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courtingstars · 8 years ago

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My dear Kathy, I am here for drabbles about kisses!💕 I hope you don't mind my choice being ridiculously obvious, but would you consider AkaMibu, #11? OR alternatively AoKise, #15! WHATEVER YOU DO WILL BE FABULOUS.

DEAR SARA, BLESS YOU. I’ve always wanted to try writing AkaMibu, and you requested them being silly, no less! Naturally this one went to an odd place (it has a really nerdy headcanon about each of them that I’ve had for a long time) and it’s a little long, but hopefully you’ll enjoy it! I definitely want to write more of this pairing for you in the future. ❤️

Written with their given names in honor of @littlemissmoony‘s lovely fics, all of which I highly recommend! (And also because I can’t seem tothink of Reo as anything but Reo, even though I usually call him Mibuchi in mystories. //laughs)

AkaMibu #11: ‘We’re actually being kind of silly for once’ kiss

Reo and Seijuurou are the mature ones.

Unlike Koutarou and Eikichi, with all their horsingaround in Rakuzan’s clubroom. (And the school hallways, and the cafeteria, and everywhereelse.) Unlike the rest of their teammates, because while Rakuzan’s basketballclub may be strict, it’s still full of teenage boys. Unlike the majority ofpeople they know, even the ones who aren’t teenagers. Because the unfortunate truthis that most adults aren’t nearly as grown up as they think they are.

Maybe that’s why Seijuurou and Reo are so drawn to eachother. How they understand one another, and the rare wisdom of their advice, evenwhen their friends ignore all their thoughtful warnings. It accounts for eachlongsuffering look they are forced to exchange throughout the day, when someoneis being childish yet again. It’s whythey trust each other, with their deepest secrets and oldest wounds.

They are kindred spirits, old souls.

… Which is why there is no accounting for those momentswhen they aren’t being altogether mature.

“Sei-chan,” Reo says, drawling out a sigh. “You aren’ttaking this seriously.”

Seijuurou’s lips twitch. Reo can see all too clearlythat he’s holding back a laugh. “Forgive me. This scene is just a bit—”

He can’t seem to finish. They’re lounging side by side onReo’s frill-covered bed, as a movie plays on the laptop between them. A manholds a woman in his arms, and gazes into her tear-filled eyes.

“But this is a classic!” Reo gives Seijuurou anindignant look. (Well, more like a pout.) “You usually have such good taste.”

“I enjoy older movies when they are well-executed,” Seijuuroureplies, apparently regaining his composure. “However, I doubt this one earned much inthe way of praise. The romance is questionable, at best.”

Reo huffs. “Sometimes I think you have no heart.”

“Do you really find this dialogue romantic?” Seijuurou straightens against the pillows, as one of his brows tilts upward. “‘Your love is my light,my sun. Scorch me, and I will burn for you, my darling’?”

He can’t even finish, without having to stifle anotherlaugh behind his hand.

Reo glares down at his boyfriend. “Of course it sounds ridiculous when you say it like that.”

“There is no way those lines could sound anything butabsurd,” Seijuurou says, with his usual finality.

Res sets down his nail file, and pauses the movie. “Thenwhat kind of dialogue do you consider romantic? Let me guess, some stuffy oldthing from Shakespeare. Because he never wrote anything ridiculous.”

His tone is smug, as he inches closer to Seijuurou’sspot on the bed. (They may or may not have discussed this before.)

Seijuurou’s eyes are sparkling now. “Shakespeare is agenius. There isn’t a bad line in his works. ‘But soft, what light throughyonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun’—”

“—Oh so the sun isan good metaphor, as long as some overrated English playwright came up withit—”

“Call me but love, and I’ll be new baptised,” Seijuurouadds.

Reo scoffs. “Really, Sei-chan—”

“He speaks! O speak again, bright angel.” Seijuuroutakes Reo by the hand. He’s quoting all the lines in English. Perfectly pronounced,of course. “For thou art as glorious to this night, being o'er my head, as is awinged messenger of heaven.”

Reo stares down at him. Unsure whether this dramatic recitationis meant to be charming or bizarre. He’s all too familiar with his boyfriend’s offbeathumor, and he’s still processing the English words, with their elaboratecadence. (He caught the word “angel,” and the look in Seijuurou’s lovely redeyes as he said it was somehow distracting…)

Then Reo realizes all at once that Seijuurou just madea height joke in that last line. About himself.

