Pairing: AkaKuro

A/N: Thanks to my reviewers: ToiletBrushCat, Boralis, soundlessAria, Rinfantasy, Jennosaur, BabyNightmareLady, Shiro-chan1827, WeirdButILoveIt, Kottori, New Procrastination, simsimchocolatte, Korunakuroko, ShinseiShinwa, kyujoonis, Knight Yuuki, Lazy, EchizenRyoma, Grayscale1227, ghost reader, lulubeck and Purified Sins. Thanks for the favorite and follow alerts, too.


Second Descent: Arc II

Twentieth Night: Resurgence of Disquiet


Kuroko felt so weak and drained, his body hurt everywhere.

His mind was screaming to make the pain stop.

But his body refused to move and his mouth couldn't speak.

But even through all the pain Kuroko was still acutely aware of the voices surrounding him.

"Akashi, I don't have a choice. We need to do this or else Kuroko dies."

"Do it, just do it Shintarou. I don't care what happens just don't let Tetsuya die."

"Let's go outside Akashicchi. You need to drink some blood."

"I won't take anyone's blood but Tetsuya's."

"You still need to leave Akashi and let Midorima take care of Tetsu."

"I won't leave Tetsuya all alone. I can't."

"Okay, Aka-chin. But you have to at least let go of Kuro-chin so Mido-chin can help him."

"I will take care of Kuroko, Akashi. I promise."

"Don't die Tetsuya. Please hang on."

Kuroko didn't know why but for some inexplicable reason, he wanted to obey that person.

So he did.

Kuroko clung onto his life and held on refusing to let go.

To die.

To leave that person behind.

xXx

Kuroko felt so light and so at peace.

The pain he was feeling a while ago was suddenly gone.

Wait, was it a while go?

Kuroko didn't know but he wanted to wake up.

Why couldn't he wake up?

Was he dead?

No, that couldn't be right.

Kuroko refused to die and leave that person.

That person, who was he again?

Why couldn't he remember?

All this thinking was making him weak and tired that all Kuroko wanted to do was sleep.

"I'm sorry, my love. For saying those awful things to you. For almost being too late in rescuing you. For dragging you in my dangerous world. Forgive me Tetsuya. Please come back to me."

Who was that? Why does that person keep apologizing to him?

But even though Kuroko couldn't remember, some part of him wanted to comfort that person.

To say it wasn't his fault.

Kuroko had a hand in it as well because he was too stubborn and got into that mess.

"I have so many things to tell you, to show you. And I miss your presence, your feistiness, our occasional banters, your stubbornness, your sweetness, your beautiful smile and you. I miss you Tetsuya so please, please wake up."

He did want to wake up, to hear more of that person's voice.

But Kuroko felt so lethargic and against his will, his mind succumbed to unconsciousness.

xXx

"Love, I'm a very patient man but I could only wait so much so please wake up. I've been alive for so many years, for so long but the short days of waiting for you to wake up is an agony I couldn't stand. I don't think I can live without you anymore, no—living without you by my side is impossible. So come back to me Tetsuya, love. Please."

"…I love you."

…Akashi…-kun…

xXx

Kuroko slowly and blearily opened his eyes, blinking away the remnants of sleep fogging his mind. His eyes wandered around the unfamiliar room. His body felt so weak, so tired but he still tried his best to sit up no matter how sluggish and slow the process was. He exhaled a tired breath and closed his eyes as he leaned against the headboard.

He turned towards the door when it opened and saw Akashi entering the room. The vampire didn't seem to notice he was awake as he watched Akashi wearily leaned on the door with a sigh. He never saw Akashi looking so helpless until now.

Was it because of him?

"…Akashi-kun," Kuroko whispered. It was the only thing he could do as his throat was parched and talking was a bit painful.

Akashi seemed to hear him though as he stared at Kuroko wide-eyed and froze on his spot. Akashi snapped out of his trance and slowly walked to him. He sat at the edge of the bed, not breaking eye contact and took Kuroko's left hand, tenderly holding it. "You're awake?" Akashi asked, sounding a bit shocked.

Kuroko nodded his head since he still couldn't talk. Akashi seemed to know his predicament and handed him a glass of water from the bedside table that Kuroko overlooked. He took a large gulp and almost choked because of it.

"Slowly," Akashi warned while helping him hold the glass.

"Thank you," he whispered, handing the glass back to Akashi. He watched as Akashi put back the glass on the table. It didn't escape his notice how Akashi's hand shook lightly. Was Akashi trembling because of his anger or worry for Kuroko? Maybe it was a little of both.

An overwrought silence settled unnervingly between them.

Slightly fidgeting his hands on the cover, Kuroko spoke. "How long was I asleep?"

"Ten days."

His eyes widened. "Ten days…? That long?"

An unknown emotion flickered in Akashi's eyes but it was gone before Kuroko could decipher it. "Yes, it was that long. Shintarou found it odd that you slept that long but he surmised that it must be because of—"

Kuroko blinked when Akashi stopped. Ah, Akashi must be talking about that.

It seemed Akashi wasn't ready yet. At the very least, he now knew why Akashi was hesitant in telling him. If Akashi told him beforehand, he wouldn't believe it and would probably react in a bad way. But that wasn't all Akashi kept from him.

He recalled their conversation back in the garden. "I don't want Tetsuya to hate me…I don't want you to be afraid of me."

