Pairing: AkaKuro

A/N: This is very late and I'm sorry for that but I had to postpone this because I had to rewrite half of this chapter. The first draft was such an utter mess that it kinda became an info dump chapter. There were also parts that I feel would make a huge problem in the long run and I think it's too early for some of the info to be disclosed. I had to change it and I need to carefully analyze each detail to avoid inconsistencies in the future.

Thanks to my reviewers: Asterelle, Rinfantasy, akamekoi13, sozoushiyouXD, Kuroko-SenPaille, ghost reader, Adorable Reader, mimi-chan and aliling-chan, mychibidragon, BabyNightmareLady, Jennosaur, yoshan-chan, silver woman, 123ANIMEfun, ShinseiShinwa, KNBSnkLover, kyujoonis, jilnachtaugen, lorenjitan, blacky, it's cool guy, Purpley97, Korunakuroko, Moonta11, Rivazuto, Purified Sins, r3crd282, Kottori, lulubeck and star. Thanks for the favorite and follow alerts, too.


Twenty-Third Night: To the Phantom


"You're trembling, love."

Akashi's voice snapped Kuroko out of his trance, turning to his right and found him holding his cold shaking hand. He let out a small smile as Akashi kissed his palm to keep him warm. "I'm just a bit nervous and excited," he confessed.

"Well, it's been a long while since Kurokocchi saw his parents so that's natural," Kise said, sitting on the other side of Kuroko and gave him an enthusiastic grin. Kise tapped Aomine on the shoulder, who was driving the SUV to Kuroko's parents' house. "Drive faster Aominecchi. I can't wait for them to see Kurokocchi again!"

Clucking his tongue in annoyance, Aomine swiveled his head to Kise and ignored his and Midorima's yelp to watch his driving. "You're the one who told me to drive slowly since you said that I drive like a maniac! Don't complain now!"

"Keep your eyes on the road, Daiki," Akashi calmly ordered amidst the ruckus. "We want to arrive there safe and sound. The car included."

"It's Kise's fault!"

"Hey, don't blame it on me! Aominecchi's the one that wasn't watching the road!"

Sitting on the passenger seat, Midorima looked like he had enough and reprimanded the two. "Will you two stop this nonsense? Aomine keep driving and carefully if I may add. And Kise stop goading Aomine. You're starting to annoy everyone with your incessant chatter."

"Midorimacchi is so mean!" Kise pouted. "I'm just trying to liven up everyone on our road trip."

Seeing the usual chaos the coven brought, Kuroko couldn't help chuckling at the scene. He paused when silence fell and stared as everyone watched him. "Kuro-chin is happy~" Murasakibara's voice drifted behind and Kuroko turned around to find him still munching some pocky this time in green tea flavor.

His eyes softened at Murasakibara's words and looked back at Akashi again. He knew how worried they were about him especially after everything that had happened and even its aftermath. He thought this outing was cancelled due to Akashi's busy schedule, always leaving early in the morning and coming back late in the evening, and was surprised when he only told him to prepare. Maybe this was the reason why Akashi insisted on the trip. To make him happy.

"I am happy," Kuroko declared and the smiles and grins he got made him happier. The only thing left was to see his parents again. He was a little anxious since it felt like everything was different. No, it is different. The normal life he once led was no more.

If he saw his parents he wondered if he would be able to tell them the truth, that he was a witch and it was either his father or mother's lineage was comprised of a witch's bloodline. They already knew about vampires and as Akashi told him, they also knew about his kidnapping and the general idea of what happened. There was a possibility that they knew he wasn't just a normal human. His parents were smart and sharp after all.

Speaking of his family, Kuroko remembered what Midorima said to him days before. About his night terrors from childhood which he had no knowledge of and was surprised at the psychiatric file he'd given him and how those night terrors stopped when his grandmother died.

Midorima added that those night terrors were related to him being a witch and those nightmares were probably memories of his previous ancestors. Akashi only reinforced that theory when he told Kuroko that he did have a nightmare prior to his abduction and yelling for Akashi to save him. He didn't know what to think about that since he couldn't recall anything of that sort but as he looked back on that day and Akashi's odd behavior, it only confirmed everything.

Midorima also hypothesized that his grandmother had something to do to make his night terrors stopped when she died and only brought back due to Akashi. (Akashi got guiltier for that and he didn't know how to comfort him.) If that assumption was correct then it meant that his grandmother and mother did have witch blood in their veins. This was further verified when Midorima added that male witches are rare as they were mostly women which corroborated the story of Kuroko being the rare third male in his mother's line.

All the speculations and guesses left Kuroko reeling in confusion and were being overwhelmed with all these new information. His family was more mysterious than Akashi's coven. But maybe answers will be provided once they meet his parents. He knew the main reason why they were going there was for his birthday and his reunion with his parents but the secondary reason was to find out more about his origin.

When Murasakibara's stomach growled loudly, they decided to stop by for brunch and once they resumed their journey Kise switched with Aomine since he was driving for over two hours already. At the rate they were going, they would arrive at his parents' home well past noon. Thankfully, the rest of the trip went by without hassle.

