Visibility

By: Aviantei

Omake: Bluntness

Airi clung tightly onto Tetsuya's hand, probably more than was necessary. The station was full of sounds: people talking, an occasional voice calling out schedule changes over the speaker system, trains pulling in and out of the rails in massive roars. Airi hadn't ridden a train since she had moved to Tokyo a few months ago, and it had been the first one in a while. Even though they were just waiting for Akashi and Kaizuto to arrive, a bubble of nervousness still piled up in Airi's stomach, feeling as if it were about to pop.

"Airi-san, are you alright?" Tetsuya asked. Even though his voice was quiet, Airi could still hear it over everything else, and it helped ease away some of the pressure. "We can go wait farther outside if you like."

Airi shook her head, turning in Tetsuya's direction. The grip of his own fingers showed his concern, and she reached her own hand up to stroke her thumb across his cheek. "I'll be fine," she said. "Crowds really don't bother me. I'm just a bit nervous about this whole meet-up."

"Akashi-kun likes you," Tetsuya said, though that really wasn't the problem. "And he said Kaizuto-san was looking forward to coming, if not a bit nervous about it."

"I'm sure that Kaizuto-san is happy to go with Akashi-san, wherever that is." Though the two girls had only been around each other for a small amount of time, Airi felt certain of that much. Even if things were probably a bit more complicated than that. "I guess maybe this is a bit unfair to say, but this whole thing almost feels like that double date we went on with Kise-san and Mayurama-san, you know?"

Tetsuya chuckled, and Airi moved a bit closer to the sound. "Putting the idea of a date aside, this should definitely be a lot less hectic than hanging out with Kise-kun."

"I would certainly hope so," Akashi's voice cut through the din, and Airi stopped herself from jumping. She could normally tell where Akashi was easily; his presence was just so intense. Today, though, it was a bit dulled, but still Akashi, if only confirmed by the weaker but no less distinct presence of Kaizuto behind him. "Kise has a habit of making things more complicated than they need be. It's nice to see you again, Kuroko, Watanabe."

"Thanks for inviting us," Kaizuto added, performing a small bow in addition to her words. There was a small edge to her voice, but Airi couldn't tell what it was over. Tetsuya had mentioned that the other girl tended to be nervous as a default, but Kaizuto's tone was a bit different than that. "Maybe we should go somewhere less crowded?"

Airi nodded. "There's a café nearby that's usually pretty empty," she provided. Kaizuto's small sigh barely made it past the rest of the noise. Airi smiled. "Being in clustered places like this makes it hard for me to see. Shall we go?"

"Of course," Akashi said, and Tetsuya squeezed onto Airi's fingers in reassurance. "If you would lead the way, Watanabe."

Watanabe?

"This way, Airi-san," Tetsuya reminded, nudging her in the correct direction. Airi realized that he had lost track of the walls in her distraction and adjusted her mental map. Airi did fairly well in crowds on her own, but Tetsuya's presence made things all the easier. Once they were out of the bustle of the station, Airi took point, focusing more on her route than participating in the small conversation the others were having. "You're probably hard at work on training for the Inter-High, huh?"

"Naturally," Akashi said, and now that they were in the open air, Airi was sure of it. Something was off about his voice—a little less on edge maybe. No, that wasn't quite right either. "Not that you didn't earn your victory, but we won't lose again, Kuroko."

Kaizuto nodded in a small, subtle movement. "Everyone's been working hard," she said, with less force but no less determination. "Reo-senpai says he's looking forward to it."

Tetsuya chuckled. Airi listened in for the crossing signal and for any cars coming down the street. Tetsuya started forward first, giving the go-ahead. "Come to think of it, your previous manager was a third-year, right? That means you're the lead manager now, right, Kaizuto-san."

"That's right…" Airi couldn't say for certain, but her guess was that Kaizuto was blushing. "Though I still have a lot to learn. A lot of our regulars are the same this year, but there's a lot more work being the main one in charge than just the assistant."

Airi and Tetsuya both went to say something at once, the sounds of their breaths mingling together, but Akashi got there first. "Don't second guess yourself," he said. "You've more than proven that you deserve your position. I'll be counting on you for the next two years."

"Y-yes."

"We're here," Airi announced, smiling to herself. Tetsuya opened the door, letting a rush of air conditioning into the street. "We have to order inside, but it's actually not too hot out. Are you all alright with sitting at a patio table?"

A series of affirmatives later, the group had clustered around the counter. There was a certain bustle that meant it was busier than usual, but the atmosphere was generally relaxed. Even if there were several people, it wouldn't be too distracting. Trusting Tetsuya and Kaizuto to retrieve the food and drinks, Airi navigated out to the back patio, leading Akashi into a wash of warm sunshine.

"I wanted to thank you," Tetsuya said after the door closed behind Airi and Akashi. Kaizuto turned towards him, her hands pressed against the counter.

"I should be the one thanking you," she said, staring blankly behind the counter. "You never gave up in him. That's a lot more than I did."

