AN:
In the story warnings I categorized couples according to my decreasing interest to write (though I ship every last one of these couples, I do like some more than others! I know, how obvious).
More characters appear in this one! And a lot of things are happening…
Part 2: On Their Way
Sunday
D-6
Waking to light after a dark, distressing night always made Kuroko grateful. Because when Taiga was the first person he saw, Kuroko relaxed. He couldn't imagine anyone else who could do that for him.
Wide awake, relaxing in bed, Kagami noticed Kuroko beginning to stir. So he rolled over on top to cuddle, kiss, and grope his sleepy boyfriend. Kuroko was too goddamn cute and attractive to resist with that wild bed head. He molested the half conscious bluenette, Kuroko's lids fluttering as he tried to figure out what was going on. Why was Kagami-kun all over him?
After giving Kuroko the routine morning treatment, Kagami got up to make breakfast. Western style. Delicious, crisp waffles with real strawberries sliced on top and fluffy scrambled eggs. Kuroko loved this meal, Kagami was his 5 star chef. But Kuroko didn't eat it all. He never did. Just not used to such a large portion of a meal. So Taiga ate the rest. And because it amused Kuroko to do this, he spoon fed bites of it to the ace, Kagami scowling but opening his mouth each time and chewing slowly. Kuroko liked to do lovey dovey stuff. So Kagami let them happen, didn't complain once. Cause it was what Kuroko liked.
When that was over, they lingered at the breakfast bar. Just to talk. Tease each other with affection. And be saps. Kuroko then said he needed to take a shower... after reading a text from Kise.
"He wants to hang out today."
"For how long?"
"He didn't say." Tetsuya concentrated on texting the blonde back, otherwise ignoring the redhead right beside him.
Kagami narrowed his eyes at Kuroko texting. He wanted to bite someone's (Kise's) head off for stealing Kuroko away for even a couple of hours. Kagami supposed that he could go with them, in order to watch Kise like a hawk, but to hang out with Kuroko too (and Kise, since there was no getting rid of him). That didn't seem like a good idea though. Kuroko needed a break from his boyfriend every once in a while. Right? In the end, he knew the significance of Kise's and Kuroko's friendship. He wasn't Kuroko's best friend, but the miracle was kind to him, thought Kagami. That guy just needed to learn the meaning of "friend without benefits," and stop trying to pounce on Kuroko so much. There was a hot guy to smother Kuroko in love already. He didn't need Kise for that.
Keeping that in mind, Taiga followed Kuroko into the shower. The bluenette on his way to wash up and get ready to go out.
Kuroko Tetsuya planned to leave the apartment in approximately one hour. But he promised to return to Kagami's later, to have dinner together. Then he'd go back home to sleep in his own bed for school the next day.
"Can you help me look cool, Kagami-kun?"
"Cool… like how?" Good question. It's not like Kuroko knew different types. Cool was cool.
"Kise-kun said we should look cool for our Best Friend Date."
"...What?" Kagami growled. Fucking annoyed.
"My Best Friend Date with Kise-kun." He clarified.
"Except he isn't your best friend. I am." Kagami reminded. So boyfriend and best friend weren't the same. He knew that. But he wanted both. And would never give up his place as Kuroko's best friend. He liked being someone Kuroko could hang out with. The times when they hung out as friends were just as memorable as them on romantic dates.
However, if somehow their relationship didn't work out, Kagami still needed to have Kuroko in some important way. He could keep Kuroko as his best friend forever, couldn't he?
He was becoming selfish when it concerned Kuroko. But didn't actually care that his boyfriend wanted to go out with the blonde miracle. As long as the two weren't… but Kuroko wasn't like that. Not dishonest. Kagami wouldn't ask if that what was going on. Kuroko wouldn't betray him like that.
That was unforgivable.
But… Kagami wondered about those dreams over the past few weeks. Kuroko never talked about them. When would he? It was unsettling how terrified the blue haired teen looked once waking from it. The ace did not like seeing him so frightened. He'd willingly help Kuroko. Protect him. Listen too. If he needed to vent.
So why won't Kuroko just talk to him about it?
"You're my best friend and boyfriend, Kagami-kun."
He was inside the closet, which was both Kagami's and Kuroko's. Kuroko had outfits hanging up and a section just for him. He had things in Kagami's dressers too. But after going shopping several times, with Kise mostly, Kuroko had fashionable options. And wasn't exactly used to making good decisions about fashion. Which is why he had Kise for that too.
But, for right now, he only had Kagami.
The tall athlete walked inside and searched the hangers next to Kuroko, finding something fast.
"If you want to look cool, start with black jeans."
"Okay."
"These are ripped, so that's cool. And you should go with a fitted shirt. But for your body type, you want something that frames your waist and isn't too tight across your chest, since your chest isn't buff and you don't have huge tits."
Kuroko listened closely.
"Here. Wear this." Though today was a warm, the long sleeve shirt was thin. And red.
"I thought red wasn't my color." Shouldn't he wear all black? Or blue…
"You look awesome in anything."
At first Kuroko looked at him like he was an idiot, like he'd just said the dumbest thing in the past 24 hours. However, Kagami's words were sincere.
Abruptly, he kissed Kagami's cheek and squeezed him around his shirtless torso. A smile on both their faces. Kuroko was only in a towel, Kagami nude all over. They finished co-showering a moment ago, shampooing each other's hair and washing the other's back. They'd taken care of business relatively quickly, Kuroko wanting to be ready in time.
