Lovely Jewels

Trapped or Secure?

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

Midorima's Power Profile:

Ultimate Healing - heals wounds/injuries by just thinking about it; works externally and internally

Immunity Pills - ability to create pills that provide recipient with immunity from any injury for a certain amount of time (really depends on power of creator and user)

Telepathic - can talk with the rest of the members using the mind

Kuroko idly rolled a pencil back and forth on his desk. He let out a long sigh and stopped rolling his pencil. He pushed his chair back and abruptly stood up. I am bored and I have seriously had enough, Kuroko thought bitterly.

After the Kiseki no Sedai discovered that Planaedius was after Kuroko, they stepped up the security around him. Kuroko's life consisted of going to school on the weekdays and staying at the apartment during the weekends. He was not allowed to go elsewhere unless one of the Kiseki no Sedai came with him. Kuroko was tired and frustrated with this development. To top all of this off, Akashi's infuriating presence was very much absent. Kuroko has only seen glimpses of him every now and then, but the two haven't had a decent conversation since the last incident. Kuroko thought that they would try to at least bond.

He slowly opened the door to his room and peeked out. He couldn't see anyone, not that his roommates were around much nowadays either. Like Akashi, they were busy slowly undoing Planaedius' power. Kuroko was sure that he was a part of this entire situation, but he was excluded from any missions or planning. He crept out and silently descended the stairs, stopping at the very bottom when he heard Kise and Aomine talking.

"Isn't Akashicchi working too hard?" Kise asked as he opened a cupboard to take out a plate. "Plus he hasn't even been talking to Kuroko lately either." He took out another plate after glancing at Aomine.

"You know just as well as I do why he's doing what he has been," Aomine replied. He took the plate that Kise gave him, nodding his thanks. "I just don't know why Planaedius hasn't done anything. They know where Kuroko is and they know his schedule, I'm sure."

Kuroko snuck passed the kitchen, lowering his presence. He mulled over what he heard before managing to get out the front door. His body's tension melted away only to return after hearing a familiar voice.

"Kuroko, what are you doing out here?"

Kuroko turned around with a blank and somewhat innocent expression. He saw Midorima looking down at him through his spectacles. "Going for a walk," Kuroko finally said in a perfect monotone voice.

Midorima pushed up his glasses. "Without one of us?" he asked in an annoyed tone with a hint of worry. "Akashi would murder us." He moved to take Kuroko's arm, but was interrupted by another person.

"Ah, hey neighbor!" a male voice greeted.

Both Kuroko and Midorima looked up to see a friendly man waving at the two of him. He had long straight black hair with the bangs pulled back. Midorima backed up a bit as the other man began approaching.

He held out his hand to Kuroko first. "I'm Takao Kazanari, your neighbor!" After shaking his hand Takao offered his hand to Midorima who looked at it with disdain. While still holding out his hand he turned back towards Kuroko. "I mean I heard that you moved in, it's just that I never saw you! There was rumor that my neighbor was a ghost!" Takao continued while laughing.

Midorima grudgingly took Takao's hand, shaking it lightly and quickly before pulling away. He looked at Kuroko and could tell that this was the actual first meeting between the two.

"Ah, it is nice to meet you, Takao-san. I am Kuroko Tetsuya," Kuroko replied calmly. He gave Midorima a quick glance. "This is my roommate Midorima Shintarou."

Takao smiled up at the greenhead. "I didn't know you were moving in with Kuroko-kun too! I guess moving in with friends is always more fun." He gave Midorima the once-over, making note of the white lab coat he had on. "Are you a doctor or something?"

Midorima visibly puffed up his chest. "Yes, I am actually," he answered while pushing his glasses up his nose. "I am working on a new pill right now."

Kuroko watched the interaction between his guardian and neighbor, seeing a chance for him to escape. Takao was animatedly moving his hands while asking questions to Midorima. Although Midorima seemed annoyed, Kuroko could tell that he was happy with the inquiries. He watched the two as he carefully backed down the hallway, lowering his presence once again. Kuroko backed himself around the corner and quickly turned to run to the elevator.

