A/N: Be aware that this is un-beta version.

Chapter 7 : Akashi's Wavering

Staring at Furihata's sleeping face, Akashi leaned down and brushed his bangs away from his eyelids. He smiled to himself, satisfied that Furihata seemed to have no trouble sleeping after that dinner. He sighed and kissed Furihata's forehead. The young master turned around and walked out and downstairs to his father's room. Standing before the door, Akashi knocked three times and waited. His father's muffled voice allowed him to enter.

Akashi closed the door behind him. His eyes found Masaomi slowly swirling a glass of wine on his hand. His eyes were still glued to the laptop in front of him, sighing and mumbling to himself. Akashi waited patiently until his father spoke up. Masaomi's eyes drifted from the screen up to his son.

"Are you really serious about that boy, Seijurou?"

"Yes, father. Since you must know, I'm very serious about him."

"Very well, then I'll leave it to your hands to do your best to shape him up. I want to see what you can do to prove his worth in two months from now and see how he'll react to his surroundings. If he hasn't changed by then, you are done playing around. Next year will be your last year in a high school, so I need you to think about your own future. I wouldn't be surprised if you'd attend into Tokyo University easily with that head of yours."

Akashi curled his hands. He wasn't playing around… Actually… he had to admit that he was indeed testing his feelings for Furihata, but now it was a whole different story. The closer he got to the boy, the more Furihata's smile able to lighten his world.

"I will try my best, father." Both for Kouki and the university.

"Then you are dismissed."

"Thank you, father." Akashi smiled triumphantly. Tokyo University. That way he could move to Tokyo and be together with his dearest Kouki.

"One more thing, Seijuurou."

Akashi looked back to his father.

"Don't forget to use protection."

Akashi choked under his father's gaze. Those eyes obviously teasing him.

"Understood, father." He cringed as he replied with a cracked voice. It felt odd for promising something like this to his own father. He sighed in exasperation when his father practically shooed him out of the room.

It was the day to face the truth when Furihata woke up with Akashi sleeping beside him, hugging him tightly still now, as he had throughout the night. He had to go home today. Furihata gently moved Akashi's arm that was wrapped around him, yawned and sat up. He looked around and found that he was topless. Flushing at the memory of the previous night, Furihata quickly glanced about for his shirt. He found it had been dropped to the carpet beneath the bed. He put it on and walked to the bathroom to wash his face. Pausing in front of the door when he heard Akashi mumbled his name, Furihata threw him a sad look. His mind went back to what Masomi had said to him during dinner.

'The point is… he is right. I need to shape up more, to practice more and become someone valuable for him.' Furihata closed the bathroom door and sighed as he leaned against the door. Reality was much harder than he thought… To think that he'd fall for someone as high as Akashi… Even if they were just trying to be together but… lately Furihata found himself falling deeper and deeper into Akashi's warm embrace. Sliding down to the tile floor with his flushed cheeks, he tried to forget Akashi's touches that still lingered throughout his body. He'd almost… almost given in but then… Akashi had retracted his hands as if he'd been scorched, whispering an apology and just held him in his arms after their euphoria…Furihata had persuaded him that he wanted to go further but… the young Akashi looked like he hadn't wanted to just yet. He wondered what was holding him back.

Chewing his bottom lip, Furihata shook his head and stood up. He turned on the faucet and splashed his face a few times, trying to wake himself up. He didn't need morning wood right this moment; there were more pressing matters to deal with. Seeing his reflection in the mirror, Furihata could see his pathetic face looking back at him. If only he had a different haircut, or maybe if he pulled up his bangs with some hair gel… Then he'd look more classy and presentable for Akashi, perhaps?

Looking at the wardrobe beside him, Furihata's hand reached for the knob.