"You burned it all, didn't you?" Kuroko suddenly whispered, putting it all together.

He stared intently at Akashi and at once they both knew everything. Kuroko knew what Akashi hid from him. And Akashi knew what Kuroko found out. The silence stretched too long and not one of them was willing to confess. Kuroko knew it wasn't the right time. There were too many questions, clarifications and mysteries that needed to disclose. And both of them weren't ready for it yet.

Akashi understood it, too. He looked at Kuroko with such a heavy gaze as he murmured out a, "Yes."

Kuroko nodded once. He knew what it meant. Akashi wasn't the only one not prepared to confront the truth.

A hushed stillness descended again that Kuroko almost choked on it. He wondered what Akashi was thinking about. "Akashi-kun."

"Yes?" Akashi distractedly answered. "Do you need anything Tetsuya?"

"No, um, I…" he broke off. What did he want to say? A lot, really but he didn't know where to start.

Also, was it only him or was Akashi acting weird?

Akashi must have read the uncertainty and confusion in his eyes as he reached out a hand towards him until Kuroko did the unthinkable.

He flinched.

Kuroko didn't know who was more shocked between the two of them. He never shied away from Akashi's touches even when they first met. He never was scared of Akashi's touch. But—

But he couldn't help it.

Kuroko remembered Hanamiya. He knew he was out of it most of the time but he remembered. He remembered being touched. (And he remembered that he sometimes craved that touch because it was gentle it reminded him of Akashi.) He felt so guilty at the thought. And he never hated himself so much at that moment.

He couldn't face Akashi like this. It was like he betrayed him.

Keeping his gaze on his hands, he didn't turn at the sound of the chair scraping back, or of the footsteps moving away from him or even the click of the door closing as it echoed inside the hushed room. His breath inhaling and exhaling rapidly was the next thing he heard and seemed to deafen his ear.

What had he done?

He stared emptily at his shaking hands. His heart beating wildly against his chest.

It hurt. It hurt.

Kuroko bit his lip so hard until it bled as he forced himself not to cry.

xXx

Kuroko didn't know how long he cried. He was just grateful that nobody visited him at that time. He buried his face more to his knees as he hugged them closer to his chest, making himself seemed smaller as possible.

What was wrong with him? He felt a bit different ever since he woke up. Or maybe even before that. Was it because he himself (awakened?) changed or was it because of what Hanamiya did to him? Perhaps it was both.

Kuroko blew out a defeated sigh as he uncurled himself and resignedly leaned his head back to the headboard. He closed his eyes as he cleared his mind of chaotic thoughts. He was tiring himself out when he just woke up from his long slumber. It was only then that he heard sounds coming from the outside and opened his eyes, turning to the window.

He shifted his eyes from the window to the door as he heard a warning knock before it opened and revealed Kise. Kise eyed him for a moment and only when he deemed that Kuroko was alright that he stepped inside the room. Kise took the seat beside his bed and just quietly stared at Kuroko.

It didn't take a genius to know what was bothering Kise. Kuroko opened his mouth before Kise could speak. "It's not your fault Kise-kun. You only did what I asked of you. Please stop blaming yourself."

"But it is my fault!" Kise objected and averted his eyes from Kuroko's searching ones. He looked down and Kuroko saw how tightly Kise clenched the fabric of pants probably because of frustration. "If I didn't let Kurokocchi go at that time Hanamiya wouldn't find you and you wouldn't get hurt. Akashicchi entrusted Kurokocchi to me and look what I did."

Kuroko reached out a hand and softly stroked Kise's head. Kise glanced up and paused when he saw Kuroko's gentle smile. "There's no point to wallowing in what-ifs right now Kise-kun. What happened already happened. We can't change it anymore; all we could do is to live with the consequences of our actions. And I believe Akashi-kun and everyone aren't blaming you so stop doing it to yourself, alright? I'll get mad if Kise-kun continues this."

Kise let out a mixture of a sob and laugh as he rubbed his tears off with his arm. "I'm glad you're okay now Kurokocchi," he mumbled and took Kuroko's hand. "You don't know how—I don't want to experience that again. Kurokocchi can't go and disappear like that again. We were so worried. And Akashicchi was… he was…"

"I know Kise-kun," Kuroko said as he squeezed Kise's hand in comfort. "I'm sorry for making you all worry. I know now that what I did was stupid and reckless. I'm not going to commit the same mistake again. I promise."

The smile Kise had given him that was full of warmth and love lessened the ache in Kuroko's chest at least a little. He kept thinking about Akashi so much that he pushed his thoughts about the coven aside. They were concerned not only for him but for Akashi, too.

A full minute of lull in the room alerted Kuroko that something was wrong. Kise never shut up unless the situation was serious. He looked up at Kise and noticing his hesitation, Kuroko patiently waited him out. He had inkling to what Kise wanted to know anyhow. "Kurokocchi, I—" Kise broke off and gulped. "About what happened that night, do you… I mean does Kurokocchi—"

"I know Kise-kun," he interrupted since Kise didn't have the courage to say it. "Kise-kun knows about Hanamiya's ability, right? It was a…painful and horrendous experience but it helped me realize what I really am. Did you know about it, too Kise-kun?"

