TheEmperor'sEmpress»

»I stumbled upon this story and I wanted to revise it — with my favorite characters from Kuroko no Basuke, anyway. Gonna do yaoi for the first time — Hooray for AkaKuro

P.S. "Kimi" is Japanese for "Empress."

The Missing Piece

It was supposed to be daytime, but it was dark inside the room. It was dark, like in the early hours before dawn. From a gap in the curtains covering the glass ceiling-to-floor length windows of his lavish apartment, he can see that the sun was already shining albeit a bit dimly in the overcast Tokyo sky. He looked at his own two hands, and they were slender and elegant, like the fingers of a pianist. He turned them around, scrutinizing each finger intently. Finally, he clenched them into a tight fist, his mind wandering to the past.

Akashi ran a hand through his crimson locks as he slowly sat up. There was a figure beside him in the bed. A man with hair the color of the sky, curled up in a cream-coloured towel blanket. He carefully turned the blanket down, revealing the man's pale and flawless skin. The man was asleep on his side, not even wearing underwear.

Akashi's body burned with thirst despite how much he had indulged himself the night before. The other man's breathing was slow and regular, and he showed no signs of waking up. Akashi gently rolled the figure onto his back and climbed on top. The warmth of the other's skin aroused him, and he kissed those lips which presently existed only to breathe. He breathe in the man's scent — he smelled like that sweet drink that he was so fond of. He even tasted like it. His greedy kisses attempted even to take the man's breathing away, and eventually his eyelids fluttered, revealing sky blue eyes as he emerged from his slumber.

"―Sei...?"

He felt a shiver up his spine. The man had called his name. His name. Before, it had been a mere superficial decoration. This man had given it meaning.

Heterochromatic eyes locked with sky blue ones. Now that the man was awake, Akashi entwined his tongue with his. A breathy moan escaped through the man's nose, spurring Akashi on. Akashi kissed the man's chin, licked his throat, and nuzzled the groove between his collarbones before latching his lips onto his chest, which he had fondled to his heart's content yesterday. He sucked hard.

"Sei―Sei...!"

He closed his lips around the entire nipple, let his tongue flicker over the tip, and bit it lightly. The body in his arms grew hot and damp to the touch. His lover's low gasps rang deep into his ears as the man ran his fingers through Akashi's hair, as if silently begging for more.

With his lips still wrapped around the man's nipple, Akashi forcefully opened his legs and slid his hips between them. His lover's member that pressed up against his belly button was hard and hot, though not completely erect. When Akashi closed his right hand around it, the man let out a short cry.

Akashi rubbed it along its shaft, pressed down hard on the tip with his thumb, and tightened his fingers around it. He lovingly and thoroughly caressed the heated and trembling member in his hands, and peered into his lover's face. The man's sky blue eyes swam with desire as he lapped up the pleasure that was offered to him; his mouth was half-open, and his chest rose and fell rapidly, unable to hide his arousal.

Akashi kissed him deeply while he lifted the man's right leg up. He pushed the tip of his own member into the narrow space in his lover's lower half, rubbing it up against the soft spot that always accepted him.

"Sei―!" his lover pleaded tensely, shaking his head as if to avoid his kisses. "―Not that."

Akashi pressed his lips to the man's slender neck and bit it playfully. Still hoisting the man's right leg up, he rubbed his own erect member and smeared his pre-cum on the same spot. This time, his lover tried to squirm away from him. Akashi paused for a moment, an eyebrow raised in amusement as he brought his lips to his lover's ear. He whispered in a husky voice that sent shivers down his lover's spine.

"You don't want me to put it in?"

Even in the dim light of the room, he could see his lover turn red. "It's already light outside."

"Oh, but I want to, Tetsuya. You look ravishing first thing in the morning, you know?"

Kuroko blushed at the redhead's words. He averted his gaze, and pouted. "Sei-kun says the most embarassing things sometimes..."

Akashi chuckled at Kuroko's answer. "Only for you, Tetsuya."

His lover shifted his gaze and hesitated at his plea. As Akashi kissed him repeatedly and persisted in appealing his desire, Kuroko finally gave in and let the emperor do what he wanted with him.

Akashi pushed his tip strongly against the spot which had been opened for him. He had penetrated it numerous times last night, so it was only tight on the way in. He thrusted it in, and began to move in and out slowly.

