Hey all, Oh my God! I'm so excited, I can't believe I made it up to chapter ten! Thank you all for your continued support. You guys are the best! Sorry for not posting on Sunday as I usually do, but, like I said in chapter nine, I posted that one really early, but it was still last weeks chapter. So sorry for the wait~! I also wanted to thank everyone for the nice reviews last chapter, It really made my day. No more rambling, enjoy chapter ten~!
All the rights belong to, Tadatoshi Fujimaki.
Chapter Ten, Holding hands.
It was cold and wet outside. But Akashi and Kuroko were still out there taking a walk together. They walked in silence, but not the kind of silence that left an awkward ring in the air. No, it was the kind of silence that left a comfortable feeling in the air, the kind that made you want to hug the person you're sharing the silence with.
'Tetsuya?' Akashi said, finally breaking the silence.
'Yes?' Kuroko replied.
'You know that field trip that's coming up? The one at the end of the month, that all the teachers mentioned today?' Akashi asked, coming to a complete stop.
'Yes...' Kuroko answered, curiously. The teachers had been talking about it all day. So, it was inevitable that you would learn about it.
Akashi started fidgeting with his school tie. 'I was thinking, perhaps, we could go together...? I mean, I know that we're all going anyways, but maybe we could spend time together during the trip... or something...' He finished lamely.
Kuroko stifled a laugh. 'Are you asking me to hang out with you, Akashi-kun?'
The redhead nodded, a blush appearing on his face. He knew Kuroko was making fun of him, but he also knew that he wasn't being mean about it.
'Of course I'll hang out with you, it'll be just like a date.' Kuroko said, cheerfully.
Akashi laughed, 'There will be no misbehavior. That means no sneaking off alone. Understand me?' Akashi said, in a perfect imitation of the strict teacher.
Kuroko laughed as well, 'Yes, because warning us now will really make it stick.'
They both smiled, remembering the month-early lecture they got.
'Now class, I know you've heard a lot about this "field trip" but listen up, I know it's early but most of you are probably already making plans. There will be no misbehavior, that means , following all the rules, you may bring a limited amount of food, yes, Murasakibara-san, I'm talking to you. You will listen to your second and third year representative and your guide. And that means, no sneaking off alone. Understand me?'
Of course they understood, but how many of them were actually going to listen was the real question.
Himuro told Kuroko and Akashi that this field trip was a first year tradition, but it was also an excuse for the school to show off how much money it had.
'But it's also tradition for the students to sneak off after hours. Most of the teachers only pretend to care. But in reality, they know the students are going to get away anyways, so why even bother.' Himuro told them.
'But, Muro-chin, how much food can I bring? Murasakibara whined.
'Well, probably only a small bag... but it's okay, the second year rep might share if you're nice enough...' Himuro said with a wink.
Akashi had connected quickly that Himuro was probably suggesting that he was going to be the second year representative.
The trip was going to take place at the end of the month, they would be leaving early morning and staying in a hotel for one night and coming back the following afternoon. They made sure that it was on the weekend, so not to make the students miss any school.
'Akashi-kun, can we go inside now? I'm cold.' Kuroko asked, breaking Akashi out of his thoughts.
'Oh, yes of course.' Akashi replied, shaking himself out of his daze.
He grabbed Kuroko's hand and started towards the doors. Before they got there, the door swung open. Aomine walked out, he glanced at Kuroko and stopped.
'Hey, Tetsu, what's up?' He asked, completely ignoring Akashi.
'Nothing really, just walking with Akashi-kun, what about you?' Kuroko said, trying to hide his hand (which was linked with Akashi's) behind his back.
Aomine's eyes traveled down to their hands before Kuroko could hide them. Saying nothing, he continued to talk to Kuroko, until their conversation landed on the school trip.
'So, are you planning on sneaking out, Aomine-kun?' Kuroko asked blankly.
Aomine smiled a devilish smile. 'Yeah, I'm tryin' to convince the other guys to come with me. Murasakibara was all for it, he said as long as we stopped at the store. Midorima, well, he's Midorma. He'll probably come, but for now he's just...' Aomine trailed off.
'Being Midorima-kun?' Kuroko supplied.
'Yeah, he's being Midorima about it. Kise's a little twitchy about the whole thing, you know, with his mom being the Headmistress and shit...' Aomine said, ticking off his fingers.
'Wait,' Akashi said, turning to Kuroko. 'Ryouta's mother is the Headmistress?'
