Day 24: Quiet Hills and Dazzling Fireworks
Summary: There's only one thing about Independence Day in America that Akashi and Kuroko enjoy, that being the fireworks.
One thing that neither Akashi nor Kuroko could get used to since they moved to the United States, it was their annual Independence Day…or the 4th of July as they call it.
An annual celebration celebrating the birth of their country, filled with bitter alcohol, fattening American "delicacy's" and blaring radios, the nonnative couple only saw these celebration antics to merely be an excuse to act all crazy like party animals. Back in Japan, they didn't even have an independence day and even if they did, the citizens of Japan wouldn't act with such immaturity and with such roughhousing behaviors like Americans do. The two of them would prefer to just spend their day relaxing in their home, filled with peace and quiet. Also not have to worry about being blasted by American flags and Patriotism and overly zealous drunk Americans every time they need to go to the grocery store, or even outside in general.
However, that doesn't mean that America's annual 4th of July celebration is completely bad. There is one thing that both Akashi and Kuroko enjoy during this day.
And that thing, is the fireworks.
Loud, explosive colors that dazzle the night sky was something that the duo loved to witness back in Japan. Attending summer festivals and just watching the showers of gold, red, blue, green and all the other colors of the rainbow fill the black sky was just plain enjoyable for the duo. Both Akashi and Kuroko were thrilled and pleased that they would be able to witness beautiful firework shows even outside of their home country.
The only problem was that if they wanted to see them live, they would have to go outside. And going outside meant being bombarded by all of the frivolous American pride fiascoes that they were trying to avoid in the 1st place. Sure they could just stay at home and watch fireworks on the television, but neither of them liked that option. Kuroko because he felt that watching through a lower quality TV screen took away from the beauty of seeing it outside in actuality, while Akashi believed that watching it outside in person was much more romantic than staring at a television screen.
But today, despite that, both Akashi and Kuroko have agreed to go outside tonight to go watch fireworks.
The two of them found a firework show that was located not too far away from their house, so they planned to swiftly head over there, avoid as much traffic as they can, and attempt to get a good place to sit and relax and view the fireworks.
Well…the plan was easier said than done. Fast forward a few hours later, the couple had arrived to the location of the fireworks show; a city park filled with trees, hills and a large pond in the middle of the park. News reporters stated that sitting near the pond would be one of the best spots to see the fireworks in all their glory. Too bad that there was a huge crowd of at least 300 people sitting near that pond, therefore stealing the best seats in the house from the couple.
Kuroko frowned in disappointment, while Akashi's eyebrows twitched in frustration.
"I thought that we got here pretty early, but it seems that we weren't the only ones to think of that idea," Akashi muttered, obviously annoyed that his seemingly fool-proof plan hadn't worked out quite as he imagined.
"We'll just have to find somewhere else to watch the fireworks, Akashi-kun," Kuroko added.
"But still, I wanted to give you the best that there is to offer," Akashi frowned, disappointed in himself for not thinking about this thoroughly enough.
Kuroko placed a comforting hand on Akashi's shoulder. "It's alright, Akashi-kun. You don't need to spoil me. Besides, we passed by some hills that are close to the pond that I'm sure can still have a good view of the fireworks."
Akashi glanced towards his lover, noticing the soft smile that had glazed Kuroko's lips. His lover of 5 years had always been the more optimistic of the two, so it made sense that he would see the bright side in this situation while Akashi just mopes around regretting his previous actions.
So in turn, Akashi decides to rely on his significant other for that support. "Well then, let's head over there." Before someone else takes over that spot, he held back from saying, hoping to keep up his spirits and not send Kuroko into a pit of pessimism.
Kuroko nodded in response, holding out his free hand for Akashi to grasp, which he did happily. The couple quickly set pace for the hill that Kuroko mentioned, said phantom leading the way. The two of them were careful not to drop the belongings that they brought, Kuroko holding a tiny basket with the sandwiches that he made for the two of them, and Akashi holding a rolled up blanket for them to lay on, so that they wouldn't have to sit on the dirt covered grass.
