
Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/6883945.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Underage, Rape/Non-Con, Graphic_Depictions_Of_Violence
  Category:
      M/M
  Fandom:
      Kuroko_no_Basuke_|_Kuroko's_Basketball
  Relationship:
      Akashi_Seijuurou/Midorima_Shintarou, Akashi_Seijuurou/Midorima_Shintarou/
      Takao_Kazunari, Midorima_Shintarou_&_Takao_Kazunari, Akashi_Seijuurou_&
      Kuroko_Tetsuya, Akashi_Seijuurou_&_Nash_Gold_Jr., Akashi_Seijuurou_&
      Nijimura_Shuuzou, Kise_Ryouta/Kuroko_Tetsuya, Aomine_Daiki/Kagami_Taiga
  Character:
      Akashi_Seijuurou, Midorima_Shintarou, Takao_Kazunari, Kuroko_Tetsuya,
      Kise_Ryouta, Akashi_Masaomi, Nash_Gold_Jr., Nijimura_Shuuzou, Mibuchi
      Reo, Furihata_Kouki, Jason_Silver, Aomine_Daiki, Kagami_Taiga, Midorima's
      Father, Midorima's_mother, Midorima's_Sister, Hayama_Kotarou, Nebuya
      Eikichi, Hyuuga_Junpei, Aida_Riko, Momoi_Satsuki, Kiyoshi_Teppei, Haizaki
      Shougo, Jabberwock_(Kuroko_no_Basuke)
  Additional Tags:
      Heavy_Angst, Prostitution, Misunderstanding, oiran, Human_Trafficking,
      Older_Japan_Setting, Kagema, Social_Class, Edo_Period, Historical
      Romance, Drama, Love_with_Temptations, Business_affairs, Imperfection,
      egoism, Secret_Relationship, Slow_Romance, Chemistry, selfish_love,
      Passionate_Sex, decadent, Bottom_Akashi_Seijuurou, code_names, End_of
      Tokugawa_Era, Start_of_Meiji_Period, a_dark_fic, Hate_Sex, hate/love,
      Betrayal, Bittersweet, Sexual_Politics, Forbidden_Love, Westernization,
      Bokushi_and_Oreshi_merge, kagema!akashi
  Stats:
      Published: 2016-05-17 Updated: 2017-03-31 Chapters: 3/? Words: 15600
****** Clandestine: Wet Decubitus of Rosetta ******
by SeiraMili7
Summary
     The mysterious old aristocratic family, Akashi, one of most prominent
     families which influenced greatly on Japan’s political and economies
     development for over more than three centuries has been fall under
     suspicion of anti-Shogunate by certain people.
     Midorima Shintarou is son of currently rising and promising family
     that be send to investigate Akashi’s family secrets deeper and plan
     to overthrow their throne of imperial court. There he unintentionally
     adrift to the enthralling perfect marionette beauty belongs to the
     heir of the family, an elusive Akashi Seijuro whom is one of the
     biggest enigma for the plethora due to its lack of absence within
     society. And things never went smoothly after as planned.
     Between morals, ideals, political philosophy, and ethics which netted
     every movements and dirty schemes on political world, Midorima
     trapped in the valley of vacillation and indelibly unintentional sin
     with severe punishment as he discovered the multi-facades of Akashi
     Seijuro that full of pleasure and impure desire to the point that
     tore his cloth apart and bare aphrodisiac body, created illegitimate
     relationship full of hate and lust.
     A tale of misunderstanding, selfishness, and forbidden love!
Notes
See the end of the work for notes
***** Prologue *****
Chapter Summary
     -
.
.
.
Red light district that emitted by luminescent illumination of the moon was
marred by noise of large walking jinrikisha that ripped unusual vine serenity
at that midnight. Pebbles on the side of lonely street spluttered aghast as
speed impenetrate them with wind writhed in swift to following trail of two
pullers with three people were be carried on the back seat. That vehicle then
stopped its acceleration, right at a seemingly one of Japanese-nuanced
traditional houses which has opened Karagami Shoji at its own Tokonoma from
many of these building lined and crowded on the illicit area. Neat spatial
arrangement accompanied by sheen of buttress was set to prepare a welcome for
noble special guests and clients.
The wooden floor vocalized a quite loud thud as weight of person against it
when the two black-suits butlers dropped a young male –his forearms were being
tied up tightly with black rope and mouth gagged by the same thing-, dressed in
enchanting pink-cerise gradation Susoshikiwith its end of Ushiromigoro sweeping
wide. Pattern of Kuroyukiflowers denoted close to describing his present
status, be degraded to lower point of canaille when many of them roved behind
blur-transparent paper concealing insolent things in every corners of bleak
halls his desperate vision’s recording. The teen releasing quite loud silent
whimper as a middle-aged man with cunning smile greets them.
“Welcome…gentlemen, please entering as you pleased.” He bows steadily.
The leaning brown eyes from him in next narrowing mischievous to a titillate
sight that appealing his feel at the moment it collides to sharpest averse red
reflection.
“It seems that he is the promised child that Lord Akashi Masaomi offering this
house to, right? Let me verify him by my own eyes.”
The man kneeling down near spot the younger red-haired male laying face
downward and turn over his front body whilst stroking recherché red strands
near little red roses hair ornaments. The older black suits man stepping
forward, “How is him?”
“Gorgeous. His extraordinary refined beauty would make him perfect Wakashuas
expected from the true descendant of Akashi’s blood. But there’s still many
training needed to complete him as an obedient Kagema.” His jaw smiles slyly.
“Also,” he continued his sentences and squinted at a golden-haired man wearing
white formal suit that entered the guest room quickly almost unnoticeable, “we
have the customer that already marked him as possession first for tonight.”
The hall silenced momentarily watching remarkable footsteps of the noble’s
presence resulted the two butlers took emotionless glance at him too. The red-
haired teen glowering irate in mute curse when that man spit on him an
insulting familiar smirk at his body.
“My…my…So this is the famous heir of eminent Akashi’s family, isn’t it? He’s
very enchanting like the rumor says.”
The man then walked approaching, “Should I introduce myself first?” asks him,
bowing slightly.
“There is no need. Masaomi-sama had already told us everything required.”
“Oh…I see.” He commented flatly, the small smirk growing into vicious wide grin
with swelling blue eyes, “Then, I would like to begin tasting him now.”
The words provoke his ruby orbs to be unanimous in fear. He starts to thrashing
around, more uncontrollable, kicking untied legs to air to threaten them from
carry him.
One of the black suits pinned the back of his tied hand and neck down
forcefully competed the rigor of Tatami in order to curb the rebelling male and
angrily yells, “Don’t resist too much!!! This is a punishment for you that
being told by your father to us to fulfill concerning the sin you had
committed…You should understand your current state of affairs!!”
“Relax, gentlemen. He’s not adequate enough in his state now.” said the white-
suited man calming as he walked further back facing them, “Besides, Seijuro-kun
no doubt knew the consequence that will happen.” His face turns, still evince
the mock which the teen saw, but the reminder posthaste struck him back to
certain fear, causing the resistance to fade away in succeed.
The right hand and index finger of that man upraised afterwards to set off a
cue as an instruction is heard throughout the room.
“You may bring him in.”
The grabbers lifting his body to air, guides him through darkness plugged where
dirty and intimate tone could be perceived tickling the scruff. Faintly audible
from far the baritone voice of man thanked the owner of this place whom is the
first middle-aged man.
He can heard rubbing sound of doors being shifted to and fro as it slid hard
into his ears down empty alley there. The urge of loathe came dominating
allowing his eyeballs rounder very widen catching an act of legs spreading
service to a dirty old man who evince a big grin of triumph he ever saw as soon
as he got smooth white skin without any synthetic yarns preserving amongst
inches gap, and silently mused when the dilemma of his shameful and lament come
back.
It didn’t take long time to arrive at the intended room where the body getting
dropped by tenderly, as the red-haired male wondering between his delusion of
time and reality, trying to grasp it. His conscience already ascertain in
disgust that hereafter will be the peak of this abyss night. He was reclining
there, quiescent, with front body outspread to anyone whom wanting to have
their “things”. The lustrous magenta Sodedeploys like flowers blooming in
spring season, scattering their strands disordered, waiting and attracting
everything near.
After a few minutes the man appeared in front of sliding door armed bare feet,
as been calculated. Absence of the light of the room shed half of his face with
black shadow, but doesn’t restrain him from seeing the nasty odor out showing
how big the dirty urge currently, the man grinning.
He cursed.
“Looks like you’re ready enough now. Shall we start?” He begin to unbuttoned
his own desultory white shirt one by one, enucleating the manly body that full
of curve of delicious perfect muscles shaped at least six packs painted above
stomach despite his older age. Movement of his hands quickly dismantles the
remaining sprawl spheres, finishing his “first work”, before coming near while
removing panties that covering private part.
“Now is your turn.” Whispered him in the teen’s ear lobe after licking its
outer, leaving trail of little saliva connected to his now-speaking mouth more,
skillfully undoing purple obi as onset when ignoring the harsh growl threat he
considers to be lullaby, “Let me expose every inch of your sweet body and fuck
on it.”
That grunts are mounting roughly and bigger in every steps took to slowly
exposing some fresh skin underneath the deluxe silk fabric shielding. The firm
fingers dancing, tickling on sharp white collarbone and later infiltrating his
shoulder, shooing the kimono disrobe to be down more and more to stripping
upper body. He cranes his tongue to tasting the nipples, licking, sucking,
listening to adorable little purr reaction from this lust impingement. The
sensation of pleasure is filling the golden-haired man, opposite with the
object.
His kisses and marks of bites are creeping almost whole surface of body, traces
from stomach to his subtle neck which become current target of lechery. Area of
the chest which already been played is boating erotically as few bites backs to
raining it with passion. That man then continued to sucking the neck before
bring his face to the flustered teen male who glared, fingers strokes tenderly
to his cheek and after it, lip.
“Your lip is really heavenly, you know, lovely.”
Red strands starts to be caressed, “Too bad your smooth beautiful lips must be
locked. This cloth really interfere me, very annoying, even though I really
wanted to pulverize that rubbery lip of yours.” He commented, kissing his
brittle skin with love, “But with that, I wouldn’t have to listen to your
painful words, isn’t that right, Seijuro-kun?” continued him as he remove the
tie from his hands and pinched it down now between mattress.
He returned in a slightly bent position observing his face.
“Ah…Look at you. Such a beauty of jewelry you possessed….this delicate satin
white skin…soft bright rose strands of yours…You know, Seijuro…my desire became
more and more crave to fuck your dainty body.”
