Author's Note: Eyyy everyone, here's a new chapter. I hope you'll like this as much as I did. Enjoy!

Credits: To amehanaa for her wonderful fic that made me want to make this fic.

Beta by AokazuSei

Chapter Six

Tear in my hear

"My heart is my armor.

She's the tear my heart.

She's a carver.

She's a butcher with a smile

Caught me farther

Than I've ever been."

-Tear in my heart (Twenty one Pilots)

"I hate this show." Credits rolled down the screen as I sent the message. Two days ago, Akashi introduced me to a popular American TV series adaption, and we both agreed to stream it at the same time. But so far, it did nothing but make me sad and angry; not that I truly hated the series, but all of the characters I liked died! I'm still bitter about that. "But at the same time, I love it," I added.

"I knew you would feel that way. You easily get attached," Akashi replied to me. "But I feel the same way."

"That rotten king, I would have killed him if I could," I typed, getting slightly carried away.

"There there, don't worry he'll die soon."

"Don't tell me spoilers!" I pouted. I had no idea where the plot would turn out, but I hate knowing spoilers. I wouldn't be surprised if Akashi was smirking; I still haven't finished the series, but he already did.

"Alright, I will not do it again, my love."

"Enough with that nickname!" I could feel my cheeks getting warm again. "It's embarrassing."

"Are you blushing?"

"Oh my god, stop!"

"Alright alright." He was probably laughing at me. "By the way, do you want a copy of the next season? I have extra dvds, and I could send them to you if you want," Akashi said.

"Why did you have extras?" I asked suspiciously.

"I didn't realize I bought two copies of the same thing. I haven't even opened them."

"That's too much Akashi-kun. I can just buy it from you."

"No, I'm going to give it to you, but I'll need your address first."

"I have a feeling I don't have much say in this," I wrote, heaving a sigh.

"Yeah, you don't. Pm me your address, I'll send it you."

"At least let me pay for the shipping fee."

"No can do. It's my gift, I'll pay for it," Akashi said stubbornly.

"You really won't let me?"

"Nope."

"Fine." I pouted. "Here's my address: 221B Baker Street, London NW1 6XE, United Kingdom." I smirked as I waited his reply.

"Well played, my love, but that's Sherlock Holmes' address not yours."

"How did you know?" I chuckled.

"I am familiar with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's works," Akashi replied.

"I didn't know you are into mysteries, Akashi-kun," I said.

"I enjoy books no matter what genre they are, Tetsuya."

"That's very like you, Akashi-kun," I replied. "Here's my real address…" there's a small smile on my lips as I finally sent him my real address.

We continued our talk about the series, spoiler free-even if I wanted to know, Akashi wouldn't want to ruin the good parts-though it took some time before our conversation died down. I decided to order the rest of the novels to read after I finished the TV adaptation.

"By the way, what time is your family dinner today? You mentioned it was your father's birthday."

I took a deep breath. I'll have to talk to my parents tonight, and I was anything but excited. "Yeah, it'll be at 6:00 pm in my time."

"That's an hour from now. I'll probably be asleep by that time," Akashi said.

"What time are you going to be on tomorrow?"

"I have basketball practice tomorrow morning, probably by noon," Akashi answered.

"I'm asleep by that time," I responded.

"Don't worry, we can talk when you're on."

"I'll be on by 8:00 am or so."

"That's 4:00 pm for me."

"The time difference sometimes pisses me off."

"Then come to Kyoto."

"How I wish I could." I really meant it.

"I know you could."

"I don't want to worry my parents."

"You're such a kind son."

"Don't worry. We'll meet someday."

"I hope so too," I sighed. When will this 'someday' happen? I want to meet Akashi so badly, and if given the chance to go to Japan, I definitely would.

"By the way, I'm going out to the mall tomorrow. I'll buy a headphone if I find one."

"What were you using earlier while we were watching?"

"My computer's speaker," he answered.

"Does that mean that I'll get to hear your voice?" I asked excitedly.

"Yes you will." I couldn't stop grinning at his reply. Who wouldn't be excited? I'll finally get to hear Akashi's voice.