As they drove near their destination Kuroko's nervousness came back in full force and instinctively reached out a hand to Akashi's, squeezing to the point of pain which Akashi didn't seem to mind. He was certain they would be happy to see him again. But once they found out everything would they still accept him?

He didn't even notice the car stopped in front of a house until Akashi tugged him out of the car. He almost tripped as he climbed out and stared at the two story house. It greatly resembled his house from before but this one appeared more new and lively than his previous home since that was more traditional.

Kuroko was lost in inspecting the house that he didn't hear the front door opened or even the gate and only when a warm body collided to him did he snap out of it. Akashi was there to steady him before he could fall but he didn't care about that. His sole attention was on the woman hugging the life out of him and for once he didn't mind and instantly embraced his mother back. He closed his eyes and relished her warmth as he tried to hold back the tears threatening to fall. He was reminded on that time he said goodbye and his mother's promise of seeing him again. And what did he know, it came true.

"Tetsuya-kun," Miyako sobbed and clutched onto him dearly. She pulled back and stared at him, her hands on his face, staring at him in wonderment. She smiled as tears trailed down on her cheeks. "Welcome back, Tetsuya-kun."

He had to clear his thought to control his emotions first and he couldn't help but return his mother's smile. "I'm back, Okaa-sama." His smile wavered when she cried more and engulfed him in another hug. Sensing a stare on him, he looked up and when he saw his father looking at them warmly did he smile at him, too. "Otou-sama."

"Tetsuya," Ryuuji greeted back and stepped closer, placing a hand on his wife's back. "Now dear, I know how much you missed Tetsuya but we have guests. It's impolite to just ignore them."

That seemed to bring Miyako back to reality as she let go of Kuroko but took his hand instead. "Yes, of course," she said and regarded the coven with warm eyes especially Kise and Aomine. Her gaze turned cold however when she saw Akashi which he chose to disregard. "Come in, come in everyone. I'm sure you're all tired from the trip."

Pulling Kuroko by his hand, Miyako led the way inside the house with Ryuuji on the rear. He studied the interior of the house and just like outside, it was more modern than traditional but what made him smile was the pictures hang on the wall. His mother brought them to the living room but instead of taking a seat, he chose to look at the pictures displayed. Aomine said that their house was completely destroyed so he was surprised to see pictures and some of their possessions still intact.

"I hope everyone doesn't mind waiting. Food isn't ready yet," Miyako explained as she came back from the kitchen carrying a tray of tea and distributed it to everyone.

"I'll help~" Murasakibara volunteered and either he didn't hear Miyako's protests or ignored it as he left for the kitchen.

Miyako sighed in exasperation but there was fondness on her face. "That child, really. Well, I'm a bad hostess if I let my guest cook the food. I'll leave entertaining our guests to you, dear." She moved closer to Kuroko and patted his face gently before walking away.

"Tetsuya, you should sit," a soft-spoken order came from his father and he reflexively sat beside Akashi on the couch and only when Ryuuji rose an eyebrow at it did Kuroko notice. Still, he chose to stay but was more careful on his actions and interactions with Akashi. His parents must have inkling on his supposed relationship with Akashi but he didn't have to flaunt it.

Giving all of them a onceover, Ryuuji smiled as he looked over at Kise and Midorima seating next to each other, Aomine leaning against the wall near the window and Kuroko and Akashi on the other couch. "I must say it really is nice to see everyone. We only saw you one at a time except for Kise-kun and Murasakibara-kun. And Tetsuya, of course, it has been months and you look well."

"Thank you, Otou-sama," Kuroko said and glanced at the coven. "But I didn't know everyone visited you often."

"They dropped by once in a while when delivering your letters."

Kuroko made a noncommittal hum in the back of his throat and stared at the vampires in confusion. "Why are you all so quiet?"

Fidgeting in his seat, Kise averted his gaze and looked anywhere except from him while Midorima fiddled with his glasses and Aomine chose to watch the scenery outside the window. "They're just being courteous, Tetsuya," Akashi enlightened as he took a sip of his tea. "They want you to have a happy reunion with your parents and they don't want to get in the way."

Ryuuji laughed when he heard that and reached out to lightheartedly patted Kise on the back. "You don't have to do that. It is odd to see you all so well-behaved when Tetsuya often said you're all lively when together. And don't forget that I already know you all so don't mind us and act natural, alright?"

"I agree with Otou-sama. Seeing you all so serious and silent is strange. I'm not used to it."

Thankfully, Murasakibara saved the day when he came back with a small piece of cheesecake on a saucer. "Kuro-chin~" he called and went over to Kuroko, a fork posed over his face. "Taste this. Miyako-chin said it's too sweet but I think it's okay."

Leaning over to take a bite, Kuroko chewed carefully and almost moaned at the sweetness. His favorite was vanilla but his mother makes the best chocolate cheesecake and with Murasakibara assisting, the end result was out of this world. "It's very delicious Murasakibara-kun."