Back when they had been inexperienced at the act, he used to jerk his hips more forcefully, but he came to realize it only caused Kuroko pain unless Akashi took the time to get him settled in. He could tell it pleased the man's body more when he did it slowly. Watching the bluenette under him in turn aroused him more. "Ah―ah―" Kuroko has his eyes closed and shuddered. When Akashi sped up his movements a little, the man's penis reared into a full erection. Once Kuroko's body got used to the movement, he seemed to feel more pleasure from being hurried a little. As his lover moaned sweetly and writhed, his spine taut in pleasure, Akashi remained deep inside him and tightly grasped the base of the bluenette's quivering penis along with his balls. He felt his lover squeeze him so hard it hurt. The searing membrane around him throbbed as his lover released his desire.

"...Don't look at me..." his lover pleaded in a trembling voice. "It's embarrassing..."

"We did the same thing last night."

They had done this act numerous times last night, but he felt like Kuroko's pleasure was more heightened now, in the morning.

"But it's bright... and I can see everything."

It was cloudy outside, and so not as bright as on a sunny day, but they could still see every corner of the room well enough. He remembered now how Kuroko would always turn out the lights before they went to sleep. He lifted his lover's scrotum and stared at the part that joined them. Noticing what was at the end of his gaze, his lover squirmed and tried to edge upwards, but Akashi firmly pulled his hips closer. He could clearly feel his member deeply penetrating that tiny spot.

"It turns me on when I can see you, Tetsuya."

He soothed the slightly resistant man and resumed thrusting gently. Then, he hoisted the man's twisting body in his arms and, without breaking their connection, sat him on his lap. "Ah―ah―!"

Kuroko clung to Akashi's neck and moaned in a whimpering voice. Now that he was upright, the liquid desire Akashi had released inside him yesterday spilled out and trickled down Akashi's penis.

Akashi stroked the Kuroko's head and whispered in his ear.

"Move like you want to, Tetsuya."

"I c―can't."

"Sure you can. I'll help you."

He placed the man's hands on his shoulders, supported the man's slender hips with both hands, and rocked him encouragingly. Gradually, the man began to move his hips erotically without Akashi's help. Akashi could see his own penis slide in and out of view from the narrow opening. He could hear the slippery sound of their wet flesh rubbing against each other. Juices dripped. His lover's movements grew more frantic, and in moments, the man ejaculated on his belly.

"Did it feel good?" Akashi whispered into the man's ear. The man's face flushed crimson as he tried to break their connection. Akashi hastily held him back. "Not yet. I haven't come yet."

He pushed the man down and climbed over top of him. He kissed his lover over and over as he began a slow piston inside the man's body, savouring every move inside the now soft and completely loosened spot.

Akashi had barely any fond memories of his childhood. Well, except for that time with his mother, playing basketball with her, riding Yukimaru with her... And the festivals. And that's that. She died when he was in fifth grade in elementary school, and ever since then, his life just became worse under his father's strict and demanding person.

When he was still in high school, his father was furious when he learned that his son was dating another guy. It got to the point that he arranged Akashi to marry the daughter of one of their main business partner. However, Akashi would have none of that. The day after he graduated, he publicly announced that he is stepping down as the heir to the Akashi conglomerate, which shocked everyone —it's not everyday you see an heir actually declining the promise of wealth.

Kuroko had been worried sick for him. Although his father did not disowned him yet, Akashi ceased all communications with him, moved out of the manor, and rented himself an apartment using his own money, which was quite a lot. He can easily support himself through college without breaking a sweat with his savings.

Two years had passed since then. They were now in their third year in college. Akashi was taking Law while Kuroko was studying Basic Education. The bluenette was actually serious about being a kindergarten teacher, it seems. Akashi supported him with that, anyway. If it makes the phantom happy, then Akashi will be happy for him too.

However, there are times when Akashi would feel guilty about having Kuroko beside him. After everything he'd done to the bluenette in middle school and in their first year in high school, does he really deserve to have the phantom as his life partner? This is one of those times when he would feel irritated with himself, even more at the other entity inside him, although it has been quiet for years now. He hated it so much that it feels like his head and his chest would burst in pain.

