Happy New Year minna! It's been a while! Hahaha XD I know, I AM SO SORRY FOR THE LONG DELAY. I've started my on-the-job training as a student teacher, it gets really hectic and stressful, ya know! It's so hard being a teacher, I wanna cry and shout in the mountains sometimes hihihi XD Btw, I can't put you all in my shoutouts now (I am so sorry), but I'll have u know that I read them all and I so so so much appreciate even the most little review, favorite and follow! You guys take my stress away! =D
(you can skip this if u want to go on to the story)
Kuro13Dead, here is the update you've been waiting for since forever! Sorry it took a long time! I'm super glad you like this =)
KurokoTetsuya101, no, Sei-kun is not the biological father. And I don't know who is. Hahaha XD
Thank you FANGIRL-OF-TOO-MUCH-STUFF for the drawing! I appreciate it! I know, Sei-kun and Tetsuya-kun does look alike hahaha! Guys check her fanart at Tumblr! XD
TO ALL THAT REVIEWED AND FAVORITED, I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH T.T
DISCLAIMER: With the recent release of KnB Season 3 (yay!), thank you so much Fujimaki-san for creating KnB! Credits to this great mangaka! And also, I can't find the owner of this pic! Help me so I can credit him/her!
Chapter 12:
Kuroko POV
I wake up to something poking my shoulder. It isn't that painful but it's upsetting. I don't like anyone touching me without my permission. My eyelids flutter open as I reprimand whoever it is. "Ano… Can you please stop it."
My eyes fixed themselves to a huge purple-haired man with a Pocky in his mouth, his violet eyes half-drooping while staring at me in fascination as if I am an alien. I tense up because I don't recognize him, though I keep my face blank. I get nervous when he places his right hand on top of my head. I realize in horror how he could easily crush me with that large hand. But then he messes up my hair and lazily drawls, "Your bed hair is so cute~" I sit up in annoyance and swat his hand away.
"May I ask who you are?"
"Murasakibara Atsushi," he replies in a childlike tone, slouching as he munches the chocolate stick. The childlike behavior does not exactly match his large build. I am confused by this, but then I remember that Akashi-kun told me last night about someone accompanying me to his house in Kyoto today. So maybe this is that man.
As soon as Akashi-kun's name enters my state of consciousness, I jolt in the sudden realization that what happened last night was a reality, not a dream. Was he really here last night? I remember he held my hand and kissed my forehead! That was real, wasn't it?
"Where's Akashi-kun?" I look around the room even though I subconsciously know he won't be here. The melancholy I felt before I slept comes back to me when I don't see him in the room. My whole being becomes heavy with grief. I then think it's pathetic how desperately I yearn for his presence. I didn't know missing him could be this bad. Is it possible to be so attached to a person you just recently met?
I also notice that Kagami-kun and Momoi-san are also not here. "I don't know~" The giant answers me nonchalantly but I hear an underlying, guarded tone, like he's being careful with his words. Maybe Akashi-kun instructed him not to tell me anything, else I worry. I sigh internally, deciding not to question any further. Akashi-kun can be a little overprotective like that. I don't know the extents of Akashi-kun's capabilities, but I know he can't be stopped in this vendetta thing. I can only pray for his safety and hope he comes back unharmed. There is an unpleasant ache in my chest that's hard to ignore, but I try my best not to show it to my new acquaintance.
"Ne, Kuro-chin, let's eat breakfast. I'm hungry~" Kuro-chin? My eyebrows scrunch up at the given nickname but I don't comment. Just then, Kagami-kun and Momoi-san enters the room.
"Ohayou Tetsu-kun~!" Momoi-san hugs me tightly and I grunt uncomfortably. "Momoi!" Kagami-kun scolds in alarm and Momoi-san instantly releases me. With a sad face, the pinkette guiltily apologizes. Maybe Kagami-kun told her about how I hate being touched right now.
I shake my head faintly. "Iie, it's alright Momoi-san. I just need to get used to it. Next time, please tell me if you are going to hug me so I can prepare myself."
The pinkette beams brightly. "Okay! I love you Tetsu-kun!" And just like that, she's back to her usual cheery self. "Ah, we brought breakfast!"
"Yay let's eat~" The purple head instantly went to the dining table and waited like an eager kid. Momoi-san chuckles at that behavior and goes to the kitchen to take the plates out.
