Prompt: Written for AkaKuro Week 2017 Day 2: "Breathe easy now." And a teeeeny bit soundproof and leisure, but not really.

A/N: Just pretend Japan allows for same-sex marriage and all will be fine. This is more a prelude to that eventuality, but is suggestive of how they meet.

Also features MidoTaka pairing - briefly.

Matchmaking


As he observed the newlyweds, Akashi Seijuurou reflected that he was genuinely happy for his friend and colleague, Midorima Shintaro and his new husband, Takao Kazunari. The reserved medical researcher had finally found the love of his life in Takao and he, along with several hundred well-wishers, were currently celebrating the pair's nuptials. However, despite Akashi's sincerity, he couldn't completely remove the small shred of displeasure that was surfacing in the back of his mind.

It wasn't that Akashi was really jealous of their relationship; he was far too controlled for such a base emotion. But he did envy the fact Midorima would no longer have to deal with the insufferable interference from his relatives about his bachelor status – as Akashi was still forced to endure. The redhead had been surprised when Midorima told him about getting engaged since he had only recently begun dating the cheerful athletic trainer a few months prior. It struck Akashi as unnaturally hasty, but the usually stoic green haired man had offered a rare smile and the simple reply that he'd found his match.

Akashi had been curious about that, they did not move in the same circles and when prompted, Midorima had admitted he'd used a matchmaker. Akashi had not been entirely surprised, Midorima was not one to leave much to chance, but the idea had not precisely occurred to him before. With a shrug, Midorima had given Akashi a simple, but well-designed business card with the firm's details.

"You might consider it yourself, Akashi. I was very surprised, but…pleased…once I got to know my match." A single look at where Midorima's husband was laughing with some of their guests spoke volumes as to Midorima's infatuation.

Akashi had thanked Midorima for the card and pocketed it, not particularly intending to follow-up. But as the days turned to weeks and then months, the idea seemed to gain weight in his mind. Finally, when an important company event loomed on the horizon, Akashi realized he did not want to attend alone as was his usual preference. Somehow being the only bachelor was….unseemly. He did not have to find his true love for such an occasion, but perhaps the matchmaker might find him someone that would not bore him to death for the gala.

He made an appointment and on the appropriate day, arrived at the office. "Miracle Matches" was located in a modern high-rise building, it was on the same floor as a Private Investigator's office and a caterer's headquarters. Akashi accurately surmised that the catering firm also had space on a lower floor for their kitchens. He entered the matchmaking office with something like relief, it was very tasteful and there was no immediate confrontation with anything unduly sentimental, as he'd feared.

Instead, a receptionist politely greeted him, confirmed his appointment with a warm smile and ushered him down the hall to a door labelled "Kuroko Tetsuya, Matchmaking Consultant."

When the woman tapped lightly on the door, a soft voice called out a greeting and permission to enter. Soon Akashi had walked in and was gazing with some surprise at a young man with the smallest personal presence he could remember encountering.

After the receptionist left, Kuroko stood to greet Akashi, and indicated he should take a seat. Akashi did so, still trying to take Kuroko's measure.

Kuroko, for his part, was a little nervous. Midorima-kun had called ahead to tell Kuroko, warn him really, that he'd given Akashi a recommendation about Kuroko's company. Kuroko was pleased and flattered that Midorima had done so, but now he could see why Midorima had thought Kuroko should be prepared. Akashi was incredibly charismatic, his intensity and focus all the more striking for not being overwhelmingly tall – although he had a few inches on Kuroko at least.

"Ah, yes, I have some questions about your goals and preferences, if you are ready, Akashi-kun?" Kuroko was proud his voice was steady, but he did not hold out hope of completely retaining his composure, Akashi was unsettling.

Akashi nodded his acceptance. "Of course, that is why I am here."

Kuroko nodded and extracted a form from a file labelled with Akashi's name. Taking up a pen, he asked. "Now, our firm offers two tracks. First, those that already know they wish to get married. Second, those that are not quite ready for that step and more looking for a way to meet people they might not ordinarily come into contact with. Which track is of interest to you, Akashi-kun?"