The owner of that luminous ruby orbs merely struggling, tried to twist his
half-naked body to warding the vile treatments he received under the authority
of lustful gaze resemble a wild beast that tasting the flavor inside his body
by biting a few couple of spots of flawless white neck, red marks been printed
as proof of current ownership. His exposed chest swelled from oxygen inhalation
coincides with two pink bulges solidified by naughty stimulation, panted weary
because of lewd acts beyond his will. 
The older man continued to kissed and licked redden sensitive parts of the
younger male while ignoring risen rage fluctuate appeared on redden face. He
looked away to the side, avoiding each possible attacks from him and nudging
while goggles.
“What? Do you have a problem? Hmm….I haven’t thought you’d be this rage because
of this considering the fact that you openly let this small and porcelain body
of yours to be stained easily, and if I recall from what your father said, you
were pretty much welcoming it, didn’t you? Very interesting I opine…You were a
person with so much high dignity, and yet, you throw it willingly for that boy.
What was his name again? Ah…Better if we forget about this for a while and let
us continue our ‘first night’ again, shall we?!”
The osculation increased against angriness that getting progressive from
hearing his sensitive button be pressed carelessly. There is nothing and there
nothing to be done to fight back but reform into an aphrodisiac of filthy lust
of human nature. He groaned, the man never seems to stop and have one of his
hands at his fundoshi for now, helplessly couldn’t even repelling it because of
his weakness. Drops of tears starts to pile up in his redden eyes, tired, both
of the pain he received and sadness of the pathetic state he gets. He weeps
mutely between his croons.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Midorima…
 
***** A Mere Enthralling Sight of Red *****
Chapter Summary
     -
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
-
-
-
March_7,_1855_(Edo_Jidai)
.
Winter didn’t end late this year. The snow that piled up on both sides of the
streets in Kyoto in past five days melted quickly as risen heat of the weather
warming atmosphere of that area, rendering dreary of grayish sky with hope from
light blue of emerged welkin. It’s not all of pleased for few people however,
that prefer melancholy sensation received from the cold pillowy snowflakes
falling on their faces and he simply is one whose realize the sole beauty of
season of winter every time its phase.
Areas around the thaw frozen lake located in the behind Midorima’s family
residence are reflecting the blue of sky as he walked around on ashes foothold
that mediates the opposite side of mere occupied by –previously- clement of
fertile green plants and multi-coloring flowers, be styled into half-circle.
That beautiful garden, as long as he recorded within memories, had been settled
before their family moved to this city when his father’s rank ascended to be
one of renowned Daimyos in Japan at seven months ago owing to economic-
political business he assisted. It related with improvement of town
infrastructures and area expansion of military.
This “political business” was implemented around five years ago with his
father, Midorima Tekigawa as its pioneer. It worked rapidly within only few
years, defeating couple of other four lowest Daimyo and their clan status
rising up from only Kampaku to this title, the most powerful feudal rulers of
Japan. Although, he added, the triumph only last at secure area within
political court that unsuitable for being satisfied too much, since there are
still many steps ahead need to be overcome including the five highest imperial
family that most likely –almost-impossible to be dropped from their throne.
Midorima sighs and playing ticklish strands of blooming imperfect pink flower
with his forefinger, feeling it fondling in return as if it doting. He tries to
relieve all of his worries by enjoying the serenity of realm as the first
intention he came to this garden, a nature part of him that feel pleased.
Little scrubs with still-frozen white lilies treaded whilst he traces further
into the circular part withal transgress into a pasture area. Twitters of
little birds, quiet shrilling according to his ears, are dancing in elation
greeting the warmth of the beautiful spring.
He then returned towards the currently-liquefy lake, sheen under the eminent of
early sunshine thru the footing in midst of tranquil water which sends circlet
ripples every time there is an exposure replying them. As Midorima arrives, he
finds himself standing in there mutely, emitting alluded touch of panorama
until a familiar child-like voice perturbing his hearing.
“Nii-chan!!! Shin-Onii-chan!!!”
He turns, sniffing in peevish sighing while the breech of his family’s
household which threaded by Shioin-Zukuri architecture depicted as the
background on his lens with a young girl dressed with pink-cream kimono tinted
in yellow pinkish of Renge flowers, running to his direction whose innocently
give a big smile as impingement.
His body is bent over in next, trying to equate height with his only sister who
is four years younger than him while trying to adjust his level of rationality.
“Akemi, why are you here? You’re supposed to be in the inside.” scolds him. One
hand raises up the glasses that framing between his eyes.
“I want to show you my new Kimono that mother knitted for me.” She cheerfully
exclaimed, splaying wide bottom part of her clothes in excitement of eight
years old girl like how it supposedly to be, sincere and viewing world around
through rose-colored tinted glass.
“This is for the Hanamifestival next month.”
Midorima wondered the phase when they finally realize dangerous reality’s nets
above the surface of society like his age became.
“Don’t you think that this is fancy? Is it quiet fitting? Please Onii-chan, say
something!!”
“Fine” He muttered, folded both of hands across his chest, “Yes. It does
suitable for the theme.”
“Thanks, Onii-chan!!I love you!!”
“Cut it out, Akemi. By the way, where is mother?” the courtesy has been
dropped.
“Ah…well, she seems going to kitchen after she finished knitting my Kimono. If
not mistaken, she said she will wait in the dining room after we return.”
answered her, the emerald eyes similar to him slowly gleaming into next
solicitation and about to quote something.
“Shintarou”
A voice, baritone and trenchant withal asserting tone cutting and diverting
their attention to the direction of rear patio where a middle-aged man
currently standing up straight with arm fixed at his back, molding the posture
of those venerated and honorable, firm. The gray eyes he emit, holding a solemn
and a slight frazzle that Midorima understand, came from hard emaciation he
dealing with for several times to this point of accomplishment. There was a
knock as his presence emerged.
Step in the air stops outright.
“Go to the inside now. There’s important thing that I want to talk to you
about.” He speaks.
“But Otou-san…I’m still had a lot to do with Onii-chan.”
Midorima maintains his composed expression when younger girl’s whimper entering
at the serious atmosphere between.
“It can be done tomorrow, Akemi. This is a very necessary matter I have to
discuss with your brother.” his father’s tone is quiet being softened in
persuasion attempt, he continues, “You can also go back to the inside. Mother
is already prepared your breakfast.”
“Okay, otou-san.” obeys her sluggishly and run towards the house.
“Shintarou”
Midorima Tekiagawa’s eyes are somewhat narrowing into prosecution as he turning
his back against him, demanding his son’s sharp speculation and situation’s
understanding. He scrutinizes his father without too much of refutation and
question.
“Yes, Otou-san.”
-
-
-
-
===============================================================================
 
-
-
-
-
“Our next acquaintance will be Akashi.”
Midorima looked up, orienting his emerald gaze to his father in slight
surprised and disbelief.
“Wha-?!”      
“Yes.” His father answered doubtless sine switching emphasis, back part of gray
Hakamawavers gracefully in front of him. He doesn’t look back at him as the
emerald eyes are flashing gaze of bizarre to demands elucidation of this affair
that confounded between courteous gestures, austere hand of his keep folded
persistently in the back.
Midorima feels nothing but wonderment overwhelmed him, in sense of unusual
haps, considering the intrigues between harsh politics field. And some words
involved can create susurration, especially if it’s the five great families
that dominated politics of Japan in its history.
A name resonated through his head.
Akashi’s family.
The highest rank nobles over three and half centuries which already regained
its great power and authority from era of Heian period as the most influential
and supreme Kuge. They possess luxurious style of life in which they owned from
their aristocratic family status, along with exceptionally wide domain and
undefeated troop strength military that every feudal rulers should, but them
are preferential. This family is an exceptional case where both emperor and
Shogun allowing them to possess their own businesses that influence Japan’s
economic condition and itself.
From what Midorima also delving from record of history, plentiful wealth and
mastery in court of politics enabled them to enacting and progressed, adept to
alteration of era and different system, and yet, they maintained their special
chair in Japan’s government. They’re seems to be man of keen intellect and
ascendency as he noted on his study of politician, proven from their extra
achievements of authority territory that already has widen most of region
compared to others and highest academic results in Tokugawa Shogunate
bureaucrats training school.
And the heirs of Akashi, hereditary, graduated early than most education
learners by being excellent in all area of subject, something that Midorima
isn’t almost sure such possibility exists due to his ideal of limited
intelligences human being have. However it’s a tangible fact which, probably,
he thought to consider to opening his mind to believe in infinite ingenuity and
potential. Not that he denied it from the start though.
But a thing for his doubtfulness is that, dealing with the family will be one
of intricate within political game. And the most dangerous furthermore, if
something made an attempt to degrading it in which, is currently one of goals
his clan set. Not to mention an added by difference in rank and power despite
command in same position. ‘Probably’, he thinks, he himself should play this
with much of slippery like adding above wet lesion even it’s actually not
conformable with his own tendency. He understood it better.
The world of politics is crueler, after all.
“We made an entente during the imperial court’s confluence regarding the plan
to establish area of east which both of us planned a requisition management of
area’s authority in prior. The conclusion came when emperor decide to utilize
our talents and Akashi’s agreement of opportune partner.” His father explains,
tone in steady and controlled, half of concise of chronology of unexpected
attestation before he guessed deeper.
“As alternate, Akashi’s family will be given an intake of district
authorization whereas our family’s military squadron’s forces get
intercalation, and it came to assent. In clarification, Midorima and Akashi are
going to cooperate for Japan’s infrastructure advancement and hold duty for it.
The encounter will be held two days from now.”
Midorima nods tractably, about to go with his approval when a recollection
struck and create realization.
“But…”the words interrupted in there as he swallowed his spit in an estimate of
scheme lay in front of unseen table, a guess is already legible in there,
“Isn’t father also own other necessity too with the Kise at the later time?”
“Precisely, this is what core of our conversation currently.” The tone is
emphasized as he continuing his explication, this time it comes to suing and
glances at him in enquire, “I expected you to already fathoming your
obligation.”
Midorima’s eyes narrowing in full knowledge of situation as soon as the middle-
aged man made a continuance, “You’re going to be my substitution when I’m out
of the moment…handling how to deliberate with Akashi’s family and sneaking out
their interstices for our own interests. This is your chances to learn world of
Japan’s politics, Shintarou. Prove yourself worth to be one of major future
politicians.”
“I understand, Otou-san.”
