Chapter 10: Want to Want Me

Summary: In which Takao is made a third wheel and an adviser.

Kissing Furihata is not like kissing anyone else, Akashi is sure.

And yes, there had been others. Of course. The thing about being excessively intelligent is that it comes with curiosity – couple that with a face like Akashi's plus his apt for manipulation and a kiss is just inevitable, really.

The first time was in Middle School, and Akashi would be lying to say he didn't see it coming – or that he didn't drop little hints here and there to suggest the idea. Akashi just didn't expect it would happen like that, in that precise moment. They were discussing team strategies in the clubroom, his then-team captain leaning over his shoulder to look at his notes, and Akashi had turned around to ask a question when Nijimura kissed him. Sudden, short, spontaneous. It was over in a second.

Akashi blinked at him twice before proceeding to ask his question with barely any reaction. Nijimura just chuckled and ruffled his hair.

It had seemed rather… casual. A natural progression of their skinship. Which then happened again. And again. It became some sort of routine; a peck or two each time they had a private team meeting. They never talked about it. Akashi never questioned it, just allowed it to happen.

Then there were others. Girls, guys- experiments. Shows of dominance. Inebriated dares. Testing the waters and seeing whether there was anything to that perfect synchronicity after all. Using it as punishment, as reward. Sparks of lust after a particularly hard practice to take the edge off. Goodnight kisses from someone that adored him completely. Rebellious midnight affairs because Akashi is in a dorm in Kyoto and his father will never know.

Each time it was different, and mostly good. Sometimes really good – because when has Akashi ever been bad at anything?

But everything pales in comparison to kissing Furihata in this moment.

It's not even like Furihata is the greatest kisser in Akashi's experience – Mibuchi Reo had already won that competition by a mile and ruined it for anyone else Akashi will ever lay his lips on – but none of that matters because no other kiss had ever felt so- important.

Never has Akashi felt this strongly when kissing someone; there had been desire, of course, but never this sense of overwhelming thrill, bringing him on the verge of possession, and there's an ache somewhere he can't place which has never been there before.

"A-Akashi-kun…?" Furihata whispers uncertainly, and the nervous little hitch in his breath makes Akashi want to ruin him.

So Akashi kisses him again, lips moving slow, savouring every taste, liking how he can pinpoint the exact moment Furihata's hesitation dissolves and he melts right into Akashi's arms. At the point of breaking, Furihata makes this small keening voice in the back of his throat – like a plea, one last surge of resistance – before he gives in to Akashi completely; and Akashi knows beyond a doubt that he would kill to hear Furihata make that noise again, over and over.

It's startling, how much Akashi wants him. Like he hadn't wanted anything in a very long time – maybe ever.

So much that he almost growls when Furihata pulls away from the kiss. And Akashi has to grit his teeth to stop himself because growling would be entirely ungraceful and far too much like something Aomine would do and that's frankly unacceptable.

Furihata is panting shallowly, hiding his face, forehead nestled in the crook of Akashi's neck. Both his hands are gripping the front of Akashi's shirt. He's likely crinkling the expensive fabric and he'd usually be worried about that, but right now Furihata's brain is- well, malfunctioning would be an understatement.

"Um," Furihata starts to speak before he realizes he has zero idea what it is he actually wants to say. He's supposed to say something, he's sure, but all his brain can manage right now is, "-uh."

Akashi resists pulling Furihata straight back into another kiss, reminding himself that, no, he has more self-control than that. Akashi refuses to be like Aomine."What's the matter, Kouki?"

"…" What's the matter is that Furihata is a full-grown adult who's just kissed a high school student who is ten years his junior and was previously a child under his care. And if that's not already all kinds of wrong, the kiss itself just happens to be freaking stellar – in fact, Furihata's pretty sure it's one of the best kisses he's ever had in his life and that's so unfortunate and unfair in so many ways.

"If you have any complaints you should voice them now," Akashi says, eyelids lowered, "Because your nape is bared in front of me and it makes me want to kiss your neck until it bruises."

Furihata swallows down a whimper that threatens to escape. Thank goodness his face his buried in Akashi's shoulder because Furihata's rather certain at this point the colour of his cheeks matches Akashi's hair. Ugh, Akashi is not fair. "P-p-please wait, Akashi-kun…"

Waiting is a tall order when Furihata's blushing all the way to his ears and Akashi is intensely tempted to nibble on them.

