Chapter Text
It started as an interest really. Akashi, Bokushi , asked him to leave, but, to everybody’s surprise he didn’t. It was pretty clear the boy was terrified, so Akashi figured it was a moment of being ‘scared stiff.’ Part of him was intrigued though; he planned on seeing how far he could push this individual until the other was either running away or bowing at the emperor’s feet. It was cut short though, in an incident Akashi may regret, a tiny bit. He was annoyed, this man who he didn’t see as anyone particularly special at the time, Kagami, not only cut off what Akashi planned to be a little game ( hunt ) but also acted as if what he had to say was more important than what the emperor had to say to his family (not that he’d call them that at the time.) They were his troops, army, for now. Something snapped in Akashi’s head at that moment, and well, he knew Kagami would dodge, no harm done. Except maybe people keep him away from scissors now.
Akashi didn’t think much about that incident at the time, it was just another person he put in place, but then something inconceivable happened. Seirin won. And by one point at that. The storm in Akashi’s head seemed to see light at that. Everything changed. He had ‘calmed down’ so to speak.
A week of the cherryhead brewing over all of that had happened passed. He didn’t leave his dorm room during this week; too busy trying to mediate his newfound mentality and thinking about how much he’s ruined. However, when his team came to check on him, Mibuchi, laptop and dvds in hand, Nebuya, food in tow, Hayama with extra blankets as if planning a sleepover, and even Mayuzumi with some light novels, Akashi came to a conclusion. They weren’t checking on him out of obligation (even if Mayuzumi said it was so ‘he didn’t die.’) They were there because they were worried about him. Not just their captain, but Akashi.
He knew then that he has to right his wrongs. He can’t burden his team with their worries. He looks at people differently now. That’s when he realized Rakuzan and Teiko are his family. Or when Bokushi realized.
So he made up with them.
They all welcomed him with open arms; and he thought to himself - I don’t deserve them.
It would be a few more weeks until Seijuurou thought of the petrified boy.
It was a rainy day when Kuroko came out to him. He found out Tetsuya is in a relationship with the man who had beaten the emperor, Kagami. Akashi couldn’t think of a better boyfriend for the shadow (not that he said that out loud. He may have changed but he still has a lion’s pride.) Without prompt, Akashi knew he needed to start correcting more of his wrongs. He asked Kuroko (even though he could have found it out through less decent means) for Kagami’s phone number. To say Kuroko was a bit curious was an understatement. He gave the captain his number under the condition he be kept in light of the situation (ironically.)
Then he made up with Kagami.
Kagami wasn’t like the other miracles. He was odd , he doesn’t hold grudges. It was a breath of fresh air when the taller seemed to accept his apology with ease (although he did promise a one-on-one in return.)
After he and Kagami settled on friendly terms, much to Kuroko’s joy, Akashi began thinking of all the people he has possible hurt. The petrified boy came to mind. He must of scared him half to death with the scissors incident...yet, he still faced Akashi in match. And not only that, he scored a point, while Akashi was on court. Seirin only won by one point, if he hadn’t shot that, they wouldn’t have even won. I may not have came back to my senses if it weren’t for that.
Although the heir is back to ‘normal’ he’s still curious. How did that shaken up first year manage to score a basket? He couldn’t even stand. Akashi doesn’t like not knowing the answer to something so he asked Kuroko.
Akashi-kun: How did your teammate score a point against me?
Kuroko Tetsuya: What do you mean?
Akashi-kun: I’ve been thinking about it and I can’t grasp what method the boy used. What’s his secret?
Kuroko Tetsuya: Believe it or not Akashi-kun, there was no secret method, he simply scored a point.
A completely average player. Akashi found that hard to believe.
He didn’t mean to sound like he was interrogating his ex-teammate, but if you reread the messages after that, it definitely sounded that way. However, the bluehead was adamant on saying there isn’t anything weird about his teammate.
As if to prove his point Kuroko took a secret photo. It was a selfie with the boy in the background seemingly doing his own thing on a laptop. It didn’t look like Kuroko’s room (Akashi’s seen his ex-teammate’s room a handful of times) so he assumed they were at the brunette’s house. Tetsuya was just trying to prove nothing was weird, using his secret talent of spy cameras (as he always has) but it may have backfired.
That may have been when Akashi’s interest turned into an obsession.
There is something intimate about seeing someone doing their own thing in their own personal space. It’s the same when his teammates post pictures online of them hanging out watching movies or some personal activity. It’s like seeing a snippet of someone’s life, even though you aren’t there. There’s so much you can find out in a simple photo. And Akashi’s always been analytical. Perhaps that’s why some people find his eyes creepy, or say he has a staring problem. In reality, he just likes to completely open up and understand everything he looks at. Babies do it, that’s why they stare so much and learn so fast. Akashi just never grew out of that stage.
Akashi analyzed that photo. He looked at everything on the brunette’s desk in the background, any posters on the wall, how clean the room looked, everything. It sounds weird put like that, but it really wasn’t - at least the heir didn’t think so.
Akashi could sniff out a game when he’s so plainly introduced one. He questioned things in the photo. He claimed this didn’t help Kuroko’s case.
Akashi-kun: I need more evidence.
Either Kuroko isn’t as sharp as he used to be (probably not true,) or he didn’t care about divulging his teammate’s life (more likely.) Tetsuya played ‘none the wiser’ (there’s a reason they are friends) and continued to share snippets of the brunette’s life in photographs. Eventually, Akashi teased Kuroko about acting as if he didn’t know anything.
Kuroko Tetsuya: You know I love to blackmail people Akashi-kun.
That comment marked the two’s repaired friendship. The captain and phantom player were friends as if they never had a falling out. And it’s all thanks to that brunette.
Seijuurou knows exactly when he began to truly like the brunette (who he has literally only talked to once.)
It had been a particularly rough day, rough week. His father had him attend a multitude of meetings in preparation of becoming the future CEO. Not only this, but he still attended classes, basketball practice, his own personal lectures, both teachings where he was the student and where he was the teacher, while running student council. The heir of Akashi Corp may be a bit of a miracle worker and known as a miracle, but there are limits. Limits that no matter how hard you try, humans cannot surpass. Despite what some people may say, Akashi Seijuurou is in fact a human. He hadn’t gotten a night’s sleep for a long time since he had to do video calls with officials in other countries thus, different time zones.
He was in basketball practice when he accidentally slipped an exhausted russian command and everybody knew he needed a break. Reo, the ever doting mother, practically forced him back to his dorm room to rest, making sure he didn’t continue practice or attend student council that day.
He passed out once he sat on his bed, but was awoken by a video call not even five minutes later. Angry Swedish words were launched at him over some mistake someone in the Akashi branch did. A headache. Akashi was honestly just too tired. He cut ties with the Swedish branch when they started blindly throwing insults. They don’t need them anyways, Akashi doesn’t need any company that’s just going to cause headaches.
Cutting off ties may lead to less headaches from one person, but that doesn’t mean it won’t cause others. Soon enough, it was none other than the Akashi head calling his son on matter of what just occurred. After a long, murderous phone call, in what language, the heir couldn’t even remember, he hung up.
He sat there afterwards suddenly aware of how quiet his room is when there are no screaming foreigners in it. But his mind...that just caused his mind to run free. It felt like screaming inside his head, he couldn’t sleep anymore despite desperately needing it. He felt at wits end; his head hurt so bad. There was no sound yet sound was all he could hear.
It's too much. Everything's too much.
That’s when Kuroko messaged him. Akashi looked at it, desperate for an escape, even if the light from his phone splintered through his head. It was a video this time.
