Disclaimer: Kuroko no Basket is owned by Fujimaki Tadatoshi

Summary: Kise wants a kiss from Kuroko even if it's indirect. Everyone finds out, much to their surprise, that Kuroko's first kiss was stolen.

Setting: Second Year

Pairing: AkaKuro

A/N: Happy AkaKuro Day everyone!

Thanks to my reviewers: jessyjasmine.7, fostinefoli, Independent Not in Love, LacrimosaLily, knb143, animelover41195, AspergianStoryteller, Booklover2526, EminaRukiax, EchizenRyoma, Eleoopy, sexy Seren, VioletFan123 and thanks to the favorite and follow alerts, too!

Attention: Just for the record, one of my headcanons is Akashi's habit of caressing Kuroko's cheek. So keep that in mind when you read this.

Day 8: Indirect Kisses and a Stolen Kiss

The first string members of the Teikou basketball club were having their break after running a few laps around the school. The regulars, nicknamed the Generation of Miracles, were on one side with Momoi—the manager—handing them their water bottles and towels.

Akashi, who was sitting on the bench, was simultaneously drying himself with his towel while reading their opponents data that Momoi had gathered and analyzed and then given to him.

Midorima, who was beside the red head, checked if his lucky item—a matryoshka doll—was still in one piece after drinking his water.

Murasakibara sat as he leaned on the wall after immediately grabbing two packets of potato chips in his bag. He munched happily, not even a bit tired after the running they did.

Aomine was lying down the floor without a care in the world and didn't even try to move after Momoi dropped his towel onto his face.

Kuroko, because of his low stamina, was the most exhausted out of all of them and after catching his breath, drank his bottle of water that Momoi handed him.

Kise, on the other hand, gulped as he enchantingly watched the phantom player drank his water bottle, uncaring that he was sweaty and hasn't dried himself yet.

Kuroko, being the usual observant that he is, noticed the stare the blond was giving him. "Is there something wrong Kise-kun?" he asked.

The teal head's question snapped Kise out of his trance and forgetting that he was holding his bottle almost dropped it. "N-Nothing Kurokocchi," he stuttered and he could even feel his face heating up because of thinking some inappropriate thoughts concerning his instructor, like kissing him senseless in front of their teammates.

"Are you sure Kise-kun?" Kuroko asked since he could see that the blond was turning red. "I can accompany you to the infirmary if you're not feeling well."

"N-No, it's okay. I'm fine Kurokocchi," Kise objected as he waved his hands in refusal. "It's just that…"

The phantom player tilted his head questionably. "Just what, Kise-kun?"

It's just I have an urge to kiss you more if you keep doing things like that Kurokocchi! Kise thought as he covered half of his face before his nosebleed could gush out. I really want to kiss Kurokocchi but I can't or he'll get mad. He eyed Kuroko's water bottle in contemplation. But I can still do that, right? "Kurokocchi, can I have your bottle? Mine's empty," he asked as casually as he could. That's right, indirect kiss!

Kuroko regarded his bottle of water before handing it to his blond teammate. Kise's right hand reached out but before he could take it, a dark-skinned hand snatched it away. Kise's face was full shock as he watched Aomine drank from Kuroko's bottle. "That was mine Aominecchi!" he protested.

The blue haired ace shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm thirsty. Have Satsuki give you another."

"But I want an indirect kiss from Kurokocchi!"

The Generation of Miracles stopped what they were doing and stared at the blond in surprise. Even the other members of the first string, who were on the other side of the gym, heard his shout and gave him baffled looks.

"What are you, a girl?" Aomine said as he gave Kise a blank stare. "And just so you know, Tetsu and I always share the same bottle all the time."

Kise's jaw dropped at the new information. He knows that Aomine and Kuroko are close since they're partners and there's that light-shadow thing they have going on. He didn't, however, knew that they were that close.

"And besides," Aomine continued, unaware of the blond's current thoughts. "If you want a kiss from Tetsu just kiss him directly."

Now it was the blue head's turn to have everyone looking at him weirdly (except for the Generation of Miracles and Momoi who were glaring murderously at him).

Aomine ignored the looks (and glares) that everyone was throwing at him, turned to his shadow and grabbed the back of his neck. "Just like this," he said as he tried to close the gap between him and Kuroko.

Kuroko could feel a vein on top of his head ticked in annoyance and before Aomine's lips could touched his, he mumbled, "…Ignite Pass…"

"Oof!" Aomine gasped in pain when Kuroko's palm jabbed him and clutched his throbbing stomach. He looked at his shadow as he writhed in pain. "…T-Tetsu…"

Kuroko stared coldly at the blue head. "Aomine-kun shouldn't joke about kissing someone like that. It wasn't funny. And please refrain from doing something like that again…" if possible, his cold gaze became even colder, "…or I'll get mad."

