Author's note: Yesss, finally for this up! Next upload for this fic should be next week, but I can't promise cos my project is dumb and I need to spend lots of time on it. We'll see. I'm really sorry for taking forever with this, and it's kinda... Filler-ish. Don't kill me please. And ignore the 'extra' pairings I put in - I couldn't help myself. This will be AoKuro, just need some buildup first. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroko no Basuke.
Chapter 2
"So, Kuroko. Did you find a model? You know I don't like pressuring you, but the buyers are getting demanding." Kagami scratched his head awkwardly, his other hand wrapped around a cup of tea. It was Sunday afternoon, and the two of them were relaxing on the couch during their lunch break. The morning class of students had left an hour ago, but Kuroko could not rest yet. He had an appointment to keep.
"Ah, yes. I found someone willing, whom Momoi-san introduced to me. I must admit, he is quite an Adonis, if he doesn't open his mouth." Kuroko's mouth quirked up slightly at the thought of the navy-haired man. Kagami crooked an eyebrow at his dreamy state. Kuroko hardly ever paid anyone else a compliment, unless they were exceptional, or he was interested in them. In this case, it could quite possibly be both. "Is he your type?" Kagami smirked, eyebrows wiggling.
"Keep your assumptions to yourself, please, Kagami-kun." Kuroko retorted without missing a beat, immediately catching on to the redhead's train of thought. "I have barely met him, thus it is foolhardy to make such a decision."
"Alright, alright," Kagami raised his free hand in mock surrender. "Whatever you say, boss." They spent the next few minutes in companionable silence, listening to the wind rustle through the trees outside. Suddenly, Kagami set his cup down on the table, the forceful thump catching Kuroko's attention.
"Kuroko. I know that you've got a sketch of this fellow somewhere. Can I assess him?" His red eyes blazed with curiosity, but also with concern for his friend. I've known you long enough, friend. This isn't just a simple schoolboy crush.
They had gone to the same high school, and Kagami was quite possibly the first boy to find out about Kuroko's sexual orientation. Mostly because Kuroko had tried to confess to him one day. 'Tried' because Kagami had expressed almost the whole spectrum of red on his face before making a run for it, leaving a confused and upset Kuroko behind. Thankfully(in Kuroko's eyes, at least), they made up after Kagami explained that he did not swing that way - but perhaps they could still be friends? It was awfully cliché, but Kuroko had agreed out of desperation. It was now years after that incident had occurred, and their 'platonic' relationship had since then extended to that of business partners.
Kuroko gave Kagami a searching look before getting up and hunting for the sketchbook he had used only two days prior. He knew better than to question his motives, for this happened with every man that caught Kuroko's eye. It was a sort of brotherly protectiveness, especially since Kuroko had almost gotten beaten up for being slightly too suggestive towards a straight guy - who had not been as accommodating as he himself had been. With the amount of concern that the redhead showed him, Kuroko felt that it was truly a pity that Kagami would not reciprocate his feelings. But that was a hurdle he had met and passed long ago.
He located the sketchbook he was looking for and flipped it open to the page with Aomine's drawing upon it. Handing it to the redhead, he settled back on the sofa, waiting for the verdict.
A low whistle of appreciation made Kuroko's smile bloom in full force. Kagami may have been one of the straightest guys he knew, but he sure knew how to appreciate someone's good looks. It was another reason why they were in the art industry together.
"He's hot." Kagami grinned at Kuroko. "Hope this one lives up to expectations, eh?" Kuroko found himself nodding along eagerly, his excitement slipping out from beneath his cool façade. They both knew Kagami wasn't only referring to signing a working contract with the guy. It is not easy for Kagami-kun to accept this…aspect of me, and I am very appreciative that he has.
"Must say, he looks kind of familiar though..." A knock at the door startled both of them, and Kuroko glanced at the clock; it was already 2pm. "Ah, that must be Aomine-kun." He rose to open the door with exaggerated exuberance, completely missing the look of alarm Kagami shot him.
Kuroko pulled the door open with a little too much eagerness, and was met by a stunned-looking Aomine, hand still raised in mid-knock. The navy-haired man recovered quickly, pulling back and stuffing his hand into his pocket. "Yo, Tetsu. I'm not late, am I? Satsuki would kill me if I was."