Reo bursts into laughter, and Seijuurou laughs too. That sweet,musical sound always sends a shiver down Reo’s spine. Seijuurou tugs on theplush fabric of Reo’s bathrobe, pulling him down into a kiss. Their smilinglips flutter together.

Seijuurou chuckles again. He rests his forehead againstReo’s. “I’m kidding, of course. The balcony scene is over-quoted. And it’strue, I have no heart.” He says it teasingly, as a smirk crosses his face. “Also,Romeo was an idiot.”

“Agreed,” Reo says. Because if ever there was animmature, reckless couple, those star-crossed lovers certainly qualified.

“Now Hamlet, however—”

Reo groans, and pulls his boyfriend back into anotherkiss. If only to hush all of Seijuurou’s intellectual rambling. Because no matter howendearing it may be, it simply can’t compare to his kisses.

But this seems to remind Seijuurou of something. His eyesgrow even brighter, as he rises onto his knees. Then he murmurs a few softwords beside Reo’s ear. It’s another Shakespeare quote, one of Seijuurou’s favorites.So in a way, it’s still a joke—

“I do lovenothing in the world so well as you,” he says.

—But somehow, Reo has a feeling it is also the solemn truth.

Seijuurou kisses Reo again. In his long hair, besidehis temple, and back down to his lips. Reo melts, of course. Mature or not,he’s always been a romantic.

And no matter what his boyfriend claims, he knows he isnot the only one.

A/N: For anyone curious, the movie dialogue is made up, while most of Akashi’s quotes are from the balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet. (Though he did change “she” to “he”! XD) His last line is from what is probably my favorite Shakespeare play–and might even be my favorite romance– the comedy Much Ado About Nothing. (Akashi isn’t really like Benedick, though… He’s more like the Prince, going around and matchmaking his tsundere friends. //laughs) So yes, I headcanon Akashi as being into Shakespeare and Reo loving old black-and-white movies… I don’t know why. But now you all know? XD

#akamibu #knb shipping #kat writes fanfic #knb fic #knb drabble #request #kiss meme #littlemissmoony #kat writes about basketball dorks #who are also ADORABLE NERDS SOMEONE HELP THEM #I can't believe I really wrote Akashi quoting Shakespeare #that's how you know I'm committed to this fandom I MADE A SHAKESPEARE REFERENCE #it always comes back to the english lit nerd in me somehow #I hope you liked it dearest Sara!#despite all the random nerdiness haha #I really want to write more about these two being cute together <3

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lunenari · 9 years ago

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Compete for the Princess (Pt 2)

Ever since Reo first saw Akashi Seijuro, he knew he had found his prince, but the only problem with that was, he seemed to be a tad too oblivious. Drafting Nebuya to help him gain their captain’s attention only serves to complicate matters, however, when his friend unleashes his own pent-up feelings at the same time as their farce begins to work. From there on out, a war between two suitors ensues that’s as old as time.

Akashi x Mibuchi for this chapter and the next few. So I won’t tag it as the other ship until then.

For @risquetendencies

Ao3

Discouraged wasn’t strong enough to encompass how he felt. Defeated? Wholly hopeless and like his entire being had been through the grinder and crushed consistently?

That summed it up to perfection.

Reo knew he was aiming for the impossible, fighting a war he could not win. And yet despite that, he had continued to persuade Akashi, angled to win his attention. Granted, he had accomplished it - Akashi was never one to ignore him - but the way they addressed each other was static.

No ground had been gained.

Pondering the dilemma, he was beginning to wonder if his sole remaining option was to slowly allow his feelings to perish. He could be content with their close relationship, as teammates, as friends… couldn’t he?

There wasn’t much of a choice. For months he had tried to entice Akashi, had shamelessly acted coquettish in front of their other schoolmates without any regret. But it still produced the same response. There were even a few times Nebuya volunteered to go on a ‘date’ with him to once more see if it captured Akashi’s attention, but it hadn’t. Reo was lucky if the redhead even batted an eye when they returned from whenever they had been.

