Sometimes Love Is Not Enough

Chapter 3: Know your place.

Seijuurou walked into the building, catching women's eyes. As he expected. It is always like this and it’s always fun to look at these women with a seductives mile on his face which actually means nothing. It’s just a perfect smile on his mask. His father used to tell him about it when he was young. He can remember asking him why he always smiles like this even if he already had his mother. He told him that when he wanted something, the best way to get it was with a smile. Smiling is the best way to get everything, because when you smile, people fall for you too easily, because they think that you actually care about them. Stupid people, everybody sees his smile, but they don’t know that it’s just a simple trick.

“I am glad you’re already here, Akashi-kun.” He could hear Tetsuya’s voice behind him. Seijuurou turned and looked at bluenette who had this serious face like always. ‘Why is he so serious? It’s just like any other boring evening.’ He had his methods to get what he wanted so there wouldn’t be any problem with this new sponsor.

“I know. You must have been lonely without that lover of yours around here.” He smirked at his assistant and could see the boy frown a little. He opened his mouth, probably to say something back, but then he just let out a quiet sigh.

“Right. But that’s only because you said that he is not welcomed here.” The bluenette said, like as if Seijuurou had already forgotten about their conversation of not bringing Kagami here. They had this conversation before any other event like this.

“I remember, but thank you for saying it again. I feel so much better now.” The red haired man started walking again with an obvious goal in mind, to find his father, so he can let him know that he is finally here.

“I think you were in a good mood even before we had this conversation.” Tetsuya followed him with what seemed to be a curious tone in his voice. Only the people who knew Tetusya would notice the difference between his normal tone and this tone. He can tell, he understands Kuroko very well from the many years they had of knowing each other.

"Is that so?” Seijuurou’s voice sounds amused by it, because honestly... he hasn’t been in a good mood since a very long time ago.

His father keeps telling him about some girls that would like to date him or marry him and he is so tired of it already that he doesn’t even care anymore. When he was younger, he had plans about his future. Many plans, but every one of his dreams was ruined because of the family company. He didn’t want to be the next CEO of the Akashi’s company, but his dad pressured him so hard that he ended up accepting to do it. It wasn’t so bad, though, but the last thing he wants is some annoying woman by his side for the rest of his – hopefully long – life.

The woman that will annoy him everyday and will expend his money to buy new clothes which will be for sure ugly as hell, but they will also be expensive. Not that he cares, he has way more money than he needs, but even then he would like to keep his money for himself and not for some stupid woman.

“Yes, did something happen?” Tetsuya continued their conversation, looking at Akashi with his big blue eyes.

“Nothing at all.” He answered and then his eyes found his father. He was talking with a probably married couple, and he could tell that he had seen this couple before, but doesn’t remember where. He had already seen many faces; he can’t remember every one of them.

“I would like to keep you company, but I have to find a friend of mine, so if you’ll excuse me...” The bluenette said when he caught a glimpse of Furihata who was filling one of the men glasses with wine.

“Of course.” After Seijuurou gave Tetsuya the permission to leave, he bowed a little and then walked away, followed by Seijuurou’s eyes. Seijuurou would have liked to keep his eyes on Tetsuya, but he has other things to do. Like greeting his father and the couple that is talking with him.

He sighed and after he made sure that nobody was watching, he rolled his eyes while walking towards his father. He hated conversations with people around here; he would most likely go home and continue the book he was currently reading.

Seijuurou was just a few steps away from them when his father turned to face him and smiled. ‘Yeah, this is the smile he was talking about.’ The perfect smile that will give off the illusion that he loves his son and that they were a happy family even without his mother. And everybody believed it.

“It was about time you arrived, Seijuurou. I would like to introduce you to our generous sponsors, Akite Soushi and his beautiful wife Akite Hachiko.” He said with a small compliment for the wife and Seijuurou wanted to laugh in the spot, if he could and still remember how to. The blond woman laughed a little and blushed slightly, she looked like the type that took pleasure in getting compliments very much so his father knew exactly what he was doing.

“It’s a big pleasure to meet one of our wonderful sponsors. I hope you’re enjoying this evening as much as I do after this pleasant meeting.” He bowed to them, saying what they wanted to hear. It was easy to talk to people like them, because they just wanted to hear how amazing they were and if he keeps doing it, they will be even more generous sponsors for sure. And another magic trick to get what you want is using compliments.

“Oh, pleasure is on our side, young man. We are really enjoying this evening and we are thankful that you invited us.” The man said, looking at the younger Akashi in the eyes. The happiness of being complimented was written all over his face.

‘Pathetic’ Seijuurou thought.

“How could we not? You’re a big help to our company, this evening wouldn’t be possibly happening without your help.” Seijuurou tried to keep his nice smile as long as possible, but he would be really glad if the pair disappeared already.

“Glad to hear it, we are really pleased.” His wife ‘Hachiko was her name?’ smiled even wider. His father started a whole new conversation about some new project he would like to start with their help.

Seijuurou’s eyes caught Tetsuya’s bright blue hair and he remembered that before he was gone, he said something about a friend that he wants to find. He was a little curious about this friend of Tetsuya, if he thinks about it. He said something nice to the couple before he excused himself.

He went straight to Kuroko and looked at the brown haired boy that was by his side. Who is he? When he looked at his clothes, he could say that he was a waiter here. Does Tetsuya know him? From where? And why is he even talking with a waiter?

“Oh, Akashi-kun. I didn’t know you were already here.” He said when he found out that Seijuurou was standing next to him.

“Yes, I am surprised myself. Who is this?” Seijuurou raised one of his eyebrows in quite a disdainful manner. He didn’t want to be seen while talking to a waiter.

The brown haired boy looked at him, blinking twice. Then he looked down, probably at his shoes with a somewhat hurt expression. ‘Oh, how sad, I made a waiter feel horrible because of what he is. Another pathetic poor soul.’ He thought, sarcastically reprimanding himself.

“He is–“ The bluenette started but was interrupted by the other man, unknown for Seijuurou.

“You don’t have to introduce me. I’m already leaving, but thank you. Have a good evening, Kuroko-kun. And say hi to Kagami-kun for me, okay?” He smiled a little at Tetsuya, who was surprised at first, but then he smiled back at him. He knew what was going on.

“I will.” With that said, the waiter turned away and with a quiet goodbye he left.

After that, the bluenette looked at Akashi, not very happy.

“You didn’t have to be so rude,Akashi-kun.”

“He should know his place, that’s all.” He said, but even after saying that, he kept his eyes on the waiter’s back. When he said that he knows Kagami, who happens to be Tetsuya’s boyfriend, he got even more curious about whom he was. And he was ready to ask his assistant about it. Not that he particularly cares about the guy, but if he is an acquaintance of Tetsuya, then it’s good to have more information.