Title: I Love You Too
Submitted by: summer_eye
Author’s Notes: A short drabble written for AkaKuro week. This is my first akakuro fic so I apologize if I messed up in some point. Also, I posted this story on AO3 with the same title. Happy AkaKuro week Chii!
Chii’s Notes: Terribly sorry for posting this just now! ;A; My Tumblr app was glitching on me, so I couldn’t load and publish this on time. It was sent to me on April 14th, too. Forgive meee. ;u;
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"Tadaima."
The redhead removed his shoes and placed them neatly at the shoe rack. Apparently, he just got home from a script reading for his new movie project. He sighed inwardly as he made his way to the living room of his shared apartment with his boyfriend.
"Tetsuya?" he called for a certain bluenette who was supposed to welcome him home the moment he announced his arrival. Strange. I thought he’s staying at home today.
While in his thoughts, a loud laughter resonated from the bedroom. He immediately ambled across the room and opened the door to the bedroom to find a teal haired boy lying on the bed on his stomach with a laptop in front of him.
"Tetsuya, I’m home." the redhead announced once again.
The bluenette on the other hand, too immersed on whatever he’s doing, mumbled a quick “Welcome home Akashi-kun” without tearing his gaze away from the laptop. Annoyed by the other’s response, Akashi called for his boyfriend’s name again.
"Yes Akashi kun?" Kuroko answered, still not looking away from the laptop.
"I said I’m home."
"Yes. And I said welcome home."
"What are you doing anyway?"
"Oh this?" Finally. Kuroko averted his intent look at his laptop and met Akashi’s eyes.
"I stumbled across a fanfiction of me and Aomine-kun while browsing through my tag on our fansite. It’s very funny how accurate this is."
"You’re browsing through your own tag? Just how conceited are you little boy?"
"Akashi-kun is also little."
"I’m taller than you."
"Whatever you say Akashi-kun."
Akashi then joined Kuroko on the bed and gave his boyfriend a quick peck on the lips. He fished his phone from his pocket and checked for messages while Kuroko, on the other hand, continued reading. Kuroko would let out a small laughter every now and then and Akashi wonders how interesting the story is.
"Akashi-kun, Akashi-kun. Aomine-kun kissed me." Kuroko said nonchalantly.
"What?!" Akashi sat bolt upright upon hearing this. Daiki kissed his Tetsuya? When has this happened? Why is he telling this to him now?
"Aomine-kun kissed me in the story."
Akashi sighed. Of course. Daiki wouldn’t kiss Tetsuya. He knows what would happen if he did. Besides Daiki and Satsuki are a couple. But anyway, what’s with that story?
"I thought that story is accurate? Why is Daiki kissing you then?"
"I don’t know but the story is getting intersting. Stop talking to me for a while Akashi-kun. You’re distracting me."
"That story is not interesting."
"It is, Akashi-kun. I recommend you to read it."
"I will not waste my time reading such story. How about I recommend you to stop reading that now?"
"Why? Are you jealous of Aomine-kun?" What? What?! Is he jealous? Of course he is. Tetsuya is his boyfriend. Why would they write a story with Daiki and Tetsuya as a pair?
"I’m not saying that I’m jealous. I’m saying that the story is not interesting."
"How would you know if you haven’t read it yet? Come on Akashi-kun. This is just a story."
"Fine. Go ahead and read. I’ll take just take a nap. Be quiet while reading"
Akashi lay down on the bed with his back facing Kuroko.
"Akashi-kun?"
"I told you to keep quiet."
"Akashi-kun. Are you mad?" He heard Kuroko close the laptop and felt the bed shift. Suddenly, Kuroko was hugging him from behind.
"I told you Akashi-kun, that was just a story. You know I love you." Akashi faced Kuroko and placed a kiss on his forehead.
"I know."
"So you admit that you’re jealous?"
"I said I wasn’t jealous."
"Whataver you say Akashi-kun."
Kuroko moved closer to Akashi and inhaled his scent, feeling his warmth. There was a long silence and only their breathing could be heard. Akashi’s hands found Kuroko’s hair, gently stroking it.
Or five times Akashi meets his Soulmate without asking his name.
Or how Ichi is fucking late for AkaKuro week and still dare to submit something. Happy AkaKuro Week guys! I'm an idiot who didn't write anything worthwhile, but I hope you guys still like it!