Aomine looked annoyed that Akashi interrupted him, but he said nothing and let Kuroko talk.
'Oh, yes she is, did no one tell you?' Kuroko asked, turning towards Akashi.
Akashi shook his head. 'No, I was unaware. Not that it really matters, nor does it make sense for anyone to tell me.' Akashi reasoned with himself
'He doesn't like to tell people because they tend to start treating him differently. He wants people to like him naturally.' Kuroko said, squeezing Akashi's hand.
Akashi nodded in understanding. 'That makes sense.'
'As I was sayin',' Aomine said loudly, 'Are you gonna come with us, Tetsu?'
Kuroko looked at Akashi and back at Aomine. 'Well, I already kind of have plans...'
Aomine raised an eyebrow, 'More important than hanging out with your friends, I mean your real friends?' He asked, giving Akashi a small sneer.
'Well, I was going to hang out with Akashi-kun...' Kuroko said, shuffling his feet.
'No, Tetsuya, it's fine. If you want to, then you spend time with your friends. I'll entertain myself.' Akashi spoke up, letting go of Kuroko's hand.
'There you have it, Akashi says he'll "entertain" himself. So you can come with us.' Aomine said, ruffling the blue-eyed boy's hair.
Kuroko looked down at his now empty hand, 'But... Akashi-kun, you said...'
'Forget what I said, just... forget it.' The red-haired boy said. He smiled at Kuroko, 'It's alright, I'll find something else to do.'
Kuroko looked at Akashi's sad eyes. He really wanted Akashi to tell Aomine no, that he wanted to hang out with Akashi, he didn't want to be the one to do it again. Giving a sigh, Kuroko looked at his feet. Is it too much to ask for a friend who could actually stand up to Aomine?
'There, it's been decided. Tetsu, you can come with us, and Akashi... well, I don't even kinda care what you do.' The tanned teen said, a smirk on his face.
Akashi cleared his throat, 'Actually, nothing has been decided. Tetsuya hasn't even told us what he wants to do yet. It doesn't really matter what we want, it's Tetsuya that we're talking about here.' He turned towards Kuroko, 'What is it that you want to do, Tetsuya?'
Kuroko looked at Akashi and realized something. The reason Akashi wasn't telling Aomine off wasn't because he was scared, he just wanted Kuroko to fight his own battles.
'Listen, Tetsu has been our friend for years, there's no way he doesn't want to come with us. The only reason he's sayin' he's not sure is 'cause he's nice and doesn't want to hurt yer feelings.' Aomine said, grabbing Kuroko and pulling him over, 'Ain't that right, Tetsu?'
Kuroko, being squished by Aomine didn't answer.
'Would you stop holding him like that? He is obviously displeased.' Akashi said, irritation flickering in his intelligent eyes.
'If Tetsu was... what was it you said? Oh yeah, "displeased" then he'd tell me. He's not a kid, remember?' Aomine sneered.
'Oh, I'm sorry, I had assumed that someone "who has been friends with him for years," Akashi quoted in the air, 'would know that Tetsuya doesn't express himself like we do. And if you were really his friend, then you'd be able to tell when he is obviously unhappy.' He said, narrowing his eyes.
An angry glint past over Aomine's handsome face. 'What are you sayin'?' He asked, his voice threatening
'I was just suggesting that perhaps you are not as good of a friend as you may think.' Akashi explained. He had to look up to talk to the taller boy, but he gave off the impression that he was looking down on him.
Aomine stared at Akashi, anger flashing though his dark eyes. 'You know what? Just because Tetsu feels sorry for you, doesn't mean that you're actually special. Did you ever think that he wanted you to stop following him around like a puppy? It's kinda pathetic.'
Akashi felt like he got smacked in the face, but he wasn't the only one who felt that way. While Aomine talked, Kuroko broke out of his grip and smacked him across the face.
'Take that back, Aomine-kun. Akashi-kun's my friend, I don't feel sorry for him, and he is not pathetic. Akashi-kun is stronger then anyone else I know.' Kuroko's voice was eerily calm, but Akashi could see his trembling fist and could tell the he was furious.
Aomine stared at Kuroko in shock, 'What is wrong with you? I thought we were friends.' He said, hurt in his voice.
'We are, but Akashi-kun's my friend too. So you have to treat him like my friend.' Kuroko said, glaring at Aomine.
'When are you going to give this up? You've known him for a week! You've known me for six years!' Aomine's voice shook, but only for a second.