Aomine, still clutching his stomach, paled at his shadow's subtle threat and meekly nodded his head in agreement.

To diffuse the situation, Akashi handed Kuroko some papers and asked him if he could give it to their coach. The teal head agreed and proceeded to the teacher's lounge, leaving the first string members still flabbergasted at what happened with the exception of the Generation of Miracles and Momoi who looked ready to kill their ace.

Aomine, still unsuspecting as always, rubbed his hurting stomach. Catching Kuroko's ignite pass was already painful for his hands, what's more if his stomach got the brunt of it in close range. And it was a good thing that Kuroko wasn't holding a ball or else he'll be in the infirmary right now. "Aomine." He froze when he heard his captain call his name and turned to Akashi. He shuddered in fear when he saw a sharp glint in his red eyes. "Your training is tripled."

"But why?!" Aomine complained.

"Because I said so," Akashi said, as if that explains everything. In a way, it does.

"Don't complain Aominecchi. You deserved it," Kise butted in. "Trying to kiss the innocent Kurokocchi."

"Your training is tripled as well Kise," Akashi added.

"Eh? Why am I included, too, Akashicchi?"

"Because you started this." Akashi glared at the blue and blond forward. "Now start running before I'll quadruple your training."

Aomine and Kise wasted no time and started running laps around the school.

xXx

The rest of the practice went smoothly after Kise and a reluctant Aomine apologized to Kuroko. Kuroko accepted their apology and easily forgave them for what happened. Kise decided to treat Kuroko for some GoriGori-kun for accepting his apology. Having heard the blond's invitation, the rest of the Generation of Miracles wanted to come along as well, paying no attention to Kise's protest of "The only one I invited was Kurokocchi!" and "It was supposed to be our date!"

After their practice, they made their way to the convenience store where they usually hang-out. Kuroko then became aware that Momoi wasn't with them and asked Aomine on her whereabouts which the blue head answered, "Satsuki went out with the other managers for a girl-bonding time, whatever that meant." Satisfied with the answer, Kuroko and the rest continued walking with a light conversation in between.

When they arrived, the Generation of Miracles took one GoriGori-kun for each of them (apart from Murasakibara who wanted the whole box) and persuaded (more like bullied) Kise into buying it for them, much to his dismay.

They were now outside and eating their sweet treat when Kise's curiosity got the better of him and turned to the phantom player. "Who was your first kiss, Kurokocchi?" he finally asked.

Kuroko turned to the blond beside him but before he could answer, Midorima interrupted. "What's with you and your weird obsession to Kuroko's kiss?"

"I thought Mine-chin was the pervert one. I didn't know Kise-chin is one, too," Murasakibara unhelpfully added and pain no heed to Aomine's grumble of "Don't drag me into this!"

"That's not it! I was just curious," Kise justified his inquisitiveness. "And I'm not a pervert Murasakicchi!"

Before the argument could escalate, Kuroko responded to Kise's question. "I never had my first kiss. In fact, I never kissed or been kissed by anyone before."

Kise blinked in surprise. "Really?"

"…Probably."

"Eh? What do you mean by probably, Kurokocchi?"

Kuroko finished his GoriGori-kun before explaining. "I don't know if it was a dream or not but I think someone kissed me while I was asleep in our summer training camp."

"What?!" Kise exclaimed. "Who would do—"he stopped and as if reading his thought, everyone aside from Kuroko and Akashi turned accusingly at Aomine.

Noticing their reproached stare, Aomine shouted in incensed, "Stop looking at me like that! It wasn't me!"

Midorima pushed his glasses at the bridge of his nose. "Out of all everyone from the camp, you are the most likely suspect."

"I didn't do it!"

"I don't think it was Aomine-kun," Kuroko butted in at the argument.

"How do you know Kuro-chin?" Murasakibara asked, disappointed that he couldn't tease the blue head more.

"Because at that time, Aomine-kun was being punished by Coach Sanada for trying to peep in the woman's bath. And as a result, he was forced to sleep in the coach's room and wasn't with us. So it couldn't be Aomine-kun," Kuroko clarified.

"See? I told you it wasn't me."

Everyone ignored Aomine's remark.

"Hmm…could it be Sacchin?" Murasakibara suggested.

Aomine snorted at the idea. "Satsuki doesn't have the guts to do something like that."

"And if I remember correctly," Midorima said, "Momoi and the other managers went to sleep an hour earlier than we are so it couldn't be Momoi or any of the girls."

"Are you trying to say that Kurokocchi's first kiss was stolen by a guy?!" Kise shouted in disbelief.

