PART B of Signal ~EPILOGUE~ (AkaFuri, KagaKuro, MidoTaka, AoKise, MuraHimu; Pg-15)
Finding GoM Matching Partner ~Signal: Epilogue B~
Kagami and Kuroko were watching from the bushes.
Alright, Kuroko was watching and Kagami was grumbling slightly in annoyance. "Why are we here again?" he whispered while his split eyebrows twitched slightly.
Kuroko and Kagami were supposed to be on a date at this moment to make up for the cancelled date and some lost-private-times for a week now, due to a certain shorter redhead occupying Kagami's spare room. However, when Kuroko noticed Akashi standing alone and unmoving on a park ground in Ginza, he had pulled Kagami to hide behind the thick bushes -that grew quite well even in winter- around the park and started to 'watch' over the Rakuzan's captain for awhile.
"In case Akashi-kun is still targeted," was what Kuroko quietly said when Kagami complained about the sudden change of plan.
Still, nothing actually happened for a few minutes until Furihata came into the picture and Kuroko raised his eyebrow while Kagami was still muttering that they were wasting precious 'date' time and Akashi was living with him already, so he didn't want to see his face outside his apartment as well.
"Furihata-kun and Akashi-kun…?" Kuroko tilted his head aside in wonder.
"Why are you surprised? Weren't you the one setting them up in the first place?" Kagami sighed, deciding to 'glance' as well since he was quite curious about the progress of their relationship.
After all, Kagami was the one who dumped Akashi in Furihata's hands a week before. Even though it wasn't on purpose, he would like to know if his decision was right in making Furihata take care of the 'psycho'. He hoped that Akashi would consider Furihata as a friend instead of a slave.
"Yes, but it was a long shot. I did not actually think that it would work," Kuroko said, pulling back slightly to let out a small smile. "Akashi-kun needs someone observant to sense his feelings, and since I knew Furihata-kun instinctively 'knew' about us, I thought he could be the one. Though, unless there had been an extreme event that made Akashi-kun aware of Furihata-kun, I doubt it could have worked."
"Well, there was an extreme accident, right?" Kagami couldn't help but point out the accident with the Akashi Family. He also raised his eyebrows at Kuroko. "With that kind of thing happening, anyone would 'see' the person who supports him unconditionally."
Kuroko blinked once, deadpanned as always, before a nice relieved smile bloomed on his adorable face. "You are right," he said pleasantly.
Kagami couldn't help his heartbeat from picking up pace after seeing that. Seriously, why was Kuroko so cute? It was bad for his heart if from now on, he saw Kuroko get even more endearing than right at this moment. His heart wouldn't be able to take it and he would do something bad to satiate his hunger for Kuroko.
Kagami just couldn't help himself as he reached out and pulled Kuroko into a hug, slightly surprising the smaller boy. "Kagami-kun…?"
"I got an 'okay' to have you from Akashi, you know. I will never let you go," Kagami said surely, tightening his hug.
Kagami could feel Kuroko grip the jacket material on his back and they were silent for a minute or two before Kuroko broke it with a light chuckle. "Kagami-kun is being cheesy."
Kagami flushed red at his teasing, even though Kuroko's tone was dreary as usual. "Shut up! I'm being serious her-!" he couldn't help raising his voice in embarrassment, but Kuroko cut him off mid-rant when he pulled back noticeably only to surge upward and give Kagami a tender kiss on the lips.
Kagami closed his eyes instinctively as he felt the pair of yielding lips attack his slightly open mouth. He felt the kittenish licks and nips afterwards, raising the heat to his face because Kuroko was being exceptionally bold with his actions.
"W-wait, Kuroko…" Kagami tried to position himself better so he could kiss back, but before he could, Kuroko had released the kiss and pulled back, setting a pair of beautiful sky blue eyes on Kagami's dark red orbs meaningfully.
"But I love it when Kagami-kun is being sweet and cute," Kuroko whispered and Kagami couldn't help his face from flushing darker at the other's statement.
"Sheesh, you…!" Kagami felt burned inside and outside, totally embarrassed. It was not fair! He loved Kuroko very much. But he was kind of annoyed too that Kuroko got to tease him so easily.
Kagami didn't like to lose, remember? To remind Kuroko about that little fact, without further ado, he leaned down once again to give Kuroko a proper deep loving kiss this time, effectively shutting Kuroko's up, and the master of misdirection didn't seem against the idea of making out in the open. There was no one around anyway.
Yeah well, except for Akashi and Furihata in the park.