Kuroko and the brunette (who he still does not know the name to...) were yet again in the now familiar room. The boy had fallen asleep listening to music. Sending a video of your friend sleeping to someone else may sound strange, but a minute later Kuroko suddenly changing the calming melody to a heavy death metal song to abruptly and hysterically wake the boy up.
Being so self reliant and in Seijuurou’s current condition he could only focus on his escape, his mind immediately knew what to do. He typed in the lyrics he could understand from the calm song playing in the background, and immediately clicked on the first song to come up that matched the lyrics. The song was on a pre-made playlist of the band’s music.
Akashi fell asleep sitting up while thinking about the brunette. The cherryhead imagined it was just the two of them, with no angry voices yelling and no Kurokos to suddenly blast death metal. With that thought, Akashi felt more calm than he can ever remember.
When he woke up it was apparently three days later and he had scared his teammates. Reo had evidently, properly put him in bed, and his other teammates had called for a doctor when they couldn’t wake him up. They were all sorts of frantic when he woke up but Akashi only felt a sort of warmth settle in his chest and a sense of peace. Hayama hugged him and Reo had tears in his eyes. Akashi apologized for once again worrying them.
His teammates made weekly plans from that day forth to make sure the heir had downtime. And it was all thanks to that brunette.
Akashi began listening to the band the boy had inadvertently introduced him to. It lulled him to sleep every night with no nightmares. The cherryhead couldn’t help but imagine the boy was next to him when he listened to it. Not in a weird way, honestly it was just calming.
But the captain was not naive, not stupid, he knew that wasn’t ‘normal.’ Seijuurou didn’t really know this boy, not really, he felt like he did through the snippets Kuroko has leaked, but he’s never spoken to the brunette. Yet, Akashi began wondering if you could fall in love with someone without ever meeting, because I think that boy is perfect.
The first time he opened up about this was weeks later, when Akashi was positive of his feelings. However, he wanted a second opinion. He and Mayuzumi were on the roof, it was lunch break. The school year is almost over, but they still have a few more days - Akashi is glad for that now. He and Mayuzumi usually spend lunch together, mainly in silence. Chihiro likes to read by himself, and Akashi finds the silence with his senpai comfortable.
Sometimes...sometimes Akashi likes to annoy him just a little bit though.
“Senpai?” The cherryhead asked innocently.
“I told you to stop calling me that.” Mayuzumi replied evenly, without looking away from his manga. The white-haired male says this every time Akashi calls him that, but it never ceases to amuse the heir.
“Would you give me advice on something?”
Mayuzumi actually looked away from his book at that.
“The Akashi Seijuurou asking for advice?” He asked incredulously, then went back to his book, blank face in place. “Ask someone else.”
“But I can’t trust anyone else with this.” Akashi answered, playing his cards correctly. The taller didn’t budge. “Even if it has to do with my crush?” Chihiro made a bit of a scrunched up face to that, then closed his book and looked at his kouhai.
“Is that why you’ve been in such a good mood lately?”
You could see Seijuurou’s pleased face at getting Mayuzumi’s attention clear as day.
“Hmm, I suppose.” Truthfully, Akashi knows fully well that, that is the reason. After his initial breakthrough, he happily looked at the pictures or videos Kuroko sent him. He even went back and looked at the old ones, with a sort of new appreciation. He’s come to the conclusion that Kuroko’s teammate is cute in every aspect, and he never gets tired of looking at the photos and videos. He looks so soft. Despite how frantic he was when we met, he's so calm in the pictures. So adorable. Akashi's never felt this way about anyone in his entire life.
“If you’re asking for advice, don’t go and speak in riddles.” Mayuzumi replied. The heir chuckled.
“Alright. Truthfully, I just want your opinion... Is it possible to fall in love with someone you’ve never met?” Akashi asked. I imagine this is why I love looking at him so much. His senpai blinked.
“Are you talking about a crush or falling in love? Because what it sounds like is a celebrity crush.” A celebrity crush?
“There’s a difference?” If there is one subject Akashi is not a professional in it is human interactions (he can manipulate, seduce, and understand the psychology behind people, but common threads that can only be learnt through human interaction, he is a bit lost at.) Chihiro kind of did a half face-palm in response.
“Yes. Ever heard of puppy love? There’s different types of love Akashi.” The older breathed out, sounding annoyed. The heir hummed, prompting his senpai to continue. “What you asked depends. Some people believe in love at first sight. I don’t.”
“Love at first sight…” Akashi parroted. ... Is that what this is? We haven't really spoken. I don't think I was in love with him when we met. Then again I was someone else entirely at that time.
“Is this person you’re talking about a realistic option?” Chihiro asked, and Seijuurou scoffed.
“Anyone’s tangible to me senpai.” I can get anyone I want. I’m sure.
The white-haired man scoffed back.
“Can you give me any more information? What do you know about this person?”
“I know what he looks like, sounds like, and how he acts. I know he has good taste in music… he calms me down.” Seijuurou has a hectic life. After the first mishap of not being able to sleep, he doesn't go a night without thinking of the brunette. For some reason, he's able to calm me down drastically. As if he is on a different wave length than the rest of the world. Akashi thought of the pictures and the boy's soft features; he must have gotten a dreamy look in his eye, because Mayuzumi cut his reverie short.
“Is that all?” His senpai answered not impressed. “Do you even know any of his hobbies?”
Akashi realized that technically he doesn’t really.
“... He likes basketball. I can imagine the types of hobbies he probably likes.” Because the boy listened to such calm music, because he seemed scared of the world, but he’s close to Kuroko. He probably likes to read, to-
“Akashi.” Mayuzumi looked him dead-on. Seijuurou can sense the immediate serious aura. “I’m going to say something, I need you to listen to, okay?” Akashi nodded along, paying close attention. “There’s a difference between loving someone, and loving the idea of someone.”
Akashi thought about that. It’s important, Mayuzumi said so, and Seijuurou trusts the older. Loving the idea of someone... I definitely do love the idea of him, but I still like him, and have never felt this strongly about a singular person before.
“Senpai… I’ve never liked anyone before. I don’t know what it feels like. But I think I at least like him more than, and in a different way, than anyone else I’ve ever met.” The heir answered seriously thinking carefully about his words. It’s true.
“If you were anyone else, it’d be weird that you don’t know anything about this, but all I’m saying is don’t go start making up stuff about this kid and believing it.”
Akashi knows Mayuzumi is right, but the heir is so used to drawing conclusions from little details that only may be true. He learned how to do it to manipulate people. But not everything may be true. He must’ve made a scrunched face, thinking hard about this because Chihiro spoke up again.
“Look the solution’s really easy, okay?”
Akashi looked up at that hopeful, and as clear as Mayuzumi could put it he answered.
“Go. Talk. To. Him.” He then picked his book back up and re-opened to where he left off, wordlessly ending the conversation.
For once in his life Akashi is at a loss. He can’t, he refuses, to mess up this relationship. I need more information. This is a bit of a difficult situation. The brunette’s terrified of him - rightfully so - Akashi’s already treading on thin ice. He can’t just demand attention like he used to. He genuinely wants this boy to like him. And genuinely wanting someone to like him is something Akashi hasn’t had experience with. He’s scared of screwing up.
So Akashi asked Kuroko.
Akashi-kun: I need more information.
Kuroko Tetsuya: please elaborate Akashi-kun
Akashi-kun: That boy, the brunette, you send me photos and videos of, what is his name?
Kuroko paused in answering for a moment. The heir looked at his phone with all his attention, until finally a few minutes passed and the phantom player responded.