He tried to remind himself that he had to stop being so negative, that it wasn’t him that was the problem and that Akashi had zero interest in anyone at the moment.

But that pretense had its limit, and within weeks, his misery had conquered over anything he had built to try to soothe himself.

It was completely futile.

Every movement his captain took, each smile he graced him with, the times he would touch his shoulder as though to encourage him, and the moments they had in the common room where they would idly chat before Akashi would return to his reading, preferably something that had been recommended by him.

All of that was embedded into his heart.

He was no longer crushing, nor was he admiring his captain as he once thought when he first began to gain an interest in him.

No, it was far worse.

He was in love, in love with Akashi Seijuro, his captain, someone who was almost like his best friend and he relied on practically everything for.

And he was the only one who knew it.

He was running late, and while he wasn’t tardy for class, Akashi was probably already gone from their dorm. They wouldn’t cross paths on the stairs, or sit in the common room before classes and enjoy each other’s company. But for some bizarre reason, for the first time as he could remember, Reo couldn’t find the energy in him to really care.

“Maybe I should take this as a sign,” he mumbled to no one but the air.

Struggling into his uniform, he barely had a moment to knot his tie properly before he was rushing out of his room. The door slammed behind him, causing him to cringe at the vibration, but didn’t halt him in his steps as he began to descend the staircase.

Only to stop midway when he heard something drop to the floor.

Reo quickly checked his bag. There was no opening, so he knew it hadn’t come from there. Maybe he accidentally kicked something from his dorm and it got caught in the door. Either way, he found himself rushing back up the stairs to investigate the cause up close.

His bag slid to the ground, his fingers splaying forward as they plucked a single red rose from its fallen location. Attached was a small note, the penmanship not one he recognized, bearing a simple message.

I admire you from afar.

Reo peered around in astonishment. There weren’t any clues to be found nor were there any nearby presences that he had missed. So then it had to be from someone from the early morning. It was a sweet gesture, unexpected, but sweet, and he found the hope inside him beginning to enliven.

Could it, by some miracle and his prayers to the gods and goddesses, be from Akashi? He had only briefly caught a glimpse of the captain’s writing, but never enough to memorize it. Odd as that sounded since he was sure he knew just about every feature of Akashi otherwise.

Being a grade apart, he wouldn’t be able to confirm anything until their joined lunch. Since he wasn’t about to sneak into Akashi’s room while he wasn’t present, and besides, he was almost certain the captain locked it. Especially if Hayama was in one of his mischievous moods.

Boy, had they all learned that one, and quickly.

He pushed open his door momentarily to place the rose atop his dresser. The note was secured in his pocket, easily accessible for when he located a sample of Akashi’s handwriting. The thrill, the anxiety. He wasn’t sure when the last time he had experienced such a complicated high, and the wait until their lunchtime together was going to drive him to the brink of insanity.

Threading through the hallways, he passed by numerous girls who were giggling over valentine gifts they had received. No one was going to take anything serious today, not with all of these little events happening throughout the morning, and he could only hope the teachers saw that as well.

He found his pace moving swifter. Maybe there was a tiny chance he could catch up with Akashi before he had to attend any council meetings since Reo was aware that’s what he did in the morning. Perhaps by a stroke of luck he had one to attend earlier than his usual, and was already on his way to class. Surely he could catch up with him somehow.

But instead of bumping into a mop of red hair, he collided with another familiar head. Reo groaned and rubbed at the sore spot to glare over at the other’s somnolent expression.

“You big buffoon, are you really still asleep? You ran into me!”

Nebuya shrugged, a yawn escaping. “Give me a break. I couldn’t sleep last night. Hayama was up to something and making a ton of noise.”

“You brought that mayhem upon yourself when you decided to have your room by his.”

Rolling his eyes, Mibuchi made his way into their classroom, taking his usual seat. So much for trying to talk to Akashi before class. Now he would have to truly wait until later to compare the two, and he’d be lying if he said this wasn’t going to feel like an eternity.

Unless.

Nebuya chose to enter at the time Mibuchi had begun to dig through his bag frantically. He decided to remain silent, taking his seat and watching as Reo laid waste to his usually neat kept bag in the search for whatever he was anxious to find.