"I am not set on marriage at this stage but I am not looking for someone frivolous, either. It might be better to assign me to the first track just in case." It might have sounded cold, but Kuroko was accustomed to this type of response with his clients.

Nodding, Kuroko ticked the box. "In that case, my next question is more a formality. You are currently unwed and in the event of a successful match, have the intention to amend your family register?"

Akashi nodded. "If it does reach that point, I am free from attachments and can produce the required documentation." He was a little irritated by this question but he knew it was probably a liability question and so he did not protest the implications that he would be trying to commit bigamy.

Another box was checked. "And could you tell me a little about your ideal match?"

Akashi lifted one shoulder. "I dislike drama so someone grounded and sensible. I care little about their particular career, although it is my preference they have one."

Kuroko waited, but it seemed Akashi was finished. He looked at his client with an expression that was clearly reproachful. "That is all you are looking for? And yet you did not have success finding someone on your own? Please be honest with me, Akashi-kun. What about appearances? Age ranges? Dare I hope you've at least a preference regarding gender? Are you looking for someone that enjoys sports or an intellectual? I need something else to go on than just someone sensible and employed. I cannot help you if you do not take this seriously. If you are worried about this location, please know that every office is soundproofed – your answers will not go beyond this room."

Akashi smiled briefly at this assurance before augmenting his response. "I am thirty years old. I can imagine a partner within five years either way – although I am willing to expand that range. Male. I don't want a self-absorbed narcissist blockhead, but I am active with horseback riding and I play basketball with a group of friends, so someone that is reasonably active is desirable. Even when I do have leisure time, I usually fill it with an activity of some type – I have difficulty being idle for long stretches of time."

Kuroko sighed but dutifully wrote down some notes regarding Akashi's answers. He did not miss that Akashi had omitted his preferences regarding appearances. He moved on to the next section. "If you would, please tell me a little of your dating history. In particular, what has most disappointed you about your past experiences?"

"I am very busy, as I am sure comes as no surprise. I have had difficulties with dates that are unduly clingy and do not seem to understand I have many demands on my time. I would add a degree of independence would be highly preferred." It was less than helpful but Akashi offered it so reluctantly it was as if he'd parted with the deepest secret he had.

Kuroko could feel a headache coming on. He sat back in his chair and looked at Akashi. "Midorima-kun warned me you would most likely be a little difficult. I must ask why. As far as I know, nobody is forcing you to be here, Akashi-kun. If you find this process invasive, I am sorry for that, but you needn't subject yourself to it if you don't really want to. But if it is your intention to find someone through Miracle Matches, I must ask you to cooperate with me please."

He didn't reply immediately. When he did, Akashi offered only. "I apologize. It is not your fault, I did come here of my own accord. I just dislike these questions. Is there another way to go about this?"

Kuroko didn't quite trust Akashi's apology but he nodded. They had other parts of the matchmaking process they could address for the moment. He extracted a small flash drive from a locked drawer in his desk and loaded it into his computer, directing Akashi's attention to a monitor set on the wall he could watch from his chair.

"I will play a series of interview clips. If anyone strikes your fancy – no matter the reason, please say so. Similarly, if you wish to rule anyone out, just indicate your wish. We can move forward with whoever is left and revisit your profile after that." Waiting for Akashi to nod his understanding, Kuroko started the clips. This method was usually further along in the interview with more carefully selected profiles, but given Akashi's vague guidelines, Kuroko selected the flash drive that contained all single men on their same-sex match list. It was a bigger file than probably most would anticipate.

Akashi's eyes were trained on the screen, but in general he made his decision barely twenty seconds into each clip. He rejected all of them, and Kuroko could determine no common pattern. Akashi ruled out stunningly handsome men as well as those that were plain, he passed on highly educated and working-class profiles, he skipped over those that were funny as well as those with little humor. At the end, he'd viewed all two hundred of their available clients and seemed not at all repentant about declining everyone.