Kuroko Tetsuya: may I ask why you want to know?
Akashi narrowed his gaze. That was an awful long time just to type that.
Akashi-kun: Reference.
Kuroko Tetsuya: Akashi-kun, I know you know I am not so stupid to believe that.
Seijuurou glared at his phone. Because, yes, he knew that, but sometimes Kuroko plays ‘none the wiser’ and it is all the more easy to get information then (at least cleanly.)
Akashi-kun: And I’m aware you know that I’m interested in him, so I see no issue in just knowing his name.
Kuroko Tetsuya: I’m questioning you because Akashi-kun acts like a leech. The moment you get information you want more until you’re satisfied
Akashi slightly smirked. Strangely accurate.
Akashi-kun: and you are not okay with acting as my resource?
Kuroko Tetsuya: I did not say that. All I ask is why you want information
Akashi-kun: It is just as I said. I am interested in him.
Kuroko Tetsuya: I doubt you need to know so much information about my teammate to ‘solve his secret talent.’
Akashi-kun: It is more than that.
The phantom player stopped typing again. This time for longer. Akashi was getting slightly agitated, so he began typing out another message when Kuroko finally responded.
Kuroko Tetsuya: ...do you mean you’re interested in him as a person?
Akashi-kun: Yes, I thought that was clear.
Kuroko can surprisingly be quite dense. Wasn’t I clear? Akashi said he was interested twice in the same conversation.
Kuroko Tetsuya: His name is Furihata Kouki.
Finally, Akashi can put a name to face. The cherryhead felt a sense of satisfaction in that. Furihata Kouki. Kouki. What a cute name.
Akashi-kun: Thank you. Willing to spare more information?
It wasn’t a necessary question, not really. He will get information, one way or another. Afterall, he needs to know as much about Kouki as possible -without him knowing- so when they do meet, Akashi will know exactly what to say.
Kuroko Tetsuya: If you are so interested, why don’t you try talking to him yourself?
Akashi huffed. Annoying.
Akashi-kun: I like to know as much as possible about ‘something’ before going into it myself.
Kuroko Tetsuya: You are acting out of character.
That’s true. It’s true that Akashi likes to know about things before heading into them, he’s a strategist after all, but the heir wants to know more.
Akashi-kun: Of course I don’t expect you to do this for free, you will get a reward.
Seijuurou smirked devilishly to himself.
Kuroko Tetsuya: Free milkshakes or the deal’s off
The heir smiled. Got him.
Akashi-kun: I’ll mail you an unlimited Magi Burger card, it should arrive tomorrow.
Kuroko Tetsuya: I would kiss you if you were here right now
The heir chuckled aloud quietly. His Teiko teammates never cease to amuse him.
Akashi-kun: I’m honored.
That is how Kuroko and Akashi came to a deal. Akashi learned more about his brunette, things like he does enjoy reading (as the heir guessed) in fact he and Kuroko are in the library committee together. Akashi also learned that Tetsuya’s knowledge about this boy is vast. In hindsight it makes sense. Kuroko is constantly sending photos and videos, half of which are in Kouki’s house, so obviously the two are close. Akashi didn’t realize how close though.
Akashi also got a very delightful text days after their deal from Kagami asking if he is trying to steal his boyfriend. And that began the heir’s conversations with the ace of Seirin. They had talked before, things were what someone might call ‘awkward’ for awhile, but this was the true beginning of their messages. It’s also when Akashi mutely welcomed Kagami into the GoM’s family. He fit in their group as if he had been there all along, it was odd. However, not unwelcome. It made Akashi realize that his Teiko family does not have to be separate from his other family. His friends can get along with his other friends.
Midorima Shintarou, Akashi’s childhood friend who’s always been with him (even if they both didn’t speak to each other that much - more likely to silently play shogi) slipped up. He called his teammate his boyfriend and proceeded to blush furiously. It was...comical. But then the greenhead seemed almost scared that he told Akashi. In a way it was hurtful, but Akashi knows his past actions are the reason why so he simply noted,
“I’m glad you’ve found someone who makes you happy.” Akashi coolly placed a shogi piece down, pretending not to be shocked by his childhood friend dating someone. Midorima kind of sputtered, shocked.
“...You are not mad?” He asked unsure. Akashi looked up with a raised brow pretending to not understand why.
“No. Should I?”
Shintarou blinked owlishly for a moment then cleared his throat looking back at the board.
“No. I simply tho-” Shintarou cleared his throat again, deciding to not say what he was about to utter. “-nonetheless, thank you. I was unsure how you may react to me dating a man.” Akashi blinked, he honestly hadn’t even thought of that being an issue, he let loose a soft chuckle.
“There is no reason to thank me. I am simply glad to see you so cheerful.” It’s kind of funny to call Shintarou cheerful since he doesn’t smile brightly or laugh jovially. Ironically, Midorima did let a small smile out at that (and a blush.) Akashi pretended not to see it as the good friend he is.
That was when without even meeting Takao Kazunari (again, not really meeting) he let the raven-haired boy into his Teiko family.
“Besides,” It appears Akashi and Midorima’s relationship is no longer strained (the heir hadn’t even noticed it was, which is a problem in and of itself,) so now Akashi will let Shintarou in on a little secret as well. They are best friends, after all. “There is a boy I like as well.” The heir stated simply.
Shintarou lost his smile and looked up surprised to see Akashi smiling lightly. With that action it proved the captain is serious.
“...I see. Well, whoever it is, I am sure he must be quite impressive to catch your eye.”
Akashi thought of Kouki and his bright smile he’s seen in a few photos ( Kouki has a really nice smile ) and Akashi found himself mimicking that expression.
“It is alright to ask who it is, Midorima-” The heir chuckled “-I can tell you are curious.”
“I-you do not have to tell me Akashi. It is your own business…” It’s so blatantly obvious Midorima is curious. Amusing.
“His name is Furihata Kouki. He’s a player on Seirin.” Seijuurou explained. Midorima looked up as if he is trying to place who that is. “You may remember him as the ‘quivering chihuahua.’”
When Akashi found out that, that is what people know Kouki as, it was insulting at first. To think they would call him something so negative. But the more he thought about it the more he knew it to be true and, honestly, it’s adorable. Kouki’s mannerisms do replicate that of a puppy - Akashi thinks this in the most positive way of course.
“The one who Seirin plotted against you..?” Midorima is shocked. Actually, shocked may be an understatement. But, Akashi is currently entertained to his heart’s content.
“Yes.” Seijuurou affirmed. Midorima broke out of his shocked reverie then looked back at the board and moved a shogi piece.
“Well, I am sure with your skills, you will sweep him off his feet in no time.”
Akashi almost wanted to ‘aw’ but he didn’t because he doesn’t do that.
“Thank you. I am sure you and your partner will be happy together as well.” Akashi looked back at the board, glad he told Shintarou.
“Takao. His name is Takao Kazunari.” The greenhead remarked still looking at the board. Akashi glanced up and chuckled.
“Of course. Well, I’m sure you and Takao will be very happy together.”
Shintarou blushed to his ears. It’s amusing how much power the hawk-eyed player has over his childhood friend.
When Akashi left, he was glad that he and Midorima had this talk. He felt as if the bridge between them has been fixed. I should make sure all of my bridges are complete. He hadn’t even realized things were still slightly awkward between him and Shintarou. He decided to talk more with the other miracles.