Midorima Tekiagawa glances at him, eyes of him have contented expression ere it
come back to calculated and well-grounded gaze. The green-haired boy listens
attentively and watches mutely to the lumber floor under, “Bear in mind,
Shintarou. And never forget it.”
A first step of Geta’s knock is echoing through the private room.
“A wise man is whom aware, apprehend, and know how to utilize chances between
situations around. Learns knowledge from experiences and have his values along
with persistence.”
A second knock, the wooden-reposed foots are getting away thru his spot backing
as seen on surfaces of both emerald pupils.
“Civility is the virtue and always tuned in the boundaries.”
Third footpace starts turning around near the sliding door within couple reach.
“Morality must never to be deviated.”
White reflection of glasses roosted above his sharp perfectly-curved nose is
covering eyes of controlled chill silent as the man releases last statement
when the door was about to be opened which lasted to his confined mind in form
of thrilling and tension.
“Therefore, refined attitude and expert intelligence are things you shall
present in the eyes of Akashi. And our aim shall within reach for the first
step.”
-
-
-
-
===============================================================================
-
-
- 
Hustle and bustle belongs to mart district in the morning penetrating his ears
every time the merchants uttering their persuasiveness and bids of crowded
sensation. Some of them vociferate at his direction, auctioning various forms
of vegetables from its wholesale that keeps Japan’s economical licensed by
Shogun. That boy neglects, keep on his chivalry behave straightly to
destination while some of below-class people like artisans or peasants bowing
at the sight of him in respect after they recognize plush shades of green
Kimono that could be buy by upper-classes. Look of restive draws on his face as
he arrives to one of famous tea houses in Kyoto which located near the town
district. The place is authentic, little detached with teak wood beautify its
forest nuance to represent refinement and naturalism as he enters and occupies
seat at guest chamber. A middle-age woman in her wrapped-by-yellow Kimono body
and preen in Geisha make-up immediately bowed head in respect of familiarity
and duty, in next tilting a black-color Tetsubinof cannie and adept way to a
cup on the table. The servant smiles and pointing it to him in which is been
accepted out of inelegant. The boy drinks the green tea rather-fitful and
delirium act then come to a halt for instant, sinks on own musing before
interrupted.
“Shin-chan!!!”
He lightly curses when he hears a familiar voice belongs to an acquaintance, or
rather, son of a rich merchant that already been a long time serves his family,
a self-proclaimed friend he noted. Midorima simply responds with laconic and
lazy-peeved way, too spent to deal to the raven-haired’s usual noisy annoying
witticism, “Quiet, Takao.”
The male who name mentioned by him just chuckles, without permission quickly
seating at place beside him and delivers demand gesture to the servant whom
directly see through to it. He heeds at his acquaintance’s expression, analyzes
it of moment in silence to ponder then finally decree what to become
inducement. “Is something inconvenience you, Shin-chan? Yours seems to be out
from afflatus.” Teases him, doesn’t care if it wheedling male’s temper beside
him or worsening his unfavorable mood.
“Do I am kind of a person, Takao? You’re quoting nonsense.” He cuts the useless
chit-chat flash as fainéant and fretful ups to nerves. Peevish glare be flung a
little and the raven-haired male who has the same age as him smiles awkwardly
and stroke back of his own head.
“I was just joking, Shin-chan.” Defends him, flowing of Oolong tea molasses
inside the new cup which placed barely by the woman, “By the way, you can talk
to me for what you think been necessary. Who knew what I could contribute to
you.”
Midorima sighs deeply, attempts to calming himself knowing that it’s been
unnecessary and not worthwhile to keep pace with his uncertain emotion whilst
situation is unease and apropos. He looks at the boy, detects his sharp
observation and inquiry gaze addressed to his own self that he learned for past
two years as in actual smart and keen nature, and suddenly retrieves a datum.
Takao’s family, Kazunari, classified as a rich artisan family cause of multi-
undertakings as merchant too is having plentiful connections in their hands.
Many of upper-classes are like to purchases their unique-mix handicraft and
sic, possibly receiving many society issues and rumors that he doesn’t know yet
via smuggling. Many things could happen underground unbeknown to high-class
people like him, howsoever .And to think about Takao’s high observation skill,
it can quiet beneficial if he at least recount a little of matters, in mutual
sure that maybe he possess some assistances needed. He catches his breath, whip
up rationality before finally open his mouth in trust.
“It’s regarding my family new federate…”
Midorima halts, continuing next main significant words in hesitant, “It’s
Akashi.”
Takao startled, gapes his mouth in rather round shape before clasping it after
his aghast abate.
“How could?”
“Unintelligible” he answers deficiently, too worn to give proper explanation,
“My father merely informed me abruptly.” “Presumably a haphazard, or…” he
trailed his words off, seeming to be qualm about next presumption and lowering
the volume he is about to out.
“…a deception.”
The man beside him blinks in rather wonderment gaze. He begins to sensate this
come about, in re with demeanor of current important figures on imperial court,
and simply shrugs in leave alone it since he know that it’s insignificant to
argue with. The sentences continues, “Whatever is it, my father is intends to
use this.”
Takao chuckles lightly, “Seriously?”, and lifts the shard white cup of tea and
gulps few drops of liquid inside his throat. He then back looks at the middle-
teen male in examine gaze, guessing more in murmurs, “The ‘obligation’ again,
huh?”
The green-haired male nods simply not wanting to prolong, pouring few tea
waters inside his cup while little tongue-tied and chafed as his partner
mentioned the word. That obligation, he calls, is unstated doctrines that are
given to each heir of noble families by its heads as –must be obeyed-
regulations in order to perpetuate their play at court’s game board, and
usually teaches its own different principles and tenets according to each
family’s traditions and beliefs. The given heirs expected to be a male, healthy
and intelligent as women had no roles in politics this era. It’s been given for
survival in political world, certainly, to study art of ruling nation, become
wisdom and capable leader whose can bring Japan to its highest glory of
territory. By means, they behoove to detect their rival’s susceptibilities,
create scandal, disunity, and skepticism motion between Shogun and Daimyo,or
imperial and families that often lead to banished and occupation deprivation
dependant on pro and con of current system using tricks of ally-enemy dissemble
or slander. It reminds him of what role of him now.
“So, what’s must to be inquired?”
“As usual, every avenues or clues, evidences”
The glasses is pushes upward, pressing nasal bone on the middle brows, “Their
belief and ideal, lifestyle, practices, range of knowledge and intelligence,
items in house and every corner of its rooms, characteristics, connections with
other families or perhaps foreign. We only solicit what could be done to
overthrow them through ways, either ‘smooth’ and hidden way or frontal.” White
rope been tied in next on entire fingers. Takao looks at him in deliberate with
himself then conclude to break the later's stiff talks.
“Just you know. There are a bunch of talks about that family spreads amongst
society, hope to be useful.” He informs him, playing with handle of his liquor
and keeps his attention to it, “Not really a nice one you could say, but it’s
also quiet non-disreputable too.”
Emerald’s stare evinces puzzled, “What do you mean?”
“Well, about Akashi’s head family closeness associated with the Shogun and
emperor.”
The tea jar is being posted by left hand again, “It’s uneven that Shogun
allowing them to manage around half of commands, not to mention their amount of
army, around two-fifths of entirety of Japan’s overall military. Their family
is the only one allowed to have its unrelated private businesses, and not to
mention the quantity of trust hold on them.” Takao calmly states his opinion.
“The emperor actually fascinated by intelligence’s range and ideas Akashi could
provide to Japan’s advancement. They have their own presence in imperial and
were the one who predispose Shogun’s choice to establish Convention of
Kanagawausing inducement about proper tact to deal with western and its power
army, whether what is being discussed. I actually infer that Akashi done that
in attempt to eyeing both of throne, and in virtually, never take side with
them. It can be suspected just from their characteristic with were actually odd
for them this time to comport oneself of this kind of method. It’s too flow for
their stand-alone trait, although it has that chance regarding their ability to
read situations clearly. ”
Midorima sips his own green tea and nods in agreement. Whilst thinking in quiet
prompt moment, he alleges one of sumptions, “Possibly, they also have silent
disagreement with isolated method the current Shogunatesystem held too. They
map out their own system of regime, I suppose.” Midorima gulps down his tea and
placing   “My father is likewise, not fond about the close of foreign nexus. He
does planning for openness of Japan to outside world if our family reached the
position targeted.”
“Yeah…Yeah…you’re right. I remember that.” His partner makes a small giggle.
“He also suspects that Akashi involved in Shishiorganization, if not member,
maybe its ulterior leader related with premise of past-affiliation between this
family and couple of Westerns such as Italy and America. It’s peculiar if they
suddenly cut ties like that just because of unilateral constitution
Tokugawaheld, they’re not type to obey just like such. Akashi is one of
extremely dedicate to its own regulations and beliefs.”
Takao nods in agreement, “Yeah… you’re right.” Eyes as sharp similar to hawk
narrows in solemn, “They’re until now prosecute a very strange ritual which on
the sly became small talks between people. Maybe you would want to know this. I
think this is quiet useful so I want to break it.”
“What?” He stuns.
“I’ve heard they possess a lineage tradition in the form of a requirement each
of the heirs shall own. But I don’t know what it would be.”
His face falls in unreadable expression, swallowing the information hardly. Try
to theorizing and plotting intellectively may what full of, to connect pieces
of information together into a solved puzzle of his importance, this maybe one
of vital key to play roles in his quest.
Takao scans at him in usual plain stare of familiarity with habit and informs
more of discovered, “One thing further, speaking about that heir of Akashi, I
remember one of nasty rumors about it” Tells him, his gaze stays still on cup
in front of him, “You know…they said that the new heir of Akashi is
androgynous.”
Midorima’s forehead frowns to center at revelation that caught his attention.
It’s simply ridiculous, he says silence. Not that this is really important, but
it’s very much a fool assumption and got on his composure, make him unable to
react for an instant.
“That is truly foolish.” He commented belittle, annoyed and irritated at
simple-thinking people could make. How much extent can they turn into absurd
and illogical thing? The green haired shook head a little of be unversed then
continue his words, “Akashi Masaomi himself clearly clarified it.”
The raven laughs a little in laid-back manner blatantly, “He did get resentful
and penalizing those people by took them their property or to the extent,
detruded them to ‘social outcast’. As expected from a ruthless and
authoritarian character. You could tell just from first vision of him.” told
him, as Takao decide to divert when reaction he is expected to exist doesn’t
peep out though afterwards.