Kuroko was honestly exhausted. He'd been prepared for Akashi to rule out most of them, but not all of them.

Akashi saw nothing amiss. "What's next then?"

Kuroko let out a strangled laugh. "Akashi-kun, you've just rejected every possibility we have on file. There is little point in asking about a next in this case. There are, however, three options: you can revise your opinion on those you've just seen, you can wait for future matches to sign with us, or you may come to the conclusion our company is not the best fit for your needs at this time."

Akashi thought that was funny. "Are you trying to fire me, Kuroko? You shouldn't get into the habit of firing clients simply because they are challenging."

Kuroko shot him a displeased look but said only. "Your comments about your preferences are general and make you seem as if you are not fussy. But then your unilateral rejection of everyone we have on file belies that. I am not sure how to proceed with you in all honesty. I have never had a client like you before."

Akashi did not seem particularly discomposed by this assessment. He was sitting comfortably in the plush office chair as if this entire encounter had been productive. "What about you then?"

Kuroko tilted his head in confusion. "What about me?"

Akashi waved to indicate his person in general. "How did you find your own partner?"

Kuroko's frowned at him. "That is not a very appropriate question, Akashi-kun. However, I am also single if you must know."

A gleam of something like playfulness lit Akashi's eyes. "Why is it inappropriate? You're going to know an awful lot about me through this process. Is it so unusual I should be curious about you in return? But a single matchmaker…how interesting."

Feeling defensive Kuroko merely replied, "I am good at observing people and helping them fulfill their potential in a relationship because of it. My own status is immaterial to that skill. I have had a perfect success rate so far; you are my one failure it would seem."

Akashi seemed to intensify his gaze and when he spoke, it was just shy of neutral. "Failure…I will tell you, that is not a concept I am accustomed to having attached to my name. And to be the exception at that…I cannot accept it."

Kuroko reached for his water, he felt as if he needed the distraction. Akashi was not what he had expected. He'd known who Akashi was, naturally. Akashi was prominently featured in both the business and society sections of magazines and newspapers on a regular basis and seemed to exert a subtle influence over a variety of political and social figures. It would be difficult to overlook him. Even knowing that, Kuroko had not been prepared for what Akashi was like in person. He seemed to radiate confidence and sophistication in a way that would be nearly impossible to resist – he gave the impression he could handle anything you threw his way. So why did someone like Akashi, who had access to the most elite company in Japan, need assistance finding a date?

"If you are of that opinion, would you like to reconsider any of the potential dates from the files?" Kuroko was trying not to get his hopes up, but perhaps Akashi's insistence on success might allow him to be a bit more lenient, at least for now.

Akashi seemed to be mulling that over, he had folded his hands over one another and was absently tapping his right index finger over the top of his left hand. After a moment he shook his head. "No, but I have an alternate suggestion. Would you like to accompany me to my next corporate event? Perhaps you will be able to see someone among my own circle that I should pay more attention to."

Kuroko considered Akashi's words. It wasn't so unusual. He had done similar things in the past, but usually when a client had narrowed their choices down and wanted Kuroko's opinion on how they interacted together. He'd never done this when there was not already someone, or a few possibilities at least, in mind to observe.

Before he agreed, Kuroko needed some additional details. "When is it? And what type of event is it?"

"This Friday. It's a charity art auction." Akashi had not originally intended to bring a date to this, his aim had been for the dinner gala in three weeks but it would give Kuroko an opportunity to see a variety of his acquaintances all at once.

Thinking much along the same lines Kuroko agreed. "It would be helpful if you could give me a guest list and note who might be interested in men. I should not wish to waste your time by focusing on a bachelor that prefers women."

Akashi's lips twisted up for a moment. "The guest list is easy enough, I shall have my assistant forward it to you this afternoon. But I shall trust in your observational talents to determine who you might select for me."