Since he was in the closet, Kagami picked out a pair of sweats and threw them on, not taking the time to put on boxers first. Or a t-shirt.
"Need help with your hair too?" Taiga asked from across the room when Kuroko was naked and slipping on underwear. Kagami searched around on his hopelessly, messy dresser (which Kuroko destroyed all on his own). But whatever Kagami was looking for, he found it.
Kuroko didn't get a chance to respond to Kagami's question.
"Come here." The ace called, in both hands he held his prized diamond Rolex watch.
Fully dressed Tetsuya obediently approached Taiga and lifted his thin wrist when the ace asked him to. It wasn't shocking that Kagami let him wear an expensive item of his, but as Kuroko took the time to notice that the watch had ruby gems embedded in it to match Taiga's eye color, Kuroko's features changed. He felt privileged about wearing one of his boyfriend's precious possessions.
"It's heavy." The bluenette pointed out after his wrist dropped back to his side and it felt like he was carrying a 7 pound newborn baby there.
"Yeah, but your arm isn't gonna fall off or anything. So just wear it. You like it?"
"Hai." The proof was in Kuroko's heartfelt smile. The taller male took his best friend in his arms, held him tight, like always, gently sucking on his lips. Kuroko used his pink tongue to taste the redhead's minty toothpaste, which they'd just used before getting in the shower together.
Taiga broke away, at some point, realizing he needed to control himself. He had to around Kuroko, otherwise he might tire him out. He was almost certain Kuroko couldn't handle his insatiable appetite for romance. Kagami constantly hungered for more of his boyfriend. In every way.
"I'm gonna order pizza tonight."
"You always want pizza, Kagami-kun."
"You want something different?" He asked with an attitude. Whenever Kagami said he didn't want to cook and asked what they should order, Kuroko always suggested pizza! And Kagami agreed. All the time. Because Kagami liked to eat pizza. And Kuroko knew that he did.
"No."
"Alright, sausage pizza then." And their order never changed. It was a pizza ritual that only began after they started dating. Neither had ever eaten so much pizza before in their life! Because before he got together with Kuroko, the ace cooked more often. But now that he cooked for two, his lover included, Kagami fixed more fulfilling meals, concerned over Kuroko's diet. Not that Kuroko looked unhealthy, but Taiga tried making sure Tetsuya ate well.
"I'll add those vegetables you like too."
"Ok." Kuroko blinked when he got a long stare from the redhead.
Kagami hurried to kiss him Kuroko again. Then dragged him back into the bathroom.
"How should we do my hair?"
"I think we should… spike it. Ever use gel before?"
"No." That's why his hair was so damn soft. Kuroko didn't use damaging products.
"Your hair looks cool when regular too, Kuroko." He didn't want to damage Kuroko's hair, but he would spike it if the bluenette was interested.
"Should I try something new?" He really wanted to know Kagami's idea.
"It wouldn't hurt." The ace shrugged, "I don't want you to mess up your good hair, though." Metaphorically, Kuroko had "virgin" hair. He never used anything but shampoo and conditioner with hair healthy minerals.
"Just this once." He was feeling excitement for something new. He wondered how he'd look. Like a rock star maybe?
Kagami was good with his hands at everything (and practicing with his left for basketball made him a master). His long fingers were slim and agile. He smoothed gel over them and finger combed through the top of Tetsuya's blue locks. Kuroko had shorter hair in the front, so Taiga flattened one thick lock against his forehead while pushing the rest of them back and spiking those too. When finished, the front and top of his hair was spiked, only leaving one longer strand for a bang. Kuroko had almost a duck butt hairstyle, with the only exception being more hair than usual smoothed to his neck.
"You have some long hair in the back, so I left it down. That okay?"
"Hai." Kuroko thought now was a good time to open his eyes and see what work Taiga had done on him. He checked out himself for quite a while, just needing to admire how awesome he looked thanks to Kagami's hand work. Kuroko didn't know what others would think, but he believed this looked amazing.
"I really like it." he commented after turning to gauge Kagami's reaction.
"Yeah..." Kagami did a good job. Not drooling. Because wow. Kuroko… just...
"What are you thinking?" He fell forward into Kagami's arms, the skilled athlete uncrossing them quickly and catching him on reflex. He nuzzled up against Taiga's chest, spiked head tickling the ace's skin.
"You're so cool."
"Why don't you ever have a shirt on, Kagami-kun?" Tetsuya questioned out of the blue. After deciding to playfully draw hearts on Kagami's chest.
"Because you'll just ask me to take it off."
"Because your chest is warm." He whispered up at his boyfriend, turning away when Kagami tried to kiss him on the lips.
Taiga smirked.
"Don't want to kiss me?" He carefully played along. Based on how Kuroko responded to his advances, maybe Kuroko didn't want to do anything for real. Odds were that Kuroko wasn't rejecting him, though.
Tetsuya traced Kagami's perfectly defined abdominals while looking innocent of being attractive.
"Only if I get to keep my clothes on, Kagami-kun."
Taiga grinned, feral fangs showing. A fire lit in his eyes and groin.
"Just a kiss."
As Taiga closed in, the sixth miracle dipped a hand into Kagami's loose sweats, just far enough to pull him closer by the waistband.
