HELOOOO AND WELCOME TO THE 27TH UPDAAATE for Lion. Whoa! Amazing we made it to this point, this is far my longest fanfiction yet, ahahaha I hope I'm not boring you guys. Thank you to our reviewers, are you excited for the most important arc in the story? Its closing in FAST. BTW have you guys heard that KnB is having a fourth season and a movie, the movie is the Extra Game, but the season 4 I dont really know. And omg have you guys seen the line up for the characters for KnB Musical? All I can say is their Shin-chan is so demn hooot-dont forget about Takao too and Izuki, they are soooooo handsssome! AHem, ahem, anyhowI must say sorry for having this update a bit late, the reason to this late update is first my finals and second my neighbor's wifi isn't working-please dont tell her I'm tapping down on their wifi, i swear this is all for educational purposes.

back to the topic, with Kise and Aomine finally resolving their feelings for each other, and Kagami's return to Teiko, what is going to happen with our babes, and what exactly is Nash Gold's intentions and what is he hiding behind his smirk? ARE YOU EXCITED YET? oooh the biggest question still stands, just what will Akashi do when he realizes Furihata's absence? Thank you for our lovely reviewers, unfortunately since we have limited time I can't thank you all one by one, but dont worry as I said I read them ALWAYS, every single one of them-it actually goes directly into my e-mail. If you guys have immediate queries you can contact me through my twitter account that you can see in my profile, oooor you can PM right here and I would do my best to answer them ASAP. Suggestions are very much welcomed BTW.

So yeaah, thank you everyone for waiting and please, please, suuuuuper please leave a review and let me know what you think

with love!

Chapter 27: Unveiling

Akashi had seen it coming, maybe before both of them ever knew it would. The moment those two met, something told Akashi that no distance could ever make them forget each other entirely. At first they were like opposing forces, Aomine kept complaining how Kise is nothing but a pampered prince, while the other complained about Aomine being a complete barbarian who knew nothing but to settle things with muscles and fist—which is not entirely untrue. They were like the morning and night, they were not made to be agreeable, but they always, always meet halfway. Kise's joyful personality lightens up the prince's usually sour mood, while the prince's sour mood made Kise a tiny bit wary of his own too much dose of joyfulness.

They may never understand or agree in things, but that does not mean they don't work out well. Due to their differences they were able to form a balance between them, a kind of mutual benefits for both parties.

Those things aside, Akashi had always kept only but his best interest for his younger brother, despite Aomine's crude personality he is still but his blood brother. He knew the look he gave the blonde Kaijo born boy. He looked at him with great interest he looked no one else with, and despite not vocalizing it, Akashi knew that his brother respected Kise's kind and passionate heart. On the other hand, Kise's fancy to Aomine had never been a secret to him, the look he gave the prince of Too lingered, they we full of absolute admiration, and to take the interest and taste of a picky son of the former King of Kaijo, a royalty of the kingdom of golden throne is something.

Who was he not to grant them of their wish to be together?

Akashi eyed Kise who was standing behind the prince of Too who was kneeling in one of his knee with his head bowed low. It never occurred to Akashi that Aomine would be the first to become dethroned among them siblings, he never flashed as someone who would take things quickly and seriously, but then again this was Kise they were talking about anyways. The amount of time they have known each other is enough to have them know each other. Aomine's head hung low with his fist against the ground while the other clutched on his bended knee, wearing a dark red kimono and black hakama paired with a haori with dark red linings—this was the closest thing Aomine would wear to show formalities, wearing the colors of Too. Behind him Kise wore a daffodil yellow hikiuri kimono painted with silver image of what seems like the palace of Kaijo in a beautiful weather showing his own respect to the court.

"I am asking for blessings brother." Aomine's voice is calm, the calmest tone he ahd ever heard the prince used. Akashi slightly lifted his chin. Aomine had thought if this, this was not because a spur of the moment kind of decision. "Emperor, my brother," Aomine lifted his head meeting his midnight blue eyes with the Emperor's heterochromiatic ones. "I have never asked for anything from you and I have fulfilled my duty in this palace and as part of Too's palace as well. I loved Teiko, but today this love I find myself sharing with someone."

Akashi nodded, "Present to me this person you speak of."

