Pairing: AkaKuro
A/N: I just posted chapter 21 yesterday so if you haven't read it yet do check it out first.
Thanks to my reviewers: ShinseiShinwa, akamekoi13, Gly, Shiro-chan1827, Rinfantasy, Kottori, Jennosaur, lulubeck, sozoushiyouXD, blacky, Kuroko-SenPaille, kyujoonis, Kasu97, Purified Sins, Shinju Hatsune, mychibidragon and 2 Guests. Thanks for the favorite and follow alerts, too.
Twenty-Second Night: The Emperor's Confession
It was weird.
Kuroko felt like there was something missing but no matter how much he rummaged his brain, he didn't know what it was. He carefully sat up on his bed and after a few beats of hesitation left his bed and stood up. His body felt heavy and sometimes it was hard to move but he knew he was recovering nicely and a bit fast, too. Still, the coven didn't want him to overexert himself and forbid him to do much and hovered constantly. It was getting a bit annoying actually.
Walking to the door, Kuroko almost turned the knob but the door opened before he could and took a step back as Akashi came inside. Before he could greet him, Akashi spoke over him. "Where are you going, Tetsuya?"
"Nowhere," answered Kuroko with a shrug. He couldn't exactly tell Akashi that he couldn't sleep or more like he didn't want to sleep due to nightmares. It happened often enough that it was scaring him a little.
Akashi looked like he didn't believe him but thankfully didn't push the subject. "It's already past midnight, Tetsuya. Why are you still up? Can't you sleep?"
Kuroko shook his head and hoped Akashi would not asked why. He didn't want to burden Akashi more with his nightmares. He knew Akashi was mentally exhausted. And despite the fact that they were now fine, he still could sense the underlying guilt that Akashi purposely hidden. Adding now the knowledge of what happened to his past lover and it being similar to what Kuroko experienced then it was no wonder Akashi was conflicted.
He remembered what Akashi told him, of not wanting the same incident to happen again but it did. The only difference was that Kuroko was alive and that was more than enough. But Akashi still felt responsible considering he was the root and common denominator of the problem—though to Kuroko it was certainly Hanamiya and no one else's.
"You should be resting now Tetsuya," said Akashi, calling the attention of Kuroko. "You're still recovering."
Biting the inside of his cheek, he suppressed the protests wanting to come out of his mouth. His injuries were already healed according to Midorima and even the bruise on his neck left by Hanamiya's hands was starting to fade away. The only reason why he wasn't still back to normal was his lack of sleep. It was hard to recover when your body and mind was exhausted.
Still, Kuroko knew Akashi was only worried so he went back to the bed, going under the covers for warmth. And when he looked at Akashi it was only then that everything dawned on him. So that's what it was. What he was missing. It was Akashi. He knew why Akashi didn't stay with him in his room before and it was because he was recuperating but he was fine now. He wondered why Akashi still kept his distance.
Kissing his forehead, Akashi's fingers stroked his cheek gently as he said. "Good night, my love. I'll see you tomorrow."
Kuroko opened his mouth to refuse—to beg him to not to go—not away from him but he caught sight of Akashi's eyes. It felt like several knives embedded on his heart as he drowned in the anguish, sorrow and guilt weighing in those crimson irises. It suddenly became hard to breathe and Kuroko had this inexplicable urge to cry. Not for himself but for Akashi. It pained him to see someone strong like Akashi in this sad state and all because of him.
I'm sorry. Please stop blaming yourself. Kuroko bit his lip hard and tried swallow back those words. It wouldn't do any help even if said them. Nothing will change. Their guilt was an endless cycle and none of them could break it.
Accepting the apologetic and regretful kiss on the forehead, Kuroko could only watched as Akashi left the room—leaving him alone. So this was how being rejected felt. It hurt. But he could live with it.
Slipping back to the bed, he left the lamp on so as not to be inundated in darkness. His nightmares were already bleak enough as it was. It took a long time until he finally submerged to a restless slumber. His dream started sweet and happy with Akashi and the coven even his parents made a surprise appearance.