"Good afternoon, Aomine-kun. No, you are right on time. Please, come in. My manager is still here, so it's an excellent time for some introductions, since we'll be working together more often." Kuroko kept his words as crisp and professional as possible, hoping that his words did not contain any underlying insinuations. He had his fair share of misunderstandings back in the past, and did not want them repeated, accidentally or not. He thought what he said was perfectly innocent most of the time, although Kagami's horrified expression usually said otherwise. I am getting better, though.
He closed the door after Aomine, and was about to call Kagami to greet their guest when he heard them conversing. "Ahomine, nice to see you again."
"Bakagami. What... Wait, you're Tetsu's manager?"
"Obviously."
Kuroko stepped between the two, who were facing off in an impromptu staring contest. "Uhm. You two know each other?" They replied at the same time, Aomine's "Yeah" overlapped by Kagami's "Unfortunately". Kuroko looked back and forth between them. Neither looked like they were about to give in anytime soon. In fact, they looked like a meteor would have to strike before they could be broken out of their focused states, so hostile was the atmosphere about them. Sighing internally, he took a step closer and promptly jabbed both of them in the ribs simultaneously - never mind the fact that he barely knew Aomine.
The effect was immediate. Both men were bent double with pain, but unlike Aomine, Kagami's reflex action had him stabbing a finger in Kuroko's general direction. Said teal-haired man had already taken a step back to avoid the reciprocal action, and Kagami found himself jabbing nothing but air. "Damn it, Kuroko," he growled, glaring at his friend's emotionless face.
"Perhaps we can discuss this matter civilly. Or would you two rather prove that the word 'idiot' in your names are based on fact instead of childish jibes?" Kuroko raised an eyebrow at the two, looking very much like a disapproving parent. The redhead glanced at the navy-haired man, who shrugged in resignation. They both took a seat on the couch, their faces mirror images of a child's chastened pout.
Kuroko deigned to comment on their behaviour, so unlike that of grown men that it was positively hilarious. Instead, he pulled up a stool and sat facing them, clearing his throat before speaking again.
"Kagami-kun, this is Aomine-kun. He is the new model I was telling you about. Aomine-kun, this is Kagami-kun. He's my manager and speaks to the buyers and handles most of my monetary affairs on my behalf." Kuroko intoned monotonously, as if their earlier almost-fight did not occur at all. A second later, neither man had made the first move, though they seemed to be daring the other to start the introductory greeting just with their eyes alone. Kuroko watched their exchange with growing impatience. Honestly. Are they men or children? I know they already know each other, but manners are an important part of business.
"Kagami-kun. Play nice." A hint of a growl was injected in his voice, and Kagami paled at the warning. He hurriedly cleared his throat, muttering the greeting and bowing his head. He would do anything to escape Kuroko's wrath. If hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, then hell would not be able to contain the demon that is Kuroko Tetsuya when he is angry.
Aomine looked a little surprised, and a tad bit unsettled that Kuroko's threat had affected Kagami so deeply. Perhaps he would have to be careful, after all. He returned Kagami's greeting with a little less arrogance than normal(or what was considered normal for him), which did not go unnoticed by Kagami. If a silent conversation could occur just by using their eyebrows, what occurred next would have been it.
Kagami: *raises eyebrows* What's gotten into you?
Aomine: *eyes flick towards Kuroko* Tetsu's mad at you, and I don't want to make him even madder.
Kagami: *cocks one eyebrow, slight smirk* Oh, so you care what he thinks?
Aomine: *glares* Shut up, Bakagami.
Kagami: *wiggles eyebrows* Make me.
"If you two are done making eyes at each other, could we move on, please? I have an agenda for today." A bored voice interrupted their 'conversation'. Both men turned towards the owner of the voice, spluttering in synchrony. "We are not making eyes at each other!" Realising what had just occurred, they shot the other a glare before huffing and turning away.
"You two are such children," muttered Kuroko, now thoroughly fed up with their behaviour. He stood up and retrieved the sketchbook from Kagami's lap, before starting towards the room where Aomine had modelled a few days prior. One hand on the doorknob, he half-turned towards them. "Hurry up, Aomine-kun. We don't have all day. Kagami-kun, I'll discuss the remainder of the affairs with you over dinner. Unless you're busy, of course." His tone left no room for argument, and it sent light chills down Aomine's back. This commanding presence is awfully familiar...
Kagami replied nonchalantly, lightly kicking Aomine's kneecap to get him moving from his frozen stance. He didn't seem to be affected by Kuroko's unusual change in attitude. "No, I'm free today. Momoi's got something on tonight. See you at 7 at the usual?" He pulled himself off the couch, heading towards the studio's door.