Aomine raised and stood firmly in his two feet as he turned to his side presenting his hand for Kise to hold unto. The sound of the expensive material of the King's kimono resounded in the silence of the hall as he walked to Aomine's side taking his lover's hand. Kise squeezed Aomine's hand lightly praying he could squeeze a little of comfort from his warm and calloused palm.

"I present to you, Kise Ryouta."

Kise raised his head to look at the Emperor, he let go of Aomine's hand and went down in his knees and placed both his hand in the floor before bowing his head against them. After giving the Emperor of his respects Kise stood again to introduce himself, "Shujo, I am the son of former King Kise Yuki and the current crowned King of the Kingdom of Kaijo, the Golden Throne."

"Why bow to me if you are indeed a King?" Akashi asked silently smirking to himself, it is a trick question.

Kise smiled to Akashi.

"Why would I not Your Highness, for you were shall be my Emperor as well once you give your blessings to us. I must give respects to the regent for my future husband."

Akashi smiled contentedly.

"Do you understand this very well Kise-heika?" Akashi asked before glancing at Kise's adviser who stood at the back of the room, standing straight without a hint of any retaliation or objection of his King's decision. "Once I give you my blessings, and once you are wed to my brother your Kingdom would be shared to ours for you shall be part of the royal lineage of the Empire of Teiko. You do understand that wedding with my brother will have you wed to the Empire as well."

Kise looked at Aomine for a while before he turned again and nodded to Akashi. "Yes, Your Highness." He answered, "I understand that in this process Kaijo will be part of the Empire of Teiko. I see no harm done for me, and I see this as a chance for growth for both parties. After all we have already signed a treaty for mutual governance over Kaijo over my absence, it wouldn't be that hard for my people to understand that in the stay of Aomine-denka I have…well…" Kise blushed a bit ducking his head, "have fallen in love with him."

"Political weddings are not rare."

"Its not like that." Aomine said with a firm tone. "This is not simply lifting burdens from ruling a kingdom alone, this is…more than that."

Akahsi chuckled, his mother he swore she would be laughing vehemently now wherever she is. She had always bet with their father that Aomine was the most romantic of the brothers, but due to Aomine's scurf and ruff attitude no one ever agreed with her in that terms.

"Shouldn't you have more things to think of than this Daiki?"

Aomine raised an eyebrow, confused, "What do you mean?"

"As a noble man asking for your consort's hand, shouldn't you be first making an impression to his people?"

Kise gaped and found himself smiling, he felt Aomine tugged at their intertwined hands, he found his lover smiling as well.

"Are you giving us your blessings?" Aomine asked.

"I have long given it the moment I asked you to meet Ryouta in his Kingdom." Akashi glanced at Kise, "Since you shall be a part of this family I hope you would not mind me calling you by your name, just like then."

Kise shook his head happily, "No, not at all Akashi-sama."

"Then I advise for both of you to be preparing now," Akashi stood from his seat and smirked at his brother, "And Daiki?"

"Yeah?"

"I know you so please do keep your hands to yourself until the day of the matrimony."

Kise blushed a thousand shades of red at the implication of the Emperor's words, Aomine merely huffed and muttered how much of jerk his brother is and he was using their age difference to make fun of him because he knew he wouldn't be able to retort when he's impressing his consort. Kise recovered from the thought and elbowed Aomine at the side as he realized what he had just said. Akashi smiled at the sight of the two. In a few weeks he would be awaiting their return and celebrate their joining of hands.

Excusing himself he left the two in the hall, for some reason he felt relaxed. Maybe the thought that his brother ever finally settling down made him quite happy, now that he thought of it he found himself thinking of the green haired prince of Shuutoku as well, he scoffed at the thought. Midorima is obviously smitten over the raven haired Hawk Child and this is true for the Hawk Child as well. It is probably wouldn't take that long too once they realize that being next to each other wouldn't be that enough.

Akashi's steps came to halt as he was standing right outside the hall, the guards had closed the door behind him, it was awfully quiet.

Being next to each other isnt enough anymore.

For some reason he felt a tug in his heart at the thought. The security provided by the fact that they lived in the same palace wasn't going to be enough, because in truth anyone can come and take that person away, it was just that easy.

