Disclaimer: Kuroko no Basket is owned by Fujimaki Tadatoshi
Summary: It's almost Kuroko's birthday and the Generation of Miracles planned a surprise party for him. Can they do it without Kuroko finding out? But Kuroko is getting suspicious of his teammates. What would the Generation of Miracles do?
Pairing: GOMXKuro
A/N: HAPPY BIRTHDAY KUROKO-KUN!
Thanks to my reviewers: asyadreamer09, Maya-chan2007, kyaaaa-1095, miki565, Miku In Hana, Independent Not in Love, Sheen-chan, Guest (1), CherryPop0120, Guest (2) and to the favorite and follow alerts!
Day 7: The Phantom's Day
Kuroko was suspicious.
It's been a few days since everyone started acting weird around him. And whenever he asked one of his teammates they just brushed it off, saying that he's just seeing things or hastily tried to change the subject.
Like the time when he requested Aomine to help him coached some of the team's new recruits and the blue haired ace readily agreed without any second thoughts or even an ounce of complain since normally Akashi has to threaten Aomine to do any chore or for Kuroko to bribe him with GoriGori-kun or assist Aomine with his exams. There was also the time when Aomine skipped going to the bookstore to buy the latest issue of Horikita Mai's photobook (and Aomine never missed an issue) to accompany Kuroko in his errand for his grandmother. When he questioned Aomine about it, he only said that he'll buy it before going home. Kuroko just shrugged it off until the next day when he noticed that Aomine never left his side (except when he was at his class) and seems to do everything he asked. That was Kuroko's first clue that something was going on.
The second was Kise. Kise followed him everywhere he goes which isn't that unusual except that it was almost to the point of stalking when Kise tried to follow Kuroko towards his home without the teal head's knowledge (which is a moot point considering that anyone would have spotted the blond even if tried to hide), only to be dragged away by Aomine. Kuroko breathed a sigh of relief for that. Kise was also being clingy, well, clingier more than usual much to Kuroko's chagrin since the blond would tackle him to a hug every time they see each other. Plus, Kise likes to give him souvenirs from his photo-shoot (or from his fans). Kuroko was alright with it if it happens sporadically but handing him gifts everyday was just too much.
Next was the pink haired manager, Momoi. Momoi was a bubbly, cheerful and energetic person. She was always smiling (excluding the times when she was scolding Aomine) and helped the basketball team to the best of her abilities. But for the past few days, Kuroko noted how Momoi was smiling too widely every time she sees him, giggling after staring at him in a daze and excitedly whispering under her breath that Kuroko couldn't quite decipher. Yeah, sure, maybe because Momoi likes him but the pink head never acted that way with him before. That's why he knows that something was up.
The other person that cemented Kuroko's skepticisms was Murasakibara since the purple haired center was too nice to him. Not that Murasakibara treated him badly or anything but he's too generous around him that Kuroko find it pretty disturbing. For instance, offering him snacks (and vanilla flavored at that) throughout the whole day. Murasakibara does share his snacks to the team occasionally though most of the time he was protective of his snacks and only wants it all to himself, which is the reason why Kuroko was surprised when Murasakibara shared his snacks with him these past few days.
And then, there's Midorima. Kuroko and Midorima don't really get along but they do respect each other whether it's about basketball or their certain beliefs, namely Oha-Asa. Kuroko acknowledges Midorima's obsession to the fortune telling show even though he doesn't believe in it. That's the reason why Kuroko had a hard time refusing the lucky items that Midorima brought for him (and he had to admit that those lucky items did helped him). Still, it was excessive for him to receive lucky items for three days straight, add to the fact that Midorima only lends (yes, lend and the ones he got were freely given to him) his collection of lucky items when one of them has a very unlucky day especially if they have a match. Now, Kuroko's grandmother gave him strange looks when he came home carrying a huge bunny stuff toy one day, a bouquet of flowers the next, and then a box of expensive chocolates (that had Murasakibara drooling throughout their practice). Kuroko had enough when his grandmother asked if he had any suitor courting him. He then refused Midorima's lucky items but the green head was persistent and so he has no choice but to keep it in his locker or his grandmother will misinterpret the situation again.
The only one acting the same and normal around him was his red haired captain, although Kuroko did noticed that Akashi favors him a lot during their practice. Like letting him rest instead of finishing his laps (he tried to object but he couldn't very well disobey Akashi), his training menu wasn't as hard as the others, permitting him to practice his passes anytime he pleases (much to the team's dismay since catching Kuroko's passes—particularly the ignite pass—wasn't easy) and even asked his opinions while Akashi was strategizing some plays. He thought because it was off-season that Akashi was letting him off easy but now he thought otherwise and wondered if that really was the case.