The raven continued to scan through paper after paper, eager to locate something that he may have had with Akashi’s writing. Whether it was a note he himself had given for a reminder or something he had written up for practice, anything would do. Anything to where he could compare the two before the actual time would approach.

“Did you forget an assignment?” Nebuya decided his curiosity was getting the better of him. “There’s still time, and I could uh… go get it for you if you don’t want to.”

Reo paused in his desperate rummaging, trying not to huff. He didn’t need an interruption, especially not one that was so pointless. So far he had searched two of his folders, and still not a trace of Akashi anywhere. He could only wonder how erratic his behavior was to the one next to him.

“No, I didn’t. I’m looking for something.”

Nebuya stared at him dumbfounded. “I can see that.”

“Then don’t ask stupid questions.”

Nebuya frowned. “I didn’t think it was dumb. I asked if you forgot something since you’re tearing that bag up looking for whatever.”

About to return to his task, a new interruption came in the form of Hayama bouncing into the room, toting a rather large bag. Defeated, Reo placed his eagerness aside for the moment when the blond plopped down in his chair, the bag impacting the floor with a slight bang.

“Kota-chan,” he sighed wearily, “I really shouldn’t ask, but what’s this?”

It wasn’t even a second after he got his answer, along with a wide grin to match.

“Miyaji-san’s valentine!”

Or, at least one of them.

Without waiting for a response, Hayama rummaged through the many cards and boxes he had stored in his bag until he had retrieved one. Proudly handing it to his big sister, he tied the bag to secure anything else from escaping.

Reo lifted the card that had a giant pineapple painted on it, trying not to heave another sigh. He didn’t understand Hayama’s infatuation with someone who was so tempestuous and ill-mannered. And by the looks of it, the blond had gone through great lengths- once again – for the other, who would probably shrug off the entire matter as it was completely worthless.

“If you were a fruit,” he read the inscription aloud, “you’d be a fineapple.”

Hayama was still grinning proudly. “Great, right? You know, cause Miyaji-san loves pineapples!” His grin faded when he noticed Mibuchi’s reaction. “Reo-nee?”

Removing his hand from his throbbing temples, Reo handed the card back to him.

“Er, it’s nice, Kota-chan… but don’t you think you’re overdoing it? You really don’t need to get him all of that.”

“Aw, Reo-nee, don’t you worry about that! Miyaji-san appreciates it!”

This time he did sigh. “If you say so, Kota-chan.”

He never could understand why people were so open, so romantic on this day. If you truly loved someone, shouldn’t you show them every day, and not one out of the year? By the many roses, candies, and cards circulating around him, Reo was beginning to think he was alone in feeling that way.

But he had never been with someone he loved, so who was he to judge how others acted?

Glancing at the note in his hand, Reo sighed as he watched the clock. Within a few hours, he’d be in Akashi’s presence for their usual lunch, and hopefully the captain would be jotting some notes down or completing an assignment. It seemed rare on his part since he did enjoy and use the time to converse with his schoolmates, but there was that little bit of hope.

Hope, hope, hope, he wanted to mumble. That was all he was doing today. After having it dwindle down to nothing in the past few months, he was experiencing the dread of it once again.

And he wasn’t sure how long he’d be able to tolerate that.

Lunch had been a complete let down. Not only had he not managed to snag a sample of Akashi’s writing, but Akashi hadn’t even been there. Instead he had been dragged to some meeting and had consumed lunch in one of the conference rooms rather than with his usual companions. It was at that point that Reo was positive fate enjoyed toying with his heartstrings.

As he entered the gym, he convinced himself he would resolve the dilemma. His spirits momentarily brightened, and he chose to ignore the afternoon’s failure. There was no reason why he wouldn’t be able to progress, especially when Akashi was practically glued to that clipboard for more than half of their practice session.

“Well, Sei-chan,” he hummed, concealing his anticipation, “What do you have in store for us to…”

Reo froze in his path at the tableau before him, lips snapping closed. Some of the other team members were already present, and yet the one that should have been there ahead of everyone else was conspicuously absent.

“Of course,” he muttered angrily, “How could I not see that coming?”

Emerging from the locker room moments after, he was met by Nebuya and a characteristically stoic Mayuzumi, one blond head missing from their small unit.

