#but I wanted to draw Kai losing his teeth for awhile

[hiddensneker]

Do you dream of losing teeth?

[30secondstoanime]

Taming the Emperor Chapter 11

An Emperor Makes a Plan & a Conflicted Empress

A/N: It’s been awhile huh *sweats*. Things are finally coming to a head so buckle up! Thank you everyone that’s sent me kind words & even those who just read the fic. It means a lot.

Also b/c I just noticed I never mentioned it, these characters are not mine, but their actions are :D

“You WHAT?”

You feel yourself cringe at Aiko’s outburst. Angry and annoyed faces turn to remind you and your best friend that you are in the library.

“Aiko please. You’re going to get us kicked out before I can finish telling you everything.”

Your friend huffs quietly before re-adjusting herself in her chair.

“I think I’ve heard enough.” Her irked expression makes you roll your eyes.

“You cannot be mad at me for not texting you updates.”

“As a matter of fact as your best friend I can.”

“You’re being difficult and you know it. It’s not like I wanted to keep this all bundled up! I’ve been losing it ya know? First it was Kai, then Akashi, and then Kai again. It’s been a lot to handle on my own.”

You look at your friend and her brown eyes twinkle with mischief.

“I know, I know. I just like giving you a hard time. Still, I can’t believe all of this happened while I was gone. Crappy cell service is going to be the death of me.”

A giggle escapes at her exaggerated groan of frustration.

“How was the trip by the way?”

“Oh you know my family. Everything had to be perfect. The funeral itself was beautiful. Grandma would’ve been very pleased.” Pain flashes across Aiko’s face and your heart clenches.

“I’m still so sorry. Your grandma was an amazing woman.” She lets you take her hand, giving it a light squeeze.

You’d spent a lot of summers with Aiko at her grandmother’s farm in the countryside. She’d given you some of the best advice and memories.

“She was. Do you remember that one time when we let the chickens out of their coup because we thought they deserved to be free?”

“Pff ha-ha. How could I forget. She had us spend all day trying to corral them all back in. I’d never been more embarrassed in my life. Especially with all the neighbors she’d invited watching.”

Your voice crackles with suppressed laughter.

“Oh my gosh! I almost forgot that part. She totally did invite them to watch. Even made tea for everyone!”

Your eyes make contact and neither of you can keep the laughter in. The sound shatters the library’s quiet. It doesn’t take long before you’ve both succumbed to a fit of hysterics. When you finally manage to stifle the laughter you know it’s time to go. The students in the library are glaring so intensely at you that to stay would be asking for a teacher to reprimand you both.

“I think it’s time for us to go.”

Aiko scans the library and nods in agreement. You're almost finished packing up your things when you hear Aiko take in a sharp breath. You glance up and notice she’s focused on something behind you. Turning your head to search for what’s caught her attention you feel your heartbeat quicken. Red hair and two strikingly different colored eyes. You draw your eyebrows in as your lips purse in unease. ‘What is he doing here?’

“(L/N)-san.”

You clench your jaw at the honorific. You didn’t like the way it sounded coming from him. Although you’d be loathe to admit it, you enjoyed it when he didn’t use an honorific. The silence draws on making it apparent that you have no intention of responding. Akashi clears his throat.

“I wanted to apologize for . . . um . . . my actions and what I said on Saturday in the car. Know that to me you are much more than a challenge.”

His words barely come out above a whisper. Too stunned to even think of a response you push back your chair, sling your backpack over one shoulder, and walk past the Emperor. You feel your hands graze and the calluses on his fingers bring back memories. Vivid memories. You rush out of the library. The feeling of his fingers tracing patterns on the inside of your thigh, his hand on the small of your back, him holding your hand when he led you out of the gym. Everything comes rushing back. The world begins to spin as your heart beats sporadically. A gentle touch on your shoulder brings you back to the present.

“You okay?”

Aiko’s worried expression clears your mind instantly.

“Yeah, I’m good. Just a bit overwhelmed. I have no idea what he’s trying to pull and it’s pissing me off.”

“What he’s trying to pull? (F/N) I’m confused. It sounded like an apology.”

“No. Nothing is ever so simple and mundane with Seijuro. There’s always an ulterior motive. I just can’t figure out what it is . . .” You begin to pace.

“So you’re on a first name, no honorific basis now? You left that juicy bit out.”

You look up confused.

“I’m what? Aiko, you’re not -” You shut up quickly realizing you had in fact just used Akashi’s first name. If you had been in a clearer state of mind you would have reminded your best friend that she was the one who cut your story telling short.