When they kissed each other slowly like this, tides of emotions swept into it. They pushed with equal fervor, except the redhead Seirin player was more powerful by physical stature, dominating the kiss like never before. Kuroko trembled from the show of strength while roving Kagami's curved spine and back. The ace bit and sucked on succulent lips, then slipped his tongue inside for a dance. Meanwhile strong hands gripped the edge of the long countertop until the knuckles were white. Although their romance was rather surface level at the moment.
It was soon that Kagami's hands began to shake. He told Kuroko just a kiss. But was possessed with a recent desire to taste more. And Kuroko wanted to keep his clothes on, so that left one other option.
As their tongues circled in an open mouth kiss, Kagami sealed the deal. With one final bite and suck. Then stopped completely.
"I love you." Kuroko breathed, realizing his boyfriend was watching and waiting. Full attention on him. Kuroko's heart rate quickened, unable to express indifference when Kagami gave him smoldering, intense gazes like this.
"You better," Taiga only whispered in return. No need to repeat the words when he planned to demonstrate just how he felt about his partner. What Kuroko meant to him. That Kuroko was his.
Seizing Kuroko's small chin to forcefully turn his head to the right, Kagami slowly put his mouth and tongue to Kuroko's white, slender neck. He slid along and tasted just the surface layer first, but soon wanted to sink his teeth in, determined in his pursuit to bite into his delectable lover's neck like it was soft, white angel cake. Sweet without the frosting.
Kuroko quietly moaned while Kagami created the first hickey. The ace observed the dark pink swelling, a huge sign on Kuroko's neck. Anyone could see it just by being within a couple feet of Kuroko. So Kagami smirked as he licked the bruise with the full flat surface of his tongue, Kuroko voicing his pleasure while wrapped tightly in Kagami's arms.
Then the redhead player moved to the other side, working on hickey number 2 while Kuroko kept his eyes shut, his back to the bathroom mirror and thoroughly enjoying Kagami's treatment. Kagami's heated kissing lit fire throughout the phantom sixth's body. Kuroko just wanted to feel, not see, or hear, or anything else. He wished Kagami-kun use his tongue everywhere else too.
Then there was number 3, Kagami planning to create a map of them all over Kuroko's neck. Tilting Kuroko's head further back by the chin, biting into the boy's neck, a little above the neckline of the shirt Kuroko wore. When he kissed and sucked, Kuroko whined. He felt up the front of Kuroko's body, rubbing areas that would cause much more arousal if Kuroko had on less layers of clothing.
After presenting the largest love mark on the front of Kuroko's neck, Kagami wouldn't stop there. He proceeded to bite the area where the underside of Kuroko's chin met the vertical line of Kuroko's neck. Taiga was like a vampire that didn't seek blood, only thirsting for the taste he got whenever he sucked on Kuroko's white skin. Skin never blemished before.
Kuroko's body was unscarred. And since dating Kagami, the ace hadn't left a single hickey. Till now. Now there were three full blown marks, and a small one that he was trying to make pretty enough to stand out like the rest. If he ever got the chance…
"Kagami-kun please… wait… my phone…" Kuroko pleaded while locked in Kagami's hold. The ace heard it ringing. But didn't care. He had every intention of finishing his fourth piece of artwork before Kuroko ditched him for his Buddy Date, or whatever the fuck Kise called it.
Kagami couldn't wait until Kise and any other bastard checking out Kuroko saw these today. They better think twice. Obviously Kuroko was to be no one else's love or lover.
Kuroko, hopefully, knew that Kagami Taiga would keep him forever. Forget what he thought earlier. Kuroko would stay both his best friend and boyfriend. He wasn't choosing just one.
Kuroko managed to slip away. Though Kagami decided that Kuroko's fourth love mark was complete so he loosened his grip, and looked closely at Kuroko before the eleventh player ducked off to go and answer his cell in the bedroom.
Kagami smirked in a moment of arrogance. Remembering the beauty of each mark on that smooth neck. Wait till Kise-kun see those.
"Kagami-kun," Kuroko called, then turned to find his boyfriend leaning in the bathroom doorway. "That was Kise-kun."
"Alright."
"He's here. Am I cool enough?" Kuroko began a journey to the body mirror mounted on the wall, on the other side of the dresser.
"Hold on," Taiga warned, gesturing for Kuroko to halt. Then moved to block Kuroko's path to his reflection too.
"How do I look?" he asked up at Kagami, wondering if something was wrong when the redhead didn't blink while gazing at him.
"You look fucking amazing. Like the coolest guy I've ever seen." Yeah, Kuroko looked cool. But now, Kagami thought about how hot he was, instead. The little pink love bites suited him. It would be a good idea to give those to Kuroko more often. They made him even more attractive.
And were evidence of one way he expressed love for Kuroko. He wanted his partner to flaunt those hickeys all over town today. Taiga stroked Kuroko's lips with a thumb.
"Kagami-kun…" Tetsuya felt bashful and glanced at the floor, oddly embarrassed. Maybe... because Kagami-kun had that look...
"Come on." Kagami joined their hands and led Kuroko out, walking together to the living room.
On the way there, Taiga wore an enormous grin. Kuroko stopped behind him, bending over to slip on his shoes at the front door. Careful not to fall over as he put on one black Converse at a time. Tied them. Then stood straight and looked up at his boyfriend's back.
"Kagami-kun?" Kuroko wasn't used to his best friend being turned away. Kagami-kun hardly ever turned his back on him.
But Taiga snapped out of it. When he turned, he looked almost normal. Except his grin transformed. His arms were folded, fiery gaze scanning Kuroko head to toe with an interested smirk in place.
