-Keep Close-
Summary: Kuroko and Aomine are still trying to pick up Yuki's trail while sorting our their individual feelings. Meanwhile, Kagami is back in Japan looking for Alex.
Warning: More AoKuro. ^_^ BL up ahead! This chapter has fan service.
Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to Kuroko no Baske. All rights go to Fujimaki Tadatoshi-sensei. ^_^
-Chapter Five: For your sake-
Kuroko could not sleep that night. He and Aomine decided to stay for the night in his apartment since the rain went on for hours even after the last trains had gone.
He sat on the side of the bed. He looked at the clock on his bedside table and saw that it was already past midnight. Aomine was already fast asleep on the other side of the bed. He insisted that they sleep together. He did not want to be alone even though he shared the bed with Aomine. He was afraid that his loneliness might eat him if he was alone.
Kuroko kept thinking about what had happened a few hours ago between him and Aomine. There were a lot of thoughts going through his head and he was not sure which one to focus on first. There was Yuki who was still missing. There was Aomine who was looking for her. And those kisses. He was not sure what they meant. It confused him.
Why would Aomine kiss him all of a sudden? Was it a joke to him? Was he curious? Or was it to distract him? Was it out of pity? They were close back in middle school and had somehow became friendly rivals in high school but it was not like this time at all.
If it were Kuroko, the only person he had ever kissed before was the person that he loved. And that was Yuki. But now...
Kuroko stopped himself from thinking further into what had happened a few hours ago with Aomine. It just did not make any sense to him.
He shook his head. He should think more about Yuki and not Aomine. He should concern himself with her since she was his girlfriend and she was missing.
He took his cell phone from the bedside table and dialed Yuki's number. He had been trying to contact her through her phone for several months now. It would always be off or getting routed to voicemail but he would still try again. This time was not so different.
Kuroko felt like his heartbeat went faster when he heard the continuous ringing on the other line. He did it! He was able to call her when her phone was on. He suddenly felt elated. His expectations rising by the second.
The call was answered and Kuroko felt his heart skip a beat. He gulped before speaking. "Yuki? Yuki are you okay? Where are you?"
There was no answer from the other side. No one spoke for a while after that but Kuroko could sense that the person who answered was listening to him. Kuroko suddenly felt like a hand was squeezing his heart.
"Y-Yuki? Are you there? Hello? Yuki? Please, if you are there, please talk to me. Yuki, I miss you. I have been looking all over for you. Where are you right now? Please tell me. I want to see you," he said. He held his cell phone with both hands now. The desperation was obvious in his voice. It was as if he was kneeling on the ground and begging.
"Gomen, Tetcchan." That was the only thing that he heard and then the line was cut off.
Kuroko froze. He was sure that it was Yuki's voice. It sounded as if she was sad based on her voice. But what was she sorry for? Was she sorry for leaving him? Was she sorry for keeping her other life a secret? Was she sorry because she was not going to see him anymore? What did she mean?
Kuroko dialed her number again. But this time, it was an automated voice that told him that the phone was turned off. He slowly closed his cell phone and weakly put it down on the bed. He suddenly felt like all the energy was zapped out of him in an instant.
With just a few words, Kuroko suddenly felt like the world had crashed down on him. He felt so weak. His shoulders were slumped as he stared blankly at the floor.
He sensed Aomine stir behind him. He did not mind the guy. He had hoped that he would continue to sleep. He did not want Aomine to see his miserable self.
"Tetsu..."
He froze again when he heard Aomine's voice. He sensed the other guy rise from the bed. Kuroko lowered his head. Tears fell down on his lap. He did not notice that he had been crying. He bit his inner lip.
It was the warmth that made him breathless for several seconds. It was Aomine's arms around him, as he hugged him from behind, that made the tears stop from falling. He was trapped in Aomine's arms but he strangely felt like he belonged there.
Kuroko closed his eyes and then opened them again after a while. They stayed in the same position for a long time without any of them saying anything. Kuroko gulped. He suddenly felt the urge to touch Aomine.
It was as if any thoughts about Yuki had been temporarily removed from his mind. All he could focus on now was how warm Aomine's embrace was and the feeling of peace beside him. He could feel his heartbeat slowly rising. He suddenly became aware of Aomine's warm breath fanning the back of his ear and how strong and refreshing Aomine's scent was.
He thought of the sun and the sea. He wanted to go the beach one day with Aomine. He was sure that they both could find happiness at that place.
Kuroko touched Aomine's hand and gently squeezed it. He turned his head to take a look at Aomine's face. He wanted to know what he was thinking at that moment. He suddenly had this feeling of wanting to know the Aomine that he had not seen for the past six years.
"D-Daiki, why are you so kind to me?" he said in a low voice. He looked at Aomine's face and realized that it was just a few inches away from his. That made him gulp without thinking.