~Akashi x Furihata~
"Let's go over there!" Furihata turned around 180 degrees away from the direction they were heading the first time. Akashi raised his left eyebrow at him, looking rather puzzled. "I think we should drink something warm before taking a walk. There is this nice café that sells good stuff in that direction," he explained while pointing to the west gate of the park, sweating profoundly as he tried to steer Akashi away from that place because…
Damn that idiotic duo! What the hell are Kagami and Kuroko doing, making out in place like this?!-his mind screamed in mortification as Furihata noticed the shuffling and rustling sound in the bushes. Luckily he was a few feet away from Akashi, so the taller redhead hadn't seemed aware of what happened there, but he needed to take him away before Akashi noticed as well.
Furihata didn't want to imagine what would happen if Akashi saw it. That indecent view almost burned his eyes after all. However, Akashi seemed to notice that Furihata was somewhat flustered.
"What's wrong, Kouki? Why is your face red?" Akashi asked sounding rather inquisitive.
"Eh? N-nothing! Ahaha… Let's just go over there," Furihata nervously forced a laugh, but Akashi grabbed his wrist to stop him from walking away as he pulled the boy closer to him, making Furihata yelp in a surprised "Eh?!"
Akashi leaned his face closely to Furihata's and he instinctively shut his eyes in shock and confusion when he felt Akashi's forehead on his own. "H-huh?" he blinked soon after Akashi pulled back.
"You don't seem to have a fever," Akashi said thoughtfully.
"Eh? Um… no, I… I'm fine. I don't have a fe-fever…" Furihata could feel his face heating up more and he was sure he was as red as tomato now because he thought that Akashi was about to kiss him just then.
What the hell am I thinking?!-Furihata berated himself for even having such an idiotic thwarting idea. Seriously, what the hell?!
"But your face is very red," Akashi palmed one of Furihata's cheeks, and his hand felt nice and cool on Furihata's hot skin.
"T-that's because…!" Furihata stuttered. He couldn't say that he saw Kuroko and Kagami making out behind the bushes, could he? He also as sure as hell didn't want to admit that Akashi made him very uncomfortable with his too close proximity.
"Kouki…" Akashi stared at him unblinkingly and his intense mismatched eyes bore deeply into Furihata's dark chocolate ones, entrapping the shorter boy's gaze completely, seeming to seek an answer by looking straight into his soul.
Furihata's breath hitch slightly as those beautiful curious pools shifted their focus on his lips. His heart rate skyrocketed when Akashi lowered his eyelids and leaned his face even closer and he almost whimpered at the extreme high temperature he could feel rising on his face before-
"Ah, Kouki-kun!"
-the spell was immediately broken when a high pitched voice that belonged to a certain girl was suddenly heard. Furihata snapped and turned around to face the owner of that voice and brightened considerably as he saw his lovely crush approaching.
"Sasaki-chan!" Furihata called back while waving, feeling giddy suddenly.
Akashi took a step back and looked upward as well, his expression back to his neutral stoic one as the girl arrived. She pouted without delay at Furihata and then started to complain. "Jeez, I haven't heard from you in weeks after our last date! You ditched me when I was shopping, Kouki-kun!"
"Ah!" Furihata just remembered that. "I-I'm sorry, Sasaki-chan! An emergency came up and the situation was kind of hectic at that time. I forgot to tell you about it… sorry! I'm really-really sorry!" he clasped the both of his palms in front of his face, feeling very regretful.
Jeez, it completely slipped out of his mind over the past weeks. Well, Furihata was at wrong for ditching their date, but that was because Kagami abruptly handed him a blind Akashi to be escorted to safety. Because the situation was so bad, it didn't occur to him at all that he would worry Sasaki.
"Do you know how embarrassed I was after getting out the store and you weren't there? I couldn't even lift all the things I bought myself and I had to call a taxi to go home! My sister laughed at me for being ditched in the middle of a date!" Sasaki whined. Furihata could only laugh apologetically, feeling a bead of sweat trickling down his cheek.
That's what you were upset about?!-his mind practically dissented.
"I thought if I left you alone for awhile you'd come to your sense and apologize, but you didn't even email me afterwards. Kouki-kun, what are you thinking? Aren't you supposed to be in love with me?" Now, Sasaki sulked, demanding an answer from Furihata who stammered nervously, trying to explain, but he didn't even know how to because the matter with the Akashi's family wasn't really for him to tell.
"Ah… I really am sorry, Sasaki-chan. You see, about that…"
A cough behind Furihata saved him from having to explain, as well as reminded him that he was with Akashi at the moment, so he turned around to face Akashi who already set a critical glance at Sasaki. The wavy-black haired girl seemed to realize that they had company and turned aside to look at Akashi in surprise.