Tetsuya was mildly shocked. Though he recognized this side of Kagami, as he'd seen it a few times so far. The redhead player acted like this usually when he was thinking about the Generation of Miracles. About challenging them.
"You look good, Kuroko." He complimented for the fourth time.
"Domo." Kuroko responded normally, but was unsure why Kagami looked excited and pleased with himself.
The stylish bluenette took baby steps towards Kagami, sizing up the smirking redhead on his way there, briefly wondering what was up with him, until he was close enough for Kagami to reach. Once there, Kuroko repeatedly poked him in the chest, waiting for Kagami to get the message. Before leaving, Kuroko wanted one final hug and kiss.
And the ace got it. He immediately grabbed Kuroko's wrist with one hand, his waist with the other, and pulled him in for a hard embrace. Tetsuya hugged Kagami around the shoulders, smiling with the corners of his mouth. They needed a moment. Enveloped in comfort.
Then Kagami pecked him on the forehead before releasing him.
That was meant to be Kuroko's last hug and kiss. But recall, he was deeply in love with Kagami, suffered attachment to him, and absolutely hated when they had to go separate ways.
"Love you." Kuroko whispered, at arm's length. Still holding hands, however. Neither had let go after Kagami opened the door to show Kuroko out, or after Kuroko started to walk away. Currently, the ace posed in the doorway. Tetsuya only a few steps away. Kuroko's hand remained in his even when the boy began to move down the hall, but stopped very soon, unable to go further. Unless he wanted to let go of Kagami-kun's hand, which he didn't. And apparently, neither did Kagami.
"Love you more, Kuroko."
Tetsuya parted his lips, swollen from the multiple kisses he shared with Kagami between standing by the door inside the apartment and now, standing in the hall outside the apartment; he was unsuccessful in his mission to go meet Kise-kun downstairs. He almost didn't want to go, and he felt bad about that.
But Kuroko had an irrational fear. Not that he called it irrational, to him it was justified - Tetsuya remembering -vaguely- all he'd done. All that he continued to hide from Kagami-kun.
He was beating himself up about it.
For Kuroko, every time he left his light partner's side… meant the chance that Kagami would figure something out. And then would never want to see Kuroko ever again.
That's why Kuroko needed to stay by him as much as possible. As they were now, Kagami-kun genuinely reciprocated his feelings. So Kuroko had to keep them together. And not take things for granted. Or else…
"Don't Kuroko." Kagami gently shushed him. The ace knew what Kuroko was about to say next. Just something that Kagami already knew. "I already know. And you know how I feel too."
If it was up to Kuroko, they'd be whispering I Love You back and forth for eternity.
Kuroko looked guilty. He knew he said it a lot. But he never wanted to keep those words in. He had to always let Kagami-kun know. Or else…
"If you keep dilly dallying with me, Kise will be crying by the time you get downstairs." The blonde probably thought that Kagami had Kuroko cornered, trapped against a wall, and was pleasantly fucking his brains out. Kagami smirked at that image. He'd done that to Kuroko before, but never to make him late somewhere on purpose.
"I know." But Kuroko didn't move. Stuck in one spot. He wanted to go to Kise-kun right now, but he just stared at Kagami-kun.
The redhead used one long finger to signal Kuroko to come over to him.
"One last time?" Kuroko's crestfallen expression gave Kagami feels. He was familiar with it and could relate, so he offered Kuroko more tender caresses. Taiga didn't mind. Kuroko could get as many X's and O's as he wanted.
"Hai." He was already half walking half running back into Kagami's arms. When back inside those strong arms, he nearly cried at how much joy he got. This was his security.
He was addicted. And would never give this up. The love he received was precious. Nothing and no one gave him this much happiness. No wonder it was hard to break away. Whenever Kagami-kun held him, Kuroko felt cocooned in asphyxiating passion.
-On Their Way-
Kise's first reaction was not to Kuroko's late attendance. The first thing he did was absolutely have a fit about the infinite love marks on Kuroko's slender, bare neck.
"Ah-ha! So Kagamicchi was violating you!" He pointed a finger. The sadistic, smirking expression of Kuroko's Japanese-American boyfriend popped into Kise's bubble of thought.
The teen laughed softly at Kise's outburst, having no idea how he arrived to that conclusion.
Ryota huffed and thought about what he should do concerning the snake bites all over Kurokocchi's neck. But honestly, they didn't look that bad. It was just upsetting (to him) that his sweet Kurokocchi was naughty behind closed doors… or that there was someone out there that liked to touch him inappropriately!
It was because of those love bites, however, that Kise forgot all about complimenting Kuroko's appearance.
Kuroko blinked, silent but observant. He took in full picture of Kise's style and dress. It was apparent even to him how… awesome and cool Kise-kun looked.
That wasn't the whole truth, however. Today, Kise was drop dead gorgeous. But Kuroko wouldn't look at him like that. He had to repress thoughts of that nature, especially about Kise. No one was physically attractive to Kuroko, except his boyfriend.
He couldn't admit out loud that Kise was hot. He'd feel too guilty about it if he did.
After deciding what to do about Tetsuya, the model flipped open a mirror and checked his thin, black eyeliner (he didn't like wearing a lot of makeup) and silky blond hair that he pushed back with styling gel. But he left bangs in the front, just like Kagami had done for Kuroko.
"How do I look, Kurokocchi?"
"Cool."