Taking the fork from Murasakibara, Akashi cut a small slice and tasted it as well. "Miyako-san is right. It's too sweet."

"But I quite like it," Kuroko contradicted.

Kise reached over and took the fork from Akashi as he took a big bite, moaning as he chewed. "This is so good," he said and Kuroko turned to Akashi with a see I'm right look. "Akashicchi isn't a fan of sweets so he won't like this."

"I made a coffee cake for Aka-chin~"

"Serve me that as well Murasakibara," Midorima joined in since like Akashi he didn't like sugary confectionaries all that much.

"I would have that, too," Ryuuji added, uncaring of his wife's shout of you traitor coming from the kitchen which made everyone laughed.

The awkward atmosphere quickly dissipated as everyone mingled and Kuroko took a chance to sit next to his father so they could talk with Akashi and Midorima with them while Murasakibara went back to help Miyako with Kise trailing after him and Aomine going after him to stop the impending doom happening if Kise was left handling desserts.

Once everything was set and since the kitchen was too small for them to fit, they settled on the living room after Kise and Aomine towed a small table next to the coffee table for the food. Miyako dashed upstairs to take her camera stopping Kuroko before he could blow out the candles on his cake. (He didn't want to since he thought it was silly but his mother insisted and he couldn't refuse her.) Kise was prepared though and already took a handful of pictures, giving Miyako a thumbs-up when she asked to give her copies.

Only when Kuroko took his serving did the rest dug in. Aomine heartily ate and took samples of each portion and ignored Midorima's reprimands to slow down and leave some for everyone. Murasakibara almost skipped the other dishes and went straight to dessert but Akashi luckily prevented him. Miyako and Kise only ate so little since they said they were on a diet and just took pictures while gushing over the photos they've taken in between. It was like Kuroko and Ryuuji were the eye of the storm as they calmly ate amidst the chaos.

After they ate, Miyako and Ryuuji said that they have a gift to Kuroko even after he told them not to bother. Fortunately, the rest of the coven didn't prepare presents either except for Kise, who said he filled out Kuroko's closet with more clothes, shoes and stuff and Murasakibara who got a promise from Kuroko to accompany him to a sweet festival one of these days. He tried to shake off Akashi's soft whisper of taking him out on a date first before going with Murasakibara.

"What is it?" Kuroko asked as he eyed the gift from his parents on his hands.

"Open it!" Miyako squealed as she readied her camera, "So you can find out."

Deftly removing the wrapper, he gasped when he saw his grandmother's antique music box. "This is—Wait, didn't Obaa-sama lost this before?" he marveled and as he opened the music box and a soft melody permeated the room. He eyed the trinkets and charms nestled in it as his hand hovered above them and at once he knew they weren't ordinary jewelries since he felt the magic imbued in them.

"Well, a certain someone helped us in locating it," said Miyako while giving Aomine a deliberate glance before turning her sights to Midorima. "And those ornaments came from a charitable person."

Kuroko would have a talk to those two later. He took out the jewelries and handed it to his mother. "Okaa-sama can take these. I don't need it."

"But Tetsuya-kun these are—"

"I know," he interrupted. "I'd rather Okaa-sama and Otou-sama to have these instead. Just to give me a piece of mind. And besides, I can't use any of them anyway since I'm a guy."

"Kurokocchi can crossdre—"

"Finish that sentence and I won't talk to you for a month, Kise-kun."

"Kurokocchi!" Kise protested and lightly punched Aomine on the arm for laughing which turned to a quick scuffle that the rest of them ignore.

Closing the box, his fingers stroked the box nostalgically as his mind took him back to when he was a kid and his grandmother soothing him to a sleep with the music box or her stories. He missed her. And he didn't know that she still watched over him even in the afterlife, taking care of his night terrors. Thank you, Obaa-sama. He smiled sweetly at his parents. "Otou-sama, Okaa-sama thank you for the gift."

Both his parents stilled for a second before returning his smile. Miyako quickly smothered him to another deathly hug, squeezing him in excitement. "Oohh, group hug!" Kise eagerly cheered and joined the hug, tugging the complaining Aomine in tow while Murasakibara didn't need any convincing and enfolded them all with his long arms. The other three just watched them in amusement.

After finallyfreeing himself in that impromptu hug, Kuroko watched everyone—the most important people in his life—having so much fun. Seeing them like that really made him happy. He never thought that this would happen even in his wildest dream and the one who made it all possible was Akashi. Perhaps sensing his stare, Akashi looked at him and Kuroko's body moved automatically, going to his side. "Thank you," he whispered so softly for Akashi to only hear.

Their pinky fingers curled together as he got a rare smile from Akashi. "No need to thank me. I'm just glad you're happy Tetsuya." A smile blossomed on Kuroko's face as his face warmed in contentment.

"Tetsuya-kun."