"The usual," Kuroko confirmed, and Kagami let himself out with a wave. Aomine remained where he was sitting, a mixture of emotions on his face. His expression would have been better described as a 'deer-in-the-headlights' look. Kuroko cocked his head to one side and waved hesitantly. There was no response. Even with my weak presence, he should have seen that. Hmm, maybe I should try something...
Kuroko padded over to the stunned man, his footsteps silent. When a waved hand inches from his nose did not warrant a response either, Kuroko gave in to temptation and leaned in.
"Aomine-kun."
Aomine jerked out of his reverie so suddenly, he fell off the couch and smashed into the coffee table. Clutching his arm, he breathed deeply to ward off the pain and slow his racing heart. "Oh god, Tetsu. Don't do that! You're going to give me a heart attack!"
"Aomine-kun was the one not paying attention. What's gotten into you?" A hint of worry crept into his tone, and Aomine looked up at the cerulean-haired angel, contemplating his next words. Excuse, excuse, excuse... Can't tell him he reminds me of my creepy-ass middle school basketball captain.
"Uhm. Ah. The way you took your sketchbook from Kagami..." He trailed off uncertainly. Ah shit, bad choice. But no turning back now.
"Yes? What of it?"
"Was there not a better way to do it?" Aomine's skin darkened, and Kuroko came to the amused conclusion that he was blushing.
"I'm not sure I understand what you mean, Aomine-kun." He deadpanned. This could be interesting, he thought. Aomine held back for half a second before he burst out, "Couldn't you have asked him to hand you the book instead? Why take it straight from his lap?"
Kuroko raised an eyebrow, a hidden smirk unveiling itself. "Are you jealous, Aomine-kun?"
"No! Jealous of Bakagami? Eww. No, no, no." He protested vehemently. Well, at least I got out of that one. Not that this situation's much better. Shut up, Satsuki. "Just... How are you comfortable doing things like that?"
"I've known Kagami-kun for years. It's just a habit we have. Are you a homophobe, Aomine-kun?" Kuroko felt a little worried. What if he said yes?
"Homophobe? Nah. What you did isn't gay per se, just weird. I don't understand how anyone could be close to Bakagami like that. He's practically a blockhead!" The tense knot of anxiety in Kuroko's stomach unravelled, but in its place grew a righteous indignation to stand up for his friend.
"I could say the same about you, Aomine-kun, if I were to believe what Momoi-san tells me. Pray tell, why do you dislike Kagami-kun so much?"
"Well, he's dense and stubborn and irritating and he thinks he's better than me- Wait. What did Satsuki tell you?" Fear hovered in the depths of Aomine's eyes, and Kuroko's curiosity peaked. Does he not want me to have a bad impression of him? He wondered. Or is that just the romance novels talking?
"She mostly complains about how she has to drag your 'lazy ass' everywhere and take care of your 'ungrateful butt'. She also speaks of how irritating you are, never listening to her, and how dense and arrogant and stubborn you are as a basketball-head. However, she does mention how you accommodate her by letting her drag you around on shopping sprees." Aomine's expression did not change, but the fear in his eyes gave way to relief. Well, I guess the romance novels were right, after all.
"If that has satisfied your curiosity, Aomine-kun, perhaps we could carry on with the day's agenda?" Kuroko swept a hand in the direction of the door, his tone mildly sarcastic. Aomine picked himself off the floor sheepishly. "Yeah, well, I guess that's it for now. Sorry for being weird." Hah, I got out of that one just fine. In your face, Satsuki. What good is it to be gloating in your head, Dai-chan? ...good point.
"The word 'weird' barely begins to cover the range of things I know of. Your intense dislike of Kagami-kun is unworthy of sitting in that same category. That is," he paused, "I don't think it's weird. More like a childish need to prove yourself." Even though the two of you are so similar, it's uncanny. Kuroko turned away from him and disappeared into the inner studio, leaving him to enter on his own.
Bleh. Aomine shook his head to clear it of the cobwebs of stray thoughts, including his mental conversation with himself. Acting childish? Over Kagami? Ew. Tetsu's the weird one, in all senses of the word I know of.
Despite his unsettlement over Kuroko's disturbing resemblance to a certain short redhead, his mind was whirling. He couldn't stop thinking about the way Kuroko's lips had brushed past his ear earlier, his monotonous voice subtly laced with a sultry undertone.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
The muted din of the fast food restaurant barely reached the two men tucked away in one of the back booths. Even the staff knew better than to bother them; after all, they were regulars.