“I mean it’s cool, just a bit odd all things considered.”

“Well it doesn’t mean anything Aiko. It just slipped out.”

“Ah-huh sure. Whatever you say.” The teasing nature of her tone doesn’t help alleviate your growing apprehension.

“Seriously drop it.”

“Seriously you used his first name and frankly his apology sounded earnest. No ulterior motive. And based on your reaction I’d say it meant something.” Aiko shrugs her shoulders casually.

“Well it doesn’t.”

“You mean it can’t don’t you.”

Aiko’s understanding washes you of the guilt that had been gathering in your gut at your slip up.

“Yes.”

“Okay, then it doesn't mean anything.”

You feel your body relax as you both turn to walk back to class.

“So, does this mean I have your permission to pummel Akashi for hurting you?”

“Ha-ha, it’s good to have you back.”

“It’s good to be back. Now tell me more about this Aomine Daiki.”

She throws a suggestive grin in your direction.

“Aiko!”

Akashi hurries down the hallway. Students part without any suggestion making it easy for him to pick up his pace. Making a sharp turn his eyes scan for the right room. Akashi spots the flier and make his way to the door. Not bothering to knock Akashi enters the room and regards the group of six students sitting in a circle. All six pairs of eyes flick up taking in the Emperor. They almost don’t register his presence. Then as if they all had the exact realization chairs are pushed back and bows are made. Murmurs of greeting are the only words that break the silence. Time drags on and the students shift their weight uncomfortably. No one dares speak.

“I’ve come to make a suggestion.”

The group raise their eyebrows in confusion before they each school their expressions into neutrality. One student, undoubtedly one of the two third year representatives, takes a step forward.

“What kind of suggestion Akashi-san?”

At hearing the honorific an arrogant smirk pulls at Akashi’s lips. Even third years knew their place in respect to himself.

“I want the end of the year festival to be ballroom dance themed.”

“A ball? There isn’t money in the budget for such an extravagant end of -”

“Rui, you speak out of place. Please be silent.” The second third year, Rui, looks aggravated but steps back. She makes no attempt to hide her contempt for the Emperor.

“So you want there to be a ball?”

“Correct.”

“How do you propose we organize and fund such an event?”

Akashi waives his right hand in dismissal.

“The details involved in creating and funding this event do not concern me. That is the job of this council is it not?”

The male third year clenches his jaw silencing a sharp retort no doubt. Akashi takes the silence as affirmation.

“Well then, I look forward to seeing what you manage to pull together.”

Unconcerned with any response that might be given, Akashi turns and walks to the door. With one foot over the threshold he pauses to make a final remark,

“It is with my greatest hope that this year's festival will not disappoint.”

He doesn’t even turn his head as he exits the room. All six council members swap glances of worry. Akashi’s suggestion would be done. However, doing so would be no easy feat.

“You're late Sei-chan.”

Akashi takes in his vice captain. A sharp glint passes through Reo’s blue-gray eyes and is the only indication of his annoyance.

“I had a few things to take care of.”

Reo nods once knowing that there'd be no use in pushing the Emperor for further information. Instead he follows Akashi’s gaze and it's fixated on a single point. A single person. You. The vice captain tenses and clenches his fist.

Akashi walks over to where you've made yourself comfortable. He keeps his eyes trained on a spot just above your left shoulder. It does little to keep him from noting that you keep tugging on your bottom lip with your teeth. Lips that had left a trail of lightly bruised skin along his chest. Akashi stiffens as the memory surfaces. He can feel you straddling his thighs eagerly rocking into him. Your (E/C) eyes sprinkled with desire looking at him from under thick lashes. Akashi’s imagination runs with his train of thought. Now you're in his room, on his bed, and doing pleasurable things with your mouth. He's so tangled in his thoughts that he doesn't hear you greet him. Doesn’t notice you turn your body to look at him. It's your aggressive shove of his shoulder that finally brings an end to his daydream. Your face is drawn in gentle concern. Akashi takes a step back to shift his weight in the hopes of hiding his arousal.

“Are you okay Akashi-san?”

“I was going to ask you the same thing (L/N)-san.”

You squint at him as your eyes give him a once over. Blood rushes to Akashi’s head hopefully being redirected from the tension in his groin. You move as though to caress his forehead but stop short. The gentle concern is quickly replaced with a hardened look of calculation. Akashi stiffens at the sudden pang of hurt because of your change in expression.

