Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroko no Basuke/Kuroko no Basket/The Basketball Which Kuroko Plays/Kuroko's Basket/ Kuroko's Basketball/KNB. But this summer I will, as Viz has decided to release it in the states! I burst in to tears in the drive threw of a Steak and Shake minutes after it was announced at NYCC. My friend was more than a little concerned.

A few things before we begin:

1) I started writing this fic in September 2014, immediately after the manga ended. This means that this was before Extra Game was released. For this reason, I am ignoring it and Kuroko's Birthday OVA (you will see why in this very chapter).

2) This is an Akashi-Kuroko get together fic. Yes there is smut. Yes there will be trigger warnings. Please pay attention to them at the start of all chapters.

3) I made minor changes to little things in the manga to use to back-up the content in this story. I will note them, and they aren't severe, so no worries!

Warnings: None this chapter.

Notes this chapter: I know that Akashi reverts back to calling them by their last names. However, ignore that in this fic.

Please enjoy!

The cheers were immediate. As the crowd went wild, as his teammates began to cry out in glee, as lights flashed from the media cameras, Kuroko Tetsuya took a brief moment to reestablish the reality he was currently in. His eyes met Akashi's briefly before he was engulfed by his teammates, and tears began to stream down his face as he let out a raw cry of emotion the adrenaline running through his veins taking over.

"We won!" Taiga shouted near his ear as his arm hooked around his shoulders. Kuroko grinned back at him once more before he noticed Akashi approaching, a strange look in his dichromatic eyes. Kuroko pulled away, leaving Seirin to bask in their triumphant win.

As the two became closer, Kuroko realized that Akashi was relieved. Relieved that he had lost? Despite his confusion, he felt his tears start again when Akashi's eyes shined with tears.

"It's your…no, it's your team's win. Congratulations." The red head murmured, offering Kuroko his hand. The pure, undeniable affection in his eyes caught the phantom sixth man off guard. Around him, Seirin stilled, listening to the conversation, their celebration put on hold. "…also, prepare yourselves. Next time, we'll be the victors." Akashi smirked, his usual confident mask making a reappearance once more. Kuroko's heart lurched at the sight, even as his mind was processing the affectionate gaze that had just been given to him.

It was one that he certainly wasn't used to.

Being the polite man that he was, Kuroko pushed that thought aside. He extended his hand, grasping Akashi's.

"…All right. Let's play again. Again. And again…as many times as you want." He promised, the sincerity in his own voice taking him by surprise. Akashi's gaze shifted, something unreadable flashing over his face too fast for Kuroko to catch before Akashi let their hands fall to their respective sides as the refs called for them to stand together in a line.

As they bowed, Kuroko made a silent reminder to himself to continue this later.

A week full of congratulations and celebrations followed. In that week, Kuroko saw as much of his old team as he did his new. Murasakibara took him to his favorite milkshake shop as a reward for 'finally beating Akachin.' Midorima bought him his lucky items for the week, insisting that the horoscope predicted that this was the start of a fantastic lucky time period for him. (Kuroko actually believed in that, for once, because he had been doing better at just about everything.) Kise took him to the local mall, insisting that he needed to start 'dressing like a champion again. Aomine took him to dinner, and then traveled to see the latest action movie. Kagami had teased him that it was a date, which both firmly denied.

The only one missing from the group w-as Akashi. While Kuroko could understand him wanting space, he would be lying if he said he wasn't a little hurt by all of this. He had been in communication with the others, but not him. Kuroko couldn't grasp why.

He and Akashi had been close at Teiko. Akashi had trained him to be what he was today, and he presented Kuroko with new goals. Having regained his other bonds with the Generation of Miracles, Kuroko had hoped that Akashi's would return as well.

Now, however, he sat with the others as they waited for Momoi and Akashi to arrive. They were getting a group picture, at Momoi's insistence. Kise and Kuroko were all for it. Aomine was grumbling in between them, and Murasakibara was munching on a box of pocky. Midorima was clucking his tongue as he checked his watch once more.