Akashi yawned, only feeling cold creeping into his open hand when he tried to reach for his Kouki. He blinked a few times after realizing that Furihata was nowhere to be found. His eyes scanned the room and found the bathroom's light on. Stretching out his stiff body, he decided that joining Furihata to bathe was a pretty good idea. Smirking to himself with his plan to sneak up on his lover during his valuable bath time, Akashi slowly turned the doorknob as silently as he could. The plan promptly failed as he saw Furihata standing in front of the mirror with styling gel in his hair and posing to get a good look at himself. His hair was pulled up in a sleek salary man style. His lack of pants and simple night-shirt with only underwear was a priceless sight. Akashi blinked a few times and let out a snort. His boyfriend, upon realizing that he had a spectator, let out a very unceremonious squawk.

"What are you doing?" Akashi said as he entered the bathroom.

"Don't come near me!" Furihata tried to stop him but Akashi circled his arms around his waist, not listening.

"You dare to use my hair gel without permission and now you are ordering me around?" Akashi chuckled, knowing how embarrassed his boyfriend was. He checked Furihata's reflection and smirked.

"Why are you using hair gel when you haven't washed yet?"

"Never mind that. I just wanted to try it out…" Furihata looked down, pursing his lips. The pink dust on his cheeks had still not disappeared.

"You aren't cute with your hair like this." Akashi pulled down his bangs and chuckled when Furihata slapped his hand away.

"I have the right to look more presentable next to Akashi-sama!" Furihata huffed and sleeked his hair back.

"What? Why are you getting worked up over this, Kouki?" Akashi frowned.

"I don't want to be mocked when the public sees us together and end up embarrassing you. At least let me change my appearance to look more like an adult."

Akashi rolled his eyes. "I told you not to take my father's words to heart, did I not?"

"But it's the truth."

Akashi glared at him. "I don't approve. You look horrendous like that. Not cute at all and it annoys me. You look like those who tried to rob me or only want me for my body."

Gaping at the merciless words, Furihata opened his mouth and shut it again after realizing he had no words to retort with. He jolted when Akashi pinched his nose.

"Don't try to change for someone else other than me. Not even my father is allowed to change you. You are you. I love you because you're you, Kouki." Akashi leaned closer and claimed his lips. Satisfied when Furihata moaned under his kisses, Akashi pulled back.

"Sei…" Furihata flushed.

"You are you. I won't hear any of this anymore. Is that clear?"

Nodding with shyness plastered on his features, Furihata hid his face on the crook of Akashi's neck.

"Let's take a bath. I'll go back to Tokyo with you, I have things to look into over there."

"Alright." Furihata closed his eyes when Akashi ruffled his hair. He felt secure with Akashi's arms around him, protecting him.

Furihata got off the train, followed by Akashi who was dragging an oversized bag.

"Thanks. I can take it with me." Furihata pulled his bag.

"It's alright, I'll call a taxi for us." He let Furihata took his bag from his hand.

"Eh? Where do you want to go?"

"Tokyo University."

Furihata's eyes widened. "For what?"

"Obviously, I have to start aiming for that university. Next year we'll be third-year students."

"T-Tokyo-" Furihata lost his voice. No one could reach that high unless they were really smart. Of course, for Akashi, it was no big deal.

"I'm actually thinking about having a university in Tokyo so that we can be together. Which University are you aiming for, Kouki? I can help you study for it." Akashi smiled and pulled his lover's hand. Both exited the station hand in hand.

"I don't know yet…" Furihata looked down. The more he thought about it, the bigger the gap got between them. Swallowing the lump in his throat, Furihata looked at Akashi who ruffled his hair as if he were a small child.

"My father won't let me go to an ordinary university unless it's something big. I have to work hard for it as well or I won't be able to move to Tokyo and stay by your side forever."

Forever.

The word struck Furihata's mind. His face was immediately adorned by a red hue. He clutched the handle of his bag. He was like as if Akashi were…

"Kouki?"

Furihata looked down. "I'll just see what's the plan after next year." He gave him a reassuring smile.

Smiling back at Furihata, Akashi leaned forward and kissed his forehead. "I'm sure you'll be able to attend the same university as me. Why don't you try?"

"I… don't think I'm that smart…" Furihata chuckled and rubbed his cheek with his forefinger.

"You'll never know until you try. If its not working that means you are not trying hard enough." Akashi kissed his nose, earning a shy look from Furihata.