"I can't wait," I replied. I heard a knock on my door, and Maria came in.

"Young master, your parents are home. They told me to prepare you for the dinner."

"I can go change by myself Maria. Tell them I'll be down soon."

"Yes, your master. I'll tell them," She bowed before she closed the room while I returned to my laptop. "I'm sorry Akashi-kun, but I have to go offline early and prepare for the dinner. Guess I'll have to talk to you tomorrow."

"No need to be sorry, Tetsuya, we'll talk tomorrow then. Do you have a gift for your father?"

"I have, though I wonder if he'll like it. It's just a watch." I'm a little worried about my gift. I bought a watch online as a gift for my father, one from a brand he loved and didn't own yet. It was a bit hard sneaking into my parents' bedroom, but with Maria's help, I was able to get in and buy it.

"Well you chose it for him, so I think he'll like it." I smiled at Akashi's reply. He always knew how to cheer me up.

"But I bought it with his money."

"Don't think about it."

I sighed. I wanted to talk with him more, but it's starting to get really late for him now. "I have to go now, Akashi-kun."

"Alright… I'll talk to you tomorrow," he said.

"Good night to you Akashi-kun and sweet dreams."

"Thank you. I'll be off now. Talk to you later."

I bid Akashi goodbye one last time before I exit the browser and turn off my laptop. I stood up to my seat and head to my closet to take out a suit my parents prepared for me.

I felt a little anxious as we rode the car towards the restaurant, though I was glad that my father decided to have a family dinner rather than the usual business gatherings.

When we arrived at the restaurant, it was unnerving to see eyes staring at us as we entered. They were mostly looking at my parents, after all they are an influential couple, but it didn't help my nervousness. I hate it when people stare at me. I hate it when I heard their hushed whispers. It always made me wonder if they were gossiping about my parents or…me, even. It was pretty rare for me to go out. There was only one time I appeared on the newspaper, and I was glad that the press wasn't able to write much, and the photo they had was blurry and years old. I prefer to be unnoticed, and that's why it made me worried about people seeing me. Did my parents know I was uncomfortable? I mused.

Luckily, we were seated inside a private room, though it wasn't as if my parents minded the attention.

"Finally at peace." My mother relaxed, ordering wine from a nearby waiter.

"It's a nice change." My father took a sip of his wine, while I watched the two. My throat suddenly felt parched, and the water wasn't very helpful.

"Yes it is. When was the last time we had a dinner like this?"

"I can hardly remember."

"How was the deal you made yesterday? I hope it turned out as well as you'd promised."

"It took a while for me to convince them, but other than that, it went well."

They were talking about business again as if I wasn't there. How I wished I could have just returned back home and talk with Akashi; at least someone would want me there. I attempted to grab the menu, seeing what to order.

"No need for the menu dear, we already have our orders set. They'll arrive in a few minutes," My mother stated, and I could only nod in silence.

"So how are your classes going?" My father asked.

"They're good. I'm not failing." Why bother asking me when they could just talk to my teachers?

"We know. In a few years, you'll go to a four-year college. We plan to send you to a prestigious university here in London, so you better get high grades. And of course you will take business management since you're our heir."

My heart sank at the thought, but my feelings were so conflicted. I don't like managing business, and it wasn't what I want to do as a career. But there was nothing I wanted to pursue either. I just wanted to nod in agreement, to avoid disappointing them. However, Akashi's words repeated in the back of my head. Tell them what you'll feel. They won't know until you tell them.

I don't know what to do. If only Akashi were here with me.

"What if I say no?" I asked in a low voice.

"Did you say something?" My mother asked.

"I…I don't like doing business…" I murmured, looking down at my trembling hands before I clenched them tightly. "It's not for me."

"You do realize you are our only child, our only heir." My father said firmly. My chest pounded painfully. I was nothing but someone whom they'll lump their riches after they die.

"Am I really?"

"What are you talking about?" My mother asked as her perfect eyebrows furrowed.

"You say I'm your child, but why don't I feel like I am one?"