Aomine smiled. But Kuroko noticed that there was a slight bitterness in them. "I am not that kind, Tetsu. I am a selfish human being."
Kuroko could not understand why Aomine called himself selfish. Well, he could have been when they were still in school. But now, it seemed that Aomine had become mature and responsible. He seemed like a reliable person who was kind enough to help him with Yuki and stay with him all this time.
"No, for me, Daiki is a kind person. You're here with me because you are kind. And I really appreciate that. Thank you, Daiki."
He heard Aomine sigh. He looked at the guy's face again and saw the gentle eyes that was gazing on him. His smile also became gentle as well. There was no trace of bitterness at all. It almost seemed like he was happy.
"If you continue saying those words, I may not be able to control myself," Aomine said.
"Why are you controlling yourself, Daiki?"
Aomine opened his mouth to say something but then held himself back. Kuroko gulped upon seeing Aomine's lips up close. He just suddenly remembered what had happed several hours ago. But he could not look away.
"Do you really want to know why, Tetsu?" He saw Aomine's eyes turn liquid blue. It was like melted cobalt. He suddenly felt his whole body become warm. Was it because of Aomine's arms around him?
It was as if the world stood still and suddenly became quiet. All Kuroko could here was his and Aomine's breathing.
Slowly, Aomine's lips descended to his. His embrace becoming tighter.
Kuroko felt like his whole body was on fire as Aomine conquered his lips. He gladly welcomed the tongue that invaded his mouth and met it with equal passion.
He was not sure how it happened, but before he knew it, they were already laying on the bed with Aomine on top of him. They were still kissing. Kuroko felt like his whole body was on getting hotter and hotter my the second.
He felt Aomine's hand inside his shirt. It touched his stomach and went up to his chest. His touch was warm and added to the fire that was starting to burn inside him. He arched his back closed to Aomine as the guy kneaded his chest and found his nipple.
His lips went down to his neck and to the back of his ear. "Tetsu," he whispered his name.
Kuroko embraced Aomine. He felt at that moment that he wanted to be closer to Aomine more than anyone else.
Aomine's lips went to the edge of his jaw and found it's way back to his half-open lips. He met Aomine's tongue with anticipation.
"Daiki..." he called out Aomine's name.
That suddenly made Aomine stop. He turned his back on him and sat on the side on the bed. He saw Aomine put his hands on his face as his elbows rested on his thighs.
"Daiki?" He sat beside the guy and put his hand on his shoulder. He felt a jolt on his chest when he saw the pained expression on Aomine's face.
What had he done now? Did he do something wrong?
"I'm sorry, Tetsu. I'm so sorry."
"W-what do you mean?"
"I can't do this. I don't know if I'm able to do the right thing when I'm like this."
"What do you mean, Daiki? I'm confused."
"I'm sorry, Tetsu."
"Daiki."
Aomine was about to walk away from the bed but Kuroko was able to take a hold of Aomine's pants. He held on to it and pulled at it to draw the guy back to him.
"Tetsu, Im very sorry for taking advantage of you. I know you're just lonely and you miss Yuki. I shouldn't be doing this to you." Aomine stood up from the bed. He saw that the guy's hands were balled into fists on his sides.
That made Kuroko let go of Aomine. The moment that he did, Aomine went out of the bedroom. He would probably be sleeping in the sofa.
Kuroko could not call out to him to come back. He suddenly remembered Yuki because of Aomine's words. He felt horrible. He realized that he had just may have used Aomine because he was lonely without Yuki. Was that really it? Did he really just do something like that?
He shook his head. He was the worst. How could he have done that to his friend?
But what about Aomine? If Aomine knew that he was just lonely because of Yuki, why would he still do those things with him? Was it out of pity? Or was it because of a totally different reason?
He wanted to know. He wanted to confirm whatever it was that was going on between them. He did not want to leave matters unresolved. He did not want this to be the reason that they would become awkward with each other. He did not want that. Kuroko wanted Aomine to feel at ease whenever they were together.
He decided to apologize to Aomine and talk to him about what just happened. And if possible, he still wanted the guy beside him.
Aomine took a deep breath as he slumped down on the sofa. It was a two seater and was smaller for his height. He was not sure if he could sleep tonight after what had happened a while ago.
He run his hand through his hair as he leaned back on the sofa. He closed his eyes and took another deep breath.
What had he done? Did he just divulge his feelings to Kuroko? Or did Kuroko take it the wrong way and is now disgusted with him?
He gritted his teeth. He was so stupid.
Aomine opened his eyes again when he heard the bedroom door open. He turned towards it and saw that Kuroko had opened it and was now walking towards him.