Akashi blinked when Furihata pecked his lips. Chuckling at the invitation, he kissed him deeper, not caring whether they were in public view or not.

"Mnh… S-Sei…" Furihata gasped when Akashi squeezed his butt cheeks and turned bright red at his own sound. He cupped his mouth, ashamed and looked around if people nearby had heard him or not.

"You truly are adorable." Akashi clicked his tongue and whispered into his ear. "As much as I would like to hear more of your mewling sounds, I don't feel like sharing with someone else."

Furihata pressed his palm on Akashi's chest, pouting. "Stop." He sighed and gently pushed him away. Furihata turned around and clenched his fists.

"Sei… about last night…"

Akashi blinked.

"W-Why did you… stop…?" His face heated up as soon as he blurted it out. Eyes glinting with embarrassment, Furihata didn't dare turn around to face him.

Akashi put his hand on his shoulder. "Kouki, look at-"

"Akashicchi! It's really you!"

Akashi quickly retracted his hand away. Furihata felt like his heart was about to leap out from his chest.

'This voice…' Furihata whipped around to see someone with shining golden hair approaching them. 'Crap! Kise Ryouta!'

"Eh, aren't you Furihata? I was wondering if my guess was right. It is indeed you, Seirin's Captain, Furihata Kouki!" Kise approached him with a big grin.

"K-Kise-san. L-long time no see…" Furihata forced a smile, praying to every God he knew that he didn't see him kissing his former captain or news of it would spread as fast as a virus. News meant publicity of their relationship. Akashi's father might find out and it would be the end of their relationship.

"Are you alright? You look pale." Kise frowned.

"I'm alright!" Furihata quickly waved his hands away. "A-anyway, Akashi-san, I better get going!" He quickly sprinted away from the two of them.

"Did you do something to him, Akashicchi? He was so scared of you, you know?" Kise snickered.

Akashi rolled his eyes. Good thing the one who saw them was only Kise.

"He's always like that with people he's not close to. Anyway, I thought we're supposed to meet somewhere in time for lunch?"

"Aah, I was waiting at the new bread store nearby and I saw familiar red hair on my way out. I'm curious, though. Is it another meeting about your boy?" Kise grinned widely at Akashi.

"You could say that. We'll talk about it later once everyone has been gathered. I have some business in the university, so I have to go now."

"Alright, see you at lunch time!" Kise waved. He frowned when after Akashi left. 'Was it my imagination or did Akashi and Furihata just…' He snorted and laughed to his own impossible speculation. "No way, Furihata is too timid, there's no way he's Akashi's type." He chuckled and walked outside the station building.

Akashi hid against the other side of the wall and watched as Kise walked out. 'Ryouta, I'm glad you're stupid, in some way. If it had been Kuroko, he would have known.' Akashi knew he was being mean, but he didn't care in the least.

"Kawahara! Pass it here!" Fukuda shouted.

Kawahara passed the ball and turned around to the defense. Kagami easily passed the two defenders, caught the ball from Fukuda and scored.

"Yeah!" Fukuda laughed.

"Nice pass, Kawahara! I'm sure at the upcoming Winter Cup we'll be able to strengthen our defense." Kagami gave him a big thumb up.

"Thanks for practicing with us, Kagami, Kuroko. You know, coach will kill us if she finds out we're practicing outside the school hour." Fukuda laughed.

"Yeah, our captain is getting better and better lately, so we need to shape up as well!" Kawahara picked up the ball.

"I'm sure Riko-san will just add another practice hour." Kuroko said with a smile.

"Well, speak of the Devil and he shall appear... Furi!" Kagami shouted.

Furihata smiled and put his bag on the bench. "Kawahara, I think you need to build up your defense more."

"Already lecturing us the moment you set foot in the court, now?" Kawahara pinched his cheek.

"Ouch!" Furihata slapped his hand away and rubbed his sore cheek. "Sorry, I… just want to win the next one." Furihata smiled sheepishly.

"Are you alright, Furi? You seemed down after we lost the game the other day. You suddenly wanted to stay in Kyoto right after the match ended." Fukuda walked closer to his two best friend.