"Sorry, guys! The line at the camera store was so long!" Momoi pouted as she and Akashi appeared. Kuroko felt his heart rate pick up as his blue eyes met Akashi's red. A blush filled his cheeks when Akashi offered him a confident smirk.

"People can be so very incompetent these days." Akashi spoke as he stepped next to Kuroko's side.

"Okay, let's get this picture taken so that Tetsu-kun can return to his practice before Miss B-cup throws a fit!" Momoi called out, smiling. The group agreed, and via her instructions, managed to get in the frame of the camera. Kuroko stood in the middle, listening to Kise and Aomine bicker. Kise stood to his left, insisting that 'Kurokocchi liked him more, which was why he got to stand next to him.' Akashi stood next to his right, eerily silent. Midorima stood behind them, fiddling with his lucky item of the day. Murasakibara stood to his left, reluctantly putting away his bag of chips. Aomine was behind Kise, his glare boring in to the back of the smiling blonde's head.

"Everyone, get ready on 3!" Momoi cried out happily. After saying the count down, she bounced to Kise's side, resting her hand on his back.

"Smile, Kurokocchi!" Kise cried out, causing Kuroko's gaze to shift towards him as the flash went off. As Momoi and Midorima debated doing another shot, Kuroko himself actually liked the photo. It wasn't perfect, but it was an accurate depiction of their relationships. From Kise and Momoi's happy grins, to Midorima's arrogant expression and Akashi's smug smirk, to Murasakibara's nonchalant expression, Aomine's scowl, and his own curious gaze.

"I want to keep this one." He murmured softly. Akashi came over to Kuroko's side, leaning over his shoulder, a contemplative hum escaping him as he examined the picture with his critical gaze. Kuroko blushed when Akashi's hand slid onto his shoulder, the once familiar action now so very foreign it almost hurt to admit it.

"I agree, Tetsuya. It really does reflect our dynamic." Akashi's gaze slid to his face, and Kuroko cursed his heated cheeks as Akashi noticed them, a wicked gleam entering his red eyes. He quickly moved away to return the camera to Momoi and throw himself in to a conversation with Kise and Aomine.

As they were all about to go their separate ways, Akashi approached him again. He attempted to think up an excuse to leave.

"Tetsuya, I need to speak with you." Akashi murmured, catching the blue-haired male's wrist before he could walk away. Behind them, the rest of the generation of Miracles pretended not to listen, Momoi and Kise doing their best to be loud and obnoxious.

Kuroko's expression filled with dismay. He had wanted this; an opportunity to reunite with Akashi, to sit and talk about all that they had been through. However…

"I need to speak with you as well, Akashi-kun, but I'm running late to practice. When will you be in town next?" He asked, hoping that the red-head would return quickly. Akashi let a small smile slip on to his face, and he shook his head.

"I will come and retrieve you after your practice. Call your parents and let them know that you will be out with me tonight." He ordered, dropping Kuroko's hand. Kuroko nodded, slipping his hands in to his pockets, his mind racing with questions. Before he could find the words for them, Kise's arm was slung around his shoulder and the blond was leading him away from the rest of the group so that he could get to practice close to on time.

As he stepped into the gym, he hoped that tonight would end with the two of them resuming their friendship.

Akashi appeared in Seirin's gym about 15 minutes before practice ended. He was dressed in a pair of dress slacks and a button down, red shirt. A tie was lazily draped over his shoulder, and his eyes sought Kuroko.

The phantom felt his steady gaze on him throughout the rest of practice, and instead of it making him nervous and causing him to lose his focus, it instead helped him focus. Maybe he wanted to show off? After practice was finished, he approached the bleachers to greet Akashi properly.

"I'm going to shower and change. Would you mind waiting on me?" He asked. Akashi shook his head, passing Kuroko a bag.