And then, the blood came.
She was there again. Killing and dying. Over and over again. So many deaths of vampire. So many witches sacrificed. There was no end to it. It was only when she got tired that all of it stopped. She hid, never to be seen again. Kuroko watched these scenes—some were added and some were retracted—countless times that he was weary of it all.
At that point, his dream/nightmare shifted to a more familiar one. He was once again back at that room with its grey wall and steel door and him cuffed on a chair. He could see Hanamiya speaking and taunting but he couldn't understand what he was saying but he was responding back though he didn't know what. He could feel the exhaustion and his mind losing its grasp from reality.
The scene switched over to Hanamiya strangling him and Kuroko trying his best to remove those hands from his neck. He was losing breath. He was close to dying. And even if he knew this was only a dream—a nightmare—he was still scared that Hanamiya would win. He was going to die. No, no, he couldn't leave him. Akashi wouldn't be able to take it.
A flash and the setting changed yet again. Kuroko was standing beneath a mountain of corpses and he stared at his hands dripping with red and blood and blood and red. He gasped when he saw some of the faces of those dead bodies, there was Aomine and Kise and Midorima and Murasakibara. He shakily took a step back and almost slipped, reaching out a hand to steady himself. He turned to where he was touching and when he saw Akashi's decapitated head, he screamed.
Kuroko bolted awake as he gasped for air and immediately looked at his hands and when he saw them clean and free of blood did he sigh in relief. He curled his fists tightly as he tried to erase the remnants of his nightmares, he didn't want to see that again. He was already used to the first part of his dream—of those witches and vampires—but what he couldn't take was what comes after it. It always ends with death of either him, Akashi, the coven, his parents or all of them together.
He was scared, really scared. He hated the night and the darkness. But what he hated the most was being alone.
Lying on his back, he stared at the ceiling with an empty mind. He knew he should sleep more as he knew, without them mentioning it, that everyone already noticed his insomnia. No one outright said it but Kise and Aomine were so obvious in helping him and he was thankful for it.
Unmindful how his eyes slowly fluttered close, Kuroko was once more swept back to dreamland. He dreamt again. But this time it wasn't a nightmare, it was a very peculiar dream.
He never met him but he saw him in his dream and his appearance was just as Akashi described him to be.
Kuroko saw Mayuzumi Chihiro.
xXx
Kuroko mindlessly played with his breakfast. His mind was far, far away. Well, not that far away as it was about his dream last night. It was odd as he didn't remember what it was but he was pretty sure it was important. And he got that odd sense of feeling that it wasn't a nightmare either. He remembered those unfortunately. He wondered what it was about.
"Kurokocchi?" He blinked and turned to Kise beside him, who was looking at him worriedly. "Are you okay? Don't you like the food? I can ask Murasakicchi to replace it if you want."
Shaking his head, Kuroko ate his food to alleviate Kise's worry and so as not to hurt Murasakibara's feelings if he found out that he didn't finish his breakfast. He ate and as he chewed he watched Kise, who was commentating at the show aired on TV. Did Kise know about Mayuzumi? Akashi said he hadn't joined them at that time but Kise must have heard from the others.
Before Kuroko could ask, the door opened and inwardly groaned in despair when he saw Aomine. He was slowly starting to hate Aomine's presence as days go by. He was actually serious when he said that he would train Kuroko like a devil. He couldn't anything physical yet but Aomine's verbal lessons on fighting were too much to handle. (He dreaded the day when he was fully healed.) He would rather have Midorima's lecture than Aomine's.
"Don't look at me like that Tetsu," Aomine remarked at seeing his face. "You're in good luck. It's your day off so no lessons today."
"Yay!" both he and Kise cheered with him in a monotone voice and Kise exuberantly. Aomine only rolled his eyes at them.
Aomine took the remote on the bedside table and turned the TV off and gestured the closet to Kise. "We're going out Tetsu. I know you're bored being coped up in here. I already got permission from Akashi to roam around the town."
