko looked down at Kise and cupped his face, preventing Kise from hiding his face. "Do you want me to hate you?" he asked, a little angry. "Is that why you told me your story so that I have a reason to push you away?"
"No, no, no," Kise repeated, shaking his head. "That's not why—"
"Then, what are you trying to say? It looks like you're not aware of it but subconsciously you were doing that."
Kise closed his eyes. "I don't…"
"You want me to forgive you. You're asking me to free you from your sins. That's it, isn't it?" Kuroko realized after thinking it through. "Kise-kun it's not that easy. I'm not the one you should ask for forgiveness."
"I know," Kise mumbled. "I know that, Kurokocchi. Akashicchi said the same thing, that I shouldn't ask absolution from you. But I don't know. It feels like you're the only person who can help me."
Kuroko didn't expect this. He thought Kise only wanted a sympathetic ear to listen but it seemed like that wasn't the case.
"Akashi-kun was right, Kise-kun," Kuroko started as he moved backward, giving enough space for both of them and took Kise's hands in his, looking Kise straight in the eyes to let him know how serious Kuroko was.
"You can't ask me to absolve you of your sins, Kise-kun. Because I'm not the person who can give you the forgiveness you need. You already repented on what you did and up to now you're still trying to atone for it. You told me yourself, some had forgiven you, some were angry but you can't blame them for that, and there were those rare people that were thankful for what you did. It's all in the past now, Kise-kun. You've acknowledged and regretted what you did. And now, you've paid the price.
"So Kise-kun, don't you think it's time to forgive yourself? To give yourself a chance to be happy? To live life—your immortal life without this pain and remorse? You're always trying to please everyone, to make them happy. But, Kise-kun, for once in your life, why don't you try making yourself happy?" Kuroko stretched out a hand to Kise's face, wiping the trails of tears staining his cheeks with his thumb. "After everything, I think Kise-kun deserves it."
Kuroko let out a satisfied smile when Kise nodded through all his crying. It wasn't much but at least he got through Kise and hopefully he would take it to heart. Kuroko was a bit startled when Kise started weeping loudly and automatically hugged Kise to his arms again. He was grateful that the coven left the two of them alone—either they were ignoring Kise's cries to give him privacy or Akashi forbade them in barging and kicking the library door open—since Kise wouldn't like it if they saw him like this.
"Do you really think I deserve to be happy?" Kise sniffled.
"Of course, I do," Kuroko murmured, running his finger through Kise's hair. "Just because you made mistakes, doesn't mean you don't deserve a second chance. People makes mistakes, it doesn't matter if you're vampire or human. We learn from it and try to avoid repeating it again."
Kise pulled away from Kuroko's embrace as he wiped away the tears in his eyes and gave a sheepish smile when Kuroko handed him a handkerchief to blow his nose. "A second chance, huh?" he said. "I wonder when that will be."
Kuroko jabbed Kise in the ribs though he did it with a small smile on his lips. He ignored Kise's whines. "What are you talking about Kise-kun? You already got your second chance. You're happy living here with the coven, aren't you?"
Kise stared at Kuroko with a stupefied expression on his face before letting out a hearty laugh. "I didn't think of that before. But, yeah, you're right Kurokocchi. I already got my second chance when I met Kasamatsu-senpai and the Kaijou coven. I got my third chance when I met Aominecchi. And my fourth chance when I joined Akashicchi's coven. And my fifth chance when I met you, Kurokocchi."
Kuroko bit his bottom lip to stifle the laugh threatening to come out. "That's a lot of chances Kise-kun," he said and patted Kise on the head. "And see, that's five good things that happened to you. Compared to the bad things, it's a lot more, isn't it?"
"Yeah," Kise agreed, his face turned to relax and soft one with a gentle smile splayed on his lips. He fondly regarded Kuroko and clasped his hands, squeezing them warmly. "Thank you, Kurokocchi. I'm really, really glad I met you."
Kuroko couldn't help but returned Kise's genuine, sweet smile. "I'm glad to have met you and everyone else, too, Kise-kun." Kuroko squeezed Kise's hand before releasing them and stood up. "Thank you for letting me hear your story, Kise-kun."
"Eh?" Kise's eyes widened in surprise and hastily grabbed Kuroko's arm before he could take a step forward. "Wait, Kurokocchi! I'm not done with my story yet!"
Kuroko tilted his head to the side. "You're not?"
"I haven't told you how I met Aominecchi and joined the coven yet!" Kise complained.
"Oh, right."
"What a lackluster reaction!"
Kuroko sat beside Kise again and faced him. "If I remember correctly, you said before that you met Aomine-kun first and then Akashi-kun before joining the coven, right?"
"Yup!" Kise nodded.
xXx
Kise didn't know if it was an accident, coincidence or fate at work.
The first time Kise met Aomine was chaotic to say the least. It was only a chance encounter. Kise was merely taking a stroll when he heard a muffled scream and crying in an abandoned alleyway. Normal people wouldn't be able to hear it but due to his keen hearing as a vampire that instantly took his notice. He dashed towards there and saw a group of thugs surrounding a woman, one of them holding her down while another one was forcefully disrobing her kimono.
Wasting no time, Kise rushed over the men and punched one guy. He was surprised when he heard a commotion at his side and saw one of the thugs crashed to the wall. He shifted his gaze to another newcomer and blinked at the tall man with tan skin and an unusual dark blue hair. When the man turned to him, Kise shivered at the cold gaze in his cobalt blue eyes and finally discerned that the man wasn't a normal human but also a vampire like him; and judging by the man's aura, a really strong one at that.
Their staring contest came to a standstill when the rest of the thugs came over their shock and attacked them. Kise didn't know if it was instinct or what but he believed that the other vampire would watch his back and concentrated on fighting those that came to him head on. The fight didn't last that long which was given and Kise focused on the woman, who was crouching on the corner while tightly clutching the front of her kimono, her whole body shivering in fear and distress.
"Are you alright?" Kise asked and instantly wanted to take it back because obviously she wasn't. He cautiously went near her and was relieved when the woman took the hand he held out, helping her stand up. "Are you in pain? Did any of them hurt you?"
The woman slowly shook her head, her fingers trembling in Kise's hand. "We should report this to the police," he suggested but the woman panicked more and was silent as if hesitating.
"They're not part of the yakuza."
Both Kise and the woman whirled at dark blue head, who was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. "What do you mean?" Kise asked.
"Everyone in this village seems to be scared of these thugs," the vampire answered, nudging an unconscious body near him with his foot. "They're prevailing fear over the people by showing their tattoos and calling themselves yakuza."
Kise tipped his head to the side. "And they're not? Are you saying their fakes?"
"What do you think?" the vampire said and scuffed his shoe on the naked back of the thug specifically the tattoo and Kise's eyes widened when the dragon tattoo design smudged at the action. "These inks can be washed away and a real yakuza worth his salt wouldn't show his tattoo in public. These bastards are stupid, that's all they are. As for the police, once you tell them that the money they received from these guys is fraud, they won't waste time in taking these bastards behind bars."
Kise carefully regarded the other vampire. "You sure know a lot about them. How can we be sure that you're telling the truth?"
"It's up to you whether to believe me or not," the vampire shrugged his shoulders in nonchalance. "I'm only saying it so you can report these bastards to the police without fearing for any consequences. Anyway, my job here is done. Good luck explaining it, blondie."
Kise spluttered and called the vampire to wait but he only gave him a wave without looking back and exited out of the alleyway. Kise would like to follow the vampire but he looked down at the woman still grasping his hand and seeing the hope in her brown eyes, he sighed and decided to accompany her to the police after tying up the yakuza wannabes.
With the case of the fake yakuza over accounted for and accepting a simple thank you gift from the family of the girl he saved, Kise mulled over at the dark blue haired vampire. This was the first time he'd met a vampire as strong as him. Kasamatsu and the rest weren't clearly a match to the other vampire. For some reason, he wanted to see that vampire again to see if he was strong as Kise thought. But he didn't know the vampire's name or where he was staying at so Kise couldn't exactly look for him. Then again, the vampire's appearance was conspicuous enough so it wasn't that hard to search for him. Kise would find him sooner or later.
With that in mind, he detoured to a teahouse and once seated ordered for his usual which was Japanese sweets. As Kise waited for his food and was thinking of going to a night festival hosted in a nearby town, he noted a man seating alone near his table and was reading a book. But what caught his attention was the other's hair and eyes behind a frame of glasses that were both the color of green forest. It seemed the man noticed Kise's stare as he gave Kise a glare after paying his bill and left the teahouse.
It took Kise a moment before he figured out why his curiosity was peaked; it was because the green haired man was also a vampire. Meeting two vampires in a row in a small town like this was really odd and both of them even have strange hair and eye color. (Not like he could talk since he was blond but at least it was more a common shade than the two vampires'.) Was there a coven in this area and the two vampires its members? Or were they visiting and weren't even connected to each other?
Well, whatever. All this thinking was making his head spin and made him hungrier.
The second time Kise met the blue haired vampire was more or less the same as their first encounter. Kise blinked in confusion when a fist was beside his when he punched a runaway thief in the face. He turned to his side and found the blue head scowling at the now unconscious thief before looking at Kise. "You again?" the vampire grumbled but before Kise could say something, they heard the patrolling police yelling.
The vampire immediately took off upon seeing the police and Kise was left in torn to stay and explain or follow the blue head. Ah, whatever! Kise thought as he quickly dashed after the vampire. There were stragglers there watching that could explain what happened anyway. For now, what was more important was to know more about that vampire. "Hey, wait!" Kise yelled and when the vampire looked back to find him running after him, he hurried his pace. "Stop running away!"
"Then, stop following me! What are you, a stalker?!" the vampire complained as he took a right to an alleyway.
"I am not!" Kise shouted back although what he was doing now constituted as to one. "I just wanted to talk to you!"
The blue haired vampire didn't respond as he instantly stopped and turned around to face Kise. Kise slowed his pace down only to quickly duck down and rolled away when the vampire tried to lay a punch on him. "Wh-What are you doing?!" Kise asked in bewilderment as he gaped at the vampire.
The blue head straightened up. "You said you wanted to talk."
"Since when did talking meant attacking someone?!" Kise protested and only spluttered when the vampire just shrugged. Kise instantly evaded a kick to his head as he hastily stood up, holding up his hands in the air. "Would you just wait for one second? I'm only here to talk!"
The vampire scrutinized him and seemed to sense Kise's sincerity as he sighed and pocketed his hands. "Fine, then talk," he lazily ordered.
"Um," Kise faltered. He didn't expect for the vampire to easily believe him (although he really was hoping for that since he didn't want to be beaten to a pulp). "Can we talk somewhere nicer than an alley? There's a good teahouse near here." He added the last part when the vampire seemed to hesitate.
"Lead the way then," the blue head said and then Kise had a sudden feeling of regret pooling in his stomach.
xXx
"This is the best, Kise!" Aomine cheered and Kise let out a shaky smile as Aomine slung an arm around his shoulder, staring at the women serving and entertaining them.
Kise was right that he was going to regret in his offer as he absurdly watched Aomine openly flirt with all the women. The tense meeting earlier in the alleyway sure evaporated quickly as if it didn't happen. They were supposed to go to an ordinary teahouse but Aomine spotted a well-endowed geisha and, like a moth to a flame, followed her despite Kise's protests.