Her tone was bitter, but Tetsuya wasn't sure what she was thinking. Kaizuto was less open than Airi, not as trusting. He didn't think Kaizuto was angry at him, though. Maybe at herself for what she had done. "I can't say that I never gave up…" he admitted, voice quieter than usual.

Kaizuto's head whipped around, sending her ponytail bouncing through the air. Eyes wide and lips parted, she stared at him, almost unsure what to think. The words might not have been the best idea, but they couldn't be taken back now. Even if he brushed it off, Kaizuto was sure to remember. Tetsuya cleared his throat: "Besides, you already thanked me before."

"And you already thanked me," Kaizuto returned evenly. "That didn't stop you from trying."

Their server returned to the counter, beginning to place out their orders. Kaizuto went to retrieve some napkins and utensils, picking at a straw wrapper at her return. Tetsuya hoped that Airi was faring better with Akashi.

"I'm trying," Kaizuto finally said. "I don't think I'm doing the right thing. But you know about both of them, don't you?" Tetsuya could only nod. "To you, seeing him change in that game was like resetting things back the way that they should be." It was like an erasure of everything that twisted Akashi at Teiko. Even if Tetsuya had been intimidated as an opponent, he had still been relieved. "To me, I lost everything I understood about him, Kuroko-kun. I'm sure you know how difficult that was."

Tetsuya did. He had gone through the same thing when Akashi had switched for the first time. He was left with a completely different person, and Tetsuya had been at a loss. Kaizuto must have been experiencing the same thing. "I'm sor…"

"Some things can't be fixed with an apology," Kaizuto interrupted. For a moment, she clutched at her shoulder, then went to pick up the tray bearing her and Akashi's food. Tetsuya had completely missed their order being filled. "I'll manage, so don't spend your time worry about it. Just don't make any sudden changes yourself. You'll break Watanabe-chan's heart."

All Tetsuya could do was follow Kaizuto out to the patio.

Ah, maybe this wasn't the best call…

Airi liked to think that she could handle most situations; even people like Kagami weren't incredibly intimidating once she got used to them. But Akashi was on a completely different level, and Airi wasn't sure what to expect out of him. Especially today, when he felt different than usual.

"You're nervous, aren't you?" Akashi asked, causing Airi to bump into a nearby chair. Thankfully it was empty, so there was no need to apologize. She turned to Akashi, sensing a nod. "It's big enough for all of us. Why don't you take a seat?"

Airi nodded as well, pulling out a chair. Akashi sat on the other side of the table. Even with the distance between them, Airi couldn't make herself feel at ease, no matter how much she tried.

"I'm not angry," Akashi said with no prompting. He could read others probably even better than Airi could. "It's a normal reaction. I take it Tetsuya didn't tell you?"

"He said it was something he didn't want to talk about yet," Airi answered. Akashi had helped her greatly, and he had helped Tetsuya, too, but there was more to it than that. "He didn't tell me much, but he sounded a bit sad when he said it. I didn't pry, but…" Airi squeezed her hands together under the table, wishing could hold onto Tetsuya. "I think you hurt him, Akashi-san. You and the rest of your team."

She hadn't meant to sound so accusing, but Airi couldn't help it. Even with only part of the story, she felt a small anger over the way Tetsuya talked about middle school. Despite her worries, Akashi hardly radiated any sort of annoyance. "I suppose we did," he admitted, but didn't say anything else. It was odd to see him at a loss for words.

"Kaizuto-san, too," Airi blurted the words. "I think she's hurt, too. Again, I have no room to speak on the matter, but you should really pay more attention to those around you." She really shouldn't have been saying things when Akashi had given so much help, but Airi didn't think she could stay silent on the matter.

"Kaizuto as well," Akashi said. Airi got the sense that he was smiling, even if it was self-depreciating. "You're sharp, Watanabe. Will it be enough to say that I'm trying?"

I don't know. Airi adjusted her posture, trying to smooth out her skirt. The door to inside the café chimed open, Tetsuya's presence in the open air. "As long as you're doing something," Airi said softly. "But don't leave it be for too long."

Akashi seemed to contemplate the gesture, then his posture shifted as well. "I noticed your brother isn't here today." His tone had shifted, probably to give the appearance of friendly conversation. Airi didn't like hiding things from Tetsuya, but it wouldn't do good to make a scene when the basketball clubs were trying to have a relaxing moment before the next tournament started. "Is he doing alright?"

"He's doing some part-time work," Airi answered. Akashi's surprise was lost in the clatter of Tetsuya and Kaizuto setting trays on the table. "Even though we're grateful for your help, he wants to try and do more." Not that Youta didn't work hard enough for her sake already, but it was nice to see him do something for himself.

"It's admirable, isn't it?" Tetsuya asked, taking a seat beside Airi. She pulled towards his presence. On the other side of the table, Kaizuto sat beside Akashi, but nowhere as close. "I'm glad he's found something he can work towards."

Airi looked to Akashi, trying to hide the slight displeasure from her expression. You should try and do the same, Akashi-san.

Despite his awkwardness with Kaizuto, Tetsuya felt like the afternoon had gone well enough. Airi seemed to have enjoyed and nearly worn herself out, taking slow steps back home. Tetsuya held onto her hand, making sure to keep her steps on track, even if he was feeling a bit sleepy himself.