“Regarding that, huh…” He mumbles little, eyes which can be equated to hawk’s
sharpness are haunted by some reflections, “Yes, it is true. But that boy was
extremely rare to be seen by people and thus created suspiciousness. On top of
that, people who were already witnessing face of the heir quotes nothing but a
beauty which not possibly belongs to a male. The child to be said resembling
the deceased wife of Akashi. But he has same presence as his father and very
easy to noticeable.”  Pauses him, thereupon find the information again. “And
that family is incredibly strange. They seem to undergo their own unique ritual
and quiet shut out from outside world. No one ever saw the descendant of this
family before at least till Genpukuceremonies. It was said that the child must
be confined in house for its “maturation” phase until its reached age ten. I
guess that’s why public never got to peek on him before.”
The listen goes to slacken and he adds his contention, “I expected the heir to
having a complete twisted pedagogy considering his lack of social skills. Also,
anything of “maturation”, I somehow believe it is connected to that
‘requirement’. Don’t you agree, Shin-chan?”
“No doubt”
The cup has been drop out on table, empty. Awareness reminds him what to done
and he stirs from his seats, leaving the male partner beside him settles by
himself to looks at in little confused. He then enounces.
“I should go. My father would want me by dawn.”
“So, what do you planning, Shin-chan?” the voice asked from starts faintly to
his ears. 
Midorima only dismisses and walking hastily to exist as the raven partner
watching him far away with give of a look of poignant and bitter smile.
-
-
-
===============================================================================
-
-
-
A mansion, grand and majestic for everything surrounding it is begin to emerge
between mild picturesque green hills through the same color lens in quiet sharp
corner of a pair of eyes. The roads they’ve been passed are tortuous and
uneven, going ups and down to reach a destination atop that built over
centuries ago for a distinguished and rich family to settle. That building, as
his rickshaw driving closer and it more visible to view, looked ancient and
antique with capital-style formed of nature materials and old brown of wood
which still durable and fresh despite its age. And for that reason too its
surroundings are overgrown by kind of trees that set the splendor apart. He
couldn’t expect any less than a few of cultivated butlers bide in front of a
gate which is shaped in Miwa Toriiwhen his Jinrikisha finally treading its step
at the residence’s main yard. One of the butlers bows in respectful.
“Welcome, sir. May you go down first from your conveyance?”
“Yes, please.” He complies whilst dropping in decorous manner and bends
slightly too. His eyes then stare straightly to the butler as he inspects the
anterior of house on the sly.
“You’re the son of respectable Midorima Tekiagawa, correct?” the butler’s voice
distracts his unnoticed scan, striving for certainty, “We’ve heard that you’re
going to be the representative of this consultation.”
He replies assuredness “Yes, I am.”
“Please follow us here.” The butler instructs as he guide toward the entrance
which heading to big alley of an open pavilion where as far as he learned, was
frequently used for moon-viewing parties especially in Heian period. And so far
this is just an empty hall with no important stuffs. Midorima repeats one of
information that gathering in his head.
The Akashi residence was built over three hundred half ago in style of Shinden-
Zukuri,which were at that time, in the process of development into Sukiya-
zukuri of warrior class’s residence and this style of house was originally is
been left during Muromachi period itself. The Shinden-Zukuri architecture was
developed for aristocratic mansions with style of domestic and doubtlessly
duplicated in capital-likes, and most notably attribute is its central building
and secondary buildings attached it by corridors and bridges. It was the style
that preferred by many nobles people and important figures of Heian period in
general and quiet difficult for him to study any of its part concerning its
complexity. Causes of it to developed into Sukiya-zukuri, or Shoin-sukuri like
his own were because of modification of preference and utility of majority of
people that simpler and made for effectiveness, evenly for tea houses.
But Akashi is a family of old tradition.
Hence it’s the reason of their choice of ancient-nuanced life-style both in
tastes and mindset despite their progress and adaptability. When the other
seems to be becoming different completely, Akashi family simply isn’t. They
eternalized their ancestor’s legacies and strict on it. Shinden-zukuri style
itself somehow symbolizes impression of they created. They’re imposing a
lifestyle of imperial. It quiet closed his one of previous wonderment from
Akashi’s inclinations, but there’s still many to be extracted. At least he
already knows what to do to make a little impression in front of Akashi’s head
family. His father’s words are appropriate for this, he recollects.
...
“I’ve heard they possess a lineage tradition in the form of a requirement each
of the heirs shall own.”
...
“Also, anything of “maturation”, I somehow believe it is connected to that
‘requirement’”
...
A requirement and ‘maturation’ that an Akashi must go through…He thinks… it has
thing to do with excellence of the heirs the first time he heard it, possibly
to reach this kind of a condition. This type of intelligence and ideal are what
made imperial impressed by, so it’s make sense that it’s had to be valued and
preserved. Safe to assume it’s what Takao had presumed, a completion learning
of sciences and philosophy that twisted without regular socialization skill
which people usually been taught. It’s likely correspond to submission and
aptitude-maximizing, or old-beliefs ritual and various kind of regulation like
most of upper-class families, or his own family, but definitely harsher and
stiffened. They came as elite of elites after all, that maybe explained. But
what is it? There are still many mysteries surrounding this closed family to be
dig in. And most of elite families are consumed within their own mind of
merciless game, the Akashi is probably worse. Not to include the nonsense
rumor.
His thought then be cut by an explication belong to the butler walking to lead
him to the ‘sleeping hall’, picks up a little conversation with wise and gentle
tone, only for formality. The solid and shuttered wall clamping absorbs any
sound of them.
“Master had already known about this matter too.” he little informs him while
continue to directing to the front, “He wills that you will be able to
cooperate with us well-sufficient and waiting for you in Shinden.”
Midorima’s mind has stupefied a split second before finally is been able to get
hold of what better to be a response.
“Certainly, I feel honored for this. Thank you.”
As each their step thru long wings of corridor, Midorima sees the garden and a
huge lake beyond that painting the visual beauty of ground layout of the
residence through overt part of the corridor. There is one high tree, decorated
by soft pink of Sakura petals grown at the center of field which surrounded by
charming bush of red roses. A one timbering old-brownish bridge became link to
a small island on the edge of fern green of calm water lake at south of open
great courtyard that usually used for festivals. It placed right in front of
the Moya and its nature visual of estate is really classy to say. Such a
picture is soothing actually, he quiet admits it.
But there were nothing much that truly impressed him of bottom of his heart
these days. He used to, but nevermore after reaches edge point of age ten. Most
of heirs like him trained not to be satisfied and enjoyed for what they have,
as a little carelessness could provide a big harm from being stolen by each
other. Sometimes it became to the point of inhumane.
Such a lack of human being principle, he reviles. Even his father’s benevolence
is within an inch from it.
Reached Tai-no-ya, secondary buildings attached to Shindenwhich meaning that
they’re almost arrive at the intended place, Midorima realizes a slightly
revealed door on northern side of pavilion in midst of ways to another rooms
set in different functions connected to each other. Vertical interstice
crucifies light diffractions from the room, making awareness that the room is
probably an opened space where eyes can see vista of garden if entered it. It
flashes just like that as they passing it very closer to.
And that’s when he catches a memorable glimpse sight which chained over and
over inside his head.
Behind sliding brown door confined them, there blow gracefully fluttering
transparent shade of pink lace thin layers like glittering aurora shawl ring.
It circling withered to its central and creates lanes to silver silk garments
under very long crimson Nagabakama that dangling and streaming serpentine like
river in downstream with embroidered black tulip flowers adornments on back of
robe. A Hitoe coloring golden-brink pink completed the Junihitoe layers along
with champagne Uchigi layered affect. Part of its spread wide thread from
silver sleeve waving as a milky-white hand, thin and flawless, protruding to
transparent wind in front elegantly touching one of splattering pink Sakura
strands landed. That word back to chanting on his head.
Androgynous.
His mind went blank for the first time in his life at that sight of alluring
red within small interval. Comely and tapering long eyelashes blinking softly
when it reveals shimmer big ruby orbs amongst the figure illuminates by golden
shining ray of morning sol. He feels his breath taken away as he physically
witnessing the creation of mysterious inhuman beauty like if belongs to realm
beyond world. Long delicate red ruby petals bangs similar to person’s eyes are
dancing mildly buffeted by calm air.
Midorima Shintarou continues to freezes on his spot in astonishment until fresh
green orbs clashes against sharp enticing ruby orbs as its stares back
unintentional.
And the spiral full of dangerous and sinful forbidden thread starts to twists
unconsciously from here, unknown to.
-
-
-
Chapter End Notes
     1. Daimyo: The powerful feudal lords who, ruled most of Japan from
     their vast, hereditary land holdings.
     2. Kampaku: A sort of chief advisor for the emperor, but was the
     title of both first secretary and regent who assists an adult
     emperor.
     3. Shoin-Zukuri: A style of Japanese residential architecture used in
     the mansions of the military, temple guest halls, and Zen abbot's
     quarters of the Azuchi-Momoyama (1568-1600) and Edo periods (1600-
     1868).
     4. Renge: Lotus
     5. Hanami: Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient
     beauty of flowers, flowers in this case almost always referring to
     those of the cherry ("sakura") or, less frequently, plum ("ume")
     trees.
     6. Hakama: A divided (umanoribakama) or undivided skirt (andonbakama)
     which resembles a wide pair of trousers.
     7. Kuge: A Japanese aristocratic class that dominated the Japanese
     imperial court in Kyoto.
     8. Shogunate: A private government under a shogun.
     9. Genpuku: A Japanese coming-of-age ceremony
     10. Miwa Torii: is composed of three myōjin torii without inclination
     of the pillars.
     11. Shinden-Zukuri: Refers to the style of domestic architecture
     developed for palatial or aristocratic mansions built in Heian-
     period.
     12. Sukiya-Zukuri: is one type of Japanese residential architectural
     style, form in detached tea house type.
     13. Shinden: The heart of an estate built in the shinden-zukuri
     estate is the shinden itself, located at the central area.
     14. Moya: The core of Shinden.
     15. Nagabakama: A very long red pleated split skirt which can also be
     worn by men.
     16. Hitoe: An unlined silk robe; usually red, white or blue-green,
     although other colors (such as dark red-violet or dark green) very
     rarely occur.
     17. Junihitoe: An extremely elegant and highly complex kimono that
     was only worn by court-ladies in Japan. It means "twelve-layer robe".
     18. Uchigi: A series of brightly coloured unlined robes which create
     a layered effect.