Ryota sighed. Then smiled. At least Kurokocchi tried. It was always either "good" or "awesome," when his favorite friend from Teiko complimented his appearance. Only his appearance. Kise didn't get too disappointed by it. He knew why his blue haired buddy wouldn't praise him more than that. Kurokocchi explained it to him once.
Either way, everyone else often told him how hot he looked. Kise was working on not being so egotistical about his good looks.
"We have to buy a choker for you at the store."
"Why?" Kuroko – having no idea why they needed to buy him an accessory – asked. Perhaps, Kise thought it would match his style for today.
The model snapped his mirror shut.
"You mean you don't know?" Kise stared back at him, eyes just as wide and confused as Kuroko's. There was no way the bluenette could miss those gigantic bullseyes (excuse Kise's exaggeration) if he'd checked in the mirror before leaving.
Kuroko plainly stood there. No idea that he looked ravished, and the visible proof was on his neck. It hadn't even registered that Kagami's wet kisses to his neck may have produced evidence.
"You're so cute." Quite innocent too, Kise believed. It didn't matter that Kurokocchi had a decent amount of sexual history. He retained his true nature. Sometimes oblivious. But he was loyal to Kagamicchi, that's all that mattered. And the ace wouldn't leave the sixth miracle behind anytime soon. The two of them fit well together.
And Kise was glad for them. He could tell that they were in love.
"Are you ready for our Hot, Sexy, and Cool Best Friend Date?" Kise flashed a perfect smile and posed in a hot sexy cool way.
"Hai." Kuroko imitated him, familiar with the pose that Kise randomly taught him one day. But Kuroko forgot to do the seductive smile.
As they walked to their first stop, the taller player made sure to joke and entertain Kuroko on the way. Kise was serious about getting Kuroko a thick choker to wear around his neck, the thought of Kurokocchi wearing a choker seemed like Kise's greatest idea yet. But when they were almost there, the conversation switched topics.
"So what are your plans for break?"
"Australia."
"Australia!?"
"Hai."
"Wha… Kurokocchi?"
"I'm not joking, Kise-kun."
"So you have a passport and everything?" He wondered if Kuroko had ever been outside of the country, or even the city for heaven's sake!
But Kuroko had an international boyfriend, which meant he also had someone to help him sort that out.
"That's taken care of."
"Well, how long are you going to be there?"
"One week."
"One week!?"
"Hai."
"Wha-"
Kuroko stopped him this time, continuing to explain.
"Kagami-kun said his parents would pay for him and a friend to go for one week."
"Ahh, I see. So this was Kagamicchi's idea." Of course that perv wanted to kidnap Kuroko to the land down under for a week. Without Kise's protection, Kurokocchi would become Kagamicchi's little pet! Or worse...
"I'm excited for it, Kise-kun." Kuroko smiled to himself, imagining all the memories he would create in Australia with Kagami and his other teammates. Male bonding among the first years. That's what interested Kuroko. He could hardly wait.
"Hmmm…" The miracle hummed with a finger against his shiny lips, moisturized with some of Kise's favorite flavored lip balm.
"Is something the matter?" Tetsuya asked with a side glance at Kise.
Ryota shook his head.
"Oh no no. I just…" Kise gasped suddenly, in excitement. "Hey look over there!"
Kise waved at someone. Someone Kuroko easily recognized. And so when Kise grabbed him and began running towards the dark haired miracle, Kuroko sensed panic rising inside his chest.
"Aominecchi!"
"Kise?" Daiki's narrow eyes grew in size upon seeing his old teammate and what he was wearing, not at all noticing the shorter teen accompanying the blonde.
Kise didn't throw himself at Aomine like he did to others – Kurokocchi especially – but he did strike a pose (imitated by Kuroko out of habit, despite the blunette's current mood upon seeing Aomine). And Daiki was in awe at the attraction he felt. Not used to seeing Kise outside of a basketball Jersey or school uniform. The ace of the miracles couldn't tear his gaze away. Not that he tried.
And Ryota recognized when someone was checking him out.
"How do I look?" Kise wiggled a perfectly arched brow, hands on his hips, where his flawless skin was teased on the account of his low riding leather pants. The studded, chunky belt brought more attention to his trim hips and trace of a V line, the rest of his abdominal muscles hidden by a fitted long sleeve shirt that looked a lot like Kuroko's shirt, except a dark blue, navy color. Close in color to Aomine's hair and eyes.
"Hn," Aomine finally shut his jaw, calmed himself and shrugged. His eyes back on Kise's face. Where he forced them to stay.
Kise seemed amused by his response, but then a light bulb went off in his head.
"Want to go to Australia for break Aominecchi?"
"What? You're going?"
"Well, I'm thinking about it. But Kurokocchi is!"
"You're going Tetsu?" He finally noticed Kuroko behind Kise, hard to see except his red sleeve and strands of spiky hair. Tetsu stood directly behind Kise.
Kuroko wasn't going to answer. The bluenette unprepared for this reunion with Aomine. Somewhat overwhelmed after everything that happened.
He had once believed he found closure. And believed he made up with the miracle ace. But it was back to square one, Kuroko feeling bad again. Not that it was Aomine-kun's fault that he was like this. If Tetsuya was to ever blame Aomine for what happened, he wouldn't forget to blame himself as well.
Kise responded in Kuroko's stead.
"It would be a great idea if we all took a trip there for school break!" Kise was such a brilliant blonde. Got to give it to him for that great idea.
Tetsuya felt his insides drop, notably his throat and stomach. But perhaps a black hole opened on his inside and sucked in all his organs, leaving Kuroko hollow internally.