It didn't take long for the two of them to reach their destination: a grassy hill that looked over the large pond. On top of the hill was a tall sugar maple tree, its long branches covered with forest green leaves, the lowest branches hanging a couple feet over the duo's heads. Luckily, the tree was opposite towards the pond, allowing for a distant but clear view of the night sky above and therefore, the fireworks that would be shown shortly.
Oh yeah, and there was no one there either!
"This is perfect," Akashi commented, glancing towards his lover with a relieved expression. "There's no one around and we still get a good view of the fireworks."
Kuroko smiled, setting the basket on the ground. "I thought you would like it. This area of the park is very secluded so I come to this spot a lot to read. I'm sure that we'll be able to watch the fireworks in peace."
"I believe so too, love."
The couple began to settle down, Akashi unraveling the blanket a couple feet in front of the tree, far enough that the tree's leaves weren't blocking their view and also close enough that the hill wasn't too steep. Kuroko sat down, opening the basket and taking out the sandwiches from the plastic bags he had put them in, handing out one of them to Akashi. Said redhead took it, sitting down next to his lover as they began to eat their sandwiches in peace. The fireworks weren't supposed to begin for another 20 minutes so they had plenty of time to just snack and enjoy each other's company.
It was a miracle that the two of them were getting their peace and quiet, especially during the 4th of July. Even when the duo were about to settle close to the pond, they were already able to smell the bitter scent of beer and alcohol, the loud and obnoxious conversations, and they were confident that when the fireworks start, the bellowing cheering will be more than enough to get on their nerves. In those cases, not only would they be able to hear each other and begin conversation, it would take the fun out of their whole evening. So with this peace and quiet, just finishing their sandwiches and making small talk here and there, it was more than they could ever ask for.
Then, the fireworks began.
It started off with a bang. A huge circle of bedazzling gold light took up almost their entire view of the night sky, a loud boom echoing through the night.
"It appears that the fireworks have begun," Akashi stated, arm wrapping warmly across Kuroko's shoulder, pulling him close.
Kuroko smiled at the gesture, leaning his head onto Akashi's wrapping his arm around Akashi's waist. "Yes, Akashi-kun."
Another bang. Red and blue streams of light filled the night sky, each one half the size of the 1st firework, two more booms echoing into the night as the vivid colors faded to a dim gold and then into nothing.
"I'm glad we were able to see the fireworks like this," Kuroko warmly stated, lovingly squeezing his lover's waist.
"Agreed. It's even more precious that I get to see them with you, love," crimson eyes gazed at his lover, as another firework set off. This one a long cascading burst of pure violet, its streaks falling towards the ground before fading into the darkness.
Luckily the darkness was able to hide Kuroko's otherwise evident blush at the statement. Akashi knew just how to make his heart swoon and blush, and despite how embarrassing it is, Kuroko can't help but love it at the same time.
His blush quickly became noticeable at the start of another firework, neon red streaks swarming all across the sky like bees leaving their hive. A second firework burst right after it, exactly like the last one except the color was a sky blue instead of lime green, matching the color of Kuroko's hair.
Akashi could only smile at the sight as he glanced at his lover. His lover blushing while the lights of the striking colors from the fireworks painted his face, it was an image that Akashi didn't get the chance to see that often, and he found it irresistible.
He takes his free hand and places it on Kuroko's cheek, pulling him into a sweet, loving and passionate kiss. Kuroko quickly returns the kiss feverishly, closing his sky blue orbs in acceptance. Akashi begins to push Kuroko down until he's lying on top of the blanket and Akashi is now on top of Kuroko, tongue protruding and poking at Kuroko's lips, begging for entrance. Kuroko opened his mouth in acceptance, no longer paying attention to the vivid colors that burst into the ebony night sky and the loud, echoing booms that accompanied them. It was their moment, that precious moment where they could enjoy a bedazzling and peaceful night with just the two of them, without the fret of other's loud celebrations to disturb them.
So in the end, even Akashi and Kuroko were able to enjoy a spectacular and passionate Independence Day.
Notes: So I added the Summary like I said I would. I'll be adding the summaries for the rest of the Days tomorrow so I hope that's helpful.
Reviews, comments, etc is welcomed and encouraged! :)