"Tetsuya, don't say that."

"Why? It's true. I don't feel like I am your son. You were never there for me," I looked down. "It made me wonder if you even care about me."

"Tetsuya, no, we care deeply for you. You are our only son." My mother said as she stood up and crouched down near me. She held my hand and looked me in the eye. "Have you always felt like that?" She asked me.

I nodded in an answer. "Your business is far more important to you than me."

"Tetsuya, we're doing it for you, so you would have a good life."

"I don't need it. I want you. I want my parents…" My voice cracked as the tears started to fall.

"Don't cry." She said softly and wiped the tears in my eyes. "We'll talk about this when we get home okay? Don't cry."

"All we ever wanted was for you to be happy. We didn't know we were neglecting you this much. We're deeply sorry," My father said solemnly.

"C'mon don't cry it's your father's birthday. I'll promise we'll talk to you when we get home."

I nodded in agreement and wiped my tears. It took a few minutes for me to calm down, but after that, my mother then called the waiter to serve our dinner.

The talk I had with my parents wasn't how I imagined it to be. They listened to me and apologized, saying they got too busy with their work and didn't intend to neglect me. They promised to never do it again, and instead, spend more time with me.

I was so happy that I started crying again. My mother smiled and cradled me in her arms, my father ruffled my hair with a fond expression, and for the first time that night, I slept in my parent's bedroom.

The next day, I found myself alone in a bed that was bigger than my own. It wasn't until a moment later that I remembered last night, and I immediately rushed out of bed, looking for Maria. Fear surged inside me as I thought that it was all just a dream. As I got near the kitchen, I noticed there were people talking, and I slowly walked inside to see my parents and Maria talking. My mother was cooking as she spoke to Maria, while my father sat, drinking a cup of coffee with a newspaper in hand. The sight looked so surreal that I could barely believe they were my parents.

My father was the one who noticed me first and smiled at me.

"Tetsuya, good morning," he greeted. My mother and Maria looked at my way and smiled.

"Good morning, young master," Maria greeted.

"Good morning Tetsuya," My mother beamed as well. "I'm cooking breakfast for today. Do you like eggs and bacon?"

I stared at her and just nodded. It felt a little strange. I was so used to eating all alone with the pre-cooked meals Maria made for me. Listening to the soft sound of Maria's radio so I won't drown in silence.

"Sit beside me, son." My father patted the seat beside him. I obediently followed and sat down while Maria served me my milk. "Did you sleep well?" He asked.

"Yes I did," I answered.

"You might be wondering why we're still here," He said as he put his newspaper down. "We adjusted our schedules, so we have more time to spend as a family. That means, no phone calls, no talking about business, just some family time."

"After last night, we realized that we were bad parents to you. We were too hooked up with work that we lost sight of what's important." My mother added as she placed a plate of food in front of me.

"You're the most important person in our life Tetsuya, and we're truly sorry that we made you feel alone." As I hear those words I feel like crying again. I stood up and hugged my mother tight.

"No need to be sorry. It's my fault for not speaking my mind…" I said.

"Alright. Enough with the drama." My father bellowed a laugh. "Let's try your mother's cooking and see if it's good."

"Hey! I'm a good cook. I just haven't cooked in a while," My mother refuted before taking a seat. I couldn't help but feel sentimental as I watched. We were acting like a real family, just like what I wanted. I never thought this would be possible.

I smiled to myself. It was all because of Akashi. He had given me courage to talk it out with them. I couldn't wait to talk to him.

"It's pretty edible." My father announced as he took a bite.

"It's good. Tell him that Tetsuya."

"I'll have to try it first, mother," I said as I took a bite. Though the eggs lacked a little salt, it was the best eggs I have tasted. "It's good."

"Like I said, it's good," My mother said smugly. "By the way, dear, what time is it?"

There was a wall clock in the kitchen and frown a little as I looked at my mother. I was about to inform her when my father answered.

"It's quarter to eight," My father answered, though him looking down brought my attention. I frowned in confusion until I recognized the wristwatch he wore, and my eyes widened at the gift that I bought for him.