Kise shook his head. "Akashicchi only alluded before that Kurokocchi must have some kind of powers. It was only the night that Kurokocchi was…taken that Akashicchi told us that you might be a witch. And even then, it was only guesswork in Akashicchi's part. Kurokocchi is a guy and witches have only been girls so it was kinda hard to believe."

"Truth to be told, I'm still quite in shock and a little bit of denial even after what happened," Kuroko confessed. "All my life I have been living normally despite my weak presence. I have a normal family, went to school, had friends and play basketball. Then, I got captured by a vampire, been accepted in a coven. And now, my whole world turned upside down. It turns out I'm not entirely human. I'm a witch. And I have to be tortured to find that out."

He blinked when he felt a drop of water on his now curled fists but he didn't have the strength to brush away the tears streaming down his face. He was indistinctly aware of Kise enveloping him in a warm embrace, rocking them back and forth. "I don't know what to do Kise-kun. It felt like my whole life was a lie," he sobbed.

Kise rubbed Kuroko's back soothingly. "That's not true Kurokocchi. It's not a lie. It doesn't matter if Kurokocchi is a human or a witch. Kurokocchi is still Kurokocchi. The only difference is that Kurokocchi isn't normal anymore; Kurokocchi is more than that now. And we're all here. Kurokocchi isn't alone. We'll figure this out together."

Kuroko bit his bottom harshly as he tried to control his tears. Kise was right. It really didn't matter what he was. He just had to understand this whole witch thing. He just had to accept it and learn what he really is. And with Akashi and the whole coven backing him up, he knew everything will be fine. He took a shaky breath of air and wiped off the wet trails on his face. He looked up at Kise in gratitude. "Thank you, Kise-kun."

Kise gave him a tender and gentle smile and reached out a hand to Kuroko's face, brushing away the tears in the corner of Kuroko's eye with his thumb. "You're welcome, Kurokocchi. That's what families are for, right?" A weak smile lit up his face and comforted at Kise's touch.

He froze and instantly shut his eyes before Kise could read anything in them.

How? Why?

Kise was touching him but it wasn't unwelcome. He didn't flinch. Guilt weighed heavily on Kuroko's heart and he felt like crying again. Was it only Akashi?

Biting his lip hard, Kuroko repressed the sobs and whimpers threatening to claw out of his sinful lips that he almost suffocated in them. Just the thought of Akashi not touching him was enough to break his heart, what was more if he was in Akashi's shoes.

No. No. No, this must be some kind of temporary thing. It has to be.

"Kurokocchi?" The worry and slight panic in Kise's voice immediately alerted Kuroko and reminded him that he wasn't alone. He opened his eyes and he sensed more than see Kise's relief. "Kurokocchi almost had me worried there. You suddenly became quiet. Is Kurokocchi tired?"

Resting was the last thing on Kuroko's mind right now even if his body was drained of energy and wanted to replenish strength but he was stubborn so he shook his head at Kise's question. He slept for a long time already and didn't want to miss out on anything.

Kuroko wasn't as convincing as he seemed to be when Kise fluffed his pillow and positioned him in a more comfortable manner. But he was thankful Kise didn't push him to rest and instead distracted Kuroko to mindless chatter.

The door unexpectedly opening disrupted Kise from his storytelling as they both looked up in surprise. They found Aomine scowling at them before marching towards Kise and lightly cuffed him on the head, disregarding his whines. "You're taking too long, idiot. We want to see Tetsu, too. And Tetsu needs to rest as well. Midorima's orders." Aomine seemed to add the last part when Kise appeared to object.

"But I want to talk to Kurokocchi more," Kise pouted and gripped Kuroko's hand hard as if afraid to let him go.

Aomine rolled his eyes and forcefully grabbed Kise and hauled him out of the room without any regard to his protests. Aomine hastily closed the door and locked it for good measure. "That should stop him."

Kuroko regarded him with a careful eye and it was awfully awkward to see Aomine too quiet as he strolled towards his bed and sat on the chair where Kise previously occupied. They stared at each other as if waiting for any of them to say something, anything.

There were a lot of things he wanted to ask Aomine but he couldn't articulate his thoughts right. His mind was a bit of a mess and if he were to admit he was a little nervous talking to Aomine. He didn't know why exactly. Maybe because he treated him as his best friend and didn't want to see Aomine disappointed in him?

Yes, maybe it was that.

Returning his gaze back towards the window, Kuroko marveled at the expanse of blue outside; the sea's surface sparkling like diamonds and if he concentrated enough, he could hear waves crashing against the shore. He wondered where this place was. "Where are we, Aomine-kun?" he turned to ask Aomine, breaking the still silence. "I don't think we're back in Kyoto."

"That's because we're still in Kouchi prefecture of Shikoku," Aomine answered. "Specifically, we're in the town of Kuroshio."

Kuroko tilted his head to the side in confusion. "Isn't it bad if we stay here still? I don't think Akashi-kun can cover up what happened. And I know vampires don't like scrutiny from human society."

"You're right," Aomine nodded. "Akashi couldn't conceal the incident. We just made a more believable story and gave enough reimbursement so no one would dig deeper. And besides, Hanamiya took you on the other side of the prefecture in Umaji so we're safe here. We'll stay until you recover before going back home."

"You all left the mansion unattended?"

