A/N: Hello! This is my first Kuroko no Basuke fic, so I'm hoping it's not too bad. It's chaptered too, so fingers crossed. This chapter is like an intro, so there won't really be any AkaFuri yet. Rated T for future chapters.

Disclaimer: Kuroko no Basuke is not owned by me, but by Fujimaki Tadatoshi.

"Akashi-kun, Sato-san is demanding to see you."

"As expected, allow him to enter."

A moment later, a young man entered the office, a belligerent expression on his face. "How could you do this to us?"

The man in question smirked in amusement. "Does it matter? It's too late. Your business is as good as mine."

"B-but, I need my business! It's all I have to support my family! My sister suffers from a long term illness! It's all I have to support her. Can't you sympathize?" The man pounded his fists on the desk in front of him, becoming more desperate.

A frown soon replaced the smirk on Akashi's face, whatever traces of cordiality leaving his face. "Sato-san, I'm afraid business is not so simple in that way. Your business was merely another pawn in this game that would help me reach the top. And I always get what I want. You should be grateful that I'm even willing to provide you a job in my corporation."

Despite his small build and fair appearance, Akashi Seijuurou, 21 years old, emanated a powerful atmosphere. Coupled with his supercilious personality, there were few who dared to oppose his order.

"B-but-!"

Before Sato could finish, Akashi lifted his hand, signaling for him to stop. Standing up, he peered at Sato with his heterochromatic eyes. "Very well, if you insist on being so dogmatic, I will propose another option for you," Akashi mollified. For a moment, hope flashed in Sato's eyes. However, as soon as Akashi finished what he was saying, the same hope was replaced with horror. "In exchange for your business, all I ask for is your sister."

Sato took a step back in horror, in shock just from the thought of giving away his sister. "Akashi-san, surely you cannot be serious?"

Akashi, who at this point was ebullient with the man's reaction, continued his psychological assault on the poor man, one step closer to his inevitable victory. "Sato-san, would I joke about a matter like this? I promise I'd take care of her. I am the CEO of this company. I have more than enough money to care for her." Chuckling slightly, he continued. "I wonder, what should I do with her afterwards? Maybe I'll make her into my personal slave. "

"F-fine. Give me the papers, I surrender my business." Sato finally relented. He was desperate to keep his business, but giving away his sister was too much for him.

Smirking at the man's response, Akashi clasped his hands together in victory. "Fantastic! I'm glad you see things my way." Grabbing the landline from his desk, Akashi connected himself to his assistant's line. "Tetsuya, Sato-san here is finally willing to give us his business. Do you mind bringing the necessary paperwork?"

Moments later, the door to the office opened, allowing a feeble looking man to enter. With various sheets of paper in his hands, Kuroko Tetsuya entered the office. Walking over to Akashi's desk, Kuroko held out the papers toward Akashi. "Here are the papers that you asked for."

Accepting the papers, Akashi took the papers and turned towards Sato. Giving him a victorious smile, Akashi handed Sato the papers. "It was a pleasure Sato-san."

Sato could only look at Akashi in horror. He wondered how such a young man could be so cruel and relentless to others. Quickly grabbing the papers, he exited the office, leaving Akashi alone with Kuroko. As soon as Sato left the office, Akashi returned to his previous sitting position. Kuroko then looked toward Akashi, a frown marring his normally impassive face. "Akashi-kun, that was not very nice. It was a very cheap move."

Akashi narrowed his eyes in Kuroko's direction. He knew that Kuroko did not look favorably upon such matters, but he did not expect him to directly say it straight to his face, especially in his workplace. "Tetsuya, I was merely making business. It's not as if I was seriously considering to make that woman my slave. It was a simple ruse to get Sato-san to hand over his business."

"Your reason still does not justify your actions."

Akashi was becoming more irritated with Kuroko's remarks to his actions. Burying his face in his hands, Akashi sighed. "Tetsuya, you are my assistant. You do what I say, and you do not question what I say. I could easily have you lose your job for talking back to me like this you realize?"