Once in the elevator and safely descending, Kuroko pulled out his phone to see that a close friend of his had texted him. Kuroko found that a small smile appeared on his face as he opened the text to read it. Surprise was the next emotion to fill his face for a brief moment.

To: Kuroko

Hey, I'm home from America! Meet me at the burger place if you're not busy!

From: Kagami-kun

The elevator doors opened and Kuroko stepped out. He sent a quick reply back to Kagami and then exited the building. Although he was "free" he looked over his shoulder nervously.

Takao was grinning happily. "So, if I ever get hurt, I'll just ask you to kiss my wound," he said in a jokingly manner. He watched Midorima flush a bit.

"Hmph," Midorima said while turning away slightly. "I would probably close the door on you." He heard Takao start cracking up. Before he could say anything though, Midorima finally noticed a missing person. He looked around him, not seeing the short blue-head.

Takao noticed that Midorima had become distracted and then finally remembered that he had to be somewhere. "Ah, sorry for taking up your time, Shin-chan!" He scratched the back of his head and added, "I have to go do something, so I'll see you around!" With that he turned and left Midorima alone.

Midorima nodded, obviously surprised with the sudden nickname, but hurriedly entered the apartment. He looked for Kuroko's shoes and found that, of course, they were gone. He heard Aomine and Kise in the kitchen and briskly walked in to the room. He was a bit panicked when the other two noticed him. However before either Kise or Aomine could speak Midorima came over and picked up Kise's arm.

"You're hurt," Midorima said bluntly. He let out a drawn out sigh as Aomine gave Kise a concerned look.

"You were injured?" Aomine asked while frowning. "Don't be an idiot, tell someone," Aomine bit out a bit angrily.

Kise gave Aomine a weak smile before letting Midorima properly see his arm. "It's nothing really, I just slipped up when I was fighting a squad of Planaedius members." He winced a bit as Midorima turned his arm.

Midorima stared at Kise's arm for a few seconds before letting it go. "It's healed." He watched Kise flex it a bit.

"Thank you, Midorimacchi!" Kise said, quite happy. His expression turned serious though. "You were worried about something, right?"

Aomine caught on and nodded while allowing his gaze to fall on the greenhead. "Yeah, what's up?"

Midorima brought a hand to cover part of his face. "Kuroko's gone."

Kise's and Aomine's eyes widened visibly.

"Gone!?" they both cried out as they jumped to their feet.

Midorima nodded. "We have to go look for him," he said as he immediately started leaving the kitchen. "If any of you can get in contact with Murasakibara, then tell him about Kuroko's absence as well. I'm going to go head out first." Midorima hurried out, sending the others a quick mental message to not tell Akashi of this development.

"Kagami-kun," Kuroko called out, hiding a smile as he did so.

The short blue-head watched as his friend jolted forward, spitting out his drink as he did so. Kagami looked at his now drenched burgers and glared at his friend who was standing next to him. Kuroko returned the glare with a blank but slightly amused expression.

"You always do this!" Kagami said crossly. "I'm going to die of a heart attack one day!" Kagami said the last part quieter as he noticed that others were beginning to stare.

"I have been calling out to you this whole time, Kagami-kun," Kuroko replied calmly. "If you die, you die of your own ignorance." He was internally happy when he saw his friend shoot him another glare. It was good to hang out after being cooped up and watched for so long.

Kagami stood up and tried vainly to clean up the mess he made, but gave up and stepped out of the booth. "Come on, we are going to see the others." He started walking, followed by Kuroko.

"Have you seen them recently?" Kagami asked. The others have noted Kuroko's absence from their daily activities and were of course worried. So was Kagami. After all, he and Kuroko were close friends.

"At school, yes," Kuroko replied carefully. He peered at Kagami from the corner of his eye. "My father has just given me extra work regarding company matters so I haven't been able to go out much," Kuroko lied flawlessly.

Kagami blinked a couple of times. He laughed as relief flowed through his body. "Of course! I keep forgetting you're the son of a big CEO!" Kagami said as they continued walking past small shops next to the street. "Well, you better not get too busy though, because I heard Satsuki has been looking for you."