"I am waiting," Akashi says, then decides to nip once at Furihata's earlobe anyway, because- fuck it, who cares about self-control when Furihata's this cute.

"Ah-!" Furihata tries not to jump or squeak because he is a twenty-eight year old man and not a silly schoolgirl. Even though Akashi does make him feel like one and that's really not supposed to be a good thing. "A-ano… please d-don't do that, either."

"Why not?" Akashi murmurs next to Furihata's ear, warm breath sending chills down his spine.

"B-because I c-can't- c-can't-" His stuttering is getting out of control. So is his heartbeat. And his breathing. Get it together, Kouki! "I can't t-think when you d-do things- like- l-like that…"

Furihata, bless him, probably doesn't know how precious he is when he's all stammering and trembling in Akashi's arms. Like a puppy. Unfortunately it only makes Akashi want to bully him just a tiny bit more.

"Things?" Akashi whispers before sinking his teeth into the soft flesh behind Furihata's ear. "Like this?"

Furihata does not moan, managing to bite the sound back, and is immensely proud of himself. The very visible shudder that goes through his spine, however, is just as bad. The worst part is that Furihata is at least ninety-five percent sure Akashi is teasing him. He can hear the devious smirk in Akashi's voice, and that's not cute at all, so there is no reason why Furihata should find everything about this so absolutely irresistable.

"I- I-" Furihata shakes his head, "A-Akashi-kun, I'm t-ten years older than you..."

God, just saying it out loud makes him feel like that much more of a pervert.

Akashi appears unfazed, pulling back to stare at Furihata's face, "Do you seriously think I care the slightest bit about that, Kouki?"

Furihata doesn't look at him, "B-but- you should-"

"No," Akashi cuts him off, "There is no reason why I should care. And neither should you, for that matter."

"But-" Furihata looks at a loss. "You're my student."

"Not your student. You were the student. I was a child, but not anymore," Akashi's hand comes up to sift through Furihata's hair as his red eyes lower to Furihata's lips, "I have certain means to convince you of how much I'm no longer a child, if that's what you need."

Furihata flushes at least three different shades of pink. "I- I think I'm- t-t-thoroughly convinced, just now..."

"Then I don't see what the problem is."

"But- but we can't."

"Why not?"

"B-because- er-" Arguing with Akashi is difficult when every statement seem far too logical to oppose and he has a way of making everything he says sound absolutely correct. Furihata can't compete with that level of politician-worthy skill. Having Akashi's hands caressing him here and there is not helping, either. The fingers in his hair are somewhat tolerable; Akashi's thumb repetitively circling over his hip-bone, however, is downright distracting.

"T-this is-" Furihata struggles to find the word, "-inappropriate."

Akashi blinks once, then actually chuckles, "Of course it is."

"E-eh?"

"There is nothing appropriate-" Akashi's thumb dips beneath Furihata's waistband, the sudden skin-on-skin contact making Furihata jolt. "-about the way I want to touch you, Kouki."

The sharp intake of breath Furihata makes is much too loud. If Furihata's cheeks were red before, they're definitely beetroot now, and blood is rushing all over to places Furihata doesn't even want to think about. Nothing- nothing about this is okay, and Furihata has to put a stop to it before it gets further out of hand.

Decisively, but not without difficulty, Furihata jerks away from Akashi's arms and stands up, backing away a few steps and- wow, his knees are weak. How did that even happen? Just from having Akashi's hands on him? Maybe. Definitely.

Akashi doesn't follow, only crossing his arms and eyeing Furihata from the sofa as though he expected this reaction sooner or later.

Trying not to wobble on his unsteady legs, Furihata attempts to pull himself together, "I can't d-do this, Akashi-kun."

He only stutters once in that whole sentence. Talk about accomplishment.

"You can't?" Akashi tilts his head, "Or you won't?"

"I-is that important?"

"Very."

"Um..." Furihata chews on his lower lip, where it's still tingling from when Akashi kissed him. Maybe he bit there a little- Okay, nope nope nope, not letting his thoughts go there. "...I can't, so that's why I won't?"