"Oh, my…! I'm sorry. I was too caught up with my own conversation that I didn't notice you're with someone. Um, Kouki-kun, he is…?" Sasaki nodded politely at Akashi and the redhead nodded back, most likely for common courtesy.
"Ah, I almost forgot. Sorry, Akashi-kun, this is Imai Sasaki, my childhood friend. Sasaki-chan, this is Akashi Seijuurou, my friend from Rakuzan High," Furihata then immediately introduced Akashi to Sasaki, and Sasaki visibly blushed as Akashi kept his unreadable stare on her.
"Um… hello, nice too meet you," Sasaki greeted Akashi while smiling shyly, and Furihata almost dropped his jaw seeing her being so quickly self-conscious.
"How do you do," Akashi greeted back albeit sounding rather cold and distant. But Sasaki seemed to regard it as a very cool gesture.
Sasaki immediately pulled the still very shocked Furihata, who was thinking that Akashi might become a love rival instantly after this, and whispered enthusiastically, "Oh my god! Kouki-kun, he's so cool and handsome! Is he a model or something?"
"Uh… no, he's… oh. Well, in a way you can call Akashi-kun a celebrity, since he appears on the news many times. He's very famous in the basketball circle," Furihata stated half-heartedly.
Akashi was ten times better than what Furihata had described, but seeing him as a potential love-rival, he didn't want to feed Sasaki's curious -totally interested- mind with more good points about Akashi, or she would really fall for him.
Sasaki was like that. All her past boyfriends were some hot-shots that just played with the girl until they were bored of her and discarded her like she was nothing. Furihata believed Akashi wasn't that kind of person, but he had decided that he would be the one to treasure her, so….
"Heeh! He plays basketball! Aww~ he must be very good at it, I presume? Since he's famous!" Sasaki's eyes sparkled and Furihata felt troubled at the eager look she gave him.
Damn it! Why am I so weak?-Furihata sighed deeply, feeling his resolution falter at Sasaki's hopeful gaze. She knew exactly what to do to get her way with him. It wasn't even fair.
"Yes, he's incredible, the captain of the Rakuzan High basketball team that's called the 'Emperor' for the last decade," Furihata muttered under his breath, finally giving in, even though he was still very reluctant. Sasaki immediately squealed happily and hugged him.
"I hope he's single!" she whispered near Furihata's ear keenly, looking very excited.
Furihata was about to whine that Sasaki absolutely couldn't fall for Akashi because she promised that she would be Furihata's girlfriend if Seirin became number one in Japan, but his voice was caught in his throat when he felt a sudden chill coming from behind.
Sasaki apparently felt the drop of temperature around them as well because she shivered. "Huh?" she tilted her head confusedly.
"I see… so she's your girlfriend, huh, Kouki?" the creepy venom-induced voice that dripped from Akashi's tone moments later made Furihata pale as he slowly turned around once again to face the redhead, and then Furihata wished he hadn't because he could see a very frightening dark aura dance around Akashi's evilly smiling form.
Hiiii! So scaryyyyy! Why?!-Furihata felt his blood draining away at the mercy of Akashi's dark, toxic glare. He immediately knew that Akashi was mad. No, he was livid… but at what?!
Furihata was very bewildered and Sasaki already shrieked in horror as she ran away from their location, probably feeling her life threatened and extremely terrorized by Akashi's killer look, leaving Furihata frozen in his spot, unable to move his gaze away, let alone his body from Akashi's deadly dichromatic eyes. He was like a monkey being stared at by a hungry snake that was ready to attack, literally.
"A-A-A-Akashi-ku-kun…?!" Furihata was trembling now, not knowing what he had done to earn such rage from Akashi.
Did Furihata say something wrong? Did he somehow do something that offended the redhead in any way? Wait, just now Akashi asked whether Sasaki was his girl friend… did that mean Akashi was interested in her?!
"Break up with her," Akashi commanded icily after that and against his better judgment, Furihata protested.
"WHY?!" Furihata completely didn't understand it. Well, she wasn't even Furihata's girlfriend in the first place. But, Akashi just met Sasaki. There was no way he actually fell at first sight for her, right? This was bizarre!
Akashi narrowed his eyes at him severely and Furihata gulped, totally scared, yes, but he steeled his heart to stay strong. "I-I'd like to know the reason of such a request, Akashi-kun. I can't just obey you without knowing anything, or else I will misunderstand you and I don't want to misunderstand you." He knew he was crazy for actually talking back to Akashi, but he had faith in the redhead.