Due to everyone's uncharacteristic behavior, he pretty much knows that something was amiss and that they're hiding a secret from him. He would have left it alone if they weren't so strange whenever he was in the vicinity. Kuroko wasn't the type to pry but even he would be curious if everyone were keeping something from him particularly—assuming that he's right—when it concerns him. Now it's time for him to act and find out what's going on. He was grateful for his lack of presence since it will be a great help in times like this and this might be the first time that he'll use his misdirection off the court.
i.
"Kuroko is onto us," was the first thing Akashi said once everyone had gathered in an empty classroom.
"But how? No one told Kurokocchi about that, right?" Kise said.
"How indeed," Akashi dryly said and crossed his arms over his chest as he stared at them one by one.
Kise and Momoi looked properly chastised as they sunk in their seats, Midorima fixed his glasses as he looked out at the window he was leaning at while Murasakibara continued eating his supply of snacks on the desk and Aomine yawned as if he couldn't care less.
"I know that all of you are eager for our surprise to Kuroko," Akashi said. "But it doesn't mean you have to go overboard towards him. Anyone would find it doubtful if you act out of the norm."
"What are we supposed to do then, Akashi-kun?" Momoi asked.
"Just act like your normal selves." Akashi eyes his teammates as he listed off their wrongdoings one by one. "Don't do every single thing that Kuroko asked. Stop following Kuroko wherever he goes. Don't act too happy around Kuroko. Stop handing Kuroko snacks every time you see him. And stop giving Kuroko lucky items particularly if those lucky items could lead to a misunderstanding."
"What about you, Akashi?" Aomine said as he clasped his hands together behind his head. "You're too soft on Tetsu during practice."
Akashi sighed. "I'll tone it down."
"Is everything going according to plan, Akashi?" Midorima inquired, changing the subject.
"Yes, everything is fine. We're just waiting for the day itself." Akashi glared at every one of them. "So refrain from giving Kuroko anymore suspicious thoughts, alright?"
Everyone nodded at their captain's order.
Unbeknownst to the Generation of Miracles, a certain someone was eavesdropping on them and when he had heard enough, hurriedly left before they could see him.
ii.
Kuroko was deep in thought. He now knows that his teammates are planning a surprise for him when he overhead them talking in the school. It was only chance that he stumbled upon their secret gathering but he was glad for that lucky break since he got to find out the reason for their unusual behavior. Granted, he still doesn't know why they were planning a surprise for him. He pondered his teammates' reason for doing that.
"Tetsuya?"
Kuroko snapped out of his thoughts when he heard his grandmother call his name. He looked at her and saw her staring at him in uncertainty.
"Is there something wrong Tetsuya?" she asked, worried. "You haven't touched your food yet. Don't you like tonight's dinner?"
"I'm sorry, Obaa-sama. I was just thinking," Kuroko reasoned and then began to eat.
Kuroko's grandmother nodded and continued eating her dinner. "Speaking of food, what would you like for me to prepare for this Friday, Tetsuya?"
"Eh? This Friday?"
"Your parents are coming home on Friday, dear," Kuroko's grandmother reminded him.
"…Oh, that's good. I haven't seen them in a while."
The elder Kuroko blinked at her grandson in confusion before lightly chuckling. "Tetsuya, have you forgotten why your parents are coming this Friday?"
Kuroko stared at her grandmother perplexingly. "Is there something going on this Friday?"
"Dear, it's your birthday."
Kuroko froze in his seat, stunned. He turned to the calendar displayed in the corner of the room and saw the date on Friday.
January 31.
His birthday.
How he could have overlooked his own birthday, he doesn't know. But at least he now realized why everyone was so nice to him as well as their surprise party plan. "Oh…" was the only thing he could utter.
"You can invite your friends Tetsuya," the older woman suggested. "I haven't seen all your teammates yet. And I'm sure your parents would like to meet them."
"I think they're planning a surprise party for me, Obaa-sama."
The elder Kuroko giggled. "It isn't a surprise if you know it, dear."
"They aren't very discreet," Kuroko deadpanned.
"Then have them continue the party here."
"I'll ask them."
Kuroko's grandmother nodded and the two of them resumed eating their dinner in companionable silence.
iii.
The next day, on the school rooftop, while everyone was having their lunch; Kuroko took the opportunity and asked them, "Is everyone free this Friday?"
The passing specialist's question brought everyone to a halt. Aomine's chopsticks hovered in the air when he tried to steal Kise's karaage and then gaped at his shadow. Kise choked on his food and immediately drank his water greedily. Momoi stopped mid-chew and stared at her crush. Murasakibara took the chance and stole the piece of karaage that Aomine was trying to take. Midorima put down his chopsticks and focus his attention to Kuroko.