Yes. Good. That's a good, acceptable reply. And he didn't even stutter! Score.

Akashi stares at him evenly, "Does that mean you want to?"

Damn. Furihata was doing so well, too. Why must Akashi ask so many questions? This one, especially, Furihata can't bring himself to answer. If he lies, Akashi will know. If he doesn't- well...

Yes. Yes, god yes, I want to. I want to very much and you're an amazing kisser and it still burns where your hands touched and it's so wrong but it feels right and it's electrifying and it only makes me want to do it more and more and I just want-

Furihata looks at his feet, "T-that doesn't matter."

Akashi narrows his eyes, "It matters to me."

"W-well, even if I do- w-which I'm not saying I do-" Ugh. He's such a terrible liar. This is failing. Badly. "-i-it doesn't change the fact that I can't, Akashi-kun. I w-won't."

Furihata hopes that sounds firm enough.

"Hm," Akashi frowns, considering. This is a predicament. He didn't expect Furihata to be so stubborn, for one, and also, he still doesn't really get why the age thing is even an issue. It's not like he's still six-years-old and it'll be a criminal act – he's eighteen, legal, and is pretty sure his mental maturity is so far beyond his age for any issues of consent to be raised so, really, what is there for Furihata to worry about?

Furihata clearly likedit when he kissed him. Which is a massive relief like Akashi did not expect because it would've been unimaginable if Furihata didn't feel that electricity too. It is simply incomprehensible for something so strong to only be felt one-sidedly. Akashi has no doubt that the feelings are mutual – that much had been confirmed when Furihata kissed him back. And that, in itself, had felt like a reward more satisfying than anything Akashi's ever won since Yukimaru.

Which also makes it more difficult for Akashi to resolve Furihata's unwillingness- because he isn't unwilling, not really, it's just that he's got all these morals and he's so freaking honest. Not that Akashi doesn't like that about him; truthfully, it's part of why Akashi finds him so charming in the first place. But in this situation, it's just problematic. If only Furihata had enough of a rebellious streak to break and bend the rules for pleasure just a little this would all be so much easier.

But easier wouldn't get him Furihata.

And Akashi has never been one to back down from a challenge.

"Fine," Akashi says, suppressing a sigh, "I won't touch Kouki anymore."

"Oh." Is that disappointment he hears in his voice? No. No it isn't. He's not disappointed – stop it, Furihata Kouki, this is what you wanted. "T-that's good."

It is good... right? Yes, this is a good thing. Furihata has to believe that; disregard that horrible hollow feeling in his chest.

Akashi waits a beat before he stands, "That, however, does not mean I will stop my efforts."

"H-huh?" Furihata blinks, not understanding.

Akashi takes two long strides towards him, stopping just in front of Furihata. When they're standing this close, it's clear that Akashi is taller than him (and Akashi will never stop being pleased about that). He leans over just slightly and looks right into Furihata's eyes as he speaks, "You should be aware, I have intentions."

"I-intentions...?" Furihata repeats the word slowly. He thinks he sort of has an idea what Akashi is saying but it's hard to concentrate when Akashi's lips are right there almost at his eye-level. Distracting. Not to mention, Akashi is doing that staring-into-his-soul thing again which seems to always turn Furihata's brain into gloop. No one's eyes should be allowed to be that intense and that beautiful.

"Yes," Akashi says, his voice low, "And I will pursue you until those intentions are thoroughly achieved."

Furihata swallows, slow and hard, finding it difficult to breathe when Akashi looks at him like he wants to devour him. His chest hurts – a dull ache, like a scar that never healed properly; the wound having been reopened and deepening ever since that first night in Kinosaki when he got re-acquainted with those ruby red eyes that he never managed to forget about.

Akashi's lips curl into a sly smirk – the same self-assured curve that appears whenever Akashi steps on the court and knows that he will, definitely and absolutely, achieve victory,

"-You will be mine, Kouki."

Takao Kazunari is not amused.

It's not that he doesn't like when Shin-chan has friends over – it's a miracle in itself that Midorima has any friends at all, being the socially awkward (but still definitely adorable) bamboo tree Takao knows him to be – it's just that Takao's never particularly thrilled when said friend is one Akashi Seijuuro.

i.e. the ex(?)-sociopath tyrant captain of Rakuzan who Takao is pretty sure had a personality disorder not too long ago – and is that gone for good now or under-control or what? – and definitely still has a weird complex about winning everything at the expense of everything; Midorima included.

i.e. the asshole that made Shin-chan cry that one time.