Akashi was a rational person. He must have had a good reason for requesting such an outlandish thing like that.
"Anyone can see that you and her aren't meant to be," Akashi said dangerously.
Furihata frowned at his answer, not satisfied at all. "Who decides that? I like her enough to fight for her affection. I'm sure I can make her happy," he reasoned obstinately.
"No, I meant…" Akashi looked another way, looking troubled, before sighing. "She doesn't deserve you," he continued slowly.
Furihata blinked once. "Huh?" he honestly didn't expect that.
"You are too kind, Kouki. She will only use you if you persist on dating her," Akashi said again, looking slightly uncomfortable now. "I don't… want to see you get hurt."
Furihata couldn't believe this. Did Akashi just…? Was he actually concerned about him to that extent? "Akashi-kun…." Somehow, Furihata was astonished. There was a spark of warmth that blossomed inside his heart when he saw how strained Akashi looked as he told him all of that.
Akashi was definitely not used to be so truthfully direct with his words. Even though he didn't seem to be a liar, Furihata thought that the redhead was the type of guy that twisted his own words around, so his opponent wouldn't know what his real intentions were despite never lying.
Furihata smiled bashfully, feeling very happy that Akashi was worried and willing to utter his reason straightforwardly like that. But, Akashi seemed to get the wrong idea as he narrowed his eyes again. "I don't think it is a funny thing," he rebuked and Furihata cringed slightly, shaking his head vigorously in response.
"No, I don't either," Furihata replied before chuckling. "I just feel… very grateful and happy that Akashi-kun is worried about me. Thank you," he smiled more pleasantly now and Akashi seemed surprised before notably averting his gaze, rapidly looking awkward and Furihata thought that Akashi looked quite endearing at that moment.
"Then… you will break up with her," Akashi verbalized another order since it didn't sound like a request, but he did look rather hesitant.
"Sasaki-chan and I aren't a couple," at that statement, Akashi partially widened his eyes, looking very taken aback. Furihata grinned sheepishly. "Well, I do want to be her boyfriend, but someone like me is totally outside her radar, you know. I've been rejected several times, but I didn't give up because I really like her," he continued ruefully.
"Then I'm glad," Akashi said, sighing slightly.
"Um… that's pretty harsh," Furihata knew Akashi could care less about his words, but he wished the redhead would be more considerate about his feelings. Wow, this was depressing.
"She's blind for turning you down," Akashi added and Furihata looked upward speechlessly, not having seen that coming. "You deserve someone better."
"Err… I wonder…" Furihata lightly laughed, feeling that Akashi was probably right. It was clear that Sasaki wouldn't reciprocate his feelings even though Seirin did become number one in Japan. Love wasn't something that you could force upon someone after all. Maybe it was the right time to give up on her and find someone else, someone who could love Furihata as he was….
Huh? Furihata felt rather baffled at the idea. He never thought that he could let it go that easily. Ultimately, he had been crushing on Sasaki since middle school. He had confidence that he could make her happy, but… lately he thought that she might not be the one for him. She didn't seem too incline to make him happy just as much in any case.
"You can do better. My eyes don't lie," Akashi reassured and Furihata smiled warmly at him.
"Yeah, maybe I will find another nice girl to date after this," Furihata turned around and stretched his arms above his head as he started walking away.
"I don't think another girl will suit you too," Akashi muttered lowly as he followed.
"Ah, please don't jinx me!" Furihata pouted.
"I don't think anyone but me will suit you."
Furihata stopped dead in his tracks when he heard the last line. He slowly turned around to face Akashi who looked back at him deeply with his sharp mismatched eyes, a faint color of pink tainting his cheeks.
"Eh?" Furihata had trouble swallowing what he just heard. He was astounded beyond belief. Did Akashi just…? Furihata gradually widened his eyes as his blood rushed up flooding the arteries and veins in his face, as he fully digested what Akashi had just said.
"Kouki… go out with me," Akashi declared, apparently more determined now after seeing Furihata's utterly peculiar response. Furihata couldn't help gawking after that when Akashi reached out to grab his hand and pulled him closer to him again.
"Eh, wha-? Akashi-ku-!" Furihata almost panicked, unable to comprehend what he was about to say because the only thing he could feel right at the moment was a pair of soft lips that was suddenly planted on his own and Akashi's face that was so… so enticing and attractive and holy shit! Akashi was kissing him!
"Nnh!" Furihata couldn't help making an embarrassing noise as those sinful lips moved on his, pulling and mashing deeper, teeth nipping and tongue licking insistently until he had to open his mouth and he could feel that slick wet muscle invade it. "Ah-!" he moaned at the alien, yet somehow wonderful flavor that bloomed on his taste buds right after.
