I never thought I would return to thank you...

Chapter 13

"Then, if you'll excuse me," I stood from my seat and walked away. "I'm leaving. I'll have to tell Tetsuya everything. I'm going to have to be careful about this." As I was going to close the door behind me, my father's voice stopped me from leaving.
"Seijuro, where did you meet Tetsuya?"
"He's a... very valuable teammate of mine in basketball."

--------------------

Just what's going on here, Akashi?!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kuroko's P.O.V

What's up with them?

A sigh escapes me as I walk down the pathway to my home.
Home...
Can it even be called that?

It's cold and lonely there... it's dark and uninviting.
I hate it there!
But it's all I have...
All I've ever had. I should be grateful I ever had anything.

Garbage like me don't live in such a place.

What's worst, Akashi-kun even saw it.
He must be disgusted. So disgusted he'd have to leave me alone.
At least, I thought so.
He's even more determined to 'help' me now.

I can't say I'm suprised though, Akashi-kun is a good person.
The best I've ever known, but... he shouldn't have to deal with me... I'm such a bother anyway. I only want to help people, not give them more worries, but it seems that is all I can do.
Worry people.

Worry them.

"How long have you known Haizaki?"
.
"When did he start bullying you?"
.
"And what about your father Tetsuya? Why did you lie about him?"
.
"What about him, Akashi-chi?"
.
"Yes, what about him, Tetsuya?"

Please, minna, please stop!
I don't want you to worry, I'm fine...

"I'm fine... right?"
Hai... I'm fine.

Walking up the steps of my home, I greet myself, a habit I picked out of sheer pity.
A habit I used to make so I could feel like someone.
But it doesn't work anymore.

"Hello okā-san. I'm back." I kiss my mother's photo and continue taking off my shoes, wincing in the proccess as Haizaki's punches hurt.

Haizaki...

I ran into him earlier... he, wasn't happy. At all.
"Pft, as if he ever is..." not anymore at least.
.
He had that grin on his face. Like he'd won the lottery. Grabbed me from the collar and pushed me hard against the wall. He started his taunting words and iron punches to go with them.
.
I hate this...

I went straight to the bathroom to take a shower, to clear my head and see my situation through.
I'm running low on cash. Perhaps I should stop buying food in the cafeteria.
After I graduate, maybe I'll drop out of school and find a job. Yeah, maybe. Not happening. I'll get a part time job. I still have to bring them back.
Now then, Haizaki shouldn't be much of a problem. My low presence and misdirection could keep him away for at least this last week of school.
And Akashi-kun, he shouldn't be able to find anything on me... but maybe my otò-san...
God no.
We look nothing alike, he might think it's merely a mistake or something.

Yeah. I might just be screwed right now. Akashi-kun will know.
He'll know and he'll definetly not letting me go without answers.
What do I do now?

Haizaki is enough of a bad problem, but I have to deal with the GOM and their devil of a captain as well?!

I feel a massive headache comming and get out of the bathroom in fresh clothes.
My head's pounding so much I almost trip.
Luckily, I make it to my old couch without falling.
Sleep takes over as soon as I hit the pillow, dragging me into an endless, restless rest.

----------------

The sound of a doorbell ringing woke me up and sent me on stumbling feet.
I made a step or two before my knees gave out under me, making me crash head first onto the tiled floor of my bathroom.

Wait, bathroom? What am I doing in the bathroom? More importantly, when did I get here?

Brushing these thoughts aside, deciding to think later, I slowly walk towards the door, careful not to trip and open the door to see the unmistakable red hair of Akashi-kun. The one person I'd rather not see.

Why do I feel so weak and... cold...?

"Ak-ashi... kun?"

My vision blackened out as my consciousness fades away, leaving me falling into the warm arms of my friend.

Hope everyone had a great new year!
Enjoy!