Kagami started on his third burger, watching Kuroko as he sipped his vanilla shake. Deciding that this was probably the best time to bring up the topic, he swallowed his mouthful and began.
"So, how did today's session with Ahomine go?" Kuroko's eyes snapped to his and gave him a light glare, the halo of contentment about him dissipating.
"That is hardly an appropriate topic for dinner, Kagami-kun. I have not finished my shake."
"And I'm not gonna be done anytime soon, so you might as well talk while I work through this. Come on. I know you're dying to tell someone about it." He grinned and waggled his eyebrows. I highly doubt anything inappropriate happened, but taking this information back to Momoi will be fun.
Kuroko sighed and dropped his head onto the table, slipping into his 'resigned' posture. "I see why he's called Ahomine now," he mumbled.
"Hah? What was that? You're talking to the table again, Kuroko."
The cerulean-haired man repeated himself, and the redhead hid his triumphant smirk. "Wanna talk about it?"
"Wipe that smirk off your face, Kagami-kun. I know you want to say 'I told you so', but save it."
Kagami's smirk slipped off his face, replaced by a look of mild bafflement. "No matter how many times you do that, I still think it's creepy how you know what I'm thinking without looking."
"Sei is my first cousin, Kagami-kun. Surviving a day without learning how to read him is practically impossible."
"Yeah, you got a point there." Kagami grumbled. "I take back what I said, Akashi's the creepy one."
"Careful what you say, Kagami-kun. Change the topic quickly, before he figures out it was you-" Kagami's phone buzzed with an incoming message, interrupting his words.
From: Akashi
Message:
Quit talking about me behind my back, Taiga. Or I'll have Tetsuya and Satsuki do something to you.
"Stupid Emperor." Kagami cursed the other redhead quietly. Another buzz, another message.
From: Akashi
Message:
I heard that, Taiga. Did Tetsuya already tell you he needed someone to take care of Nigou for the next 2 weeks?
Kagami blanched, then took to glaring at the cerulean-haired male. He didn't need to talk to Kuroko to know that Akashi's words were true. "Kuroko! Why?! You know I how much I hate dogs," he whined. The blasted husky would give him no rest for those two weeks.
"Mm? Maybe because Sei said it'd be good for you, and also because Momoi-san is busy." Sitting back upright, he calmly took another sip of the vanilla shake, as if he did not just deliver judgement upon his best friend. "Also, Kagami-kun? Don't whine. It's unbecoming for a man, and childish."
"You sound like Akashi, goddamnit. Start talking about anything else already." He groaned.
"Alright." A happy aura radiated from Kuroko, as if he had been waiting for his permission to begin. He launched into a blow-by-blow account of how he had gotten Aomine to model only in his underwear earlier that afternoon. Aomine had been rather embarrassed about it, even though it was still a sketch, he was not fully nude, and he got to wear a robe.
"...and the way he blushes! It's almost like he doesn't know I can see it, or he's purposely trying to seduce me." Kuroko mock-swooned onto the cushioned seats, and Kagami grinned at his antics, chin propped in hand. Watching Kuroko swoon never got old.
"You're like a lovesick schoolgirl, y'know." He commented offhandedly. What happened to Aomine being an idiot though? Love really is blind.
"Shut up, Kagami-kun." Came the muffled reply. "I don't comment when you gush about Momoi-san."
"Touché. But Momoi is my girlfriend." Kagami aimed a light kick in Kuroko's direction. It was returned with twice the force, as well as a stream of mumbled protests – 'unfair', 'playing the relationship card', 'Bakagami' - before Kuroko sat up and gave him a stern look, halting his next action.
"Kagami-kun," Kuroko said with all earnestness. "How exactly did you know Aomine-kun? Besides the obvious fact that he knows Momoi-san."
"Actually, Momoi is Aomine's childhood friend. As was I." Kagami shrugged as if it were nothing to him, but Kuroko's eyes grew round as saucers.
"Reeeeaallly. And you deigned to mention this to me before, why?" His tone had fallen back into monotony, but the aura that was radiating off Kuroko was almost as bad as Akashi- No, scratch that. Kuroko's aura as of now was more terrifying and intimidating than Akashi's was when said redhead was angry. It almost made Kagami wish he had brains for once.
Kagami gulped nervously. "It... Wasn't important?" He tried. Kuroko's aura flared black, and it was not diminished by the shrill ringing of an incoming call. He flipped open his phone and answered without taking his eyes off Kagami.