Kuroko was relieved and happy that Kagami fell for the lie. "I'm sure Momoi will be fine," Kuroko replied. He hoped the others would fall for his lie too, since they were going to meet up with them. He and Kagami caught each other's gazes before smiling and bumping fists.

Akashi's eyes were narrowed as he watched Kuroko and the other redhead walk down the street. His eyes searched the crowd below, trying to spot a member of the Kiseki no Sedai. He leaned against the pillar in front of him as he continued to gaze down upon the time traveler. Akashi's Emperor Eye marked both Kuroko and the other male, deeming them both allies. What are you doing, Tetsuya? Akashi moved behind the pillar and quickly disappeared.

"Kagami! Kuroko!"

Kagami looked forward to see a girl with short brown hair waving at him and Kuroko. Behind her stood two men, one of them was wearing glasses. Kagami smiled and started waving back.

"Riko-san!" Kagami called back as he jogged over to meet them.

Kuroko started jogging as well but just as he stopped in front of Riko, she reached out and roughly put her hand on his head. "I-Itai, Riko-san," Kuroko managed to get out despite the sudden pain. He instinctively left his hands at his sides, not wanting to anger Riko any more.

Riko smiled evilly down at Kuroko. "You think you can skip out on hanging with your friends and go unharmed?" Riko asked, still smiling while a dark aura flowed out of her.

Kagami and the other guys collectively sweat-dropped. Watching their short friend get scolded was already sending shivers down their spines. Kagami turned to the guy with glasses and gave him a look.

"Hyuuga-san, do something or his head will explode!" Kagami whispered harshly.

Just at that moment Riko release the pressure she was putting on Kuroko's head and brought him in for a hug. "That's what you get for making us all worry!"

Kuroko, feeling a bit dizzy just nodded his head. He was released from the hug as quickly as he was brought in. The hairs on the back of his neck rose slightly and Kuroko twisted around. He looked confusedly around him. I felt like someone was there… Kuroko shook his head. They were surrounded by people, of course someone would be looking at the commotion the group was causing.

Hyuuga looked over at his buddy. "Izuki, you said there was something you wanted to show us?" He glanced at Riko and then at Kuroko. "Hey, Kuroko, is there something wrong?"

Kuroko turned to look at Hyuuga before hastily blinking. "Uh, nothing is wrong, Hyuuga-san." He suddenly remembered that Midorima was probably looking for him…along with the others. Falling deep into thought, Kuroko barely noticed that the other four were beginning to walk away. I can't explain the Kiseki no Sedai to my friends…

"Kuroko!"

Kuroko's head snapped upon hearing his name. His friends were all facing him with concerned expressions, expectantly waiting for him to catch up. He bowed slightly before saying, "I actually have to get back now. It was nice seeing you guys."

The four looked shocked. Kagami strode right back to Kuroko and immediately felt the short male's forehead. He pulled his hand away and stared down at Kuroko. "Well, you're not running a fever, I'll give you that," Kagami said, trying to make light of the situation. His shoulders slumped forward a bit as he looked down. "If you have to go, we're okay with it." Kagami met Kuroko's eyes. "Go make your parents proud!"

Kuroko replied with a small but grateful smile. He silently held up a fisted hand, waiting for Kagami to meet it. Kagami quickly bumped fists with his short friend before turning around to catch up with the others who were waiting. He turned to look over his shoulder and waved.

Akashi watched the exchange in silent annoyance mixed in with the beginnings of anger. His fists clenched and unclenched, but he quickly calmed himself down. Kuroko was not in danger and he knew that. Kagami gave off a blue aura when marked with his Emperor's Eye and his eyes were never wrong. Akashi decided fun was fun when following his little Tetsuya, but freedom never lasted long. He started to make his way towards the light-blue head.