Aomine's attitude turned a one-eighty degree when he found out that Kise was known in the ochaya where the geisha they followed worked for. Aomine then treated him like a long lost best friend before pouring all of his attention to the ladies. Of course, Kise introduced himself which Aomine reciprocated though he looked a bit shocked when Kise was all blasé through it all. He wondered about that. Was there something Kise was supposed to know?
Aomine shook off his shock and nudged Kise to talk how he knew the geishas. Seeing Aomine relaxed and didn't seem to have any thoughts of attacking him again, Kise told him that he was a regular costumer and knew the inn proprietess or okaa-san personally. Aomine gave him a leer smile and Kise knew that Aomine thought it was a lover. (Kise would never tell Aomine that she was one of the kids from before and one of the few who forgave him.)
"So," Aomine started as he took a small sip of his sake and listened to the soft melody coming from the shamisen, "what do you want to talk to me about anyway? Did someone send you to fetch me for some work?"
Kise shook his head. "No, you're the strongest va—I mean, person I've met so I was thinking of inviting you for a spar. And you seemed interesting so I wanted to know you more and become friends!" he answered and leaned closer to Aomine. "And what do you mean 'fetch you for work'? What do you do anyway?"
"You're too close, idiot," Aomine said, pushing Kise's face away with his hand. "And I'm some kind of a…bodyguard?"
Kise pouted. "You don't sound sure."
They both quieted when a woman came in, ushering the others to leave and after serving them more food and drinks. Aomine raised an eyebrow at him when the woman smiled a knowing smile at Kise before leaving the two of them alone. "I assume that's your lover?"
Kise glanced at the closed door before facing Aomine. "No, she isn't my lover. She's the okaa-san's granddaughter and she knows about me." Aomine got what he meant and looked at Kise with unreadable eyes. "Don't worry, she won't say anything. I trust her to keep quiet about this."
They both sipped their sake with comfortable silence filling the room. Kise placed his ochoko down as he eyed Aomine, who was staring outside the window. "Dusk is here," Aomine broke the stillness. "Won't they start working soon?"
"It's fine. I'm one of their patrons, they won't kick us out."
Aomine faced Kise, his face serious and his jovial aura from before gone. Kise tensely stilled in response as if Aomine's stare kept him immobile. "You said you wanted us to be friends and for me to be your sparring partner. But is that all there is to it? You're not hiding anything?"
"Yes, that's what I want. And no, I'm not hiding anything suspicious," Kise answered as truthfully as he could. Sure, he was hiding a lot of things but those had nothing to do with Aomine. He wasn't surprise by Aomine's skepticism either. Kise understood why.
Leaning forward, Aomine eyed him for a long while that Kise started to shift in his seat uneasily. "Okay, fine, we'll be friends," Aomine decided as he backed away, finishing his cup. He gave Kise a wild grin. "But first, show me what you got Kise."
Kise only understood what Aomine meant when he was taken to a barren land, a few ways off from town. "Aomine-kun—Ow!" Kise rubbed his forehead that Aomine flicked. "What was that for?!"
"You're an idiot," Aomine stated, his arms crossed over his chest. He ignored Kise's whines. "Why the hell did you follow me like a puppy without asking any questions?"
Kise kept his hands on his forehead protectively. "But you said to follow you."
Aomine sighed, shaking his head. "Just because I agreed that we're friends, doesn't mean that you can just blindingly believe what I say. What if I only agreed to gain your trust and kill you afterwards, huh? We vampires don't easily make friends. We make enemies."
"I'm not naïve as you think," Kise disputed. "I know when I'm being deceived or when someone has a hidden motive. I didn't feel that with you so I believed you. And considering what you're doing right now, you just proved what I say is true. You're a good guy, Aomine-kun."
Aomine looked surprised for a second before turning his face another way, probably to hide his embarrassment. "Whatever," he said. "Anyway, if you want me to be your sparring partner then try to at least amuse me, Kise."
It was only due to Kise's fast reflexes that he dodged Aomine's sudden punch and then kicks. "Woah, woah! Wait, just a minute Aomine-kun!" he cried. Aomine chose to ignore him though and continued his relentless attacks.
Kise knew there was no stopping Aomine judging by the sharp glint in his navy blue eyes. But Aomine was too fast for Kise to catch up and he could only evade as best as he could. However, he couldn't find a good time to counterattack Aomine.
Think Ryouta! Think! Kise thought in panic. Defeating him is out of the question. He's too strong for me to handle. Aomine-kun is using this to test you. You just have to show him what you're capable of. But how?
And as if answering his prayers, he saw a fallen log in his peripheral vision. Kise quickly dived to the left, narrowly avoiding Aomine's strike. His first thought was to use the fallen log and swing it at Aomine but he had no time for that. He knew Aomine would quickly snap it to pieces or sidestep it. So Kise chose the nest best thing.
Kise somersaulted over the log and instantly gave the log a hard kick to Aomine's direction. Aomine's eyes widened in surprise but promptly ducked down. Kise used the chance and came on to Aomine, his leg poised for a kick. But he was shocked when Aomine grabbed his leg and threw him to the ground. Kise grunted at the impact but refusing to lose that easily, he seized Aomine's arm on his leg and hurled Aomine overhead.
Kise leaped back on his feet and brought his hands above him, catching Aomine's swift punch. But that left his stomach open which Aomine used and kicked him in the gut. Kise sailed but he flipped his body mid-air and used his hands to clutch on the ground, stopping his momentum. Crouching on the ground, he tensed when Aomine walked towards him.
"Stop," Aomine ordered and Kise immediately relaxed his body. He slowly stood up, dusting off the dirt in his clothes to no avail apparently. He looked like he rolled in the mud while Aomine was still spotless like before.
Aomine eyed him from head to toe. "You okay?"
"Yeah," Kise answered and then pouted. "But you could have warned me or something. Now look at me! My clothes are dirty!"
Aomine rolled his eyes. "It's just clothes. You can buy new ones."
Kise continued to pout but a grin burst out of his face. "So, did I pass? Are you going to be my sparring partner?" Aomine didn't answer him though and just spun around, returning to where they came from. Kise hurriedly caught up to Aomine. "Wait, Aomine-kun! You haven't answered my question yet!"
"Tomorrow. Here," was the only thing Aomine said.
Kise couldn't help the wide grin stretching on his face.
"So you can act shy, too Aomine-kun!"
"Shut up, idiot! I don't!"
xXx
"Aominecchi!" Kise called, waving his hand wildly in the air.
Since all they've been doing these past few days was to fight and spar, Kise thought of an idea to take break and a good way to do that was to tour around the town. He was glad Aomine accepted his invitation (after a lot of pleading and begging, of course). Kise was always a social butterfly and with his outgoing personality, he liked to be surrounded with friends. But that wasn't easy after he turned into a vampire and his last genuine social interaction was with the Kaijou coven. So he was thankful that he had Aomine now.
Aomine stopped before him and unceremoniously flicked his nose. "That hurt!" Kise cried, holding his nose carefully. "Why did you do that?!"
"Sorry, I thought you called me with a sickening and horrible nickname," Aomine drawled out, picking his ear with his finger.
Kise was torn in glaring at Aomine or scrunching his face in disgust at what Aomine was doing. "It's not sickening or horrible. I think it's cute."
"What are you, a girl?"
"I don't care what you think. I'm still calling you Aominecchi. And that's final," Kise decisively said with a small pout and disregarded Aomine's protests while evading his playful jabs. He quickly distracted Aomine by leading him to Kise's favorite restaurant and their specialty of grilled meat. If there were things that could sidetrack Aomine it was women (especially with big bosom) and food particularly meat.
Kise would make the best out this day regardless of Aomine's protests and complains.
"When you said tour around town, you really weren't joking," Aomine grumbled as he took an angry bite of his dango after Kise hauled him to different shops, tourist spots, the market place and other places. And now, they were sitting in front of a dango shop that was recommended by the locals to Kise.
Kise glanced at Aomine and winced at the plate of increasing pile of dango sticks at Aomine's side. "Of course, what did you think I meant? It's my first time here in this town and it's more fun sightseeing with someone. Isn't it Aominecchi's first time visiting this place, too?"
"Yeah, it is my first time. But I thought we'll just visit some places and then we'll spar. I didn't expect we'd tour around for the whole day!"
Kise poked a finger at Aomine's cheek. "But admit it. You had fun, didn't you?"
Aomine slapped Kise's finger away from his face. "I won't call being dragged around town fun!"
"But that's what friends do," said Kise with a teasing smile on his lips.
Aomine rolled his eyes as he went back to his dango and ate it in frustration. "I lied when I said I'll be your friend."
"Whatever you say, Aominecchi." Kise disregarded Aomine's withering glare as he took a sip of his tea.
It looked like Aomine wanted to bury his frustration by eating up all the dango the shop has to offer so Kise diverted his attention to another thing that Aomine liked—and that was weapons. Kise met a blacksmith on his first day in town and helped him. He promised to go to blacksmith's workplace when he had the chance and what a good time to go especially with someone who seemed pretty versed in weaponries.
As they passed the busy road with Kise filling the silence with his talks, they noticed the people making way and up ahead they saw a group of thugs walking down the street like they owned it. Kise knew these types of people, it was best if he ignored them. They only brought chaos and unwanted mess. And he didn't want to get caught up in that.
Kise was just about to veer off to the side but stopped when Aomine met the thugs head on. He could only watch in twisted fascination as Aomine deliberately bumped to one of the thugs. Aomine must have knocked him hard as the thug fell down on his butt.
"The hell!" the thug shouted and glared up at Aomine. "Watch where you're going, dumbass! Don't you know who we are! Apologize, you bastard!"
Unfazed, Aomine slipped his hands in his pockets and stared down the thug like he was beneath his feet (knowing Aomine it wasn't that far off in Kise's opinion). "Why the hell would I apologize? You're the one crowding the street. Maybe you should watch where you're going. I-di-ot."
"You bastard," one of the thug's friends hissed, cracking his knuckles as he readied for a fight. The others behind him were doing the same. "You're going to eat your words once I'm through with you."
Aomine grinned predatorily. "Bring it on, baldy," he goaded. "Don't try to disappoint me too much."
"Stop, stop!" Kise intervened, stepping in front of Aomine with his arms spread. He didn't want to get involved but someone had to stop Aomine's craziness.
"Kise get out of the way!" Aomine griped.
The bald thug seemed to agree. "Yeah, move blondie unless you want me to mess up your pretty face, too!"
"And I'm going to beat your ugly face more, skinhead!" Aomine added and Kise had to use his whole body to halt Aomine's advances. "Hell, I'll make all of you bal—"
Kise swiftly covered Aomine's mouth and put him in a headlock, tightening his hold a little when Aomine tried to push him off. Kise pasted a big smile on his face and tipped his head slightly, beguiling the group with his looks. He wasn't being narcissistic. He just knew when to use his own assets to his advantage. "Sorry about my friend, gentlemen. He's a bit drunk, you see. His wife kicked him out of their house for philandering."