     19. Convention of Kanagawa: was the first treaty between the United
     States of America, and the Empire of Japan, then under the
     administration of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Signed under threat of
     force, it effectively meant the end of Japan’s 220-year-old policy of
     national seclusion (sakoku), by opening the ports of Shimoda and
     Hakodate to American vessels.[1] It also ensured the safety of
     American castaways and established the position of an American consul
     in Japan. The treaty also precipitated the signing of similar
     treaties establishing diplomatic relations with other western powers.
     20. Shishi: was a group of Japanese political activists of the late
     Edo period, usually applied to the anti-shogunate. The term shishi
     literally translates as "men of high purpose”.
     21. I’m only know a bit about Japan’s politics and how it works, but
     I promises that I’m going to learn it more and possibly, this will be
     edited for it later. I’m going to give my best.
***** The Impressionist *****
Chapter Summary
     -
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
 Chapter_2
.
.
.
.
.
                               The Impressionist
                                       .
                                       .
 
The emerald orbs stares, feelings his whole body slightly shivering endlessly
at the contacts that clashed within the moment of flash. His breath continues
caught in his throat for seconds unconsciously, adoring the beauty but
experiences mingled strange sensation he doesn’t fond of. A hand then grabbed
his shoulder wakes him up from a delirium illusion that plagued him for while.
Midorima blinks in realize.
The stoned looks giving a suspicious eyes at the sudden stop, “Is there
anything wrong sir?”
“No.” The green-haired boy disclaimed immediately as he walks pass by and
secretly rolls his eyes to the direction of the room before putting his usual
expressions, “We shall continue.”
The halls are occupied by clapping sound towards the main core room of the
residence, Hashigakusi no ma. During the walks, the old butler occasionally
sends some skeptic inspecting squints to him and Midorima kept his reserved
expressions. In between, the enchanting portrayal of the mysterious magenta-
haired boy keeps haunting his mind. He guesses whenever that boy is the famous
mysterious heir they talking about and coming up to that conclusion. And
there’s a magnetic presence that draw him to the boy and somehow making him
hard to erase this impression of him. The piercing cold gazes, and its elegancy
was somehow captivating. The thoughts ended when the destination come right in
front of them.
The solid wooden doors that restricted outsider and insider then shifted after
several steps, fascinating Midorima by the neatness of tatami and some purple
tulip flowers screens giving its light beautiful shade to the room. His gazes
running around entirety of the room, from the old brown roof of room until the
decorated curtains screening them and a sole door which is the only way to
enter the Akashi’s private sleeping chamber caught his attention. Obviously,
the first place that are going to be suspected as the perfect place to people,
particular for personages to place their hidden notable things, usually agendas
or letters, is their own sleeping room. This does included in Midorima’s most
significant estimation fields of his information pursuit. Unfortunately he’s
not planning to cut it out merely from here.
A man comes in sounds of bamboo knocks, wearing simply elegant black Yukatawith
two gray layers at its inside. Both the pose and the way of how he walks are
very assertive and have tone of arrogance which can’t be felt in his father.
That middle-aged man has the aura of superiority and robustness which Midorima
finds very intimidating at the sight. The green-haired boy quickly senses the
dangerous coldness within him. The man then glances sharply at his presence,
and stepping closer to the two of them. Midorima feels himself frozen in the
heavy tension. The butler beside him bows politely in line of duty.
“Master, you have come.”
Akashi Masaomi releases middle-finger gesture as an order for the butler to
withdraw himself in front of the door whom the butler simply comply to. The
head of Akashi then makes mute instruction for him to follow him to the small
table near the opened room where they can see any activities in the courtyard.
The man pours the ingredients of Kocha tea from the kettle into two Yunomi
small cups and craning one of them to proffer him. Midorima receives it
subserviently without enquires much and inserts couple of droplets inside his
throat. The older man continues to observing his doings with sharp and cold
stares until he opened mouth.
“Do you enjoy the tea?” The baritone voices said with monotone and calculated
tone. The green-haired boy gulps a little and placing his cups on the table
lightly. He forced himself hard to turns back his eyes at the inspecting gazes
the man implanted him and give regular answer, “Yes, sir.”
“It’s good then.” The other Yunomi cup is upraised in the air for a moment
before its taste being sampled by Masaomi, Midorima keeps his silence. “We can
go to our main conversation as quickly as it gets.” Announces the man
trenchantly as he takes last gulp of his own drinks.
“In a crucial discussion, it’s important to receive some acquaintanceship from
your interlocutor.” Masaomi said with accentuation. He takes a closer look,
“You’re quite young for your age to undergo your own family mission. It seems
that your father is intelligent enough to understand the perfect timing how to
raise his own child.” Midorima feels a little offended by the casual statement
the man stated and directly tried to calm his mind without release any
response. The head of Akashi keeps track of the reaction and continuing with
question, “What is your age?”
“I’m twelve years old, sir.”
“Then, you’re the same age.” stated Masaomi in subtle tone and he re-pours the
tea to both of cups.
Midorima puzzled, ‘The same age…?’His eyes slightly widened in conjecture. ‘Is
it referring to the heir?’
“We’re begins.” The words interrupted Midorima’s thought and he turns the
attention back to the man who keeps tracks of him coldly. He opened his mouth,
“Firstly, I want to make sure whether you’ve truly understand about the affairs
between your father and me.”
There was a moment silence flowing within the air and the man continues, “As
the essence, I need to hear your current insight into this project and
regulations from the both sides of families and government, and what you’ve
thinking about yourself position in this cooperation.” He finished.
The green-haired boy wore off in his reflection before giving the
comprehension.
“As far as I know, Midorima and Akashi will jointly establish the setting of
several constructions of public facilities in east side of Edo as Kabuki
theaters and some key districts that serve as entertainment business or
industry and agricultural areas. Also, some houses for the handicraft
productions and trades as well as two castle towns for Daimyo.”
“And?”
He looks up confused, “I’m aware that there are probably much more details
regarding this but that’s what I have got about the big picture.”
“Oh, I see.” The man mutters a little whilst keeping the sharp and cold eyes
fixed to evaluate his answer. “Your points seemed to quite grasping the main
pillar of constructions like what written on our agreement letter. However,
some important rules and key things like the true detail purposes of the
district and costs of this contract are missing. And likewise, I must too be
assured with your caliber of strategic development plan. I savvy you haven’t
have it or do you?”
“That’s not quite true, sir.” He clenched his teeth of been feels both confused
and underestimated. The thought of some scheme of underground illegal business
entering his mind and he notes the chance of it to some degree. “Even though
I’m certainly not an expert, I already learned at least a half of it and do
understand the behalf of this adeptness.” explains Midorima whom with
deliberate left out some of his ‘mind’s answers and guesses’ of the bait
statement, avoiding going on little further for current conversation.
‘Not the right timing.’ He thought.
The boy then notes that he’s not managed to satisfy the middle-aged man and
about to elucidate furthermore in calmly before there is knocking on the door
that immediately interrupting.
He tilts his head against his back and the middle-aged man soon displacing his
attention as the doors shifts slowly.
The atmosphere of room feels tensed as a small red figure passed through. The
person holds a very mystifying intense presence but full of smooth elegance air
around at the same time and having total dissimilarity in psychical compared to
the bloodline father. His royal long robe, this time replaceable by a simple
light pink men traditional Kimono contrast to his earlier women dress swept the
floor elegantly as pair of beautiful ruby eyes spread its coldness to
inspecting the entirety of that expansive chamber and meets the dazed emotion
within emerald eyes in its way before the beautiful figure made it to the
approach. The green boy whom had been distracted then quickly reverts to his
rationality and sharpened his observation to both of the blood relatives that
facing to each other in emotionless ambience. Akashi Masaomi opens his chill
voice with disinterested and monotone tone.
“You have come, Seijuro.”
“Yes, Otou-san.” The voice that escapes from boy’s pink cherry lips has his
ears tickled by the clear tone and its air of unique elegance in which Midorima
never found in others. It got him half-astonished of how such beautiful and
rather androgynous voice could come from a male, yet still heavy enough to able
to be distinguished, sharp and velvety he could describes. His emerald eyes
reaches toward his nails and finding interest in the flawlessness of white
fingers which hinges right beside the boy.
‘It must be received careful maintenance’, that mind passed through in flash.
He then drove his worthless thought in instant and glance back at face of the
red-haired boy whom continuing his remarks. “I’ve heard about the today’s
guest.” A pair of ruby eyes which reflects blank and focus expressions steals
an instant uninterested glance of Shintaro as he is staring back to the front,
to the man whom share his blood as the boy’s father. “Please give the current
purpose of mine.”
Masaomi sighed solemnly and sips a little of his tea, giving the standard of
self-interests to the next words of him, “What I expected from your keen
perception and assessment of situation, this is where your answer lies. No
others in the judgment. ”
His forehead unconsciously scrunches a bit.
“I understand Otou-san.”
The man gets up, the long folding gray cloak coating the man’s back flutters a
bit as the head stands up on the spot and walks a little backing the two boys
to the distance open entrance of yard. The brown eye seems to pondering its
scenery with empty eyes and one of his hands, the right hand that veined from
its age of life holding his sole cup of tea and the others been put behind the
back primly like dictate. “You’re already passing the age of Genpuku wasn’t it,
Midorima’s son?” utters the older man with his deep calm voice.
Midorima tilts a bit of his own head, “Yes, sir.”
“Hm… that means in you soon are going to be on your higher study.” The head
muttered unstirred, the dark shadowed part of his head is perceptible with the
sharpness of jaw that looks about to cut any frail responses. That jowl then
budges, “Already has the decision?”
Emerald orbs reveries in search for some short but careful reply and blinks
once after it sparks.
“I lean my interest toward Shoheikoand in this period of month going to enter
it. My family already had the emperor’s permission.”
He keeps peering to the back of him and slightly narrowing in attempt to read
the hidden expression of the head, waiting in bit uneasiness from the outcome
from his answer whenever if it’s appropriate or otherwise. A little humming
comes from his mouth as him response in the heavy voice that sounds satisfied.
The response got the green-haired boy startled in mingled feelings that
suddenly approached him.
“Oh…it’s perfect then. That means you two have no difficulty of time and
distant to reach each other’s discussion.”
His eyes widened half of surprise and disbelief as he looks at the red boy
beside him. The pose and gesture of the heir of Akashi family are still in tune
of perfect composure and unusual sobriety, with aura of iciness and natural
confidence. Stoic expression of him doesn’t change at all as if the boy already
knew in previous and Midorima wonders straight away about the natural
occurrence behind this. He then diverts his attention back to the standing
quiescent man.