"Yo Murasakibara, where's my brother?" Kagami-kun asks. Brother?
"Muro-chin's with Aka-chin."
The redhead notices the confused look on my usually blank face. "Oh yeah I forgot to tell you. Murasakibara is the boyfriend of my brother Tatsuya Himuro, so we know each other. I'll just tell you the whole story later." I nod curtly as a response. They make casual talk and I get the feeling that they've known each other for quite a while now.
I weakly get off the bed, feeling a little dizzy. Kagami-kun asks if I need help, but I stubbornly reject it. I refuse to look weak. I walk unsteadily to the table and manage to reach my destination. However, I feel a familiar disgusting wave rising swiftly in my throat.
"Excuse me." I mutter as I rush to the toilet. My throat constricts and I throw up. A disgusting stench fills my nose. I hate vomiting, I swear. Momoi-san knocks and asks worriedly if I'm okay as I hurl whatever my stomach couldn't hold in.
"I'm alright," I half-shout as I lean on the sink after rinsing. Now my appetite's gone. And I feel more lightheaded. And irritated. Ugh, why do I have to go through this? Why do pregnant people have to go through this? I really, really hate vomiting!
As I emerge from the bathroom, the delicious smell of eggs and bacon reaches my nose. But it doesn't bring back the lost appetite. The three of them give me questioning looks as I drag myself back to my bed, feeling nauseous and annoyed by the vomiting episode. I cover my whole body and face with the blanket and try to sleep the dizziness away. Only one thought runs through my mind.
I wish Akashi-kun were here.
"We're here~" Murasakibara-kun announces from beside me. It's almost sunset when we finally arrive at Kyoto. I press a button and the car's window rolls down. I gasp in awe at what I see outside the car.
A large gate opens automatically as our car enters. I see high walls beside the gate, but where the walls end is beyond my vision. A big garden filled with rows of flowers sits northeast of the house. There's also a koi pond and a bridge in the middle of it, and I make a mental note to visit it later. A big cherry blossom tree lies in the middle of the garden. It's beautiful even though it's not yet blooming season.
There's a lagoon on the left side. Beyond that, I see different fruit-bearing trees. They look delicious and I get the feeling that every fruit that's being served here are grown here too. We go around a circular drive way and a beautiful marble statue of a half-naked lady bearing a jar makes the water fountain more alive. It takes a while before our car comes to a stop, and I see servants lined up in the front porch. Butterflies flutter in my stomach as I realize what they are going to do.
"Welcome, Kuroko-sama." They greet and bow in unison as I come out of the car. I don't know what to do and how to react, so I bow also. I must look really flustered right now. I have never imagined anyone calling me Kuroko-sama, much less people bowing so low to me. But when I raise my head, they're all smiling warmly and welcomingly at me. That takes my nervousness away.
I pause to openly admire the classic Japanese-style mansion. I have never seen anything like it. Because Japanese-style mansions are composed of different sections connected by walkways, this is probably just the main receiving house, and its colossal size and grandeur already astounds me. Knowing Akashi-kun owns this traditional palace in Kyoto takes the breath out of me. His wealth never ceases to amaze me.
"Ne Kuro-chin, I want to show you around the house~" Murasakibara-kun looks at me with excited, expectant eyes. It is almost cute, so how can I say no to that? I nod in affirmation and he gives a cheeky smile to me. Akashi-kun's words about him being a big baby echoes in my mind, and I think I can get along with him.
"… and this is your room~!" This time I manage to hold my gasp in. It is way bigger than my room at the penthouse (I'm thinking this is 42 tatami mat-sized), but equally beautiful and timeless. Even though the house is Japanese-style, there are hints of contemporary furniture and technology. A circular couch with small compartments filled with books looks appealing in the corner. There's a dresser, a worktable, a breakfast table and a wall decorated with more books. I am also surprised to see a queen-sized bed instead of futons. I like to think Akashi-kun prepared this especially for me.
"Thank you, Murasakibara-kun." I bow to him in gratitude for staying with me. He makes a nice company, although I don't want to be too close to him. He's a nice guy, but I think he won't be able to accept me once he learns the horrors of my past. Not knowing the dejected thoughts in my mind, he smiles amiably while opening a bag of chips. "You're welcome Kuro-chin. You can rest now~" I nod appreciatively and go to the bed. Lately I've been feeling more attached to pillows and beds; I always feel sleepy. Murasakibara-kun quietly slides the door close and I easily drift to a dreamless slumber.