Akashi was even a bit perturbed and turned to the phantom player. "Why do you ask, Kuroko?"
"It's my birthday."
Aomine, Kise and Momoi visibly gulped when they heard those words come out of Kuroko's lips while the other three were more composed although Akashi did glare at the three's obvious reactions.
"My grandmother is preparing a feast and requested me to invite all of you," Kuroko continued. "Obaa-sama and my parents wanted to meet everyone."
"Your parents will be there, Tetsu?" Aomine asked, shocked. He already met Kuroko's grandmother several times every time he went to the teal head's house but he never saw his parents before not even pictures.
Kuroko nodded. "Yes."
"We'll be there," Akashi declared, deciding for everyone.
Kise and Momoi gave the red head a panic look which Akashi chose to ignore. "We'd like to meet your family as well, Kuroko," he said. "Though, I'm afraid that we'll be late to your party."
Kuroko didn't ask Akashi to elaborate since he knew the reason for it. "It's fine. I'm just glad that everyone is going."
"But—" Aomine tried to protest.
Akashi gave the blue head a chilling glare, instantly stopping Aomine in voicing his complains.
Kuroko turned to his light and partner. "Is Aomine-kun not fine with it? You can refuse if you want."
"No!" Aomine vehemently objected. "…Uh, I mean, of course I'll go. I wouldn't miss it."
Kuroko smiled. He was really happy that everyone agreed since he wants to introduce them to his parents. Though there's a part of him that wondered what everyone is going to do for their surprise afterwards.
iv.
"What the hell, Akashi!" Aomine shouted. Their practice was over and everyone made a conscious decision to stay and talked on what they're going to do next.
Akashi gave the blue head a cold stare. "Don't shout at me, Aomine."
Aomine suddenly become pale and took a frightening step back from the red head. "Sorry."
"But what are we going to do now, Aka-chin?" Murasakibara asked as he took out a Maiubo from his bag. "Do we have to cancel our party?"
Momoi elatedly raised her hand. "I have an idea!"
Akashi nodded at her to carry on. "Let's hear it Momoi."
"Why don't we just combine our party with Kuroko's grandmother?"
"That's a good idea," Akashi said, pleased at the suggestion. "Not only it's practical but we will be of help to Kuroko-san, too."
"But how are we going to do that Akashicchi?" Kise queried. "We don't have that much time since we have basketball practice that day."
"I'll end the practice early. Coach wouldn't mind."
"What about Kuroko?" Midorima rebutted. "If practice ends early it means Kuroko would go home early, too."
Akashi turned to the blue haired ace. "Aomine will distract him."
"Huh? Why me?" Aomine grumbled.
Akashi crossed his arms and stared hard at Aomine. "Either you distract him or help us with the preparations, your choice."
Aomine sighed in defeat. "Fine, I'll distract him."
"The rest of us will help Kuroko-san with the party," Akashi instructed.
"Will Kurokocchi's grandmother be okay with our plan?" Kise questioned, since aside from Aomine, Momoi and Akashi no one haven't met the elder woman before so he doesn't know if Kuroko's grandmother will allow their assistance.
"I could ask her," Momoi readily volunteered. "I'm sure she wouldn't mind."
"I'll leave it to you then, Momoi," Akashi said. "And kindly inform her to keep it a secret from Kuroko."
"Okay, Akashi-kun."
Murasakibara opened a packet of potato chips since he was finished with his Maiubo. "I wonder how Kuro-chin's parents are like?" he contemplated, changing the subject entirely.
"Yeah," Kise agreed. "Do they have a weak presence like Kurokocchi does?"
"His mother do," Akashi promptly answered, making everyone turn to him in astonishment.
"Wait, Akashi," Midorima said, surprised. "Don't tell me that you've already met Kuroko's parents before."
"Yes, I did," Akashi answered, nonchalant.
"What are they like?" Momoi probed eager for more information as always especially if it concerns her beloved Tetsu-kun.
"Kuroko got his looks and weak presence from his mother and his personality from his father," Akashi explained.
Everyone tried to imagine it but for some weird reason they couldn't picture it.
Akashi coolly gazed at them. "Some imagining absurd things, you'll meet them soon anyway. Let's focus more on our plan, alright?"
"Yes," everyone chorused.
v.
Kuroko panted and drank his bottle of water after their basketball was over. Akashi dismissed them early to everyone's confusion except for him and the Generation of Miracles. Coach Sanada doesn't seem to mind and Kuroko had a hunch that he knows about Akashi's plan.