All of them ignored Aomine's muffled complaints and Kise pressed his arm closer to Aomine's neck to choke him a little. He wasn't helping at all with Kise's scheme. "So can you forgive him just this once? He really didn't mean it." Kise noticed that they were not close to pardoning Aomine so he sweetened the deal. "How about this, in exchange, I'll point you to this local bar that serves the best sake. And the servers are quite pleasing and agreeable if you know what I mean."
One of the thugs, probably the leader since he was the only one that appeared calm throughout the whole ordeal, looked at Kise in contemplation. "Fine, we'll let you go. And tell your friend to tone down his arrogance if he knows what's good for him. Because the next time we'll see him we won't be this forgiving."
The bald thug turned to his boss in surprise. "But boss that guy insulted us! And that bastard pushed Kazu down! You're going to let them go just like that!"
The boss smacked baldy upside the head. "He wasn't insulting us. He was insulting you. And it's Kazu's fault for being too weak and fell down on his own."
"But boss—"
"Enough," the boss ordered, silencing baldy.
"Thank you for your benevolence," Kise said with a sideway smile, only regarding the leader. "And I'll give my friend a really good scolding later. We'll go ahead then." He turned around and hauled the wound up and twitchy Aomine in tow.
"Wait," one of the thugs said and Kise's hold on Aomine tensed as he looked back at the group. "You're not lying about the bar, right?"
Inwardly relieved, Kise spoke. "Of course not. You can ask any of the locals and they would say the same thing. Just don't forget to give the servers a generous tip. They'll be more accommodating if you do that." As soon as he said that, Kise wasted no time and hastily dragged Aomine away, grateful that the group let them go. Only when they were far off did he let Aomine go. Aomine coughed for air while giving Kise a fierce glare. Okay, maybe Kise used a bit too much power.
Finally gaining back his breath, Aomine straightened up and clocked Kise on the head. "Why did you stop me? You know I can take care of those guys!"
Kise head-butted Aomine in the chin in annoyance and paid no heed to Aomine's yelp. "Fine, listen well. This time I'm the one giving advice 101. Stop picking a fight in every little thing! That's why you have a lot of enemies Aominecchi. Choose your battles carefully. You were making a big deal out of nothing."
"So you just let them talk down on us," Aomine griped, rubbing his chin. "Letting them think that they're superior."
Kise folded his arms in concealed irritation. "Those are just empty words Aominecchi. Don't let it get to you. And if I let you fight them and beat them up, they're going to call reinforcement. And yes, I do know that you can defeat them all. But don't you think it's just a waste of time? You're wasting your energy and time for something absurd. And besides, there were civilians there. We don't want them to get caught up in it."
"Fine," Aomine yielded after a few beats of silence. "I guess you're right. My leader always said the same thing. He said I'm too hot-headed and I should think before I act."
Kise felt a little smug that he got Aomine to listen to him. "See, even your leader agrees with me," he paused when what he said sunk in. "Wait, a leader? You mean you're in a coven Aominecchi?!"
"Yeah." Aomine blinked. "Didn't I tell you before?"
"Tell me? You don't even say anything about yourself! You're so tight-lipped Aominecchi."
Aomine's comment was only, "Huh. Never occurred to me, I guess."
Kise grabbed Aomine by the shoulders and started shaking him. "But Aominecchi is in a coven?!"
"Yeah, I'm in a coven," Aomine repeated, a bit annoyed and pushed Kise's hands off him. "Why, got a problem with that?"
Kise shook his head. "It's just…It's so weird to imagine Aominecchi in a coven. You came across to me as a loner type."
"Speaking of covens, what about you, Kise? You're not in a coven?" Aomine asked, diverting the focus of the conversation to Kise.
To Kise, it was a bit unfair that he divulges slivers of information about himself while Aomine tried to withhold his or sometimes answered vaguely. But he got the sense why Aomine was a tad guarded. Aomine must have burned himself once trusting another person only to be betrayed. He wouldn't force Aomine to tell him. Trust is a two way street. Kise would show Aomine that he was trustworthy.
"I'm not in a coven. I haven't met that many vampires, to be honest," Kise revealed, "But there was this one coven that I met and really fond of. In the end, we went our separate ways."
Aomine eyed him curiously. "If you're fond of this coven as you said. Why didn't you join them? You looked like you missed them."
"Who knows?" Kise shrugged his shoulders before pocketing his hands and beckoned Aomine to walk. "But something is telling me I belong to another coven. Weird, isn't it?"
Aomine moved alongside him. "Not really. I kinda get what you're feeling."
"Okay, let's stop this serious talk. It's making me depressed," Kise said and pulled Aomine by his arm with a smile. "We still need to go to this blacksmith that I told you about. And after that, we're going shopping again. I only see Aominecchi wearing western style clothes and I want to see you wearing a hakama."
Aomine's grumbles were ignored as Kise dragged him away again.
xXx
Kise sighed. He was so bored out of his mind.
Apparently, Aomine went out of town in an errand for his leader so Kise had no one to play with (also spar). Aomine said he would be gone for a few days and told Kise in no uncertain terms to train by himself so he could get stronger when Aomine comes back. But all Kise had been for the past two days was practicing and training and he didn't know if he made an improvement since he didn't have anyone to test it out. And aside from Aomine, Kise only knew few people in the town and couldn't just barge in their busy schedule just to entertain him.
"What do I do now?" Kise asked to the orange stray cat on his lap that he found on the sidewalk. He picked it up as the cat answered with a cute meow, its paw on his nose as if saying that he would find something to do soon. "You have it easy, don't you little kitty?"
The cat mewled before jumping out of Kise's grasp and sprinted away but stopped and looked back at him, like it was telling Kise to follow it. Kise went along with it and trailed after the cat until it led him to a dense forest. The path littered with red due to fallen maple leaves and Kise watched as the place was showered in hues of red, orange and yellow. It was like it came out of a fairy tale.
The cat brought Kise's attention back with its meow and dashed forward. Kise used his vampire speed to catch up and it seemed to excite the kitten as it ran faster. He almost tripped when the cat stopped abruptly and leaped to a tree's low branch. "Why did you bring me here?" The cat only replied with a purr and settled itself on the branch for a nap.
Seeing as the cat considered its job done, Kise looked and wandered around. He heard small animals skittered past him, probably sensing that he was a predator. It was a quaint and secluded place so Kise decided to bring Aomine along next time and maybe they could train here, too.
And with that in mind, Kise remembered he should practice his moves. He never once landed a punch or a kick to Aomine. He couldn't even touch him. Perhaps Kise guessed right that Aomine was really strong. He went back where stray cat was at since there was more space there and started his drills. He was so focused that he wasn't aware of his surroundings anymore.
"You're leaning more to your right side and using unnecessary movements," a voice said, coming out of nowhere.
Surprised, Kise unconsciously knocked his knee to the tree bark hard and hissed in pain, hopping on one foot. Disrupted from its nap, the cat bounded from the tree branch and went to Kise's side, watching him hop like an imbecile.
"Are you alright?" the stranger asked, coming closer to Kise. "I did not mean to startle you."
Kise crouched down as he rubbed his knee. One of the perks of being a vampire was healing fast so it didn't hurt anymore. "It's fine. I'm okay. Nothing I can't handle," he answered and looked up at the stranger.
Kise blinked when the stranger's feature registered in his brain. Beautiful, was the only word that he could come up with when he saw him. With their crimson background, it was like the stranger was a prince of the place with his red hair and scarlet eyes. The stranger had this commanding, noble and regal aura that made you compel to follow him.
Kise only snapped out of his trance when the stranger held out a hand to help him. Kise quickly straightened up and he could feel his face heating up in embarrassment when he realized that he ignored the stranger's offer. Jeez, what was up with him? He was acting like a silly girl. "Um," he stammered out, lost on what to say.
"Are you really alright?" the stranger asked, scrutinizing him. "Your face is all red."
Kise tried to force his blush away. "I'm fine, really." He discreetly eyed the stranger but it seemed he wasn't being subtle when the stranger asked him if there was something wrong. "You—I mean, why are you here?"
The red haired stranger took a step back and watched the tall trees and falling leaves around them. "I like this place. It's quaint and peaceful. I always come here to think or when I feel like being alone. This place leaves me completely at ease." The stranger turned his ruby eyes back to Kise. "Is it the same for you?"
"No, I…Actually, this is my first time coming here." Kise rubbed the back of his neck nervously. He glanced down to the orange cat still sitting beside him, staring intently at the red head stranger. He picked the cat up and cradled it in his arms. "To be honest, it's this cat's entire fault. He led me here."
The red head curiously looked at the cat and reached out to pet its head, the cat purring as if liking it. "I didn't know this cat belongs to you. I often found him here taking a nap or playing around. Sometimes he keeps me company so I hand him treats in compensation."
"No, no, he's not my pet," Kise objected, shaking his head. "He's just a stray cat I found today. He keeps following me and wouldn't leave my side. And then we came here." Kise didn't know if it was his imagination or what but he heard the stranger mumbling how smart the cat was. He blinked when the red head regarded him, in what Kise thought as, fascination. "I'm Kise Ryouta," he suddenly announced.
The stranger didn't seem surprised though and introduced himself as well. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Kise-kun. My name is Akashi Seijuurou." When Kise responded back the greeting, he was confused when the red head appeared amused at something. Did he say something funny? He was pretty sure he didn't do anything out of the ordinary (or mortifying). "May I ask what you were doing before?" Akashi asked, motioning for them to take a sit at fallen long near them.
Kise almost blurted out for Akashi not to sit there since it was dirty or offer his coat for cover as to not get his pants dirty. But his inward protests died when Akashi casually sat on it and waited for Kise to settle beside him. "I was training by myself," he answered as he sat on the log.
"You learned by yourself," Akashi stated rather than questioned.
Kise nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I am. How did Akashi-san know?"
"The way you moved. Your actions are a bit rough and undisciplined. And there were movements that weren't corrected. You have potential but you're not practicing right. As it is, it would be a shame that it all go to waste when you have an unexploited strength hidden inside you."
Kise was impressed. "Wow, you got all that just by watching me? That's awesome! By any chance, are you perhaps some kind of martial arts teacher?"
"I'm afraid not. I do know enough however. And I did teach someone before," said Akashi, his lips quirking a little in a small smile.
At that sight, Kise's eyes widened. If he thought Akashi was beautiful before then that millimeter smile made him more striking. Kise felt his face flushing and he tried to slow down his fast beating heart. Great, just what he need, crushing on someone he just met. Pull yourself together Ryouta!
"Do you want me to teach you, Kise-kun?"
Kise choked on his saliva when he heard that. He swiveled towards Akashi in shock. "I—You—I mean, that's…uh…"
"I don't mind," Akashi said, an amused smile playing on his lips. "I do have time on my hands and training you is more productive than what I intend on doing in my spare time. The decision is still up to you if Kise-kun wants to accept my suggestion."
Kise was grateful, really. Not only did he meet this beautiful stranger, he seemed nice, too. And he didn't get this feeling that Akashi was a bad person. Although he had to admit that there was something mysterious about Akashi Seijuurou. "Are you sure you want to teach me, Akashi-san? We've only just met and I'm already imposing on you."
"I don't particularly mind. You seem interesting Kise-kun and I want to get to know you more."
The way Akashi said it compelled Kise to instantly agree. And besides, he was also interested in Akashi. He wanted to get to know the red head as well. Maybe they could be friends, too.