"They both felt different," Airi remarked. Tetsuya glanced to her. "Kaizuto-san seemed to be edgier. And Akashi-san…"

"There are two of him," Tetsuya supplied, not knowing what other words to use. Airi didn't comment, frowning in thought. "Did something happen? He's different this way, but…"

Tetsuya stopped, remembering Kaizuto's words. Even if Tetsuya found thought of his friend as the original, that didn't exactly make things better. There easier way was to just say it: things were complicated. And if Tetsuya's own relationship with his former captain was strained, he didn't know what to say about Kaizuto and Airi, who had met Akashi as the other.

"I guess I'm just worried," Airi admitted, facing forward. Over the rooftops, the sun was starting to go down, and Tetsuya tried to come up with the proper words to describe the shade of orange. "I don't know what to expect for them. And I don't think they do, either."

"They'll be fine," Tetsuya assured. "Somehow, I think. It won't be easy for them, but they'll make it." Kaizuto had held onto faith in Tetsuya during the Winter Cup finals. The least he could do was have faith in her. "They both have a lot to learn, but I think they're trying to do it together."

Airi smiled faintly. "Which is what matters, isn't it?" She took a deep breath. "I think we have a lot to learn ourselves, but…" She gestured in front of them, bringing Tetsuya's attention back to the sky. "Is it beautiful out there?"

Tetsuya made a point of looking at Airi, knowing she'd be able to sense it. "Yes, it is." Her cheeks flushed, and Tetsuya smiled with her. Then he looked back to the sunset and began to describe the colors, making sure not to forget to include the fading shades of red.

[NOTES] Well, I don't know if anyone expected this, but here's a little bonus chapter to let you know these characters are still on my mind!

Thank you so, so, so much to the trieuth, CherryPop0120, Pea Brain Writer, jmercedes1, Tamani, jab3205, JoanieAudrey, KamiKaze no Kage, Celeste D. Lilica, PandaGurl13, ButStillIntoYou, Thao Sama, Bugrainbowz, Guest, luminesse1, MissingInspiration, Lazensham Dark-hunterxONihime, Ultimatum12, Silent Angels Yet To Come, Another-Jane-Doe, Starawesomeness2, panterlein, Firecracker Girl10, , hazelstorm92, spellitbyLOVE, Phoenician Rose, MenmaKurosaki, sh00123, blacknitdragon, SuperKai563, TheTruthSeeker, Akaidance, Fanfictionater37129, Hal Winged Angel, DeathWillNotPrevail, Senpai Kaylee, Gene1917, VioletFan123, you're beautiful, Daisuki1993, BookNerd2153, Moony the Mature One, InTheDarkestHowers, Petrichor in May, Hazard (Guest), radicalfeline, Tamapyon, snowdayz, Poisonsnake23, Jennosaur, Snoara, kimikokimono, LonerReader, LunarQuartet, He4artBreaker101, two red converse, InLuvWithCandy, VongolaCielo27, StarRose101, Naruto no Ookami, woofbot, malimali, 8whiteWolf8, YatogamiKushina, macwag5, Niln, Panda Nyxus, aoa1012, KarmaMustLoveMe, SweetieYammy, AnimeGmr101, XFallenSakuraX, LightlesShadow, Don't queestion it, Christopher Dragkrow, sweetandsimple1, Ryoko Ishida, Raven-V-Blackshade, m00nbunnie, QuietPsych, Rsur Thorai, IcedLady, SophsShootingStar19, hachinonana, pandalatte, patamon642, bcatty, NekoAlondra, PockySnow, Nashii, Chiruka, , Maynnar Silvertin, Gryffbaby, EvilQueen16, KidKat63, aishiteru-tenshi, yaitorii, QuixoticKitsune, Pandakat312, Lotus Lau, nejisakura, and The Truth Seeker for your support as favorites, follows, and reviews! Goodness there were a lot of you after the final chapter posted, and I feel seriously honored to get this much attention!

Bonus thanks to my wonderful IRL friend Josh, for having a ton of enthusiasm for this story (and Airi in particular). I know you've been having a stressful time, man, and you seriously deserve a breather. Hope that this can help out.

Anyway, this omake was mainly written to let you all know that Reliability has begun! Thus, the predominant featuring of Akashi and Megumi. I do still plan to write this story's sequel, but in order to keep the timeline straight, I decided that it would be best to write their section of story next. I'm kind of struggling to find the time to balance out all my stories, but I will be working on that one as I find time. If it interests you, check it out!

On that self promoting note, I am out and about on social media. This includes (PlotBunnyProductions), WordPress (plotbunnyproductions), Twitter (Plot_K_Bunny), tumblr (aviantei-plotbunny), and deviantArt (Aviantei)! If any of those are your thing, I'd love to connect!

That being said, I just wanted to thank everyone again for reading this story. It means the world to me to have people enjoy my work. Hopefully I can write something again that will catch your interest.

Seriously, thank you.

[POST] 041616