Kuroko blinked and in a daze stared at the clothes Kise handed him. "I…um, thank you," he murmured. "I'll go get change."
"Sure. We'll wait outside," Aomine said, ignoring Kise's but I wanna help Kurokocchi get dressed and hauled him outside.
Coming out of his stupor, Kuroko quickly wore the clothes Kise provided; a striped shirt, gray hoodie and black pants and sneakers. Once done, he stepped out of his room and thanked Kise when he saw a coat in his arms. Seeing the puppy dog eyes Kise was giving him, he internally sighed and let him put the coat on.
"Are we the only ones going out Aomine-kun?" Kuroko asked as he followed them outside and eyed the dark blue car parked there. He climbed in the backseat without questions as Kise settled beside him and Aomine took the wheel.
Starting the engine, Aomine answered. "Yeah, Akashi and Midorima have business with the Council and Murasakibara was too lazy to go out." He adjusted the rear view mirror and looked at Kuroko's reflection. "Why, you want Akashi to come with us? I can ask him."
He shook his head. "No, it's fine. I don't want disturb him."
"Okay, buckle up Kurokocchi," Kise said which was pointless since he was the one buckling up Kuroko's seatbelt.
Giving noncommittal replies and nodding at times pretending he was listening, Kuroko gazed out the window with Kise's chatter as a background noise. The villa was far from the city and though it was only a short ride he liked the view of the sea as they drove. Once there and since it was Aomine and Kise's first time in Kuroshio as well, they walked around aimlessly with no destination in mind.
Kise though did insist that he wanted to try and eat katsuo no tataki even though it wasn't in season since it was one of the region's famous dishes so they ate lunch in an izakaya. To Kuroko's surprise, Kise ate a lot and was mindful not to mention it since he was sure Kise was stress eating and just ate as much as he could until his stomach was full while Aomine ate a lot like usual but drank more sake.
Considering it was winter, there wasn't much to see but they still went to some tourists' spots. Kise and Aomine were attentive when he got too cold and bought him warm drinks as they hanged around the seaside park at Saga Koen. Nursing his warm lemon tea, Kuroko was grateful at how thoughtful Kise and Aomine were as he knew they did this so they could distract him. It felt like a lifetime ago since he was this relaxed with so many things happening.
"I'm curious," Kuroko spoke, catching Aomine and Kise's attention instantly. "How long are we going to stay in this town? Aren't we going home?"
Aomine shrugged and buried his hands more in his coat's pockets. "We can't go home yet. Many vampires wanted to know what really happened with Hanamiya and Akashi didn't want a hoard of vampires or worse the Council coming to the mansion with you there. They don't know we're here and Akashi is talking to the Council and the alliance now to smooth things over."
"We'll probably stay here until the end of the month," Kise added and then as if remembering something, his eyes sparkled. "Hey, that means Kurokocchi's birthday is close! We only have more than a week to prepare!"
Giving Kise a side glance, Aomine responded. "I thought we're celebrating Tetsu's birthday at his folks. Why do we need to prepare?"
"Aominecchi, that's rude! We can't let Miyako-san and Ryuuji-san do all the work."
Kuroko felt like he should join the conversation now. "We're still going to my parents for my birthday?"
Kise and Aomine stared at him like he was crazy. "Of course, we do! That's what Kurokocchi wants, right?" he asked which Kuroko nodded to.
"But isn't it dangerous?"
"Only an idiot or those who have a certain death wish will attack our coven now after what happened with Hanamiya's coven," Aomine explained. "So don't worry Tetsu. We're safe and nothing will happen with your parents."
Kise nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Akashicchi said we'll go straight to Kurokocchi's parents from here. We'll stay there for a few days so Kurokocchi can spend time with them before we go back home in Kyoto."
Humming in satisfaction at their explanation, Kuroko finished his drink and watched the setting sun. He didn't want the day to end. He wished the light could prolong or perhaps stay there forever. But it was only wishful thinking on his part. It was winter and the days were shorter and soon dusk came, blanketing everything into dimness.
And not before long, it was time to sleep again.