It was obvious enough who Kise meant by "we all." Kuroko couldn't help but hope that the other miracles didn't show up in Australia.
His fun vacation with Kagami-kun and the others... down the drain.
Kise was speaking again, since Kuroko and Aomine were giving him the silent treatment.
"Do you have plans for break already, Aominecchi?"
"No."
"So you should think about it." Kise smiled at the thought of all his old teammates together for break. Now that they'd all changed considerably. What sort of things would everyone be up to?
Would it be as fun as the time they'd all met up to plan for Kurokocchi's birthday?
Daiki caught a glimpse of his old best friend. Kuroko doing a poor job of making himself seem small at Kise's side. Aomine wouldn't admit that Tetsu's behavior annoyed him, nor would he admit how nervous it made him.
Although Aomine hadn't contacted Kuroko for some time, Touou's miracle was under the impression that everything was okay between them. And that present he'd gotten for Tetsu…had he liked it?
When Daiki's dark eyes searched Kuroko's body, his wrists especially, he only discovered a sparkling watch, prettily clasped around Tetsu's wrist and not the diamond bracelet he'd bought for the phantom sixth.
Now he glared.
"Hey Tetsu… you bought a watch?" His sudden words shut Kise up, the blonde turned to curiously face Kuroko as well.
The bluenette swallowed thickly, but shook his head. Forced to respond to the taller male because Kise didn't distract him this time.
"It's Kagami-kun's."
That was the cue. Aomine locked in on the various love marks decorating Kuroko's neck. Kuroko still clueless about them being there. Kise was in the midst of taking Kuroko to get a choker when they ran into Aomine. Therefore, Kuroko's lovely neck remained on display.
Aomine wasn't a genius, but even the most basic brain could put 2 and 2 together. There were four love bites on Tetsu's neck. Kagami's diamond watch on his wrist. A red shirt on him, like some sort of label of Kagami's property.
"How hilarious." Aomine meant only for himself to hear, but was loud. He thought it was no wonder that Tetsu wasn't wearing his gift…
Please don't. Kuroko squeezed his eyes shut as he silently begged that Aomine-kun abstain from being an aho.
"You and Kagami."
"Hai." Kuroko hoarsely whispered. Though it's not like Aomine needed Kuroko to confirm his suspicions. There was no question about who Kuroko was involved with.
Kise realized something out too.
"Aominecchi… don't tell anyone." The model miracle knew how sensitive Kuroko was about the others knowing. It wasn't an effort to keep it a secret, as if Kurokocchi was ashamed. But, he didn't want word spreading like gossip. As if he and Kagami-kun were a dating scandal. Because they surely weren't. That's what Kuroko expressed to Kise one day when the two of them were having a deep conversation. And Kuroko bordering tears as they did. He tried to hiding them back then, but Kise has seen him near tears already before.
Aomine shrugged again.
"I don't really give a fuck, anyway." He lied. A deep frown on his face.
His callousness caused the life to exit the room. No one even breathed.
"Don't say that." Kise hurried to whisper after he recovered his bearings, but witnessed Kuroko remain depressed.
"Why not? He can do what he wants. So can I." Aomine's pride erupted, causing him to put on a front, fortifying the steel armor around his heart.
In reality, Aomine was not a major asshole. And there was reason why.
For one, Tetsu turned him into a better guy.
Because of him, Daiki thought hard about his remorseless actions. How he treated others after having sex with them. His tendency to throw people aside afterwards. Thinking he only wanted one thing from them, and that he'd gotten it already. But right now, it would be a lie if he said that he didn't want to try a relationship.
He was fucking lonely. And tired of it. So he thought he should start over.
"Look." He sighed. Dropping his shoulders low. Releasing his tension.
Kuroko and Kise waited for his next words.
"I didn't mean any of that. I swear." Those present at the moment looked surprised. "You deserve to be happy and be with who you want." Now Kise thought he would faint. "Congratulations, Tetsu."
Part of that was rehearsed, Satsuki teaching him how to be more kind to others. But Aomine wasn't a brute, he knew the difference between mean and nice on his own.
He tried to be a nicer gentleman because that's what he wanted. Fuck anyone who didn't believe him. It was true.
Kise was back at Kuroko's side, returning there to support him some time ago. Currently, his pretty face was lit in shock, and joy. Aominecchi sounded so awesome when making an effort to not be an asshole. Kise was impressed.
Kuroko exhaled shakily. His light blue pupils wide and showed a thick layer of wetness. He looked uncertain, for a while. But after processing Aomine's words in a repeated loop, Kuroko looked a lot better.
"Domo." He smiled with honest gratitude for Aomine-kun's acceptance of his and Kagami's relationship.
Tetsuya realized this could have gone a lot worse. And he flashed back to when he was inside of Aomine's house, recalling their argument and how that also might have resulted in disaster. But hadn't. So Kuroko could go on believing that he and Aomine-kun were okay.
And concerning that gift Aomine-kun got for him, Tetsuya had opened it right when he got home from school the next day, incredibly curious about what was inside. The contents took his breath away. There had only been one item, really. Very delicate, beautiful, and expensive. Kuroko had respiratory troubles and his mouth laid open in shock when he set his eyes on the small, diamond bracelet embedded with a sapphire orb. Pieces of Kuroko's heart broke that day. He completely regretted everything even more. The woes of being young and impulsive enough to have sex with a lot of people that you didn't love unconditionally. Because Kuroko truly cared about each and every one of the miracles.