He wanted to speak with Murasakibara, Momoi, Kise and Aomine more. He decided it was best to speak with them all together, minus Murasakibara - he wants to speak with him alone, plus he lives farther away. After a quick text, Kise offered his apartment as a hangout spot. Momoi promised to bring Aomine along (although the navy haired male always comes to ‘summons.’)
“So why did you want us to meet up?” Daiki asked languidly from the couch. He has one arm lazily wrapped around the couch cushion, just behind Momoi’s head. The two sat on one couch while Kise and Akashi are on another.
The blonde was pleasantly surprised when instead of the cherryhead taking his usual single seat -throne- he decided to sit next to his ex-teammate. Akashi thought this may be one of the first steps in redeeming himself. Momoi and Aomine noticed immediately as well, but decided to keep their mouths shut.
As much as Seijuurou loves solitude and looking amongst everyone as if he is the one in charge -which he most definitely is- perhaps, sometimes, it is nice to sit next to someone. It's an odd feeling that the heir hadn’t even realized he was missing out on (his own Rakuzan team taught him, unknowingly, when he awoke after his three day rest.) To feel a comforting presence so close, even if you’re not necessarily touching is a good feeling.
“Is it so wrong to want to see my old teammates?” Akashi asked while taking a sip from the tea Kise offered.
“I think what Dai-chan meant is that, it’s odd that you only wanted to meet up with us three.” Momoi pointed out. Akashi put his drink down and smiled serenely.
“I suppose I was hoping for some pleasantries, but I will get to the point-” It is odd of Akashi to want to waste time with pleasantries when he has a point to make. Maybe this is him being nervous without showing it. “-It’s come to my attention recently that I may not have apologized completely.” He looked at his ex-teammates whose gazes are locked on him. “I wish to act as we used to… No, maybe closer, if you are all okay with that?” He won’t admit he is nervous. He actually cares what the miracles think of him. He doesn’t want them to just be ‘friends’ with him, because he says so.
“Akashicchi! Of course we’re friends!” Kise began crocodile tearing next to him. Seijuurou blinked.
“Yeah! We’re a family remember!” Satsuki smiled with flower blossoms behind her.
“So, you called us…to hang out? Geez, you’re so cryptic sometimes.” Daiki said, but a small smirk graced his lips.
Akashi is…shocked? No, heart warmed? He isn’t sure. It’s like too many emotions hit him at once. He's…relieved. He sees the faces of his ex-teammates and knows, they do care about him. Him and all his horrible faults.
So, Akashi did something very un-Akashi like. He almost did it mechanically, as if he wasn’t sure if it was okay. The cherryhead slowly raised his hands offering a hug. He didn’t deserve it, not really. But we’re family aren’t we? Still, he wouldn’t hold it agai- Seijuurou’s thought process was cut off when Kise practically flew himself into his arms, smashing the air out of the heir’s lungs. The cherryhead was forced to lay awkwardly on the couch with Ryouta on top of him.
“Aka-” hiccup “-shicchi.” The blonde’s arms are wrapped around Akashi’s waist. And the model…is actually crying.
Momoi bounded over next. Luckily, Kise’s couches are large, so she just fit herself laying next to them. Akashi pulled out an arm for her to cushion her head on and she gratefully hugged her two friends back. The heir then flitted his other hand into the blonde’s hair, trying to sooth him. His hair is silky smooth while Momoi’s is light and fluffy. Akashi never would have known this if he hadn’t come here.
They heard a sudden groan from across the room and then Aomine walked over. Akashi looked up at him, unsure of what he is going to do. It's weird to not know something…
Suddenly, with a roll of his eyes the navy haired male grabbed Akashi’s shoulders. Daiki then, lifted him up enough that he is almost at a sitting angle (even with the blonde sniffling into his chest.) Aomine then sat down where Akashi’s head was previously, so the heir and his shoulders, along with part of Momoi’s head which is resting on the cherryhead’s collar bone, is on Daiki’s lap.
Akashi looked up at the ace, it's an angle he’s never seen. He’s never even touched Aomine before, now that he’s thinking about it… The bluehead refused to make eye contact. Instead he looked off into the distance covering his mouth with one hand, elbow resting on the couch cushion. Then he put his free hand on Akashi’s head. He flitted through his hair, much like how the heir is with Kise.
Seijuurou found himself smiling uncontrollably, probably looking like a pleased cat. I love them. A warmth settled in his heart. Seijuurou needed this. He’s glad he came.
They stayed like that for a while to Seijuurou’s surprised. His ex-teammates, even Aomine, seemed content. Eventually, they did pull away when Aomine’s stomach growled. Akashi heard and felt it as he was so close to the starter. He couldn’t help but start laughing and soon enough Kise and Momoi joined too. It was incredibly out of character, but Akashi is trying to better himself, be more honest, and his friends seem to support and love this.
“Is takeout okay?” Kise pulled up and asked.
They all agreed. With the loss of the blonde on his chest, Akashi is suddenly cold, and a shiver racked through his body.
After Ryouta made a call to some restaurant for delivery, they all now sat practically on top of each other on one couch. The lonely heir couldn’t be happier.
“What have you all been doing lately, if I may ask?” Akashi began a conversation. He does care about the miracle’s lives. He spoke this question with feeling stark contrast to the bland way he speaks, imitating care, with public officials.
“The other day I joined Ki-kun to one of his shoots and they ended up asking me to join!” Momoi excitedly responded.
“I assume with such enthusiasm you accepted then?” The cherryhead responded, happy seeing the pink-haired girl so cheerful.
“Yeah! At first I wasn’t so sure, but it was a small shoot and everyone there was very nice!”
“It was so much more fun with Momoicchi there! Akashicchi you should join sometime too! A lot of the time we have room for at least background models, but I know it’ll be much more exciting with my friends there!” Kise started bubbling over with joy. His ability to get excited over the smallest things is one of the traits Akashi loves about the blonde, even if he never told Kise.
“I would love to.” Seijuurou responded, again probably smiling like a pleased cat.
“Really!” Kise lit up. “Akashicchi I’m gonna call you before one of my next shoots and we are definitely making this happen!”
“Hey what about me, am I not good looking enough!” Aomine suddenly cut-in. Kise made a scrunched up face in response (what a sadist, Akashi internally remarked.) Aomine started blabbing out of the mouth about some nonsense of being attractive. It was amusing. It was obvious Kise didn’t mean his wordless comment out of malice but more just to tease. The navy-haired one was always easy to poke fun at, much like Kagami.
As the other three miracles continued on with their shenanigans, Akashi received a text. Already guessing what it might be, he smiled pulling out his phone. Just as he guessed it was from Kuroko about a certain brunette. It was both a video and picture, as much as the cherryhead wanted to watch the video he decided not to as to not disturb his friends at the moment. So instead, he just looked at the picture. Kouki and Kuroko appeared to be at some bookstore. The heir can see some of Seirin’s team in the background causing a ruckus. The picture itself was normal, cute really. It was of Kuroko and Kouki, a normal selfie. Kuroko had a soft smile, Akashi’s glad the bluehead is having fun. Kouki threw a peace sign at the camera, smiling as his arm was wrapped around Kuroko. They’re adorable. Kouki’s adorable. The sun always seems to hit him just right, it is almost like how Kise is with pictures, but Kouki’s seem more realistic. More ‘boy-next-door’ type pictures, except this boy-next-door is incredibly cute.
Seijuurou didn’t noticed his Teiko teammates cease their conversation until Ryouta spoke up.
“Akashicchi what are you looking at?” Kise chirped, Akashi jolted and looked up. That was out of character. Kise, Aomine and Momoi are staring at him, curiously grinning.