“Where is Kota-chan?” Though Reo had no idea why he was asking; the answer was more than obvious.

Nebuya shrugged, while Mayuzumi lowered his book and granted him his usual blank expression.

“I saw him leaving the school a few moments ago. He was tugging some bag behind him.”

“I’m sure Sei-chan will love that he decided to skip.” Mibuchi placed his head in his hands, lifting it quickly after. “Speaking of which, have you two seen him?”

Before either could respond, the doors to the gym swung open, and in stepped their missing captain. The chatting occupants ceased their conversations while Reo was too busy trying to calm his traitorous heart rate. He really needed to find a better way to control it.

“Sei-chan.”

Akashi’s aura was ominous, darkening the gym with each step he took. Most would find that terrifying, but Reo had become accustomed to it, had learned to accept every facet of their captain, no matter how eccentric.

“I apologize for the delay.” His tone reflected his demeanor. “I was detained by some useless matter.”

Disruptions aside, practice resumed with the usual flow. Akashi stood in place, observing the players from behind the very object Reo had been yearning to see. If he could inch a bit closer, he’d be able to catch a glimpse of his writing and compare it to the note in his pocket.

It wasn’t as though they were far apart, but he had chosen to give Akashi the space he needed for the time being. Especially if he was already in a foul mood. He didn’t want to provoke him any further and end up ruining the plan he had in mind by having the object of his affections resent him.

Though, Reo had a hankering he would never hate him.

So what was a nonchalant inch toward Akashi going to cause? He was usually by his side, anyway, so there didn’t seem to be any harm in doing so.

“Reo.”

His bubble snapped with a force, and he marched straight to attention.

“Ah, yes, Sei-chan?”

Akashi was scowling, something obviously intensifying his ire.

“Would you mind seeing what Eikichi is so distracted over? His focus is abysmal today.”

Damnit. Now he would have to….

“Sure, Sei-chan. I’ll go and see.”

Trying not to huff, Reo stomped over to where the dark-haired man was zoning in and out, barely noticing when the ball whizzed past him. He sighed, wiggling a finger and beckoning Nebuya over with one of his exasperated frowns.

“I told you I barely got any sleep,” he grumbled, “Since I know you’re going to ask why I’m not paying attention.”

“Well, quit slacking off! Sei-chan is already in a bad mood because he was delayed and Kota-chan decided to skip out.”

Nebuya yawned. “You don’t seem to be too focused yourself. The whole day you’ve been completely distracted.”

“That’s none of your business, and stop changing the topic!” He wasn’t about to reveal that he had indeed been out of it. For a very valid reason. “Now if you excuse me, I’ll have to tell Sei-chan while you’re so out of it today.”

He returned to find Akashi peering over his clipboard before jotting down a few notes. This was the chance he had been seeking, if all he had to do was…

“Reo.”

Mibuchi wanted to groan. Not again.

“Yes, Sei-chan?”

“Come here and tell me your opinion on this.”

He had to restrain himself from rushing over. That was exactly he had been hoping for ever since Akashi walked through the damn doors.

Timing his breaths, he walked toward where his captain was still jotting down notes, projecting an air of absolute serenity as to not raise suspicion. Ever so slowly, he paused by his shoulder, and then he was dipping forward to peer at the neat penmanship that waited for his eyes, the key that he had been yearning for all day since he discovered the rose tacked to his door.

“Do you think if I moved this one over there, it would….”

But Akashi’s voice began to dissipate from his eardrums. Reo stared down at the writing and then quickly at the crumbled paper in his pocket. Back and forth with neck-breaking speed as though disbelief refused to sink in.

This had to be some sort of cruel joke. The two weren’t even close! How? They were supposed to be. Akashi was supposed to be the one who had brought him such joy, tension, and anxiety on this special week. He tried to hold back his frustration, but his eyes were beginning to burn and Reo could feel the moisture trickling in. No, he would not fall apart in practice in front of everyone, especially the one he adored.

“Reo?”

“Ah, um… yeah, sure, do that, Sei-chan.” He had no idea what he was agreeing to, and quite frankly, he didn’t care. “Excuse me for a moment. I need a break.”