Akashi and Kuroko were in Teikou, but they didn't know each other. Akashi never joins the basketball club while Kuroko still plays, but in the third string.
i.
Normally, Akashi would just elect to make his own food but having instant tofu soup for brunch and dinner was really not good for his nutritional balance, not to mention that at this rate, his favorite food was going to taste bland on his own tongue and he would like to avoid that.
But really, maintaining nutritional value while still having a satisfying meal in a tight budget was extremely hard. No wonder college students have such gaunt faces and sleep when they could. Tuition was expensive, along with the daily needs and Akashi had to congratulate himself for getting that full scholarship.
"Oh, excuse me." A man with an unusually quiet voice and teal-colored hair spoke up for the first time and snapped Akashi away from his own musings. "Can I help you?" He asked pleasantly. "I have difficulties in reaching that combo A bento. Can you please help me reach it?"
"You could have asked me sooner. Sure, I will help." Akashi reached the the upper shelf and took the cheapest combo A bento and handed the food over to the azure-eyed boy only a few centimeters below him. "I've been trying to call you in the last three minutes, though." He smiled as he took the offered bento. "Thank you very much."
"It was nothing."
ii.
The second time had been in a library where Akashi worked. Well, it was more like Akashi saw him than meet him. It was nearly closing time and Akashi had a day off tomorrow. He really needed the extra hour pay for the sake of his and his stomach's sanity. Maybe he should have tapped on his unused platinum debit card. But...
The redhead shook his head and made his rounds around the library, checking for anything out of place before he could close up for the day. That was when he saw him.
That man whom he had helped a few weeks ago in the convenience store (yes, he remembered these things clearly), sleeping on top of the books cluttered around him. Odd. Akashi never noticed that there was a reading table in this corner of the library. Nevertheless...
"Excuse me," he called, lightly shaking the other man awake. "I will be closing the library soon. You are to leave immediately." He spoke clearly.
Sleepy azure met with both crimson and gold with a bleary stare. "Okay. I will leave now. See you."
And then he left. Just like that.
iii.
The third had been in a particular night Akashi really had no books to read, assignments to do, or shows to watch. He was bored out of his mind even playing shogi against himself did naught for his impending boredom. The redhead took out his violin and went out to the park for a calm and quiet evening.
Playing music was not his main preference of recreation. He preferred books and shogi, but music had been something of secondary enjoyment as well. He occasionally plays whenever he felt too bored for other things, just like now.
The park had been empty, mostly because this was a weeknight instead of weekend. Akashi took a stroll in the park before setting down his violin case on the bench and played one of his favorite songs.
Closing his eyes, Akashi let his body's memories took over to stroke the notes he'd known by heart. Music, in the redhead's opinion, was often better enjoyed when he was in complete darkness, after all.
When the song finished, he could hear a person clapping their hands in a graceful applause. "Chopin's Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2..." The teal-haired man with azure eyes he had met in his library five days ago smiled, his eyes sparkling with awe as he examined Akashi's violin.
"It was traditionally played by a piano, yes? Your rendition in violin is extremely gorgeous. Had I a talent in music, I would have asked you to teach me." Akashi thanked him good-naturedly as the man sat down next to his violin case. "I was strolling in the park when I heard beautiful melodies. I never thought it'll be the man I run to in the convenience store and the library." There was a fond smile on his face as he seemed to remember the details about their previous meeting.
"That certainly answers my question of how you are here. And now, another question, why are you here?"
"I told you. For a stroll. Now, can you play other songs?"
And Akashi played other songs until late into the night. Both of them hurrying home because they remember that they have class tomorrow.
iv.
The fourth had been in an art studio, where both of them were struggling to get their assignments done. Akashi had majored in business and minored in art history. He was supposed to take a painting and examine its history and that brought him to this art studio.
And it brought him to the boy that had been in his mind for the last two months now. It had been two months after their meeting in the park and Akashi hadn't been able to keep his mind off him. Imagine his surprise when a certain teal-haired boy sat in the corner, trying to restore a painting that had been chipped away by time.
"Hello there," Akashi began, startling the poor boy as he widen his eyes in sheer surprise. "Oh, it's you! I don't expect to ever see you here."
"I minor here in Art History. And you?"