"No, Satsuki's there. Akashi called her to housesit and to watch over you before you…" Aomine trailed off and glanced down at his lap before looking back at Kuroko. "Anyway, Satsuki stayed there while we went here. Kaijou was also stationed close by in case Hanamiya decided to attack the mansion. Satsuki's deflecting and redirecting the Council or anyone's queries right now since we're all busy recuperating."

From what he observed, Aomine appeared calm and composed despite the fact that Kuroko could sense the underlying anger bubbling on the surface, waiting to diffuse. He knew Aomine wasn't really mad at him but at their situation. But he really wished he could see the lazy and carefree Aomine. What he really wanted right now was his friend.

"Will I be able to see Momoi-san when we go back?" he asked to at least distract Aomine. "I would really like to meet her."

Aomine shook his head as he let out a crooked grin. "Nah, Satsuki's going back to her coven soon. Her leader's calling for her. But you'll get to meet her soon. Satsuki was really excited to meet you, Tetsu."

"Then, I look forward in finally meeting your childhood friend next time, Aomine-kun," Kuroko gave him a small smile and inwardly cheered when Aomine returned it with his own genuine one. Seeing that, he almost backtracked in asking his question but he really wanted to know. "Um, Aomine-kun, what happened after I passed out? What happened to Hanamiya's place?"

"It's gone Tetsu."

"Yes, I know Akashi-kun burned it to the ground—"

"No, Tetsu," Aomine interjected, his voice in a low whisper. "It's gone. There's nothing left in that place."

"What...what do you mean?"

Aomine was silent for a moment. "It's just a barren land now, Tetsu. No plants or trees will ever grow there anymore. We made sure no traces of Hanamiya or anyone remained. And we made sure nothing in that place will make you remember."

Kuroko let the information sunk in. He was grateful for what they did but— "It's not the place Aomine-kun."

"I know Tetsu. We know that," Aomine nodded. "But it was the only thing we could do."

It seemed Aomine didn't want to talk about it so he didn't push it. But a place full of trees and flowers turning into a desolate land in one night was that possible? Did Akashi do it all by himself? Kuroko only remembered bits and pieces in that night as he was half-unconscious when he saw Akashi. He recalled seeing him cry. (His heart ached at the memory.) He also remembered promising Akashi that he wouldn't leave him which he seemed to fulfill.

He sure made a lot of mess for them to clean up, huh? He wondered why they weren't angry at him. Beating around the bush wasn't Kuroko's forte, he was always blunt and straightforward so he plunged in and asked. "How mad is Aomine-kun at me?"

"Huh?"

"For running away and going after Hanamiya," he clarified. "Akashi-kun is more concerned about my well-being so he refrained from admonishing me. The same applies to Kise-kun. As for Murasakibara-kun, he wouldn't do it. I already prepared myself for Midorima-kun's lecture later. But Aomine-kun, you—"

"Yeah, I'm mad," Aomine cut in. And Kuroko was taken aback at how cold and callous he sounded. "I was so mad. The first thing I ever taught you was to never underestimate your enemy but what did you do? Ignored it and gallivanted to our enemies' base. Just because you learned a couple of lessons from us don't make you invincible."

"I know—"

As if not hearing him, Aomine continued. "You got arrogant and blindly dived into danger without thinking. And what, because of what Akashi said? Akashi was harsh at that time but he was right. You let your feelings control you and look what happened. You got kidnapped. Akashi almost turned this country upside down to find you. You were tortured. You found out you're a witch in a horrific way. You used your powers against us. You killed Hanamiya. You almost died. So, yeah, I'm mad. But I'm not just mad. I'm very furious. We could have evaded this outcome if you didn't let your pride rule you."

Kuroko was only dimly aware of the blood he drew from biting his lip so hard. It was like several knives were stabbing him repeatedly as he listened to Aomine. But he took it all. He knew it was his fault. He set things in motion when he ran off from the coven. He wanted to make amends but offering apology was all he could do. "…I'm sorry," he whispered. "I—"

"Good. Apology accepted."

It took a full minute for Kuroko to absorb those words. He looked at Aomine in shock and confusion. "Excuse me?"

A huge grin made way in Aomine's face. "I said you're forgiven Tetsu." He held out a finger to Kuroko's lips to shut down his questions. "Look, we were all mad, okay? But more than our anger you're more important Tetsu. Seeing you okay is enough for us. And really, how can I stay pissed at you if you're here lying on a bed and just woke up from a short coma."

Tears were gathering at the corner of Kuroko's eyes as he gazed at Aomine in relief. "Aomine-kun—" He yelped when Aomine flicked him on the forehead.

"Hey now, Tetsu, just because we forgive you doesn't mean we've forgotten," Aomine said and a sadistic smile painted on his face. "Prepare for a training menu from hell after you're recovery Tetsu. I'm going to beat in your body and mind every single lesson that you need to know. And don't ever ignore it again, okay Tetsu? We're going to have so much fun."

Kuroko couldn't help gulping in trepidation at the promise in Aomine's tone. He's going to die in training. He was sure. "Y-Yes."

And without any warning, a huge yawn came out of Kuroko's mouth and with half-mast eyes, he welcomed the hand ruffling his hair. In any other time, he would slap the hand away but it felt oddly reassuring.

(He pushed away the thought that Aomine's touch didn't bother him either.)

"You need to rest now, Tetsu."