On the locker room, while they were changing, Aomine asked Kuroko if he wanted to go to the convenience store where they usually hang-out. Kuroko was puzzled since as far as he knows their surprise party was supposed to be held at school so he was curious when Aomine asked him to go somewhere, unless they're trying to distract him. Nonetheless, he agreed to Aomine's invitation.
"That's good," Aomine said as he buttoned up his uniform. "It's your birthday today, right Tetsu? So I wanted to treat you."
Kuroko glanced at the blue head beside him while putting his blazer on. "I didn't know Aomine-kun can be this considerate."
Aomine's left eye twitched in irritation. "Oi! I'm trying to be nice here!"
"I know." Kuroko smiled at him. "Thank you Aomine-kun."
Aomine quickly averted his eyes from his shadow's smile and fought hard not to blush.
"Is everyone going with us, too?" Kuroko asked to the rest of his teammates.
Everyone stiffened in response when Kuroko turned his attention to them.
Akashi, of course, wasn't fazed at all and closed his locker as he was done changing. "As much as I want to Kuroko, I can't," he said. "I have a business to take care of first."
Kuroko looked disappointed. "Is that so?"
Akashi gave the teal head a reassuring smile. "Don't worry Kuroko. I'll make it to your party."
Kuroko nodded. "I'll see you later then Akashi-kun."
Akashi smiled to the phantom player one last time before making his way out of the room, leaving the others to make up their own excuses.
"I have to refuse as well Kuroko," Midorima said and slung his bag over his shoulder. "I still have to pick up your gift in the shop that I ordered in."
Kise and Aomine threw the green head a startled look. They were amazed that Midorima had the guts to tell Kuroko about his own gift.
"You don't have to give me a present Midorima-kun," Kuroko said.
"That's not possible Kuroko," Midorima disputed. "It's only customary to give presents to the birthday celebrant."
"If you say so, Midorima-kun." I just hope it isn't a peculiar lucky item, Kuroko silently prayed.
"I'll go with Mido-chin, too," Murasakibara interjected. "I'm going to buy Kuro-chin's gift in my favorite shop."
Aomine raised an eyebrow at the purple head's direction. "When you say your favorite shop, you mean to say a pastry shop?"
Murasakibara nodded. "My present for Kuro-chin is a vanilla ice cream cake."
"But we already have a cake at the party Murasakibara-kun," Kuroko reminded him.
"Eh, but ice cream cake is different from a normal cake Kuro-chin," Murasakibara contradicted.
"…I see."
"In that case, Murasakibara and I will just see you at your house Kuroko," Midorima affirmed.
So mean! Everyone just left me alone! Kise internally cried. He started to sweat in alarm when Kuroko turned his attention to him next. "Uh, I, you see Kurokocchi…I…I have a photo-shoot!" he just blurted out the first thing that came to his mind.
"Does that mean that Kise-kun can't come later?" Kuroko inquired.
"Of course not! I still can come," Kise tried to explain. "I won't miss Kurokocchi's party. The photo-shoot won't be that long."
Aomine draped an arm over Kuroko's shoulders. "So it's just me and Tetsu, huh?"
"Yes," Kuroko answered.
With that settled Kuroko and Aomine waved goodbye to the other three as they parted their ways and both light and shadow of the Teikou basketball club proceeded to go to the convenience store. Upon arriving there, Aomine treated Kuroko to a GoriGori-kun just like he said he would.
While eating their treats, Aomine noticed that his shadow was lost in his own thoughts and ruffled those soft teal locks, trying to alleviate Kuroko's concerns. "Stop thinking too much Tetsu."
Kuroko gazed up at his partner. "What do you mean Aomine-kun?"
Aomine shrugged in reply. "You're thinking about the others, right? Midorima and Murasakibara told you that they're just going to buy gifts for you. Akashi and Kise had to take care of some things first so they could spend some time with everyone on your birthday. So stop worrying too much, okay Tetsu?"
Kuroko stared at the blue head in astonishment but nevertheless his partner's words helped him in dispersing his trepidations. "Aomine-kun is indeed acting strange today," he remarked.
A vein in Aomine's head popped angrily. "Oi!"
"But thank you Aomine-kun." Kuroko let out a soft smile. "By the way, where is Momoi-san?"
"At your house," Aomine swiftly answered without thinking as he was sidetracked by the teal head's smile. He then paused when realized what he just said.
"Why would Momoi-san be at my house Aomine-kun?" Kuroko asked, skeptical.
"She's, uh, Satsuki's helping your grandmother with your party," Aomine decided to tell the truth, seeing as he couldn't bluff his way out of it.