Kuroko was a bit disappointed that he turned down his friends, but he knew ditching the Kiseki no Sedai was going to cause problems. He looked around nervously, feeling watched in the crowd that surrounded him even though he knew that the people shouldn't even notice him. The people passed by, busy with their own lives, but why did Kuroko still feel an intense gaze on him? He spotted a shortcut he knew between two buildings and began heading that way. The crowd became less dense and Kuroko let out a breath he did not know he'd been holding. He entered the alleyway, not as alert as he should be.

Kuroko whipped around halfway down the alleyway when he heard some footsteps. However, no one was behind him. He could see people passing by at the entrance though. Just as he was about to turn around a hand covered his mouth and an arm wrapped itself around his neck. Kuroko made muffled screams and jabbed the person in the stomach with his elbow. The person's grip loosened for a moment, giving Kuroko all the time he needed to break away and fall forward. Kuroko scrambled to his feet only to be thrown against the brick wall of the building. He struggled to breathe as a hand put pressure on his throat, but he manage to squint at the person before him.

"Did you miss me, Kuroko-kun?"

Kuroko glared at the gray-haired man. The hand around his neck tightened a bit causing Kuroko to push against the wall, the brick digging into his skull. He tried in vain to pry the hand of his throat as tears gathered in the corners of his eyes.

Suddenly the pressure disappeared and Kuroko fell to the ground coughing. He held his throat and looked up through blurred vision to see Haizaki smirking down at him. The gray-haired man bent down and grabbed Kuroko's chin before tilting it upward and forcing Kuroko to look at him.

"I can't kill you yet," Haizaki said in a slightly disappointed tone. "Planaedius wants you alive."

Haizaki dropped Kuroko's chin and grabbed him. Throwing the light boy over his shoulder he let out a small chuckle. Kuroko's strength was weakened, but he managed to put up a struggle.

"Those idiots of the Kiseki no Sedai. What are they doing letting you, a weakling, out of their sight?" Haizaki asked mockingly.

He bent his knees and jumped up causing Kuroko's eyes to widen as the floor distanced itself. As Haizaki landed on the top of the building, Kuroko let out a groan of pain. His eyes shut close as he felt Haizaki shifting him on his shoulder.

"Looks like we're going to have company soon," Haizaki muttered. "Those assholes couldn't handle a single member."

Kuroko's ears perked up at the new information. Member? From the Kiseki no Sedai?

Haizaki threw Kuroko to the ground, smiling sadistically when Kuroko yelped and rolled to his side in obvious pain. Kuroko looked up and saw dust begin to swirl around Haizaki. The dust sparkled, almost looking pretty.

Haizaki watched Kuroko's blank gaze. "This is ash, Kuroko-kun." He knelt down and grabbed the top of Kuroko's hair, pulling him up. "I wonder what your guardians would do if I made your precious face unrecognizable."

Thank you everyone for the continued support with the faves, follows, alerts...stuff like that!

Personal thanks to:

Aiko Namikara - I'm happy you thought it was cool! Yes, isn't Kuroko always full of surprises? I have plans for both of them in the future, so please read until then! Thank you for reading!

yukiseijuro - I don't know where you were either, but I'm uber happy that you've found your way to my story! Ah, I just hope he isn't to out of character! Your excitement makes me excited!

Mist455 - Thanks for the love! In return, the next chapter!

Shadow of an Echo - Ah, you are so right! I get so much inspiration from reviewers like you! Really? You think so! Thank you! Please tell me if any of them are acting too out of character! Thank you! First time doing omakes so I was hoping they would be received well! Here is the update! Sorry it was so late!

MissSexyRain - It is isn't it! *raises an eyebrow suggestively* That's good and thanks for reviewing!

BlackAndWhiteRoseWolf - Thank you! Haha, yes that last one...I agree with the complicating of the AkaKuro relationship!

hitomi65 - Thank you!

DisGamerChick - Running wild is a good thing, haha! Right there with you!

Thank you everyone for reading this chapter!

I am really really sorry! I spent all day at my friends filming for this short (very short) movie we are doing for our LA class! It took way too long, but it was fun! But again, sorry for the late update!

I hope this chapter still meets your guys' expectations though! And I'm really sorry if things seemed rushed!

Thank you for being awesome supporters!