'It doesn't matter! I like Akashi-kun, I like him a lot. And if you have a problem with that then I guess we'll have to rethink our friendship!' The smaller boy said, his voice raising an octave.
'Tetsuya...' Akashi started, he didn't like Aomine, but he knew that Kuroko did, and didn't want Kuroko to injure his friendship with Aomine because of him.
'No, I'm tired of Aomine deciding who I'm friends with, and you know what? If I want a new boyfriend then he can't stop me from getting one!' A blush appeared on Kuroko's face as he realized what he just said.
Both Aomine and Akashi's eyes widened, but for two different reasons.
'A new boyfriend? Are you saying that you and Aomine... went out?' Akashi asked, surprised. On the inside he probably knew, but he didn't want to admit to that.
'Do you like Akashi that way, Tetsu?' Aomine asked, equally surprised.
Kuroko started shuffling his feet. He hadn't meant to let that slip, it just kind of happened.
'Mine-chin, Kuro-chin, this is easily solved... why doesn't Aka-chin come with us on the field trip...?' Murasakibara's voice rang out, saving Kuroko from answering either of the questions.
Akashi turned around, closely followed by Aomine, 'Murasakibara, how long have you been there?' Aomine asked, worried that he might have heard some of their conversation.
'Yes, how long have all of you been there?' Akashi added, scanning around to find the other two hidden boys.
Before Aomine could ask what Akashi meant, both Kise and Midorima came out from behind the door.
'Long enough.' Midorima said, pushing his glasses up in distaste.
'Yeah, he's right, you guys really shouldn't fight. You two are such good friends.' Kise said, worry passing over his pretty face.
Aomine's face softened. 'Ah, Kise. You don't have to worry, me and Tetsu were just talking and had a little... disagreement.'
'A "little disagreement?" Please, do you think that we couldn't hear you? The teachers could practically hear you.' Midorima said, talking over Kise.
Murasakibara nodded. 'And the people who were already hiding when we got here.'
Akashi was confused. 'There was people already listening in? Not just you three?'
Kise shook his head, 'No, but don't worry, they were probably just Aomine-chii's fanclub.'
Akashi looked at Kuroko in surprise. 'Daiki has a fanclub?'
Kuroko nodded, 'Yeah, he's really popular. It's not just girls, but boys too.'
The redhead looked surprised. 'Really? With that awful... never mind.' Akashi said, deciding it would probably be a bad idea to say that Aomine had an awful personality since Kuroko had just told Aomine off for saying mean things about him for no reason.
'Well, if we're done fighting, why don't the six of us go get something to eat?' Kise asked, once again trying to keep everyone happy.
'Well, I don't have anything better to do... so I guess I can come with you.' Midorima answered stiffly.
'Yay... food, and Ki-chin's paying...' Murasakibara said, obviously agreeing.
'Well, if Kise's paying. Why not?' Said Aomine.
'Alright, if you want, but I want a milkshake.' Kuroko replied.
'Tetsuya, are you sure? I don't need to come.' Akashi mumbled.
'I want you to.' Kuroko whispered frimly.
He grabbed Akashi's hand and pulled him inside behind everyone else.
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On the way to lunch, they all talked animatedly. Kise rambled on about nothing to anyone who would listen. Midorima was trying to explain to Murasakibara that he needed to have his lucky item or he would have terrible luck all day, but Murasakinbara was only pretending to listen, instead thinking about the food he was going to eat. Aomine was trying to keep up on his conversation with Kise, but it was obvious by the way he kept shooting looks at Akashi over his shoulder that he wasn't listening. Akashi was ignoring the looks as he talked to Kuroko, a smile playing on his face.
'Wait, guys,' Kise said, coming to a halt. 'There's no way I can't pay for all six of us, especially with Murasakibara-chii here.'
'Hey... what's that supposed to mean...?' Murasakibara asked, tugging on Kise's hair.
'Owie... stop...!' Kise whined loudly.
'It's alright, Ryouta, I can help pay.' Akashi said, reaching into his back pocket. He pulled out his wallet and flipped it open. 'How much do you need?' He asked, producing over one hundred dollars.
Kise eye's widened. 'Do you come from a rich family?' He asked in awe.
Akashi looked down at his feet. 'Yes, have you never heard of the Akashi family?'
The blonde thought for a moment. 'You know what... I think I have...'
'Yes, we're quite famous businessmen. We're known for our... unusual methods...' A small blush appeared on Akashi's face.