Kuroko turned and found his mother gesturing for him to come with her. He glanced at Akashi and nodding his permission, he left his side and followed his mother. Miyako grabbed his hand and together they climbed on the second floor, stepping inside the second room on the right. He looked around and when he saw shelves full of books on one side and several children's drawings pinned in a corkboard on the other that he knew this was his parents' workroom.

His father's previous job was am ordinary salary man but it seemed he pursued his other job of being a writer as a fulltime if the messy notes and data scattered on the desk and floor were any indication. Meanwhile, his mother still taught kindergarten and probably volunteered somewhere. "Are you happy here Okaa-sama?" he finally asked. They did have their house destroyed and had to move far away for their safety.

"As well as we could be," was Miyako's neutral answer. "It all happened so fast and the next thing we knew we were living here. We are grateful for what Akashi-san did for us but it's not the same anymore. You're not living with us and I knew this time would come but I never expected it to be so soon. You're living in another prefecture and I can't visit Okaa-san, too since she's buried in Kyoto. And as much as I love Ryuu-san, I feel a little lonely sometimes."

Miyako gazed at him with teary eyes. "I missed you so much Tetsuya-kun."

"I missed you, too…Mom."

A surprised giggled came out of Miyako when he called her mom since he seldom call her that. She took a seat in a comfy sofa on the corner and patted the space beside her. Kuroko willingly sat even if it was a tight fit. "How are you, Tetsuya-kun? And don't lie to me, young man. Tell me the truth."

Trust his mother to see past his façade. "I'm feeling a bit better now. I'm slowly coming into terms about everything but there were times that I feel this are all just a dream or a nightmare. It's hard to believe that I'm actually awake and living in this reality but I'm slowly accepting it."

"And your nightmares?"

Kuroko's eyes widened. "Okaa-sama how did you—"

"Akashi-san told us everything Tetsuya-kun. And I mean everything."

He was confused until he figured it out. He stared at his mother and seeing her watery eyes, he instantly realized that it wasn't only his world that changed. "I didn't know Tetsuya-kun. Okaa-san's stories…I chose to ignore them. If I knew—"

Shaking his head, Kuroko clasped his mother's shaking hand. "No, it's not Okaa-sama's fault. Even if we knew about vampires, I feel like I would still meet Akashi-kun and everyone. Maybe the circumstances will be different but I know that our fates will always be intertwined. And shouldn't it be me asking if Okaa-sama is alright? I didn't know Akashi-kun told you everything."

"I demanded to know everything," Miyako sighed. "I was worried and panicking. Akashi-san just told me you were kidnapped and hadn't found you yet. I shouted at him, you know. I blamed him for everything. We couldn't do anything but wait for news. It was like that period where you disappeared the first time and this time even a powerful vampire couldn't find you. I almost lost hope until Shintarou-kun contacted us and said they found you."

Miyako took a shaky breath and gripped his hand tighter. "I was relieved and then I talked to Akashi-san. I told him I wanted to take you back, that you would be safer with us than with them. And he said…he said okay." She turned to him with a puzzled look. "I was surprised when he immediately agreed. I mean, we don't see eye to eye and I may hold a grudge against him for taking you away but I knew something was wrong. I only met him a couple of times but I know he isn't the type to just give up like that."

"Okaa-sama, I was the one who refused to go back here," Kuroko confessed, a bit guilty but he needed to say this. "I didn't want to leave Akashi-kun. I chose him."

"I know, Tetsuya-kun. I know," Miyako interrupted, having a good grasp of what he was feeling and then she laughed. "Actually, I yelled at him again when he agreed. I managed to let him tell me what the problem was. And that's when I realized how important Tetsuya-kun is to Akashi-san. I told him that you would disagree. That I didn't raise my son to give up so easily but he didn't believe me. Until he called back and informed me of your decision."

Amazement was perhaps Kuroko was feeling right now. It was no secret that his mother disliked Akashi but he didn't know that they talked a lot. "Okaa-sama I thought you don't like Akashi-kun."

"Well…" Miyako trailed off hesitantly and then sighed begrudgingly. "I don't really hate him or anything. And past that vampire thing or taking you away, he's not really a bad guy. A bit intimidating, yes but seems really nice. But it's a mother's duty to be this antagonistic to their future son-in-law! It's kinda like a rite of passage. And Akashi-san is a guy so I can't order him around to do chores. What does everyone expect me to do?"

Kuroko was grateful that he wasn't drinking anything right now or he would have spat it back although he did choke on his own saliva. He really hoped none of the vampires were listening in this moment or he would die of embarrassment. "Okaa-sama, Akashi-kun and I don't have that kind of relationship. There's nothing going on between us."

"Yet," Miyako insisted with a meaningful look on her face. "I thought I told you, Tetsuya-kun. I know Akashi-san's feelings towards you. It's only a matter of time."

Sighing in defeat, he closed his eyes to get his bearings back before facing his mother again. "Okaa-sama, you said in your letters that you don't like Akashi-kun with me."

