Archive of Our Own

Akaashi and Bokuto didn’t see as much of each other as they used to. Bokuto had gone pro right out of highschool and Akaashi went to University, before pursuing a career as an Editor. But still, they made time for each other over the years. Bokuto texted and called, giving him updates on MSBY’s practices and new moves he was working on with his teammates. Akaashi would tell him about work and new projects he was editing. Soon they fell into a habit of calling each other at least once a week, late into the night talking about their lives. No matter how far apart they were, or how busy, they never missed a call. Soon this became an almost nightly call, Bokuto tired from long practices or a hard game, either elated or dejected and Akaashi, in the midst of writing or working, welcomed them all the same.

They visited when they could, but living apart and adult lives made it more difficult. But Akaashi made the trip when Bokuto asked. Akaashi always had trouble saying no to him, so when Bokuto’s sleepy voice came through the phone, Akaashi knew he wouldn’t be able to deny it.

“We’re going to be playing the Adlers!” Bokuto excitedly whispered on the other side of the phone. Akaashi laid his head back on the pillow, all his lights already off and ready for sleep, the sounds of the city moving outside his window. This wasn’t the first time Bokuto had stayed up past his usual bed time to talk to him. “It’s a big game and we’ve been practicing longer and we’ve been doing amazing! We’re going to destroy them.” Akaashi smiled at the other man’s determination, clear in his voice. “Hinita’s really excited too! But it’s probably because he’s finally playing against Kageyama.” He laughed, loud and warm. “You know how competitive those two get.”

“Yeah, I remember.” Akaashi smiled. He had seen Hinata a few times when he visited Bokuto since they graduated. He hadn’t lost any of his boundless energy during his time away in Brazil. The last time, Kageyama was there too. They had spent most of the night bickering and laughing with each other. At some point, a drinking competition broke out and ended with them both fast asleep, curled against each other in the MSBY common area of their shared apartments. He had found out later, from Bokuto, that the two had finally started dating shortly after that.

“Hey Akaashi.” Bokuto’s voice was soft, almost hesitant.

“Yes, Bokuto?”

Akaashi could hear shuffling on the other side of the phone. He closed his eyes and could almost imagine Bokuto laying next to him, turning around to face him in the darkness. Golden eyes dancing even in the shadows of his bedroom. He pushed the thought away at the sound of Bokuto’s voice, quieter than usual.

“Could you come to the game?” Akaashi opened his eyes, staring at the dark ceiling, already knowing that he was going to say yes, no matter what he had to do to make it there. He had already considered going anyway, knowing how important the game was, but Bokuto hadn’t asked, so he hadn’t booked a hotel yet, a familiar doubt creeping in. He must have been silent for a beat too long, because Bokuto began to speak louder and quicker than before.

“It’s fine if you can’t make it! I should have asked you sooner, I know. It’s only a week away and you have work and you’re probably super busy.” Bokuto took a breath. “If you can come, that would be amazing! I want you there. I mean I always want you there. But it’s a big game and we haven’t seen each other in a while.” He paused, voice softer. “ and I miss you, you know?”

Warmth flooded Akaashi's chest and heated his face. He threw an arm over his eyes trying to calm his now racing heart. “You were in Tokyo a few months ago.” He huffed out a laugh, but it was filled with fondness. He wasn’t stupid, he knew how he felt about Bokuto, how he had always felt about him. Bokuto had been his best friend since high school and he had loved him just as long. But Bokuto was an open and affectionate friend, he didn’t hide when he cared about someone and Akaashi had never really gotten used to the feeling of that being focused on him, even if it happened more often than not.

The older boy groaned. Akaashi could almost see his pout, hair deflating from his normal vertical style. “But that was forever ago!”

He smiled to himself and took a deep breath, desperately trying to will his voice to even. “Of course, I’ll come, Bokuto.” He said softly.

“Really?” Excitement is obvious in his voice. He was never one to hold back his emotions.

“Yes, really.” Akaashi paused. “I miss you too.”

“Yes!” Bokuto yelled, causing Akaashi to wince and pull away from the phone.

”Bokuto, volume.”

“Sorry, sorry.” He said quieter, but the happiness was still dripping from the words. “I’m just so excited. Oh, if you can, you could come down the day before! And the game will be late so you could stay the next night and we can get as much time to hangout!” He seemed to think for a moment. “It’s okay if that’s too much time off work though. I know you’re busy with work.” The excitement in his voice faded as he spoke. “I just thought it would be fun. But you being there for the game would be more than enough!”