Looking at him, his hair was dishiveled. His lips were red from kissing. And his shirt was a bit crumpled. He kind of looked sexy and appealing at that time for Aomine. That made Aomine gulp involuntarily.
"Daiki, I'm sorry for earlier. Can we talk?" Kuroko sat on the table in front of the sofa. They were now sitting face to face to each other. Their knees touched each other and it sent a shiver down Aomine's spine.
Aomine straightened his back and clasped his hands together and squeezed them. He was still caught up with what happened earlier. Even if Kuroko just wanted to talk, he had to muster all of his self-control because of the sudden urge to touch Kuroko.
"What do you want to talk about?"
Kuroko looked down for a moment and then looked back at him, straight into his eyes. He bit his lip before speaking. "About earlier..."
"You don't need to say sorry about that. It was me who took advantage of you. I'm the one who should be sorry."
Kuroko shook his head. "No, it's not like that. I—I just want you back. I mean..." He hesitated for a while before speaking again. "I still want Daiki to sleep beside me. It's a bit lonely without you."
Aomine gritted his teeth. What was Kuroko doing? Was he punishing him for his 'more than friendly' acts a while ago? Was this it? He did not know Kuroko for being cunning. But he could not put it past the guy as well. He could not read whatever was behind Kuroko's poker face. It confused him even more. It was making him lose control.
Kuroko put is hand on his clasped ones and squeezed them. Their eyes still on each other's. "Daiki, why did you kiss me?"
Aomine looked away. How was he supposed to answer Kuroko? The truth? If he confessed his feelings, what would happen to their relationship then? He gritted his teeth.
"Daiki." Kuroko cupped his face with his other hand and made Aomine turn to face him.
"If I answer you now, we may both end up regretting this moment," he said.
Kuroko smiled. There was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I want to know what you are thinking, what you are feeling. I want to know everything, Daiki. I don't—I don't want to be naive anymore."
"You're not naive. Tetsu is just being Tetsu."
His lips went down to Kuroko's and claimed them. Kuroko responded to those kisses with gentleness. It made Aomine's body hot and wanting for more. But he had to control himself somewhat. He was still not sure with Kuroko's intentions of responding to him.
"Are you lonely, Tetsu?" he asked is a whisper, each word like a knife slicing though his heart.
"Y-yes..."
So that was it. Kuroko was just lonely that was why he responded to his kisses and did not turn away from his touch. It was just loneliness. He was just a substitute for Yuki. The thought ate at him. But he had no choice. This was his only chance to express his feelings for Kuroko without being rebuked. Even if he was just a substitute, he would do everything just to ease Kuroko's loneliness.
"Then for now, let me ease your loneliness. Let me embrace you and make you forget about your worries even just for tonight." He kissed Kuroko again. It was a gentle kiss. If possible, he wanted Kuroko to feel cherished.
His hands found his way inside Kuroko's shirt. He kneaded his chest and felt how hot Kuroko's body was.
Kuroko wound his arms around Aomine's neck. This time, it was his tongue that invaded his mouth. It made Aomine want more. He could not control his desires anymore. He was now burning for Kuroko.
His hand went down to Kuroko's waist and into the waist band of his pants. He slowly tried to pull if downward.
That made Kuroko stop. He moved his face away from him and looked down on Aomine's hand that was now inside his pants.
"This is—"
Aomine smiled. There was no turning back now. "I will take away your loneliness, Tetsu. Trust me."
Kuroko looked back up to him. Aomine gave him a long, deep kiss. Kuroko seemed to have forgotten all other thoughts and just eagerly responded to him.
"I trust you, Daiki. I'll always trust you," Kuroko whispered in his ear.
Kagami arrived at Narita after the ten-hour flight from LAX. He looked at his watch and found that Himuro was a bit late. He had been waiting for the guy at the airport because that was what Himuro had requested.
He tapped the ground with his foot as he stood outside of the airport near the taxi lane.
"Kagamicchi? Ne, is that you, Kagamicchi?"
Kagami turned towards the person who spoke and was surprised to see Kise Ryouta in a pilot's uniform. He was carrying a suitcase with him. He saw Kise wave at him.
He nodded in recognition. Kise walked up to him with a smile on his face.
"So it was really Kagamicchi. I'm glad to see you here," Kise said. He saw the luggage that he had with him. "Are you here for vacation?"
"Y-yeah. I decided to see Himuro and stay here for a bit," he said, trying to keep his face straight despite saying a half-truth. "So you're a pilot now?" he said, trying to change the subject.
Kise grinned. "Does the uniform suit me?"
Kagami shook his head. It seemed like Kise was still the same as he was before back in high school.
Kise pouted. "Kagamicchi, you meanie. Everybody else says I look good in my pilot uniform besides you." Kise sighed and put his free hand inside his pocket. "This is really some coincidence. First Kurokocchi, then Kagamicchi. Hmm... I wonder who else I would get to meet after all these years."