Furihata didn't know what was going on afterwards. All he knew was that he was embraced so tightly and kissed so deeply until he felt bothered and dizzy since he was unable to take a single breath during the session. He could only feel how good and enjoyable it was and how talented Akashi was with his tongue, exploring inside his virgin mouth that had never been touched by anyone else before and coaching his own tongue to dance with his in passion.
By the time Furihata felt his lungs burning and screaming for air, he already felt very light headed by the amazing kiss. Akashi caught him before Furihata collapsed since his knees felt unpredictably weak. Moreover, his brain seemed to have short-circuited as his body felt so hot, like… like it was almost melting and turning into a puddle of goo.
Furihata's heart was still pounding so hard and fast that he thought it would burst out of his ribs, and his breath… it was difficult to breathe properly when his lungs were still trying to catch as much oxygen as they could. Akashi didn't even give him enough time to recover as it should be when he renewed another connection with his mouth in full fervor, literally turning Furihata into a moaning mess.
At some point though, Furihata remembered that this was an insane development to the situation and he tried to push back. "Mnn! Ah, wa-ahn-wait! Akashi-kun! Hold on-Time out, please!"
Akashi seemed to be reluctant when he released Furihata who tried to cover (and clean) his wet mouth -courtesy of their mixed saliva- after their heavy make out session. He was still flushing so badly and he didn't actually know what to say to this as he stammered, "W-why did you ki-kiss-…?" The teen couldn't even continue because he was on the verge of combusting.
"I figured that would be an appropriate next step after confessing," Akashi said, not releasing his confident gaze from Furihata's still spinning one.
That's too abrupt! You don't usually do that kind of thing right after confessing!-Furihata gaped, still thoroughly red-faced as inwardly, he was screaming in chagrin. Where the hell did Akashi-kun learn such logic?!
"You don't seem too thrilled," Akashi noted easily when Furihata was still completely speechless.
"A-Akashi-kun… I haven't yet given you an answer. You don't do that to a person who hasn't given you an 'okay' to your confession," Furihata tried to explain even though he was kind of sure that Akashi was just messing with his brain.
"But you do like me, right?" Akashi's smile seemed very genuine and Furihata's heart skipped a beat at the very attractive look. He felt like blushing again and he was sure that by the end of the day his face would be permanently red.
"Or… was that a rejection, just now?" Akashi asked again, looking somewhat downcast and discouraged.
Furihata's heart went 'kyuuuun' at Akashi's look and he couldn't help feeling that he wanted to hug him. Holy crap! Furihata had lost his mind completely for actually considering Akashi Seijuurou very adorable at that moment. But damn it! He was totally hooked, okay?!
"T-that's… sly…! There's no way I can turn you down…!" Furihata covered his very hot and crimson face as he said all of that, while his inner self couldn't help repeating words like 'cute, cute, cute!' as if it was a mantra.
It was seriously unfair. Furihata had vaguely known that he was somewhat attracted to Akashi, but he didn't think that it could work. Someone like Furihata… would a perfectionist like Akashi be really alright with him? Could Furihata really live up to his expectations? Was it okay to wish that Akashi really liked him for who he was and not because he misunderstood something in his moment of weakness?
There were a lot of worry and questions inside Furihata, but damn. After getting kissed like that… by Akashi to boot…! Furthermore, Furihata kind of already admired the ex-GoM Captain for his accomplishments from afar as a fellow point guard; it was totally unreasonable to turn Akashi down, right?
"Does that mean a 'yes'?" Akashi inquired again, sounding vague. Furihata nodded timidly, still covering his face even though he could peek from the gaps of his fingers. "Do you feel pressured to accept it? Because, I'd hate it if you feel obligated to say yes or something equally boring," he continued, turning somber and serious.
Furihata looked up slowly removing his hands from his face to gaze at Akashi's ardent mismatched orbs. He shook his head lightly before moving closer to Akashi once again, reaching out with both hands and encircling Akashi's sides in a gentle hug. He probably should ask permission first before doing that, invading into Akashi's personal space… again, but Furihata wanted Akashi to know that he wanted this and it wasn't because he was forced to do it. Thus, he had to initiate things.
"Kouki?"
Furihata heard a slight puzzlement in Akashi's tone, and he smiled, feeling somewhat relieved when Akashi put his hands on his back. "I do want to try… being together with you, Akashi-kun," he whispered quietly, but he knew it was loud enough for Akashi to hear.