Images of Himuro standing there speaking with Furihata being so close to the brunette flashed in the back of Akashi's mind, and it stirred the slumbering bitter thoughts in him. He knew for a fact the frail security that being physically next to the other could only provide. A false sense of security.

He needed to hear Furihata, see him.

"Shujo." As if on cue Akashi heard the fifth prince's voice, turning to the other side of the hallway, he found Kuroko and his attendants behind him. "Good evening." Kuroko greeted as he bowed his head a bit.

"Good evening."

"How did your conversation with Aomine-kun went?"

"They would be going to Kaijo as soon as possible, after all what kind of people are we if we do not introduce ourselves and Daiki to formally ask for Ryouta's hand from their Kingdom. It is only rightful." Akashi answered.

"You had given them your blessings I see."

"Who am I not to?"

Kuroko's face remained placid, "Then I shall accompany you to where you wish to go."

Akashi stopped and stared at Kuroko's eyes squinting his eyes ever so slightly, "No."

"No?"

"No."

"I see no reason for you to do so, it is my job to keep you safe and accompany you—"

"That was done the moment Kouki came. Isnt that Kouki's job to accompany me as my attendant?"

"He is available at the moment."

"Why?"

Kuroko stared at his brother, "You and I know the reason, why ask brother?"

Akashi's eyes widen at the words. He never wanted to face the truth but Kuroko was right he knows what would happen, he knew this would happen if he broke down in front of him. Even if in truth that Furihata is not at fault, this wouldn't be an excuse to be punished. An Emperor who was harmed whether or not it is the fault or not by the attendant the fact that he was with the Emperor and he was still harmed is enough grounds for a punishment.

"Ignorance is not an excuse, didn't you always say?" Kuroko said coldness lacing his voice.

"Where is he?" Akashi asked, his heart drumming in his chest. Furihata was punished because of him, because he let his anger get ahead of him. It was his entire fault. "Tetsuya where is h—"

"What is he to you?" Kuroko cut him with a firm tone gripping the soul of the listener, "Why are you doing this brother?"

"I need to see him now, this is an ord—"

"I revoke that order as a fifth prince!"

Akashi's eyes widen. There was indeed something such a power blessed to the fifth prince, the power to revoke the Emperor's order, it was designed by their mother before Akashi even became an Emperor, it was to prevent the Emperor from making hasty decisions. However, never did Kuroko use it. Never, until today. Akashi stared at Kuroko's eyes who were narrowed at him full of seriousness.

"I need to know brother." Kuroko said in a more subtle voice.

"He is my attendant, it was not his fault that I have fallen ill. I was merely caught in a bad shape then he was not at fault, I see no reason for you to punish him nor do I see any reason for you to prevent me from seeing him."

"No. That statement is not entirely true."

Akashi frowned, "What are you speaking of?"

"Would you care like this if it was some other people?" Kuroko asked, "If it was someone else, if your attendant was not Furihata-kun would you still be saying that? Would you still be defending him?"

"I see no point in this conversation I demand to see him."

"He is in the dungeons, as part of the punishment I told him that he cannot see you until further notice."

"What?" Akashi said in disbelief, he started walking pass Kuroko, "I am going there right now he is not to stay there."

Akashi's was pulled back by Kuroko grabbing his wrist-seeing no other way to stop the Emperor.

"If you do not know yourself of what you really think of him I would advise that you do not see him." Kuroko said firmly gripping his brother's wrist, "Because if you fancy him merely because he is convenient I would do everything to stop you. Are you willing to see him to take him, everything of him?"

"Let go now Tetsuya. I need to speak to him."

Kuroko pursed his lips, "Do you need him because you love him…or do you love him just because you need him? What do you really think of him? Because if you don't know…you are digging your own grave and pulling his leg in that pit in the process, is that really what you want?'

When Akashi didn't answer, Kuroko loosen his grip. Akashi slipped his hand away from the prince's hold and started walking away without sparing him a look. Kuroko could already feel the impending difficulty, the thought of his brother's possible response once he found the truth with such hollow and blinded affection towards the other crushes him. Akashi is new to things like this, he was moving in pure feelings, in a spur of moments. Kuroko balled his hands into a fist, his love just how deep is it, is it deep enough to see pass when he learns of the truth of Furihata, because he couldn't watch his brother in anymore pain than he did a few days ago.