Kise thought they would train on that day but Akashi said they should talk first so they could get used to each other. So they shared bits of pieces of themselves until their conversation turned to more mundane topics. At the end of the day, Kise finally added the suffix –cchi to Akashi's name. Akashi was, of course, surprised but he returned the favor by calling Kise's first name. Before they departed, they promised to meet each other in the forest tomorrow. Kise went home with an excited smile on his face (with the stray cat in tow since he decided to keep it), looking forward to the next day.
Kise's first thought of Akashi being gentle soon evaporated when their training began. Akashi was a strict and ruthless teacher, expecting nothing but perfection as a result. Akashi sometimes toned down the brutal pace as if he knew Kise was at his limits. Despite this, Kise was very determined to make Akashi proud and kept giving his all. He was learning a lot under Akashi's tutelage and at a fast rate at that. He couldn't wait to spar with Aomine again, to show his fruits of labor.
At the time of Aomine's return, Kise requested Akashi to cancel their practice that day which Akashi easily obliged, not even asking for Kise's reason. Thrilled, Kise hurried to the place where he and Aomine often meet up. Upon seeing the familiar dark blue hair, Kise sprinted towards him while shouting Aomine's name and promptly jumped on Aomine's back, causing them to face-plant on the ground with Aomine, unfortunately, cushioning their fall.
Even with Aomine cursing, yelling and pinching his cheeks in irritation at what he did, Kise didn't regret it since he really missed Aomine. He didn't know how much until he saw Aomine again. (Plus, he was distracted by Akashi's presence, too.)
After Aomine's lecture, Kise immediately insisted a spar which Aomine readily granted due to Kise's blatant enthusiasm. Of course, in spite of his training with Akashi, Kise still couldn't beat Aomine though he was amazed at Kise's growth and asked him how. Naturally, Kise boasted at finding a teacher however he didn't say Akashi's name as per his order.
As expected, when Aomine found that out he wanted to meet Kise's teacher. Kise immediately put a stop to this though and reasoned that he wanted to surprise Aomine and he wouldn't be able to do that if Aomine watched his training. Aomine insisted that he only needed to meet the teacher and not watch him but Kise was stubborn and refused. Kise had to bribe Aomine before he gave up in meeting his teacher. Kise was sure Akashi wouldn't like it if Aomine showed up in their training session.
Disgruntled, Aomine still heeded Kise's request but denied any more spars until Kise learned a few more tricks or leveled up. Kise complied with this and instead pulled Aomine to his shopping and food trips to Aomine's dismay and frustration.
After that, Kise's schedule was full with meeting Aomine in the morning up to lunch and training with Akashi in the afternoon. Sometimes Kise brought his cat (which he named 'Chika') in practice since it seemed to like Akashi. (Aomine didn't like cats and didn't want to meet Chika no matter how much Kise begged.)
Kise watched as Chika pranced around Akashi, who was sitting on the grass until he picked him up and placed him on his lap, petting Chika until the cat let out a satisfied purr. "Chika really likes Akashicchi, huh?" Kise commented as he plopped down beside Akashi. "Chika isn't that behaved towards me. He's too playful and naughty. Would you believe Chika stole my breakfast this morning?"
"I think Chika sees Ryouta as a playmate rather than an owner," Akashi inferred and as if supporting his statement, Chika let out a happy meow.
"So Akashicchi is the owner and I'm the playmate?!" Kise whined and Akashi gave a small smile as he kept petting the napping Chika.
Kise inconspicuously watched Akashi Seijuurou. He sensed that Akashi was in a retrospective mood since he wasn't as strict like always in their training. He didn't know him all that well but whenever Akashi was lost in his own thoughts, Kise glimpsed sadness, grief and sorrow in those ruby red eyes. Something bad must have happened to him recently and Kise never tried to broach the subject. He wasn't insensitive to perceive that Akashi didn't want to talk. And it wasn't like they were close enough to share stories especially bad ones. Also, because Akashi's eyes turned so cold afterwards that Kise didn't want to anger him.
"We should continue your training Ryouta," Akashi suggested as he gently placed the sleeping Chika on the ground and stood up. "You don't want to waste any more time now, do you?"
Kise nodded and followed Akashi's lead.
No matter how many times they already did this, Kise still couldn't break off this sense of trepidation whenever they start their spar. He felt like a prey to a powerful predator. And it was a long time ago since he felt that way which was weird since he was a vampire and Akashi was just a human.
"I'll go first this time Ryouta," was the only warning Akashi gave before coming full on at Kise.
Kise could have blocked Akashi but his instincts screamed out to evade so he did. It was kind of hard to spar with Akashi since he was hiding that he was vampire so he couldn't use his full speed or power. However, it felt even if he used all his power it was still no use to Akashi.
A sudden kick to his gut halted his thoughts. Kise shivered when Akashi eyed him coldly. "Focus, Ryouta. Stop thinking of other things."
"Sorry, Akashicchi," said Kise as he straightened up and faced Akashi again.
Kise charged this time and lobbied hits and blows but Akashi parried all of them like it was nothing. There was something off in this day's session and the constant failures frustrated him to no end. If this was Akashi's plan then it was working flawlessly. He wanted to land a hit on Akashi no matter how it took.
Kise forgot that he was hiding his vampire strength when he saw a chance and swung his fist to Akashi's face in breakneck speed. His eyes widened because he only just noticed it but what was more shocking was the swiftness of Akashi in catching his fist. Kise skipped a couple of steps back and blinked at Akashi, finally discerning the overpowering aura he was displaying. He pointed a shaky finger at Akashi. "Y-You're a vampire!"
"I'm surprised you only became aware that I am one just now, Ryouta," Akashi said, tipping his head to the side. "You need to be more alert and hone your senses if you don't want to be at a disadvantage. There is more to being a vampire than our distinct strength and heightened senses. You have a lot yet to learn, Ryouta."
Akashi's words passed through Kise's head like air; still stunned that his impromptu trainer was a vampire like him. And considering the intense aura coming from Akashi and the way he hid it for days—that Kise didn't even detect an ounce of it—was remarkable and slightly alarming. Akashi was powerful, that much Kise was sure. Maybe even stronger than Aomine and that was saying something since Aomine was probably the strongest vampire he met. And now, there was Akashi.
"You're spacing out, Ryouta," Akashi commented and that seemed to snap Kise out of his daze. Kise stilled and froze where he stood when Akashi took a step closer to him. Akashi noticed it and his terrifying aura dissipated, making Kise instantly relaxed. "No need to worry, Ryouta. I'm not going to do anything."
"W-Who are you really?" Kise's question came out without warning. "You're not an ordinary vampire, are you?"
Akashi regarded him silently as if weighing his question. "I am Akashi Seijuurou. And yes, I am not an average vampire. But, Ryouta, I'm also not your opponent so there is no reason for you to fear me."
"…That's kind of hard to believe," Kise said with a shaky smile. "I'm pretty sure you're a frightening enemy to have Akashi-san."
Akashi's lips twitched in a small smile. "Perhaps," he said in a way of agreeing. "By the way, what happened to the –cchi? I thought you add it to the names of people you respect. Does that mean I don't warrant your respect anymore Ryouta?"
"What, no!" Kise immediately denied it, waving his hands in exaggeration. "It-It's just…um, I mean do you really want to teach me? You're obviously strong which means you have to be famous in our world. Do you have the time to train an ordinary vampire like me? Don't you have something more important to do? Wait, you're not part of the Council, are you?"
Akashi shook his head. "I'm not part of the Council though I am acquainted to some of them. And I do have some matters that need to be settled with but I am not in a hurry. My coven is worried that I am overworking myself and convinced me to take a break. It is upon a chance that I met Ryouta and decided to teach you as a way of unwinding."
Kise tensed when Akashi stared at him intently, his red eyes glinting in a hypnotizing way. "In addition, we need to work on your self-confidence, Ryouta," he added. "You and I both know that you're strong and you are confident but you're wearing it as an armor to protect the insecurity hidden deep inside your soul. Perhaps it's an irreversible outcome of your past?"
Kise's heart thudded wildly against his chest. How in the world did Akashi knew that? He never told Akashi about his past or anything related to it. And how did Akashi knew exactly what he was feeling? "You can't read minds, right?" Kise asked, shaken. He had a feeling that he couldn't lie to him.
"I cannot read minds. There is no human or supernatural that can do that. I'm merely a good judge of character and very observant," Akashi answered, his tone of voice a lot softer as if grasping Kise's feelings. Akashi sighed when he noted that Kise was still on the edge. "I'm not going to ask about your past, Ryouta. I can assure of that and I apologize if I unsettled you."
Kise was quiet as well as torn in trusting the vampire. Akashi looked like he was telling the truth and seemed to be sincere in reassuring him and assuaging Kise's fear of him. "You didn't answer me yet. Why are you teaching me?"
"The answer is simple. It's because I saw potential in you, Ryouta. And it would be my pleasure in guiding you to the peak of your strength," Akashi said, a small smile on his lips. "But if you do so wish, you can back out if you find my presence unpleasant. I won't begrudge you of that."
Now, Kise didn't know what to do. Akashi was a great teacher and truly patient with him (if it was Kasamatsu, he would have been kicked a bunch of times in their sessions). Besides, he didn't just treat Akashi as a mentor but also as a friend. And Akashi seemed to be the only one who listened to Kise's incessant stories and didn't tune him out (Akashi actually even asked questions or sometimes offered his own opinions). "Akashicchi wasn't really trying to hide that you're a vampire, right?"
"No," Akashi agreed. "However I did not exactly tell you the truth either. I was trying to gauge your capability and reckoned it might be a good idea to hide my real identity. Nonetheless your reaction was not in my calculation and for that, I am sorry for putting fear in you."
Kise let out an unsteady and possibly relieved laugh. "Akashicchi is so formal," he said and then sighed. "I guess I kind of overreacted. And, um, I don't really mind if Akashicchi continued to train me. It would be so much fun if I learned from someone as strong as Akashicchi!"
"Then, I wouldn't mind having an eager student like you, Ryouta," Akashi supposed.
Kise and Akashi's relationship didn't turn back the way it was and it probably even shifted but it was a good kind of change. With Kise finally knowing Akashi was a vampire, he didn't hold back anymore and trained Kise more earnestly. If Akashi was previously strong when he was pretending to be human then he was a lot stronger when he was serious. Kise already had a hard time in fighting and defeating Akashi before but now his chances of winning were slim to none.
However, he was having fun and Akashi was teaching him more refined skills and encouraged him in improving his copying ability. Akashi said that Kise's ability was rare and no vampire had the same talent as him; maybe there were similar gifts but not exactly like his. (And Kise didn't know if he heard it right but he was sure Akashi mumbled something about him having another power.)
Aside from their training sessions, they also talked a lot (more so in Kise's part). Akashi's coven was the only coven he met with the exception of Kaijou and Kise was really curious. Akashi indulged him and told stories about his coven; some were funny and others serious. In turn, Kise told Akashi about Aomine and his goal of defeating the vampire (or even just landing a punch, really). He didn't know if it was his imagination or what but he was sure he saw Akashi smirked in amusement when he mentioned Aomine.