Akaashi thought through his schedule. The game was on a weekend, so he would already be off for most of it. He was caught up with all of his projects and his boss had been telling him to take some time off recently. Whether it was because he had noticed the bags under his eyes from longer shifts or because he had extra vacation days he had yet to use up, he wasn’t sure. He couldn’t think of a reason to not take a little bit of extra time in Osaka with Bokuto. “No, that sounds fun.” He said. “A few nights wouldn’t hurt. I could probably find a hotel room for it if I book it soon as well.”

His planning in his head was interrupted by Bokuto’s warm voice. “No, ‘Kaashi! You can stay at the apartment! I asked you to come, you shouldn’t have to pay for a hotel. You can even stay in my room! It’ll be like when we stayed over at each other’s houses in high school! We have a lot of extra stuff and people crash here all the time with the guys. Even Kuroo and Kenma stayed a few weeks ago.” Akaashi’s heart sped up at the thought of staying in Bokuto’s room with him. “And don’t worry about the ticket for the game either! We get a few for family and stuff so I have a good seat for you!”

“O-okay then.” Akaashi cleared his throat. “Well I guess, it’s settled then.” Akaashi’s chest felt tight with excitement of seeing Bokuto again and so soon. “You should get some sleep, though. It’s late and you have practice early, right?”

Bokuto laughed. “Yeah, I guess I should. I’ll talk to you tomorrow and I’ll send you the details for the game, ‘kay?”

“Alright. Goodnight, Bokuto.”

“Night, Akaashi.”

The week passed slowly. Akaashi kept finding his thoughts wandering back to Bokuto whenever he was trying to get work done. His boss had happily approved his time off and he had his things packed, so when Friday rolled around, he found himself 30 Minutes early for his train, his body thrumming with excitement. When he was finally boarded, he leaned back into his seat and pulled out his phone.

To Bokuto:
I just got on the train.

From Bokuto:
YAY!! I’LL BE THERE TO PICK YOU UP! I’M SO EXCITED!! 🤩

To Bokuto:
I’ll see you soon.

Akaashi put away his phone and dropped his head back with a soft thud. He didn’t feel nervous, only excited to see his best friend again. It had been months since they saw each other last and even though they spoke every day, he still missed being able to see him in person whenever they wanted. During the ride, Akaashi caught up on some reading and occasionally responded to texts, mostly from Bokuto or Kenma. It passed by quickly and soon he was stepping onto the familiar platform in Osaka, luggage in hand. He pushed his glasses up on his nose and looked around for the familiar tall hairstyle.

“Akaashi!” He heard from behind him. Before he had a chance to fully turn around, strong arms wrapped around him and lifted him off the ground. The sudden movement pulled the air from Akaashi in shock.

“Oh!” He took a breath, trying to calm his heart. He felt his face heat up at the proximity. “Hello, Bokuto.” He gripped at the arm around his waist to balance himself and he felt the rumble of Bokuto’s laugh against his back before he sat him down. Akaashi turned to face him, pushing some of his hair back from his face and tried to bite back a smile as he looked at him.

“You made it!” Bokuto almost shouted, still standing very close to Akaashi, their chest barely a foot apart. His golden eyes were trained on him, bright and warm.

Akaashi shifted his bag on his shoulder, smiling softly. “I did.”

The movement caught Bokuto’s eye. “Oh, let me carry that for you.” He pulled the strap off of Akaashi’s shoulder and lifted it to his own.

“You don’t have to do that, Bokuto. I can carry it.” His hand hung uselessly in the air. Bokuto just waved him off and turned the other way.

”Don’t worry about it. Come on! We can drop by the apartment and then get some dinner. I’m starving.” He looked back at him over his shoulder when Akaashi didn’t follow. The soft evening light made his skin glow, eyes holding Akaashi in place. Bokuto tilted his head to the side, watching him. His confused expression broke slightly to a small smile. Bokuto shook his head and took a few steps back to Akaashi before grabbing his wrist and pulling him along. Bokuto’s fingers radiated warmth on his skin and Akaashi was helpless, stumbling after him. “Come on, ‘Kaashi.” He said softer now, cutting his eyes towards him, smile growing.

Akaashi ducked his head, trying to fight off his blush when Bokuto didn’t release his arm. Bokuto talked about a lot of things as they walked, but Akaashi felt his attention waver, constantly pulled to where their bodies were connected. It was an awkward positioning. Bokuto was still holding his wrist, Akaashi’s hand hanging limply, even after they had matched each other’s pace. Finally, Akaashi held his breath as he shifted his hand, gently pulling out of Bokuto’s grip, letting their skin part for barely a moment before connecting again, this time palm to palm. He entwined their fingers loosely, keeping his eyes firmly ahead.