When Furihata pulled back, Akashi gave him the most pleasant smile he had ever seen in Akashi's expression. This time, it was Furihata who was very tempted, so he leaned up slowly while gazing at Akashi's lips a few times before lowering his eyelids and closing his eyes as his lips met Akashi's once more, softly, tenderly, and it felt… perfect.
It should be alright. Akashi… no, Furihata and Akashi would make it work, somehow. Even though they hardly knew each other, they could start knowing from now on… while getting closer and closer as more than just friends.
~Akashi x Furihata~
"Unh… I cannot believe it went so well," Kuroko commented offhandedly, seeing the way Akashi and Furihata kissed, as Kagami was still molesting his neck with his mouth in much vigor.
"Humh? What is?" The redhead didn't seem to be paying much attention to the spectacle in the park since he was busy performing indecent ministrations to Kuroko's body, marking him so possessively with his bites and sucks that Kuroko didn't know what he was doing anymore, but those felt really good.
"Akashi-kun and Furihata-kun are kissing," Kuroko informed in a gasp and Kagami instantly made a choked noise.
"Seriously?!" the Tiger actually stopped to sputter, looking utterly shocked as he took a peek as well. "Uwaaa, they are really going at it," he went red before immediately looking away again, seeming to feel embarrassed.
Kuroko chuckled. "Kagami-kun is still embarrassed seeing other guys kiss despite what he has done and is doing, huh? How adorable," he couldn't help teasing, glancing at Kagami, feeling rather amused despite his dull, dry tone.
Kagami visibly flushed redder. "I feel like I'm intruding!" he whined in an indignant tone. "Let's go. We should be on a date now. Forget about them already," he huffed.
Kuroko gave him a small peck on the nose, wanting to see Kagami's cute face more. "Alright," he said trying to smile as nicely as possible, and judging by Kagami's amazed look, it was positively a success.
They were trying to move away discreetly with the protection of the bushes, but some way or another, Akashi seemed to notice their presence as - "Tetsuya, Taiga," his eerie voice actually called their names, totally freezing them in their spots when they realized he really talked to them first hand. "You don't think I didn't see you, do you?"
Furihata yelped and turned scarlet in the face as he seemed to see them as well. His expression was like a deer caught in sight of a headlight. "Kagami, Kuroko! You're still there?!" he squawked, apparently already knowing that Kagami and Kuroko were there before.
Kuroko was sweating even though he didn't show it much, but Kagami was visibly paling with every second passed. "This is bad."
"You have to say that now!?" Kagami protested with dread. Well, it couldn't be helped since they were caught eavesdropping and peeping on Akashi Seijuurou of all people.
Akashi slightly scrutinized the pair as they obediently came out from the bush. Kuroko was feeling sheepish and Kagami looked very wary.
"Also, Daiki, Ryouta. I know you are behind the trees as well. Come out here or I'll go there and drag your butts out personally," Akashi addressed again without even turning to face the direction, but there was some rustling sounds behind the trees to his right, accompanied by some quiet bickering before a very awkward, embarrassed and disheveled Kise Ryouta and an equally disheveled but -looking more annoyed-Aomine Daiki, stepped out from their hiding place.
"Ehehe, ossu," Kise raised his hands and both Kagami and Furihata dropped their jaws in shock while Kuroko only widened his eyes as Akashi huffed, looking irritated.
"Aomine and Kise?!" Kagami pointed at them incredulously.
"Stop pointing at us as if we were freaks, Bakagami," Aomine scowled at him, a hint of pink on his cheeks.
"Aomine-kun, Kise-kun, why are you here?" Kuroko asked, somewhat wondering.
"Um… we're in the middle of a date…" Kise seemed still nervous even though he was smiling.
"I can see that," Akashi pointedly stared at Kise's tousled appearance and Kise (plus Aomine) noticeably winced at it, having the decency to look discomfited at least.
"No way! There are more people here?!" Furihata was outwardly horrified as his face turned a shade darker. Apparently, he didn't notice Aomine and Kise's presence there at all before.
"Let's not forget there are more nosy people that were trying to run away. Shintarou, Kazunari. I know you are here too," Akashi added wryly.
"Now way! How come you realized it?!" Takao's surprised yell came from a certain direction as his head peaked out from behind the fountain.
"Takao, you idiot!" and Midorima immediately followed out soon after, giving a chop to Takao's head.
Everyone was speechless as Midorima started to reprimand the owner of the Hawk Eyes before the green haired teen noticed that they were the center of attention and stood up, coughing lightly. "D-don't misunderstand. We were just here by pure chance. It's not like we were listening on purpose," he looked and sounded overwrought as he pushed his glasses up, but since his face turned pink, it was kind of cute.