"It's the-"

"It's beautiful, son," My father said and ruffled my hair.

"We found it in your coat's pocket."

"That must have cost you quite a lot."

"It's from all the allowances you gave me, so it's technically your money."

"It's still your gift. Thank you. I'll always wear this."

I smiled at him, feeling extremely happy. It was all thanks to Akashi.

"C'mon let's all eat, our food's getting cold," My mother playfully nudged me.

We spent our time eating our breakfast together, and I couldn't ask for more.

The rest of the morning went swiftly. They promised to spend their free time with me. Knowing that they had a busy schedule, the thought made me happy, and while the change was small, it was definitely better than nothing.

It was around noon that I was able to go online; my parents had something important to discuss regarding business, but they promise me that we'll spend dinner together. There was just so much I wanted to tell Akashi, everything that happened and thanks for all of his encouraging words.

As soon as I logged into the chatting website, I saw Akashi talking to others. I'm glad that he was online.

"Good evening everyone," I greeted.

"Kurokocchi! Where have you been?" Kise replied.

"Hey Tetsu!" Aomine asked.

"Kuro-chin!"

"It's nice to see you Kuroko."

"Aw Midorimacchi's being tsundere again. He misses you Kurokocchi."

"Don't give people the wrong impression Kise!" Midorima replied. I just chuckled as I saw them bicker again.

"It's alright. No need to worry about me, I'm good." I sent a reply.

I suddenly heard a notification gone off so I went to check on my private message. I saw Akashi had messaged me with something, and I opened to check it out.

"Did something happen?" he asked me.

"How did you know?"

"Just guessing, plus you were not on earlier."

"I'm sorry, were you waiting for me?" I asked with a small smile.

"Of course I was." He replied.

"I talked to my parents last night…" I said.

"And?"

"It surprisingly went well. This morning we ate breakfast together and talked more."

"That's good."

"It's all thanks to Akashi-kun. You gave me the courage to talk to them."

"I did nothing Tetsuya. You were the one that talked to them."

"Still, it was all because of you. Thank you."

"If you insist, you are always welcome," Akashi said. "By the way, I bought new headphones."

My eyes instantly widened when I read his message. "Really?"

"We could try it out if you want. It has a working microphone as well."

"But how?"

"I'll call you." He replied. My heart suddenly raced at the thought of Akashi calling. "Do you have a Skype programmed in your computer?" Akashi asked.

"Hold on, I'll check," I said as he minimized the tabs and looked at the downloaded programs on my computer. I saw one labeled Skype, so I clicked it and waited for it to load. I changed windows and chat Akashi. "I think I have it, but I have no account."

"Alright. Can you make an account? It won't take long."

"Sure, give me a sec." It took a while to sign up an account, but after filling up everything, I chose tetsuya131 as my username before immediately logging on to the Skype.

"What's your username?" I asked Akashi.

"theredemperor," he answered and chuckled at the name.

"Really?"

"Really. Don't tell me you're laughing at me like those four."

"Oh, they have skype as well?"

"Yes, we use the video chat feature sometimes."

"Video chat?"

"Yes. Don't worry, we won't use it if you are not ready."

"Alright." I looked for Akashi's username on the search tab and immediately found him. I smiled as I saw his profile picture; it was a basketball.

"Hey," I sent him as a message.

"Hi," he replied. "I'll call you, is that alright? Turn on your microphone, so I can hear your voice."

"Okay." I answered and followed his instructions. I felt a little nervous as I waited for the call. When I heard it ring, I gulped as I clicked the answer, feeling my fingers shake as I clicked it.

I heard rustling sounds first and a couple of breaths, and my heart raced fast as I thought it came from Akashi. It assured me that he really was real, that he existed.

Then I suddenly felt everything stopped, and my heart beat louder than it had ever before as I heard a silky voice on my headphones. "Good evening Tetsuya." If I was standing up, I would have fallen down as my knees turn weak from his voice.

To be continued

End Notes: Cliffy I know ;) tune in for the next one. Reviews are highly appreciated. Tell me what you think.

love lots,

Shiori