“You should get back to practice. You are late after all.”

The formality and curtness of your tone grates against Akashi’s ears. He had hoped that his apology, which had taken much effort, would have warmed the icy nature of your relationship. It appears that you have yet again proven yourself to not be so easily bent to his will. Choosing not to respond Akashi gives you a brisk nod before turning back to his team.

“Alright everyone count off. Today we’re breaking into two teams. We’ll be focusing on both our defensive and offensive strategy. I warn you all this will push everyone, myself included.”

As the last words leave his mouth Akashi shakes himself of his previous distress.

(An hour and forty-five minutes later)

Sweat pools in the hollow of Akashi’s throat. He scans the court as the rest of his team completes the championship run.1 As they finish the squad gathers around their captain.

“Decent job.”

Those words were the closest the Emperor would ever get to praise. Quiet and knowing smiles pass between the Rakuzan’s mens basketball team. Members quickly disperse to gather their belongings, put away equipment, and head home. Akashi takes a moment to wipe the sweat from his collar and forehead. His muscles burn and the sensation brings a small grin to his face. There were few things he enjoyed more than knowing he had pushed himself and his muscles in practice. Gathering his own belongings Akashi makes his way out of the gym. Even in the dim light of the courtyard Akashi can make out your form. You are standing alone. Acting on pure whim Akashi starts in your direction only to stop mid stride. Another figure appears out of the shadow of one of the academic buildings. Tall, athletic build, and auburn hair. Matsuoka Kai. Contempt flares through Akashi’s chest. The emotion reverberates from deep within him, collecting viciously in what would be unleashed in a fury resembling a tornado. On a fixed path and destructive to all in its way. Before Akashi can make a move you glance in his direction. Your (E/C) eyes seem to urge him to release his anger. To let it evaporate. But that could have just been his imagination.

In the next instant you slide your hand into Kai’s allowing your fingers to intertwine. Kai tugs you close and plants a gentle kiss against your jaw. You start in surprise, but grin blithely up at him. Using your free hand you pull Kai’s face towards your own. Your bodies mold into each other as Kai moves to deepen the kiss. Your hand fists in his hair. Akashi stands cemented to his spot half shadowed. You knew he was here watching. You wanted him to see this. When you finally pull apart the radiance in your eyes fills Akashi with anguish. In unison you both turn and make your way through the front gates. The anger leaves Akashi in a rush. There is a sting behind his eyes that startles him into action. He turns back to the gym and in the silent darkness of the only place he has ever felt whole he releases his feelings. The scream is cut short by a strangled sob. On his knees Akashi curls into himself. The ache in his heart spreading through the rest of him. Soon he feels hollow. As feeble as a feather and as damaged as they day he discovered his mother would never again be returning home. Your actions had hurt in ways he thought impossible. In ways that were only mentioned in soppy romances or the lives of his Teiko teammates. He was above this. He was supposed to be better. These things were not meant to happen to Akashi Seijuro. His tears scorch his skin in shame as they travel down his face. Each teardrop is a betrayal to his family name. Within the few months that you had been part of his life Akashi had come to appreciate you. To value your presence, to yearn for your fiery challenges, and he dare admit he saw you as an equal. You had taken root in his heart and now you were violently ripping yourself out of it. Is this how you felt at his words? His lack of action? ‘Forgive me (F/N). I did not know the power I wielded. I will make it right.’ At his last thought Akashi unfurls himself into an upright position. His resolve slowly piecing itself back together. Taking a shaky breath Akashi fills his lungs before slowly exhaling. There in the darkness his eyes flash with his will.

The math problem staring at you from your textbook is starting to rub your last good nerve. The problem involved a tree, a river, and solving the distance from one spot to another. Your teeth gently tug at your bottom lip in concentration and mild annoyance. Akashi had yet to arrive. How is he supposed to tutor you if he isn’t even here. Sighing in resignation you lift your head to scan the gym. It didn’t take long to find the person you were searching for. Akashi stood directly in front of you.

“You’re finally here! Will you please help me now?” You hope your voice is light and untainted by your annoyance. When he doesn’t respond you let out an exasperated breath. You shift your body so that you’re facing him only to realize that he’s not even present. By the look in his eyes he’s very far away. Your palm shoves against his shoulder in an attempt to bring Akashi back from wherever he had gone. He takes a step back trying to subtly shift his weight. Odd.

“Are you okay Akashi-san?”

“I was going to ask you the same thing (L/N)-san.”