"I did say that," Miyako reluctantly admitted. "But I'm not blind Tetsuya-kun. Akashi-san looks at you like you're his whole world, like you're the entire reason he's living, like he's waited for you for a long, long time to come into his life. Akashi-san loves you, Tetsuya-kun."

Hearing it from Akashi was one thing but for his mother to point out the obvious, he didn't know how to react. He still hadn't given a reply to Akashi's confession and it had been almost a month. Akashi wasn't pushing him to answer and just let him have his own space. To Kuroko, Akashi was important to him. And they did kiss countless of times. And he was attracted (and possibly in lust) with Akashi, too.

But does he love him? Like Akashi loves him?

He didn't know. Maybe yes, maybe no. Or perhaps he was still in denial.

A squeeze on his hand brought Kuroko back to reality. "You know Tetsuya-kun can tell me anything that is bothering him."

"Okaa-sama, I don't have—" Kuroko stopped as his mother regarded him with a knowing look in her eyes—eyes that were the same shade as his. He bit his lower lip as he had this sudden urge to cry on his mother's lap. As if knowing what he was thinking, Miyako engulfed him in a warm embrace.

Kuroko gradually relaxed as his mother played with his hair, running her hands in a soothing motion. "I don't know how I feel about Akashi-kun," he started. "Akashi-kun confessed his feelings but I haven't given him my answer yet."

"You love him."

He snapped his head to his mother. "I—"

Miyako quietly shushed him. "Tetsuya-kun since when did we teach you to run away from your feelings. Okaa-san said so before, remember? Always confront your emotions head on. Why are you so afraid to admit it? There's nothing wrong with loving him."

"I…" Kuroko trailed off and rapidly blinked his eyes to wash away the tears threatening to fall down. "I don't know. I don't know if I what I feel for Akashi-kun is love. Akashi-kun is important to me. The same way the coven is important to me. But…"

"But it's more?" Miyako continued and Kuroko could only nod his head. "Are you having doubts because you're both male? Or is there another reason?"

Nibbling on his lip, he answered. "I have no problems with our gender. But I feel like I don't deserve Akashi-kun. He's a powerful and influential vampire. He's been alive for a long time and he even admitted that he had a lover before me. And there's me, just a human and yes, a witch but still an untrained one. I'm scared that after I gave myself wholly to him, he would get bored of me and be discarded. He's an immortal while I'll grow old and die. What if after I passed on, he'll find another person to love more than me? It's selfish of me to think it but I don't want that. I want him. I want him all to myself."

"You're being a coward, Tetsuya-kun," Miyako murmured and he stared at her. "You're hiding behind these what-ifs. I know it's because you don't want to get hurt but are you okay with letting your feelings unheard? All those things you said may or may not come true but are you willing to discard a chance of happiness and being loved with Akashi-san because of those? It's okay to think of the future but if it's detrimental to your happiness in the present, I think you can overlook it."

Miyako stood up in front of him and cupped his face, staring straight to his eyes similar to hers. "Believe in him, Tetsuya-kun. You have to believe that Akashi-san loves you with all his heart. You have to trust him that he'll take care of you and loved you like what you deserved. He gave all of himself to you. And if you love him just as much as he loves you, don't you think he deserves to have you too?"

It was as if there was a clogged in his throat as he let those words washed over him. He knew it. He knew he was being unfair to Akashi for hiding his real feelings behind cowardly thoughts. He wasn't scared because of all those things he said. What he was afraid the most was these overflowing emotions for Akashi that he couldn't fathom. He never felt this way before.

But he wasn't alone in this. He only felt he was drowning with all these emotions because he was concealing it when he should let it free. Because Kuroko felt the same way as Akashi. Because he…

"I think you finally have your answer, dear."

He smiled. "Yes, Okaa-sama."

"I love you, Tetsuya-kun."

"I love you, too Okaa-sama."

xXx

Akashi stared as Kuroko and Miyako left the dining room and after catching each of his coven's eyes gave them a nod, signaling not to eavesdrop on both mother and son and to give them privacy since the house and its room wasn't soundproofed after all.

Taking it out of his pocket, he walked to Ryuuji and stopped beside him. "Ryuuji-san," he called and showed the black diamond ring in his hand. "I like to return this. I appreciate your help in my investigation to Tetsuya's real identity."

Ryuuji eyed the ring before looking at him and shook his head. "No, it should be thanking Akashi-san for entertaining my thoughts. I can't tell it to Miyako when she already had enough on her plate so I'm glad Akashi-san had the same opinion as me. But to think I was right…Anyway, Akashi-san should keep that ring. We did give it to you."

"I'm grateful but—"

"Okaa-san would rather you have it Akashi-san. Miyako didn't have strong ties to it so she doesn't mind letting it go. Or you can give it to Tetsuya since he would inherit it anyway to pass it to his children," Ryuuji paused when he said the last part and stared intently at Akashi, "If he ever has children."

Despite knowing what Ryuuji was silently asking, Akashi chose not to answer and obviously changed the subject. "If I remember correctly, Ryuuji-san said you heard stories about your family from Tetsuya's grandmother. My informants gathered all they could find but it's still different to hear it firsthand."