It's already 8 in the evening when I wake up. I yawn and stretch a little. I was going to unpack my few things, but as I open the dresser, I see that my clothes (which Akashi-kun bought for me) are already there. I think the maids put everything else in place too. After inspecting the room and checking out a few books, I decide to get something to eat.
After wandering for many minutes, I finally ask the help of one of the servants for directions. Just how big is this mansion that I can actually get lost trying to find the dining room? The butler accompanies me there and tells me that dinner will be served shortly. I'm still reeling from "-sama" being affixed to my name, and now my needs are being attended to by people. I feel slightly uncomfortable with that.
"Ah, Kuro-chin, I didn't know you were awake. Come join me~" We reach the dining room and see Murasakibara-kun already eating. I sit beside him and a maid asks what I want to eat. Since the food is already laid out on the table, I tell her I can serve myself. She bows humbly and stands by in a corner. Mou, I'm not used to being served.
I settle for nikujaga and rice. When I'm finished, Murasakibara-kun stands up and disappears into the kitchen. The smell of vanilla reaches me before I see him. My mouth instantly starts watering.
The tall purple head places the dessert in front of me and I inhale the wonderful aroma. "I hope you like this vanilla pie I made you Kuro-chin~" He says. I smile at him brightly, "Thank you, Murasakibara-kun." He looks away and I see a red tint on his cheeks. Did I say something wrong?
"Haiiii. Itadakimasu~" He goes back to his seat and digs into the dessert. I slice a small part and put it into my mouth. Kamisama, this is heaven. I hear a shutter sound and turn to Murasakibara-kun. Did he take a photo of me?
"Aaah I'm gonna keep this forever~ You're so cute Kuro-chin! I wonder how much Aka-chin will pay me for a copy of this picture?"
"S-stop it Murasakibara-kun." I flush red in embarrassment at that statement. On the other hand, I feel sad at the mention of Akashi-kun. He's all I've been thinking about all day and I feel restless not knowing where he is right now and how he is. Should I ask Murasakibara-kun to call him for me?
A butler approaches me. "Kuroko-sama, Akashi-dono would like to speak to you." He hands me a home phone.
Finally! I can talk to him! I take a deep breath first before answering. I don't want Akashi-kun to hear the excitement I feel right now. "Good evening, Akashi-kun." I breathe.
"Good evening to you too, Tetsuya." It is so unbelievably good to hear his voice. The veil of gloom disperses and is replaced by joy. He asks me, "Have you eaten dinner? You haven't answered my call." Ah, I forgot to check my phone. I'm still not used to the idea of having a phone so sometimes I forget that I have one. "I'm sorry, I forgot to check it. I fell asleep after we arrived here in Kyoto. I'm eating dessert now, Murasakibara-kun made a vanilla pie for me."
"I see. I'm glad you're getting to know him. You can ask him to make any dessert, he's a patisserie."
"Hai. He's a kind person." I say while looking meaningfully at the purple-haired man. He flashes me a small smile. "Aka-chiiiiin, I have something sell to youuuu~" He calls out teasingly. My cheeks suddenly warm.
"A-ah, ano… i-it's nothing, Akashi-kun. Don't listen to him." I stutter in panic. Akashi-kun chuckles and it is both embarrassing and gratifying for me. "That makes me curious, Tetsuya. What is it?" He queries on the other end of the line.
"I-it's nothing!" I deny instantly. "By the way, where are you? When will you come back?" I only meant to say this as a diversion but I can't help the sadness leaking in my voice. It dawns on me that I must have really missed him a lot.
"Soon, Tetsuya. For now, indulge me by staying safe. Can you promise that for me?" He solemnly asks.
Oh, Akashi-kun. I so want to hold your hand right now. I so want to see you. I so want to be with you. That's just some of the things I wanted to say, but my reply only goes like this. "Promise."
He sighs in contentment. "I miss you." He whispers. My cheeks get warmer and my chest constricts in happiness. It's ten times sweeter than this vanilla pie I'm eating. "It's like you've taken my heart away with you."
"Come and get it then." I challenge.