He reached out to his lover lying beside him and drew him close. He felt the man's warmth, and inhaled his scent deeply. Vanilla. His irritation subsided instantly as if it had been a dream. The smarting in his head grew faint.

"Feel like getting up soon?" said a voice by his ear. "It's almost noon. I'm starting to get hungry."

Kuroko sat up. Akashi was hungry, too, but did not want to be apart from this man just yet. He clung to Kuroko's naked belly.

"Don't be such a kid," the phantom laughed softly. Who knew that the feared emperor can act like this?

He gently pushed Akashi off and got to his feet. He picked up his underwear, put on his pyjamas which had been strewn across the floor, and left the room. Akashi remained lying on the bed for a while, but he began to feel lonely being by himself in the dim room. He put on his underwear and his pyjama bottoms before slinking out of their bedroom.

He entered the kitchen to see Kuroko squatting by the edge of the refrigerator feeding a white cat with mismatched eyes like him — one blue, one green.

"It would've been better if Kimi had the same eyes as you." Kuroko gently ran his fingers over the cat's white head.

"That would be disorienting," he said, recalling Kuroko's pet dog back in high school. It was funny how both master and pet has the same pair of sky blue eyes. "Nigou is enough already. I don't want a pet that looks like me."

The cat began to clean its face after polishing off the food in its bowl. "She's actually like you, you know. In terms of attitude."

"Oh, really?"

Kuroko picked the cat up. However, the cat was looking at Akashi. The bluenette laughed as the cat squirmed in his hands. He set it back on the floor, and Kimi launched herself immediately into Akashi's lap, nuzzling her head on Akashi's chest, and purring contentedly when the redhead scratched behind her ears.

"What to cook..." Kuroko murmured to himself as he busied himself in the kitchen. Kuroko turned out to be a decent cook — he just needed a bit of tutoring. It was Kagami who taught him — Kuroko had approached him one day and asked for a favor. The phantom rarely asks favors, so when he does, it's because it is a very important matter.

"Kagami-kun, please teach me how to cook. I want to do something special and personal for Akashi-kun."

This was back when they were in their last year in high school — a year into their relationship. Who knows that it would actually come in useful when they decided to live together once they get to college?

Kuroko opened the fridge and sighed. "We didn't have much food stocked up. It's not breakfast hour anymore, either... are you okay with fried rice?"

Akashi nestled close to his lover from behind and reached below his belly. "Now, now," Kuroko reprimanded gently. "What do you feel like eating, Sei?"

"Anything you'll make, Tetsuya."

"Then maybe you can have cat food, like Kimi."

"That's fine."

There was a moment of silence.

"I was just kidding," Kuroko said quietly. "I would never feed you that."

"I'll eat anything you serve. Even cat food."

"I said it was a joke," Kuroko murmured somewhat guiltily, even though he had brought it up first. Something about Akashi's tone made his heart hurt. Akashi loves him too much that Kuroko feels inadequate. He can't help but wonder what Akashi had seen in him enough to turn his back to his inheritance?

It continued to rain outside, and the view of Tokyo outside their window was blurred and smoky from the room facing out. Their dog Nigou lazed on his spot beside the couch. Perhaps even dogs found the rain annoying.

Kuroko was in the kitchen, opening a can of dog food for his pet. Despite knowing that Akashi is not fond of dogs, Kuroko cannot bear to separate himself from the now grown-up dog that he took in as a pup almost five years ago. The first time Akashi saw Nigou in their shared apartment, he had been astonished.

"This is the dog?"

"This is it."

Akashi looked down at the black dog with eyes identical to Kuroko's. "But it's... big."

Nigou was still a cute little pup when Akashi first met him.

"He grew up quite a lot. It's been five years..." Kuroko watched for Akashi's reaction to the dog.

The redhead patted the dog's head gently. "Indeed." And then, he said some basic commands to Nigou like sit, heel, stay, walk, fetch... Which Nigou followed obediently.

"I feel like we're gonna get along." Kuroko chuckled and let out a sigh of relief.

"Okay, fine," he had relented.

Akashi came back into the kitchen with a piece of paper, which he put on the table. "It was in the back of our mailbox. Apparently there was supposed to be a fireworks festival today."

The light-pink flier on the table was blazed with a large heading that said "Festival of Fireworks" and went on to list today's date.