"What is it, Sei? I'm busy."
Kagami could just barely hear Akashi over the din of the restaurant. Do I want to know how Kuroko knows it's Akashi calling? ...Nope, I think I'm safer not knowing.
"Are you sure you want to kill Taiga right now, Tetsuya? He will be more useful to you alive."
"That fact is doubtless. But Sei, I am quite certain about killing him now." Kuroko's hand inched towards his bag, where he knew Akashi left an extra scissors should he ever have a need to use it. This certainly qualified as one of those times. Kagami began slowly scooting to the edge of the booth when he noticed Kuroko's hand's destination, but a scathing glare from said man halted his tracks.
"It is admirable, Tetsuya, how much you aspire to be like me, but I insist that you not use my scissors for this purpose. Besides, do you have another willing victim who would manage your accounts for you?"
"...no." Kuroko reluctantly pulled his hand back into his lap, but Kagami remained perched on the edge of his seat, ready to flee at a moment's notice.
"Then be nice to Taiga. I can't believe I just said that, but be nice." Kagami relaxed just a little, grinning triumphantly. If Akashi said to be nice, there was no way Kuroko would defy him. "Besides, that's a good source of information you have yet to drain dry."
"Hey! Akashi, are you on my side or not?" Kagami protested, only to be silenced again by Kuroko's eyes.
The voice on the phone chuckled. "Always have contingency plans, Taiga. There are wolves out there that you are no match for." The caller clicked off, and Kuroko put his phone away. Steepling his hands, he inspected Kagami over them, as if trying to gauge his worth.
"Sei does have a point, so I won't kill you now. And before you ask, that was not him giving you his approval, that was him saying that you're another pawn in the game. Although, I think you're more useful as a bishop." He added cheekily.
"Better a bishop than a pawn though," Kagami grumbled, sliding back into the booth. Kuroko calling me a bishop means he's out of that Akashi-induced craze... I hope. "And before you try to scare the shit out of me again, I will tell you everything else you want to know about Aomine. Deal?"
Looks like that speeded up his brain development, Kuroko thought wryly. I need to impersonate Sei more often. Out loud, he could barely contain a smile as he agreed.
"Deal."
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
As Kuroko lay in bed that night, he couldn't help but sort through the plethora of information he had gathered that day. Momoi-san must be rubbing off on me, he thought. Only she would go to such great extents to obtain all available information.
Despite that, he was quite pleased with the day's outcome. Not only had he gotten a good sketch of Aomine - and some well-deserved ogling besides - he had managed to wring out a substantial amount of information from Kagami. It's not much, but it'll do for now.
Aomine Daiki was quite a curious fellow. While no doubt a prodigy in athletics, his academics were dismal enough to warrant him repeating two years in high school. He had been scouted as a player for Japan's National Basketball team, but as it was mandatory for him to have finished his schooling before he could play, he reluctantly studied hard enough to just pass high school.
His childhood friends, Kagami and Momoi, were the ones he spent the most time with in his younger days, and he constantly got all of them into trouble. When Kagami moved to America, it was up to Momoi to whack Aomine into shape on her own - something she managed quite well for many years. Kagami's return put Aomine on edge, as he saw him as a rival on court, and for Momoi's affections - never mind that they got along perfectly fine in the past. ("I think those are called hormones, Kagami-kun." "Shut up, you know-it-all. I'm telling the story.")
Kagami thought that Aomine was awfully hardheaded, for so far, no one had yet to break through to him. It was like he had built up a wall around himself, and would not let anyone in. If he were to judge by his actions earlier that afternoon, he would say that Aomine was like a lost child, with no direction and no purpose. Kuroko was oddly intrigued by this, and quietly vowed to do something about it - he had a lot of time alone with Aomine from now onwards, anyway.
The door to his bedroom creaked open, pulling him away from beginning his formation of a devious plan. The bed creaked where the other person sat down, but Kuroko refused to respond, tugging the covers over his head instead. They were yanked back down again by the person sitting on his feet, but still, he refused to acknowledge their existence.
"Tetsuya. Ignoring me isn't going to be good for your circulation." A mildly amused voice told him.
"Going to sleep will be good for my circulation," grumbled Kuroko. "What do you want, Sei? You were supposed to be at Nijimura-san's tonight."
"Trying to get rid of me?" Akashi shrugged, crawling over Kuroko to get to his side of the bed. His plan to cut off circulation to Kuroko's feet to get his attention was not working, and so, he needed a different approach.