Kuroko opened his mouth to protest but firm hands on his shoulders stopped him and the worry in Aomine's navy blue eyes compelled Kuroko to listen. He settled comfortably to the bed as he watched Aomine fret a little, asking if Kuroko was content and at ease which he affirmed. "I'll talk to Murasakibara-kun and Midorima-kun when I wake up," he murmured as he felt sleep gradually pulling him away.

"Yeah, I'll tell them," Aomine whispered, watching him intently as Kuroko couldn't fight the drowsiness anymore and closed his eyes. He unconsciously smiled as Aomine softly said. "Sleep well Tetsu."

xXx

Kuroko shot up from the bed as he gasped for air. He shakily looked down at his hands and when he saw red, he almost screamed. He blinked rapidly and let out a shaky breath when the red was gone and replaced by nothing. It was clean. There was no blood. It was just his imagination. Kuroko combed his hands through his hair in frustration, not even caring that he was tugging them painfully as he tried to get rid the remnants of his dream.

No, not a dream but a nightmare.

It was like he was still under Hanamiya's Spider Web as images and images of death and blood and power and darkness overwhelmed his mind. Would he suffer like this every night? For the rest of his life? Hanamiya was already dead. In fact, Kuroko was the one who killed him. But it seemed he wouldn't be able to escape Hanamiya's grasp now, would he?

Kuroko didn't want that. He didn't want to be haunted by Hanamiya's ghosts. But what could he do? Akashi and the rest wouldn't be able to understand. He was alone in this.

Hiding his face with his hands, Kuroko took a shaky breath and slowly let it out and then another mouthful of air, holding it before exhaling heavily. The process repeated until it felt like he wasn't drowning anymore.

Lying back on the bed again, Kuroko sighed. He was tired, sure. But he didn't want to go back to sleep if nightmares were the only ones greeting him in his slumber. Turning to his side, he looked for a clock to check how long he was asleep and frowned when he found nothing. A glance to the window let him know that it was well past after noon.

Kuroko sat up again and took the glass of water on the bedside table that somebody must have refilled. Only when after he drank the water did Kuroko felt his hunger. He did slept for days without eating, plus the days were he was imprisoned, too. That was almost two weeks with no food in his body.

Looking at it now, he wondered how he lasted that long in captivity. Fighting a vampire, using his powers and with Hanamiya as well. Maybe it was adrenaline rush?

But that was beside the point. What Kuroko wanted right now was to eat. He was really, really hungry. He didn't know if he could yell yet but he could try, the others would hear him anyway.

Fortunately for Kuroko, he didn't have to as the door to his room opened with Murasakibara stepping inside. But what caught his attention was the tray that Murasakibara was carrying and he almost salivated at the sight of food.

"Hi, Kuro-chin," Murasakibara greeted and deftly placed the bed tray. He took off the cover, showing a light Japanese meal. "Kuro-chin must be hungry so I prepared this. I know you're really hungry but it's bad if you eat too much so take it slowly, okay?"

"Yes, thank you Murasakibara-kun," Kuroko mindlessly nodded and excitedly picked up his chopsticks after praying his thanks. With a pointed glance from Murasakibara, he tasted the miso soup first and sighed happily when the warmth spread in his stomach. He continued eating and Murasakibara didn't seem to mind the quietness as he watched him eat heartily.

Even Kuroko was surprised at himself when he finished his meal fast. He wanted more since it didn't seem enough but he knew it would only upset his stomach. He thanked Murasakibara as he handed him his water. He blinked when another glass appeared in his sight.

"Kuro-chin's milkshake."

Kuroko's eyes sparkled as he took the glass of vanilla milkshake Murasakibara handed him. He took a tentative sip from the straw and almost let out a moan when the sweetness of vanilla burst in his tongue. "Don't tell Aka-chin I gave Kuro-chin that," said Murasakibara. "Aka-chin will get mad."

He took another sip before responding. "I think Akashi-kun already knows about this Murasakibara-kun. It will be fine."

"If you say so Kuro-chin."

Sipping the last drop until nothing was left, Kuroko handed back the glass to Murasakibara. He hesitated but Murasakibara was the only one he could ask without glossing any facts. "Murasakibara-kun," he called, stopping him from standing up.

"What is it Kuro-chin?"

"Tell me everything."

"Eh? About what? You mean how I cooked the food?"

Kuroko let out a surprised chuckle for that. "No, I mean the incident with Hanamiya. Murasakibara-kun is the only one I trust to tell me everything."

Murasakibara eyed him before nodding in agreement. "What does Kuro-chin want to know?"

"I don't know," he shrugged. "Everything?"

"That's a lot," Murasakibara complained but he recounted what Kuroko wanted.

When Kuroko disappeared, the coven immediately followed after him but they turned up a few seconds late when Hanamiya captured him. Akashi deduced what region he was taken but it was still huge place to search for Kuroko. And what it made difficult was a soul barrier enforcing Hanamiya's place which was the main reason why it took the coven days before they narrowed down the place.

After Akashi razed down the place and during when the coven was cleaning up and making sure there were no evidences left, it seemed that Kuroko' heart stopped for a minute which panicked Akashi and the rest. They were running out of time and they couldn't take him to the hospital, too so they took drastic measures.

"What do you mean by drastic measures Murasakibara-kun?"

"Mido-chin suggested for Kuro-chin to drink Aka-chin's blood."

"What? Is that possible? And how did that help me?"