The drive back to the villa was filled with comfortable silence that even Kise was quiet and looked close to sleep. Murasakibara greeted them when they arrived and Kuroko suddenly found himself entertaining him since Murasakibara missed him apparently. He smiled fondly and accompanied him in the kitchen as Murasakibara cooked dinner.
Dinner was a quiet affair and because of the impromptu trip, Kuroko was tired more than ever and excused himself to go to his room. After a quick bath, he promptly passed out on his bed and nightmares were erased from his mind until they paid him a visit again.
Blood. Vampires. Sacrifice. Witches. Death. Hanamiya. Kill. Over again. No end.
Kuroko gasped as he abruptly awoke and put his face on his hands as he gathered his breath back. He lay back on his bed and tried to go back to sleep but his mind was full of chaotic things until he gave up and frustratingly got out of bed. He stepped out of his room to find Akashi and asked him to sleep with him, pride be damned. If Akashi refused then he would ask Aomine or Kise. He didn't want to sleep alone any longer.
As he walked in the hallway, he heard a soft tune coming from his left and strained his ears to listen. He was surprised when he realized it was a piano playing. Who was playing the piano at this time of the night?
Going closer to the room, he slowly turned the knob and opened the door to peek inside. He was surprised to find Midorima sitting on the piano bench and his fingers—his left hand surprisingly not taped—hovered over the keys. Kuroko found himself sneaking inside the room and leaned against the door, closing his eyes as he continued to listen to Midorima.
"Kuroko."
He opened his eyes and saw Midorima observing him. He didn't notice that Midorima stopped as he was lost in the music. Midorima patted the space next to him and Kuroko found himself walking towards him and quietly sat on the piano bench. "I'm sorry for disturbing you, Midorima-kun."
"It's no problem," said Midorima before his fingers went back to the keys, playing notes randomly until he picked up and started a soft melody.
Watching Midorima's skillful fingers moved across the keys expertly in fascination, it felt like Kuroko was being lulled to calm and helped him to breathe easier by the piece Midorima played. "Why does Midorima-kun not play the piano at home?" he asked. The only indication that Midorima was surprised was his slight hesitation before continuing on.
"I don't play often," Midorima answered. "In fact, it's been years since I've touched a piano."
"Midorima-kun should play the piano more. I like it."
"…I will."
Kuroko closed his eyes again and let himself be swept away by the gentle sway of the music, far away from his dark and dreary nightmares.
xXx
Midorima briefly halted when he felt a weight alighted on his right. He glanced and saw Kuroko resting peacefully and considering his deep and steady breathing Midorima knew he was fast asleep. He played one more song as he waited if Kuroko would wake up or not though he perfectly knew he would not.
As the last note resonated in the room, Midorima stared down at Kuroko and made up his mind. Slipping an arm at the back of his knees and the other on his back, Midorima carefully balanced Kuroko in his arms as he carried him bridal style. He didn't even looked disturbed and seemed to nuzzle closer to Midorima's chest as he made his way to Kuroko's temporary room.
It was plainly obvious why Kuroko was up this late at night so Midorima didn't ask why and opted to distract him. And he also knew that it would take a lot of time until Kuroko would be able to sleep normally again. No one would get out of that traumatic incident unscathed and without picking up scars of his own.
Though Midorima wondered why Akashi wasn't doing anything.
He was brought to a halt as he saw Akashi up ahead, leaning against the wall across Kuroko's room. He took his last thought back, Akashi wanted to do something but he didn't know how. It must be because he was still harboring guilt as he was the main reason why Hanamiya was interested in Kuroko and why he was a little bit broken now.
Midorima moved until he was in front of Kuroko's room. His grip on him tightened as Akashi stepped closer and opened the door, moving aside to let Midorima in. He walked closer to the bed and gently place down Kuroko, caressing his teal hair to calm him down when he saw him appearing disturbed for a moment. Only when he deemed Kuroko serenely asleep did Midorima step back and faced his leader.