"Yes," Ryuuji nodded. And hearing it, the vampires quickly settled with excited gleam in their eyes like children eager for a story telling.

Akashi could shake his head at them, for being alive for a while now they act childish sometimes. "Please, Ryuuji-san," he said, giving the floor to him.

"Okay, Okaa-san told many stories about her family but Miyako wasn't all that interested while Tetsuya was too young to understand them but I was different. I was fascinated with it," Ryuuji started after taking a seat. "Okaa-san always started her stories with her. She said she was the Queen and the Guardian of the family but sometimes she's Death."

"Who is she?" Kise asked.

A shrug was all they got. "Okaa-san said she doesn't know, an ancestor maybe. If what you're all saying is right and Miyako's family is composed of witches then it's safe to say that the Queen was a witch, a very powerful one, too. No one knows what happened to her, how she died or where she was buried but everyone fears her and was too scared to even utter her name until it was forgotten."

Ryuuji stopped and turned to Akashi. "Since Tetsuya is a witch, too then it means that there are males witches, right?"

"Yes, there are," Akashi answered. "However they are rare and even then they are not as strong as Tetsuya is. They only practice the witch's language and simple runes or spell. Tetsuya has more magical ability than even an average female witch."

Nodding as if expecting that, Ryuuji continued. "There were rumors that the Queen married another powerful male witch and they raised two daughters who inherited their powers. The stories became muddled after that but the blood continued down the line."

"Wait a sec," Aomine interrupted with a scowl on his face. "Are you saying that Tetsu came from a line of royal witches? I've never heard of a royal witch bloodline. Granted, I know next to nothing when it came to them but this is too unreal."

"In a sense, they're not really royalty. They're only treated as such since Okaa-san said the Queen's power was great. Okaa-san wasn't sure but she told me that the Queen annihilated hundreds of vampires in her time. Okaa-san didn't know why the Queen did that though."

"It's because of vengeance."

They all turned to Kuroko who came back with Miyako behind him and sat between his father and mother.

"What do you mean Kuroko?" Midorima probed and mechanically took out a pen and small notebook to take notes, snubbing Aomine's mutter of nerd. "And how did you know this?"

With his keen eyes, Akashi saw how hesitant Kuroko appeared but before he could say anything Kuroko spoke. "Memories. I don't remember all the details but I can recall bits and pieces. The Queen was a rival to a witch named Anna. Anna was jealous of her and conducted a forbidden spell to show her power and superiority. Her experiment backfired and killed her. And that experiment was—"

"Vampires," Akashi finished to everyone's shock. "Vampires are the only man-made supernatural and witches regard us as abominations since they like the natural order of things and we're unnatural. But to think the witch—Anna was it?—had close relations to Tetsuya's ancestor…"

"You don't think it's a coincidence," Miyako assumed as she poured her own tea. "A powerful vampire meeting the descendant of a powerful witch. The Vampire Emperor meeting the heir of the Witch Queen. It's all too unbelievable if you think about it. These things only happen in fiction."

"Unfortunately for us, it's a reality."

Ryuuji interjected before it could get complicated. "Tetsuya, what do you mean when you said about the Queen's revenge. Did she do it for her rival because they killed her?"

"No," Kuroko shook his head. "She hated Anna because she created a monster. And the vampires Anna made—"

"Original vampires," said Midorima. "They are called that."

"Yes, the original vampires. There were eight of them and after killing Anna they went on a rampage. They killed anyone and anything. They changed countless of humans to vampires. They were monsters because they couldn't be controlled. The Queen hated it, the death and slaughters so she vowed to kill the original vampires and destroy the rest of it. She deemed it as her responsibility because she couldn't stop Anna."

Kise broke the silence after Kuroko halted. "I heard that the original vampires were no more and they were all killed by a powerful person, was it the Queen?"

"I don't know," Kuroko shrugged, looking a bit despondent as he talked. "There were no memories about that but I think she did."

Akashi spoke before he could even thought of it. "She didn't get to kill all of them. Two escaped her grasp but no one knew what happened to them or if they're still alive." He pointedly paid no attention to the intense look coming from Midorima. This was the first time he talked about this topic. "Although a friend of ours in the Council confirmed that they're dead."

"Well," Miyako voiced out, cutting the odd atmosphere enveloping the room and clapped her hands, "what a very depressing story time. But enough of this, it's Tetsuya-kun's birthday so let's think of happy thoughts. Let's leave all these talks of queens, witches and vampires to another day. Now, Tetsuya-kun it's time for the part two of your birthday!"

Flummoxed, Kuroko gaped at his mother. "Part two?"

"But of course! The first part was a birthday lunch. Now, it's a birthday dinner," Miyako grinned, her hands on her hips and turned to Kise and Murasakibara. "Ryouta-kun, you're helping me with dinner. Atsushi-kun you're in charge of the sweet course. I leave the vanilla cake to you and whatever dessert Akashi-san wants."

