Foxnotes: I promised myself that I will finish this before 2015 and yet, *sighs but on the other note here is Chapter 12. I'm putting writing any stories on hold (Mainly Coveted but there are other stories in my collection notebook too) until I finalized TOTGA. I wanted an original cover, I'm starting to familiar myself with pencils and paper again to create one(It might take long but I'm trying my best). It's what I do when my mind want to relax. Seems like everyone is loving my Tsuji, yeah folks he is mine *grins Nah, I only want to give him a big hug!

The longest chapter so far :3 Leave a review and tell me what you think. Cheers

The One That Got Away

Chapter 12

The night is breathtakingly beautiful in Okinawa. The stars are shining brighter and bigger however, Kuroko Tsuji's mood is spoiling the calm night. Frustrated, he slumped on his seat. The family of three is currently having their desserts in the Hotel's restaurant. His blank aquamarine eyes traveled back and forth from his mom and dad. The latter having his tea (again) while Tetsumi is having her second cup of (especially requested) vanilla milkshake. They explored the island and played in the beach, they played beach basketball too. They did a lot but the trip kills the purpose. Nothing progressed between his parents like he wanted to. The two barely said a word or two to each other, they interacted only the tiniest bit. His parent did not have a conversation at all. Just thinking how the afternoon went drains his spirit even more. He groaned loudly at the thought which worried Tetsumi.

"Are you all right Tsuji?"

"..."

"Does your stomach hurt?"

His eyes were so lifeless. "You're right Mom my stomach hurts a little so I'll go back to the room first."

"I'll go with you." Tetsumi said, standing up.

"No Mom, I'm okay."

"It's a shame you won't be able to watch the fireworks display the resort specifically prepared for us." Akashi, finally speaking. True, the Resort they were staying, informed them first hand that they are going to have a pyro kinetic display at night. Knowing the Akashi heir is there, the Resorts owner wasted no time to impress him. Hoping that the young heir to put a good word or two to his father. The manager learned in the afternoon that Satorou Akashi's son is in the resort. They immediately prepared for the firework display even with the limited time. It is quite impressive of them if they pull it off but nothing will change what they look in the young Akashi's eyes. Leeches.

"You two can go, besides I could still watch it from my room." Without waiting for a reply Tsuji trotted away from the two of them. Heterochromatic and teal eyes could only watch his back.

"I think I should follow him." She said getting ready.

"Don't." It's not like he is not worried about Tsuj. He had a firm grasp on what the other teal head is thinking about. He knew the problem lies with the two of them. Poor Tsuji, having such troublesome parents. "It's better to do as he says."

"But... I'm worried." Akashi smiled at that, Tetsumi truly loves their child so much and he finds this trait very endearing. She always had it in her to be a wonderful mother and wife. She dreamed to be a kindergarten teacher; it explains her fondness of children. Akashi often teased her about this back then, recalling twists his heart a little. He stood up and offered his hand to her. "We should probably get going." The manager told them to go to a particular place, the perfect place to watch the fireworks. Seeing her reluctance he adds, "He is all right, whose son do you think he is?" but it was seeing his outstretched hand that had seems to trouble her. In the end she shied away from him and muttered a low "I'm sorry." Akashi let his hand fall to his side. He scolded himself mentally for letting his gentlemanly instinct kick in. He led the way with Tetsumi following closely behind. They went in their way in silence.

Contrary to what Tsuji may think he originally planned what to do the whole day. The way he would approach, the topic he will open, Akashi even plotted certain scenarios in his mind. He knew needed to pull such an effort to completely erase the awkwardness between them and that's what he wanted to do. The probability of the plan to work was hundred percent but Akashi overlooked an unforeseen factor. They decided to have a breather on the beach when Tetsumi changed into her swimsuit. He was stunned as well as the all men in the area. Adulthood did wonders on Kuroko. Her curves complimented her body well. Her milky white skin shines even more in the dark-blue two piece bikini she wore. With her weakened misdirection, all eyes turned to her. Akashi had to use all his willpower not to snap the necks of the men who drools at her sight. He had to scare away anyone who went as far as ten meters of her. He was so busy the whole afternoon and add to that, he was also constantly chased and approached by women. He had a very tiring afternoon; thinking about it gives him headache. 'Sometimes having perfect looks could be a drag' he stops and grimaces 'Now I sounded like Ryota.'