Taking out a maibou from his pocket, Murasakibara nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. Something about special properties in Aka-chin's blood? Mine-chin and Kise-chin don't know either and Aka-chin and Mido-chin won't tell us. Anyway, Kuro-chin stabilized after that and we transported to here."

"And I slept for ten days and woke up today," Kuroko concluded.

Murasakibara nodded. "Yup~"

Well, at least that helped Kuroko in filling in the blanks. He wondered if Murasakibara told him everything since he felt that were some pieces missing in the story. Still, he refrained from asking. There was no point in obsessing over what happened. "Thank you for granting my request Murasakibara-kun."

"Anything for Kuro-chin," said Murasakibara and patted Kuroko on the head.

xXx

"Murasakibara told you everything."

A small smile quirked on Kuroko's lips before facing Midorima and a twinge of remorse swelled within him when he saw how exhausted Midorima looked; and not just Midorima but everyone as well but most especially Akashi. A hasty decision of his resulted to such severe repercussions. How naïve he was.

"Midorima-kun," he greeted and watched as Midorima occupied the chair near his bed. Kuroko blinked and almost reached out when Midorima sighed so deeply like trying to expel all the problems in the world through that one breath. "Midori—"

Midorima raised a hand to interrupt him and regarded him with serious and yet sort of distant expression. "Akashi," he started and cleared his throat as if mustering courage to finish what he had to say. "Akashi prepared arrangements for you to go home. You will stay here for a few days until you've recovered enough. After that, you will be shipped to your parents' house."

"My parents?" he repeated, his brows furrowing in confusion. "Not the mansion?"

"Don't you want to see your parents? Isn't that what you always wished from Akashi?"

Thrown off guard, he stared at Midorima like he wasn't making sense. "Yes, but…" he paused as a sudden bad feeling pulsated his whole being. "…What do you mean Midorima-kun? What are you talking about?"

Midorima's emerald eyes were blank, his emotions cleverly shielded from his observant ones. Then, he shattered Kuroko's world. "Akashi is letting you go, Kuroko. You're free. You can go back to your family."

…What?

Did he hear it right?

Akashi was letting him go?

Free? Go back to his family?

Was Midorima joking?

This was just a cruel joke, right?

"Kuroko, I'm not joking. What I'm saying is tr—"

Kuroko quickly covered his mouth to muffle the giggles coming out his mouth but he couldn't hold it in and doubled up in laughter.

"Kuroko…?"

He laughed and laughed, uncaring if Midorima thought he was going crazy. Who cares what Midorima thinks? His chuckles quickly turned to sniffles and whimper and bit his lips hard, refusing to shed any tears. "No," he muttered. "No. No. No."

"Kuroko, you—"

Kuroko snapped his head to Midorima, glaring hard at him. He didn't care if he saw his tears. "He can't do this to me! After everything, he's going to let me go? As if I'm going to easily accept that!"

"Kuroko, calm down," Midorima said, looking panicked at seeing his reaction.

"Calm down? How can I calm down, Midorima-kun! After asking me to never leave him, he's going to push me away. Who does that!?"

Midorima reached out towards him but Kuroko pinned him with a cold glare, daring him to touch him. Midorima retracted his hand with a sigh. "Kuroko, I know you're upset right now. But if you think rationally, Akashi is only doing this for your sake. He blames himself for what you suffered Kuroko. He doesn't want to see you get hurt again. Akashi is doing this for you. For both of you."

"I don't know if Akashi-kun is egotistical, arrogant and self-centered or the most selfless person in the world and a martyr. He started all this. He kidnapped me. Changing my mind into accepting him. Saving my family. Learning a lot from him and everyone. Making me fal—" Kuroko paused, catching some air before continuing on. "And now, he's giving up because of something like this!"

"You almost died Kuroko."

"I know that," Kuroko hoarsely choked out. "But he wasn't the one that almost killed me. His hands weren't the ones suffocating the life out of me. Everything happened because of my one stupid decision. It wasn't Akashi-kun's fault. The blame lies on me."

Sensing Midorima hovering beside him, Kuroko glared at him to back off. Midorima returned to his seat dejectedly. "Kuroko, I won't play the blame game with you. Akashi is right. Sooner or later—"

"It won't happen again," Kuroko harshly cut him off. "I already learned, in the worst way possible, the consequences of my hasty and angry decision. I made a promise not to be that brash and irrational again. Midorima-kun knows why I tried to get stronger so that incident with Hanamiya won't happen."

Kuroko's grip on the cover tightened, bunching the fabric in frustration. "But it wasn't enough. I was so helpless. The only thing I could do was to wait and be saved. Do you know how maddening that was? To find out how utterly weak I am?"

"That's not true Kuroko. You withstood Hanamiya's Spider Web and—"

A bitter laugh escaped from Kuroko's mouth. "That wasn't me. It was my magic but it wasn't me. My powers protected me from myself. I don't know how many times I wanted and longed to die right then and there. I tried… but I couldn't…I don't want to…"

"Kuroko!" Midorima's shout freed Kuroko's from his bleak trance and slowly looked at him. Midorima stared at him like it was the first time seeing him. Kuroko blinked when Midorima took his hand. "It's fine to think that way. No words could measure how much you went through. I understand how you feel Kuroko. So…"

Kuroko waited confusingly for Midorima to finish. "So what?"