"Shin-chan is lying! He said he really wanted to come here for our date!" Takao wailed childishly.
"Shut up, Takao!" Midorima scolded him again, looking interestingly mortified at the tactless act of his boyfriend.
"They are hopeless…" Kagami commented; sweat dropping while the others silently agreed. Though, Kuroko considered this rather funny.
"It would not be strange if Murasakibara-kun and Himuro-san are here as well, huh? What a peculiar twist of fate," Kuroko shook his head as a startled 'Ah,' from the direction of the park monument was heard.
Everyone went silent and wide eyed at that, except Akashi who solely raised his eyebrow and Kuroko who only blinked.
"Muro-chin, we were caught." It was Murasakibara's voice and a deep sigh followed right after as an abnormally tall boy and his slightly shorter dark haired companion stepped out from behind the monument, revealing their selves.
"Good morning," Himuro greeted with a calm smile, even though Kuroko could see a hint of discomfort in his expression. "It's a surprise to see all of you here." Apparently, he was still trying to save their cover even though it was clear that they were eavesdropping on Akashi and Furihata as well, just like the rest of the GoM members and their partners.
Akashi chuckled lightly at the futile attempt while Furihata was on the verge of passing out in shame when he seemed to realize that a LOT of people had seen him and Akashi kissing just a moment ago. He was covering his face again with both hands now.
"Really, you guys. You don't have to be so concerned about me," Akashi said as he pulled Furihata closer, causing Furihata to yelp slightly.
"Actually, we are more worried about that guy you're currently holding, Akashi," Aomine was surprisingly the one who brought up the subject despite the amount of sweat trickling down his cheeks, and it was winter. People do not sweat in winter, right?
"There's nothing to worry about. We're very good together," Akashi didn't seem hesitate as he encircled Furihata's neck and hugged him closer and Furihata was already steaming in total embarrassment.
"Akashi-kun, Furihata-kun will be cooked if you continue snuggling him like that in front of everyone," Kuroko pointed out dully.
"Ah," Akashi seemed to realize that as he loosened his hold slightly. "Sorry, did I hug too tightly, Kouki?" he asked with a gentle voice and smile at the almost fainting Kouki while the others were about to crack at the scene.
"W-who is that host over there?" Kagami couldn't help pointing with trembling hands, looking completely traumatized.
"A-Akashi-chi turns into a lady (gentleman) killer…!" Kise seemed to be as disturbed as Kagami was at the view.
"Is that really Akashi?" Aomine gaped.
"It is Akashi-kun, alright," Kuroko smiled amusedly and Takao gawked while Midorima almost broke his glasses. Himuro was visibly speechless as Murasakibara raised his eyebrows very high.
"Well, I guess once in awhile, all of us can win, right, Tetsuya?" Akashi gave him a peculiar look and smirk while still holding Furihata possessively. Kuroko blinked slightly in surprise before smiling again.
"Signal, received, Akashi-kun… Signal, received."
End of Signal: Epilogue
A/N: Uwoooh! XD Finally I finished the epilog~ *dance happily* and I did before the end of the year! Yes! Now I can concentrate on my unfinished fics and probably starts to work on Nuramago fics once again while waiting for Kurobasu anime 2nd season to air~ *more dances*
Hah… it's a long way… finishing this supposed to be mini-series. I didn't think it will turn into nine chapters… ten including the epilog, even with the word count…. I'm so glad I can close the Finding GoM Matching Partner Series with the end of Signal, but I'm kind of sad as well to have to part with this baby of mine *sniffs*. I wish I could make something better even though I'm quite satisfied with this. Thank you very much for all of the readers that read and follow the series and this fic till the end. Your support by reviewing, faving and alerting this story gave me the courage to continue this story despite the 'rare' choice of pair like Aka/Furi. Ha, I grow really fond of this cute pair just after I wrote this fic even though at first I was only curious how this pair would work. The other pairs are very interesting and fun to write as well, it's amazing! XD
Also, special thanks and hugs and cookies for Tora-chan83 who helped me beta and edit this story till the end. You don't know how much grateful I am to you because I probably would never get this fic done this splendidly without you around to correct my mistakes which were A LOT (I presume). Anyway, you are the best and if it's okay with you, I'd like to ask for your help again when I decide to make another fic for Kurobasu. I'll email you if the idea strikes~3.
Last but not least, this fic is probably the last fic I finished in 2012, but I still have a lot of projects to finish, so all of you, readers, can still see me in the other stories (if you read them *lol*). Ah, and as the end-year bonus, I'll present you an omake for this story. Jaa!