Akashi was staring Kuroko with a sad and intense longing in his expression that he was taken aback for a second. He (and the probably the rest) knew Akashi had fallen in love with Kuroko but he didn't know how hard and deep Akashi had fallen until now. He was perfectly certain that what Akashi feel for Kuroko was deeper than what he felt for Mayuzumi Chihiro.
He remembered what he said to Akashi in a very uncharacteristic moment after his mating ceremony with Takao. "…When you fall in love with someone all your heart, with all your soul… You will realize what it means to be complete." It seemed Akashi finally understood what those words meant almost a century after.
"Akashi," he softly called, knowing his leader was lost in his thoughts.
Giving Kuroko one last look, Akashi faced him and motioned to the door so they could talk without disturbing Kuroko. Midorima followed Akashi to his study and shook his head as he took a seat when Akashi offered him a glass of wine. "Aren't you going to do something regarding Kuroko's nightmares?" he asked point blank. "He's not sleeping well and he's more tired lately."
"If I could take and erase Tetsuya's nightmares I will do it in a heartbeat," Akashi answered. "I don't want to see Tetsuya suffering. But I can't do anything about it. I don't have the power to do that."
Midorima carefully regarded his leader. The solution to Kuroko's insomnia was pretty obvious in his opinion. There was nothing they could do to his nightmares but the least they could do was to make Kuroko sleep for a full night. "Akashi, he misses you," he stated and it didn't escape his notice how Akashi stiffened at his words. "I think Kuroko only want someone with him through the night. And not just anyone, it has to be you. Kuroko feels safe with you the most, Akashi."
"Why?" Akashi said, it was so quiet that Midorima almost didn't catch it. "I'm the sole reason why Tetsuya has nightmares. Why would he feel safe with me?"
Forcing himself not to sigh at his leader, Midorima explained. "Akashi, you're the one who saved Kuroko. He didn't give up because he believes in you. And to return that blind faith and trust, you shouldn't leave him alone especially at this time. Kuroko is awake but he's still living in those nightmares. You need to wake him up back to you—to us."
"Is it that easy?"
"Why are you hesitant Akashi? You're not usually like this. You are Akashi Seijuurou, The Red Emperor. You always get what you want."
He watched as Akashi turned his back to him and gazed out the window and to the starless night sky. "I don't want to let history repeat itself Shintarou. I can't lose Tetsuya. I won't be able to live without him. I'll die."
"You said so before, remember? Kuroko is different. The circumstances between Mayuzumi and Kuroko are different. Why don't you trust Kuroko more? Stop treating him like a fragile glass. Be more forward with your feelings. It's not good bottling up all those emotions Akashi."
Akashi turned around to face him and though Midorima knew he wouldn't make a move yet at least his words seemed to penetrate him and that was enough for Midorima. With his mission done, he stood up. "See you tomorrow Akashi."
"Good night Shintarou," Akashi said. Midorima stopped when he was called back and let out a small smile as Akashi added. "And thank you."
Midorima nodded in acknowledgment as he left the study.
xXx
For the first time in a long while, Kuroko woke up from a dreamless sleep. He didn't have nightmares and even if it was just one night he felt rejuvenated already. A full night sleep without nightmares and waking up in interval times could do wonders for both his body and health.
Kuroko slipped out of his bed in high spirits and stretched his arms and whole body, working out the kinks. Contemplating the reason for his lack of nightmares, he remembered what happened last night. Oh right, he heard Midorima playing the piano and played for him. He must have fallen asleep while listening. Wait, did that mean Midorima carried him to his room? He made a mental note to thank him later when he sees him.
Energized, he decided to head to the dining room for breakfast. He was sick of eating in the morning in his room and wanted a change of pace. He smiled when he saw Murasakibara preparing food. "Good morning Murasakibara-kun."
Murasakibara looked up at him and seeing his cheerful mood seemed to uplift him, too. "Kuro-chin is in a good mood today~. That's great."
"Yes, I slept well last night."
"Then, can Kuro-chin and I play?" Murasakibara asked as he placed the food on the table and served Kuroko.