The grip on his hand tightened. "So talk to Akashi, Kuroko. He's not thinking right. Everyone won't like it if they found out Akashi's decision," Midorima said and gazed at Kuroko with an almost pleading look on his face. "The same goes for me. I—We don't want you to go Kuroko."

A tear escaped out of Kuroko's eye at Midorima's confession and hastily brushed it away. "Midorima-kun is right. Akashi-kun and I need to talk. No more running away."

Midorima responded with a nod and through Kuroko's observation, it seemed he was still troubled by something. "Midorima-kun?"

"Kuroko, do you—" he stopped and just eyed Kuroko with an intense gaze. He shook his head as if dispelling his thoughts. "Nothing. I'll call Akashi for you."

Albeit mystified, Kuroko nodded his head. "Please, do."

xXx

"Bakashi-kun."

The utter shock and disbelief crossing Akashi's face would have been comical if the situation wasn't dire. But Kuroko kept his poker face and motioned for him to seat on the chair and Akashi did almost instinctively or perhaps due to shock.

"Tetsu—"

"You aren't calling me love. Now that I think about it, why do you call me with that endearment anyway?" Kuroko remarked on impulse. Akashi stared at him like he'd grown two heads. "Is it because you love me?"

Akashi sharply drew breath like Kuroko just suckered punched him. But he quickly collected himself and cleared his throat. "Shintarou told me you wanted to talk. If it's about what he—"

"No."

"No?"

"I'm not leaving you, Akashi-kun." It wasn't right to think it but Kuroko internally patted himself on the back when he saw a tiny crack in Akashi's emotionless mask. "I promised Akashi-kun that I won't leave, didn't I?"

"It's not the same."

"It is the same thing," Kuroko stressed. "You're pushing me away. That means leaving you."

As if he couldn't look at him at anymore, Akashi averted his eyes and gathered his composure back. "I'm doing this for you Tetsuya."

"Are you sure? Aren't you doing this for yourself?" Kuroko knew he hit the mark when Akashi flinched. "You'd rather hurt me this way than see me in pain. I understand that. But I never thought that I will peg you as a coward Akashi-kun."

It seemed Kuroko hit a nerve when Akashi faced him again with a cold gaze. "I beg your pardon?"

"I said you're a coward Akashi-kun. Where is that vampire who kidnapped me without any qualms? The one who kept me captive in his own home? The one who forced me to say goodbye to my parents and made me think I would never see them again?"

"You want me treat you like a toy? Is that what you want?"

Kuroko tersely shook his head. "No, what I'm trying to say is where is the Akashi-kun who took whatever he wanted? You're not the type to surrender, Akashi-kun. You're absolute, remember?"

Akashi regarded him blankly for a minute before scoffing. "If that is only what you're going to say Tetsuya then we're wasting time here. You should rest instead."

"There he is," Kuroko said, a hint of smugness in his tone.

Blowing out a frustrated breath, Akashi narrowed his eyes at him. "I'm not playing this game with you, Tetsuya."

"Who said I'm playing a game?"

"Tetsuya, you are—"

"Then, I'll plainly say it," Kuroko interrupted. He was getting annoyed with their conversation going round and round anyway. "You provided everything I needed. You gave me everything I wanted without me asking. You're willing to give me everything just to make me happy. But for once, let me give you something that would make you happy. It's alright to take it, Akashi-kun."

Akashi stubbornly shook his head. "I already took you away—"

"No, no," he whispered. Kuroko crossed the short yet great distance separating them and grabbed Akashi's hand. His hands trembled as he held on and lowered his head, pressing a kiss to this hand reverently. This hand killed many but he knew it saved many, too. And he loved this hand.

"Tetsuya—"

A kiss to that palm and placing more kisses to those fingers one by one before moaning quietly and worshipped this hand, peppering kisses all over until he paused over the wrist that was throbbing wildly.

"Tetsuya, please—"

Lingering for a second, his breath ghosting just above the skin leaving goosebumps before gently putting his trembling lips over it, just laying them over that span of skin and then opened his mouth a little, lightly biting over the pulse and happily basked at the soft groan that emitted from Akashi.

"Tetsuya."

Kuroko finally looked at Akashi, the yearning, desire and love battling in those crimson eyes and something about them unraveled within him. He pleaded. "Please don't give up on me."

Akashi was there before he could react and tears broke free from his restraint as he relished Akashi's hands on his face, his lips on Kuroko's forehead and behind his eyelids, his nose, his cheeks, the corners of his lips until finally, finally his lips.

They weren't kissing, just their lips and mouth pressing, breathing each other because they were alive. Because no matter what Kuroko endured he was still there and survived it and because Akashi was there to save him despite everything.

Akashi's lips moved so slowly as if waiting for Kuroko to pull away but he wouldn't. Not ever. Akashi caught his bottom lip, sucking them gently until Kuroko moaned and dug his hands on Akashi's shirt, tugging him closer. Akashi laughed between kisses since Kuroko wanted a proper kiss and had enough of his teasing.

And then, their kiss deepened and Kuroko couldn't get enough of Akashi's taste, spicy like fire as his tongue danced with his and his mind drowned helplessly to the thoughts of him and only him. Kuroko panted as they broke off and he only had a moment to breathe before Akashi reclaimed his lips again for a long, sensual and drugging kiss that made him moaned out in pleasure. He felt Akashi smirking for that and retaliate by biting and sucking his lower lip and the guttural groan from Akashi made his whole body tremble.