HAPPY HOLIDAY AND HAPPY NEW YEARS!
(guest art: Wentii)
~Omake 1~
The reason why Kagami's dad doesn't show up in the end
Akashi: "In the end, even though Taira's name is often mentioned in here, he never once shows up, huh? What's the deal, Taiga?" *raises eyebrows*
Kagami: "Who knows? Maybe the author doesn't know how to fit him in this story." *doesn't care and Author winces*
Kuroko: "Well, I kinda wonder how he looks." *tilts his head aside cutely*
Setsuna: "He looks just like Taiga, but with brown hair and eyes and a nicer personality!" *totally excited*
Kagami: "A little bit like Kiyoshi-senpai, I think…?" *not sure*
Kuroko: "Even his quirks?" *surprised*
Kagami: "Except for the quirks." *sweat drops*
Setsuna: "Wasn't he supposed to show up as soon as the winter break starts?" *pouts*
Kagami: "I bet the author just forgot." *stares accusingly*
Author: "Oh, shut up! I tried to bring him out once, but the story got so very complicated and I want to make it simple, okay?! Give me a break!" *totally embarrassed*
Taira: "My screen time…" *cries pitifully*
Kuroko: "Maybe author-san will make another story so she can bring him up sometimes." *states dully*
Author: Kuroko-kun! You can't say something like that! That will sound like I promise the readers, right?!" *panics*
Akashi: "I don't think the readers want to see him at all." *dryly comments*
Luna and Taira: DEMON!
END
(A/N: yah, so you know the reason why now… *feels rather guilty*)
~Omake 2~
In which there's a twist and readers shouldn't read this if they want this story to stay light
In a certain average looking house in Tokyo, a telephone was ringing in the dim living room.
Trr, trr, trr.
*click*
"Hello." A slender boy answered the wireless phone.
"Hey."
He raised his eyebrows as he heard the familiar voice. "Soujirou-kun?" he sounded surprised as he mentioned the name. "Why are you calling?"
"Ah, I'm just checking up to see if everything is going smoothly there. And I'm bored, you know, getting trapped in this place,"-Soujirou whined from the phone and the boy chuckled.
"What are you saying? Is it not a part of the deal? You did get what you wish for, right?" the boy asked, sounding rather amused himself.
"Yeah, well… that's true."-There was a weighty silence for a few moments before Soujirou spoke again. "But, really… he doesn't suspect a thing, huh? That you pulled some strings in our lives like a puppeteer. The accident in middle school… and the fact that you pulled away from that group to set some 'doubts' in my beloved Sei-nii's mind…. I can't believe you actually managed to break the Akashi Family's doctrines through him. It's… amazing. You truly are… a shadow master,"-he exhaled a shuddering breath as he said it.
The boy's mouth turned up slightly, a nice smile plastered on his face. "I do not know what you are talking about, Soujirou-kun. I merely showed some facts and some ways to some people. I never actually did anything at all," he said politely.
"Playing dumb again, sheesh… You are seriously a wicked person, Kuroko Tetsuya."
Kuroko's smile widened a fraction even though no one would see it with his mastered poker face. He did smile, though. "I humbly accept the compliment," he said flatly while sitting relaxingly on the couch. "But, Soujirou, you sound happier now. I am glad that Akashi-kun can accept you as a brother after all of this."
"Ha, that would be deadly true. Thanks… for hearing my request all those years ago. It took some time… but Sei-nii finally sees me as a brother now,"-Soujirou sounded relieved.
"Good for you, then," Kuroko said before Soujirou said good bye and hung up.
Kuroko pushed the end-call button and put the phone back on its receiver before he sighed and closed his eyes, resting his back on the backrest of the couch. He stayed like that for a minute or two before opening his eyes again to set a confident look in his expression. "Now… what request should I take this time?"
"I probably… fell in love with Kise, Tetsu. That idiot just won't see it."
"Shin-chan needs someone to take care of him. Can I be the one to go for that task?"
"Taiga is officially yours, but I want something in return… like maybe Atsushi, for example?"
"Akashi Seijuurou's attention, I want it."
Kuroko chuckled as he remembered some requests that paralleled Soujirou's when he was in the middle of making it true. Really, there were such long and difficult tasks. However, it was better since he and Kagami would get a lot of fun as the result.
"Basketball in high school will become more and more interesting from now on…"
END
(A/N: This is atrociously hideous. Why did I even make such twisted omake? *sweats* Don't mind this omake. I just wanted to try to make Kuroko the true shadow master for all of things that happened in this series…along with me, of course *dies laughing*)
Epilog A