As he headed toward the exit, Reo was acutely aware of the eyes searing into his back. He knew Akashi was going to blow a fuse over his behavior, but he had to get out of his presence. Out of the presence of many others who would witness his crumbling.

He had his pride to uphold, and right now, that pride had been reduced to nothing. It would pass, like it always did, and he would soon be back to his normal self. But for now, after experiencing something he had built up hope for the entire day for….

The comfort and isolation of his room was exactly what he needed right now.

“You’re being so ridiculous!”

... is what Reo would have said to anyone who was foolish enough to crush on someone for so long without doing anything about it. To someone who clung to the tiniest clue when it surfaced, and used as a beacon of hope. To someone who tried to ensnare the attention of the one they adored without fully confessing, and had it completely fail, intensifying their misery.

Only, he was that person. He was the one who was stuck in this endless cycle. He was the one sulking about the fact that the person he cherished and looked up to the most was completely oblivious to how he felt. No, he was the one he was labeling ridiculous.

Turning away from his solemn reflection, Mibuchi flopped down onto his bed to stare at the ceiling. The view had become traditional in the past few months since he started to try to show Akashi how he felt. Usually the day would culminate with him in the same position, blankly observing the paneling above. He knew he was acting like a drama queen, but the awareness didn’t alter his fractured heart any.

His fingers danced along the surface until they were able to grasp the note with the rose attached to it on his nightstand. Vivid eyes scanning the content, he studied the penmanship that was crafted so flawlessly on a page of lined paper that had been torn from what he suspected was a notebook. If this wasn’t from Akashi, then who had left it? He thought he recognized the writing, but every one that he had seen wasn’t a match. It was neat enough to be Akashi, but by comparing the two only moments before, it had been confirmed not to be his.

Reo grimaced. Very rarely he missed practice. Even that time when he had gotten a terrible cold, he still went. How was it going to look to the team, or worse, to Akashi, when he had bailed out like that? Especially when he was the vice-captain, the one person Akashi depended on to see everything through?

But then he ruminated on what he’d uncovered; the writing on the note didn’t match Akashi’s elegant script as he scribbled their daily schedule onto his clipboard. This coming on the heels of Reo believing he had finally obtained a sign that maybe, just maybe Akashi felt the same he did, and that he was just too shy to admit it. All that had come crashing to the ground when he realized that wasn’t the case at all.

His eyes began to slowly mist. How pathetic he was being. People who had intense feelings for another faced this issue each day, and they seemed to be able to move on without a care in the world after not succeeding in what they desired. So why couldn’t he? Why was he in so much pain that he couldn’t paste on his usual mask and pretend everything was fine? He’d done it up until now, so what was the difference?

Reo paused mid-thought to caress the flower’s fragile petals.

“Because you were given hope. False hope, but hope.”

Despite how jumbled he felt on the inside, he couldn’t deny that he was curious as to who had tacked the note to his door. He now knew it wasn’t Akashi, then who? The thought someone could be playing a prank did cross his mind a few times, but then again, no one had access to their dorm, unless it was passed through one of the four of them.

“Kota-chan definitely didn’t write this.” He studied the neatly crafted note. “This is far too proper to be him. Besides, that would be odd.”

But that didn’t mean he hadn’t passed it on anonymously from a source who lived outside their dorm. The thought was beginning to nibble at his curiosity more and more, quickly distracting him from his depressive state.

Until a knock resounded throughout his room.

Repositioning his cheery mask, he cautiously approached the door and stared down at the knob as though it was the most offensive thing ever. Slowly he twisted it after gaining his composure, not bothering to ask who the intruder was, and pulled open the door.

Only to encounter a pair of mismatched orbs.

“Sei-chan,” he whispered. By the way Akashi was staring at him, Reo was almost certain he was about to lecture him on leaving practice, so he was going to beat him to the punch. “I’m sorry about practice. I know I shouldn’t have-”

But Akashi raised his hand, curtailing any explanation.

“I’m not here to lecture you, Reo. This is more of a concern.”

Well aware of what this talk was going to be about, Reo invited his captain into his room before closing the door. He gestured toward an empty chair. Akashi nodded in return and then plopped himself down into it. His arm took rest against the back of it, using that as the curve he needed to obtain direct eye contact with the raven a few inches away from him.

“I suppose you want to ask me why I left so early, because you’re the captain and that’s important to know.”