But did not shelter them inside his heart like he did Kagami-kun. His best friend served as a pillar, while others were smaller in comparison. Kuroko had a big heart, so he could care about many others. But not of the same magnitude as the one person he called his light.
So Tetsuya hurried to shove the bracelet somewhere in his drawer, in the most secret place. He couldn't understand why Aomine would buy something so precious… unless Aomine-kun actually… but if Kuroko was seen wearing something like that by Kagami, what would he tell him? Tetsuya couldn't bear to tell Kagami more lies.
He never wanted to in the first place. But had already done so without thinking…
Even with Kise-kun positioned right beside him, Aomine-kun snatched Kuroko into a full embrace, one arm slung around his shoulders and another around his waist. He stroked the back of Kuroko's neck and warmed him with his body heat.
"I hate being a dick… especially to you." He started, whispering so Kise couldn't hear. "That's why I got that bracelet. It was supposed to remind you that you're one of the few people that I actually give a shit about. But if you're with Kagami…"
Kuroko's arms hurried to hug him too.
"It was really pretty, Aomine-kun. Thank you… but I can't wear it."
Daiki's arms pulled him tighter.
"Yeah. Just don't throw it out."
"I said I would never do that." The thought never crossed his mind. But long ago, he decided that he should eventually have a talk with Aomine-kun about it. He never went through with it. Now, Kuroko was grateful that they were brought to this moment.
Aomine didn't have words after that. Kuroko determined that they were good. He felt better again.
"Oh… you guys rock…." Kise didn't know what they were saying, but he was moved by them.
Touou's miracle eased out of the embrace with Tetsuya, and after nodding to Kuroko, his gaze swept over Kise, the blonde wiping tears away.
"Why the hell are you crying?"
"Aomine-kun…" Tetsuya elbowed him in the ribs before he placed a hand of support on Kise's lower back.
Aomine grunted, but observed, just waiting for an explanation.
Eventually, the blonde was able to stop sniffing uncontrollably and respond.
"I didn't know… that you could be such an… amazing friend, Aominecchi!" And it was at this point, when he was so emotionally unstable, that he threw himself at the miracle ace. Though Aomine's arms opened without him knowing why, so now Kise was all over him with Aomine taken aback.
And Ryota didn't know how to act after seeing someone – who could be a big jerk – being kind to Kurokocchi. He was just having a moment…
From behind Kise, Kuroko silently coached Aomine to return the hug… Daiki glared. He was barely used to Satsuki falling all over him, but demonstrated his goal to show compassion by holding Kise like he should.
Kuroko gave him a thumbs up, expression unreadable. Although Kuroko's "thumbs up" could mean many different things right now, Aomine didn't have a clue about any of them, except that Tetsu was telling him "Good job."
Kuroko's Hot, Sexy, and Cool Best Friend date ended with another addition to the party. Aomine-kun followed them around as Kise and Kuroko ran all over Tokyo doing this and that. And yes, Karaoke was involved. Aomine nearly abandoned the nicer lifestyle when Kise challenged him to a duet.
Anyways, after such a fun and exciting date, Kuroko didn't want to say goodbye to either miracle, and wanted to spend more time with them sooner rather than later. He realized how much he missed Aomine, who showed more of his middle school self here and there, especially after singing with Kise. Forcing Aomine to sing broke the ice. Aomine-kun smiled more around Kise-kun, just like Kuroko did. And so after discovering how much fun they had together as friends, Kuroko extended an invitation for them to join him, Kagami-kun, Furihata-kun, Kawahara-kun, and Fukuda-kun on their trip to Australia.
-Part 2-
Monday
D-5
At Seirin high, during lunch, the first years were discussing their trip. They began with expenses.
"You guys got enough for everything?" Kagami asked.
"I don't know, Kagami." Furi began.
"Furihata-kun?" Kuroko's head snapped in Furi's direction, concerned at his response. Because the phantom sixth was set on all five of them going.
How else would he make sure that they all bonded over break?
"You guys were sudden in asking us, I'm not sure if I should ask my parents on such a short notice." It was a chance his parents could afford it, more than likely. But he felt bad about asking them to pay for such an expensive trip. His family was average, and the fact that he was going to a private school already cut into their average expenses.
"I think I can go."
"Me too."
That was Fukuda and Kawahara speaking. So Furi was the only one!
"I don't think my parents would care if I asked them to cover your ticket. They'd probably pay for everything actually."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah." Kagami smirked.
"So you are a rich kid?" Kawahara glared.
"Yeah." He didn't mean to brag.
So they were all going to fly first class to Brisbane airport in Queensland, Australia. They'd be comfortable and have their own little area to say and do what they wanted while traveling.
Next, someone asked Kagami about the rooms.
"The hotel has a lot of rooms with two beds. That's what Kuroko and I got."
He wished he could have somehow convinced his parents to purchase a luxurious love suite, but they would have been totally suspicious about who he was taking with him to Australia.
"So it's three of us…"
"Then I guess two of you can share a bed, and one lucky bastard gets his own." Taiga suggested.
"But aren't you and Kuroko going to share a bed?" Furi asked. That meant Kagami and Kuroko would have 1 extra bed in their room…
But Kagami didn't know what to say. Because he and Kuroko were going to share a bed, but he also wanted them to have their own room together. Not that he had something against the other guys.
"Furihata-kun, come stay in our room."
Kagami looked salty.