"Akashi-kun?" he looked at her direction, "You look troubled." She said looking at his hand. He was unconsciously clenching his fist.

"Hm, it's nothing to worry about." He replied in a while.

She looks at him long before nodding "If you say so."

Akashi is walking a few feet ahead and he could feel his back burn from her stare.

:::

One of the highest buildings in Tokyo stood the main branch of the Akashi Corporation. On the top floor, having a glass glistening champagne in his hands, Akashi Satorou, the reigning king sits in his throne room. With bored calculating eyes he observes the city below uninterestedly. His cat-like golden eyes gleamed in the poorly-lit office of his. He likes it like dark, just befitting for the kind of person he is. It gives off an eerie aura and as the sadist he is, adds to the torture of whoever got summoned in his lair and he like it. He will not be bestowed the cognomen of 'Demonic Tycoon' if he is anything less than that. He had an image to uphold and darn he was very much please with that. The victim today is the sole daughter of the Oono Corp. Oh, He always find it amusing seeing these rich bastards tremble with fear. How hypocrite of him, he is also one (Rich bastard that is) He picked the Oono heiress from Seijurou's apartment, to have a nice chat. (yeah riiiight)

"Seijurou disappeared?" he said, finally looking at his prey. His cold voice sending chills to everyone present in the room which is Haru and his secretary. She is petrified. Seeing this, Satorou smiled. "Ye-yes Sir…" Haru stuttered. "Do you have any idea why?" The scared Haru managed to tell the older Akashi what transpired in the festival even if she was scared shitless. He had a thoughtful look but his expression betrayed none of his thoughts. The silence is killing them slowly. It's like prolonging the pain before ending up trashed and killed. After some time the King dismissed them without saying anything. Confused but relieved Haru needed no second invitation, she happily fled the room. All alone, Satorou flashed his fangs with a predatory look "Let's see what your strategy this time Sei-ju-rou" he fished his phone and searched through his contacts. Finding one particular name he dialed the number and waited for the line to connect. After the second ring a gruff voice answered on the other line. "I have a job for you."

His son will not like it, he is sure of that and he would probably witness that vicious look on Akashi again. Hoho~ someone is excited. He was extremely delighted. The way those heterochromatic eyes would narrow into slits. The piercing glint on those orbs giving a beast look. Heh, that son of his will really take the business world by storm, no doubt about that. He only saw it once and it was carved in his mind.

"Seijurou what can you say about this?" Akashi's eyes widened, on the table were pictures of him and Tetsumi on their recent date. He gulped mentally, so this moment finally came.

"…"

Crossing his arms atop the table, Satorou studied his son like a hawk. "It's fine if you are fooling around Seijurou but-"

"I'm not." he answered the unfinished question, point blank. He looked at his father straight in the eye. He figured a long time ago that if his father discovered his relationship with teal head he will never deny it. His feelings for Tetsumi were real and he will never lie about that. Knowing his father, it was no use denying it either.

Golden orbs hardened. "I'm afraid I didn't hear you quite well." It's not that he did not hear Akashi but dared the young captain to say it again.

"I'm serious about her." Akashi repeated loud and intense not caring if his father's eyes glinted dangerously. He stood not faltering one bit.

"..."Satorou opened his mouth and …..laugh? He laughed neither with mirth nor with glee but pure maniacal laugh. "That's a nice look you got there." The older Akashi had never seen son with such strong emotions before. He likes it. Whatever he says the redhead do it no question asked. He always meets whatever that is thrown to him passively. He may be a very busy man but that did not stop him to oversee the upbringing of his child. Seijurou was exceptional, he had no worries of him, it's quite the opposite actually, he expects a lot of his heir and he would not have it any other way. He brought up Seijurou like any other Akashi, but he must admit, that he did not see these coming, for his son to fall in love. Love? He never believed the word exists.