"Roger!" Both Kise and Murasakibara saluted like soldiers before scrambling to the kitchen with Miyako slowly following after them. She stopped briefly to face them again. "And no more talking about pasts, okay? And really Ryuu-san, I expected more of you. You can interview and consult Akashi-san tomorrow. It's your son's birthday, control your curiosity."

A defeated sigh escaped from Ryuuji's lips. "Yes, dear."

It seemed Aomine waited until Miyako was out of sight before saying, "You're too whipped Ryuuji-san."

"I heard that Daiki-kun," Miyako's voice flowed from the kitchen which startled Aomine. "Any more and I'll forbid you to eat meat."

Patting Aomine on the back, Ryuuji grinned and whispered. "That's what I live every day."

"I guess I finally know where Tetsu gets it," Aomine remarked. "Tetsu has Akashi under his thumb."

Akashi glared at him even though he wasn't a bit offended. "I resent that. I am not under in anyone's thumb. I am simply generous to Tetsuya's wants. And you're one to talk Daiki, you can't even say no to Tetsuya."

"Hey, I so can say no to Tetsu!"

"I can hear you both," said Kuroko with a tiny frown on his face. "Don't talk about me as if I'm not here."

Chastised, Aomine quickly closed his mouth after mumbling sorry under his breath. Midorima rolled his eyes at the scene. "You just proved Akashi is right, Ahomine."

"Shut up, four eyes!"

At the corner of his eye, Akashi saw Kuroko standing up after whispering he'll go outside for air to Ryuuji. "Where are you going, lo—Tetsuya?" he almost slipped but sensing Ryuuji hiding a knowing smile, it was futile. Well, it wasn't like he was hiding his feelings anyway.

"Out, just for a breath of fresh air."

Aomine stood up from the chair, too. "I'll go with—" he didn't get to finish his sentence when Midorima dragged him back down and swiftly covered his mouth, muffling his protests and curses.

"Don't go too far. Miyako-san wouldn't like it if you took Kuroko out long when they finished cooking dinner," Midorima warned. None of them paid heed to Kuroko's grumbles of I'd rather be alone.

Trust Midorima to have more tact than the frowning Aomine. Akashi looked to Ryuuji. "We'll be back soon, Ryuuji-san."

"Take care Akashi-san, Tetsuya," Ryuuji nodded.

Letting Kuroko go ahead first, they went outside and when he saw Kuroko shivering at the cold air did he tugged him closer and fixed his coat and made sure the scarf was wrapped nicely. He asked if Kuroko had anywhere he'd like to go but he replied that he didn't have any and wanted to walk aimlessly.

"How did your talk with Miyako-san go?"

"It went well. Okaa-sama helped me find my answer."

He raised an eyebrow for that. "Answer to what?"

xXx

Kuroko hastily shut his mouth before he could blurt everything out. He gotten comfortable talking just about anything to Akashi that he almost revealed the whole maybe I have feelings for you thing. He blinked when he felt warm familiar hand on his. He glanced at Akashi and seeing a smile on his face, he couldn't help but return it back. He knew it was Akashi's way of saying it was fine if he didn't want to talk.

The indistinct light from the lamppost illuminated their path while melting snow draped the roadside with white as they continued to walk. It was like it was only them two in that place with the comfortable silence swathed over them. It was nice being with Akashi like this. Their problems lying in the back of their minds and was just hyperaware of each other.

"Happy birthday, Tetsuya."

Taken aback, he turned to Akashi in surprise and watched as he stared up at the dark sky before looking at him. And for some reason, he could feel his face getting warm. He hoped Akashi would think of it as due to the weather but he perfectly well knew he couldn't hide anything to him.

"I'm really glad I met Akashi-kun."

This time it was Akashi's turn to be surprised. "Even after everything?"

"Especially after everything," Kuroko declared. "You broke through my monotonous life and gave color to my gray and boring world. Maybe how we first met wasn't ideal but here we are now. And just even thinking of the possibility that I didn't met Akashi-kun or not being beside you… It scares me, Akashi-kun. I don't want to live a life without you."

He didn't even notice that he closed his eyes and only opened them when he was surrounded by warmth and security and love. He nestled his head to Akashi's shoulder as he wrapped his arms around him. When he felt something soft and cold falling on him did he and Akashi looked up and saw snow after snow gently descending on them. He brought his gaze back at Akashi and felt a little giddy as they smiled at each other.

A sharp ring broke the tranquility and Kuroko pulled back to give them space as Akashi took out his phone to see the message. "Shintarou is asking for us to come back. Dinner is almost served," Akashi read and put his phone back on his pocket. He looked at him with eyes full of tenderness and adoration that Kuroko felt his heart would burst. "Shall we, love?"

I love you.

"Tetsuya?"

Kuroko blinked and only noticed that he was still standing frozen on his spot while Akashi was already further up ahead. He watched him in a smidge of confusion but Kuroko could happiness twinkling in those ruby red eyes. He jogged to catch up to Akashi with a secretive smile showing on his lips.