“The heir is planning to study in there too, sir?” asks him which receipted by
barely visible nods.
Gazes of the older man turns to his behind as the emerald eyes catches a glance
of unreadable tender expression on his face. He and the heir shed their
concentration full to him as Masaomi closes his eyes for a while and then open
his mouth to release some words of advices.
“It’s incredibly important to note, that as both of you soon will be envoy or
surrogate in this covenant, the excellent key lie in fluent dialogue and
delivery. Therefore, the effectiveness is to establish your communication. The
first step to acquire it is to introduce each other’s selves before the
others.”
The green-haired boy shoots a rather piercing skeptic sumption gaze to the both
of Akashis as the older man’s eyes later in the next seconds scanning the two
boys with intimidate quality.
“I hold high expectations of the two of you being able to tie an effective
confabulation while each heads having another enable circumstances and also
contributes to maintain relationship between Midorima and Akashi. The most
significant is the apprehensiveness of your matters and duties since it all
choice of yours of how you lead it for utility or vice versa. Also, to preserve
efficiency of works, one ought not to lay aside their rationality and displace
it with subjectivity.”
After a moment of his inquietude silence and straight observations, in the next
seconds of statement Midorima opens his response calmly and be on guard in
between.
“I’ll pledge to strive hard to keep these necessities, sir.”
The small cups lifted at the tip of his mouth, “Assuredly?”
“Yes.”
Masaomi scrutinizes him deeply for a while until he deflects his penetrating
narrow brown eyes to the heir whom possesses the addictive grace that radiance
perfect whimsicality composure and serenity to his father, waiting for expected
words to leveled in a bit seconds, “Seijuro?”
“Indubitable…Otou-san.” The smooth sharp voice answered.
“Good riddance.” He satisfies. The cup that still by his hand looks emptier as
its droplets drained.
“As long as you’re comprehends it on its point, then our affair are guaranteed
enough to run itself safely and less disruptions, but…”
The man whom irradiated by the dark light of shadow whom facing his head to the
boys and continues his sentences with tender expressionless face that painted a
deeper darkness, accompanied by ambiguous little smile that hinted at something
risky as his nape feels cold at the sight of it.
“If you past beyond the boundary, what will be waiting for you in line is not
success expect for pit of your own life downfall to hell. This serves as both
of warning and advice that you must input to both of head and heart. And I hope
you to  consider it.”
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
===============================================================================
.
.
.
.
.
.
“So, Shin-chan, how did your first-day mission go to?”
The drink was about to go down his throat when it being slammed enough hard
resulting in couple of its droplets spurting out from its cup. The heir son of
Midorima family that had a momentarily surprise surged him for seconds
dissipates as he realizes what came to pass thereupon sighing in annoyed and
picks up his previously thrown cups in order to disregard the raven boy,
gulping down the tea water.
“Shin-chan?”
Clap sound of placer cup is heard softly and the green-haired boy stays silent
to the raised question, his head still hasn’t deflect to another boy in
fleeting. Around few seconds some words spills out from his mouth, “No need to
talk about it.”
Takao twitches a little at the dismissing reaction. “Heh…” murmurs him
slightly.
The raven then takes a seat right beside the green-haired, driving his gaze
from the placed small cup that still contain couple drops of tea liquids to
observing wrinkled facial expression Midorima held. He reads the stressed signs
from his face and cultivated to fishing the boy by his implicit teasing.
“Don’t be shy, Shin-chan.”
“TAKAO!!!” Rising tone of pique outs from his mouth.
Takao blinks in puzzled, staring at the sight of his friend’s pique before
sighing in grip of the situation and he then releases his casual laid-back tone
to soothe Midorima whom heaves a breath in order to compose himself, “Fine,
fine, Shin-chan, I will not do it again, ok?”
Shintarou doesn’t answered, instead he remained silent to focus in arrange his
rational nature again. After a bit of mute times, he finally proceeds to let on
the occurrence he sustained.
“Well.” He starts, and then continuing few significant words, “I’ve met the
heir.”
The raven twitches a little as the counter reaction. He observes the boy’s gaze
and chuckles at the understanding he gained from the observation, “Were the boy
fit your expectations in the first place? Well, if it’s the source of your
restlessness.”
His bandaged hand starts to pick the little cup on the table to finish his
drink and be left hanged in the air as he furthered his sentences, “I couldn’t
speak anything major from him before, but so far, the impression I learn about
him is the obedience to his father. Of course, it’s fell into my anticipation.
But the degree of acquiescent is quiet extreme to the point that it seems like
he is controlled, but I’m not too far known him to assume that. It’s just what
my brief observation captured.” reveals him and he sips the oolong tea liquids
that still quiet warm in his tongue.
Takao lets go an amused smile and comments his thought out of his mouth in a
moment.
“Hm…that’s quick though. I think some parts of my notions might be true, though
I doubt they’re that shallow. Maybe that’s the superficial impression they
wanted to deceive you after all. Akashi are scrupulous and private, also in my
opinion, they’re maybe have chance to be manipulative, especially its head.
Isn’t he the one who should more to worry about?”
Its right, Midorima thought. Akashi Masaomi is the source of the influence of
Japan’s politics and economics, the biggest secret hidden inside the family,
possibly the mastermind of anti-Shogunate organization. He’s fluent in his
speech and methods, as well as experts in closed information of his own
family’s privacy, capable of manipulations. It stricken to him as soon as he
saw that sort of keen and guarded but also cold and lifeless kind of eyes
possessed by the heir. The biased kind of perceptions added by incisive reason
simply can destroy a lot.
Also, there is this sense of oddity within Akashi Seijuro that somehow makes
him feels susceptible with its enticing enigma quality. It’s full of mystery,
deepness that seems been hard to reach, the image of him came out to his mind
every time he thinks of. He feels that strange sensation plagued his mind
simply can drive him to his weakness.
“He is actually my main priority of my worries, Takao. I’m actually quite
uneasy of his great influence to his own surrounding, especially his
controlling attitude to his own son. The heir is potentially to be great menace
as equal as his father considering how he is ‘formed’ by this manner of
raising. Since he is going to be also my interlocutors, certainly this is
significant. And also, we’re soon going to the same school so of course this is
worrisome.”
“WHAT??!!”
Takao spurred. His eyes widened in disbelief at the news, “Both of you going to
the same school???!!”
“Yes. And this is pretty unpleasant ‘coincidence’.” Midorima responses in
annoyance while sighing.
The raven then processes the shocking information his ears heard. As the moment
goes quietly for a while, his brain digesting it and build some of small
analysis about its further outcome. He opens his momentary thought in the next
moment.
 “I don’t know if I could call this as good or bad. Of course this has many
advantages to sneak out their interests, but the chances of you getting fall
under his investigation and controls. Shin-chan is obviously aware of these
holes, right?? Also, it’s previously unthinkable for me that the person would
be the heir. I guess that it should be in sense since your age difference
aren’t too far different and Akashi is likely to test his own son. I really
thought that your discussion ‘partner’ would be the father.”
The green-haired boy sniffs irked whilst adjusted his glasses upper than
before.
“Takao, you’re been clearly joking if you even can called the famous head of
Akashi as my ‘discussion partner’. If anything, the analogy of worker and
master would be fitting more since he’s the evaluator whom can determine my
worthiness easily with his judgment and mercy anytime.” He scolds.
“You stated that your interaction partner is the heir in prior, right?”
“Only on some occasions” added him clearly on the information.
He looks at his usual partner with seriousness and chapfallen, “Tell me you
hadn’t have expect that the head will forfeit the whole time he has to take
care of this ‘not-so-important’ project, right. After all, he must be busy with
another significant business that could higher their place more in the
government instead of wasting it to an irrelevant rising family that have
chance to threaten their place by boasting their position with this. Though I
doubt they really deems that we’re very dangerous. Their family isn’t likely to
be so careless to underestimate something even if it holds decent value.”
stated him.
“Yeah, that’s obviously right. I can even say that what you’re doing right is
practically challenge a giant in slumber.”
“By the way, Shin-chan…about your business…” he trailed off, the sharp hawk
eyes glances, “When are you going to implement your first partnership with
him?”
“Around few days, probably in a week, that’s quite long enough for me to have
good preparation against them.” The eyes narrowed forming suspiciousness. A
soft chuckle then reflected on his ears following the satire tone of the raven
boy whom let out a strike comment.
“Yeah…right, in case of your little fear of the heir.”
His face frowns in dark annoyed expression.
“No, no. I really don’t mean it, Shin-chan.” He makes an amused gesture to
appease the next boy’s small anger, followed by longer explanation. The hawk
eyes glowering in sharp analytical cryptic gaze, “But since surely your
position hold quite crucial role in this, I estimate they already have plan to
slowing the process and enhancement. And I’m sure that the heir would
definitely hold the dangerous key especially for what I caught in your stories,
he has this unique charming ability that able to influence his around,…probably
similar to his father.”
The wrinkling line in the forehead straightened as he adjusts the thought he
wanted to comment on this particular case, shadow of moments of how the
beautiful red-haired boy comport oneself surfaces the unconscious impression
the boy marked his mind for one time. Somehow it bothered him so much even
though it’s supposed to be usual things he get done for.
It’s not true, couldn’t even be said to be ‘usual’ overall. Not when you catch
the view of cross dressing boy who has this unusual genderless aura. The green-
haired boy replies the statement with rebutter words, “No, not similar at all”
His head unconsciously is slightly pointing upwards and emerald eyes gazes in
floating illusion, seems to be sinks in its own self-drifting. It hold a
hypnotized stares as the allurement takes away, and his words in next is spoken
in tender, completely in being unaware-like state, “It’s more…subtle, to be
precisely, while his father is far in more firmly way.”
Takao’s eyes are widened a little, in his mind and throat be caught some words
of thoughts connected with the guess he just now delivered. He remains tight-
lipped at the view of his friend’s expression in front of him and turned his
attention to the half-full green tea cup, the way of his gaze implying some
combined expressions into them, something that is very rare to see it in his
partner who usually more in machine-like attitude.
“Was it been able to influence you?” he whispers quietly in almost inaudibly
tune, possibly purposeful to be unheard.
“Hm…” Midorima says as he snapped from his reverie, “What do you hinting at?”
The raven boy keeps his quiet and quickly dismissing his own question, “Nothing
in particular, better forget about it.”
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
===============================================================================
.
.
.