When Akashi found out the reason why Kise wanted to get stronger, he advised that physical strength wasn't the only thing that would help him win. Akashi taught him to observe his opponents as well since due to his copying ability, his level of visual skill comprehension was above average. As Akashi pointed out, having known what his enemies would do before they act was an advantage Kise should exploit.
Even with the now new added abilities, Akashi instructed Kise to not forget the basics and so they often sparred. It wasn't until two and a half weeks had passed that Kise noticed that he was faster and that his movements became more fluid. He only noticed it when he was catching up to Akashi's speed and was elated when he almost caught Akashi unaware. But, of course, Akashi anticipated it and moved faster than before and won instantaneously. Kise pouted after that and accused of Akashi hiding too much of his real abilities to which Akashi only shrugged.
"So have you won against him yet?" Akashi asked when they took a break.
Akashi didn't elaborate but Kise knew who he was talking about. (Also, he kind of noted that Akashi never said Aomine's name once whenever they talked about him which Kise found weird.) Kise shook his head. "Not yet. Actually, we've never fought since Akashicchi started teaching me. I wanted to surprise Aominecchi and catch him off guard so I'll train more until I'm ready."
"I think you are ready though," Akashi said. "You can't put it off for long. He might get bored of you."
Akashi did have a point. From what Kise observed, Aomine could get easily bored in anything. They hadn't fought for two weeks now but he still followed Aomine and sometimes dragged him to one of his sight-seeing trips. He did appreciate Aomine's company even with his arrogance and gruffness and Aomine tolerated Kise's annoyingness (Aomine's words). And to Kise, Aomine was his friend (even if Aomine outright rejected it).
But, even so, he really did want to fight Aomine. To make the vampire acknowledge Kise that he was also strong.
"Maybe I'll do it tomorrow," Kise decided, excited at the prospect. "I'll challenge Aominecchi tomorrow."
"Then, why don't I give you a hint to outsmart him, Ryouta?" Akashi said with a smirk on his face.
xXx
Kise was both excited and anxious as he made his way to where he and Aomine often spar. Akashi's advice still in the forefront of his mind. He didn't doubt Akashi's words but he was still dubious if it would work. It was too simple, really.
"Yo, Kise," Aomine called as he ambled his way towards him. "You're early. Are you that excited to get your ass kicked again?"
In any other time, Kise would retort but this time he only said. "I'll win this time Aominecchi."
Aomine cocked an eyebrow at him in surprise but sensed that Kise was serious. He pulled his hands off his pocket and signaled for Kise to go ahead.
"Ah, wait, Aominecchi. Let's raise the stakes up a little," Kise said and threw a sheathed wakizashi to Aomine while he held another one. "This time there will be weapons."
Aomine only stared at the wakizashi in his hand. "Are you sure about this Kise?" he asked and sighed when Kise nodded determinedly. "Fine but don't expect that I'll use this."
Kise didn't say anything and only charged at Aomine before spinning at the last minute and went behind Aomine, his wakizashi thrusting forward but Aomine blocked the small sword with his own. Kise flipped back and quickly ducked down when Aomine swung the wakizashi at him. He swiped his foot to outbalance him but Aomine jumped back.
Kise slowly stood up as they watched each other warily. Both of them hadn't unsheathed their wakizashi yet and he knew Aomine wouldn't do it no matter what. Kise drew the sword and threw the scabbard to the side. Aomine narrowed his eyes at the sharp sword.
First, deviate from your normal routine. Surprise and confuse him with it, Akashi's words floated in Kise's mind as if reminding him. He will slow down to anticipate your next move. Second, don't treat it as a spar. Think of it like it's a real fight to death. Only then, will he treat you seriously.
So far, Akashi's advice seemed to be working down to a T, so accurate it gave him shivers. Well that, and the bloodlust he felt coming from Aomine. It looked like he woke up a monster. A really scary monster.
Kise's couldn't move and only watched in shock when Aomine vanished into thin air and abruptly showed in front of him. He couldn't dodge in time and only took the hit to his head, so hard that his body flew ways off. This wasn't on his plan. At the rate where this was going, he wouldn't last long. He guessed he had to use his trump card soon.
Aomine rushed to him again and Kise blocked and evaded all he could but most of the time, he took the blow. He saw his chance when Aomine moved closer to him. "The tayuu told me she wants to see you tonight," Kise suddenly blurted out that made Aomine pause. In other time, he would laugh at Aomine's blatant confused and dumfounded face since it was no secret that Aomine had a crush on one of the tayuu (though it mostly because of her ample chest).
And lastly, distract him. And not just to divert his attention. It must be something that would make him disconcert or aghast. And then, you strike.
That distraction only brought Kise a few precious seconds but it was enough as he punched Aomine in the face and swung his wakizashi, stopping centimeters from Aomine's neck. Kise looked up at Aomine and when he noticed his cobalt blue eyes glinting, Kise tensed and prepared for a counterattack. But he was surprised that instead of attacking, Aomine let out a boisterous laugh and Kise confusingly took a step back as Aomine doubled up in laughter, holding his stomach.
"Uh, are you okay Aominecchi?" Kise asked, bewildered. Did he hit Aomine too hard? Does Kise have to hit him again to knock some sense back to Aomine?
Aomine let out a snicker or two before composing himself though there was an amused grin on his face. "You finally cheated."
"I didn't cheat!" Kise protested. "It was a tactic!"
Aomine waved his hand flippantly. "Yeah, yeah, I get it," he said. "What I meant was you finally got out of your traditional style."
"Huh?"
"You said you know different style of martial arts like judo but you stick too much to its standard moves and adhere to its rules," Aomine explained. "When it comes to real fighting, there are no rules. It's a free for all. You have to do everything in your arsenal to win whether kicking your opponents in the nuts, poking them in the eyes"—Aomine raised an eyebrow at Kise—"or distracting your enemy to give you an opening. You get what I mean?"
Kise recalled back his previous spars with Aomine and now that he thought about it, Aomine was right. He learned this moves by watching the practitioners so he unconsciously stuck to what they were doing. And he did remember that Akashi advised him to get out of his comfort zone and honed his battle instincts. So that what was Akashi meant.
Aomine must had a good read on Kise's face as he said, "Didn't your teacher said anything to you about it?"
"He hinted at it," Kise responded. "He doesn't really like giving a direct answer and wanted me to figure things out myself."
"Sounds like someone I know," Aomine mentioned.
Kise was curious about that. "Who?"
Aomine shook off his curiosity flippantly. "Never mind that. Anyway, I was waiting for you to do that again."
"Huh? You mean distracting you?" Kise asked and Aomine nodded. Now that he thought about it, the one and only time he did that was the first time they sparred, when Aomine was testing him. "I was acting on instincts at that time and wasn't really thinking much. The log was just there so I used it."
"So what? There's a lot of stuff here that you can use, why didn't you try again?"
Aomine did have a point. Why didn't he? "It must be because I got used to fighting Aominecchi," Kise presumed. "And you're aura when we first met was really overpowering. I could really feel your bloodthirst at that time so I was more on guard. Uh, but I don't mean that you're not scary when we spar but you were really different before so I only acted similarly."
"Huh…" Aomine hummed, deep in thought. "Well, this is interesting."
Aomine's grin was so bright that Kise was stunned for a moment and only snapped out of it when Aomine grabbed his arm and excitedly hauled him away. "Eh, wait, Aominecchi! Where are we going?"
"I want you to meet my coven!" Aomine answered, his grin still in place as he looked back at Kise. "I'm sure my leader will be interested in you."
Kise was shocked and tried to tell Aomine that he couldn't just meet a coven without prior preparation but Aomine had none of it. And considering this was Aomine's coven they were talking about, then they must be all strong like him and Kise just wasn't ready. "Seriously, Aominecchi, I'm flattered you want to introduce me to your coven but can we, like, do this in another day? I need to prepare my heart first!"
Aomine stopped, causing Kise to bumped into him and turned around, flicking a finger to his forehead and Kise howled in pain because that seriously hurt and looked at Aomine, teary-eyed. "What was that for, Aominecchi?!"
"You were being stupid." Aomine seized Kise's arm and tugged him again. "You don't have to worry. You'll be fine. My coven mates are nice; weird and eccentric but still nice. Unless you pissed them off then, yeah, they're scary as hell. Plus, you're friendly. You'll get along with them in no time."
Well, when Aomine put it that way then Kise had no choice but to get swept away to Aomine's pace again. "But why do you want me to meet your coven, Aominecchi?" he asked, curious as to where this was coming from.
Aomine gave a nonchalant shrug. "Gut feeling you could say."
"What kind of reason is that?" Kise mumbled which Aomine seemed to ignore as he didn't respond. In the end, he followed Aomine reluctantly. Well, it wasn't like Kise could get away either since Aomine's grip on his arm was tight.
Kise wasn't watching their surroundings so he was surprised when they passed by a forest and revealed a humble villa. He kind of gathered that Aomine (and probably his coven) was well-off judging by his clothes and the way he spent money left and right without concern. Kise had money, too but it was mostly just enough for himself.
"Um, Aominecchi, this villa is nice but I thought for sure you lived in a big mansion or something," Kise remarked. His eyes traveled over the white varnish of the villa, scrutinizing the modest architecture. The whole villa wasn't that big with two floors but it looked elegant on the outside with a more contemporary touch.
Aomine shrugged. "My leader wanted a change of scenery so he chose this. I don't care either way as long as I have a roof over my head and a place to sleep comfortably. Anyway, stop gawking and let's go!"
Kise was pushed forward by Aomine and meekly followed the vampire. Aomine opened the door and when he looked back at Kise and saw him frozen stiff in his place, Aomine rolled his eyes and pulled him inside. Kise stood on the entranceway with Aomine as he shifted on his feet nervously. He was shocked when a huge purple haired man came out and watched Aomine and Kise inquiringly with his violet eyes. He was dressed in white buttoned down shirt and black pants, his hair tied back to the back of his head. Kise could see some stain on the clothes and discovered it was chocolate when he sniffed the air.
"You brought a guest, Mine-chin?" the purple haired man—no, wait, vampire—asked, squinting his eyes at Kise. "That's rare."
"Yeah, this is Kise Ryouta," Aomine introduced and motioned to the purple head. "Kise, this is Murasakibara Atsushi."
Kise gave a hasty bow. "N-Nice to meet you, Murasakibara-kun," he stuttered and he inwardly cursed for it.
"Seriously Kise, why are you nervous? They don't bite. Much."
Kise was too edgy to even give a comment to that horrible pun. He gulped when the purple head—Murasakibara moved closer to them. Kise was tall for an ordinary Japanese men but this guy was really big. He could get crushed instantly. "Did you recruit him, Mine-chin?" Murasakibara asked but still staring at Kise.
"I'm not recruiting him. I only wanted him to meet our esteemed leader," Aomine answered. And Kise couldn't wrap his head around being dragged there against his will and now there was recruiting involved. He gave Aomine a side-eye glare but he only got a smirk in return.
Murasakibara seemed to be done analyzing Kise and shifted his gaze to Aomine. "That's the same thing. You brought him here since you know Aka-chin might be interested in him."
It took a second for Kise to comprehend that Murasakibara was possibly talking about their coven's leader. He paused. Eh? That nickname sure sounds familiar, Kise thought.