Picking up his chopsticks, Kuroko silently prayed his thanks and dug in before asking. "What do you mean Murasakibara-kun?"
"Kuro-chin went out with Mine-chin and Kise-chin yesterday and even Mido-chin got to play piano for Kuro-chin last night," said Murasakibara with a pout. "I want to spend time with Kuro-chin, too."
He couldn't help the amused chuckle bursting from his mouth at Murasakibara's explanation. "All right then. Today I'll only spend time with Murasakibara-kun."
"What? No way! That's unfair Kurokocchi!" Kise complained as he stepped inside the dining room catching the last part of the conversation.
"You already had Kuro-chin yesterday, Kise-chin. It's my time today."
"But Aominecchi was there, too! I want some alone time with Kurokocchi!"
He opened his mouth to stop them but it seemed he didn't need to when Aomine came to the kitchen and slapped Kise at the back of the head and elbowed Murasakibara on the gut. "It's still so early and both of you are already noisy."
"Don't butt in Aominecchi/Mine-chin!"
"Whatever," Aomine yawned and rolled his eyes at them as he took a seat beside Kuroko. "And too bad for you, Murasakibara. Akashi said he will have Tetsu for the whole day."
Murasakibara scowled and grumbled even if Akashi wasn't there yet. "Aka-chin at least let me have Kuro-chin in the morning." He then smiled as he listened in at Akashi's answer. "Thanks Aka-chin!"
Throughout it all, Kuroko managed to finish his breakfast and with Aomine's approval of skipping another day of training and patting the pouting Kise on the head, he let Murasakibara pulled him away. Since they only had half a day together, Murasakibara decided to change his plans of going to the town for a snack and sweets adventure and just stayed inside the villa instead.
He was a bit shocked and confused when Murasakibara said they would play games. He thought it was board games or something and it was exactly that but more of a magical variety. It was the first time he saw Murasakibara's power which was something to do with the earth like making earthquakes or manipulating trees or flowers. Kise was the only one that he saw using magic which was water and he knew about Akashi's but hadn't seen it yet. He also found out that Aomine controls ice while Midorima was air or wind.
It was fun playing with Murasakibara with his magic plus the magical items he brought. He learned many games though they were mostly invented by Murasakibara like the labyrinth where Kuroko's toy had to escape out the maze with the help of items while Murasakibara used his powers to block him. (He also laughed when Kise wanted to join and Murasakibara used his branches to lock the door.)
All in all, Kuroko had fun and he knew Murasakibara was, too since they played together all day as Akashi had an urgent matter to do and had to leave. He only came back just in time for dinner which Kuroko helped with.
Since he hadn't seen Akashi for the whole day, Kuroko found himself unconsciously drifting towards his side. And only when Akashi had this amused smile and knowing look on his face did Kuroko noticed what he was doing. But he forgoes the embarrassment and stuck close to Akashi.
And though he knew it was drawing close, he hated it when Akashi deemed that it was time for him to rest. He was scared to sleep alone with only his nightmares as his company. He wasn't afraid to admit that. So when they stopped at the door to his room, Kuroko hastily grabbed Akashi's hand and pulled him inside which he didn't seem to mind.
Kuroko faced Akashi and after saying stay here to him without waiting for any response, he went to the bathroom so he could freshen up and changed into his nightwear. He was relieved when he found Akashi still in his room and went to his bed. Without prompting him, Akashi sat on the edge and soothingly ran his hands through Kuroko's hair.
His heart thudded chaotically in his chest and he didn't know if Akashi was oblivious—no, Kuroko was pretty sure he was disregarding the nervousness settling inside him. He was scared with his nightmares. But he was more scared of what he wanted to ask of Akashi. He didn't know why he was this apprehensive, his request was so simple and he and Akashi already did so much more.
Akashi moving pulled Kuroko out of his thoughts and he distressingly watched him leave the bed. He reached out before he could think and grabbed hold of Akashi's sleeve on time. His conflict feelings must have been obvious as Akashi came back on the bed, caressing his face with such gentle hands and Kuroko bit his lip to prevent his whimpers from coming out.