"Not at all, Tetsuya. Inside that bag in an outfit for the restaurant we are dining at this evening, including shoes. Consider it a gift." He added when Kuroko opened his mouth to protest such a generous gift.

"Okay, Akashi-kun." He reluctantly agreed. He knew better than to try and fight Akashi when it came to gifts. He headed to the showers, ignoring the questions his teammates shot at him. As he was buttoning up the shirt, Kagami gripped his shoulder.

"If you need someone to come and save you from Akashi…" He offered, the earnest concern in his eyes making Kuroko smile.

"Thank you, Kagami-kun, but I will be fine. Akashi-kun just wishes to talk." He assured the red-head as he removed his hand from his shoulder. Nervously running a hand through his blue locks, Kuroko shouldered his backpack and exited the locker room. Akashi was leaning against the wall by the exit, messaging someone on his phone. As Kuroko approached, he looked up, his blank expression slipping away to that of a welcoming grin.

"Ah, Tetsuya, I'm glad to see that the clothing fits." He said politely, even though both knew it would. After all, Akashi was always right. Kuroko nodded, dipping his head.

"Thank you for the clothing, Akashi-kun. May I ask where you are taking me?" He asked as he followed his ex-captain out of Seirin's gym. Akashi led him to a parked car before opening his door for him.

"We're going out to dinner, Tetsuya." He said simply. Kuroko fastened in his seatbelt, pondering where this evening was going.

They remained silent during the drive to the restaurant, both lost in their own worlds. When they arrived, Kuroko opened his door, only to shiver at the cold breeze that blew in. Akashi frowned at that and retrieved one of his jackets from the floor of the car.

"Here, Tetsuya." Akashi said gently, though the order in his voice remained. Kuroko accepted it, slipping it around his shoulders.

"Thank you, Akashi-kun." Kuroko murmured, hiding his face in the collar of the jacket to cover up the pink in his cheeks. The jacket was warm and smelled like Akashi-kun, and he regretted having to hand it over to the coat check as they entered the restaurant.

"Welcome, Akashi-sama." The manager himself greeted them personally. Akashi's hand rested on his lower back as he addressed the manager.

Kuroko did his best to not overthink that simple gesture. Surely it was just to guide him around the unfamiliar restaurant. He did his best to stop the blood from rushing to his cheeks, and tried not to focus on the warm hand resting so close to his ass.

Akashi pulled out his chair for him as he continued to chat with the manager, who quickly made his exit. Shaking his head, Akashi sat down across from him and offered him a reassuring grin.

"Relax, Tetsuya. We're just here to talk." At Akashi's teasing words, he felt his heart drop and he buried his face in the menu.

He, Kuroko Tetsuya, didn't do conversations relating to himself. As he had relayed his history to Seirin, it was terribly humiliating. If he were at dinner with Kise or Aomine, he knew that the conversation would be full of reminiscing. He would be a little uncomfortable with it, but the two of them would be cheerful about it. They all knew where they stood when they parted ways.

However, this was Akashi. Akashi never did anything without a purpose. This was clearly going to be about him, and he wasn't sure where they even stood. Or where he wanted them to go.

After ordering their meals and receiving their drinks, Akashi cleared his throat.

"Before our food arrives, I'd like to say something for you to think about." He announced. Kuroko's curiosity caused him to meet Akashi's eyes with his own. He nodded, accepting Akashi's proposal. Shifting a bit in his seat, Akashi locked his eyes on Kuroko's expression.

"I rarely offer up my past, Tetsuya. It is no one's business but my own. However, if you'd like, I want to share my history with you and you alone." He said. Kuroko's eyes widened at that.

"I'd like that, Akashi-kun." Kuroko murmured, voice sincere. Akashi nodded, a wry smile slipping on to his lips.