"Why are you all standing around here for?" a stoic voice questioned. Kise moved to the side so he could see past Murasakibara and saw a green haired man walking towards them, dressed in the same way as Murasakibara except his was more immaculate and an ashen waistcoat was added. The green haired vampire stopped before them and just like Murasakibara, he inspected Kise intently with his emerald eyes behind a frame of glasses.
Kise blinked and narrowed his eyes at the newly arrived vampire. For some reason, this vampire looked familiar to him. And like a light bulb blinking on, he figured it out. This was the same vampire he saw when he first encountered Aomine. So his guess was right, they were connected and in the same coven, too. What were the chances?
"You're that vampire who was staring at me from the teahouse," the green head said and Kise was too speechless to respond and only gave an uneasy nod.
"You met Kise before, Midorima?" Aomine asked, cutting in between them.
The green head—Midorima?—pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Not formally, no. I only remembered him since he was watching me keenly and thought he was an enemy."
"You don't have to worry about that." Aomine patted Kise on the shoulder, reassuring Kise since he froze at the word 'enemy'. "This guy is good and not an enemy."
"I'm Kise Ryouta. Pleased to meet you," Kise introduced himself and gave the green head a small bow.
The green head returned the gesture with a stiff nod. "Likewise. I'm Midorima Shintarou," he said before turning his attention to Aomine. "I heard that you brought him to meet Akashi?"
"Yeah," Aomine nodded.
Eh? Did he just say Akashi? As in—
And then before Kise could even grasp at what he heard, Akashi Seijuurou came out to the entryway, glancing at all of them and when he noticed Kise, he gave him a proud nod and said, "It seems like you've succeeded, Ryouta. Well done."
"Eh!" Kise gaped at the red haired vampire. "Akashicchi?!"
Kise looked at the Akashi, Aomine plus the two other vampires back and forth in shock. He rubbed his eyes a couple of times but the scene in front of him didn't change. He also pinched his arms and face and since it hurt, it only meant that he wasn't having a dream. He pointed a dumbfounded finger at Akashi and Aomine. "You…You two know each other?"
"That should be my line." Aomine crossed his arms over his chest as he regarded Kise and Akashi especially the latter. "You know Akashi, Kise?"
Kise nodded, stunned. "I told you about him before. Akashicchi is my teacher."
"What the hell!" Aomine gritted out and then let out a wild grin, turning to Akashi. "No wonder Kise's moves looked familiar. Damn you, Akashi! You told him about distracting me, didn't you?"
Akashi didn't even seem apologetic at the accusation. "Ryouta is my student. I merely guided him. It's not my fault that you are easily distracted Daiki. You should work on that. Do you want me to train you again?"
"No, thanks," Aomine snorted and slapped Kise on the back, making him cough and splutter. "Besides, you have a new student that needs more practice than I do."
Still in a state of shock, Kise regarded Aomine and Akashi in confusion. "You two know each other," he repeated and then, "Wait, does this mean you two are in the same coven?!"
"Yeah, we are," Aomine answered, nodding his head. "Akashi is our leader. Midorima is the second in command. I'm the fighter. And Murasakibara is our chef."
"Mine-chin, I'll crush you," Murasakibara stated, miffed at the way he was introduced. "I'll let you eat only vegetables."
Aomine whirled at Murasakibara for that. "What? Murasakibara!"
"In any case, come inside Ryouta," Akashi interjected and left the other two vampires in their squabble, seemingly already used to it. He motioned for Kise to follow him inside the house with Midorima bringing up the rear. "I know you have questions and we have a lot to talk about."
Kise silently followed Akashi inside and in any other time, he would survey the villa's interior but due to his nervousness, he was distracted. Akashi opened some door to a room, letting Kise stepped inside first. It was a parlor of some sort with huge windows filtering the sunlight, making the white walls and décor brighter. And wow, no one would think a bunch of vampires lived here with its vividness.
"Sit wherever you like Ryouta," Akashi said as he sat on a white armchair. He glanced at Midorima and gestured something with his fingers. Midorima nodded and after giving Kise one last look, left him and Akashi alone in the room.
Kise chose to sit on another armchair across Akashi. "Um, Akashicchi—" he started to say but Akashi raised a hand to stop him.
"I know you're confused by a lot of things, Ryouta. But first, I want to explain why I did not tell you of my association with Daiki," Akashi said, clasping his hands together on his lap. However, before Akashi could begin, the door opened by Murasakibara, who was carrying a tray of tea and club sandwiches with Aomine behind him.
As Murasakibara placed the snacks on the table, Aomine settled on the windowsill after nodding at Kise in reassurance. Kise thanked Murasakibara for pouring his tea and took his cup. Akashi murmured his thanks but didn't pick up his tea and Murasakibara soon left thereafter.
Trying to calm his nerves, Kise took a sandwich as he waited for Akashi to speak again. "Ryouta," Akashi called and Kise straightened up as he chewed slowly. "Do you know of Daiki's reputation?"
Kise swallowed his sandwich before opening his mouth. "What do you mean reputation?" he asked, glancing at Aomine at the corner of his eye. "Is Aominecchi popular or something?"
"You could say that," Akashi vaguely answered. "You've never been outside of Japan, haven't you? Incidentally, you haven't met many vampires here either."
Kise nodded his head even if Akashi wasn't exactly asking. "I don't associate with some vampires I met and try to steer clear away from them. Aominecchi was different though so I befriended him."
"Regardless, I'm certain you're not out of the loop when it came to vampire rumors." Akashi took his cup of tea, sipping quietly. "Have you heard of the Dark Hunter, Ryouta?"
Kise blinked and he almost spilled his tea in surprise. He placed down his tea cup before he could break it. Of course, he knew of the Dark Hunter. Who in the world did not? "Yeah, I knew of him. Even though he's a vampire, he hunts vampires, too. Do you know him Akashicchi?"
Kise turned his stare to Aominecchi when he heard him snort, an amused smirk playing on his lips. Wait just a minute. Aomine's reputation. The Dark Hunter. Kise's eyes trailed between Akashi and Aomine. "No way," he uttered in pure shock and awe. He hastily stood up and pointed at Aomine. "Aominecchi is the Dark Hunter?! No way!"
Aomine let out a smug grin, basking at Kise's astonishment it seemed. "That's me, all right."
"You're not cool as I imagined!" Kise protested. He was mostly in denial. "You're just a pervert who likes big boobs and meat!"
"Oi!"
Kise could hear Akashi coughing to subtly hide his laughter. He focused his gaze back to Akashi. His mind was blank and comprehension still hadn't found him yet. "Aominecchi is really the Dark Hunter?" he asked, still in disbelief.
"I'm afraid so," Akashi answered, his red eyes twinkling in amusement. "You seemed to be disappointed, Ryouta."
Kise flopped back to his seat with a sigh. "Well, yeah, I mean I just met one of the powerful vampires in the world and he's a pervert."
"Oi, I can still kick your butt Kise!" Aomine yelled.
Kise chose to ignore Aomine. He still couldn't believe that he was in the presence of a powerful vampire. At once, he remembered all the things he'd done and some things he forced Aomine to do (that was embarrassing!). Even so, it was no wonder why he couldn't defeat Aomine in their spars.
Hold on, it was obvious now as to why he couldn't defeat Aomine. Then, what about…
Kise paused and stared intently at the red haired vampire sitting across from him. Akashi seemed to have inkling at his train of thought and waited for him to get it. "T-Then, Akashicchi, who are you?" he asked, visibly gulping. There was only one vampire stronger than the Dark Hunter. If Kise guessed it right, that only meant…
Aomine was the one who answered. "Akashi is the Red Emperor."
Kise's mind went blank. He was close to pathetically fainting right then and there until he heard Aomine muttering "don't pass out now, idiot" in a sarcastic tone. He discreetly pinched his legs again and at the sting, he knew he wasn't really dreaming. So not only did he embarrass himself and showed a pitiable side in front of the Dark Hunter but to the Red Emperor, too; the two strongest existing vampires in the world.
Kill me now, was Kise's inward mantra.
"There is no need to fret, Ryouta," Akashi's smooth voice broke through Kise's pitying state and he looked at the Red Emperor. "It is rare that a vampire hasn't recognized us immediately and we knew you were not feigning your nescience. As a matter of fact, we find it a good change of pace. This is precisely why I did not inform you of our own status nor I and Daiki's connection. We merely wish for you to regard us as friends as you have showed this past few weeks."
Kise kind of understood what Akashi was saying. If he knew firsthand that they were the Dark Hunter and Red Emperor, his actions and attitude would have been different. In other words, Akashi and Aomine only wanted to be treated normal and not to be put on a pedestal.
Now he knew why Aomine was surprised when Kise didn't recognize him when they first introduced each other; or when Kise didn't bat an eyelash when Akashi said his name and his amusement afterwards. Well, Kise only knew of their aliases and not their names so it came as a no shock that he wouldn't be able to identify them.
"Um, so do I have to bow and kneel or something?" Kise asked, having nothing to say and blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
"Idiot," Aomine muttered, smacking Kise upside the head. He took a sandwich as he lounged down on the sofa adjacent to Kise and Akashi's seat. "Just treat us like you always do. If you try bowing or kneeling in front of us, I'll beat you until you can't move."
"Now, Daiki, there is no need for violence," Akashi pacified. "Ryouta's reaction is what I expected to be. He is still in a state of shock, I presume."
Shock was an understatement in Kise's opinion but he was gradually accepting the truth glaring in front of his eyes. Kise clutched his knees and tried to wipe the sweat on his hands. "So, um, may I ask what I'm doing here? I mean, Aominecchi dragged me here to meet his leader but Akashicchi is the leader so…" he trailed off, grasping at words.
Akashi motioned for Kise to drink his tea and eat more sandwiches, probably to make him relax. Then, Akashi began, "Daiki is often rebellious, closed-off and disagreeable so he doesn't get along with most people or vampires. So hearing him go into town to meet someone was astonishing. Atsushi guessed that Daiki found a lover."
Kise almost choked on his sandwich for that while Aomine did choke and glared at Akashi which his leader only disregarded. "But I figured that wasn't the case. And Daiki only confirmed it when he told me that he was meeting a friend," Akashi continued. Meanwhile, Kise smirked at Aomine at the term 'friend' which Aomine rolled his eyes for. "So imagine my surprise when I met Ryouta by coincidence and found out that you were Daiki's friend. It was like we were all destined to meet."
"That was cheesy and sappy even for you, Akashi," Aomine couldn't help but comment. "And where are you going with this anyway? Just get to the point. You already know Kise personally so it should be fine, right?"
Kise looked between Akashi and Aomine. As usual, he really didn't get Aomine at times. In contrast, Akashi seemed irritated at Aomine for his insolence. And Kise thanked all the deities that Akashi wasn't scowling at him. He would probably combust where he sat. But he also admired Aomine for being able to withheld Akashi's heated glare. "Akashicchi, Aominecchi," he called, interrupting their silent battle.
Akashi turned to Kise and as if anticipating his question, said. "What Daiki meant is my offer."
"Offer?" Kise repeated, confused.
"I wish for Ryouta to join my coven."
"Eh?" Kise blinked at Akashi. "EHH!"