At the shift, Bokuto’s voice faltered in his sentence and he stumbled slightly. Akaashi chanced a glance his way. Bokuto wasn’t looking at him, but his eyes were wide and his cheeks slightly redder than before. This wasn’t the first time they had held hands. Bokuto had a habit of dragging his friend places and usually did so by grabbing him by the hands and not letting go until they had reached whatever had excited the older boy. He had certainly never had this kind of reaction to the contact. Now that Akaashi had thought about it, this may be the first time he had initiated it himself. He felt his heartbeat pick up dangerously at his boldness. Bokuto looked over and when their eyes met, Akaashi’s face burned and he looked ahead. He could feel Bokuto’s stare against his cheek. The older man cleared his throat and continued whatever he had been talking about previously and Akaashi felt a gentle squeeze of his hand as they walked. He finally took a breath of relief at the gesture.

They made it back to the apartment and Bokuto shifted Akaashi’s bag up his shoulder, unlocking the door with one hand, seemingly forgetting he could just drop the hand he was holding. He pulled him inside, only dropping the contact of their hands to take off their shoes, before grabbing it again to pull him further inside. Voices trailed from the common area as they approached.

“That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard.” Sakusa was saying, voice void of emotion.

As they walked in, Atsumu was laying back, legs spread on the couch and back pressed against Sakusa’s side, who had a book open in his lap. “Come on, Omi! It’s worth a try.” The blonde lifted his head, perking up as he saw the two men enter. His eyes darted down to their clasped hands and then back up again, his sly grin widening. “Well speak of the devils.”

“Hello Miya.” He nodded. “Sakusa.” The curly haired man lifted his eyes, returning the nod and then continued his reading.

Atsumu pouted. “How many times do I have to tell ya, call me Atsumu? Miya just makes things confusin’ with Osamu and all.”

“But he isn’t here.” Akaashi replied.

Bokuto laughed. “It’s a losing battle, ‘Tsumu. I’ve known him for years and he’s still as polite as ever.”

“We’re practically besties, Akaashi!” Atsumu laughed, cutting his eyes to Bokuto. “I mean with how often Bo talks about you, it’s like you’re here every day.” He looks back at Akaashi, holding his hand up as if to conceal his words. “I’d be more upset about him still calling you his favorite setter if it wasn’t so dang sweet.”

Bokuto’s grip tightened slightly in Akaashi’s, his cheeks pink.

He tilted his head back to look back at Sakusa. “Why don’t ya ever talk about how pretty I am, like Bokuto does for Akaashi?”

“If your head gets any bigger, you’ll block our view of the other side of the court.” He said without looking away from his book. Atsumu looked horrified at this, his mouth open wide. “I’m looking out for the team.”

Akaashi turned towards Bokuto. He tried to keep the teasing grin off his face, but he felt himself failing. “You tell people that I’m pretty?”

He opened and closed his mouth a few times before pulling Akaashi towards his room. “Alright!” He said a little louder than necessary. “I think that’s enough greeting for now!”

Atsumu’s laughter followed them down the hall, along with a quiet yelp and a thud from what Akaashi could only assume was Sakusa pushing the blonde off the couch. Bokuto’s door shut softly behind them and he dropped Akaashi’s bag gently on the floor at the foot of the bed. His room wasn’t any different from the last time Akaashi had visited, but he found himself looking around anyways, taking in the volleyball posters on the walls, the unmade bed, desk and shelf littered with trophies and photos. Most of them were of his family and teammates, a few from their high school team or a magazine that featured Bokuto. He saw his own face reflected in a few of them here and there.

He reached out and ran his hand over one, an almost blurry snapshot in an empty gym. Bokuto was in the front, face too close to the camera, smiling widely. He had his arm draped over Akaashi’s pulling him against him, their cheeks pressed together. Akaashi looked put out in the photo, but his eyes were only on Bokuto. Kuroo was behind Akaashi, sticking his tongue out lazily and he had his arm out, gripping tightly to Kenma’s hoodie as he tried to move out of the range of the camera, but didn’t quite make it. His face was turned away with a pout, one of his videogames gripped in both hands.

Akaashi felt himself smile. “That’s one of my favorites.” Bokuto said from right behind his shoulder. Akaashi barely had to turn his head to catch Bokuto’s soft smile, so close to him. He was looking at the photo, seemingly lost in the happy memories.

“Mine too.” Akaashi said, his voice barely above a whisper. He felt a small relief that his voice didn’t crack.

Bokuto’s eyes slid back to him, his smile growing as gold eyes met gray. Silence stretched between them. Akaashi swallowed, pulling at his fingers nervously. Those eyes stayed locked on him. Sometimes he forgot how overwhelming it was to have all of Bokuto’s attention focused on him in person. To be the center of it was like staring at a star up close. It felt like he would burn up from it.