"I'm alright now. Thanks for worrying. I have a friend of mine who lives in Kyoto, so I thought I'd pay him a visit, was all."

"I see. If you're fine, then it's alright." Kawahara grinned.

"Anyway, let's practice!" Furihata slid off his jacket and folded it nicely.

Kuroko's eyes widened at the sight of red mark on Furihata's collar bone. "Furihata-kun, that's…"

"Yes?" Furihata blinked and looked down.

Fukuda and Kawahara tried to muffled their laughter while Kagami gasped. Immediately Furihata slapped his collarbone on the place where Akashi sucked on him was.

"N-No… this is…" He stuttered and quickly put his jacket back on.

"It's useless to hide it now. We've seen it." Fukuda threw him a teasing smile.

'Damn you, Sei! Why did you make it too obvious?!' Furihata growled in embarrassment.

"It's alright, Furihata. You should be proud!" Kagami gave him a thumb up which earned him a hard nudge by Kuroko's elbow.

"You are not the right person to approve this, Kagami-kun."

"Just forget about it, alright? Let's practice." Furihata scowled.

"No need to practice, we need a story! You see, captain, we need to learn something about you!" Fukuda quickly put his arms on Furihata's shoulder, grinning widely.

"Learn what?! Enough already!" Furihata's cheeks ha turned crimson by the time he had backed away from Fukuda.

They wouldn't leave him alone after that. Furihata groaned. He'd make sure to give a text message to Akashi after this 'practice' in which they ended up just messing around and teasing their captain everytime Furihata held the ball.

Things would have been easier if Akashi's father hadn't pressed the idea of them having a secret relationship. Furihata felt like he needed to be extra careful, since having a secret relationship with Akashi now had a different reason to be kept hidden. He looked down to the basket ball he just caught. Never had he thought he'd have some other reason to keep this relationship a secret. Nobody was supposed to know about them. Maybe… it was better that way.

"Oh, it's almost time. I need to get going." Kuroko suddenly broke Furihata's train of thoughts.

"You have something to do?" Furihata blinked.

"Yes, actually, Akashi-kun told us to meet at Maji Burger. I picked that location because it's easier for me to reach." Kuroko explained while he paced to the bench to pick up his things.

Furihata knew by us meaning his former teammates. "A-Akashi?"

"Do you want to come along?" Kuroko smiled. That sounded familiar. He remembered the first time Furihata met the Generation of Miracle, Akashi had done something awful which had made the brown-haired boy scared of Akashi.

"S-Sure…"

"Kagami-kun?"

"What? I'm not going." He quickly rejected him.

Kuroko shrugged and bid the others goodbye.

Everyone was patiently waiting for their orders to come. The only one who wasn't attending was Murasakibara. The bell of the restaurant chimed when the door opened, revealing Kuroko coming inside. Akashi raised his head to greet him, only to gaped when he saw his beloved Kouki tailing along behind him. Those blue eyes quickly found his former captain's red hair poking between the other rainbows hair and approached them.

Furihata gulped when he saw Akashi's eyes twitch. Well, wasn't this familiar?

The redhead stood up from his seat, offering a smile. He hadn't called him to gather together with them. Not when the topic was about FURIHATA HIMSELF! Akashi curled his fingers.

"Furihata, I believe I called my former teammates only."

Furihata looked bewildered, he couldn't believe his ears. "W-wait, I-"

"I think it's alright if he joins in, Akashi-kun." Kuroko smiled at his friend who was frowning at Akashi.

"Tetsuya! Are you defying me?!" Akashi pressed. 'Can't you catch the hint or something?!' Red lights were flashing in his mind like an alarm. Maybe Kuroko did it intentionally? Did he know? Somehow, Akashi doubted it.

"Isn't it alright, Akashicchi? I mean, he could offer some help if you need anything…" Kise blinked.