It’s been five days since his first “inspection” at Akashi’s household. He had
given the required information to his father such as the positions of the rooms
in the house in form of sketch and some things learns about the heir’s roles in
this business, also including the information that Akashi Seijuro would be in
the same school as him. He did mentioning about the attitudes of both the heir
and the head, what he could knew about their family’s interactions. The
reaction from his father as usual didn’t stimulates as much as it could, even
had only stoic mask regarding the information of Akashi Seijuro’s school,
instead just shrugged him the tasks of digging furthermore about Akashi
personas to the outsider as if the inside don’t seem matter as in the outside.
He wonders whether his father did previously knowing this so that he
deliberately thrown into that place, just to obtain this information.
No, his father is pretty much considering it very crucial as the key to be able
to predict some of Akashi Masaomi’s movement. Yet, it’s not the right time or
to be precisely, he himself can’t possibly obtain the knowledge of person’s
usual displayed personality as fast as it, especially not to the folk one who
hadn’t retained their individual-identity or expert in concealing their true
nature. They’re more likely to blend unconsciously with another, only living up
to the expectation to others. This doesn’t mean that they’re not stand out
compared to others though, in sense, it’s maybe even giving you more attention
because of the reach of prospect.
He himself, in some perspectives, is just like this type of person, yet not
only him that could be fall into that categorize. In fact, that’s what the heir
of family be formed to be, someone who meet the expectations of others around
them, to serve and embrace the roles they’re given in. It’s not like he really
have some kind of feeling against it, nothing but his own way of mindset about
efficiency of actions and results make him has a slight approve of this.
However he does feel something is hollow inside, whether it’s a sign of his
rebelliousness of longing for the warm feeling or just the way he were formed.
In this short time, probably a month from this, he’s about to step on his mid-
way study, going to the places where there are so many heirs of famous family
like him will probably studying in there too. He did dare to say that he’s
quite ready of this despite he doubts that he will make real bonds with others,
since it’s never his ability to care about such thing like that. This is the
first time he’s about to interact with others properly to exchange knowledge
he’s usually learn from his private study, also the time when he’s somehow been
more reliable to social interactions. Of course, such a thing called
credibility much been tool to proving quality of the chosen. His father is the
man who set quite high standards after all, and not the kind of person who
would send his own son with no counts at all.
Shoheiko, his chosen studying place, is a Han School that located near the
borderline of Kyoto. This educational institution usually used to educate the
children of Daimyos or Samurais, and sometimes serves the educational of the
heir of position higher than Daimyo such as Kuge,though the latter would be
quite rare. They’re renowned for their noted scholars and serves the learning
in Classical Japanese Studies ( Kokugaku ) such as medicine, Confucianism,
Japan’s history, Han learning, East Asian Calligraphy, The Study of Precedent,
and also Western Learning ( Rangaku ) such as astronomy, history of Western,
mathematics, music, military arts or science, the interpretation of poems and
literature, along with body exercises like equestrianism,
Battojutsu, Naginatajutsu, Sojutsu, and Hojutsu.
The amount of subjects that soon will be learned are quite complete for the
learning necessity for children who are about to lead the next generation
better than the previous. No wonder that his father chose this as a perfect
place to learn, since from only on the outside there have been much of insight
this school offered. And not just his father that lay his eyes on. Apparently
this couldn’t escape Akashi Masaomi’s eyes that seemingly change his mind about
growing his son only on his own comfortable cage he probably be confined since
he was small. Maybe this place held some worthiness in his eyes or is it
because he knew that he had been transferred here??
As of now, his father has decided him to look around the place that soon will
be my second home as he will be spend half of my time in this place, for two
purposes, that one of it would be because of the lesson and education providing
intelligence and the second will be because of the ‘spying’ task on Akashi’s
family. To build the familiarity, he said.
The more you know something faster, then the better.
He goes to it using the usual Jinrikisha with his little sister following him
because of childish reason such as want to see new thing and want to know the
school his bother soon be enjoying its facilities. At first he’s regularly
saying no until his sister release a loud whimper that made him sighed in
defeat. They currently are in the trip on cobblestone streets and going to be
arrived around few minutes as Midorima silencing in contemplation. The road is
accompanied by the green view of pine trees that partially hiding the tall
castle on the hilltop in his view.
The rickshaw produces a little sound of screech as they both downing their
steps to the gate heading towards wide gray field area that overgrown by some
plants for some parts. Behind it lay tall castle consist of wood and stone as
its primary constructions. The building that once was a military defense,
screaming for its intimidation and impression from its sizes and elegant
interiors, now its serves reduced primarily into luxurious house of Daimyo and
to protect their power base, representation of their power and wealth.
Sometimes it also serves as the building substitution for school. Beyond the
castle, they lay the realm of flowers landscape goes vast as it blossom slowly
in the midst of spring.
“Ne, Onii-chan??”
“Hmph..” he hears his voice answering to the adorable voice in flat manner.
“Can we go the garden in there?” pointed his sister’s hand to the left side of
the yard. Midorima for a moment behold the view of it until he nods slowly,
“Sure. But I’m only escorting you for few minutes. It’s fine if you still want
to explore the garden. As long as you stay in there until I came back since I
want to go to explore the other side of castle after this. Do you understand?”
Akemi gazes at him innocently until she widely smiles, “Okay, onii-chan.” she
said as the small legs start to running fast towards the garden. Midorima
stares at her for a while and then stirring to follow her inside.
His sister, he thought, is spares in the current situation unlike him, as her
age is still too young to even understand what business he have gone now. It
probably been forced to end once she begin entering her proper age for
studying, although the subjects are differ from him. The children of Daimyo
should at least aware of the social condition in which they’re living, and
should be adopting their skills and intelligence to it. However, as from some
gender restriction of society, the kind of such subject should be disallowed
girls to learn it, as they should meet the society’s expectations on their
roles as faithful wife and obedient mother. Girl and women usually stayed in
the house, serves their men really good, and have no choice in choosing their
own. Midorima would never experiences what they have gone through, chained into
the coffin like that, and to speaking in term, it have been probably better for
them to embrace these roles and losing their own identity.
Well, just like many heirs and heads of families in Japan.
He watched the wide smile painted on his sister’s face as she plays with one of
Sakura flower strands, full of happiness and unaware of problems in
circumstances. Her sister is a kind child, but seemingly less obedient than him
when it comes to comply to their parents’ s instruction. In a way, her
personality seems more reflecting their mother, as she is the type of laid-back
person. Even though she’s filling her perfect house-wife roles, she’s still her
own kind of person that doing what she like to do. She’s still bound strong
with some traditions, probably due to their father’s nature. His father is a
type of person bound by traditional just like him.
Midorima left a couple of words to his sister before he went out to other side
of yard and meets the opened hall of the castle as he passed some chamber be
styled in Tatami. The eyes of him only squints at some Japanese traditional
painting hanging on the wall and a room that contained 80-string koto along
with some other classical Japanese instrumental. It reach the points at the
edge of the hall in which he finally sees the way to the field of flowers he
had seen it parts when they were arrived in the gate.
He descends slowly to it thru stairs of stone connected through the tip of
aisle. From the side here, the view become more and more full as his steps
becomes further and a big blossoming Sakura tree starts to reveal its existence
in the right side near the climb of the cliff. And after that, his eyes
captured something unexpected in his part that brings the name back into his
head.
Akashi Seijuro.
The heir of Akashi family, the person that he is been assigned to spy on beside
his father.
He is there, looking small beside it in comparison, running his hand stroking
the tree’s stem as the gentle wind that sweeping the lovely strands of the
flowers also fondling soft ruby strands owned by the beautiful heir who
standing elegantly. His eyes are closed, seemingly in muse of enjoying the
nature of breeze and the beauty of spring, and he is wearing a simple light
pink Yukata printed in dragon motif, and the color of it ssuited the spring
nuance perfectly. He has no footwear, and wore the bare feet of him without
botheration, something that looks like a particular habit that stand out from
him. The red head looks inhumanly captivating and simply own the notable
elegant pose of him, a thing that got Midorima reminiscing unconsciously in his
mind for past few days. Although not every time popped into his head, it at
certain times and occasions disturbing him for reasons he can’t listing,
something that he never felt it before.
Midorima watches as the heir heaves slowly, inhale and exhale the fresh oxygen
in strangely perfect rhythm, stares at it in silent without the intention to
interrupt the red-haired boy’s meditation.
Then the ruby orbs opens slowly as if it waking up from deep slumber. It blinks
several times before it made it into the sight of him, glancing at him with
sober, non-startled emotion within there, and he opens his mouth to speak.
“Oh, it’s you…Midorima-kun.”
Midorima remains unmoved for seconds, halting at the ways he had called him in
puzzled. He tried remains sober at it and starts to steps down to the tree,
getting closer to the boy’s standing spot and stop when it falls in short
distance.
“Fancy to have meets you in here, Akashi Seijuro” he greets the beautiful red-
haired boy expressionlessly. Akashi Seijuro stares blankly at him for a second
before his lips formed a vacuous, formal smile with politeness, “Fancy to meets
you too, Midorima-kun…” he said as his mouth formed a genuine curve. The ruby
eyes stares into the emerald eyes deeply, give him a sense of uncomfortable
plagues him, then he walks a little distancing his own self from the tree,
“Midorima Shintarou, isn’t it? Here to take first look this institution?”
turned him as he back at facing him.
Midorima give a very small shrug, “I suppose.” he answered in monotone and
silence creep through them afterwards.
Maybe he’s here for it, and perhaps, not quite really. It’s begins what what
his father suggested him to, though he really picked it up thinking that the
suggestion is good for him to get insight of the place, and another reason
probably because he could take a break once with this. Not that he expected to
meet his family opponent’s heir in here, but he should really not that
surprised considering he already knows that he and him are going to share the
same school. But what got him surprise actually, how could he going to this
place in the same day as him and almost at the same time?
Is this really a true coincidence? He asks himself mentally?
Moreover, he thought as the emerald eyes squinting at the sight of a pair of
flawless bare feet standing on the grass in which its remnant of the snow still
there in few, are his feet really not feel cold at all? Normal person would
have been felt freezing on their legs, but the boy in front of him just
perfectly sober like there were none at all, like it is a usual thing.
Is this one of the results the heir earned when he was still confined in the
house?
The tradition from Akashi family, that passed down from generation to
generation, probably carry some strange method that quiet not fair if normal
people find out, he sharpen his thought. One of those methods possibly having
their heir being left in the middle of snow only with their own feet, or it
could probably worse.  Even thought this is probably abnormal method, this
could help in strengthen the physical strength of person. He should inform this
to his father after.