"It says 'may be cancelled due to weather', so I guess it won't happen in this rain." Kuroko stared intently at the flier.

"When I was a kid, my life used to hinge on whether the fireworks were happening or not. It was that big of a deal," Akashi reminisced as he sat down. "Fireworks would mean freedom from my boring lessons. It was back when Mother was still alive though. I was excited for the fireworks, of course, but I think I was excited the most for the food stalls. Ice cream, oban-yaki, grilled squid... I only had a little bit of allowance to spend, Mother would firbud me from bringing too much, so I was always super serious about which prize draw I'd do."

Akashi sounded happy.

"I wish I could've seen you then, Sei."

Akashi shook his head.

"It wouldn't have been anything different. I was a rich kid. My marks were excellent, even at sports. If you asked me what my special skill was, I would say everything. Oh, but I used to like ferris wheels a lot back then. I always ride one whenever my mother and I goes to such festivals."

"You enjoyed riding the ferris wheel?"

"Yeah. I liked being high up there. And it was such a strange, magical feeling to watch the fireworks bloom in the sky through the window. I'd completely forgotten about how much I used to love them."

Kuroko stared at the Akashi's face as the man spoke of his memories. "I would love to see you like that."

"Like that?" his lover repeated.

"Seeing you smiling at the most 'banal' stuff and stuffing yourself with all those 'unhealthy' food."

"Well, I was a child back then, it's natural for me to act childish."

"It's fun listening to you talk about it. Even the great 'Akashi-sama' finds enjoyment in such kinds of things." Kuroko said in a teasing voice.

Akashi chuckled, and the bluenette joined him with a gentle laugh.

After a few moments, Akashi stood up. "―Let's go out."

Kuroko cocked his head. "But it's raining outside."

"That's fine. We'll take the car," Akashi said firmly.

Their drive took them to a large department store in front of the station. Kuroko had been there a few times, but it was always with the redhead. Inside the store, it was excessively bright and shiny. He followed Akashi through the aisles, feeling slightly hesitant with all the excessiveness surrounding them.

"Can you find a yukata that would look good on him?"

They had entered a shop for kimono fabrics, and as a store person sidled up to them, Akashi had thrust Kuroko out to her with these words. Kuroko was taken by surprise. "Sei, I don't need a yukata," he protested.

"You should have at least one. I already have one, so... please," he said to the store person. They were taken further into the store by two overly-cheery sales associates. He was shown various textiles, but he knew nothing about yukata, much less how it would end up looking on him. Just when he thought his mind would drown in indigo, a ready-to-wear article caught his eye. "How about that?"

He pointed at the indigo on a mannequin in the corner of the store. "That would be a display," the associate informed him.

"Show me that." Akashi said.

There were black patterns on the indigo fabric. The fabric was already sewn into a yukata, so Kuroko tried it right off the mannequin. The hem was a little long for his short figure.

"Perfect," Akashi murmured.

"I agree," the sales associate nodded slightly. "The subdued, mature look suits you very well, sir. We can tailor the hem right away, and you'll be able to take it home today if you wish."

Kuroko decided on the ready-made yukata since he had Akashi's stamp of approval and they would be able to take it home within the day. They were told it would take about two hours to adjust the length of the hem. Kuroko and Akashi decided to spend time in the coffee shop inside the department store while they waited.

They had a view of the scenery outside from their window seat. The rain still showed no signs of letting up. In fact, it was raining harder.

"There aren't many people here for a Saturday. I guess the rain must keep people away." Kuroko nodded.

Akashi leaned in to peer at Kuroko's face. "Are you worn out?"

"I've never been sandwiched between two people like that and asked 'how's this?' 'how's that?' every minute."

Akashi laughed. The phantom was still uncomfortable being the center of attention. "They couldn't help it. We were the only customers there. But it was kind of fun watching you look out of your element."

His lover slowly brought his coffee to his lips as Kuroko asked him a question. "Why a yukata?"

"Why what?" Akashi tilted his head.

"Why did you want to buy me a yukata?"

"It's for the festival, of course. The last time I saw you wearing one was back in middle school."

"I've grown that one out, and I never thought to have another one. You can still go to festivals wearing simple clothing."

"It wouldn't feel right. Festivals, I mean."

Kuroko sighed at Akashi's logic and did not argue any further.