“Just a photo Kuroko sent me.” He answered steadily.
“Oh, is it a hot babe?” Aomine smirked and Momoi poked him. “What he was lookin’ all goo-goo eyes at it!” Seijuurou inwardly smirked, you’re much more attentive than you’re given credit for Aomine.
“Dai-chan!” Momoi huffed at the taller.
“Ah, not too far off Aomine. I was looking at my crush.” The others comically bug-eyed stared at him. Akashi almost laughed, but instead he kept a blank face. After a moment of complete silence, in which you could hear cicadas chirping outside if you listened close enough, Kise practically screamed and jumped forward. The blonde again half threw himself atop the smaller and gripped his phone.
“Ohmygodohmygodohm-” Kise bubbled over and Momoi jumped forward now.
“Akashi-kun, are you serious! You have a crush, you have to tell us who!” Satsuki sat next to the cherryhead, and looked over at the phone Kise is currently gushing over.
“Yes, I assure you I am one-hundred percent serious on this matter.” Seijuurou answered, still getting over the fact that Ryouta managed to push him down twice today.
“Wait, fuck, seriously!? Who the hell caught your eye!?” Even Aomine is interested, he came over and leaned over the back of the couch arm, to sneak a peek at the photo. The bluehead blinked surprised. “You- Akashi you like guys?”
“Yes, I’m p-” Momoi smacked her fist down cutting him off.
“Furihata right!?”
“Once again, I’m astounded by your ability in both collecting and remembering details Momoi.” Akashi blinked at her. I didn't expect them to remember him. She smiled extremely pleased by the compliment and herself.
“Is he on Seirin? He and Kurokocchi are super cute!” Kise asked. Seijuurou is happy with the compliment to his crush.
“Yes. He’s the chihuahua.” The cherryhead knows this is what jogs everyone’s memory. It is both pleasing that people remembered him and also a little offensive that they don’t remember him by his adorable smile or cu-
“What! The chihuahua! You like him!?” Aomine yelled, confused. He doesn’t look opposed to it, more so in extreme shock, this is fun. Kise looked at the photo with a scrunched face, muttering the word ‘chihuahua’ over and over, trying to place Kouki.
“Ki-kun, he’s the one who faced off against Akashi-kun.” Momoi supplied. Suddenly, Kise made an ‘o’ with his face and an excited twinkle got in his eye.
“Akashicchi are you two dating!?” If only.
“No… not yet.” Soon enough. Kise excitedly flapped his hand.
“We’re gonna help you two get together then!” The model replied. Momoi gasped.
“Yes definitely! Akashi-kun, I’ll get all my information on him and we’ll get you two together in no time!” Momoi, my favorite information gatherer, I love you.
“Oh there’s a video here too!” Kise spouted out looking at the messages from Kuroko. He opened the video and Seijuurou looked over curiously.
It was obviously taken from Kuroko, in secret. Kouki was trying to reach a book on a high shelf but couldn’t. Kuroko started to speak from behind the camera.
“In case you wished to know. Furihata-kun, is indeed shorter than you Akashi-kun.” And with that, their teammate Teppei appeared out from the Seirin scuffle in the backdrop and unceremoniously picked Kouki up as if he weighed nothing. He squeaked shocked -cute- and grabbed his teammate out of fear of falling from so suddenly being practically thrown on Kiyoshi’s shoulder. The taller was laughing, as if this were an everyday occurrence. Kouki grabbed the book and was let down, the brunette then noticed Kuroko and uttered,
“You’re a sadistic gremlin, you know that Kuroko?” You could hear Kuroko chuckle and then some worker begin to yell at their group for roughhousing. Kuroko and Kouki both left at that, leaving their team to fend for themselves.
It was cute.
And Akashi can’t help but take pride and be overjoyed by the fact he is taller than Kouki. The brunette’s small and soft-looking. Seijuurou just wants to hug him.
The heir was brought out of his trance by the buzzer in the room going off. Kise got up to retrieve their food. Momoi is giggling at his side, and Aomine is still wearing a shocked expression. Akashi is happy the pink-haired girl is enjoying herself so much.
“Akashi-kun you really like him, don’t you?” She smiled, sincerely. Akashi never understood that saying of being so giddily in love, but now he does. Just knowing the fact the brunette is out there, having fun with his team, put a smile on the heir’s face. Just knowing that Kouki exists and is out there makes him happy. Seijuurou smiled.
“Yes.”
“I’m glad.” Momoi wrapped her arms around Seijuurou's shoulders. He hugged her back.
“Thank you.” Akashi is so happy, so fortunate, to have this family that he loves, who supports and forgave him. He loves them for being there for him and being happy with him. He loves the miracles.
“I feel bad for the guy, he’s gonna have to deal with you.” Aomine said. Momoi pulled away.
“Dai-chan!”
Akashi just started laughing. Laughing over how happy he is. How he knew Aomine said that as a means to say ‘you’ll be together in no time.’ Just over how loving of a family he has.
Akashi only has one more miracle to speak to. Atsushi lives in a dorm at Yosen, so the heir figured he could just surprise visit the taller there. On the way, he bought some cream puffs for the giant. He and Murasakibara always had a ‘different’ relationship than the other miracles. Just as Akashi’s relationship with Midorima is different. The cherryhead took to taking care of Atsushi in Teiko. He was the most loyal, and also the one who challenged Seijuurou. The purple-haired man was also the first person to touch him, which was just a pat on the head, but it meant more to Akashi than he let on. Before Teiko, people never touched him, unless they wanted something. Yet, Murasakibara pat his head. It didn’t feel demeaning, like he assumed the gesture should. It was warm and without telling the giant, he seemed to understand that Akashi actually likes physical contact if made by people he cares about.
Overall, Akashi can’t put a name to their relationship, but they were close. And, the heir doesn’t want to lose that.
He knocked and patiently waited at the door to the room that Murasakibara lives in. With his identity he can gain access and information to basically any facility. It comes in handy.
A man with sleek black hair answered the door.
“Oh, Akashi is it? How may I help you?” Himuro Tatsuya, Akashi’s brain supplied. Seems talking to Kagami has also come in handy.
“Hello Himuro-san, I apologize if I am interrupting anything. Is Murasakibara available to talk?” The captain answered elegantly.
“No, you’re not interrupting. Please come in.” The taller stepped to the side, and Akashi walked in gratefully. “Atsushi, Akashi is here.” Himuro said slightly louder as he closed the door. Akashi has come to understand that the shooting guard is very graceful in his steps, and keeps a near monotonous face, while sounding pleasant, which is a very rare quality in basketball players, at least in Akashi’s experience. Himuro would fit in with high class for sure.
Atsushi walked in from assumable the kitchen as he is holding a spoon. Yosen dorms seem to be little homes, it is an expensive private school. Himuro must blend in here.
“Aka-chin’s here?” Murasakibara walked up with a lazy smile and Himuro seemed to take notice of something.
“I have to help clean up the gym today, so I will leave you two to it then.” Tatsuya smiled good-naturedly and went to leave, after grabbing his phone and a pair of keys off a table.
“Ah, Muro-chin’s leaving?” Atsushi walked up to the raven-haired man, and leaned down and did something Akashi didn’t expect. They shared a quick kiss. Akashi blinked.
“I’ll be on my way then. Lovely, meeting you Akashi, albeit shortly. Perhaps, we can talk longer next time.”
As Akashi is used to polite speech, he answered almost not thinking. Realizing that Kagami’s brother and Murasakibara are in a relationship, is a shock to him.
“Yes, you as well. We’ll meet up for tea some time. I wish you luck in cleaning.”