Akashi raised an eyebrow at him probably because of his sudden cheerfulness. "Did something happen, love?"

Yes, I can finally admit to myself that I love you.

With a pleased look and teasing smile, Kuroko shook his head and entwined their hands and fingers together. "I'll tell Akashi-kun soon."

Even mystified, Akashi accepted his reason with a satisfied chuckle. "I look forward to that then, Tetsuya."


Q&A CORNER!

Q1: Why? Why did Akashi not sleep with Kuroko, if it's only to keep the nightmares away? Keeping the 'want' away, why did Akashi still leave Kuroko? (Adorable Reader)
A: Akashi is patient but he's not that patient. He doesn't know what he'll do if he stayed. Kuroko might seduced him again and he might not say no at that time. And he didn't want to see Kuroko suffering in a nightmare that he caused.

Q2: have you already written the other chapters or do you keep notes on what's gonna happen on what arc? (Adorable Reader)
A: Both. I've written scenes for several chapters and kept notes in my head.

Q3: When will Akashi and Kuroko will have a kinky moment? Or at least almost M rated moment until interrupted by one of the GOM? (mimi-chan and aliling-chan)
A: Very, very soon.

Q4: The obstacle who will get in the way of Akashi and Kuroko aside from the council...is it Kagami? Or will it be another character from KnB or an OC? (mimi-chan and aliling-chan)
A: Kagami and a knb character.

Q5: Also since Kagami is appearing soon, will there be a funny moment or two on Ahomine vs Bakagami? (mimi-chan and aliling-chan)
A: In the later half of Arc III, maybe? The coven and Kagami have a hostile relationship in the beginning.

Q6: I'm also dying to know if there is a cool and bold Akashi moment with Kuroko's parents or just his mom. (mimi-chan and aliling-chan)
A: It was supposed to be in chap 23 but I couldn't insert it so maybe next chapter. (Answer for 5 are in this chap.)

Q7: will kuroko meet others vampire besides Gom...maybe characters from kaijo or Too or shutoku? (mychibidragon)
A: Kuroko will meet most of the characters in Arc III.

Q8: will kuroko become strong enough to protect himself and have the courage and ability to kill vampire on his own or he still weak to do so and need help? (mychibidragon)
A: Yes, Kuroko will get strong enough to protect himself and kill vampires without help.

Q9: Is the story focus on akakuro relationship journey or more to vampire's problem like war between them or someone's revenge? (mychibidragon)
A: It focus more on AkaKuro. The rest are like subplots.

Q10: what do the Council do? is it made of only for vampire or other creature like werewolf/shapeshifter? (mychibidragon)
A: The Council governs the vampire world and only the vampire world. And there are only three supernaturals in DD: Vampires, Witches and Shades (ghosts).

Q11: Akashi, what are you waiting foooooor?! (yoshan-chan)
A: He's waiting for Kuroko. He wants their relationship to be mutual and equal (unlike with Mayuyu).

Q12: I know people have been antagonizing towards the notion of Akashi "cheating" on Kuroko and I have pretty good ideas as to how that would even be possible in the first place, considering how head over heels Akashi is with Kuroko. Will it be due to compulsion, confusion (a powerful council member with a mental type ability), or an actual affair? Perhaps a "resurrection" or somewhere along those lines? (lorenjitan)
A: Thank you for the encouraging words but due to reasons, I'd rather not answer your question. Whether I'll include the 'cheating' part is still up on the air. And we have a long, long way to go before that happens so I might change my mind or maybe not. We'll see.

Q13: will you ever make kuroko call akashi by his first name? (it's cool guy)
A: Yes, in the future.

Q14: When will find out about Akashi's blood and why it is so special? (Korunakuroko)
A: Before Arc V. (And your second question is answered in chap 23.)

Q15: Soo... golden-eyed Akashi was in love with Mayuzumi and the red-eyed Akashi was in love with Kuroko. Will this become a problem in the future? Like Kuroko want Akashi to loved him wholly, not just from the red eyed but also golden eyed Akashi? (Moonta11)
A: No, it won't become a problem. This will be addressed soon. (As for Mayuzumi, I'd rather keep my mouth shut.)

Q16: How the others react when they heard Akashi confess to Kuroko, when he said he want to touch him, kiss him, and that kind of stuff? Are the rooms sound-proof? (Rivazuto)
A: The room was soundproof so they didn't hear it.

Q17: just out of curiosity, do you do filler chapters, like little skits? (Purified Sins)
A: Filler (?) chapters will be in WH. I need to hurry up the pace in DD so it won't dragged. (And check the AN below for my plan on VDay/WhiteDay.)


A/N: I know I said more details about Kuroko's family will be revealed here but I had to retract some because it wasn't the right time. Also, I don't know if I'm going to update DD in Feb since I want to finish and complete Regression this month. (Plus, there's akkrvday/whiteday event, too.) But I might post Chapter 1 of Witching Hour instead (but don't get your hopes up, 'kay?).