Did Kise just hear it right? Did the Red Emperor offered him to join his coven? With the renowned Dark Hunter and Vampire Doctor (plus, Murasakibara but he didn't know if the purple head had an alias or what but Kise knew he was strong, too)? "W-Wait, isn't this all too fast? I just formally met Akashicchi's coven today. I can't just join you that impulsively."
"I know you had too many surprises today Ryouta," said Akashi. "And I'm not going to force you to join my coven. I will give you time to think about this. It is an important decision you need to make after all. All I'm asking is for you to get to know my coven more."
Kise stared at Akashi. He knew puzzlement was all over his face. He was too stunned to shield what he was feeling. "But why? I mean, why do you want me to join your coven? All of you are strong and well-known vampires. I would just be a hindrance to everyone."
Aomine frowned at Kise and proceeded to flick his forehead. "Do you think I'm going to waste my time and effort to spar with someone who wasn't even worth it? And do you seriously think Akashi will teach and train someone who wasn't worth the effort and is a hindrance? Jeez, you're an idiot. Fine, I'll be blunt. You're strong Kise. And I'm not saying this lightly. I met a bunch of vampires but they weren't as strong as you. And that was even before Akashi taught you. You are not burden. Akashi proposed it because he—and I—know you deserved it. Get that through your thick skull."
Aomine's statement made evident by prodding his finger hard at Kise's forehead, uncaring at his cries. "Okay, okay, I get it!" Kise wailed and rubbed his—pretty sure—red forehead. "I'll think about joining your coven Akashicchi. Um, does it have a timeline or…?"
"Of course not," Akashi answered, clasping his hands together on his lap as he leaned forward. "Take all the time you need Ryouta. And when you made your decision, you can come to me."
Kise nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Akashicchi. Also, when you said you wanted me to get to know your coven more, do you mean it's fine for me to go here at your home?"
"Yes."
"Is that okay? What if one of your enemies followed me and led them here? I don't want that."
Akashi shook his head. "No need to fret, Ryouta. That will not happen. I can assure you that."
Kise wanted to know more but a knock sounded and the door opened to reveal Midorima, who immediately set his sights solely to Akashi. To Kise, it was as if the two were having a silent conversation. Must be because they knew each other well since according to the rumors, the Vampire Doctor was the first one the Red Emperor invited into his coven.
"I'm afraid I need to cut this meeting short," Akashi said as he stood up. "You can stay here for a while if you want Ryouta. In fact, do stay until dinner. Daiki will entertain you given that you are his guest officially. If you'll excuse me then."
Kise watched as Akashi left the room with Midorima before turning his attention to Aomine. "So you're the Dark Hunter?"
Aomine sighed in exasperation. "You're still not over that? Just accept it already."
"I will. Tonight when I'm alone," Kise said. "Anyway, I know about Akashicchi and Midorima-kun but what about Murasakibara-kun? I sensed that he's strong but I didn't hear any stories about him. And he's in your coven."
Aomine swiped the last sandwich and munched on it before answering. "Murasakibara recently joined the coven. And you haven't heard of him because Akashi made it that way. He said that it was too early for the others to know about Murasakibara."
"What is that supposed to mean? Is there something special about Murasakibara-kun?"
Aomine swallowed and took a drink of his tea only to winced, probably because the tea was already cold. "Sounds about right," he said. "I trust you and I'm sure Akashi does, too so I'm going to tell you."
Well, that sure sounded like Kise would regret if he ever let the secret out. "Okay."
"Akashi was the one who turned Murasakibara."
Kise gaped at Aomine after his revelation. "Are you serious? You mean, Akashicchi is Murasakibara-kun's sire?!"
Well, that totally answered why Murasakibara emitted a strong aura at first glance. A sire as strong as Akashi would result to a strong vampire. Of course, it was still a case to case basis. Some newborn vampires easily overshadowed their sires. Like him, for instance, maybe it was the same for Akashi, Aomine and Midorima, too.
Kise also understood why Akashi was still keeping Murasakibara hidden. If vampires found out that The Red Emperor turned someone, it would cause uproar in their society. Akashi was probably waiting for Murasakibara to get stronger so he could take care of himself without relying on Akashi's power.
"Your coven sure is…fascinating," Kise remarked. For the lack of a better word, he added in his mind.
Aomine only raised an eyebrow at him. "Of course, what did you expect?"
Kise just finished his tea. Truth be told, he expected nothing less.
xXx
Just like he promised, Kise visited the villa every single day and got to know Midorima and Murasakibara more. They were cautious at first but he bypassed their standoffish demeanor and got in their good graces easily. (Maybe interacting with both Akashi and Aomine also helped a bit.) Although Akashi said that it was his own effort since Kise was pretty friendly and approachable. ("No, it's because he's annoying," was the other three's explanation.)
Kise's spar with Aomine and his training with Akashi were still in motion. Sometimes, Midorima joined in because as he said, 'It's pathetic watching Kise lose every time'. While Murasakibara joined because the others were doing it, too which Kise didn't mind since Murasakibara's defense was really good.
"Ah, I give up! I'm too tired," Kise loudly complained before dropping his wooden sword to the side and unceremoniously flopped down on the grass, closing his eyes. Even with Midorima and Murasakibara's added help in training Kise still couldn't catch up to Aomine's strength and always lost in their spars.
"Is that all you've got Kise?" Kise heard Aomine taunted. "I think I overestimated you. Akashi must be wasting his time teaching someone as pathetic as you."
Kise wanted to roll his eyes at Aomine's insults but he was too worn-out to open his eyes and wanted to doze down and sleep. "I'm not falling for your taunts again Aominecchi. The last time I did that, Akashicchi got mad at me since I pushed myself too hard. And Akashicchi is very scary when pissed!"
Kise was confused when he heard nothing from Aomine and opened his eyes, sitting up. He blinked when he saw Aomine with an introspective yet somewhat weary expression on his face. "Something wrong Aominecchi?" he asked.
His question seemed to snap Aomine out of his reverie and regarded Kise with an unreadable look. "It's nothing Kise," he muttered before shifting the conversation to a safer one. "So have you decided yet? Are you going to join the coven or not? Akashi is patient but he couldn't wait on you forever."
"Hmm…Well, I don't know yet. I mean, everyone is friendly even Midorimacchi"—Kise ignored the snort Aomine let out for that—"He helped and explained a lot of things to me. Murasakicchi and I totally bonded over cooking. And I already get along with you and Akashicchi."
Aomine crossed his arms. "So, what's the problem? If you get along with everyone and you don't have and complaints about the coven, why don't you join right away? You're not like me who hated staying in a group."
"That's the thing I don't understand. If you hated being in a coven, why did you join Akashicchi's?" Kise asked.
Aomine scowled and rubbed the back of his neck in awkwardness. "I made a bet with Akashi and lost. So now I'm here."
"Aominecchi should already know that betting against Akashicchi is futile. Akashicchi always win," Kise pointed out in a matter-of-fact tone and a teasing smile.
Aomine rolled his eyes. "You sound like Murasakibara. And stop changing the subject. What's stopping you from joining unless you have an offer from another coven?"
"No, I don't have one," Kise negated, waving his hands dramatically. "You know I haven't really met a lot of vampires. I already told you about Kasamatsu-senpai, right? Before we parted ways, they actually wanted me to join their coven and, as you can see, I refused. They understood my decision and Senpai gave me an advice. He said that a coven is like a family and that I should find a one that I would treat as a family."
Aomine stared at him for a moment before sitting across from him. "Truth to be told, I never thought of it that way before. But I guess this senpai of yours has a point. All of us lost our families and it's not like we can live alone for the rest of our eternal life. That would be too sad and lonely. We were humans once so we seek companionship as well. And a coven is the closest thing we have to a family. And just like a family, covens vary from each other. But do you know the difference between family and coven?"
"No," Kise shook his head. "What is it?"
"Your family doesn't choose you but you can choose a coven," Aomine revealed. "Familial bonds don't form just because of your blood. Sometimes there are people who are more of a family to us than our biological ones. I'm fortunate that I had my family, reunited with my childhood friend and now I have a coven that I considered important to me. Like a family." Aomine grimaced when he said the last statement. "Don't tell Akashi I said that though. I wouldn't hear the rest of it."
Kise bit his lower lip to stifle his laugh but he couldn't hold it back and let out an amused laughter. "I didn't know Aominecchi could be so sentimental!"
"Shut up!" Aomine smacked Kise at the back of his head, trying in vain to hide his reddening face.
Kise still let out a chuckle or two despite Aomine threatening to beat him up and teased the vampire. That quickly turned into wrestling like children on the ground and only stopped when Midorima threw a bucket full of water on them, drenching them both, since they were disturbing his work with their ruckus. Aomine got his revenge when he dragged Midorima to their squabble and threw a mud straight to his face. Things promptly escalated to a mud fight and Kise couldn't remember when Murasakibara joined in and only noticed him when he was hit in the back by Murasakibara.
Akashi found them like this and only shook his head in amusement at their chaos, waiting for their explanation. Kise and Aomine couldn't hide their impish grins and tuned out Midorima's whines and grumbles as he accounted what happened while Murasakibara tried to wipe off the chunks of mud in his clothes and hair.
After bathing and cleaning himself up, Kise went to Akashi's study and took a deep breath before knocking. He opened the door when Akashi told him to come in. Kise sat on the chair in front of Akashi's table as he watched Akashi write.
Akashi placed down his fountain pen and quietly observed Kise. "I assume you're meeting me regarding my offer to join the coven. So have you made up your mind, Ryouta?"
"Yeah—I mean, yes," Kise cleared his throat before nodding his head, staring determinedly at Akashi. "I'll join your coven Akashicchi."
Akashi leaned forward as he clasped his hands together on the table as if cross-examining Kise. "If you don't mind me asking, what cemented your decision in staying here? You have a soft spot for the Kaijou coven and I had inkling that you would join them a few years from now if you hadn't joined mine yet."
"You know Kasamatsu-senpai and the rest, Akashicchi?" Kise asked instead.
Akashi nodded. "You could say Kasamatsu Yukio is an acquaintance of mine."
"I see. Actually, I don't know the exact reason why but it felt like being here—with you and everyone—is right. Maybe I would be happy with all my senpai but I wanted more. More of what, I don't know. It's kind of confusing and my emotions are like a jumbled mess. But I feel like I belong here, in this coven." Kise scratched his cheek with his finger, trying to hide his discomfort. "Sorry, Akashicchi, I don't make any sense."
Akashi stood up from his chair and went around the table, stopping before Kise. "No, I perfectly understand what you mean, Ryouta," he said, giving Kise a small smile. Kise blinked when Akashi gently patted him on the head.
Kise returned the smile with a genuine one.
xXx
"So that's how you joined Akashi-kun's coven," Kuroko concluded and pinched Kise's nose, just because. He ignored Kise's whines and only let him go when Kise poked his side to tickle him. Too bad for Kise, he wasn't ticklish there.
Kise pouted at him. "How come you reaction to my story is so different from Aominecchi's? I want a hug, too Kurokocchi!" He opened his arms to Kuroko and he almost wanted to roll his eyes at Kise's antics.
"You already had your quota of hugs from me, Kise-kun."
"There's a quota?!"