You squint at him as your eyes give him a once over. A deep flush begins to stretch itself from Akashi's neck to his face. ‘What is he so embarrassed about?’ Worried that he might be sick you reach your hand out to his forehead. An instant before your wrist nears his head you pause. Here you are showing concern for someone who had shown so little of the same emotion towards you in the few months you had known him. Allowing the gentle concern to ripple into hardened calculation was easy. You are after all not entirely sure you trusted Akashi Seijuro or your actions around him. Hoping to get him to leave you brusquely point out the obvious,

“You should get back to practice. You are late after all.”

You notice Akashi’s body stiffens ever so slightly at your tone. You prepare for a retort. Eagerly await it. He offers you no response. Instead he turns and walks back towards his team. Only then do you realize you had completely forgotten to ask him for help. You inwardly groan. Silently you watch as he breaks the team in half.

(An hour and forty-five minutes later)

The practice is coming to a close, so you begin to put your things away. Akashi had been very helpful this practice. Even managed to help you grasp some fundamental concepts. Your eyes linger on the Emperor. Even from the position you’re at you can tell the practice had been hard for him. Sweat has collected in the hollow of his throat where something is out of place. The more focused your gaze becomes the easier it is for you to recognize what is bothering you about his appearance. Akashi’s skin usually soft and pale has been disrupted by a patch of skin that is a mixture of deep purple and splashes of red wine. ‘What in the world happened to him?’ Just as the thought leaves its answer materializes.

You pull away from the kiss and lean your head towards his exposed chest. Light kisses and small nibbles against is skin send shivers up Akashi’s spine.

Apparently your kisses were not as light as you had intended them to be. Your face brightens at the realization. You speed up collecting your belongings feeling unsettled at the small flare of triumph at the sight of Akashi’s blemished skin. You had marked the Emperor.

Your school bag bumps against your back as your feet connect with the gym’s floor. Wasting no time you make a beeline for the exit. The crisp evening air presses against your face, its biting undercurrent no doubt bringing color to your cheeks. You come to a complete stop a few feet away from one of Rakuzan’s many academic buildings. You’re alone only for a few minutes before the lean shape of Kai exiting the building catches your attention. You move to hug him in greeting, but the hairs on the back of your neck rise in alarm. You stop your movement instantly. (E/C) eyes search the darkness, hunting for the cause of alarm. Akashi stands at least ten feet away from you and Kai. Even from this distance you can tell the Emperor is fuming. From the set of his feet, the tautness of his jaw, even his aura had shifted to something much darker. Akashi’s eyes held such malice. The recipient of such spite is Kai of course. ‘Possessive asshole, ’ you grumble to yourself silently. Stilling your disgruntlement you push thoughts of serenity towards Akashi. You will him to release his anger before something irreversible occurs. His stances changes. The blazing intensity that was once there becomes a quiet fire. Your own tension dissipates, freeing your limbs. What had felt like hours had only been mere moments. Kai’s finally made it to you and your hand grabs for his instinctively. Kai tugs gently pulling you in close. Expecting a hug, his lips brushing against your jaw is a surprise. You start. A pleasant sensation travels down your spine. You grin up at him. Using your free hand you pull Kai’s face further into your reach. You return the surprise with a swift peck on his lips. A quick decision is made. You pull your bodies closer turning the swift peck into a much more passionate kiss. When Kai tilts his head to deepen the kiss your eyes flutter open. Time stills as a feeling of someone tugging at your gut overcomes you. Out of your peripheral vision you see Akashi’s figure still cemented in the half shadows. Without a second thought you move your hand that is caressing Kai’s neck into his hair. Your fingers quickly tangle in his auburn locks. A gentle tug sends shudders through Kai. He pulls away first his lips slightly bruised. The smile on his face is from ear to ear. It pulls your own smile filled with affection and happiness to settle on your face.

“I think we should get going.” Kai’s voice is thick with emotion.

You decide not to respond with words. Instead you nod your head and quirk your lip in agreement. As you make your way through the entrance gates you wonder about the Emperor. He had seen the intimacy transpire - you had made sure of that. ‘I hope it made him hurt.’ Your sudden and shocking thought sends a sour taste to your mouth. Kai deserved better, hell even Akashi. There were definitely things you needed to sort out before the end of the year festival. You weren’t looking forward to the outcomes.

(time skip to the second to last week of March)

“Akashicchi! Would you please hold still.” The golden haired Generation of Miracles star pleads in annoyance.