Ah. So that's what this was. "You are testing me, Akashi-kun? Is Midorima-kun's match not proof enough for you?"

"I am happy for Shintaro. But it never hurts to be cautious. I am sure you do not take your job lightly, however it is ultimately my time, money, and eventual happiness on the line. So I trust you will understand and indulge me in this small request." It was not a request and they both knew it.

Kuroko looked calm but inwardly he was wavering between anger and amusement. He did not have to accept Akashi's demand; his firm was doing quite well even without Akashi's business. But there was something in Akashi's arrogance that made Kuroko all the more determined to be right and find him the perfect match.

"I will go. But I do not wish to take part in a series of tests. This will be the only time we do something like this without you having a specific set of candidates in mind." Kuroko's voice was mild but the resolve of his statement was more than evident. In his own way, he was more than capable of matching Akashi's temperament.

Akashi nodded as if this was perfectly fair. After a few more minutes of conversation, Akashi left, assuring Kuroko he would be in touch and looked forward to Friday.

On the appointed day, Akashi picked Kuroko up from his office. Although Akashi had lifted an eyebrow at Kuroko's insistence on meeting there, he had not objected. His eyes wandered over Kuroko as he exited his office, the matchmaker was dressed in a beautifully tailored grey suit that made his eyes seem even more striking than normal. It fit him well and was obviously of high quality. It wasn't quite the level of Akashi's own suit, but it would take a truly obnoxious personality to comment on the slight difference.

Catching Akashi's evaluation, Kuroko said only, "I have had to attend functions like this before, it is not my preferred style but I considered it a worthwhile business expense to invest in a few things like this."

Akashi's murmured, "It was a wise decision," was all that was exchanged between them as they left the building and got in Akashi's car. He drove in a controlled but aggressive way – much the same as he went through life – and the luxury vehicle obeyed him like the finely tuned machine it was meant to be.

Soon enough they'd arrived at the location and Akashi entrusted his keys to a valet. They went in and Kuroko was immediately hit by the sheer decadence of the venue. It might be a charity event, but the organizers had spared no expense for staging it. There were trays of bubbly drinks and sophisticated canapés circulating in the hands of smartly dressed servers, the music was classical and played by a small cluster of musicians, the décor fairly screamed tasteful elegance and everyone in attendance seemed to radiate a genial goodwill that came from their delight with the evening.

Akashi glanced down at him as they moved more fully into the large room. "Did your homework yield any early contenders, Kuroko?"

Kuroko thinned his lips for a moment before he answered. "I have my suspicions that you are not seriously willing to consider any of them, or you would have already been in pursuit. However, there are a few that caught my eye, I will see if I feel the same after observing them here."

Akashi plucked a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, extending it to Kuroko in a silent offer.

Kuroko shook his head. "I am technically working, Akashi-kun. I must ensure my best judgement is used to evaluate everyone."

Akashi nodded, a slight smile playing at his lips. "So dedicated. I appreciate it. Here's to the hunt, then." He lifted the glass he'd offered to Kuroko in something that might have been a toast and then took a sip. "Shall we circulate? We can look at the items up for auction at the same time."

Kuroko nodded his agreement and they set off. Akashi was an interesting companion and Kuroko observed how he interacted with each person or group. Akashi seemed to remember everyone's name, easily introducing Kuroko to everyone without hesitation. He seemed to recall details from past encounters and was a skillful conversationalist, switching from discussions of modern art to athletics as needed. On the rare instance he didn't know someone, he demonstrated an easy charm as he made their acquaintance. Kuroko was impressed despite himself, but he noticed that Akashi rarely offered a personal detail of his own.

They were standing in front of a painting that was labelled "Apotheosis." Kuroko was trying to discern why it would have such a grand title when it looked to him to be a yellow square with a single red flower in the center. It was a perfectly nice picture; he was merely questioning the opening bid of 100,000 yen. But he gave a mental shrug, aware that this level of art was certainly out of his reach even if he wanted to place a bid.