Admittedly, Akashi in recent years has shown much less psychopathic tendencies compared to first year, and they've hung out outside of the court and Akashi's been cool, but Takao's never entirely convinced no matter how many times Midorima tries to assure him that Akashi's 'better' now – whatever that's supposed to mean. Whatever. Takao's protective (he worries about Midorima, he does), and he's not going to apologize about that.

Plus, Takao is, like, 70% convinced that there is some sort of history between them. Not the whole childhood-friends history, he knows about that; this is the you've-definitely-kissed-at-least-once kind of history. And Takao's not jealousor anything but- well, it's far from fun when Akashi just turns up without warning and Midorima promptly drops everything and Takao is then subjected to having to watch two nerds bonding/conducting mental warfare over a board game. For 2 hours. At least. Seriously, why can't Shin-chan be best friends with someone more normal? Surely, in Midorima's (very limited) group of friends there must be-

'The only one who can beat me is me!'

'Hard work, guts, faith – I'll crush them all...'

'I am a shadow.'

Ah, no. Of course not.

Freaking Generation of Miracles.

-Actually, Kuroko is not too bad. Takao enjoys being the only one who can spot him all the time, for a start, and they've bonded over hiding in bushes spying over their boyfriends' awkward basketball conversations. It's a shame he sort of gets the vibe that Kuroko doesn't really get along with Midorima outside of basketball-related things – something about how Cancer and Aquarius don't mix, Midorima said.

Kise is also relatively more normal than the rest of them – and ridiculously good looking, which is nothing to complain about (eye candy is always welcome) – but Midorima flinches every time Kise squeals a 'Kurokocchiii!' in a radius of 10 metres so Takao suspects they won't be besties anytime in the near future.

Akashi Seijuuro and hours and hours of very quiet, very tense board game sessions it is, then.

Damn.

Takao flops face-first into the sofa, planning to bury his face in Midorima's pillow and stay there until Akashi leaves. Sleeping surrounded by Midorima's scent is always a great way to past time. Maybe if he starts suffocating Midorima will notice and stop playing earlier...

"-don't believe that's a good idea, Akashi. Any of it. You should stay away from him."

"I don't remember asking for your opinion on the matter."

"You're the one who came to my house so, clearly, you want my input."

-is that... are they talking? About an hour later Takao sleepily perks up at the unusual amount of noise. Arguing?

Midorima and Akashi are sitting opposite each other, their board game already over and folded away but still looking just as tense as when they were competing. Midorima even has his arms crossed over his chest, and Takao knowsthat basically translates to: I am not impressed-nanodayo.

Huh. Good. Maybe if they get mad at each other Akashi will stop popping up to Tokyo to interrupt them so often.

"I asked for advice, not your approval." Akashi's voice is snappish.

Midorima frowns, "You want advice?"

"Yes, that is what I just said-"

"Stay away from him. That's my advice."

Wow, sass, Shin-chan. Takao is mildly proud.

Akashi's eyes narrow dangerously, "Don't try me, Shintarou."

Oh, crap. That's not good. Takao recognizes threat when he sees it and immediately goes over to Midorima's rescue, subtly removing a letter opener from the table when he gets there. Any sharp objects in Akashi's vicinity is instantly tagged as unsafe in Takao's mind – he's heard the stories, he's not taking the risk. "Whoa, hey, chill for a second. What are you two talking about?"

"Nothing that concerns you." Akashi doesn't even look at him, keeping his death stare exclusively on Midorima.

Takao prides himself on being easy-going so he simply smiles and lets that one slide, "Ah, but I might be helpful? Third perspective and all that? Shin-chan's super smart but he's not, like, great with people, y'know..."

Midorima side-glances at him. What are you up to?

I'm trying to help you, Shin-chan! "Sooo, how about it? I've been told that I give excellent advice, by the way. Not like this tsundere over here."

"Takao," Midorima says, stern, because for the 106th time he is not a tsundere or whatever stupid otaku term like 'moe' or 'bishounen' Takao likes to use to describe him.