'Well, that's alright. Like I always say, don't judge on family status alone.' The golden-eyed boy said, giving him a charming smile.
Akashi smiled and handed him the money. 'Use as much as you like, we wouldn't Atsushi to go hungry.'
Murasakibara nodded. 'That would be bad... but it's okay... Aka-chin's nice. See, I told you, Ki-chin, I told you that Aka-chin was nice.'
Kise accepted the money from Akashi. 'Thank you.' He said, smiling happily. 'And you're right Murasakibara-chii, he is nice.'
Akashi smiled again, he looked down when he felt pressure on his hand and realized that Kuroko had grabbed his hand.
They walked for a few more minutes until they arrived at the long staircase that took them down to the hallway that led to the lunchroom.
Students milled around the staircase. A group of people walking by stopped to talk to Aomine for a minute.
'The basketball team.' Kuroko explained. 'They adore Aomine-kun.'
'Can we go? Standing at the top like this makes me feel like I'm going to fall.' Kise said, shuddering slightly.
As the basketball team left, the six finally started making their way down the long staircase.
About two steps down Akashi felt a hand slide on his back, he hesitated thinking it was Tetsuya again, when the hand pushed him forward. He felt a tug in his hand and realized that he was still holding Kuroko's hand. Not wanting Kuroko to fall with him, he let go of the other boy's hand.
He heard someone scream his name as he fell. It was just then that Akashi noticed how long the staircase was. He never had vertigo before, but fear went racing through his body as he fell forward. Akashi knew that if he fell down all these stairs the chances of not breaking any bones was slim.
A hand shot out with surprising speed and caught the falling boy.
Akashi opened his eyes and saw Murasakibara holding him. 'Atsushi? Did you catch me?' He asked, his voice shaking slightly.
Murasakibara nodded, his face was pale but his hold on Akashi was firm.
'But how...?' Akashi asked, confused. 'How did you catch me? You were over there.' Akashi said, pointing over to where Murasakibara was just standing.
'Well, I wasn't paying attention when I heard Kuro-chin call your name. But I also never heard Kuro-chin sound so scared, so I looked over and saw Aka-chin falling. When we walked down the stairs there were so many people on the stairs that we got pushed around, so I was pretty close, but I still had to lunge...' Murasakibara explained. 'Muro-chin once told me that if you fell down these stairs you could break your neck. And I didn't want Aka-chin to break his neck.' He added with a nod.
'Akashi-kun! Are you okay?' Kuroko said, thumping down the stairs. 'What the heck happened?'
Akashi shook his head. 'I... just tripped, that's all'. He looked away from the smaller boy, he didn't want Kuroko to see through his lie.
'Oh my God! You could have died! I was so worried!' Kise yelled, also running down the stairs. 'Are you okay?'
Akashi nodded to both Kise and Kuroko. 'I'm fine, thank you.' He pulled away from Murasakibara and was instantly grabbed by Kuorko.
'I was so worried. I thought you were going to hurt yourself.' Kuroko said, pulling Akashi into a hug.
Kise ran over and joined the hug. 'I'm also glad you're alright, Akashi-chii~!' He said, crushing them both.
Midorima pushed his glasses up, his face was also pale. 'That was quite the scare, Akashi. I never took you for someone who would... trip. Especially down a long flight of stairs.' He said, giving Akashi hard look.
Akashi shook his head slightly. Indicating that Midorima needed to stop asking questions. Midorima must have gotten the hint, because he said nothing further.
Aomine also said nothing, he just stared at Akashi, his face slightly pale. But there was something strange in the way his face looked, it wasn't scared, but annoyed?
Akashi pushed Kise and Kuroko off, 'Can we go now? I don't really want to stand here anymore.'
Kise nodded, 'Let's go, poor Akashi-chii almost dies and we just stand here and talk about it.'
They all nodded and started down the stairs again.
Akashi leaned over to Kuroko and whispered, 'Is it good that he's calling me Akashi-chii?'
Kuroko nodded, he grabbed Akashi's hand and smiled warmly. 'It means that he likes you, just like with Murasakibara-kun.'
'So, To make friends all I have to do is fall down the stairs? Great, now I know what I've been doing wrong.' Akashi said, shaking his head.
'I don't care how many people become your friends. Just please don't fall down anymore stairs.' Kuroko asked, squeezing Akashi's hand.
'I promise.' Akashi replied, squeezing his hand back.
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Well, that's all, I hope you guys liked it! Feel free to tell me what you think!