"My heart belongs to you in the first place, Tetsuya." He reasons. My own heart melts like an ice cream in the middle of the scorching dessert. He continues. "But I will come to you, soon. I have a punishment to deliver first."
I feel a cloud of fear hover above me. Fear for his safety, fear for my safety, and fear of my tormentors. But I won't let Akashi-kun hear it in my voice. "Alright. I'll be waiting for you, Akashi-kun."
"Stay safe." He reminds sternly and disconnects. Despair instantly comes back and I lifelessly finish my dessert.
"Kuro-chin, don't worry. Aka-chin will come back." Murasakibara-kun assures me. "He's really strong and powerful. Those guys will get what they deserve."
I just nod. Somehow, I feel more nervous. Capturing my kidnappers won't be easy, and I don't want Akashi-kun getting hurt in the process. I don't want to underestimate Akashi-kun, but I know how evil my kidnappers can get. His determination scares the wits out of me, because I know the more he pursues them, the more he gets trapped in their treacherous webs. I silently pray for his safety as I stroke my stomach, trying to find solace in the growing baby within me.
After a week, I settle into my life here in Kyoto. In the mornings, when I'm not too dizzy, I try to explore the mansion. I discover a music room and another garden with a small waterfall. In the afternoons, I read books in my room or under the cherry blossom tree. The breeze there feels so good I sometimes fall asleep. The smell of the flowers are also lovely. But most of all, I love watching the clear blue sky above me. It feels so endless and beautiful, unlike my prisons in the past.
Murasakibara-kun always makes me vanilla desserts, and I think I'm starting to develop a craving for them. One time, in the middle of the night, I woke up and got this urge to eat something vanilla-flavored. Since then, the refrigerator is always stocked with vanilla milkshakes and desserts.
Akashi-kun has not called again. I miss everything about him. I guess this is how it feels when you… Ah what am I saying? I don't love him! I really don't! Love is too big for a word to describe what I'm feeling, and I'm sure love cannot sprout with someone you just met, because it should grow and fortify over time. I hardly even know Akashi-kun! I think I am just immensely attracted him. Yeah. Who wouldn't be, right? Immensely attracted… Yeah…
Today, I'm really bored. I just finished a novel whose ending didn't satisfy me. I decided to call Kise-kun since the last time I heard him from him was when Aomine-kun came to visit me. He said Kise-kun was not feeling well that day, and I was worried because he had stopped visiting me. Anyway, Murasakibara-kun gave me Kagami-kun's number, who gave me Kise-kun's number.
"Hello? Who's this?" He asks. Oh, that's right. He doesn't know I have a phone now.
"Ano.. It's Kuroko." I answer.
"AH! KUROKOCCHI~~! I HEARD YOU WERE IN KYOTO! ARE YOU OKAY THERE? WE DIDN'T KNOW WHERE TO VISIT YOU! WHERE EXACTLY ARE YOU?" Suddenly I regret calling him. He can be so loud sometimes.
"I'm fine, Kise-kun. I'm at Akashi-kun's house." I reply. I make a mental note to ask Murasakibara-kun the address of this location. But first, back to my purpose of calling. "Ano… how are you Kise-kun? It's been a while since I saw you."
"Ah… Erm... I'm fine, I'm fine! You don't need to worry about me Kurokocchi! I just had a bit of flu and I didn't want you to catch it! With the baby and all!" He answers back. I'm glad he's fine, although I notice a little nervousness in his tone.
"Oh yeah, how are you? The baby? It's what, your 7th week right?"
"That's right. I'm having dizzy spells but nothing that can't be cured by sleep."
"That's good then! I'll visit you tomorrow, is that okay? Email me your address! Daikicchi can't go because he has work. Ne Kurokocchi, what do you want me to bring when I visit?"
"Ah, it's okay. I don't need anything right now. I just want to see you."
"AWWW I MISS YOU TOO! DON'T WORRY I'LL BE THERE TOMORROW! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH~!"
I pull the phone a few inches away from my ear. It's like he's on loudspeaker already. Kise-kun never changed. "Okay. I'm sure you'll like it here. The house is so huge."
"Really? Well, it is owned by Akashicchi. Ne Kurokocchi, I have to go, the boarding for my flight is starting."
"Hai. Have a safe flight."
"THANK YOU! SEE YOU TOMORROW!"