Himuro nodded and left. Atsushi closed the door behind him.
“Hahh, Muro-chin lied.” The tall man sulked. Akashi chuckled.
“Yes, it seems so. He was being polite.” It's obvious to the heir that Tatsuya just said that to give them some space. “He’s very quick.”
“Yeah, Muro-chin’s smart…” The giant walked forward and looked at the box his old captain is holding. His eyes lit up. “Ohh, what did Aka-chin buy?” Of course Murasakibara immediately recognized the logo on the pastry box. Akashi chuckled and walked towards the kitchen to set it down.
“I’ve brought some cream puffs today.”
“Yayyy.” Was the lazy but pleased reply. Akashi is happy just to hear his old teammate. The heir looked at the stove where a batter is in a bowl and the oven is preheating.
“What are you making?” Seijuurou asked. The giant looked over to the stove and then to a cabinet. The taller walked over and grabbed a spoon out of it, then walked to the batter.
“I’m making brownies, here Aka-chin.” Atsushi handed the spoon now with batter on it towards the heir. The shorter took it thankful. Batter. He tried some, it's very good. As expected from Atsushi.
“Thank you. This is very good Murasakibara.” Akashi hadn’t had batter since… since ever really. Atsushi shared snacks with him whenever they met up, but it was never a fresh mix. The purple-haired man smiled. “So, am I to assume you are having brownies on cream puffs for dinner tonight?” The taller looked dreamy as if that’s all he could ever wish for but then shook his head negatively.
“No, Murochin’s going to make dinner today. I told him we should have dessert before dinner so I’m making brownies first.” Are they roommates then? Akashi hopes so, Tatsuya seems to make his ex-teammate happy.
“So now you can have a dessert before and after dinner?” Akashi smirked. Atsushi’s mouth made an ‘o.’
“Aka-chin’s smart.”
Seijuurou smirked, sorry Himuro, you’re in charge now. No doubt Atsushi will puppy-dog eye his way into having two desserts later.
The oven pinged, and Murasakibara pulled out a pan to grease, then pour the batter in. Akashi likes watching him bake. He’s good at it and it makes him happy. The other set the tray in the oven.
“It’ll be about a half hour until they’re done.” The taller explained.
Seijuurou thought while watching him. Maybe I should bake with him sometime? He’s never done it, never had to, will probably never have to. But it may be a useful skill to have.
“Will you show me how to bake sometime?” The heir asked, it's okay if Atsushi says no. After all, baking is the giant's pass time, he may prefer to be alone.
“Yeah, we can bake Aka-chin.” Violet eyes lit up. Akashi is reminded of Kise when they agreed to model together. The cherryhead realized these are the first times he has taken interest in his friend’s hobbies. I should try to do this with all the miracles...and probably their partners too.
“Thank you, I would love that.”
The giant smiled, then motioned to sit down at the counter (he likes to keep an eye on the oven, while using it.) There was a silence. Akashi knows Murasakibara won’t ask why he came over. He will have to start.
“I apologize for how I’ve acted.” Seijuurou took a breath in, starting to explain. The giant tilted his head confused.
“Aka-chin already apologized, it’s okay. Besides we were all mean to you too.” Murasakibara acted like it wasn't a big deal. The heir locked gazes, shocked.
“No, I was in the wrong.” Definitely.
“I think we’re all to blame Aka-chin.” No, I'm the one who snapped. “I think Aka-chin’s being too hard on himself.”
“No, Murasakibara I’m the one who acted wrong, and snapped at you a-”
“Everybody drifted apart Aka-chin. It’s not your fault… we all saw you break and didn’t help.” The taller explained. Akashi sucked in a breath. This is becoming too real. Seijuurou only planned on apologizing not talking about things. I guess I need to though, in order to say sorry correctly.
“It’s none of your responsi-”
“Aka-chin called us a family once. Were you lying?” Atsushi cut in. The heir blinked. I'm a lot of things, but not a liar.
“No, of course no-”
“Family looks out for each other, and we didn’t help you.”
This is the side of Murasakibara that nobody sees. It’s not that it’s a secret, but he only acts like this when things are important. Akashi feels strange, not being in control.
“Something bothered me a lot.” Atsushi added.
“What bothered you?” The cherryhead asked, he wants to know. It’s not often he speaks to the miracles. And it’s been over a year since he spoke like this to one of them. He's both glad and scared of this sort of connection.
“During that game. Between you and Kuro-chin. Everybody cheered for Kuro-chin.” Murasakibara looked almost annoyed, but not at Seijuurou. “Nobody cheered for Aka-chin.”
Akashi almost choked. That hit a little too close to heart. He didn’t say it during the game or after. After all, the heir was in the wrong. But when they were in that stadium, and everyone cheered for Seirin, it hurt. Seijuurou knew Seirin was the ‘underdog.’ People like to cheer for that character. However, when Akashi realized that even his Teiko members were calling for Seirin, Seijuurou felt completely and utterly alone. He came to a realization that they hated him at that moment. It hurt a lot.
“-in? Akashi.” The cherryhead came back to his senses when Murasakibara didn’t call him a nickname.
“Sorry, what did you say?” Akashi blinked out of his reverie. Atsushi looked at him with an indistinguishable expression.
“I said, see we hurt Aka-chin too.”
Seijuurou blinked, and found liquid making a trail down his cheek.
“Huh?” He rubbed his eyes and saw tears on his sleeve. He didn’t even notice. Am I shaking? Atsushi placed a hand on his head, just like he used to. His hand is so big, it encases the entire top of his head. This escalated way too fast.
“Sorry, for hurting Aka-chin too.”
Akashi looked at Murasakibara through blurred vision, his lips wobbled uncontrollably. He must look like a mess, he’s never cried in front of anyone before. I don’t cry. Atsushi seemed to have something snap in him at that. He stood up and completely encased the smaller in a hug. Seijuurou was quick to hug back, feeling the utter warmth and sense of protection that came from it.
Akashi loves Murasakibara, he really does. Despite his simple words Atsushi always seems to know his way into the heir’s head. He’s the only one who noticed how much everyone’s cheering bothered me.
He loves all of the miracles like a family. All for different reasons, for different characters. He realized then, it’s okay to cry in front of them. It’s okay to be vulnerable.
Atsushi’s so big. He could encase all of Akashi’s body in a bear hug easily. Seijuurou uncharacteristically shakily took in breaths next to the giant’s heart.
They don’t hate me..? None of them hated me. Thinking of his meetings with the other members, he realized it's all been in his head. Everything's fine...
“Can, can we see each other more often?” Because by god is Seijuurou tired of being so alone.
“Aka-chin. We can see eachother everyday if you want.” He heard Atsushi say above him. “Ah, well maybe not everyday. Muro-chin might get jealous.”
Akashi shakily laughed. Of course Atsushi would seriously think about everyday.
“How long have you been together?” The cherryhead asked, changing topics.
“‘Mmmmmmmmm… I don’t know.” Murasakibara responded. Akashi pulled out of the hug, and wiped a tear away from the corner of his eye, chuckling.
“You don’t know? How can that be?”
“Muro-chin and I never asked each other out. We just started doing things.” That sounds easier than traditional dating. Akashi hopes he can do that. But then he took that thought back. He wants to do everything proper (of course if that does happen he wouldn’t be against it.) Atsushi tilted his head and asked,
“Aka-chin are you okay with Muro-chin?”
Seijuurou hates that. Just as Midorima looked at him almost like he should’ve asked permission to date.
“Murasakibara, you can date whomever you wish, you don’t need my permission.” It’s my fault they think this.