"Calm down Kise," Midorima chastised him. "And yes, that could only be the possible conclusion."

Realizing that not only Kuroko's first kiss got stolen but it was taken by a guy, Kise felt like his soul was coming out of his body.

"Kuroko, are you sure it was real and not a dream?" Akashi asked, finally joining his teammate's conversation. He took a step forward to the teal head.

Kuroko thought hard at his captain' question and unconsciously touched his lips with his fingers. "…It felt real," he said.

"What did it feel like?"

"It was…nice."

Akashi raised an eyebrow. "Nice?"

"I can't explain it well but it was soft, warm and sweet. And suddenly I felt like I was being protected, cherished, safe…and loved…" Kuroko trailed off, his mind going back to that night in their training camp.

Their practice was more intense than usual and he was so drained when Kuroko tried the hot spring along with everyone. He almost passed out while soaking when Midorima ordered him to rest and went back to their room with Kise accompanying him. He remembered that there was no one in the room and Kise soon left after making sure that he was all right.

He was half-asleep when he sensed another presence in the room and wondered who it could be. He was surprised when he felt a soft pair of warm lips touched his own out of the blue. He was about to open his eyes when he felt a hand stroked his hair affectionately, not to mention, making him sleepy. He then felt that hand softly caressed his cheek tenderly, just like…

Kuroko suddenly stopped his reminiscing and looked intently at the red haired captain in front of him.

Akashi noticed the teal head's gaze on him but didn't mention it and stared right back at the phantom player's cerulean eyes.

"What's wrong Kurokocchi?" Kise asked as he watched the staring contest between the captain and passing specialist of Teikou as well as noticing the sudden tense air between them.

Kuroko averted his eyes from Akashi's ruby red ones and turned to his blond teammate. "It's nothing Kise-kun," he said.

Trying to alleviate the awkward atmosphere around them, Kise regaled everyone by telling stories about his photo-shoot and co-models and asked them to share some stories as well. With Kise enthusiasm and cheerful personality, the awkwardness slowly dissipated and everything went back to normal as all of them have their usual banter and light conversations filling the silence.

xXx

It was nightfall as the stars started peeking out of the dark-blue evening sky when the Generation of Miracles decided to part ways and go home. Kise went first, saying that he had an appointment with his manager. Next was Murasakibara as he took a detour from his home because he wants to buy more snacks. And then Midorima, who decided to check out an antique store that apparently sells a rare lucky item, leaving the captain, phantom and ace of Teikou behind.

Aomine nervously glanced at his teal and red haired teammates inconspicuously; it was too quiet for his liking and it weird him out. Actually, he didn't mind the silence since Kuroko doesn't talk that much and he was used to it. In these times, he would talk about basketball or Horikita Mai (even if Kuroko wasn't interested in the topic) and even make jokes as Kuroko listened to him and sometimes offered his own opinions.

This was, however, the first time he walked home with Akashi. It's not like he has against the red head or something like that (even though Akashi was doubling or tripling his training whenever he did something troublesome), they just aren't close like he and Kuroko does. So to say that it was uncomfortable was an understatement.

He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice that Kuroko and Akashi stopped walking and only halted when the teal head called his name and turned around.

"Are you alright Aomine-kun?" Kuroko asked, worried since the blue head was surprisingly quiet and distracted which was unusual for him.

"Huh? Why do you ask?"

"Because you almost passed the road to your house Aomine," Akashi answered.

Aomine finally became aware that he was in his neighborhood and smiled sheepishly at his two teammates. "I'll go ahead then." He patted Kuroko's teal locks and nodded at Akashi. "See you Tetsu, Akashi."

"See you tomorrow Aomine-kun," Kuroko replied while Akashi just nodded back.

Aomine departed and took the road towards his home.

"Don't be late at our morning practice tomorrow," Akashi reminded the blue haired ace.

Aomine didn't turn around and just waved his right hand in acknowledgement.

The captain and phantom sixth man of the Generation of Miracles watched the blue head's retreating back before continuing on their way home.

The both of them were strolling passed a park and marveled as the combination of red, orange and yellow leaves fall slowly around them and joined the rest of the leaves scattering across the ground. It was at this moment when Kuroko finally made the decision to confront the red head. He stopped to a halt.

When Akashi felt Kuroko wasn't beside him anymore, he turned back to look at the teal head and saw determination reflecting in those clear azure eyes. "What's wrong Kuroko?"

"Akashi-kun," Kuroko started, "why did you kissed me?" he asked, straight to the point.

Akashi stared at him for a moment before calmly putting his right hand in his pocket. "I thought you didn't know who kissed you," he said, instead of answering the teal head.

"I didn't," Kuroko responded.

"Then what made you say that it was me?"