"Pursuing relationships with girls with such labels is fruitless. Absurd thing such as 'Love' are not needed by an Akashi. Emotions and attachments make you weak and vulnerable. Now tell me Seijurou, are you really an Akashi?" Akashi was almost shaken with the feral way his father is looking at him but strengthened his conviction. He will not allow this deviant control his life any longer. Darn it he is not just an Akashi he is Akashi Seijurou, he is not just an heir, he is not just Akashi Satorou's son, but his own person and most of all he is not a puppet. All his life he lived the life that was expected of him; harsh, strict and controlled. He was willing to bear it but now that his father learned about Kuroko he could not take it anymore. More so he know what his father is capable of, in short Kuroko is now exposed to danger and it was his entire fault. And above all else he cannot gamble Tetsumi's safety.

He was silent or rather he could not answer the question. Having Satorou as an enemy now is not good with how the things are standing.

"You don't want to answer?" silence he folded his arms before opening one of the folders on the desk. "Then how about we play a game?" He proposed. A game that is already planned out. He put another picture on the table. It was a shot of a beautiful black haired girl. Long fingers tapped the picture "This girl is Oono's only heir. I want you to what they call 'date' her." Hm, he was quite pleased with the thought. The company is gaining more grounds each day and the chairman is getting bolder, he plans to have them whipped before any threat sprung out.

"Father I cannot play that kind of game." Akashi said through gritted teeth, his voice rising a notch. He knows what the older wants but he could not just do that. What about Kuroko? He could never hurt Tetsumi. He would never!

Strong fist connected to the wooden table making dent on the once smooth surface. "Do you really think you have theright to refuse me Seijurou? You don't have a choice. Be grateful that I did not order you to marry her. Would you rather have that?" he sneered, and Seijurou's father could order him that.

Akashi wanted to avert his eyes from reality but he needed to face it. What his father said was true. He is currently powerless against the king of the Akashi Conglomerate. Opposing him is like signing death warrant. He do not like the thought but he have no choice but to accept. He will play this game however he will play it on his own way.

:::

Tetsumi and Akashi ditched the fireworks display. On the way to the sitting area, Kuroko caught quite a sight on her peripheral vision. Curiosity got the better of her. When Akashi saw her stopping he raised his eyebrows questioningly. Tetsumi pointed the open door not too far away from where they are standing and said with her head tilting to Akashi's direction "Fireflies." Simple as that.

Akashi raised his eyebrows higher looking at the direction. "I think that is only for staff to enter. It leads to the back of the resort."

But Tetsumi wasn't listening she is already walking to open the glass doors.

"Tetsumi..."

"I'm quite sure Akashi-kun knows that I'm too stubborn for that."

His lips curved slightly upwards "I know that, so at least let me lead. You are still stubborn as ever."

He murmured the last part and with their close proximity it did not go unheard.

"I don't want to hear that from my abductor." She huffed in annoyance and walked ahead leaving a chuckling Akashi behind.

It seems like there is a small pond outside where fireflies flock. To say the least a very enchanting sight greeted the two. They were awestruck at the place that they stilled for the moment. Different colors of fireflies surround them. It was way better than the loud fireworks. Tetsumi was in trance that she did not felt Akashi's stare at her. She looked like a fairy with her entire frame lighted with green to pink to blue. He never found anyone as beautiful as her and he doesn't think he'll ever will. Once again Tetsumi Kuroko captured his heart, falling deeper than he already was. He surrendered to the feeling. He wanted to capture her small frame in an embrace and forget the world. He wanted to crush those lips of hers with his and kisses her around hundreds of fireflies. Smiling wistfully, he do not have a right, to be precise he lost the right to hold her. And again for the thousandth time his heart filled with remorse as he watched her glow without him on her side.

Akashi found a stone bench in the area, the two decided shared it, their shoulders are touching the other, but it went unnoticed or was ignored though Akashi is very much pleased with the current development. No words, just them silently watcing the little bugs swarm the whole place. They sit there for a while admiring the natures work.

Surprisingly it was the teal head that broke the comfortable silence.