He knew he was acting out of character and like a child but he didn't want to be alone. He didn't want to live in his nightmares, fighting all alone. He didn't know why Akashi refused to sleep beside him but he missed him. Terribly. He missed the warmth and protection and safety in his arms. He just wanted Akashi.
"Tetsuya," Akashi whispered and engulfed him on a secure hug because Kuroko was shivering even though the room was warmer than usual. "What's wrong, love? Tell me."
Kuroko looked up and gazed up at Akashi. "Stay," he murmured. "Don't leave me."
"Of course," Akashi answered although there was a hint of confusion in his tone. "I'm not going anywhere."
"No. Stay with me tonight."
Pausing, Akashi stared at him before reluctantly nodding his head. "Alright, I'll stay with you until you fall asleep."
Kuroko almost whined when he heard that. "No, sleep with me Akashi-kun. I want Akashi-kun beside me tonight. And I want to see Akashi-kun sleeping beside me in the morning. Just like before."
"Tetsuya, I—"
Before Akashi could react, Kuroko already moved and pressed their lips together and though he was surprised Akashi quickly responded. Their kiss was slow and sweet that Kuroko's anxiety and uneasiness melted away completely. He didn't give Akashi time to think as he pulled back for air and captured his lips again for a more demanding kiss. He bit Akashi's lower lip and plunged his tongue in when he had the chance to deepen their kiss.
"Tetsuya…" Akashi mumbled between kisses but he paid no heed to it and continued to kiss him. Akashi grabbed his shoulders to stop him for a second. "What are you doing Tetsuya?"
Kuroko bit his swollen lip and plunged head on to it. "Just like I said before Akashi-kun stay with me tonight."
"And kissing me is your form of persuasion?" Akashi remarked, cocking an eyebrow.
"It's working so why not?"
"Tetsuya—"
"I want you, Akashi-kun."
Akashi's eyes widened in shock and astonishment and Kuroko took the opportunity to kiss him again. He smiled in their kiss when he heard him groan in pleasure and a little bit of frustration. "I can't," Akashi whispered. "I can't do this."
Kuroko sat up and confusedly watched as Akashi quickly got out of bed. He wanted to ask what was wrong but he was afraid to find Akashi rejecting him.
Possibly discerning what he was feeling, Akashi crouched down beside the bed and took both of Kuroko's hands in his, holding it so tenderly. "Oh love, you didn't do anything wrong. Don't you know how long I've been waiting for you to say those words? I thought I could control it, control my feelings for you"—he shook his head—"but I can't. I want you too much Tetsuya. I want to completely own you."
Kuroko's breath hitched.
"I want to do so many things to you right now. I want to kiss you, softly at first, seducing you until you succumb to me. Then I'll want to kiss you so hard, so deep and so passionate that you'll want to kiss me back just as intense. I want to kiss every inch of your skin, every part of you until you'll feel only my kisses in your body, marking into the depths of your soul. I want to hear you moan, groan and whimper under me when I'll give you an onslaught of pleasure over and over again. I want to hear you beg for more of me, for more of my kisses, for more of my touch. And I want you to want me just as much as I need you. Until finally, you'll never want me to let you go because you'll realize that you love me, too."
He couldn't breathe. He felt like he was drowning, sinking into the deepest part of the sea; so confused and so at lost. He didn't know what to think, what to feel. He couldn't say anything suitable after that kind of declaration. But there was one thing in his mind begging for him to say it. He wanted all of that. He wanted what Akashi wanted. He wanted to be kissed and touched. He wanted to give himself. And he wanted to be completely owned by Akashi.
He didn't even notice he was whimpering until Akashi softly kissed his knuckles, gently soothing him. "Ah, love, just knowing you reciprocate what I want and feeling your desire for me is enough," Akashi said as he looked deeply into his eyes.
No response could ever be enough for that. And it only just dawned on him that he was shivering—shivering with so much want for Akashi.
