Title: The Present Future

By: Metamorcy

Rating: T

Pairing: AkashixKuroko

Summary: If there was one person that could control Akashi, even if it was almost unnoticeable, it was none other than the phantom player. Fluffish. Eventual Akashi X Kuroko

Disclaimer: Seriously? Don't own, just the idea

Beta'ed by WhiteAngel128

Chapter 2

It wasn't much longer until practice was over, most of the team immediately disappearing before they could anger the redhead any further. He was already irritated enough as it was from the earlier comments and it was only around Kuroko that he'd calmed down enough to have a decent conversation that didn't involve orders or threats. The members of the basketball team were walking on eggshells, one wrong move could send them spiraling towards misery. In order to prevent such destruction everyone made sure to do their best, pushing their bodies harder if only to avoid more work the next day. However, the moment practice ended they didn't need to look twice at their captain to know when to make themselves scarce. Before long, the court was completely empty, leaving the two Generation of Miracles members by themselves near the center. The place was completely silent, a strong contrast to the constant sounds of bouncing balls and the squeaking of shoes as they slid across the waxed floor that was usually paramount. It almost looked as if the court had been abandoned.

Neither of them spoke to the other as Akashi closed the gym, turning off the lights after changing and grabbing his gear. The redhead was back in his school uniform, quite different to when he wore the team uniform, and appeared neat, looking perfect in every little way. It was like the redhead refused to have a slight thread out of place or a small ball of dust on a sleeve. Kuroko remained off to the side, eventually moving outside to wait, patiently and as quiet as usual. Soon he heard the backdoor opening, alerting him that Akashi had finished with his preparations.

"Ready?" The captain spoke, carrying a small school bag that contained only his information on the team and his school materials. The rest of his basketball items had been left in the locker-room where it would be safer compared to if he carried it around, that and it was too bulky to take to their destination. Kuroko simply nodded his head in agreement, stepping closer, and tilted his head as if waiting for the other to continue on the conversation. Akashi, familiar with Kuroko's personality, rotated around to face the front of the school as the leader. "What exactly did you need, Tetsuya?"

"A new basketball and shoes. The previous ones keep falling apart on me."

Akashi raised an eyebrow at that, still walking forward to lead them both out of the massive school complex. "Can you not buy that stuff on your own? You've been playing basketball for a long time; you should be able to pick those out by yourself."

The blue-haired teen nodded his head in agreement and kept his gaze on the road as they strode forward, past the front of the school grounds. There was no one else in the area; everyone had already gone home for the day since the sun had long since set. The silence surrounding them was comforting; it was like they were the only two people in the world for the duration of those few minutes. "Yes, but Akashi-kun always knows quality."

Raising a hand up to rub the bottom of his chin, the redhead nodded. "I see, then that shouldn't be an issue. I know a few places that sell good equipment. Even though we aren't on the same team anymore, when I get my rematch with you, I want you to be in tip-top condition," A small smile slipped onto Kuroko face, he nodded his head at those words, remaining quiet as Akashi continued speaking, "Anyway, I know a few stores on the way that are within walking distance. And it would be rude not to give you a ride home afterwards, especially considering how late it will be. I'll ask someone to pick us up and drive you home."

"Ah, before that," Kuroko spoke up, catching the redhead's attention, those multi-colored eyes peered over, "would it be alright to get something to eat as well? I left right after school and it's beginning to get late. I haven't had anything to eat since lunch."

"That's fine with me. Being hungry lessens your ability to think clearly."

"You're always concerned about the smallest things." A small twitch of Kuroko's lips alluded to the likelihood he was about to laugh, but no further movement or sound presented itself. To those who saw them on the street that night they just seemed like regular teenagers hanging out. It was as if they were friends despite the little conversation that exchanged between them. Their bodies remained close to each other, not minding the other's presence, rather it almost seemed like they were enjoying it. It was rare for them to actually hang out.

Akashi raised an eyebrow as those words passed the blunet's lips, his multi-colored eyes glancing over curiously once more. His arms were folded across his chest, his bag hanging off one arm. A sudden gust of wind passed through the street, ruffling his short hair, and anything else that was in the way. The surrounding tree branches rustled and the overhead curtains fluttered at the breeze. "Oh?" He went silent soon after, taking in his surroundings.

Neither of them responded afterwards, continuing on their way down the streets. They avoided the other people that were traveling down the same area, not wanting to bother with anyone else. Kuroko had to maneuver himself around the people due to being invisible to everyone else, he narrowed his eyebrows slightly in frustration. Eventually, they made it to the first store that was on Akashi's list, just a block or two from the school itself. The two teenagers stood in front of the building and Kuroko stared at it questionably, never having heard of the name before. Smirking cunningly, the redhead stepped right in knowing very well that his ex-teammate would follow right behind him like a ghost. He went ahead, walking straight to a section close to the back. There was a rack of shoes lined up neatly, the price tags quite high in number.