'HELP TO SUGGEST AN IDEA OF HOW TO DEFLOWER YOUR LOVER?! IS THERE A LIMIT TO YOUR STUPIDITY, RYOUTA?!' Okay, it wasn't like he didn't know how, but he just needed some input as not to break him or some sort of-

Akashi grit his teeth. They were interrupted by the waiter bringing their food. The Rakuzan's captain defeatedly sat down. In the end, Furihata sat across Akashi while Kuroko sat on his left beside Kise, who was yelling at Aomine, who almost dropped his coffee onto his expensive sleeve jacket. Midorima sat across Aomine and adjusted his glasses, telling them to lower their voices. He was seated on Akashi's right side.

Furihata stared at him with one eyebrow arched. Akashi obviously avoided looking back at 's milkshake came pretty quickly.

"So… What are you going to talk about, Akashicchi?" Kise leaned forward excitedly with a big grin.

Midorima sipped his tea, staring at Akashi, waiting for any explanation. Kuroko slurped his milkshake, patiently waiting. Aomine munched loudly on his fries.

Akashi crossed his arm, frowning. "It's okay. I just want to see how are you all doing, is all."

"Quit fucking around, Akashi!" Aomine slammed his fist in the table.

Kise groaned and Midorima clicked his tongue while adjusting his glasses. Furihata looked at them and back to Akashi.

"Uhh…" He felt nervous now that all eyes were on him. "If you wanted to talk with them alone without me, I can leave…" He slowly stood up.

'Yes, do that, Kouki! My Kouki is so smart!'

"Don't be stupid, Furihata-kun. Of course it's fine. Besides, your chips haven't even arrived yet."

This time, Akashi's eyebrow twitched. "Wait a moment." He rose to his feet and quickly walked to the counter of the kitchen.

Furihata eyed him in wonder if Akashi always acted like this with his former teammates.

"Kurokocchi, are you doing that on purpose?" Kise snickered.

"I think there's something he really wants to discuss with you guys… I better leave now while he's away." Furihata mumbled, ready to rise to his feet, but Kuroko tugged on his shirt.

"It's okay. I think he needs to open up to other people besides us. You can stay."

'I think you read it wrong, Kuroko! He obviously doesn't want me to join in here.' Furihata pressed his lips together.

Akashi came back and sat across from Furihata. A few seconds later, a waiter brought the three plates of potato chips that Furihata had ordered. His lover's eyes goggled at the amount and threw a look at Akashi.

"I'm sorry for the lateness of your order. Here's some extra chips for you." The waiter bowed and left.

Staring at the chips, Furihata knew who the culprit was immediately. He needed to talk to Akashi after this.

"Uhh I don't think I'll be able to finish this all by myself. Let's share." Furihata laughed nervously.

"Thank you, Furicchi!" Kise immediately snatched the chips.

"Hey, pull that plate over there closer to me!" Aomine slapped Kise's hand.

"That hurt, Aominecchi!" Kise caressed the back of his hand.

"Enough of this! Akashi, I want you to tell us why we're here, already!" Midorima snapped.

All eyes were now on Akashi, waiting.

"Fine. Furihata, you better not listening to this." Akashi frowned at his lover.

Furihata went rigid.

"I'm sure he won't." Kuroko smiled.

"Yes, just pretend he is not here." Kise nodded enthusiastically.

"We don't have all day, Akashi." Aomine leaned his chin on the palm of his hand.

A moment passed and Akashi didn't say a thing.

"Hurry up!" As patient as Midorima could be, he was losing it.

Akashi raised an eyebrow at him.

Furihata sighed and picked up his chips. Kuroko slurped his milkshake loudly to express his growing impatience. Aomine groaned and shook his head, pulling his glass of coffee near to his lips.

"How do you deflower someone so innocent to the point of breaking him? The thing is, I don't want to break him."

Furihata choked on his chips. Aomine sprayed his coffee right into Midorima's face across him. Kuroko coughed several times over his milkshakes and Kise was gaping like a fish.

Akashi remained in different although now he stared at Furihata who was on the verge of having the ground swallow him whole.

'S-SEEEI YOU… BAKAAAAAAAAAA!' Internally, Furihata screamed in agony. He shouldn't have tagged along! He really shouldn't have!

TBC

:D Sei… lol