Despite hearing Akashi's threat, Kuroko did not look the least bit fazed, his face retaining impassive. "Akashi-kun wouldn't do that. I'm the only one who you can tolerate with these matters. You've changed, and become much crueler."

Akashi frowned, because he knew that Kuroko was correct. There were very few people he could trust, especially in the tough world of business, and being kind and naive like he once was out of the question. "Very daring today, aren't you Tetsuya? No one else would dare cross me like you just have. Luckily for you, I'm in a very good mood today due to Sato-san's surrender. I'll spare you of any unpleasantries."

Despite his threats, Akashi knew he wouldn't do anything to Kuroko. He was one of the few childhood friends that Akashi was still in close connections to. Back in middle school, there were few who dared to face the Akashi Seijuurou. He was reputed for being the heir to his father's company, and many feared to even approach him due to his frightening presence. Thankfully, there were few who took no particular notice to his reputation, such as Kuroko, and those were the few he held in high respects.

Despite going to different high schools, the small group Akashi regarded as his friends remained close; the distance only minimally affecting their friendship. It wasn't until college when the distance became prominent. Fortunately, Akashi and Kuroko, both working toward the same field of business, attended the same university, while the others all pursued different goals at different universities. However, unlike Akashi, Kuroko still remained in close contact with them.

He would never admit it out loud, but he was more dependent on Kuroko than he'd let on. Akashi was a natural leader and genius since childhood, but the stress of leading a big company was too much even for him at times. Thankfully, Kuroko helped mitigate the workload, sharing the burden the company held.

"Akashi-kun. Did you hear me?" Kuroko called out, pulling Akashi out of his thoughts.

Akashi blinked, looking up at the other man. "Hn?"

Kuroko sighed, realizing that Akashi was not listening. "As I said previously, I just spoke to our latest client. He's asking if we are able to meet up with him later this evening for dinner around 8 to discuss our plans. I checked your schedule, and it's open. Are you willing to go?"

"...I see. Of course we'll go. Have everything prepared at once."

"Tetsuya, is this the correct address? The restaurant is a little...ordinary, no?" Akashi looked at the small restaurant in front of them, trying to conceal the shock on his face. After hearing from Kuroko that it would be a business meeting, Akashi had expected a higher end restaurant. But this? In Akashi's eyes, and he is almost never wrong, it looked like a typical shokudo(1) restaurant.

"Akashi-kun, is there a problem? This is the location of our meeting." Kuroko tilted his head questioningly at Akashi, a deadpan expression on his face. "If it's the quality you are worried about, then do not fret. I personally come here. It's quite remarkable."

Akashi looked at Kuroko skeptically with a raised brow. It wasn't everyday Kuroko showed favor toward anything. However, at this point, it didn't matter. The plans were set, and his client was expected to arrive soon.

Kuroko headed toward the entrance, signaling Akashi to follow suit. Entering the establishment, Akashi was struck by the simplicity. In every aspect, it looked like any other Japanese restaurant. At the least, Akashi expected something significant to stand out. His all seeing eyes saw nothing special; its most redeeming quality was the quiet ambiance. It looked like a typical family business that Akashi would come to takeover. Looking around, it wasn't fairly popular either. Aside from the pair of them, there was only one other party.

His thoughts came to a stop when he heard another door open. Coming out from behind the kitchen door, a tall man with blood red hair appeared, headed toward where Akashi and Kuroko were waiting. The man gave Akashi a stern gaze before speaking. "How many? Is it just you redhead?"

Tensing at the informal greeting, Akashi was tempted to put the man in his place. Did that man know that he had to power to ruin his life by shutting down his business? Akashi opened his mouth to speak, but before anything could come out, Kuroko spoke first. "Kagami-kun, I called earlier and asked for reservations. Are you so forgetful? You are Bakagami after all."