"I didn't know that."
"I heard Satsuki offering her help to your grandmother. She also told me to keep it a secret from you."
"That was thoughtful of Momoi-san," Kuroko said, pleased. "So that's why Obaa-sama refused my help since she already has one."
"Yeah, Satsuki said that it could be her pre-birthday gift for you, whatever that meant."
"But Momoi-san wouldn't cook the food, right?" Kuroko questioned, concerned.
Aomine sweatdropped, Kuroko had the right to be worried about that. "No." Akashi would make sure she doesn't even touch any of the food.
Kuroko was relieved for that. "I see. So anyway, Aomine-kun's present for me is this ice cream?" Kuroko said as he looked at his ice cream Popsicle. "Aomine-kun is cheap."
"What?! Of course not! My gift is in your—" Aomine fortunately stopped himself before he could give himself away.
Kuroko blinked at the blue head. "…In my what, Aomine-kun?"
"U-Uh, it's you know, uh…" Aomine was saved from answering when he felt his cellphone vibrated in his pocket. He took it out and quickly closed it after reading the message. He turned to his partner. "Let's go Tetsu, Satsuki just texted me that it's time for your party."
vi.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" was the greeting Kuroko received as soon as he opened the door to his home. He was stunned to see his teammates all there alongside his grandmother. "Wha—everyone?"
"Surprise Tetsu," Aomine said while grinning.
Kuroko looked behind to his light, flabbergasted. "I…"
"How long are you going to stay in the doorway?" Aomine gently pushed the teal head inside to where everyone is.
"Did we surprise you, Kurokocchi?" Kise asked and hugged the phantom player tightly.
Kuroko was still in shock to evade or push the blond away so he just let him be. "Everyone did this?" He stared at the colorful decorations adorning in the living room and a big table full of appetizing foods.
"Yes," Kuroko's grandmother responded. "Your friends were of great help Tetsuya."
"We were supposed to celebrate your birthday at school," Momoi explained. "But Tetsu-kun suddenly invited everyone to your own party. So we made a last minute decision and combined the two parties together."
"I see. Though I already knew of everyone's surprise party, I didn't expect this," Kuroko said.
Aomine was shocked at what he heard. "Wait Tetsu, you knew about our surprise?"
"Yes. I heard everyone talking about it the other day."
"So I guess it's a good thing that we change our plans and managed to surprise you," Akashi said, joining the conversation.
"Yes." Kuroko nodded and turned to the red head. "If Akashi-kun is here, does that mean that Akashi-kun lied a while ago?"
"I didn't lie. I said a have some things to take care of and it was the preparations for your party."
Kuroko turned to his green and purple haired teammates. "What about Midorima-kun and Murasakibara-kun?"
Midorima pushed his glasses up his nose. "I told you the truth. I was picking up my present for you and after that Murasakibara and I went here to help."
"That's right~" Murasakibara added. "Kise-chin was the only one who lied~"
"It's not my fault!" Kise complained. "It was the first thing I could come up with!"
"Now, now, no arguing," Kuroko's grandmother pacified them. "Everyone prepared a lot of food, why don't we eat now?"
"I'm hungry~" Murasakibara agreed as he rubbed his growling stomach.
"Have some shame!" Midorima scolded him.
"First things first," Kise said and pulled Kuroko closer to the table where the foods are and a scrumptious looking strawberry shortcake in the center. "Make a wish Kurokocchi!"
Aomine furrowed his brows in bewilderment. "Huh? Why does Tetsu have to do that?"
"Where's your birthday spirit Aominecchi?" Kise pouted. "It's tradition so we should do it."
Before Aomine could start another bicker with Kise, everyone heard the door being opened and a cheerful voice declaring, "We're home!" They all turned and saw a woman that has the same teal hair and pale skin as Kuroko came in and behind her was a good-looking man with raven hair watching them, his face devoid of any emotion.
"Oh…" the woman—whom the Generation of Miracles assumed as Kuroko's mother—gasped. "Are we late?"
"No, we only just started," Kuroko replied and moved closer to the newly arrived. "Welcome home Okaa-sama, Otou-sama."
"Tetsuya-kun!" Kuroko's mother proceeded to hug her son. "I really miss you!"
Kuroko returned his mother's embrace and patted her back in comfort. He saw his father giving him a soft smile. "Happy birthday Tetsuya," he greeted.
"Thank you Otou-sama," Kuroko said as he smiled a gentle smile.
