Where Do I Start?

Chapter Seven

Ah, sorry for the delay. You might notice where my style of writing changes a bit (a small chunck was written a little while back). I've had lots of time to practice, so I hope it sounds halfway decent.

Enjoy~

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The room was dead silent. Everyone who could see into the doorway stiffened. Kouki felt fear rising in his chest. Who was at the door? Soft footsteps sounded for a few moments. Coming into view was a short, thin man with red hair. Midorima jumped to his feet. Kise slowly leaned closer to Kouki.

Kouki blinked, the fear disappearing. He felt like he knew this man.

Midorima however, looked upset, furious even.

"Why are you here." The green-haired man's voice got dangerously low.

"I'm here to see our little friend, Midorima." The short man stated matter-of-factly. "Now, if you all would please, step out. I'd like to talk to Furihata alone."

Kise made a displeased noise, golden eyes now showing a sign of life.

Kuroko made a soft noise, shuffling back into the room.

"Midorima-kun, I know we all are still unsettled by the incident that took place a few years ago, but Akashi-kun called me ahead of time. He wants to help."

There was a shocked silence between everyone in the room.

Akashi tilted his head a little. "I do apologize for not contacting you specifically, but after what happened, I did not think you would answer."

Kise muttered something under his breath, giving a worried look.

Akashi continued: "I wish to speak to Kouki alone about what happened. I only wish to dig out specific information, but if everyone is here, he may not talk."

Teppei gave a thoughtful look before looking at Midorima.

Midorima face still showed displeasure. He remained silent for a little while, but give his opinion.

"Everyone, step out."

Kise gave a small gasp. "You're trusting him?"

"Kise-kun." Kuroko gave him a serious look. "If Akashi-kun can't get Furihata-kun to talk, no one can. Furihata-kun has refused to say anything to us, give Akashi-kun a chance!"

Kise fell silent, nodding lightly.

Everyone began to exit the room, most of them shooting Kouki a worried look.

After everyone had left and the door had closed, Akashi made his way over the the chair next to Kouki's bed. He situated himself before looking at Kouki with a soft smile.

"You probably don't remember me coming in here do you?"

Kouki shook his head.

"That's alright" Akashi smiled, running his fingers through Kouki's messy, brown hair.

The familiar feeling sent chills down Kouki's spine.

"Now Kouki, who did this to you?" Akashi gave a more stern smile.

Kouki made a disgruntled noise. He really did not want to answer that, but his body betrayed him.

"My... boyfriend.. Hiro."

"Boyfriend? How about ex? He doesn't deserve you after what he did. I need his last name too Kouki, along with a description."

Kouki had to agree with the first part. Calling Hiro his boyfriend just proves he is scared of the man.

"Hiro Aubaki. Average height... about 135 pounds. Short, black hair that has some kinks in it. Sky blue eyes... um-"

"That's good enough Kouki." Akashi cut him off, jotting down the description Kouki had given him.

"Where did this attack happen?"

"The house we share, I mean, shared... my stuff is still there... do you need the address."

"No, Kuroko gave that to me a little while back, when you first moved in. As for you stuff, we'll get that back for you." Akashi smiled warmly. "Next question: do you know what he hit you with?"

"He used he fists at first, then he... grabbed a steel baseball bat his brother sent him from America..."

Akashi frowned, writing the notes down.

"He loves that bat... he wouldn'thave gotten rid of it... it's all he's got left of his brother."

Akashi made the note, giving a sad sigh.

The duo chatted for a bit longer. They were interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Akashi?" Takao's voice called softly. The raven-haired man peeked in. "You need to leave... visiting hours are over."

Akashi nodded, patted Kouki's shoulder lightly. "Very well, goodnight Kouki, Takao." Akashi smiled as he left the room.

Kouki hadn't noticed it had gotten so late. The stars were shining in the dark blue abyss of the night time sky.

Takao helped Kouki lay back, covering him lightly. He quietly crept to the door. "Goodnight Furihata. See you in the morning." He gave a soft smile.

The lights went out and the room was quiet. Kouki stared at the ceiling, not saying a word.

Akashi was going to help.

He was going to be safe.

Sleep slowly closed Kouki's eyes and took him on a ride through a peaceful dream.