"Good. That will come at a later evening. But first, I must get down to business. I am a man of prompt and direct confrontation, Tetsuya. Allow me to be blunt." Akashi paused, allowing Kuroko to digest this information. He continued when Kuroko's eyes narrowed defensively. "You are mine, Tetsuya. Not just my phantom sixth man or a valuable asset to my previous team. You are so much more than that to me. You are my pride, my greatest accomplishment. My Tetsuya, I let you leave my side so that you could have the freedom you desired. And now, I would like to request that you return to my side." He declared. Kuroko's cheeks heated at that, and he looked away as his heart pounded in his chest.

To most people, the speech would come off as abusive and controlling. And while it might have been, it was the sweetest thing that anyone had ever said to him. That someone was actively seeking him out, for his attention and not his abilities, meant more to Kuroko than even he realized.

"As your friend? Akashi-kun, our friendship never ended." He pointed out. It was true. When he quit the team, he hadn't spoken to Akashi then and there hadn't been any communication between the two until his text before the Winter Cup finals. Akashi's eyes narrowed and he reached across the table to take his hand.

"No, Tetsuya. I want you to be so much more than my friend. I want you to return to my side as my boyfriend. My partner. Eventually, you shall even be my lover. But above all else, Tetsuya, you will be mine." He corrected. Kuroko's heart began to race at the thought.

Akashi-kun…as his boyfriend? That was definitely something to think about. It was also completely unexpected.

"I can think about this as we eat, right?" Kuroko asked. Akashi's hand gave his a squeeze before it returned to Akashi's side of the table. Kuroko instinctively clenched his fist, trying to capture the warmth of Akashi's hand.

"Of course, Tetsuya. That is why I wanted to do this over dinner." He shrugged. Kuroko nodded, and soon after, their waitress appeared. The two were silent as they began eating.

Akashi-kun as his boyfriend. That certainly came as a surprise to the shadow. He never would have imagined that his feelings were returned. He had noticed his crush on Akashi-kun at one point during his third year at Teiko, and had did his best to keep them to himself, not wanting to bother the other when he had so many things to deal with. He wasn't even sure if Akashi was in to guys, and didn't want things to grow awkward between them. Even after that fateful match that ruined everything for him, his feelings for Akashi hadn't simply disappeared. And their time and space apart hadn't diminished it either. It was always a thought in the back of his mind.

If Kuroko was being honest, it was a bit of a dream come true. This guy that he had been crushing on for a while now suddenly confessing over a sweet dinner date? Completely out of the blue, it almost felt like a fantasy. But his life wasn't a fairy tale. Far from it, really.

As he secretly observed Akashi, he weighed the pros and cons of dating this red-headed genius.

He was certain that Akashi would be an affectionate man. He cared for all of his teammates, past and present, and spoiled them as rewards for their accomplishments. Akashi would take care of him. He would dote on him and spoil him and above all else, love him for whom he truly is.

That mattered a whole hell of a lot to Kuroko.

But on the other hand…Akashi had such high expectation for those around him. He got violent if he was challenged. He was sure in his beliefs and opinions. He would end up graduating from Rakuzan and entering Tokyo University as an honor student. He would graduate with a bachelors in two years, a master in two more, and he would have his PH.D within another year from that. A year after Kuroko managed to graduate college with his basic education, Akashi would be leaps and bounds ahead of him.

What if he realized that Kuroko really wasn't what he wanted? That would probably break his heart more than anything else.

But what if he didn't? A small voice inside him asked. What if this was actually where he was meant to be? Akashi did everything with careful calculations. Why would he use Kuroko, when he never had before?

With that in mind, he decided to just go ahead and ask the red-head directly.

"Akashi-kun?" He called out softly. Kuroko glanced up to find his ex-captain watching him. He met his gaze before looking down once more. "May I ask you some questions before I give my final answer?" He asked.

"Of course you can, Tetsuya. I will do my best to provide honest answers." He promised. Kuroko nodded, taking a deep breath before voicing his first concern.

"If I accept your offer, there are a few things I can't go through again. Akashi-kun, are you going to push me to meet your expectations?" He asked, swallowing his drink to hide his nervousness. Akashi shook his head, expression softening.