"Don't bring Daiki back here, ever. I have no intention of coming back home to find you and him participating in illicit activities, especially on this bed."
"Maybe I'll do that just to spite you," Kuroko mumbled into his pillow. Even though I barely know him. Out loud he said, "It's my bed too."
"I heard that unspoken statement, Tetsuya." An arm snaked over his waist, pulling him squarely against the redhead's chest. Kuroko squirmed, trying to break out of his cousin's grip, but Akashi only held on more tightly. This method always works. "Come on, now. Have you told him who you're related to?"
"You know him?" Kuroko twisted his head back a little, peeking at Akashi through his bangs. Akashi chuckled. "We were in the same basketball team at Teikou remember? The one you expressly avoided because you didn't want people to find out we are related?"
"Oh. That one." Kuroko writhed against Akashi's slightly more relaxed grip, breaking free at last! - only to fall onto an ungraceful heap on the floor. He struggled to pull the blanket off, while Akashi peered over the edge of the bed with amusement, one arm propping his head up.
"And that, Tetsuya, is why I didn't let go of you."
"Screw you," mumbled Kuroko, fumbling back onto the mattress. He pushed Akashi away when he reached for him, sticking an extra pillow between them. "I didn't mean literally, Sei."
"Aw, don't be so cold. You know you love me."
"You would do anything that moves, Sei. Including me, never mind that we're cousins."
"And that says something about my self-control, doesn't it? I've never actually tried to do anything against your will."
"Do I have to count the number of times you tried to seduce me? For fun or not?"
"Mmm, no. Too many to count." Akashi draped an arm over the pillow between them, looking at Kuroko with smothering eyes. The cerulean-haired male rolled his eyes. "Save that for Nijimura-san. I think he's the one who could finally sate your insane appetite."
"You may be right," Akashi admitted, a dreamy look in his eyes. "Maybe I should have stayed with Shuuzou tonight."
"Go to sleep, Sei. Or you can tell me all about Aomine Daiki. That's one way I'll accept you keeping me awake."
"I choose sleep after all." Akashi declared without a hint of hesitation. "Keeping Daiki in my thoughts isn't good for my health."
"I think you mean your libido, but whatever sails your boat, Sei. At least tell me what he's like, though." Kuroko wheedled, poking Akashi's arm repeatedly. The desperation of his action was not lost on Akashi, and he turned to face his cousin resolutely.
"Don't make me do awful things to you, Tetsuya." Akashi warned, grabbing the offending limb. Kuroko pouted at him, and he sighed, lacing their fingers together in resignation. That pout is my Achilles' heel, irritating, lovable cousin of mine.
"Daiki is everything Taiga already told you. Hardheaded, arrogant, extremely talented in basketball but in nothing else. I believe he holds a grudge against Taiga for capturing Satsuki's heart, but he was asking for it." It's always going to be hormones, Kagami-kun. Quit talking to people in your head. Kagami couldn't hear you even if he was telepathic. Sei can, though. I'd better listen instead of think.
"He is not rational, though he protects and loves fiercely. He hasn't been very open since Taiga left, perhaps because he felt he lost his brother and had no one to trust. He seems very simple to me." Akashi shrugged, unperturbed, his evaluation complete.
Kuroko pursed his lips, thinking. No, Aomine did not seem like a very nice person sometimes, but his innocent awe when he saw Kuroko's drawings for the first time was something he always wanted to hold dear. And maybe, just maybe, he could do that someday. Not just that innocence, but also the confidence and strength and everything that made him him. If he could only reach out a little further...
"Tetsuya." Akashi's voice broke his train of thought. He looked at his cousin blankly. "Stop thinking so much, you're overloading my brain."
Kuroko scowled. "It's not my fault you make it your job to know everyone's business. Stop reading me." At the very least, he didn't 'hear' me talking to Kagami-kun just now.
"Not gonna happen, cuz," Akashi teased, squeezing their joined hands lightly. "Now quit thinking and sleep. You were the one who wanted to sleep in the first place."
"Mmm." Kuroko hummed non-committedly, snuggling into the pillow. He could feel Akashi doing the same on the other side of the makeshift barrier, and smiled to himself at the familiarity of the situation.
"G'night, Sei."
"Goodnight, Tetsuya."
As waves of sleep washed over him and the familiar warmth of Akashi's hand comforted him, Kuroko couldn't help but wonder about Aomine – where he was, and if he fell asleep alone at night.