"Kuroko... thank you!" Furi smiled brightly. Simply happy to be offered hospitality, and he didn't at all think about what it meant that he would be sharing a room with the first year duo and couple of Seirin.
"Awesome idea."
"Yeah, Kuroko."
All the guys cheered, while Kagami poorly hid his misery.
But now everyone would be able to go!
"Hip, hip Australia! Hip, hip Australia!" Furihata, Fukuda, and Kawahara cheered loudly in the empty class, save for Kuroko and Kagami who stayed sitting, but Tetsuya looked entertained by them.
A familiar upperclassman walked in, just to interrupt their jolly attitudes.
"Look at you first years. Happy about not being as busy as the rest of us." Hyuga scolded as he pulled up a chair to sit with them. Then asked what they were really happy about. Izuki and Kiyoshi senpai followed him inside, Teppei standing, while Shun casually leaned against a desk.
"We're all set to leave this Saturday!" Kawahara explained.
"So exactly where are you guys staying?" Seirin's founder inquired.
"In a resort on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland."
"Wow, I heard that's expensive Kagami." Teppei commented, saucers for eyes.
"I guess it is."
"You guess? I better see you at practice today Kagami, working twice as hard!" Hyuga bit through his teeth.
Izuki came over to pet Kuroko on the head.
"Plan to reward Kagami for all his hard work, later on?" Izuki always found it amusing to ask these sorts of questions. And he only ever targeted Kuroko, never teasing Kagami.
"I can't stay at Kagami-kun's place tonight, Izuki-senpai." Tetsuya's eyes fell sadly at that. He never spent the night on Mondays. Or Wednesdays. Hardly ever on Tuesdays.
Kagami took in Kuroko's subtle show of sorrow with a similar attitude. In order to cheer Kuroko up, Taiga decided to trick Kuroko into going to get a milkshake later on. The priceless expression on his face would be rewarding. Kuroko always bought milkshakes from Maji's, but the redhead recently found this other place with a good rep.
"Well I'm sure it can wait until you get to Australia, to your little suite with a big bed." Izuki implied, handsome smirk on his face and hand on his chin.
Furihata seemed to conclude something all of a sudden. His face becoming a red tomato.
Kagami thought the sky outside the window was interesting right now.
"Actually we're sharing rooms. Kawahara and I in one room, while Furi will sleep in the additional bed in Kuroko and Kagami's room." Fukuda explained.
Hyuga shook his head, Kiyoshi's saucers remained, and Izuki came up with something good to say.
"Add a bed, subtract the clothes, divide the hrmf-"
"Don't miss practice!" Hyuga yelled on his way out, Teppei waving and following behind, carrying an unconscious Izuki Shun under his arm.
All the first years blinked in unison. Then Furihata broke the silence.
"Kagami… Kuroko… am I… going to be interfering by staying in your room?" He was a bit shy about asking, scratching one arm as he asked and then hugging himself afterwards. Furi didn't want to impose on the couple, but he was really excited to go. So even if Kuroko and Kagami were lovers, he'd share a room with them. So long as they didn't find him a bother.
"No you aren't." Kuroko assured. Sex and romance were the furthest things from his mind. Whenever he was in the company of the others, he wouldn't think about how to get some alone time with his boyfriend. He and Kagami had plenty alone time together already.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes." Kuroko smiled and nodded.
"Kagami?" Furi needed the okay from him too.
"You're more than welcome Furi." Taiga assured, though he watched as the phantom sixth got up and approached Furihata. The others interested to know what Kuroko would do next as well.
Tetsuya's face was blank when he stopped in front of Furi, but he lifted a single hand above his shoulder. Then waited. A friendly expression on his face.
"Kuroko?"
"I will be upset if you can't come Furihata-kun. Will you please let me know if there's anything else you're concerned about? I will do what I can to work it out." If Furihata was not on that plane with him when he and Kagami took off on Saturday, Kuroko would riot. Fukuda and Kawahara needed to be there too.
The brunette opposite of him was shocked, unsurprisingly. He didn't expect Kuroko to be so "pushy" about him coming. But it didn't make Furi anxious at all. Relief settled inside of him, given that Kuroko – someone he admired and liked to call his teammate – was very concerned about him coming along for a week-long trip. It made Furihata happy, excited, and feeling as though he belonged.
For sure, Furi decided, he would not miss this trip!
"Hai! You don't have to worry." The average player smiled. "I'll be there." He smacked Kuroko's palm before both returned it at their side.
A brief understanding passed between the two. On this vacation, they would make sure they successfully bonded closer with one another. This was a great opportunity to do so.
"You guys want to go eat together after practice?" Kagami suggested. Before he said this, he was able to take one look at his bluenette and brunette teammate and tell that both wanted more time to get to know one another as good friends. He didn't know if Kuroko was thinking of asking Furihata and the other two, so Taiga went ahead in his place.
"Sounds good!"
"I'm in."
"You're going too, Kuroko?" Furi asked the bluenette beside him.
Kuroko nodded.
"Hai."
As they walked out, on their way back to class, Kagami listened in on Kawahara and Fukuda discussing what color swimsuits they should bring, while Furihata and Kuroko made small talk at the back of the group. The bluenette and brunette never disengaged, maintaining interest in whatever the other had to say, and began to greatly anticipate rooming for 7 days and 7 nights together on a resort trip.
-Part 2-
AN:
This was 1 of 2 for Part 2.
2 of 2 for Part 2 is in the next chapter.