"Sorry." Now that was a surprise, out of all the words to hear Akashi expected the apology the least. Looking at anywhere but him, she continued to talk. "I'm sorry for keeping Tsuji from you. I did not want to... to ruin your life. You have your whole life ahead of you and having a child is not one of them. In the end you learned about him. I guess it was inevitable" Eyes with the color of the sky and deep as the ocean met his way, he drowned in them. "I apologize, but I do not regret my actions. Everything I held important today was because of the decisions I made."

Akashi cannot believe it, Tetsumi was at least supposed to be angry! Why was she saying these things? What he did was terrible. He left her alone with their child when she needed him the most, he betrayed her and yet she still thinks about him. How much of any angel was she? It would be strange to say these things coming from him but he was the one who needs to apologize and an Akashi never apologizes. Tetsumi was an exception. 'When will you stop surprising me?'

"It was I who should apologize. I..."

"You don't have to. You were only thinking about your future. Everything is now fine, Tsuji is happier. He never asked but I know he always wondered why he don't have a father." She paused looking at him direct in the eye.

"You could forgive yourself now Akashi-kun. It's okay."

Golden and crimson orbs widened. Astonished. So the teal head read him all this time. He could feel his eyes begin to moisten. She was smiling albeit a little sad. At him. A smaller one than the one he used to received but nonetheless a smile directed to him. She is not angry, he realized. He can't say he is happy but he is beyond grateful, it would hurt the worst if he heard those pink lips say he hates him. But he is feeling that there is something more with what she is saying.

"Thank you for reaching out to Tsuji" Akashi nodded he could not say anything at his moment. "He demanded this of you right? I'm sorry if you have to put up with me because of Tsuji. I won-"Akashi did not let her finish what she was saying. Now that was it.

"I think you got something wrong here Tetsumi." His voice was low but clear and sharp. He sounded a little irked too and here he was starting to cry earlier.

"Akashi-kun—"

"Don't play dumb with me Tetsumi." interrupting her for the second time. "Yes, it was Tsuji's idea but I will not do anything that was asked of me just because. I won't lift a single finger if I don't want to do it." Akashi with all sincerity say "Tetsumi Kuroko—"

"Akashi-kun please-"she begged knowing where this turn of conversation would lead. She knows too well that tone of his. Whenever she felt insecure he always chastised her and in the end he-. She don't want to hear or it will be too late.

It was too late.

"I still love you."

She heard him loud and clear.

:::

Tetsumi turned and twisted on the bed she could not go back to sleep. After Akashi's confession last night- oh great, she could feel her face heat up, she do not know how to approach the man.

'I still love you'

"Ooff" she buried her burning face from the pillow she grabbed. Mentally debating what to do, she guessed that the only way to go is to stay away from the red head at the moment. She couldn't believe that her personal mantra over the years was swept with just those few words.
Few years have passed but the effect the red head had on her was still as strong as it was or even stronger. Her flushed died down when she thought of the girl she saw at the festival. Despite all the effort she did, her feelings that she kept deep inside was open in a flash and she could not take it. Her heart still flutters and she blushed again remembering those words he said. She needs to stop thinking about it. Finally, she sat down on the bed to get up only to catch Tsuji looking at her with a weird expression.

"Mom? Why are you blushing like a Christmas light?"

If Tetsumi was surprised and/or embarrassed she did not show it. Dodging the question she asked if his stomach is already fine. To which he respond with a yes but said that he would like to be left alone for the whole day. "You could explore with Dad. I"ll be okay."

"Tsuji," full mother-mode she began, "I'm going with this because there is nothing I could do anymore and protesting would do nothing. But you cannot plan something like this again. I know you are fully aware that what you did was disrespectful, not only as your mother but as an individual as well." A sigh replaced her riprimanding tone. "Don't do this stunt again without my permission. If you want to go out you could always tell me." Her eyes softened hugging the little man.

"It's unfair." Tsuji's upset tone was muffled. She pulled and held him on both shoulders. "It's unfair." He repeats head downcast refusing to look at her. "Mom is fixing her family. Why can't I do the same in ours?"

She wanted to cry, she knows Tsuji longed for a complete family she could not give. And now that he knew Akashi he will stop at nothing.

"...Tsuji-kun your father has a fiancée. They are to be married anytime soon."

