Shadow's Might (Kuroko no Basket Fanfiction)

Chapter 11

For a moment Tetsuya contemplated not answering, feign sleep, but even his overcrowded mind could see the stupidity of that action. Akashi had never been a fool, and he would not fall for such a weak illusion. This did not take away from the fact, that he was not sure he wanted to speak to him. Not in this frail state he forced himself to. But, he doubted Akashi would leave without an answer. Even though, he deserved none. But of all the others he left behind, Akashi was the one the did not want to push away. Not really. 

Tetsuya opened his eyes to see Akashi next to the door, waiting to see his reaction. He was taller, fuller on the shoulder and his red hair cropped short on the sides. Dressed in a bottom down shirt and a dark pair of slacks. He looked every bit the young heir he was. He filled the room with his presence, even when he looked as exhausted as he did. His eyes were sharp but warm, like ice on a nice sunny winter day. 

Tetsuya forced himself to concentrate, to leave behind his emotional turmoil for a time where he could be alone. He was successful in some regard, but emotions are not easy to control. 

"Akashi." Tetsuya nodded to the chair next to his bed, an offering. 

Akashi considered it for a moment, looking from the chair to him, questioning the validity of his offer. If it was made out of politeness or genuine interest. He seemed to deem it sincere enough to take the seat. 

There was silence, neither knowing how to address the conversation, even though Akashi had already asked a question. He did not try to enforce it, smart enough to realize it would not be answered. At least not now, perhaps not ever. 

"Why are you here?" Another weighted question, this time coming from Tetsuya.

 It was the only thing he could concentrate on at the moment, perhaps not the best conversation starter, but did he even what this conversation. He looked at Akashi's face then. Sharper features with a strong jawline, and exhausted. Yes, he did want a conversation with him.

"After seeing you go down on the court, Tetsuya, did you think I would leave it at that?" Akashi's reply was measured, calculated. 

There were deeper aspects of the question. Tetsuya chose to ignore those. There was too much unspoken, too little trust between them to speak about them all in their first reunion. 

"This is the Elites' private hospital. I'm surprised you were able to get in, let alone reach my room." He commented. 

"I asked. They allowed me in. Curiously I'm the only one of the Generation of Miracles who is not blocked from entering." His tone held an intrigued note to it. 

Tetsuya refused to comment on it. He was surprised Katrina allowed it, not so surprised it was only Akashi. He wondered where the rest of the Elites were, usually by this time, they would be settling in his room with him. 

"I'm surprised my team did not stop you, they are normally very protective of me. Even though they know I can take care of myself." He said.

"Not well enough, Tetsuya." That drew Tetsuya to a halt. 

Akashi seemed to regret his words as soon as he said them. They were already spoken into the air between them, settling like a miasma around them. Drowning the little progress they made in their conversation if it could be deemed as such. Silence reigned once more.

Tetsuya knew his mistakes, now he had to live with them. He did not need nor wanted someone who was basically a stranger now, to comment on things he knew nothing of. He also did not know when he would see Akashi again, besides his silence spoke enough. Akashi got the message. 

"They were sent away by Miss White and their coaches. Your teammates." Akashi tried to introduce the conversation again.

"I'm surprised that worked." Tetsuya offered, a little put out that his teammates were gone.

"I hear they were very reluctant to go, but the doctors helped the others get them out eventually." Akashi's face held a hint of humor. "They look like a good team."

"They are. Strong too." Tetsuya nodded. 

"Good." Came Akashi's firm response. "So are you. You've grown Tetsuya." 

Tetsuya contemplated how to respond to that. How to feel about having one of the people he once idolized recognize his ability. He realized it was not as fulfilling as he thought it would be. He did not need Akashi to tell him what he already knew, but it did feel good to have it spoken out loud. 

"Thank you, Akashi," Tetsuya said, and Akashi gave a small nod in return. 

"You played a good game." He meant to complement Akashi, however, Akashi went silent.

"No," he said after a moment "we've stagnated. You showed us that. Proved to us we are not the best anymore." Akashi sounded interested, excited even. Not ashamed, angry, or reproachful, which is what Tetsuya expected. No, for the first time since Akashi walked into his room, he looked energized. 

"Thank you, Tetsuya. For showing me that there are people who can make basketball fun again." Akashi explained, an almost smile lining his features. 

Tetsuya was shocked, of all the things his imagination came up with, this was never one of those scenarios. Akashi had always valued his abilities, his belief of himself depended on his ability to win, especially after they all left for highschool. He was always good at surprising others though. He had changed as well. Perhaps that is why he is here. His mistake, one of the few good ones he has made thus far. 

"You're welcome Akashi." He replied, trying to stifle a yawn, being remarkably unsuccessful. 

"I have taken much of your time, Tetsuya," Akashi regarded him, warmer eyes than before, restrained too. 

There were a lot of things left to say, but that was not now. They were too raw to continue the conversation or to broach the topics they wanted to. Maybe someday they will, but not today, not now that Tetsuya felt his energy draining away. The siren called sleep, trying to entice him. He found no will to deny her. 

Akashi got up from his seat, fluid and controlled as always. No wasted movements. He straightened his clothes, standing beside his bed. 

"I will visit you again, Tetsuya." Akashi expressed, as sure as he always was. Never doubting if his arrival was welcomed. 

Akashi left the room as silently as he entered it. Not giving Tetsuya the opportunity to contradict him. Not that he wanted to. Tetsuya may not know for certain what he wanted to achieve by rekindling their friendship, but he could not deny that he missed him. To a certain extent. he was curious to see where these interactions would go.

But for now, he would rest.