Turning to where Akashi was walking, Kuroko couldn't help but fear for his brother. It was the only thing he could do, he couldn't ask him not to love for he already knew he already is, nor could he ask for Furihata to go his heart wouldn't be able to do it to the person who did nothing wrong.

Furihata Kouki was both Akashi Seijuuro's salvation and destruction.

.

.

.

His heart was hammering in his chest, Kuroko's words were echoing in his mind. He had never thought of daring to give a name to what he feels towards the brunette. He had felt this strong admiration to him, his heart and his kindness, his laughter and the color of his eyes. He wanted to possess him, his everything but he had never wanted to name it. Maybe a part of him wanted not to, maybe that part was the rational him, why, because who is Furihata, a random person who Kuroko took in and made into as an apprentice, there was little known of him, he is an untitled commoner like the hundreds and thousands people outside the wall of the Crimson Palace…and he was…him.

Inside the cold and savage voice of his other consciousness whispers to him, the only reason behind this was his petty fear.

He swallowed the lump in his throat, it hurts because he is right. He wouldn't want to name it in fear, because every single time he would name it, every single thing he ever loved was brutally taken away from him, or was hurt by him, by his own perception of love. He was afraid to know he might be the same as the others, he was afraid to see the disgust in his eyes when he gazes in his cursed eyes.

But he couldn't do it.

It was too late. Unconsciously he was falling hard, deep into those mesmerizing brown eyes…even if he didn't want to. And before he knew it, he had taken too much space in him that ridding him would be the most difficult thing to do for him—no, it was simply impossible now for him to do so.

The need, the want was too much to ignore, Akahsi could feel the other consciousness clawing in the thin wall separating them both begging to see, hear, feel and know that the brunette was fine. He needed to calm himself now, and the only way was to see Furihata. He shoved almost everyone who was in his way, he ignored the people telling him that the fifth prince had ordered not to let Furihata see him unless he said so, there was little to no concern given to what the others were saying.

It was maddening, he had never felt this way towards anyone. He had never ignored his brother—Kuroko's words before. He had never wanted anyone like this before to the point he couldn't even understand himself. Why of all people, why Furihata, why not a beautiful young lady from a noble family, why not a someone else, why him?

Akashi panted he almost collapsed in his knees as he stood in front of the barely lit dungeon. He had never set foot in this place, it was thought that an Emperor was never to breathe the same air to those who had been deemed to have sinned against the rules and laws of the palace—those who were failures and sinners. The Emperor was taught to be someone who embodied the Gods and their holiness, they were not to be tainted and so walking into the dungeons was the same as a God walking down the underworld for a stroll. But right then Akashi could care less, he would go down the underword to know to see, feel him once more.

Ignoring the voices of the guards and attendants behind him, Akashi took a step forward. He could smell the scent of dried blood, and water and it made him almost scared to look at the brunette. A part of him didn't want to see what has become of his attendant, perhaps due to guilt. But the moment his eyes had adjusted into the dim light and found the silhouette of someone lying on the floor of behind the bars of the cell he felt his heart jump at his throat. As if his legs found their own life, he was walking towards the cell before he had time to process what was happening. His hands gripped the bars trying to get as close as he can to the other.

"Your Majesty, you can't!" One of the guards exclaimed in horror. "This place is full of filth and—"

Akashi snapped his head towards the one who dare speak and gave him the most menacing glare he could muster. The man almost gasped feeling a chill run up his spine down to his toes, he was sure for a moment that if he had continued speaking he would be lying bloody on the floor in a few seconds. The room was filled with silence, as Akashi turned his head back on the cell.

The person on the floor was wearing a very thin and such poor excuse of clothings, a rug would be in much better condition that of what he was wearing, Akashi could see the wounds in his exposed arm down to his hands, and his legs as well—they look like they were from whipping. There were blood stains in his clothes too and his frail body looked like it would shatter any moment that it breaks his heart.

"Kouki…" Akashi called his name in hope he would reach him, and as if in cue the body stirred. Akashi watched in horror as he found Furihata barely able to lift himself up. His arms were scrawny and were full of bruises and cuts. Akashi sat on his heels not wanting the brunette to give too much strain in his already weak body, Kouki turned his head towards him and peered through his soaked hair. Akashi couldn't believe it, he looked like he would be fainting soon. "Kouki." Akashi almost choked on the brunette's name as he weakly reached to feel his skin.