"Dad called it off." He said quickly. Tetsumi was silent 'He called it off?' But-'

"He..." she searched for the correct reply; she considered the possibility "could have. But Tsuji there are people who cannot agree with that. Besides he will never let Akashi-kun."

"He?" finally looking up at his mother he asks "Who is he?" Tetsumi slowly shakes her head.

"What you want is not easy to achieve." She pauses. "I'm not saying your father is lying but don't expect too much. Okay? "she patted his hair before walking to the bathroom and shut the door.

Tsuji lied down on the bed and thinks about what his mother said.

'You say that Mom but your eyes..."

:::

If yesterday he cannot approach the bluenette for certain circumstances now he could not because of the person herself. Tetsumi won't even look at his direction anymore. Akashi mat regret saying those words but he do not. It was clear avoidance but if Tetsumi is reacting that way it also means that her thought are full of him. She was disturbed of his confession last night. It may be a small progress but he is happy with the thought. He still affects her.

Akashi reserved a week-long stay but it was cut short by one phone call from Midorima. Kuroko's mother is showing improvement and woke up one time; the husband told his wife that their daughter came home. Before slumbering she expressed her desire to see her. Next morning they have to return to the bustling city of Tokyo. He barely had anything to accomplish then time was up. This clearly put a damp on Akashi's mood. He wants to punch a wall or play Frisbee with his scissor with the men he caught staring at the bluenette. He settled for a drink.

Akashi is in the bar (You know the quiet and fancy place with an elegant bartender, not the other kind of bar that is loud.) sitting in one of the bar stool, holding a glass of alcohol with several empty glasses in front of him. He took another glass and called for another. He shakes the new drink absentmindedly, 'Did I lost my touch?' What Akashi said was true, if it were the previous him the eager, aggressive brimming with confidence young man with no fear, would he make a difference? He rounded a bit he admits.

'If only Tetsumi approach me not the other way around.' He chugs the drink and reaches for another when he realized the bar stool beside him was occupied and Kuroko 'freakin' Tetsumi was seated in the said stool.

"Do you mind if I join you?' he doesn't. He eyes her as she drinks one of his many glasses.

"Your'e drinking something instead of those milkshakes? I'm rather surprised."

"Yes," the reason behind that was one of the many gatherings she attended with the Crossfrod couple. Natalie would always shove a glass of wine or champagne or anything on her. She did not state the reason to Akashi though.

"I drink water too if you must know." Sarcastic but with no bite. "And I didn't know you were a drunkard." She said motioning the empty glasses and bottles in front of him.

"I' m not this is..." How should he say it 'A habit I got because of you?' He doesn't say anymore but she's waiting.

"...I'm just drinking that's all." She does not look convinced but said nothing.

After drinking some and talking some trivial things Tetsumi opened the topic of the trip.

"I liked the trip even if it was a bit unexpected and forced, it was relaxing at least. Tsuji had fun as well."

He chuckled a bit "Now you're being nice. You don't need to be nice to me Tetsumi." Reaching for another glass her small hands stop him.

"I'm serious... and Akashi-kun I think you had enough." Stealing the glass from him she brought it to her lip. Some dripped to her chin.

"Stop it Tetsumi." He does not know what he wants to stop, her drinking or her oblivious seducing.

"No you're the one who should stop Akashi-kun."

"You're already tipsy Tetsumi."

"Am not!"

"I have high alcohol tolerance." because of years of drinking routine yeah.

"Me too!" she replied back determinedly. Akashi cocked his eyebrow.

"Tetsumi you shouldn't challenge me." His eyes darkening.

"Afraid to lose?" teasing.

"As if" Akashi called the bartender.

:::

She was pushed into the door of his room. Even with their current state they found the right one. The man pushed his body to hers, squeezing her between his body and the door. A crushing brutal kiss was next. A whine escaped from his angels' mouth when they parted for air. The not so innocent kiss continued as his hands rover into her fully developed body. Familiarizing, seeking and searching.

"Inside?" His husky voice sent chills to her spine enough to send her to heaven. A throaty moan was her answer as the pale hands on his blood red hair was fisted and tugged down for another deep kiss.

Tsuji slept alone on his bed that night.