The tall man, who Akashi learned to be named Kagami, let out a startled yelp, and turned toward the source of the voice with a flushed face. "Y-yah! Kuroko! Where did you come from?"

"I was here from the very start." Kuroko deadpanned. Others missing his presence was a common occurrence.

"R-right." Kagami straightened up, shifting his gaze toward Akashi. "He's the special guest you mentioned earlier?" The average person would have missed it, but Akashi noticed the slight frown that decorated his face as he spoke.

Oblivious, Kuroko explained. "No. We are partners. Our client will be joining us later. Where are we seated?"

Unconsciously, Kagami's face relaxed after Kuroko's explanation. Akashi looked at the man curiously, raising a brow skeptically. Waving his arm toward the back, he led the pair to their table. "This way. It's that table in the back. I've already prepared the water."

Once they arrived, the two took the seats on the same side of the table, leaving the opposing side vacant for their guest. Before walking back to the front, Kagami spoke, "Well, call me over when you're ready."

"No need. Just bring out the usual dishes. Bring it out when our guest arrives please."

Nodding his head, Kagami walked away to help the other group of customers. As soon as the man left, Akashi turned toward Kuroko with narrowed eyes, a threatening aura surround him. "Who's that man? He certainly lacks manners."

Despite Akashi's intimidating presence, Kuroko did not falter under his gaze. "He's a friend from America. The culture is different."

Akashi leered at Kuroko, irritated at the lack of detail, but did not push the topic any further. "When is this client coming?"

Kuroko looked down at this watch, checking the time. "Be patient Akashi-kun, it's not 8 yet. He still has a little time. Our client is... one of a kind."

After a few minutes of discussing the company's plans, the two were interrupted by the restaurant door slamming open. The once peaceful atmosphere was soon replaced by a man's calls. "Kurokocchi! Akashicchi! Yoohoo! I'm finally here!"

Akashi's eyes momentarily widened. That voice... "Ryouta?"

In a moment, the man quickly reached the table where the two were seated, a bright expression on his face. "Wahhh, Akashicchi! You still remember after so long! I'm so happy!"

Still astonished, Akashi blinked. "You are our client Ryouta?"

"Of course! Kurokocchi mentioned that the company needed help advertising with a model, and since we're the best of friends, he was more than happy to ask for my help!" Kise explained enthusiastically. Despite not speaking since high school, Akashi had realized that Kise had not changed at all.

"Kise-kun, stop making up such ridiculous things. We are no such thing." Kuroko replied wearily. Turning his head toward Akashi, he said, "yes, Kise-kun is our client. He is willing to advertise for our company through his modeling agency."

"The plan sounds competent, but why am I only now being told that our client was Ryouta?" Akashi asked. He wouldn't admit it, but he was slightly irritated that Kuroko kept that vital piece of information from him.

"I did tell you. You weren't listening."

"...I see."

"Wahhh! Akashicchi! Don't ignore me! Is this how you treat a friend after a long reunion?" Kise pouted dramatically. "At least Kurokocchi still talks to me."

"It is good to see you Ryouta. Thank you for coming." Akashi relented. No matter what he did, he knew that if he did not appease the flamboyant blond, then he would hear it all night.

"I knew it! Akashicchi did miss me! Don't get jealous though Kurokocchi, you're still number one to me!"

"Oh, it looks like the food is here." Kuroko stated, completely ignoring Kise's statement.

Kagami walked over with a tray of various dishes, and placed them all on their table, one by one. It had successfully drawn in all of Kise's attention, although Akashi had made sure that he would skip the tofu soup, a dish that Akashi particularly favored. "The food was personally made by our newest staff member, so please enjoy."

"It was Furihata-kun who made the food?" Kuroko asked him. Despite his poker face, there was a hint of curiosity in Kuroko's voice.

"Errr, yeah. We're a little understaffed, so I've brought him under my wing. I've been teaching him our dishes. You're actually the first aside from me to taste his cooking. It's actually really good!" Kagami reassured, scratching the back of his head nervously.