“Hmm, yeah, but Aka-chin’s opinion matters to me. Because if Aka-chin doesn’t like Muro-chin I have to see why.”
“I thank you for considering my opinion. But please, Murasakibara, do as you wish.” Akashi wants his teammates to understand this. To understand, he trusts them to make good choices, that they need to put themselves first.
“Aka-chin that’s not what I mean.” Atsushi shook his head. Seijuurou looked up, what does he mean then? “Aka-chin’s family. And so is Muro-chin. I want family to get along.” I want you two to be friends, because I care about you both.
Akashi smiled.
“Himuro seems to be a very polite and gentle person. I am absolutely fine with your relationship.” Not to mention incredible sharp for being Kagami’s brother.
“Yayyy.” Murasakibara drawled happily.
The oven pinged soon enough, signalling the brownies are done. Murasakibara took them out to cool.
“Aka-chin looks happy, did something good happen?” Atsushi asked, taking off an oven mitt.
“Well, I’m happy you’re happy.” If that isn’t the cheesiest thing Akashi’s ever said. The cherryhead isn’t afraid to say that sort of thing around Murasakibara though.
“Hmm, no it’s more like Aka-chin’s softer.”
“Softer..?” Akashi quirked an eyebrow, and felt his phone buzz in his pocket. Oh, is that what he’s referencing to?
Akashi changed after the match with Seirin, that was clear as day. But Atsushi is sharper than he looks (it makes sense to Seijuurou why he would get together with Himuro, even if at first glance you would never guess those two's relationship.) The giant can tell there is something more to it than that. Akashi doesn’t know if he would have changed as much without Kouki, if he would have held himself together as well, or even re-made up with the miracles a second time without the brunette’s indirect interference. The boy seems to be the core reason behind how a lot of things happened, even if he has no idea.
And Akashi is happier. Happier than he’s ever been before in his entire life, because he now knows what it's like to love someone. He learned that there’s different types of love, that the miracles are his family, and he’ll do anything for them. And that somewhere out there, the brunette may be falling asleep to the same song that has kept Akashi from breaking so many times before. That he’s out there making people smile just by giving them a smile. Akashi’s glad Kouki became friends with Kuroko after the whole miracle fiasco. Kuroko has never said out loud how much his Seirin teammates mean to him, but it is so blatantly obvious. And Kuroko is closest to the brunette (of course, he is close to Kagami as well, but that’s a different sort of love) - Akashi found out the two share a lot of the same hobbies. When Seijuurou meets the brunette even if he doesn’t thank him for all that he’s done for the heir, he has to thank him for being Tetsuya’s friend.
“Perhaps, it is because I found someone I like.” The smaller answered, catching on to Atsushi’s train of thought.
“Do they like sweets?” The giant responded smiling, painfully obvious about being happy over Seijuurou’s response. Akashi stiffled a chuckle.
“Ah, I’m not sure.” The heir will have to ask Kuroko about that. What food does Kouki like? Sweets? Sour? Spicy? Akashi is amazed by how curious he becomes over every little detail about the brunette.
“Maybe you can bring them the sweets Aka-chin and I bake.” Murasakibara responded lightly. Seijuurou smiled.
“That sounds like a great plan.” Akashi’s phone buzzed again, he pulled it out. Kuroko sent him a picture (he does once a day now.) All of the Seirin first-years appeared to be at Kagami’s apartment, they were watching tv or a movie, however, what was comical was the positions they were all laid out in. Kuroko being the one who took the secret photo was not in the shot, however, the other four were splayed awkwardly across a too small couch. Akashi focused on Kouki, who was pushing away someone’s foot from his face, whilst laughing, dimples and rosy cheeks captured the heir’s attention. The cherryhead was again reminded that Kouki has the prettiest smile that he’s ever seen.
“Here, this is him.” Seijuurou smiled while showing Murasakibara the photo, pointing out which one is Kouki. The giant looked at it with a pleased expression.
“I bet he likes matcha.”
Akashi doesn’t know how Atsushi got that out of the picture, but he’ll take that as a compliment.
While Akashi is glad the two of them are now speaking (at least will be more regularly) he doesn’t want to be impolite. So, he thought he should make to leave - as Tatsuya still has to come back and make a meal. As he left, Murasakibara gave him a brownie to take with, a warmth spread through Akashi’s chest.
“Sei-chan, can I talk to you?”
“Of course, Mibuchi.” Akashi blinked at the sudden request.
They were walking through the dorm halls when the taller asked this, so naturally when Reo stopped at his door and held it open, Akashi took it as a welcoming. The cherryhead looked around the room. Mibuchi’s room is always clean, with a few cute knick knacks. It kind of reminds Seijuurou of Momoi’s room, but a little more mute.
“Is something the matter?” Akashi asked kindly. Reo shook his head a bit and strained a smile, which just proves that something is wrong. However, the cherryhead decided to let Mibuchi say whatever is on his mind when he feels able to.
They sat on the bed next to each other, Akashi analyzed the room further. The color scheme is light with hints of pink. Surprisingly, a few ‘darker’ things are thrown in as well (such as the tarot cards Seijuurou sees peeking out from under a folder.) Akashi is reminded of Midorima, it's funny how two of the closest people to him are both into spiritual related things. The heir wonders if that means anything in regards to his own personality.
“I feel like I don’t know you anymore Sei-chan.” It only took Reo a few seconds to respond. Despite saying this he is smiling fondly.
Akashi looked up at his teammate with two ruby eyes. Of course. This was bound to happen.
“I won’t pretend to not know what you mean by that. But I assure you I am still the same person.” Seijuurou paused momentarily, rethinking his phrasing. “Well, perhaps that’s not the correct way of putting it… You’ve gotten to know my brother quite well. I suppose you could say I am the less extreme version of him?” The heir finds no issue with attempting to explain himself to Reo. The black haired man has always been supportive of him, and one of the few people to call him by a nickname. Besides they are together often, and it may dissuade confusion to just have a talk.
“Sei-chan, I know you have a personality disorder-” Mibuchi chuckled lightly. “-I just meant I wanna get to know this side of you too!”
“Thank you, I’m grateful…” Akashi is thankful to have such an easy-going loving teammate.
However, why is Mibuchi nervous then?
“Did you just wish to speak with me then?” Of course, Seijuurou knows this isn’t the case, but he’s used to pleasantries.
“Well, that is a big reason I asked to talk with you silly~” Mibuchi stood up a little more nervous. “But yeah, you’re right there’s more to it than that…” Akashi smiled at his teammate, wordlessly prodding him to continue. “First off.” Reo sucked in a breath. “Would you like to go out today?”
Seijuurou doesn’t understand why his teammate was so nervous to ask that. After all, they spend most days together. He cocked a grin.
“Sure, Mibuchi. Did you want to go somewhere special..?”
“I want… to go shopping, for clothes. Sei-chan, do you think it’s weird if I want to wear girl clothes sometimes?”
There it is.
“Mibuchi, that’s ridiculous.” The smaller started. Reo blinked, shock and hurt written all over his face. “The only difference between female and male clothes, is what it’s marked as in the store.” Akashi raised an eyebrow at his teammate, whose shoulders lowered. “What is marked as female clothes now was male clothes years ago. How could wanting to wear clothes be weird?”
Mibuchi suddenly smiled, looking teary eyed.
This meant a lot to him.