A whimper of protest almost came out of Kuroko cut when Akashi pulled back but he followed and captured those lips again. And as if something snapped in Akashi that he quickly dominated their kiss with Kuroko mindlessly surrendering. He gasped when their kiss was abruptly cut short, both of them breathing heavily as Akashi cupped his face.

The desire lidded in those crimson irises made Kuroko want to be consumed in them. He unconsciously brought out a hand to Akashi's cheek, his thumb lingering just below his left eye. And the heavyhearted smile Akashi gave him was enough for Kuroko to hold back his questions.

"I'm not going anywhere," Kuroko mumbled in answering their almost forgotten conversation.

That got him a sweet chaste kiss as Akashi murmured. "And I don't want you to."

"Don't push me away."

"Never. Don't go disappearing again."

"I won't. I will be beside you as long as you'll want."

"The day I will no longer want you by my side will never happen. We will be together."

"Always?"

"Forever."


A/N: AkaKuro is cheesy... (or maybe that's just me?)


Q&A CORNER!

Q1: So with Kuroko now revealed as a Witch with ice powers and rescued I'm guessing people are going to start working out his ancestry and just what makes Kuroko so special to have inherited such strong powers? (ToiletBrushCat)
A: Kuroko will recover first and then a little bit of that after.

Q2: Is the witch that will teach Kuroko a Kurobas character or a OC? (Rinfantasy)
A: A knb character.

Q3: Akashi cried... what did he see? Hanamiya strangling Kuroko and Kuroko killng him, or only the aftermath? (Rinfantasy)
A: I think Akashi saw Hanamiya turning to dusts but his focus was on Kuroko.

Q4: By the way, are there any next enemies? (Shiro-chan1827)
A: As action packed as Arc II? Then, probably Arc VII.

Q5: And how about Kuroko's lifespan? He's a witch, okay, but I don't think witch have a long lifespan, unless you make them in this fic though. (Shiro-chan1827)
A: Kuroko will turn into a vampire in the future so you don't have to worry about his lifespan.

Q6: And Akashi's previous lover is a witch too(?) (Shiro-chan1827)
A: No, he was human.

Q7: Oh and by the way, that woman witch who save Kuroko, when he mention 'him/he' who Kuroko needs to defeat, is she really mean Hanamiya? (Shiro-chan1827)
A: Yes, she did.

Q8: And when will AkaKuro full blow fluffy-fluffy come? (Shiro-chan1827)
A: Soon.

Q9: Is akashi turn kuroko into a vampire? will akashi bit him to make kuroko still alive? (kyujoonis)
A: We still have a long way to go before Akashi turns Kuroko into a vampire. If you mean after chap 19 then no, Akashi won't do that.

Q10: I wonder if the bold and italic word (was it spell? Like "scatter" "ignite".. Can't say I don't like it. I LOVED IT!) was said in a different language? (Knight Yuuki)
A: No, those are 'word commands'. Okay, here's a long explanation.
There are two type of magic: (1) The Mental Type (e.g. Akashi, Kuroko, Murasakibara, Hanamiya) - Users with these types can control their magic using only their minds. To cast a high level magic they used word commands. It sounds easy but it's not, it depends on the users intent to efficiently use it; and
(2) The Physical Type (e.g. Aomine and Kise) - As the name suggests, users make use their body to control their magic with big movements using their hand or feet (think of Avatar if you will though they don't necessarily use martial arts; anything is okay).
By they way, Midorima is a little bit of both types. He's like an exception. (I don't yet know why.)

Q11: I hope they can combine their spell and make.. what was that? Union? Unison? Don't remember the word.. (Knight Yuuki)
A: That's not possible in DD (I think?). Although Akashi and Kuroko make a good combo. (Also, Kuroko says his thanks for the gifts.)

Q12: Did anyone witness Kuroko kill Hanamiya? (Lazy)
A: Akashi. See Q3.

Q13: Is seirin and all other characters gonna appear soon? (EchizenRyoma)
A: Yes, on Arc III.

Q14: For Akashi-dono, I noticed you used both of his names to refer to him when he was going pyscho looking for Kuroko-dono. You would call him by his surname, Akashi, and then you would call him by his given name, Seijurou. Akashi is Oreshi, and Seijurou is Bokushi right? Is that how you're describing his two personalities/sides to him? (Purified Sins)
A: Yes, that distinction is very important. Again: Akashi=Oreshi and Seijuurou=Bokushi. (Also, no Kuroko is here to answer. Sorry.)

Q15: And did you based the gom's elements with their personalities or did you have another criteria for it? (Gly)
A: Kinda with their personalities? I picked elements which, for me, suited them.

Q16: Have you read Welcome to the Underworld series by Con Template? Since i would like to recommend it to you, only it its your cup of tea hehehe (Gly)
A: I checked it on goodreads and it seems interesting. This will be the first time I'll read a book centered on Seoul so I'm excited. I might read it after I finish The Breaker (manwha).

Q17: What is the real name of Akashi's coven? Because Murasakibara said he doesn't like when they are called Generation of Miracles. (ghost reader)
A: The coven's name will be revealed post Arc II.

Q18: And will Kuroko gonna be trained by Akashi? (ghost reader)
A: Yup, Akashi will help Kuroko train his powers. After Arc II.