Hearing Kuroko's name piqued Kagami's interest. He also had no news about Kuroko and had not seen the guy for years now since he left for America. "You've seen Kuroko?"
Kise grinned even wider. "Yes. I met Kurokocchi and Aominecchi together at Haneda. They seemed to be going on a vacation or something."
Kuroko and Aomine together? It did not seem impossible since the two had known each other since middle school. But based on what Kise said, the blond just met Kuroko after several years. Then what about Aomine? Was he able to keep tabs on Kuroko all these years? He suddenly felt the urge to see the light blue-haired guy.
"Do you have his number?"
Kise went still for a second. "Now that you mention it..." He put his hand on his face and then looked at him with disappointed eyes. "I also to ask him. Gomen gomen, Kagamicchi."
Kagami sighed. It was no use after all. Maybe it was not really time for him to see Kuroko again.
"But I have Aominecchi's number. I can give his number to you and you can contact Kurokocchi through him."
His brows furrowed. Based on what Kised said, it almost seemed like the two were together. "Why would I?"
He and Aomine had always been rivals when it came to basketball. And since he was the new light that Kuroko chose after Aomine, it also became a reason for them not getting along with each other.
"Oh, Kurokocchi is temporarily in Aominecchi's care so they are together most of the time. I invited them for karaoke when they're free. So maybe you can come along as well," Kise said.
"Thanks. You can count me in."
They exchanged numbers. Kagami felt hopeful. Surely, Kise would not forget about contacting him if he would meet Kuroko. He somehow wanted to catch up with the guy. They were not that close back in high school. But it would be great to get news about the other Seirin basketball club members from Kuroko as well.
"Taiga, my bad. I'm sorry for being late," Himuro said as he ran towards them after he parked his car a few meters away. He saw Kise and slowed down his pace. He gave him a smile as he stood beside him and facing Kise.
Himuro cut his hair short. Both of his eyes showed now. They both no longer wore the rings in a chain around their necks but they were still as close as brothers. A lot had changed back in high school, but they were still able to keep a certain closeness between them.
"Yo, Himuro," Kise said to the newcomer.
"Long time no see, Kise," Himuro said.
Kagami looked at Himuro and then at Kise. It almost seemed like there was some sort of invisible wall between the two. Well, he did remember that Kaijo and Yosen did duke it out several times. Kise would sometimes clash with Himuro during the games. There was also that one time with Murasakibara that somehow caused the two to only be 'civil' with each other. He already forgot what caused it in the first place but the two were never on friendly terms with each other.
"Well, my ride is here. See you around, Kise," Kagami said.
"Okay. Bye Kagamicchi. Bye Himuro." Kise waved at them and then jumped into the nearest taxi.
When they were inside the car, Kagami said, "I never though Kise would be a pilot. It sure was coincidence to see him at the airport." He was sitting at the passenger's seat while Himuro was on the wheel.
"Well, you know Kise. He never fails to surprise people," Himuro said.
They became silent for a while. Kagami was not sure with how to proceed with the most pressing topic that they needed to discuss. He had a lot to say but it seemed like he was lost for words at the moment. He was not sure where to start without sounding like he was putting some sort of blame on Himuro.
"Tatsuya—"
"Taiga—"
They said almost at the same time. Then they both went quiet again.
He gulped before speaking again. "You first, Tatsuya," he said to Himuro.
Himuro glanced at him first before facing the road ahead and speaking. "I was late because I received a call from the kidnappers."
Kagami closed his hands into fists. He gritted his teeth as he tried to calm himself down. "What did they tell you?"
"They said I need to win a game for them in order to get Alex back."
"A game? What kind of game?"
"The caller said that it was something me and Alex were both good at."
Kagami pounded the side of the car door with his fist. Himuro did not say anything else.
[A/N: Yey! I'm finally done with this chapter. It was good that I was able to finish it in time for the deadline. I will post my new chapters every Tuesday or Wednesday from now on. ^_^
Again, thank you to everyone who read my fic. Thank you as well to those who gave me reviews and made me Keep Close their favorites.
I finally reached the 1000+ views this month. Kyaa! Atashi was ureshii desu!
I have been tumblring some AoKuro pics. I must admit for fangirling with my main characters too much these past few days. XD
This chapter is a great challenge for me since I am not good with love-love scenes. Hehe. But I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did afterwards. Heheh.
Again, please send me a message or write a review if you have time. I am always free to reply to any questions that you have.
You can also visit me on tumblr (imcryberry) if you have time. I write some random stuff in my diary about this fic and anything related to it.
Do I need to change the rating now?
Sore ja. Mata raishu ne!]