"I am double majoring in digital and traditional art. We go to the same university, who would have thought?" A tiny smile graced those pale lips as Akashi seemed to have let out a pleased smile without noticing.
The two fell into a pleasant conversation about their respective majors and of course, art. The teal-haired boy seemed stoic throughout their conversation, but Akashi could see how his eyes softened in fondness as he talked about various painters of Renaissance era. And after they fell into a bout of comfortable silence, Akashi spoke up.
"You know, I have not been able to get you out of mind..." And he really hadn't. He had found himself thinking and pondering about the blue-eyed stranger oftentimes. And he was definitely, extremely, attracted to the teal-haired man's charm, sass, and grace.
"I see, I guess it can be said for both ways." He smiled pleasantly to Akashi, finally turning away from the canvas he had been working on ever since Akashi got here. "Say, what about-"
Ringringring
"Oh, excuse me. Hello?" And the tealhead spoke to the man in other line, probably his professor. "Yes, yes, it is finished. I will bring it to you now. Yes sir." He flipped his phone and put it in his pocket. "I'm afraid I must leave you now, kind stranger. My Professor has been waiting for his painting."
Oh?
"We can continue what I was about to say over a cup of coffee." He spoke confidently, allowing no room for objection. "At Purple Pastry Palace just in front of the station. Is Saturday afternoon fine for you?" The tealhead looked surprised, but he smiled to himself and faced Akashi with no hint of his earlier shock. "Of course. Casual or Dressy casual?"
"Dressy casual will be just fine. I will see you on Saturday."
"See you in Saturday." And then he left, carrying his canvas and tool supplies with him.
v.
The fifth time was, of course, on the table just by the window in Purple Pastry Palace. Both of them had eaten a parfait of vanilla and chocolate for the teal-haired boy and Akashi respectively. And they were now exchanging small talks about their trip here.
"I must say that this is very extravagant coming from a man who spent twenty minutes looking over the bento section in the convenience store." The tealhead smiled, earning a smirk from Akashi. "I pulled in some favors, no worries. Even we have everything on the menu I will still be able to purchase the special set bento at the end of the month." They exchanged laughter with each other.
When a comfortable silence settled between them, Akashi took a deep breath and stared deeply to the boy's azure eyes, prompting a single 'what?' from the teal-haired stranger.
"I think I am attracted to you." Akashi stated bluntly. "You asked for a stranger's help in a convenience store. You like books to the point of staying well past the library's closing time. You liked music, and art. You are calm, mysterious, and graceful. And you seem to be hiding something so out of this world from me. And that is... fascinating."
"You speak too highly of me."
"Allow me to find out the truth then. What do you say about another pleasant chat in another place?" He was going the roundabout way to ask for a second date, really. But the azure-eyed man chuckled, realizing the same thing as Akashi had.
"You can just ask if I want to have another date, mister...?"
Oh.
Oh, right. They didn't know each other's name. This man didn't even recognize his blazing red hair and mismatched eyes. He never realized that he was the heir of Akashi conglomerate, and yet he...
"Akashi. Akashi Seijuurou."
There was a hint of recognition in his eyes, but his smiled didn't falter. "Akashi-kun. Yes, I would like to go on another date with you." Relief passed through Akashi's entire being like seawater in the ocean. Smiling, Akashi took the boy's hand in his before staring right to his new date's brilliant azure eyes.
"I assure you that you will not be disappointed, oh, your name?" He asked, earning a mirth chuckle from the beautiful teal-haired boy.
"I am Kuroko. Kuroko Tetsuya." He answered, still chuckling.
A smirk rose on Akashi lips as he brought the tealhead's hand to his lips. "I assure you that you will not be disappointed, Tetsuya."
And all that had happened five years ago.
This time, Akashi was ready to vow in front of the priests. To vow that he will never ever let his beloved Tetsuya be disappointed in him.
When Akashi decided to give Teiko a visit, he wasn't expecting this. He wasn't expecting to encounter someone from the past. And by past, it does not mean an old friend nor an old acquaintance. It was really someone from the past.
The day before the Winter Cup Finals, Akashi has decided to give his former school a quick visit. He's already in Tokyo anyway. Besides, the school was just a few stops away from the hotel he and his team were staying at. Akashi grabbed his phone and wallet and donned on a jacket and a red scarf.