Akashi's quiet, "Do you like it, Kuroko?" seemed to be equally curious and anticipatory.

Kuroko bit his lip before he replied. "I am sure everyone appreciates difference pieces. The artist was generous to donate their work for this event."

Akashi's eyes lit with an amused acknowledgment of Kuroko's careful answer. "Don't worry, I wasn't going to bid on it. I can see the thought was causing you to reevaluate me as a client."

It was a pattern they repeated, as they came to each work that had been donated, Akashi tried to get Kuroko to say something negative about it. Kuroko refused to be baited, no matter how little he liked a particular piece, he would simply offer a version of what he'd said before.

The only time it changed was when they were standing in front of a relatively small item – it was a miniature glass sculpture of a dog. The artist had styled it to sit on his back legs and his expression seemed to be smiling. Most notable, the dog had blue eyes in shade that was very close to Kuroko's. It was a skillful piece of work, but the small sculpture was going largely unnoticed in the competition against the flashier pieces. Kuroko couldn't quite stop himself from reaching out to touch it but he pulled his hand back at the last minute for fear of breaking it. Even though it was a relative bargain with an opening bid of 50,000 yen, it was far too much for Kuroko to risk damaging it.

"Do you like dogs, Kuroko?' Akashi's expression was neutral, but he had not missed Kuroko's interest in this item.

"I have a dog that looks like this. I was struck by the similarity." Kuroko tilted his head. "You don't like dogs, Akashi-kun?" He'd picked up on the slight reserve in the other's tone.

"I like well-behaved dogs I suppose." It was grudging at best.

Kuroko was tempted to smile but he was unable to as he was abruptly shoved from behind and nearly stumbled into the pedestal that held the delicately rendered glass canine. He felt his heart fly out of his chest with fear but almost before he had the chance to call out a warning, Akashi had pulled him back with a firm, solid grip.

"You seem to have had too much drink, sir. Perhaps calling it an early night would be best. I am sure if you have submitted a winning bid for any of the items arrangements might be made without your presence here tonight." Akashi did not raise his voice but the soft coldness as he addressed the clearly drunk guest that had bumped into Kuroko left little doubt of his displeasure.

It surprised nobody when friends promptly began hustling their drunken compatriot away, bowing and murmuring apologies as they did so. The moment was over nearly as quickly as it had begun, with onlookers turning back to their own small groups to spread gossip and continue their evenings.

Akashi had not yet released Kuroko, and turned him so that they faced each other before dropping his hold. "Are you alright, Kuroko? You look like you might pass out. The sculpture is fine, if that's what has you so worried. Take a deep breath, yes, that's it…just breathe easy now, everything is fine." He accompanied the words with a slight smile.

Kuroko could feel his heartbeat slowing but he was mortified to have panicked this way. He nodded. "I was just startled. I was terrified I would damage it," he indicated the small stature with a wave.

"Even if you had, it would not have been your fault. He is the one that caused you to stumble and I am sure that had it been necessary to highlight this fact, he would have been more than agreeable to paying a donation in recompense for the damages." Akashi's voice had taken on a nearly whimsical quality there but the lethal purr of assurance left little doubt he would have addressed the concern should it have been necessary.

Kuroko rolled his eyes at Akashi's flair for the dramatic but murmured his thanks for Akashi's help. "You have fast reflexes, Akashi-kun. Thank you for helping me."

He waved off Kuroko's thanks. "You are my guest tonight. I would have been disturbed if you'd been injured on my watch. But let us move to other topics. You've met everyone on the guest list now, what are your thoughts?"

Kuroko's soft but still audible snort was explained as he commented, "I am even more certain you do not have the slightest interest in having a romantic attachment to any of these people. You can barely stand ninety percent of them, Akashi-kun, for all that you are undeniably talented at networking with them."

Akashi's expression might have been described as either pride or amusement but his point was plain. "I wonder that you noticed that so easily. Perhaps my skills are fading, or perhaps it is a testament that yours are as good as you say."