Kuroko's mother released her son from her hold and finally noticed the unfamiliar faces staring at them. "Oh, where are my manners? You must be Tetsuya-kun's friends. I'm Kuroko Etsuko, his mother," she then gestured to the man beside her, "and this is my husband, Kuroko Nobuyuki. We're so glad to finally meet all of you."
"N-Nice to meet you, too," Momoi stuttered.
Etsuko took the pink head's hands in eagerness. "You're Momoi-chan, right? I heard so much about you from Tetsuya-kun."
"R-Really?" Momoi couldn't believe it. Tetsu-kun talked about me to his parents!
"Of course! You're one of the managers of the basketball club, right?"
"Yes!"
Etsuko turned to the tallest teen on the group, who was munching potato chips. "Tall, purple hair and eating a snack, you must be Murasakibara-kun."
"Yup~" Murasakibara nonchalantly answered.
"And beside you is Midorima-kun, right?" she deduced. "That green hair, wearing glasses and carrying an Oha-Asa lucky item."
Midorima fiddled with his aforementioned glasses. "That is correct Kuroko-san."
Etsuko waved her hand contemptuously. "You don't have to call me Kuroko-san. Etsuko is fine with me."
Midorima nodded. "As you wish, Etsuko-san."
Kise raised his hand eagerly. "Then does Etsuko-san know about me, too?"
Etsuko placed a finger in her chin in contemplation. "That blond hair, gorgeous face and energetic personality, you're Kise-kun, the model."
"Kurokocchi talked about me to his parents!" Kise shouted in delight.
"Yes," Etsuko agreed. "Tetsuya-kun told us that Kise-kun can be annoying at times."
That broke Kise's happiness right away. "Waah! Kurokocchi!"
"It's true anyway," Aomine lazily remarked as he put his hands in his pocket. "You really are annoying."
"So mean!"
"You're Aomine-kun," Etsuko stated as she watched the blue head, who was startled when he was suddenly mentioned. "You're Tetsuya-kun's partner in basketball, right?"
"Uh, yeah," Aomine awkwardly mumbled since he doesn't know how to act towards Kuroko's mother.
Etsuko turned to the last person of the group and greeted him. "It's good to see you again, Seijuurou-kun."
The Generation of Miracles whirled towards their captain. First name basis?!
"Likewise Etsuko-san," Akashi said and faced Kuroko's father, "Nobuyuki-san. I hope your trip went well."
"It went well," Nobuyuki responded for the first time since he arrived.
"You're so polite Seijuurou-kun," Etsuko said and gave the red head a secretive smile. "You'll be a good husband to my Tetsuya-kun someday."
Akashi returned the mysterious smile. "I wouldn't mind having Kuroko as my wife Etsuko-san."
What?! the Teikou regulars and manager were perplexed at what they heard. Just what are they talking about?!
Both Kuroko and his father sighed and Nobuyuki quickly steered the conversation away before it could get any weirder. "Now that you've met Tetsuya's friends, dear, why don't we start the party?"
"Oh, yes," Etsuko said, easily distracted and looked at the table full of different kinds of foods. "Did Okaa-chan prepare this?"
The elder Kuroko smiled at her daughter-in-law. "Yes. But Tetsuya's friends helped as well."
"It looks delicious," Nobuyuki complimented.
"There's a cake, too!" Etsuko tugged her son closer. "Blow out the candles Tetsuya-kun and make a wish."
"Wait Etsuko-san, shouldn't we sing the birthday song first," Kise suggested.
"No way," Aomine grumbled in a whisper.
"You're right Kise-kun. Everybody sing, okay?" Etsuko specifically stared at her husband and—having heard his objection—Aomine.
With Etsuko and Kise leading, the rest sang albeit some of them reluctant.
"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Kuroko (Kurokocchi/Tetsu-kun/Kuro-chin/Tetsuya/Tetsu), Happy Birthday to you~!"
Kuroko closed his eyes for a few seconds before blowing out the candles as everyone clapped for him.
"Let's eat everyone!" Etsuko enthusiastically said.
vii.
"I'm so full," Aomine said while sitting on the couch, satisfied.
Midorima glared at him. "Who wouldn't when you almost ate all the meat?"
Kise nodded in agreement. "You even stole mine!"
Aomine ignored them and watched his surroundings. He saw Momoi talking and giggling with Etsuko. Murasakibara attentively listening to Kuroko's grandmother and wondered what they were talking about but judging by the purple head's serious expression, he guessed it's about food since it's the only thing that Murasakibara is serious about. He also saw Akashi and Nobuyuki having a serious discussion. "Hey, where's Tetsu?" he asked when he couldn't find the teal head anywhere.
"Now that you mention it, I haven't seen Kurokocchi in a while," Kise noted.