“No,” was the simple and blunt response before he had a chance to reconsider.

Mibuchi blinked in total bewilderment, but allowed him to continue.

“I want to know why you left early as someone who is concerned.” Akashi’s gaze was once more trained on him, refusing to budge at any costs. “Seeing how you always tell me, on those rare occasions, if you need to leave early.”

Akashi’s stare was captivating in its intensity; he knew he couldn’t wiggle out from under this one. He had skipped the rest of practice, but hadn’t informed the other, which was strange behavior for him. And yet, he couldn’t help but wonder if Akashi had noticed that, if he was noticing any other erratic movements he had done in the past few months.

“I was feeling a bit under the weather.” Reo rushed to reverse those words, but it was far too late. His captain was gracing him with a dubious expression, those mismatched eyes studying him as though reading completely into his soul.

“Again?” Akashi’s lips curved into a frown. “You’ve had a few bouts with that these past months.”

He tried not to cringe. So he had noticed. Reo wasn’t sure if he was overjoyed or terrified, but he knew it was one of the two.

“I…” He struggled to settle on the exact words. “I have a lot on my mind. That’s all, Sei-chan.”

The Rakuzan captain’s demeanor shifted, briefly, but then it was back to those same cool eyes staring at him with doubt. It wasn’t necessarily a lie, and part of the truth, but he wasn’t about to say what it was that was plaguing his mind.

To his relief, Akashi nodded as though accepting the answer, and then he was rising from his chair. Seeing this, Reo assumed the discussion had concluded, and he was about to be left to once more wallow in his misery. Why couldn’t he come out and tell Akashi when he was standing right there, concerned and attentive toward his wellbeing?

About to consider the quandary, Reo was caught off guard when he realized Akashi was now mere inches away from him. So he had been wrong, this discussion was far from over and by the return of the skeptical gaze, he knew his securement was demolished as well.

But then Akashi was speaking again, and the words were anything but what Mibuchi had been expecting.

“Are you and Eikichi doing okay?”

Reo froze at the sudden interrogation.

“Ei-chan?” he whispered, “Why wouldn’t we be?”

Akashi shrugged. “It is not any of my business, but I do recall how you spoke of the two of you going on a date.” His gaze momentarily wandered before once more connecting with the vivid one. “You have gone out a few more times after that.”

To say he was surprised would be an understatement. Reo was shocked to the core completely. Akashi had noticed the other times he had been absent as well? And he knew who he had been with? Or maybe he had noticed Nebuya’s absence as well, and then connected the two? There were many reasons why he could have brought that up out of the blue.

“Ah, no.” Reo found himself laughing, but it was more to protect his mask from crumbling right before them. “Ei-chan and I are friends, nothing more.”

He swallowed thickly, wondering if he should take the risk. But then when his lips began to move by their own accord, there was no more debate.

“Looks like I’ll be alone for Valentine’s tomorrow,” he laughed again, but this time much softer.

It had meant to be a joke, but in reality, it was painful to have to admit that. Especially when the one person you wanted to spend that special day with was right in front of you. With absolutely no knowledge that you adored them, thought the world of them, and would do everything for them to at least acknowledge on some level that you did.

He could feel his eyes watering, but carefully concealed that by gracing the captain with a smile. If he could convince Akashi he was fine, then maybe he would leave and he could return to the succor of his melancholy. But the matter was, did he really want him to leave? Throughout the day he had had so much hope when he woke up to that note tacked to his door, passing by the many couples throughout the hallways, and eager to compare the writing to Akashi’s. But he knew he would have to wait until practice to do that.

And, he knew the results of that. That had taken everything and some, and Reo couldn’t deny that even though it felt right having Akashi here right now, it wasn’t doing anything to seal the cracks within his heart.

The words trickled on his tongue, but were impossible to expel. How could he ask Akashi of all people? He didn’t want to seem rude, but he had informed him that he wasn’t in the best of moods, so he wouldn’t be that offended, would he?

“Reo.”

His head rose. To his surprise Akashi had been the one to ease their awkward silence, but by the way he was stepping away, Reo knew it was a retreat. This was what he wanted, didn’t he? But then why was he still standing there, why had he said his name in that soft and compassionate tone that he rarely used?