He chose to sit at the furthest seat at the back of the bus. The redhead closed his eyes for a while and adjusted his scarf as he felt the cold winter air and before he knew it, he had already dozed off. He almost missed his stop when he woke up. Good thing Reo sent him a text message which made his phone vibrate. He'd check that message later. He stood up from his seat and got off the bus.
How nostalgic.
Akashi started walking to the direction of his school. He passed some students who were already on their way home. Its already past school hours. He muttered to himslef. I wonder if the basketball club is still practicing at the gym. Akashi then made his way to the gym and as he thought, the gym was already empty. He was about to leave when his eye caught a familiar shade of blue.
Tetsuya.
"Akashi-kun? Akashi-kun is that you?" the teal haired boy was already making his way to him. Akashi stood frozen in his place. It can't be. This can't be happening.
"I knew you were Akashi-kun. Why aren't you saying anything?" Those deep blue eyes were staring at him, questioning.
"Tetsuya." was all he could say.
"Why are here Akashi-kun? I thought you dismissed the practice an hour earlier because you have things to attend to?"
Ignoring the smaller boy's questions, who seemed to be a lot more smaller than him than he remembered, Akashi asked: "What are you doing here Tetsuya?"
"What do you mean Akashi-kun? I asked for your permission to stay at the gym for a little longer to practice. And why are you suddenly calling me by my first name?" the boy continued to stare at him looking confused. Before he could form a response, the boy speaked again.
"You cut your hair." Kuroko said, more like a statement than a question.
"What?"
"You cut your hair. Is that the important thing you had to attend to? Also, you seem to be taller now Akashi-kun." the boy said, confusion still present on his face.
Akashi understands now. The boy standing in front of him right now is Tetsuya, but also not Tetsuya. He doesn't know if this is some kind of dream but he's currently speaking to the old Tetsuya. Tetsuya back from when they were in middle school.
"Forgive me but there seems to be a misunderstanding here Tetsuya." Kuroko furrowed his eyebrows and allowed Akashi to continue.
"It is either you came from the past or I accidentally came from the future." Akashi said.
Kuroko stayed silent for a few seconds before he let out a small, almost audible laughter.
"What do you mean Akashi-kun?"
"It's just as what I said."
"You're very weird today Akashi-kun. But since you're already here, can you help me practice? You didn't get to teach me a while ago because you had to leave."
"Did you believe what I just said?"
"Maybe."
"You think it's absurd don't you?"
"I trust Akashi-kun, whether you're from the past or future. I've always trusted you and I'm very thankful for everything you did." Kuroko looked up to him with utter respect and Akashi felt his chest tighten. Tetsuya wasn't lying. He really trusted and respected him. He also respects Tetsuya. Up until now. And for a second there, he almost felt bad for betraying him. He shook his head. No. Changes were necessary in order to win. He just did what he have to.
"Well then, let's get to practice." Akashi declared.
Tetsuya never failed to amaze him. Although this Tetsuya was still in the process of learning, his determination and hardwork was really something. This is what made him respect the boy. And the improvements of the current Tetsuya indeed surpassed his expectations. After an hour or so, which surprisingly didn't felt like an hour; not to Akashi though, they decided to take a break. Of course, Kuroko's lack of stamina is undeniably a problem even up till now.
"So you're Akashi-kun from the future?" Kuroko asked as they both settled down on the floor.
"Yes I am."
"You're eyes look beautiful Akashi-kun, but somewhat fearful." Kuroko has been staring at him a lot today. He wouldn't blame the boy though, as it is strange to meet someone from the future.
"Do you fear me Tetsuya?"
"Of course I do."
"Why?"
"Because I feel like I had to."
They stared at each other for a while before Kuroko stood up and and glanced outside. It was already dark but the moon was shining bright that night.
"It's getting late Akashi-kun."
"Do you want to eat at Maji's?."
"I think you should wake up now Akashi-kun."
"What?"
"I had fun today. I wish we could meet again. It was nice knowing you, future Akashi-kun!"
And with that, Kuroko turned his back to Akashi and ran away.
When Akashi woke up, he was back at his hotel room; on his bed. He rubbed his eyes and took a quick glance at the wall clock which indicated that it was late in the afternoon. Suddenly, there was a knock on his door.
"Sei-chan? Are you still inside?"
"Come in, Reo." He sat upright as the taller man went inside and closed the door behind him.