Even if he wasn't outwardly showing it, Kuroko was glad Kise was back to normal. He only listened in amusement and fondness when Kise narrated his meeting with the whole coven, watching Kise's smile and wild hand gestures as he spoke. Kise seemed really happy as he recalled his first meeting with the coven.
They swiveled their heads to the library door when it opened and saw Akashi stepping inside. Akashi fondly regarded the two of them as he walked over to the couch and sat beside Kise, his hand on his head to ruffle his blond hair. "Everything is good now, I hope?"
"Yes, everything is well, Akashi-kun," Kuroko answered, giving Akashi a small smile while Kise nodded with a grin of his own. Kuroko's lips then formed into a frown which Akashi easily caught.
"What's wrong, my love?" Akashi asked as he Kise turned to Kuroko.
"Nothing, it's just…" Kuroko trailed off and wanted to backtrack but Akashi and Kise's curious stare kind of changed his mind. "I feel like a newly married wife to a husband with problematic kids that needed guidance or something."
Akashi couldn't help the smirk on his face at Kuroko's words and even Kise let out a soft laugh. "You kind of are, Kurokocchi," Kise said and for that Kuroko rolled his eyes at them this time.
"So should we make it official?" Akashi suggested with his amused smirk still plastered on his face. "We could marry right now if you want, my love."
Kuroko leveled Akashi with a withering glare. "How romantic of you, Akashi-kun."
"You'll make a good bride, Kurokocchi," Kise added in.
"Why am I a bride? I'm a guy," Kuroko complained, pouting. "And I'm not going to marry Akashi-kun."
"Yet," Akashi and Kise spoke at the same time.
Kuroko could only helplessly sigh at them.
Q&A CORNER!
Q1: ...I know you already have a storyline, plotline, schedule etc on how the story goes but when can we expect a funny chapter? Like in chapter 6 or 7? (silver woman)
A: Not anytime soon. Between Arc II and III. To be precise, Kuroko's birthday when the whole coven goes to Kuroko's parents. They need it after everything that happened in Arc II. All the funny chapters will be on Witching Hour.
Q2: Will there be an akakuro make-out scene anytime soon? (silver woman)
A: At the end of Arc II. (Maybe on the beginning, too but don't get your hopes up.)
Q3: Will Takao make an appearance? He is Midorima's mate right? Will there be midotaka moments? (lumiere du soliel)
A: Yes, Takao will show up at Arc III and he is Midorima's mate. There will be MidoTaka moments but it's rare and subtle. Midorima isn't the showy type after all. Their story (how they met, fell in love, their bonding ceremony, etc.) will be on Witching Hour.
Q4: I am just wondering when we will know more about Kuroko's nightmare and foreign language./Kuroko's mom said that when Kuroko had the nightmares, he would speak in an unknown language, right? Can the GoM understand what he talks or do they have to look into different languages and find out what he speaks? (Harihi/manna95)
A: First, there are only two people (aside from Kuroko's parents) who knows about his nightmares: (1) Akashi: He heard it straight from Kuroko's mother so he's a bit prepared when it came. And he and Kuroko sleep together so only Akashi will see it. Akashi doesn't know what language it is since it's not a human one. (It was supposed to be Latin but I don't know it well so I just made up another language.) Akashi was familiar with it though since he heard it from someone else before; and
(2) Midorima: Remember his present from Kuroko's parents, that thick folder one? That was Kuroko's file from his psychiatrist. His parents were worried about his nightmares so they consulted a psychiatrist when he was little but since Kuroko never remembered about it, the psychiatrist counseled them as well. They were advised to listen to anything Kuroko says esp if they can understand it (Kuroko slips into Jap sometimes), then the psychiatrist will interview Kuroko, trying to make him recall his nightmares. The findings were on that files. The nightmares lessened as Kuroko grew up, it completely ceased when his grandmother died. That's why Midorima was so busy because he was studying Kuroko's case. He and Akashi sometimes talk about it. The others doesn't know about this yet but they will after Arc II.
Q5: Will any human other than Kuroko get involved in the conflict? Maybe Shigehiro Ogiwara? And if they do, will they remain human? (jilnachtaugen)
A: No, Kuroko is the only human involved. Actually, Ogiwara is the only character that I can't seem to fit in the story. The other characters already have their roles but I can't seem to find any for Ogiwara. There's a high chance that Ogiwara won't show up at all in DD (or heck, maybe in WH, too). Not because I don't like Ogiwara or anything, I just can't seem to write him. I don't know how to write him actually.
Q6: ...How old each member of GOM were? and Tetsuya?/Can you give us the information about their age before they turn into vampire? (Moonta11/Ritsu0593)
A: I don't which one you meant so I'll do both.
Kuroko: 16 (turning 17 on his birthday)
Akashi: Human=20; Vampire=500s
Midorima: Human=20 (almost 21 as in 1 day before his birthday); Vampire=early 400s
Aomine: Human=19; Vampire=320
Kise: Human=20; Vampire=262 (He doesn't know that he's not the youngest and will only find out later)
Murasakibara: Human=18; Vampire=122
Q7: Wait what?! Akashi is going to cheat on Kuroko?! Why?! When? And with who?! I don't want Akashi to break Kuroko's kokoro! (kh07gl)
A: Hmmm...I don't know yet. I might not include it. *whispers* I really want to.
Q8: I know you're busy and all, but will there be more AkaKuro fluff? (123ANIMEfun)
A: *sweats* *remembers arc 2* *remembers end of arc 2* There's only dram—I mean, yes, of course, there's going to be fluff. (after some dram—)
Q9: I'm just wondering when we are going to get back to the main storyline? (Hasuki-chan)
A: One more chapter and we're going to Arc II.
Q10: If the ring Kuroko's parents gave to Akashi was an heirloom... Why give it to Akashi considering its a precious heirloom? (Eugi-chi)
A: They only gave it to Akashi as some kind of clue. Akashi will return the ring to them later.
Q11: What Arc is it now? (OtakuBroMelody)
A: We're between Arc I and II. There are break chapters between Arcs (except VII & VIII). There will be indicators on the chapters on what Arc we are.
Q12: When did Murasakibara tell Kuroko about his past? Which chapter? (Guest 1)
A: Kise summarized Murasakibara's past in Chap 4. That's pretty much Mukkun's story but we'll get it in his POV, too later. Maybe after Arc II. Same with Midorima.
Q13: I don't understand why Aomine thanked Akashi in the end of this chapter [Chapter 14]. (Guest 1)
A: Aomine was thanking Akashi for meeting him and then persuading him to join Akashi's coven because if it wasn't for Akashi, Aomine wouldn't have met Kuroko. And he was thanking Akashi for just about everything.
Q14: Oh, will there be witches in this story? Or the supernatural in this story is only vampire? (Guest 1)
A: Vampires are not the only supernatural in this story.
Q15: Are they lovers? (Momoi & Aomine) or just super bffs./Is/was Aomine in love with Momoi (your story made them sound like they fell in love with each other) or Momoi's just Aomine's inspiration and his salvation, say for him she's his only family left before entering the coven? (ma-chan-chan/Cheshire ShiroNeko)
A: I actually don't know. They're more than friends (esp after what they went through) but not lovers either. Not yet, I think. Maybe. I might find the answer when I get to Arc III.
Q16: Also, you never really explained why Akashi called Kuroko 'love'.. Akashi said that he'll tell Kuroko once he earned it.. Is it just to tease Kuroko? I assume he wasn't in love with Kuroko in that chapter.. So does it have a meaning or was it just Akashi's whim? (Happy-With-Anime)
A: I almost forgot about this bit until you mentioned it. Um, Akashi only called Kuroko that to tease him. But, of course, that's not the case anymore and Akashi uses that endearment more affectionately now. Kuroko is Akashi's love after all.
Q17: How offend will you be updating. Every month? Whenever you can? (SkillzR3solve89)
A: Whenever I finish a chapter.
Q18: I understand that right now in the story Kuroko's parents have been, you could say, coming in and out. Are they going to get another big scene or event with them coming up in the story? Or will they just be in the story and that Arc I is the only Arc? (SkillzR3solve89)
A: They will show up again. After Arc II on Kuroko's birthday. They'll show up a bit on Arc V, too (I'm not sure about this yet though). Also, pre-Arc VII. They may or may not show up at Arc VIII (I don't know yet.) And, lastly, the epilogue.
Q19: Are you going to have any further depth in any of the GoM's or Kuroko's family. I know that in some of the other questions you have had people were asking about Kuroko and his special blood, and you saying that it is gene related. Are there any other people in his family, in the past that have had the same or different. (SkillzR3solve89)
A: The GOM's family are all dead, details about it are in their past. As for Kuroko, everyone will find out what Kuroko is at Arc II. Some details will be revealed on Kuroko's birthday and also on Arc V.
Q20: Anyway, Kuroko's parents gave everyone gifts, but we didn't find out what Kise's was. Are we going to find out what it is in the next couple of chapters? Also does it have a bigger meaning in the future? (SkillzR3solve89)
A: Answered on Chap 14's Q&A: Q #13. And no, it doesn't have a deeper meaning. Kise knew Kuroko would be a bit mad if he find out so he kept it a secret. The others knew about it though and let's just say they have their own copies (Akashi took the original though to Kise's dismay).
Q21: Is there any chance that you will tell me in what language Kuroko is talking in his nightmares?/Is there any chance that you will tell in what language Kuroko will be speaking when he will have a nightmare? (you-know-who/ilikepancakes)
A: As I said in Q4, it will be a made up language (cuz translating would be a pain in the ass).
Q22: Will there be chapters where Kuroko gets captured by the enemy and Akashi goes on a rampage? (blacklotus23)
A: All I can say is: Soon.
Q23: When will Kuroko have his nightmare? And will Akashi be the only one to comfort him...or will the whole GOM comfort him? (blacklotus23)
A: Chapter 17 (Arc II). Akashi will comfort Kuroko.
Q24: Out of curiosity, If a vampire binds themselves to a human, then the human is turned into a vampire, will the bond still be valid? (celestial spirit leo)
A: Technically, yes. But it's potency/effectiveness dulled or dwindled to a half. That's the reason why it's rare to do this. So usually they performed the binding after the human was turned into a vampire.
Q25: I respect your decision to not write any lemon but will you at least write some smexy scenes? (psynekopath)
A: Yes, I will write some smexy scenes. (Executing it right is a different matter altogether though. I hope I can get it right.) It will be after Arc II.
Q26: ...What is the trigger for Akashi's eye to change? (Ritsu0593)
A: Nothing, really. His golden eye is a sign that his vampiric side is more dominant. (Or when he uses his powers.)
Q27: Does Akashi have a split personality in this fanfic? (Ritsu0593)
A: It's kinda hard to explain, but that other Akashi is his vampire side. A darker aspect of his personality. But, yeah, you could say it's another personality of Akashi.
Q28: The next is how can the original vampires born in this fanfic? Or maybe all of them is human at first. (Ritsu0593)
A: I can't really give out all the details until I mentioned the other supernaturals in this fic. But yes, the original vampires were humans at first.
To the GUEST asking what a review is: A review is where you can comment/give criticisms (or fangirl, really) to a story you read. As for questions about this story (Darkness Descend), you can leave asks in your review and I'll post the answer in the next chapter's Q&A Corner (like the one above).
A/N: Chapter 16 will be posted on Nov. 13.