Akashi finally glances at Takao and acknowledges that he is part of the conversation – partially because he can see that Midorima is irritated by Takao's light teasings and that pleases him. Serves Midorima right for being insufferable. "Fine. You can agree with me and tell Shintarou that he's wrong."

Midorima indignantly pushes up his glasses, "Or he'd agree that I'm right and that you're being an idiot."

"Just because he's sleeping with you doesn't mean he's completely senseless," Akashi mildly jabs before turning to face Takao, "I can trust that you will give your unbiased opinion, Kazunari?"

Wow, sudden first name basis. Does that mean he sees me as one of his underlings now? Ack. Takao smiles stiffly, raising three fingers, "Scout's honour."

But wait, when did Akashi find out- Takao turns to check for Midorima's reaction and is surprised to find that it's as stoic and still as usual. Huh. Maybe Shin-chan forgot to mention he told Akashi already.

Akashi nods, satisfied. "Good."

Takao can't help it. He doesn't want to side with Akashi, not at all. Knowing of Midorima's disapproval, he'd expected Akashi's love interest to be some sort of powerful person; maybe someone involved with the yakuza or something equally dangerous. Takao cannot be further from the truth. When he finds out that it's Furihata Kouki – the very ordinary, plain, completely harmless elementary school teacher – Takao is more than surprised. Furthermore, he can't help but find their story just—

"I think it's cute," Takao shrugs, "Sorry, Shin-chan."

Akashi looks annoyingly smug. "I'm glad you are more sensible than Shintarou, at least."

Midorima, on the other hand, glares at Takao in betrayal. Traitor. "I can't believe you think this is a good idea."

"But it's super cute," Childhood crushes? Reuniting after ten years of missing each other? Takao is a sucker for romance, sue him."Come on, Shin-chan, what's the hold back? From what Akashi's told us it sounds like they like each other plenty, why shouldn't we help him go for it?"

Midorima stares at him incredulously, "Do I have to remind you that he's ten years older? And met Akashi in the role of his caretaker? How does that not raise a hundred red flags in your mind?"

"I don't see why it matters that Kouki's ten years older," Akashi says. Why does everyone keep harping on about that?

Takao tilts his head, "Ehh, but it's not like Akashi's a child anymore though? My dad's eleven years older than my mum, it's not that strange."

"My point exactly." Akashi is starting to approve of Takao a little more.

"But Akashi's still in high school-" Midorima wants to throw up his hands, "It's not a matter of age, it's a matter of advantage. With the way they met and the position he is in now, Furihata can easily take advantage of Akashi."

There is a long, long minute of silence.

Then Takao bursts into a massive fit of giggles, "Oh my god, Shin-chan. I cannot believe you just- I can't- this is too funny! You're joking, right? Please, please tell me you're joking?"

"What?" Midorima frowns, deadly serious. "I am deadly serious, Takao."

"Oh my god," Takao only laughs harder, so much that he's bending over and thumping the table with his fist.

"Honestly, Shintarou," Even Akashi looks extremely amused, "Furihata Kouki. Taking advantage of me. Akashi Seijuuro. that truly your major concern?"

Midorima is flushing a little now and nudges his glasses self-consciously, "It's a genuine issue. I don't understand why you two find it so funny."

"Because it's like you're saying a chihuahua will take advantage of a lion!" Takao literally has tears coming out of his eyes he's laughing so hard. Just thinking about it is funny.

"Fine." Midorima says, exasperated, "Then there's the issue of you both being male. What would you do if your father found out, Akashi?"

Like you're one to talk. Akashi thinks waspishly, mood immediately darkened. "We are not discussing my father."

Takao's laughter has also noticeably died down. Way to choose a topic to sober me up, Shin-chan.

"He'll find out. You know he will."

"I said, we are notdiscussing this."

"But you'll have to, eventually. You know better than anyone how he's like. Do you truly think you can hide it from him?"

Akashi exhales, long and slow. Midorima wants to push it? Alright. He can push, too. "What about you, then, Shintarou? When do you plan to tell your father about Kazunari?"

Midorima goes very, very still. "...what about Takao?"

It takes a lot for Midorima to remain calm and not immediately freak out and go sprinting for his lucky item.