"I thought you're going to visit your former school? Shouldn't you be leaving now?"
"I changed my mind. I think I'm going back to sleep."
"Okay then. We're going out for a while. Give me a call if you need something." He nodded at Reo and the taller man left the room soon after.
He laid back down on his bed and recalled his dreams.
" I had fun today. I wish we could meet again. It was nice knowing you, future Akashi-kun!"
The redhead removed his shoes and placed them neatly at the shoe rack. Apparently, he just got home from a script reading for his new movie project. He sighed inwardly as he made his way to the living room of his shared apartment with his boyfriend.
"Tetsuya?" he called for a certain bluenette who was supposed to welcome him home the moment he announced his arrival. Strange. I thought he's staying at home today.
While in his thoughts, a loud laughter resonated from the bedroom. He immediately ambled across the room and opened the door to the bedroom to find a teal haired boy lying on the bed on his stomach with a laptop in front of him.
"Tetsuya, I'm home." the redhead announced once again.
The bluenette on the other hand, too immersed on whatever he's doing, mumbled a quick "Welcome home Akashi-kun" without tearing his gaze away from the laptop. Annoyed by the other's response, Akashi called for his boyfriend's name again.
"Yes Akashi kun?" Kuroko answered, still not looking away from the laptop.
"I said I'm home."
"Yes. And I said welcome home."
"What are you doing anyway?"
"Oh this?" Finally. Kuroko averted his intent look at his laptop and met Akashi's eyes.
"I stumbled across a fanfiction of me and Aomine-kun while browsing through my tag on our fansite. It's very funny how accurate this is."
"You're browsing through your own tag? Just how conceited are you little boy?"
"Akashi-kun is also little."
"I'm taller than you."
"Whatever you say Akashi-kun."
Akashi then joined Kuroko on the bed and gave his boyfriend a quick peck on the lips. He fished his phone from his pocket and checked for messages while Kuroko, on the other hand, continued reading. Kuroko would let out a small laughter every now and then and Akashi wonders how interesting the story is.
"Akashi-kun, Akashi-kun. Aomine-kun kissed me." Kuroko said nonchalantly.
"What?!" Akashi sat bolt upright upon hearing this. Daiki kissed his Tetsuya? When has this happened? Why is he telling this to him now?
"Aomine-kun kissed me in the story."
Akashi sighed. Of course. Daiki wouldn't kiss Tetsuya. He knows what would happen if he did. Besides Daiki and Satsuki are a couple. But anyway, what's with that story?
"I thought that story is accurate? Why is Daiki kissing you then?"
"I don't know but the story is getting intersting. Stop talking to me for a while Akashi-kun. You're distracting me."
"That story is not interesting."
"It is, Akashi-kun. I recommend you to read it."
"I will not waste my time reading such story. How about I recommend you to stop reading that now?"
"Why? Are you jealous of Aomine-kun?" What? What?! Is he jealous? Of course he is. Tetsuya is his boyfriend. Why would they write a story with Daiki and Tetsuya as a pair?
"I'm not saying that I'm jealous. I'm saying that the story is not interesting."
"How would you know if you haven't read it yet? Come on Akashi-kun. This is just a story."
"Fine. Go ahead and read. I'll take just take a nap. Be quiet while reading"
Akashi lay down on the bed with his back facing Kuroko.
"Akashi-kun?"
"I told you to keep quiet."
"Akashi-kun. Are you mad?" He heard Kuroko close the laptop and felt the bed shift. Suddenly, Kuroko was hugging him from behind.
"I told you Akashi-kun, that was just a story. You know I love you." Akashi faced Kuroko and placed a kiss on his forehead.
"I know."
"So you admit that you're jealous?"
"I said I wasn't jealous."
"Whataver you say Akashi-kun."
Kuroko moved closer to Akashi and inhaled his scent, feeling his warmth. There was a long silence and only their breathing could be heard. Akashi's hands found Kuroko's hair, gently stroking it.
"Tetsuya?"
"Hmm?"
"I love you too."
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This is a short drabble written for AkaKuro week 2014. The idea of jealous Akashi just popped into my head and here's the result. Kind of OOC but hey this is an AU. More of a dialogue than narrative story. Happy AkaKuro week everyone! Also, this un-beta'ed so forgive the errors.