Kuroko blinked, tilting his head slightly as he took in the prices, before glancing towards his companion. There was a flash of worry within his blue eyes, though his expression revealed nothing. "Ah, Akashi-kun, I can't afford these prices. They are too expensive."

"Agreed, but they will last longer than three of your regular shoes. They are made with better quality and are therefore worth the price," The redhead peered back at Kuroko, who continued to stare at the price tags in distress, knowing he couldn't afford these numbers. It wasn't as if Kuroko was poor, it just that these were too expensive. The ranges for the shoes were around 7500 to 10,000 yen. The stares continued and the redhead could already see a dark gloomy cloud appearing above Kuroko's head as he continued to stare at the price tags, knowing he was unable to afford it. Sighing, Akashi reached forward and grabbed a pair that he knew would fit the slightly shorter teen. It was easy to pick out things for the other when they shared the same sizes for shoes and clothes. He gave an arrogant smirk, not even bothering with the prices, and placed the box underneath his arm. "It's fine, I can pay for them."

"Eh?"

The captain smirked as he watched the other perk up slightly. "I should have known better than to take you to a shop where you couldn't afford the items. However, I will argue that these are some of the best out there on the market," He watched as the other looked at him with hopeful eyes, his eyebrows twitching. It wasn't a large difference in Kuroko's expression, anyone else that saw him would think he was acting normal, but to someone who was an expert with emotions, could tell the difference. "Don't look at me like that, I already said I would."

"Akashi-kun is so kind."

"Don't get used to it. I can't do this for you all the time." Akashi shook his head, holding both his bag and the shoe box easily.

"Then I'll pay for dinner."

The redhead nodded in agreement, allowing the notion. "Alright, I know a good place close by. It's also close to the basketball store I wanted to take you to as well."

"Please remember I'm not rich, I can only afford so much."

"I'll keep that in mind."

Akashi glanced over towards the blue-haired teen curiously. He had found the entire night with Kuroko to be quite… enjoyable, more so than when he was with his classmates or the members of the basketball team. It was different, in a way. It wasn't anything like how it had been back in middle school when it was only about business, now it was purely… companionship. It was a strange feeling and Akashi wasn't used to it. Still, he let things flow along, curious as to how everything would turn out. However, the time when Kuroko would need to leave was getting closer and he had already called someone to pick him up, he didn't want his ex-teammate staying out too late. They were now waiting for the driver to arrive; Kuroko was carrying a plastic bag containing his new shoes and basketball in one hand and a vanilla milkshake in his other.

"It was quite nice today, Akashi-kun. I had fun." The smaller teen stared towards the ground, slurping on his milkshake happily.

"Agreed, it was different in a way. If you need any other advice, do not hesitate to talk to me. Do you have my cellphone number?"

Kuroko shook his head and placed the plastic bag on the ground in order to retrieve his cell. He handed it to the red head, granting him permission to input it himself. As Akashi quickly added his number, he noticed that he was able to see the other contacts and a few messages already on the phone. Most of them were from the basketball teams, more from Kagami, and a few from Aomine and Kise. Most of the messages weren't all that interesting to look through, he already knew what they would be about.

Akashi quickly finished and handed the device back. "You are welcome to text me, I'll reply as quickly as possible."

"Thanks. Ah, before I forget," Kuroko shifted his body slightly as he peered into those multi-colored eyes. "I also wanted to ask you this. There's going to be a spring break soon and my team was planning on heading out for training. We haven't chosen the site yet, but I wanted to see if you wanted to bring your group along as well. It'll help both sides in training. After all, seeing their opponent beside them makes anyone want to do their best to outshine the other."

"Hmm," The redhead rubbed the bottom of his chin, quickly calculating whether or not it was for the best or not. He couldn't see anything wrong with the idea and it would definitely be beneficial for the team than simply remaining at school. It could work as a way to boost their morality. "I'll think about it. I do like the idea however; I'll need to check the funds. I'll send you a message sometime tomorrow. That should be alright, yes?"

"Yes, thank you, Akashi-kun." Just as they made it to the end of their conversation, the driver finally came, stopping in front of the two teenagers. They shared their awkward goodbyes and went their separate ways. Akashi wanted to walk home instead of getting a ride, leaving himself in the silence of the street. As the vehicle vanished behind a wall onto the main street, the redhead smirked to himself, finding the situation interesting. It looked like he would be talking with the others tomorrow about this little plan.

7500-10,000 yen = $100-$135 in USD – regular shoes cost around $20-$50 depending on the brand. However, since there's been a change in yen to USD (100 yen = $1 now), the price would be different.