Ah. So he didn't tell him – that much Takao can gauge from Midorima's horrified expression. Shin-chan just completely missed the comment earlier then, huh. Takao is honestly worried about him, sometimes. At this rate Midorima's going to admit to things without even realising it and run into who knows what sorts of trouble.

Akashi scoffs, "Do you really want me to go into the details of what you do with your point guard in your private time? Because I'd much rather not."

Midorima clears his throat, "...how long have you known?"

"Long enough. You two aren't exactly subtle." So what if it was Furihata who pointed it out to him? Midorima doesn't need to know that. "What's the plan, then? When do you intend to tell your father?"

"I asked you first, Akashi."

"I don't care."

This is not mature – no, it's downright childish. They are last year high school students bickering like children, but even so, Akashi has to win.

Takao raises a hand, "Um, question. Why do I get the feeling that 'telling your father' means something completely different for you guys than it does for me to come out to my dad?"

Midorima glances over at Takao – later, we'll talk about this later, when we're alone – then back at Akashi. He sighs, "You're right. We're not discussing this."

"I'm always right," That's what Akashi likes to hear, "Now do proceed to tell me why I should stay away from Kouki. You seem to have plenty to say on that matter."

"What's the point? It's not like you're going to listen." Midorima is not sulking. He's not.

"I will, if you start telling me why you think it's a bad idea. Not what you believe would best convince me."

I swear they sound like an old married couple. Takao shakes his head. Why am I the third wheel in this? I am so not supposed to be the third wheel in this.

"Honestly?" Midorima uncrosses his arms and sets his hands on the table, "I know he's important to you. You even admit it yourself. Considering what happened last time, I don't want to see what it'll do to you if he leaves again."

Akashi softens a little at that. "I understand why you may be concerned. But it's not going to happen."

"You don't know that. You may think you do, but this isn't basketball. You can't predict the future in these matters," Midorima rubs a hand down his face. "Akashi. You even told me Furihata himself doesn't think it's a good idea. I think that's a sign."

"He's just-" Akashi motions a hand in front of himself, "-stubborn. In denial. It's cute. But inconvenient. Which is why I came to you for advice."

Because you generally tend to be stubborn and in denial, too.

"Your zodiac signs aren't compatible." It has to be said. Because Midorima can't not mention that when they're talking about signs.

Akashi blinks. "What?"

Takao tries not to laugh.

"Furihata's a Scorpio. You're a Sagittarius." Midorima says, like that explains anything.

Akashi only stares at him blankly. "Are you going to help me or not?"

"Yes," Midorima nods once, "I'm just saying. Furihata's a Scorpio."

Akashi frowns. "What are you-"

Takao gives in and laughs outright, swinging an arm around Midorima's shoulder, "What Shin-chan is trying to say is that he'll help, even though it may be difficult. And hey, since I'm here anyway, I'll help too if you want?"

It's probably best not to leave these two geniuses to help themselves in relationshipmatters, Takao decides. From his experience, the Generation of Miracles require quite a bit of guidance in that department. Himuro and he had been exchanging tips and tricks on how to handle them for years; because if Midorima's special case, then Murasakibara is extra special case. Takao has no idea how Himuro does it, really. Probably with lots of candy.

"That-" is not necessary is on the tip of Akashi's tongue, but he catches himself. Because, thinking about it, if anyone's good with handling people who are stubborn and in denial, it's Takao. Hell, he's probably an expert, having been around – no, even better, dating - Midorima for the past three years. Akashi nods primly, "-would be appreciated."

Midorima seems to agree, "Takao's a Scorpio, too. His perspective would be helpful."

Takao can't help but giggle a little because Midorima is still going on about horoscopes. God, Shin-chan is hopeless. "Great! It's decided then. Operation 'win over Furihata Kouki' AKA 'catching the chihuahua' start-o!"

A/N: *kowtows* My deepest apologies for being awful at updating. This chapter is SUPER delayed but life just gets in the way, ack. Also I re-wrote this chapter far too many times before I'm finally happy with it – there's literally a whole chapter's worth of text of kissing scene alternatives on my drive, woops.

So if you're still here and reading this, THANK YOU. I won't make promises I can't keep about when I'll update next, but I definitely will finish this fic to the end.