Kuroko looked down on the ground unable to look Akashi in the eye. "Because at that time, after kissing me, that person touched my cheek, just like Akashi-kun always does."

"Just because that person did the same thing that I usually do, doesn't mean that it could be me."

"That is true," Kuroko admitted. "But I'm certain that it was Akashi-kun." He looked up only to be caught in the red head's hypnotic gaze on him.

Akashi smirked and took a few steps forward to Kuroko. "If that were the case," he said, "what are you going to do Kuroko?"

Kuroko blinked, confused. "I don't know," he answered truthfully. "I only want confirmation from Akashi-kun." He stared resolutely at his red haired captain. "And Akashi-kun hasn't answered my question yet."

The corner of Akashi's mouth curved up in a smile. He took his right hand from his pocket and reached out to fondly caressed Kuroko's smooth cheek. "I think you already have an idea why Kuroko," he said. "I know you're not that oblivious to everyone's affection for you, especially Aomine and Kise. After all, you are far too observant than that."

Kuroko closed his eyes, unwilling to look at the red head when he was so near. "I still don't know what everyone sees in me. I'm just normal and average, add to the fact that I'm unnoticeable due to my weak presence, I'm confused as to why anyone would like me."

"Don't sell yourself too short Kuroko," Akashi said. "Contrary to what you believe, you are exceptional. To other people, you may have been normal, unnoticeable as you said and had little to no presence. But to me—to us—you are special and have a significant existence."

Kuroko opened his cerulean eyes, catching Akashi's intense gaze on him. "Does everyone think that way?"

"Of course," Akashi said as he cupped Kuroko's face with both of his hands, closed his eyes and leaned forward to gently press their foreheads together. "Because, Kuroko, you are the shadow that supports me and everyone."

Kuroko, once again, closed his eyes and at the same time accepting the red head's words. He could feel Akashi's warmth surrounding him as a soft chilly breeze brushed passed them and his strong presence occupying his every thought. He was never been this close to anyone before, not even Aomine. Akashi wasn't even doing anything, just letting his presence reassure and comfort him. In a way, it felt much more intimate than any words, touch or even a kiss.

Both of them stayed that way for a while, lost in their own world, so close than they've ever been before.

"…Akashi-kun," Kuroko said, sighing the red head's name.

"I want to kiss you, Kuroko," Akashi said, his voice a little husky as if struggling to control himself. "Will you let me?"

Kuroko doesn't know what to do. He was torn between saying yes because he wants to kiss Akashi and no because he's confused and wasn't sure about his feelings yet. He stopped thinking and settled to what his heart has decided. He said, "…No."

Kuroko heard Akashi sighed softly in regret and felt his hands released his face and then he couldn't feel his warmth anymore. Suddenly, he felt cold and alone. He quickly opened his eyes; afraid that the red head was gone and left him behind. He found Akashi a few steps away from him with no traces of what happened between them lingering in his ruby eyes as if it wasn't important. For some reason, his heart started to ache at the thought.

Akashi could see the uncertainty and yearning in those vibrant azure eyes that were looking at him. "It's better this way Kuroko," he said.

"What do you mean, Akashi-kun?"

"I don't want to hurt you more," Akashi vaguely said.

Kuroko was bemused; the red head wasn't making any sense. Lately, he discerned that Akashi was being more mysterious and aloof than usual. He was getting worried and he got the feeling that something was going to change. Whether it was between them or the team, he didn't know but he was sure he wouldn't like it.

Akashi smiled albeit a sad one and held out his right hand to the teal head. "Shall we go Kuroko? I'll walk you home."

"I'm not a girl Akashi-kun," Kuroko half-heartedly deadpanned. "I can go home by myself."

Akashi looked amused at the phantom's remark and smiled but this time much more encouraging. "Indulge me."

Seeing his captain smile, Kuroko couldn't refuse any longer and sighed in defeat. He took the offered hand. "Akashi-kun should treat me to a vanilla milkshake at Maji Burger before we go home."

Akashi let out an amused chuckle. "As you wish Kuroko." He grasped the teal head's hand tightly in his before entwining their fingers together, keeping their hands firmly interlocked.

And as a soft wind swept passed, making the warm-earthy colored leaves dance around them, Akashi and Kuroko walked home hand in hand in content and comfortable silence, unaware that this would be the first and last time that they'll be together like this.

A/N: So I'll be updating this story everyday until the 15th since it's AkaKuro week and the next chapters will, of course, feature AkaKuro.

As for my readers waiting for the next chapter of Regression, I'm halfway finished! After AkaKuro week ends, I'll be focusing in finishing Kise's chapter so please, please bear with me and wait a little longer. I'll post the chapter this month either before/on/after my birthday which is on April 22. Good luck to me!