Akashi's heart broke in pieces as those eyes glisten with tears as soon as his palm made contact to the skin of his cheek.

"Shujo."

Akashi nodded as the brunette called him, "Yes, it is I."

His voice is weak, hoarse but it calmed him down.

"I…Am I dreaming?" Kouki asked his tears were rolling down his cheeks, it stings and he was too weak to be crying but he couldn't stop the tears. He was looking right at those heterochromatic eyes again, those warm and gentle eyes were staring right at him warming his cold. He just wishes this is not one of those fever induced delusions.

Akashi shook his head and pulled Furihata closer with the back of his head before pressing his forehead against the brunette. "You are not. I am truly here."

Closing his eyes the Emperor felt the brunette stiffen for a moment before bursting into tears, he was sobbing and trembling, thanking gods that he was alive and healthy, and it killed him even more inside. He was punished, tortured, hurt all because of Akashi and yet he was crying in joy that he is alright. Had he not at once ever thought that he could have died with all these things done to him? Why wasn't he worried of himself at all? Nobody dared to step in between them, not that Akashi would allow, he let the brunette cry himself out, the small and bony fingers reach out to hold the fabric of the Emperor's haori as if clutching to it like it was his lifeline, and it occurred to him, Kuroko was right…it would have been different if it wasn't Furihata. He wouldn't let anyone touch him like this, but it didn't felt wrong with Furihata.

Pulling away Akashi let go of his attendant and stood, "Open the door." He demanded to the guards.

Without questioning the man, a guard steps forward and quickly took the key out of his pockets and unlocked the door easily. As soon as the door was unlocked the guard stepped aside.

Akashi opened the door himself and took off his haori and hanging them by his arm while he approached Furihata who was staring at him with scared and teary eyes. The room was dark and cold, there was no bed for the brunette to comfortably sleep in, his head was drenched and his clothes were tattered, he looked like a wounded animal. Akashi approached the brunette carefully and cupped his small face in his hands like a delicate piece of art.

"Forgive me." The Emperor whispered.

"N-No…it is not you, it is my fault." Furihata said eyes staring right at the pools of gold and red. "I have failed you Your Highness."

"Do not speak." Akashi said as he draped the expensive cloth around the brunette. "You have not failed me."

"But I—"

Furihata's ramblings were cut when he found himself wrapped in the scent of the scarlet haired Emperor, strong arms wrapped around him protectively.

"Y-Your Highness!" Furihata weakly pushed the other in horror, "I-I am filthy, you should not have gone here, l-let alone to be t-this close I would be staining you—"

"No." Akashi said pulling Furihata impossibly close to himself. "Failure or not, sinner or not, I would rather have you. I…I refuse to leave here without you."

.

.

.

Blag

"Its late."

Takao raised his head to find the owner of the room walking up to the bed where the raven haired hawk child had settled himself in. Takao grinned. After the incident at the shed a few days ago, Midorima never raised his voice at Takao again, and a silent agreement about sharing the bed was made betwee them.

"I was waiting for you." Takao said smiling to himself as he found the green haired prince frowning in embarrassment.

"You shouldn't have." Midorima said as he walked towards the divider screens that reached only below his shoulder blades and started changing to his night clothes. Takao looked away feeling as if he had been invading the other's privacy—which is obviously ironic seemingly that he is sleeping in the man's room. When Midorima stepped out he was wearing a lighter clothes, without the usual fuss and argument on how Takao should be sleeping in own room, Midorima slipped in the bed.

"I cant sleep alone, the room seems bigger."

Midorima sighs into his pillow, "And I should believe you?"

Takao chuckles, "Of course."

Midorima looked at Takao who was looking at him, "Go to sleep." He mutters. His eyes shifted in the object in Takao's lap a book. "What is that?"

"I was reading while waiting for you."

Midorima nodded and sat up, to Takao's surprise the taller male took the book from Takao's lap and settled it in the nightstand next to himself out of the raven hair's reach. Before Takao could mutter a retort he felt a hand cupping his cheeks and a pair of chapped lips pressed against his and everything else was again forgotten.

On the night stand, the book was left there opened at the last page, a word scribbled in the papyrus—

"…ultimately it was all about that one person."