"The latter." Kuroko smiled as he said it, but it did not diminish the reality of the situation. "But it does not help that you have already rejected everyone on my client list as well. I think it best you prepare yourself for a long wait at this rate."

Akashi, for his part, had been admiring the way the soft lighting seemed to accent Kuroko's eyes and was only half-listening. But he managed to answer anyway. "Perhaps. But I am beginning to suspect my luck will change soon. I am certain you are the key." It was ostensibly a vote of confidence, but Kuroko caught the veiled hint of intent in his words.

Looking up at Akashi curiously, Kuroko said only, "We will find you the right person eventually of course. I am glad you are willing to place your trust with me."

Akashi nodded and murmured something noncommittal.

They left soon after, there was little point in staying as Akashi's circle was not being seriously considered. He dropped Kuroko off at his office, offering to take him home but Kuroko declined and Akashi accepted his decision with good grace.

Kuroko returned home feeling both tired and restless – a combination he didn't care for. Nigou was waiting for him and Kuroko bent to ruffle his fur and told the dog about his evening. Nigou was an excellent listener and Kuroko felt better after receiving encouraging yips and tail wags from him.

None of which did anything to prepare him for the delivery he received the next day – in a beautifully wrapped package, the glass dog was nestled in a satin-lined box. No note accompanied it, but Kuroko did not have to strain his brain to imagine who had sent him the gift.

Sighing, Kuroko got his phone and pulled up Akashi's contact information. He didn't have to wait too long before Akashi's melodic voice answered with a simple, "Good morning, Kuroko."

Shaking his head even though Akashi couldn't seem him, he replied in an exasperated tone, "You should not have done this, Akashi-kun."

He could practically hear the shrug in Akashi's answer as the other man did not pretend to misunderstand. "I don't see why not. The event was intended to raise money for charity so I had to buy something. It was the only thing you showed any interest in. Consider the dog my thanks for your help and my apologies for the brief unpleasantness of last evening."

Kuroko stared at the little figurine and he could not have stopped the smile that crossed his face if he'd wanted to. "No thanks or apologies to me are necessary, but I would like to thank you. It is a very nice piece that I will treasure."

Akashi's voice didn't precisely soften, but it may have been a trifle more relaxed. "I am glad. Incidentally, I am glad you called, I was hoping you might be free to accompany me to another event next weekend?"

Kuroko's forehead furrowed. "I already explained I would not do so as another test. Have you reconsidered some of the options in earnest?"

"I believe I am gaining a clearer understanding of the right person for me. I am interested in testing it out – not as an evaluation of your skills, but my own." It was a confusing thing to say but Kuroko agreed to accompany Akashi anyway.

They disconnected a short while later, Kuroko going about his morning chores with a relatively oblivious, if content, attitude.

Akashi on the other hand, pocketed his phone and stared at Midorima and Takao with an air of innocence.

Takao had just barely managed to contain his giggles as he'd listened to Akashi's half of the conversation and now free to indulge, he erupted in a laughing fit.

Midorima shot a disapproving look at both of them. "You should simply tell Kuroko you are interested in him, Akashi."

Takao managed to choke out his own comment, "Don't ruin it, Shin-chan. How perfect is this? The matchmaker who doesn't recognize his own suitability is quietly pursued by someone like Akashi…it's too perfect. I can't wait to see how it unfolds!"

Akashi refrained from commenting, merely sipping his tea as he listened to them bicker. He'd known Kuroko preferred men from a comment Midorima had made when he'd been dating Takao, and Akashi had been curious about the matchmaker that had been able to deliver such promising results for his friend. Akashi hadn't expected to find the unassuming person so fascinating, but he'd quickly realized there was more to Kuroko than just someone to employ. He was looking forward to how it would unfold as well, but he needn't give Takao that satisfaction. Instead, he occupied his mind with happier thoughts, more specifically, those related to a certain matchmaker that would, with any luck, recognize their compatibility sooner rather than later.