"I'm not going to touch you yet Tetsuya. Tonight isn't the right time. When I'll touch you for the first time, I want you to only think of me. Your entire focus and attention solely on me because you only wanted me and only me and not because you needed comfort from someone." Kuroko watched as Akashi pressed a soft and light kiss on each of his fingers. "Do you understand Tetsuya, love?"
Kuroko slowly nodded.
With an understanding smile, Akashi stood up and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. "Good night, my love," he said before walking towards the door and quietly left the room.
Frustrated, he lay back in his bed restlessly, tightly closing his eyes and forced himself to sleep but his mind had gone haywire, replaying what Akashi said over and over again.
That night, Kuroko didn't sleep very well.
But this time, it was for an entirely different reason.
Q&A CORNER!
Q1: will kuroko drink another blood aside from akashi? (Gly)
A: No, it's only Akashi.
Q2: And in the anime/manga kuroko is quite a prankster and a mischievous little devil appearing and disappearing when he pleases, will there be more of this scenes that would depict this trait of his? (Gly)
A: Yes, because just like Kuroko, it's fun to scare the others.
Q3: And also for his temper, will you write a furious kuroko? In your future chapters? (Gly)
A: Yes, I will.
Q4: By the way, when will Akashi change Kuroko as vampire? Is it near future or still a long way? (Shiro-chan1827)
A: We have a long way to go before that.
Q5: And will Akashi tell Kuroko's parents about his lineage? They know something is wrong with Kuroko since his grandmother died and then their only child being kidnapped by a bunch of vampire, at least they maybe have a hunch that Kuroko isn't that normal either (Shiro-chan1827)
A: They already knew Kuroko wasn't normal. Akashi will explain it all to them next chapter.
Q6: but that Akashi left the reins to this Akashi because the pain, now there is Kuroko, will he try to spend some private time with Kuroko as well? (Rinfantasy)
A: Fufufu, very soon ;)
Q7: btw, do you plan on doing a one-shot perhaps?, of Akashi & Chihiro's love affair? (lulubeck)
A: Hmm, I don't know. I don't have plans. If I do, then it will be in WH but don't get your hopes, okay?
Q8: When does Kagami will be in the story? (Kuroko-SenPaille)
A: Arc III so very soon.
Q9: Akashi once said that he was afraid of how Seijuro would react to Kuroko, but there wasn't any reaction when he met with the dying Kuroko, (other than despair and tears and sadness) or was that Akashi? (Kasu97)
A: That was Akashi (aka Oreshi). Bokushi will meet Kuroko soon.
Q10: I was re-reading it for the nth time and I realized something while reading chapter 7. Kuroko was arguing with Akashi to get his own room and he picked the snow room in the end cause it was furthest from Akashi. Then, Akashi said a few things to Kise which made him realize something about Kuroko. Did Kise realize that Kuroko might not be an ordinary human and have magic powers then? (Guest)
A: Yes, which is why Kise wasn't all that surprised when Kuroko amplified his powers in chap 19.
Q11: In other words, are Kuroko and Mayuzumi going to meet? (Purified Sins)
A: The only thing I could say is: Arc IV.
Q12: By the way Author-san! Its only about 3 more months! Until DD's 2nd year anniversary! (*_*) Aren't you excited? (Purified Sins)
A: Yes, I am! Also it's akakuroweek2016, too. I'm gonna go crazy writing when that time comes.
Q13: Is there a chance that someone else kidnap kuroko again for his ability and used him against the Gom? (mychibidragon)
A: Nope, Kuroko won't get kidnapped again. As if Akashi would let that happen. Once was enough.
Q14: or would Chihiro be resurrect and become obstacle for akakuro relationship or is there more obstacles in akakuro relationship for examples 1) someone else wanted to separate them 2) the Council did not accept them and kuroko need to prove his worthy? (mychibidragon)
A: Both 1 and 2 are spot on. That's Arc III and IV.
A/N: Chapter 23 (aka Kuroko's birthday) will posted on Jan 31. (yeah precisely why i'm updating like crazy)