“You’re never alone.”

Stunned, Reo felt like the breath had completely dissipated from his lungs. His lips moved to reply, but all that came out was a choked gasp. And then Akashi was retreating, this time entirely. His hand shot out to grasp onto him, his heart now yearning for the complete opposite and ready to do anything in his power to keep him here. He had wanted to wallow in his dark clouds, but after that….

Pausing before the door, Akashi slowly turned around, and Reo once more felt his lungs struggling to breathe properly. He had yet to respond to that declaration, and yet he was almost certain Akashi was about to say something that was going to once more catch him off guard.

“If you have no plans tomorrow…” Akashi seemed hesitant, perhaps reconsidering, and Reo wasn’t sure if he ever saw him look that way. “Would you like to have lunch with me?”

Now he was absolutely certain his voice had dissipated. Reo’s eyes widened, his surprised gaze trained on the one awaiting by his door.

“I know it’s sudden, and I can understand if-”

“No, no!” he interrupted. Quicker than he had in mind, but he wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip away. Not after everything that had transpired. “No, Sei-chan. I would love to go!”

It could have been his imagination, but Reo was almost sure he had seen the captain release his breath. Relieved, maybe? He wasn’t sure, but now wasn’t the time to debate on that. Not when his heart was pounding so loudly that it vibrated throughout his ears and tumbled into his stomach.

But was it a date, or was Akashi only taking sympathy on him because of what he had announced? It did seem logical, but it wasn’t something he wanted to mourn over now. He was going to be spending the day for lovers with the one he adored the most, even if Akashi wasn’t even the least bit aware of his feelings.

He was with him, and that was all that mattered.

Akashi simply nodded as though he was concluding their discussion, and then spoke one final time.

“I will inform you of the plans in the morning. If you’re feeling unwell, it would be best to gather as much rest as you can.”

Reo smiled slightly. “I will. Thank you, Sei-chan.”

“And, Reo.”

Akashi was gracing him with the previous stare, the one that tugged at his heartstrings in knowing he was about to voice something unexpected.

“About that note that was on your door.”

Now he was certain his heart had stopped. Leave it to Akashi to not miss a beat, even something as obscure and personal as this. Still, it was right in front of him, and if he didn’t ask, it would linger on his mind for the rest of the night.

“… D-did you write it, Sei-chan?”

A slight pause.

“No, I did not.”

The answer was directly to the point, not a smidgen of reluctance, and that was how Reo knew for sure. Akashi hadn’t been the one that adored him, and it hurt, it hurt a lot, but he was still here with him. And that was all that mattered.

“But I suppose now I will have to find out who it was, now won’t I?”

He peered up, expecting to see a mirthful smile on his teammate, assuring that he was surely joking. However, when their gazes connected, Akashi’s expression was entirely stoic, not a hint of mischief reflecting in those mismatched orbs. Reo tried to gather his composure, to think of some appropriate response. But the sudden turmoil he had been experiencing for the past ten minutes since Akashi continued to stun him over and over again was preventing that.

Taking their silence as his exit, Akashi bid him farewell, closing the door gently behind and leaving him with his bewildered thoughts. Once he was sure he was in the clear, Reo flopped back down on his bed, his heart refusing to quell its rampant pace.

To think he had returned from practice completely miserable, and now he was swimming in emotions, in confusion, and dare he say, hope?

“Did that all really just happen?”

He hadn’t expected this, tarot reader or not, he hadn’t been expecting this at all. Had he expected Akashi to come after practice and question why he had left early? Of course, but to extend the discussion into something personal and even show he was concerned? That he had not.

But it had, and even after gaining his answer, Akashi had stayed. Had even inched closer to him when he had revealed some of his misery involving that special day tomorrow, and then had gone as far as to offer to spend the day with him.

What more could he ask for right now?

Still, there was the mystery of who was behind that note now that Akashi had confirmed it wasn’t him.

But that would be dealt with later. Reo pushed it aside and smiled to himself, eyes fluttering closed.

For the first time in a long time, for as long as he could remember, he would fall asleep with a smile on his face.

And tomorrow, he was hoping that smile would remain.

#akashi x mibuchi #akamibu #knb fanfiction #rare ship time

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