"Oh no, Tetsuya. Of course not. I'll help you meet your personal ones. As my partner, you and I will truly be equals. I will be just as much yours as you are mine. I apologize for being the reason that you have to ask me that question." He sighed, shaking his head as a bitter smile crossed his lips. "I will continue to push those under me to meet my expectations. I will continue to reward them and punish them as the situation calls for. But Tetsuya, none of those are what I expect out of you. If you accept my proposal and become mine, I ask but of two things of you." He paused, giving Kuroko a minute to catch his thoughts.

"What are they?" The blue-haired male asked.

"I want your loyalty. After everything that has happened to me…" Akashi trailed off, a dark expression crossing his face. "…I couldn't handle another betrayal, Tetsuya. I also expect your honesty. There will be no secrets in our relationship." He declared. Kuroko nodded at that. Secrets and lies would get them nowhere, and damage their bonds of trust.

"I agree, Akashi-kun." He said. Kuroko tentatively reached out to Akashi, smiling a bit as Akashi's warm hand grasped his. "…why me? I'm not intelligent, so I will never be able to converse with you about your future in the business would. I'm not really attractive like Kise-kun or Momoi-san, or even Kagami-kun. I am quiet and introverted and no one notices me. So why me, Akashi-kun?" He asked softly, as his eyes met Akashi's. The red head shifted, cupping Kuroko's hand with both of his.

"Your low sense of self-worth has always bothered me." Akashi admitted. "Tetsuya, you are so much more than you give yourself credit for. Your sense of intuition, nurtured from your detailed observation skills, rival those of myself and Shintarou. You give wonderful advice based off of the little things you pick up about people. Having you at my side during a meeting could bring about many perks." He promised. Kuroko blushed, looking away from his earnest gaze. "Your quiet presence is often overlooked, but that doesn't matter to me. I notice every little thing you do." He admitted.

"Akashi-kun, that sounds a bit like you are always watching me." He cut in, attempting to make a joke. It dragged a chuckle out of Akashi, who leaned over and brushed his cheek.

"My Tetsuya." He crooned, a wicked smirk on his face at Kuroko's blush. "You are so breathtaking to look at. You possess a quiet grace and a strong mind. You are still so loyal to me, even after all that I did to mess up your life. You mean so much to me." He admitted, and for the first time that night, looked away from Kuroko. Despite the hammering of his heart at the sweet confession, Kuroko didn't want their connection to break so easily. He placed his other hand over Akashi's, urging him to look at him once more.

Akashi's expectant eyes had his heart hammering in his chest, and his fingers unconsciously tightened around Akashi's. He did his best to really think over everything that Akashi had said. Most of it had been very flattering, but he did his best to look past it. Akashi had been startlingly open tonight, which Kuroko took in to consideration as well.

Honesty was a key part of a relationship, wasn't it? Taking in a deep, calming breath, Kuroko made his decision.

"Me too, Akashi-kun. You mean a lot to me as well. That's why I'm going to say yes." He said. Akashi's gaze snapped up and locked with Kuroko's.

And in that moment, Kuroko surrendered. As Akashi took one of his hands, and pulled it to his lips, Kuroko's heart skipped a beat. Akashi's gentle kisses to each of his knuckles sent a dizzying wave of warm affection washed over him.

As he offered Akashi a shy smile, he felt hopeful for the first time in a long time. He had his old team, some of the best friends he had ever had, back in his life. He had a new team that supported and cared for him.

And now, after longing after his ex-captain, he finally had Akashi Seijuuro as his boyfriend.

The two continued their meal by sharing idle small talk. Akashi asked him question after question about his preferences and gave Kuroko time to question him in return. As they stood up from the table that night, Kuroko's hand was captured by Akashi's and he stood close to his side, watching as his boyfriend left a generous tip for the waiter, on top of paying for their bill. The manager saw them out, and Akashi helped him in to his jacket, his hand returning to the small of his back once again.