"I do not doubt it. Furihata-kun's a good person, and he has an excellent teacher to learn from." Kuroko replied.

Kagami's face flushed red at the indirect compliment. Attempting to brush off the compliment, Kagami made up an excuse to get away from the table. "T-thanks, Kuroko. W-well, if there's anything else, either me or Furihata will be able to help you." With that, Kagami left the table as quickly as possible.

Akashi, who watched the exchange between the pair, looked at Kuroko questioningly. Kuroko noticed his stare, but ignored it, instead focusing his attention toward the table. Akashi sighed, for he knew he would not get anything out of the man.

"Wow, all the food looks great! Ahhh, where to start, where to start..." Kise, who remained oblivious to the previous interaction, complained.

"Kise-kun, please be mannerful before you eat."

Scratching his head in embarrassment, Kise laughed nervously. "Aha, yes, yes... I almost forgot."

"Itadakimasu(2)."

Quickly reaching for the tofu soup before either two could even think about touching it, Akashi grabbed a spoon, and tasted it. As soon as the food entered his mouth, Akashi blinked in surprise. The soup was simply remarkable. It wasn't often that he would be willing to acknowledge one's cooking, especially that of the lower class.

"Akashi-kun, is the food to your liking?" Kuroko, who had opted for a small portion of curry, asked.

"Indeed. The food is exceptional." Akashi acknowledged. "I will consider hiring this 'Furihata' for our company's upcoming banquet." Every year, Akashi's company would hold a large banquet for the entire company. It was important, as many other big names in the same industry attended, and maintaining good relations with them was for the benefit of the company.

Astonished by Akashi's compliment, Kuroko's normally impassive face faltered for a moment, revealing a surprised expression. "Is his cooking that impressive? It's not usual for you to throw out such compliments."

Akashi merely nodded, taking another spoonful of the soup. Kise, who realized how much Akashi was enjoying the soup, wanted a taste of the soup that the Akashi seemed to enjoy so much. "Akashicchi! Please let me try some of the tofu soup!"

Giving Kise a cold glare, Akashi held the tofu soup possessively. Once he claimed something as his, he would not be willing to easily share what belonged to him. "No Ryouta, the soup is mine."

Kise shivered under Akashi's harsh gaze, but was not about to give up yet. "But Akashicchi-"

The two were so busy arguing, they did not notice someone approaching their table. "E-Excuse me!" A new, frightened voice interrupted. "I-if you w-want more of the tofu soup, t-then I can go make some more. I-I was informed that your table w-was permitted an bottomless amount of dishes."

"Ah, yes, please do. Akashicchi here won't share his bowl!" Kise replied, crossing his arms childishly, pouting.

Akashi looked toward the source of the voice, and noticed a shorter man with brown hair, around the same height as he and Kuroko, a scared expression on his face, looking in Kise's direction. "And who may you be?"

"Ah, Akashi-kun, that's Furihata-kun." Kuroko answered in place of Furihata.

Tapping Furihata on the arm, Kuroko shifted the said man's attention toward himself. "Ah, Furihata-kun, Akashi-kun here was very impressed with your cooking. It's very seldom for him to give such high praises."

Blushing in embarrassment, Furihata looked toward the heterochromatic eyed man, and bowed before speaking. "T-Thank you so much! My full name is Furihata Kouki. It r-really makes me h-happy to hear that there is someone who enjoys my food!"

"Interesting..." Akashi smirked at the nervous man. "Furihata Kouki was it?"

A/N: That's it for the first chapter. Thanks for reading and making it this far! Hopefully the characters weren't too ooc(I think I made Kise an airhead this chapter). Everything I researched about their personalities and habits is all from the KnB wiki.

(1) According to my research, a shokudo styled restaurant is somewhat of an independently owned family restaurant.

(2) Before eating, it's a proper form of etiquette in Japan.