And with that brief phone call, Kise-kun's liveliness managed to brighten my day.
Tonight, the craving woke me up again. I glance at the clock and perceive it's 11 in the evening. I get up from the bed, put on my slippers and quietly slide my door open. I tiptoe to the kitchen to see if there's anything vanilla I can eat and maybe drink some milk too.
I take out a slice of vanilla butter cake and prepare a glass of milk. A servant pops out of nowhere and takes the glass from me, insisting that she has to do it for me. Really, everywhere I go there's a maid or a butler trying to help with even with the simplest things.
I refuse her help, and tell her that she can go back to sleep, and that I can do this on my own. The word "sleep" makes her yawn unconsciously, and she hesitantly walks out of the room, keeping an eye on me all the way out.
I sigh. I can never get used to being served. I look around the kitchen and notice that there aren't any guards around. Maybe they took a bathroom break. The house is unbelievably heavily guarded, and just like the servants, there are guards everywhere, hovering in the shadows. I want to sigh at Akashi-kun's overprotectiveness.
Akashi-kun… I really miss him. Sometimes I stare at my phone, waiting for a call that does not come. I even want to call him myself, but I think I'll just be a nuisance. Even though I always feel sleepy, my nightmares wake me up. I want Akashi-kun to be here by my side and make those nightmares go away. Sigh. I sound so needy.
Suddenly, my phone rings and vibrates in my pocket. I jolt at the sound and clumsily fish it out of my pocket. Maybe it's Akashi-kun!
I see an unregistered number. Who is this? I hesitate to answer, but the ringing might wake up more servants. It might be one of my friends too. I press the answer button.
"Hello?"
"Be careful not to say anything until I tell you to."
I know this voice. This voice which has always threatened and commanded and abused me. This voice that haunts my nightmares. This voice that raises goose bumps all over my skin. This voice that makes my knees weak and I kneel at the kitchen counter out of reflex, as if he were in front of me. Like we always do when he's around, or else he'll punish us. How did he know this number?
I hear cries of pain in the background, and the familiar sound of whips lashing onto flesh. Oh no… Is that…
"Did you hear that? That shout is so amazing. Do it again!" He laughs manically and I shiver in fear so badly that I can barely hold my phone. No… Takao-kun…?
"S-stop i-it…" I find the courage to say those words, although it came out as a stammer.
"HAHAHA! You actually talked back! And you ordered me! Is this what you have become after being saved by that loser? You got a little brave, didn't you?"
I whimper silently. If he was here now I would be punished for talking back. Why is Takao-kun with them? I don't understand!
"You dimwit, listen carefully. If you want to save your friend, follow my orders. I need you to get away from that stupid mansion. Do you understand?"
I don't know if I can do it. The mansion is heavily guarded and there are CCTVs, guards and servants everywhere. How do I do it? I rack my brain for ideas but come up empty. Takao-kun…
"DO YOU FUCKING UNDERSTAND?"
"Y-yes." I whisper fearfully though I have no idea on how to do it. There has to be some way…
"Good. Here's what you're going to do. I want you to go to the train station near your area. Someone will pick you up there. I will provide you the chance to escape tomorrow at exactly noon. Get out of the house and make sure no one will stop you. Is that clear?"
"Yes." I automatically answer. I know I can't do it. But as the terror grips my brain, all I can think of now is that I have to save Takao-kun.
"Good. It was your fault anyway. You were supposed to be the one here now, not him. But don't worry, if I am satisfied with your performance, I'll release him. And I don't need to tell you what will happen if that bastard Akashi knows, right? I'll see you soon, Kuroko Tetsuya." And he hangs up. My whole body feels like a truck falling down from a cliff. There's something drilling a hole in my skull. I try to grip the counter and stand up, but it seems my energy has evaded me. I accidentally knock the glass down, breaking it to a million pieces.
The last thing I see before the darkness was several servants rushing in the room, and Murasakibara-kun shouting.
A/N: Guys, since I'm going to be real busy, would you like longer chapters? I thought I'd make it longer since it will take a while before I update now. Whatdaya think?
And go check out You are Mine, Master while you're at it. Hihihi XD THANK YOU! =)
(THANK YOU SAPPHYRE-CHAN FOR BEING MY AWESOME BETAREADER! I did the shoutout anyway hahaha. I LOVE YOU! XD)