They spent about an hour in the coffee shop before leaving to wander the department store. They browsed some clothes, but Kuroko was blown away by their prices. Akashi was unaffected, though. Despite the bluenette's protests, Akashi bought him a couple of shirts that the redhead would look good on Kuroko.

They continued to look, but ended up returning to the fabric shop after a while. The adjusted hem on the yukata was just the right length on Kuroko, so they asked for it to be wrapped up on the spot.

When they got home, Akashi asked him to put on the yukata again. He got as far as draping it over himself, but had no idea how to tie the obi. Akashi's eyes sparkled ib amusement as he taught Kuroko how to tie an obi perfectly. He stepped back and looked Kuroko all over.

"You look really good in a yukata, Tetsuya," Akashi said happily.

"I can't really tell." Kuroko said. "You, of course, would be perfect wearing one."

Akashi led him to the bathroom, where a floor length mirror is. "It looks good. But I'm glad it rained today."

Kuroko asked him why.

"This flier says if it rains, it'll be postponed to next Sunday. Next week, you can wear that when we go watch the fireworks."

Akashi took Kuroko's right hand.

"We'll go a little early and look around the stalls. I'll tell you all the things I used to like. We'll eat some grilled squid, and we'll wait on the beach for the fireworks to start. I've been to Tokyo festivals a couple times before, and I remember there were a lot of people. We might have trouble getting spots. Kyoto, at least, was a little better."

"Well, that's how it usually is here in Tokyo."

"I'm sure it'll be a huge turnout. Enough to make it hard to move. But that's okay. Next time, we'll go to one in Kyoto. I've been meaning to bring you there but you know why. At least, for now, it's okay for me to visit Kyoto once in a while."

Kuroko listened quietly as Akashi spoke about his plans for the two of them. He felt like crying. Akashi had sacrificed a lot just to be with him. Akashi really, really loves him.

Kuroko clasped the fingers around his hand and pulled them close. "Sei?"

I want you, I want you, he had sought in stubborn pursuit, and the hand he had finally caught was warm. Akashi was gentle―and he smelled nice, like the warmth of the sun.

"You're too nice to me," Kuroko said in a strained voice, pressing his face against' Akashi's strong chest. "I'll get carried away."

He was petted on the head. When the man gently ran his fingers through his hair like this, it was so comforting he could almost cry. He remembered how Kimi and even Nigou would always close their eyes in pleasure when Akashi petted them. Maybe they feel the same way I do, he thought.

"Then you should get carried away," Akashi said in a light tone. "I think I can handle a little selfishness from you."

"I'll gonna say something I can't take back," Kuroko warned.

"And what sort of outrageous request is this?" Akashi chuckled as he continued to stroke him on the head.

"Stay with me until I die."

Akashi squeezed the hand that held his own.

"Of course, Tetsuya. We'll be together forever no matter what. If I'm with you, I won't mind eating cat food for the rest of my life." A long silence.

"You didn't need to mention the cat food," Kuroko said softly, in a trembling voice.

Akashi chuckled.

The rain finally stopped in the evening. Cracks formed in the clouds covering the sky, letting the orange rays of the sun seep through.

"Since the rain's stopped, maybe there'll be fireworks," Kuroko had suggested.

"Probably not," Akashi had said in a matter-of-fact tone. "It takes time to set up fireworks. I don't think they could have set them up in that rain."

Kuroko nodded in agreement. He never wondered how Akashi could know about such things. Akashi knows everything.

Nigou came prancing into the living room once the rain stopped. He barked loudly. Kimi looked at the giant malamute with a lazy gaze. As Kuroko prepared to take him out for a walk, Akashi also came along. The dog trotted down the path towards the river behind the park, heedlessly splashing through the puddles. His clean feet was now brown with mud.

Once they reached the riverside, Kuroko took Nigou's leash off. Newly freed, the dog dashed around the river bank and rolled around in glee. Once in a while he came back to Kuroko, then went darting off again.

Kuroko recalled the time he first picked up Nigou. He was a cute puppy back then, small enough to fit into his bag whenever he smuggles him to the gym during practices or matches. He gazed absently at Nigou, who seemed to be having enough fun by himself.

"Tetsuya" a voice called him. He turned around.

"I'm thinking after college... maybe we should go on a trip."