They slipped in to the backseat of the black car that had brought them to the restaurant. Kuroko blushed bright red when Akashi tugged him close to his side, but he didn't pull away from him. He sucked up his embarrassment and leaned in to Akashi's warm side.

"Next time, we'll eat in. I don't want you catching a chill." Akashi said.

"Will you cook, Akashi-kun?" He asked, his eyes alight with mirth.

"If that's what you wish, Tetsuya. I'd do anything for you, you know?" He murmured sincerely. Kuroko's cheeks heated once more at those sweet words, burrowing in to Akashi's side to hide his happy grin.

Akashi walked him to his doorstep, their hands linked. Kuroko looked up at the stars, enjoying the rare, clear view of them.

"The stars are so beautiful tonight, Akashi-kun." He said in awe, eyes tracing the constellations. Akashi's warm hand cupped his cheek, bringing him back down to reality. His breath hitched at the adoration in Akashi's red eyes.

"So are you, my Tetsuya." Akashi said softly before bringing his face in closer to Kuroko's. Their breath mingled for a heartbeat before Akashi's warm lips were pressing against his. Kuroko's eyes slid shut, attempting to press his lips back against Akashi's.

It was just a simple brushing of their lips. It ended soon after it began. But it sent his heart racing, and Kuroko wrapped his arms around Akashi's neck, his blush returning in full force as he shyly met Akashi's gaze from under his eye lashes. Akashi let out a soft huff of laughter, pressing another kiss to Kuroko's lips.

"I had a nice time tonight, Akashi-kun. I missed you." He admitted. Akashi kissed him again, tightening his grip on Kuroko's waist.

"I have missed you too, Tetsuya. Thank you for accompanying me tonight. We should do this again soon." Akashi murmured as he stepped back a bit when Kuroko shivered from the cold. With a stern frown, he pushed him towards his door. "Now get inside before you catch a chill. Tetsuya?" He called out as Kuroko reached for the door.

"Hm?" The blue-haired male questioned. Akashi's smile turned smug and self-assured as he stepped off of Kuroko's front porch.

"Have a good night, my Tetsuya." He said. Kuroko blushed at his words.

"You too, Akashi-kun." He stuttered out before slipping in to the house. As he leaned against the door, his heart racing, he realized that he was wearing Akashi's jacket. Deciding to return it to him next time, Kuroko walked upstairs to his bedroom. After changing in to his pajamas and petting Nigou, he grabbed his phone and Akashi's jacket. Slipping it on, he took in a whiff of Akashi's scent, of his boyfriend's scent, and with a smile, opened a new message.

To: Akashi-kun

Subject: Jacket

Akashi-kun, I have your jacket. When we meet again, I will return it to you. Also, please message me when you have returned to your home safely.

Satisfied with that, he sent the message and curled up under his blankets. Nigou snuggled close, sniffing at Akashi's jacket.

"This belongs to Aka- no. Nigou, this jacket belongs to my boyfriend." He said quietly, feeling giddy at the way those words sounded aloud. Biting back an uncharacteristically happy giggle, Kuroko buried his face in his pillow, pulling the jacket around him so that he could get lost in Akashi's scent.

He was asleep when the red-head replied.

From: Akashi-kun

Subject: Re: Jacket

Tetsuya, I am aware that you have my jacket. You can keep it for as long as you'd like, so long as you actually wear it. These cold winter days are bad for your health. I have returned home safely. I will message you later in the week with details about our next outing. Feel free to contact me for any reason, Tetsuya.

A/N: I really hope you guys liked this! This fic is complete and will update every Friday(ish). I might do a double update on weekends that might be a little crazy for me so that way you guys can have your fix as I deal with life :) To those of you that have read my other AkaKuro or Daycare Universe things, this is the fic I have been constantly referring to. Happy New Year everyone, and welcome to Back to the Start!

- Kida-Asumi