The green-haired boy then decides to mention what he saw to the boy using
question, breaking the awkward silence. “Isn’t it cold? It’s true that the
winter has ended, but its trail still remains a lot. Moreover, it hadn’t gone
long ago.”
His small face turns to him, still in his ambiguous hollow smile, “Ah...you
mean my feet? It’s as fine as it is. It’s plain for me so nothing matter.” says
the boy as he gives indefinite answer.
‘Plain??!’
Plain means that it’s something that already been experience few times before.
So it’s as he thought before, he said to his inner.
Midorima then watched as the red-haired boy in front of him then walks past
him, heading to the distance of the yard. He opens his mouth to speak his
suggestion, “Let’s move over there, Midorima. I think this place isn’t suitable
for us to continue our talk.”
The green boy stupefied, has a feel of hesitation approached him before he
finally open his mouth.
“Right.”
.
.
 
===============================================================================
.
.
The alley they walked in is not quite appealing contrast to the gardens
surrounding. Footing under them has its color as gray and dull, since it’s made
of couple of gray stone that already be polished to be aesthetic ceramics.
Their sound of steps is knocking the air in that place as they walking in
silence. Akashi then breaks it by his question, the ruby eyes is still stares
at the front, blankly without emotion.
“By the way, Midorima-kun, which subjects interested you and what you want to
learn in this place?”
“Probably quite many” He said briefly, he continues, “Confucianism, medicine,
astronomy and literature, military arts along with the study of precedent…For
me, these subjects are the most necessary for my growth. Mainly the study of
precedent and military arts, since those two are the uppermost thing you need
to have as the heir of one of renowned families of Japan.”
The answer is mostly from what his mind has decided though. The last two
subjects he spoke are just what he considers as most necessity, but not what he
interested the most. Out of those subjects, he’s the most excels in medicine.
He dreamed to be traditional healer when he was still at the age of four years
old.  Although once he got older he quickly dismissed it. But it seems like it
is one of his best talents.
Beside it, Confucianism and literature are on the other hand beyond the
richness of everyday life. It greatly deals with level of intellectual
deepness, complexity, creativity of the world and life understanding once you
learn these two subjects. The intellectual also could be developed in healthy
way by these.
“Confucianism and literature huh…You have very fine of taste, Midorima-kun.”
The elegant soft voice praises him in such flatter, entice manner.
Midorima turned around to the boy beside and find a sweet smile escapes the boy
lips as his ruby eyes warmer than before even though it still sets in both
blankness and warmness. The red head is expressing interest as well as has
genuinity in knowing him better. “And you’re also interested in medicine and
astrology too. That’s unique of you. It’s very rare to have someone whom
interested in such subjects.”
“Thank you for the compliment.” He responds in as it is. To be honest he
doesn’t have any answer beside the most casual and polite reply. The green-
haired boy then question in returns, in both flavor of curiosity and right
manner as he is too observes this boy as well as the genuine feeling that
appear inside him, “And how about you, Akashi? Any subjects that interested
you??”
“Hm…to talk about it…” whispers him as if in reveries. Midorima shifts his
attention to him and sharpen his ears to hear the boy has in his next words,
“Probably I’m leaning towards all of it since this is what should be. The study
of precedent and military art are certain and must, can’t be denied.”
The green-haired boy is trying to digest the heir’s answer.
‘Towards all, really??’ he thought as his inner chuckles in puzzlement at the
statement. ‘Can it, though?’
Word of ‘all’ is too comprehensive to be called as a sole thing since it means
to covers everything that this happened to be existed in this world including
imbecile things. Such human to reach the perfect state is impossible even
though they’re probably capable of being close. The ‘Perfection’ that human can
reach probably because it’s what their hearts has sought to, not because it’s
‘really’ it. There is no such thing as perfect, yet when human hearts achieve
what they thought to be it, that’s probably when perfection been reached.
But the boy beside him probably really means it as its original concept and not
the others. He doesn’t seem to understand about it actually. He grew with his
mindset and body trained only for the sake to reach the expectation put on him
throughout many years, and it’s probably the sole reason of his existence by
his own family. Midorima couldn’t tell other aspects of the boy, but he is
certain with this since he is also has this kind of circumstances.
He seems to be on his own world for the most time he saw him, though it just
probably only on the impression. This person has perfect composed attitude and
skilled in conversation even though he never really joined normal social
activities in reality.
The example of perfect heir it seems, like a puppet.
His thought interrupted by the continuity of the red-haired boy’s words.
 “I also decided to learn everything about Western Learning aside from Japanese
Classical Studies, such as its history and literature.”
“Western Learning?” the emerald orbs widened at the words.
‘The study of Western History’ he thought. So, Akashi Masaomi sends his son to
this place because as far as he know, aside from the high ranking of the
subject the study of precedent, this place also has knowing reputation of
excels in Western Learning.
Make sense.
That means that Akashi needs his son to understanding culture about the Western
so that his own heir can play his roles in his business as fast as it can. And
this business at least involved with western side. This confirms that Akashi
probably has interaction with Westerners. His next suspiciousness that need to
be proven is whether this is a secret business or the role that being given
secretly by the Emperor to them.
“Is there any reason why you want to learn it?” asks him to gain next
information.
“Reason?”
The heir’s soft voice respond in perplexed, ruby orbs still holds the dull
stares. It stares right at him now and its focus is not on the other direction
like in before. Midorima’s face tightens at the sudden change and wondering
what the reply will be if he ask something that personal.  He then decides to
continue his question with something more risked than the previous boundary.
“Yes. Is it your family matters I mean…or is it your own choice?”
His emerald eyes than begin emits uneasiness as the ruby eyes which previously
drowned in its soberness begin to little darkened. It instantly sends him chill
down to the spine, and instantly he wonders if what he asks is something of
great importance that has on his own personal. Maybe, he guess, that Akashi
Seijuro may hold some key of Akashi’s family secrets. He seems to be someone
that is excellent at hiding something.
“May I ask why you think of that, Midorima-kun?” his former smooth tone voice
turned in deeper tone even though his expression is still blank. He doesn’t
seems to be angry though, only screams of more suspiciousness. Maybe he is
aware of his own position.
‘Thinks about the appropriate answer’ his inner speaks through him.
“I mean that your family, out of another Kuge family, is considered as the most
influential in terms of economics influence. And of course those two subjects,
study of precedent and military art are considered to be the very important out
of them, and the other subjects are also needed, including Western study. But
it’s unusual. It’s rare for someone who want to learn about Western history too
since most people just need to know its science. Western learning is just
important for our country advancement.” explained him as he found the quiet
good reason to put up.
He watches as the ruby eyes loosen back to its first. “Do you want to
interested to learn about it too, Midorima?” his tone sounds like its teases.
“Actually partially” answers Midorima with brief, “I considered some of it to
be unnecessary, but some of them such as music and astronomy are important.”
Akashi blinks at him few times before turned his attention from him to what
below him. His expression became little more serious.
“I think that your thinking has quiet be false, Midorima.” states him within
his musing. His beautiful tone of voice sounds too tender for seconds, like
it’s at its fragility.  The word then continues with usual tone, “There is no
such thing as ‘unimportant’. Everything must be required or at least you can’t
reach the perfect state that expected.”
This statement escapes the heir’s lips easily as it’s his rule, stating some
kind of mindset the heir has and hold for. It clearly indicates that the boy
wanting to achieve what he knows as ‘perfectness’ by his own method. It seems
that he is trying to mastering amount kind of areas to reach it, and it means
that he should at least already learn its bases. Akashi Masaomi is the one
probably want his own heir to have this quality.
“By the way, Akashi…” he trails off for a moment, “Are you in your own private
study during these years?”
If his assumption is correct, then Masaomi should had his own unique kind of
training or study practicing to his son, or…if he’s not the one who directly
did it, he must have hired someone else to do as his orders. And of course,
since the heir never went out really to society before, he must have received
studies at his own home.
“Yes, I was in my own private study that my father gave me only until a year
ago. Were you the same, Midorima?” answered him as he asked back.
His hand then pushes the glasses up, “Perhaps could be said like that.” He
pauses.
“However, I often joined outdoor learning of some merchants’ s successor, so I
often get another insight.”
“Oh…I see.” The red-haired boy murmurs, the gazes aren’t in the reality at all.
The boy even wonders this quality of the heir has inside him but at the same
time clever at observing his surround.
He then stopped, turns over to him with a smile. This time, Midorima can see
that this one has more quality of genuine. “My time is already finished here.
My father expects me to should go by few minutes from now.” informs him as he
fully turned his front body to him. His emerald eyes can see a Jinrikisha that
larger than his own, arrived in front of the castle and settled next to his,
and two black-suited butler waiting in front of the gate.
The green-haired boy then see his own sister at the other side of garden beside
the yard they now standing, wavering her hands with wide smile,  seems ready to
running at him. He then charges his parting to the red-haired boy.
“May I see you again, Akashi.”
It is in three days later, he remembers, while let out a smile to the heir.
“Farewell, Midorima.” The smooth voice replies him. The boy’s expression has a
genuine smile that seems beautiful under the spring’s sunlight. He continues
the sentences with unexpected words according to him.
“That is quite a fine conversation we had on. I hope that we’re been able to
talk like this again in our next meeting. You’re quite an unique person,
Midorima-kun.”
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
 
 
 
 
Chapter End Notes
     -
End Notes
     Notes:
     1. This fic is inspired from BL Drama CD “Tsumi no Shitone mo Nureru
     Yoru” by Yusa Kouji and Kamiya Hiroshi.
     2. Karagami Shoji: Sliding doors of translucent paper with the round
     handle in Japanese’s traditional house.
     3. Tokonoma: A built-in space in a Japanese style reception room, in
     which items for artistic appreciation are displayed.
     4. Susoshiki: Long Kimono with its skirt trail along the floor,
     usually worn by Geisha.
     5. Ushiromigoro: Back main panel in Kimono, excluding sleeves,
     covering the back portion.
     6. Kuroyuki Flower: Meaning love, and curse.
     7. Kagema: Young male prostitutes
     8. Sode: Sleeve
     9. Wakashu: Adolescent boy age 10-18 years old.
     10. Song to play: Chopin “Raindrops” minutes 2:47- 4:51, or “Moonlit
     Night”, or Beethoven “Pathetique” part I.
     11. English isn’t my native language.
     12. And I don’t own Kuroko No Basuke.
Please drop_by_the_archive_and_comment to let the author know if you enjoyed
their work!