"A trip?"

"I'm thinking Spain."

"Spain?"

He thought why Spain, and then it him. Spain allows same sex marriage. His eyes widened. Is Akashi thinking of —

The redhead smiled at his reaction. "I see you're quite surprised. Well then, prepare yourself for more." Saying, Akashi knelt on the wet grass, a velvet red box in his hand. A pair of gold bands was inside, shining in the late afternoon sun. "Kuroko Tetsuya, marry me."

Kuroko brought his hand to his mouth. "—S-sei..."

Akashi laughed. "What's your answer, Tetsuya?"

"But you didn't ask me a question..."

"Of course." Akashi stood up, and took Kuroko's hand. His hands were gentle as he slid the ring on Kuroko's ring finger. "We already know the answer to that."

Without being told, Kuroko took the other ring and slid it also on Akashi's finger. He then hugged the redhead, his eyes tearing up. Akashi held him lovingly in his arms.

"Sei, I can't even put into words how happy I am righ now..."

He remembered the first time he met Akashi — in the third-string gym in Teikou when he had just told Aomine of his plan of quitting the club. He had felt hopeless that time, but then Akashi appeared, and made a miracle by giving him a reason to give basketball one more try. Because of Akashi, he was able to play basketball on the same court as Aomine, and through the sport, he met a lot of special people. And then, Akashi changed, and he was unable to help Akashi the way he helped him — not until he entered high school, where he was able to bring back the old Akashi by defeating him in their first Winter Cup match. He had been afraid that Akashi would hate him for that, but it was the exact opposite.

Look where it had gotten them now.

"―It's like a dream," he whispered.

Akashi scoffed. "It's not. We're going to make it a reality. We're going to the festival, we'll see the fireworks, and we'll go on a trip to Spain and get married. This is your reality now, Tetsuya. Better get used to it." He was trying not to laugh.

Kuroko clasped Akashi's hand.

"And are you gonna be there, Sei?"

"Huh?"

"Are you gonna be there beside me all those times?"

Akashi raised an eyebrow. "Of course, I will. It takes two to marry, right? Unless it's Aomine. He'll probably say 'The only one who can marry me is me.'"

"Pft." Kuroko rolled his eyes at the redhead's jibe at his former light. He looked up at Akashi. "I love you, Sei."

Akashi's gazed at him lovingly. "I love you, too, Tetsuya."

Darkness fell completely around them. Kuroko called Nigou over, but the dog did not come back on the first try. Kuroko had to repeat his name three times before Nigou finally listened. They leashed him again and slowly made their way back down the path they had come.

When they got home, they carried Nigou to the bathroom and Kuroko washed the mud off his fur. Akashi had went straight to the kitchen. Kuroko went to the still open door and locked it firmly. There was a corner of a piece of paper sticking out of the mailbox. Kuroko opened the mailbox and saw a postcard addressed to him.

The mailer was Kagami, his former light and fellow teammate with whom Kuroko had defeated the Kiseki no Sedai. Kagami had been sympathetic and very caring about Kuroko's situation and desire to defeat the Kiseki no Sedai and he had promised to help Kuroko to fulfill his wish.

However, Kagami was at first doubtful about Kuroko being with Akashi. Their first encounter was far from pleasant, but when he came to know the real Akashi, he felt relieved. Kuroko was going to be in good hands. And he had noticed that Kuroko was happier when he and Akashi started dating, and that made Kagami happy, too.

Sending you my summer greetings. I hope you've been well since then. I assume that Akashi is treating you well. Things haven't changed much on my end. Still busy, not sure when I can visit Japan again. Tatsuya says maybe this winter. Looking forward to play ball with you again.

It was a short note, but Kuroko could sense the man's concern from his words. After high school, Kagami had returned to the States with Himuro, where they continued with college. They visit once or twice a year, Kagami challenging the Kiseki no Sedai for a basketball game, being the basketball-loving idiots they are. Akashi and he would participate also. Himuro would also, and Murasakibra would always insist on being on the same team as the ravenhaired beauty.

Those were fun times. He can't wait for winter.

I'm so happy, I feel like I'm dreaming. So happy, no words can describe how I feel―words overflowed, words he wished he could tell someone. Kuroko closed his fingers around the postcard and shed a few tears.