“This man is getting too personal.” Akashi eyes the man who is slowly making his way to the inside of his leg. It's taking all his hard learned etiquette to keep from pushing the man away.

“That man is one of the best tailors in the region. Now hold still if you know what’s good for you.”

A silent argument between the two former teammates draws all the air from the room.

“I am done Kise-san. The suit will be ready sometime by the end of the week.”

“Ah, Homie-sama you are the best!” Kise grabs the tailor’s hands holding them between his own.

“Anything for my favorite customer.” The stocky tailor makes his exit as Kise turns to an upset Emperor.

“Don’t you pout at me Akashicchi. I’m doing you a favor.”

“I am not pouting,” the Emperor retorts crossly.

“Good because now we’re getting lunch with everyone.”

“Everyone?”

“Is that not what I just said?” Sighing, Kise grabs the Emperor’s arm, neatly looping them together, and exits the shop. The customers resume their shopping amused as the small spectacle comes to a close.

(line)

“Kind of you to join us Midorima.”

“Sorry for my tardiness. My horoscope said to enjoy the path less traveled.”

The detailed map of Tokyo he holds in his left hand is of course his lucky item. Eyes roll and heads shake. To expect any other kind of excuse to come from the shooting guard would be wasted time. Midorima takes his seat and all eyes look to Kuroko. He takes a moment and begins to lay out the plan.

“. . . After we must make sure everything transitions smoothly. So, does everyone understand the game plan?”

“Mhhmm.”

“Yup.”

“Got it.”

“Yes.”

“Yeah.”

“What’s her zodiac?”

“Oh Kurokocchi,” Kise swoons in his chair; his hands come to rest dramatically against his chest, “what I wouldn't give to be on the receiving end of your romantic gestures.”

Kise’s golden eyes glance over and lock with Kuroko’s. The shadow flushes from head to toe at the intense sensuality in the formers glance. His light doesn't look all too pleased by the golden Miracle’s encroachment much to the enjoyment of everyone gathered. Kagami looks ready to tell Kise off. Akashi looks around the table and can’t help the fondness that bubbles up at the sight. Friends - his friends - eating lunch and making plans to help him set things right with a girl. Had anyone described the scene before him a year ago he’d have laughed at the absurdity.

“Oi! Murasakibara keep your fingers away from my food!”

“But Kagami you have so much.”

“And I plan on eating it all, so if you wouldn’t mind. Pick from Kuroko’s plate. He rarely eats all his food anyway.”

“Kagami-kun! Don’t go speaking on my behalf.”

The light glances at his shadow eyebrows drawn up in surprise at the sharp tone. Everyone glances at Kuroko. The shadow blushes.

“I gave all my food to Tetsuya 2.”

Loud groans from Murasakibara and Kagami almost drown out the even louder laughter. Akashi’s been so absorbed in the childish antics he didn't even realize the one person out of place.

“Why is he here? He isn’t even a Miracle.”

The side conversations all stop at Akashi’s sudden outburst. The individual in question pauses mid bite. Grey eyes harden. He opens his mouth to respond but Kagami beats him to it.

“I invited him. Got a problem with it?” Kagami’s voice is edged with a hidden threat. Daring Akashi to say something about his brother.

“No. I am simply surprised you brought a plus one. I thought that since Kuroko was already a Miracle you would have no need for one.”

Kagami jerks back like he’s been slapped. The sharp retort he had taking shape dies on his tongue. The pink dusting his cheeks only makes everyone howl louder. Aomine presses his fist against his mouth. Murasakibara takes the lapse in attention to scrape some of Kagami’s food onto his own plate. Kise grins like a fool, eyeing Kuroko suggestively. The cornflower eyed boy pulls Tetsuya 2 up to his lap in futile attempt to create a wall. Midorima pinches the bridge of his nose, their horoscopes told him nothing of this development in their relationship. Himuro smiles while he wriggles his eyebrows at his younger brother who in turn glares daggers at him. Akashi does his best to keep his smirk off his face with little success. You have no idea what is coming.

A/N: Woohoo, what do the boys have planned?? You'll be seeing more of them & their antics so get excited. I hope Akashi's breakdown wasn't too OOC, it was hard to write. Keep a lookout for the next chapter (it gets intense!!!). As always your encouragement, love, messages, and continued readership is much appreciated.

1. A championship run is basically a suicide run followed by four sprints across the gym floor lengthwise (I've had to run these back when I played basketball they are brutal, especially at the end of practice)