Akashi stood up, and like all his recent days with the miracles, held out his arms. Reo looked shocked for a moment but soon enough stepped forward and swaddled the heir’s head in his hand. Hugging Mibuchi is kind of like hugging Murasakibara. They are both tall and lean, with the same sort of warmth to them. Although, Reo has a bit of a mother feeling to him, which is something Akashi’s been missing for a long time.
“If it makes you feel better, I’ll join you?” Seijuurou doesn’t care. There’s a chance that pictures might arise of ‘The Akashi Heir Wearing Women's Clothes?’ But the cherryhead’s tired of having to change himself for people. Besides, it really isn’t a big deal, at least to him.
“My Sei-chan, always so sweet~” Reo giggled onto the top of his head. Seijuurou smiled into his teammate’s shirt.
Soon enough they are at a nearby clothing store. Well it is more of a super store. Clothing is a big chunk of it though. Walking through the store Akashi spotted a familiar white haired male. A cat gleam shone through the cherryhead’s eyes.
“Senpai.” He feline grinned. Mayuzumi didn’t move, but the slight shudder that went through Chihiro’s shoulders nor the slight squint of his eyes, didn't escaped the heir’s notice. More than ever the phantom bore holes into the book he is holding, disregarding his captain’s voice. His reaction only made Akashi grin wider. Mibuchi looked on amused. Not many people are close to Mayuzumi. On the team it seems like the captain is the closest to him. “If you wanted laser vision so bad you could have asked me for connections, Senpai.”
Chihiro made a small groan-ish noise in the back of his throat and turned his view to his annoying kouhai.
“Is there any way to avoid you? I leave the dorm one day, and you still show up.”
Mibuchi giggled behind Akashi, at Mayuzumi’s response.
“Hmm, if you find a way how, let me know.” Seijuurou teasingly replied. Chihiro mumbled something like ‘insufferable brat’ under his breath, and closed his book, tucking it under his arm.
“Well, wasn’t great seeing you, I’ll just go pay for this and leave.” Mayuzumi made for a quick escape, but Akashi’s too quick witted for his own good.
“Oh, senpai. Is this the newest one in the series?” Seijuurou picked up a novel he knows Chihiro is fond of, then pretended to look over it. “My that’s quite the hefty price tag.”
Mayuzumi stopped in his tracks, just as predicted. He turned, pivoted on one foot.
“Let’s skip the back and forth. You’ll pay for it, if I stay with you, right?”
Akashi grinned, holding the book one-handedly. Chihiro ‘tsked’ and grabbed the book out of the heir’s hand. Briefly Seijuurou wondered if Reo would be okay with Mayuzumi here. He looked at Mibuchi and spoke particularly to him.
“It should be fine.” After all Chihiro reads books with a lot of taboo subjects.
Reo blinked prettily between his two teammates and waved his hand.
“As long as Chi-chan doesn’t mind coming along.”
“I mind.” The white haired man answered. Reo giggled and Akashi ignored it.
Seijuurou then confidently led them towards the clothing section. As the captain predicted, when they entered the female section, Chihiro didn’t even question it. Several minutes later Reo came out of a dressing room wearing a flouncy shirt.
“They don’t make clothes big enough... I feel bad for taller girls.” Mibuchi looked slightly upset, looking a little disgusted at his own reflection.
“Perhaps you could pick out specific outfits you like and I can get them fitted correctly.” Akashi responded.
“...mm, yeah I guess so…” Reo looked shot down.
“I don’t think you look bad at all Mibuchi.” He really doesn’t. Akashi can see where his teammate is coming from. However, the short fit just makes the shirt look like it was supposed to be a little bit of a crop top.
Reo looked more at his reflection, piecing something together in his head.
“For god’s sake, you look gorgeous. Can we move on now?” Mayuzumi blankly spoke up, out of patience.
Mibuchi looked over slightly shocked. As Akashi is the closest to the phantom player, Reo’s not used to compliments from the blank male. The tallest smiled, blushing a bit.
“Thanks Chi-chan~”
After that Mibuchi was in a much better mood. At some point he had Seijuurou try on clothes as well, taking him up on his earlier offer. The taller nearly squealed over ‘how cute his Sei-chan is.’ Mayuzumi rolled his eyes in the background. Akashi's glad to see Reo so happy, so they ended up buying some clothes.
After almost three hours, they left on account of lunch. Chihiro was going to make his escape then but when his stomach growled and Akashi offered to pay, again, he found it hard to refuse (mainly because Akashi has no price limit.)
They sat down at a moderately priced restaurant and didn’t have to wait long for food. Seijuurou made a face at what his teammate is eating though. Wakame.
“What?” Mayuzumi raised an eyebrow at him. Mibuchi looked up at the two of them when Chihiro spoke up.
“Seaweed is disgusting.” Seijuurou explained, curt. There was a pause. Suddenly Mayuzumi grinned, looking more like Akashi than ever. The older picked up some seaweed with chopsticks, and sort of held it out.
“Would you hate me if I put it in your food.”
Akashi gripped his hands into fists.
“Senpai.”
“What?” Chihiro’s eyes glinted dangerously. For once Akashi is terrified.
“Mayuzumi, please do not.” The heir pulled his bowl of tofu soup slightly to the side, as if to protect it.
“‘please’ wow.” The older held the offending food closer to his kouhai. “What’s wrong with seaweed?”
“It’s gross. I don’t like it.” Akashi angrily pouted. Both Mayuzumi and Reo raised their eyebrows.
“That’s the most normal you’ve ever sounded.” Chihiro remarked, still holding the food out, which is really getting on Seijuurou’s nerves. The cherryhead half covered his bowl with his arm.
“Don’t defile tofu soup with that weed. Move it away.”
“Does it really bother you that much?” Chihiro asked. Akashi can hear the amusement in his senpai’s voice, and it is really annoying him. The heir made a bit of a scrunched expression.
“Chi-chan, let him eat~” Although Mibuchi is also slightly amused, he defended his kouhai.
Mayuzumi rolled his eyes and pulled back, eating the food. Akashi made a face at that. Gross.
“Any other foods you hate?” Mayuzumi asked.
“And why would I tell you?” Seijuurou took a sip of his own food to distract himself from recent events.
“So I can hold something over you.”
“You already hold my kryptonite, how greedy of you.”
“‘Kryptonite.’” Chihiro scoffed. Mibuchi began chuckling.
“You both are so cute, like a family.” The tallest smiled. The two in question paused. Family. Seijuurou happily smiled and Chihiro seemed as if he stopped in space. A moment later the older broke out,
“I’d rather burn alive than be related to this brat.”
“‘Aw senpai, such strong words.” It's so obvious to Akashi that Mayuzumi doesn't honestly mean his words. He and the older bother each other a lot, but if Mayuzumi really didn't like him, Akashi's sure the older wouldn't waste time with him. Seijuurou actually loves it.
Again, Mibuchi chuckled in response to their conversations.
By the end of their time together it was obvious that Reo and Mayuzumi are closer than before. Since Chihiro was so closed off, most of Rakuzan’s team kept their space from him. But this is probably the mark of the end of that, much to Chihiro’s chagrin. Nonetheless, it was a good bonding day - even if half their members weren’t there. Akashi feels better having seen the majority of people he cares about though.
When he got back to his dorm room, and was sent a picture of Kouki cutely smiling to the side, from Kuroko, Akashi couldn't help but think that everything good that's happened lately was indirectly cause by the brunette. Seijuurou's not an expert but...I think this is definitely more than a celebrity crush. The cherryhead smiled, and looked back on old pictures and videos of Kouki, along with a few of his current and old teammates. The love I have for him is different than that of my love for my friends. I can finally understand how people feel when they're in love. Incredible.