Midorima looked around the room. "Kuroko should be around here somewhere."
"I'm here."
The three of them jumped in surprise when they suddenly heard Kuroko's voice beside them. "Tetsu/Kurokocchi/Kuroko, don't scare us like that!"
"I'm sorry," Kuroko apologized.
"There you are Tetsuya-kun," Etsuko made her way towards her son. "It's time!"
Kuroko was confused. "What do you mean Okaa-sama?"
"It's time for you to open your presents!" She smiled and then pouted. "But my and your father's gift won't arrive until next week. I'm sorry Tetsuya-kun."
Kuroko smiled at her mother. "It's fine Okaa-sama. Just having you and Otou-sama here today is enough for me."
"You're such a good boy Tetsuya-kun!" Etsuko cried as she tightly hugged her son. "Let's see what your friends have for you."
"I'll go first!" Kise volunteered and handed Kuroko a box covered in a yellow wrapper. "I hope you like it Kurokocchi!"
Kuroko carefully removed the wrapper of the gift and saw three of his favorite novels. He looked at the blond in bemusement.
Kise widely smiled at the teal head. "Kurokocchi once told me about your favorite novels so I decided to buy them. And some of my co-workers knew the authors personally and kindly asked them to sign it for me."
Kuroko gave the blond a gentle smile. "I like it. Thank you Kise-kun." And since he was feeling generous, he leaned closer to Kise and kissed his right cheek much to everyone's surprise.
Kise felt like all his blood rose up to his face, he spluttered, "Ku-Ku-Kurokocchi!" This proves to be too much for the blond as he promptly fainted.
Etsuko gasped. "Oh my, is he okay?"
"He's fine," the Generation of Miracles all answered at the same time. Murasakibara took the unconscious Kise to the couch.
"Let's continue. I'm next!" Momoi exclaimed and gave Kuroko a pink paper bag.
Kuroko took the offered bag and removed its content which turned out to be a light blue sweater.
Momoi twiddled with her fingers. "Do you like it Tetsu-kun? I made it myself."
"Of course I like it especially since Momoi-san made it for me." Kuroko smiled and just like Kise, kissed the pink head on her cheek.
"Te-Tetsu-kun!" Another fainting ensued.
Kuroko's grandmother watched as Aomine carried his childhood friend to the couch and placed her beside Kise. "Is this how youngsters behave nowadays, fainting after handing their gifts?" she genuinely asked.
"No, ma'am," Midorima politely answered her. "It's just them."
"Kuro-chin~" Murasakibara tried to catch the teal head's attention. "You already know what my present is, right?"
"Vanilla ice cream cake," Kuroko remembered.
Murasakibara nodded. "It's for Kuro-chin's family."
"That's so sweet Murasakibara-kun," Etsuko said and stood on her tiptoes to pat the purple haired teen on the head which made Murasakibara hummed in appreciation.
Kuroko beckoned Murasakibara to crouch down so that he could kiss him on the cheek as well. "Thank you Murasakibara-kun."
"You're welcome Kuro-chin~"
"So it's my turn now," Midorima interjected and handed Kuroko a green wrapped package.
Kuroko opened his present and saw a black box with a color of sky blue linings on it. The moment he opened the box a soft melody began to play, and inside it was a miniature of basketball in various colors of red, blue, yellow, green, violet and pink lighting simultaneously as the tune goes on. "This is beautiful. Thank you Midorima-kun," he said and kissed the green head's cheek just like the others.
Midorima coughed to hide his embarrassment. "You're welcome."
Aomine looked intently at the green head and smirked. "Are you blushing Midorima?" he teased.
"Shut up Ahoumine!" Midorima glared at the blue haired ace.
"Stop calling me that!"
"At least it isn't a lucky item just like Mido-chin gave to Kuro-chin the last few days," Murasakibara commented.
Kuroko's grandmother remembered the things his grandson brought home. "Oh, you must be Tetsuya's suitor."
The rest of the Generation of Miracles whirled towards the elder Kuroko in shock. "Huh?" Aomine eloquently gaped while Nobuyuki almost spat the tea he was drinking.
Etsuko eyes glittered in excitement. "What? My Tetsuya has a suitor? I thought Seijuurou-kun was the only one, this means a rival!"
"A suitor!" both Kise and Momoi woke up when they heard that word being spoken. They both turned to Midorima. "What's the meaning of this Midorimacchi/Midorin?!"
Midorima took a step back as everyone's gazes were focused on him. "Wait, it's a misunderstanding. I'm not courting Kuroko or anything like that." He turned to the phantom player. "Kuroko, tell them!"
"Midorima-kun is right, he's not courting me," Kuroko confirmed. "Those were just lucky items. That's all."
Kise and Momoi both sighed in relief while Etsuko was disappointed. Nobuyuki was comforted as well and then turned to his wife when he processed what she had just said. "Dear, just what do you mean by Seijuurou being Tetsuya's suitor?"
"Oh, did I say that? You must have heard wrong, dear," Etsuko tried to deflect. "I meant that it's now Seijuurou-kun's turn to give his present to Tetsuya-kun."
"Yes, here you go Kuroko." Akashi gave the teal head a big parcel covered in a deep red wrapper. "It's a good thing I opted not to give you books or else Kise and I would have the same gift. But all the same, I hope you like it Kuroko."
Kuroko delicately opened the gift and saw an azure kimono created in the finest silk and knowing his captain, he was sure that it's expensive, too. "Thank you Akashi-kun," he thanked the red head and kissed his cheek.
Akashi gave Kuroko a tender smile and leaned towards the phantom player and kissed the corner of his lips. "You're welcome Kuroko," he whispered to Kuroko's ears, making the teal head flushed a little bit.
Nobuyuki cleared his throat and gave the red head a warning look. Akashi smirked but did back off as he was satisfied by Kuroko's reaction to him.
"You're the last one Aomine-kun," Momoi said as she looked at her childhood friend.
"Uh, yeah," Aomine muttered and handed his partner a wrapped blue box. "Here, Tetsu."
Kuroko opened his light's gift for him and his cerulean eyes widened in wonder when he saw an Asics Gelhoop Duo 3 inside. He gazed at Aomine, silently asking him why he gave him basketball shoes.
Aomine rubbed the back of his head in discomfort. "Well, I saw that your shoes has gashes on it and it's dangerous if you keep you using it so I bought you a new one, you like that one, right?"
"Yes," Kuroko nodded and smiled at his partner. "Thank you Aomine-kun." As he was leaning towards the blue head, Aomine suddenly veered his head towards him and instead of his cheek, their lips made contact for a brief moment.
Aomine hastily backed away from the teal head and shivered in fear when he felt a threatening aura behind him. "…Daiki," an ominous voice said, it doesn't take a genius to know who it was. He spun to his red haired captain to try and explain he gulped nervously when he saw Akashi glaring murderously at him (and was it just he's imagination or did Akashi's left eye turned to a golden color, it also didn't escape his notice that the red head just called him by his first name). "W-Wait Akashi, it was an accident…"
Momoi looked suspiciously at the blue head. "Was it really?"
"Maybe Aominecchi planned it all along," Kise accused.
"Oi, wait! Why are you ganging up on me?" Aomine protested. "And how can I plan it? I didn't know Tetsu would do that!"
"Mine-chin is so sly~" Murasakibara unhelpfully added.
Midorima nodded as well. "I agree."
Akashi, still glaring at the blue head, said, "You're training is tripled Daiki."
"Why?!" Aomine tried to escape his teammates' ire to no avail. "Tetsu, help me!"
Etsuko giggled as she watched on the sidelines. "So my Tetsuya-kun has a harem, huh?" she whispered to herself, thrilled at the new information she acquired.
Kuroko sighed at the scene, he was already used to his teammates' rumbustiousness so he didn't try to stop them or get in the middle of it even if he was unintentionally the cause of it. "Are you having fun Tetsuya?" he heard his father asked him as Nobuyuki stood beside him.
Kuroko looked up at his father. "I am," he sincerely said.
Nobuyuki nodded and affectionately ruffled his son's teal locks, the same color as his wife. "Happy birthday, son."
Kuroko let out a contented smile. "Yes."
A/N: After I read the Q&A in Vol. 25 about Kuroko's family, a headcanon about his parents suddenly came on to me. Since Kuroko's mother has the same weak presence as him, I imagined her to be a very upbeat and energetic person to cancel it out and being so lively anyone would have notice her (even to the point of annoyance), she can also be a bit naive at times. While on the other hand, his father is a serious and studious person and prefers to be alone but due to his good looks he was always getting a lot of unwanted attention especially from females because of his mysterious and enigmatic personality. So when the two of them met, they really don't get along because of their opposite personalities. Nevertheless, Kuroko's mother urged Kuroko's father to at least have fun and socialize more while Kuroko's father taught her to be more responsible. Needless to say, they fell in love with each other in the process and got married resulting with Kuroko as their son, who got his mother's appearance and weak presence and his father's personality.
Wow, I think I just made up an entire love story for Kuroko's parents. *shrugs* Oh, well.
(Now, I just need to finish the next chapter of The Phantom Trade. *goes back to writing*)