He still remembers the focus he had from the other boy in Highschool, how he quickly became addicted to the burning pride in his chest when Bokuto would turn to him, eyes bright and filled with life after a spike. “Did you see that, Akaashi? Wasn’t I so cool?”

Akaashi would always nod and answer with a serious, “Yes, Bokuto. That was very good.” The answering smile and occasional hug were a reward. Akaashi fell helplessly to them.

Bokuto didn’t do anything halfway, not in volleyball and not in his affection. He would always yell a happy, “Akaashi! Your sets are the best!” or “You’re so smart ‘Kaashi!”

Akaashi always kept his expression flat, despite his beating heart. Then, he would bring up something Bokuto needed to work on from the running list of his weaknesses and Bokuto would pout at it before a determined look settled over his face and he worked to improve. Akaashi always envied Bokuto’s drive, but nothing pushed him more. Bokuto had once asked him to give him 120%. He had done it, willingly and would again in a heartbeat.

Akaashi blinked at a still smiley Bokuto. He felt his face heat up and he looked away, breaking the trance he had fallen into. He hoped Bokuto wouldn’t notice the blush that was slowly taking over his face.

He cleared his throat. “We should get some food.” Bokuto’s eyes were turned back to the photo on the shelf, a sad look on his face, even his hair was deflated slightly. “Before it gets too late.”

Bokuto looked over and smiled, but it didn’t have the same light. “Yeah, you're right. What are you in the mood for?” Akaashi could tell he was trying to put the excitement back in his voice.

“You can pick and it’ll be my treat.” He said and then without thinking, reached out and placed a gentle hand on Bokuto’s arm. Bokuto’s head tilted to the side curiously. “As a, um, good luck for tomorrow.”

In seconds, Bokuto’s smile grew, bright and happy. He was a little relieved at the sight. Bokuto had grown up a lot. He didn’t need Akaashi to be there to bring him out of his dejected moods as often as he once had. But he still couldn’t let one start right in front of him, especially since he had no idea what had caused it.

“I know this really good place! It’s right down the street and they have those noodles that you really like. You’ll love it!” Bokuto grabbed Akaashi’s hand from his arm and used it to pull him out the door, chattering excitedly. “And tomorrow after the game, Astumu said that if we win Osamu would treat us all to Onigiri at his restaurant.”

Akaashi let himself be dragged out of the apartment. Not missing the way that Bokuto held onto his hand the whole way.

The place was cozy, dimly lit and not too busy. They sat across from each other and Akaashi listened to Bokuto tell his latest attempt at trying to figure out if Sakusa and Atsumu had started dating.

“You saw them when we came in! Omi doesn’t like when anyone touches him, but he’s been letting Tsum-Tsum lean on him lately. Our last away game, Omi let him sleep on his shoulder. He even drooled on him!” He stabbed his chopsticks at his plate. “Omi didn’t even complain.”

“Why don’t you just ask them?”

“I tried.” Bokuto huffed. “Tsumu just makes a joke and Omi rolls his eyes. I just want them to get together.”

Akaashi watched him quietly. He took another bite and swallowed before speaking. “Why does it bother you so much?”

Bokuto sank in his seat slightly with a pout. He stared at his plate, pushing food around. “They seem to really like each other.” He shrugged and looked up at Akaashi, their eyes catching for a moment before he looked down again. For such a large and boisterous man, suddenly Bokuto looked so small, slouched down in the booth with a sad look. “Not everyone gets to be with the person they love.”

Akaashi looked down at his own plate. He understood the feeling too well. But did Bokuto have someone he loved? Someone he couldn’t be with? The thought alone made his throat tighten as he tried to swallow his food.

“If they like each other, they should be together, you know?” Bokuto said softly. “I just want them to be happy.”

Akaashi’s chest burned slightly, but he smiled, shaking off the feeling. “That’s very sweet of you, Bokuto.” He chanced a look up at the other man, only to find gold eyes already trained on him. There was something in his expression that Akaashi couldn’t place, something he wasn’t sure he had ever seen before. A soft longing, maybe. Nothing like the burning determination and want he got on the court. Something more gentle, quieter, and a little sad.

Akaashi reached a hand across the table and laid in on Bokuto’s, a light touch. Bokuto’s eyes dropped to it and then back up again. “They’ll figure it out. Maybe they just need time to do so.”

Bokuto smiled and his expression cleared. “You're right.” He pulled his hands away to rub his face. “Gaaah! Akaashi, you’re always so smart!”

Akaashi hid a laugh behind his drink as he took a sip. The rest of dinner went smoothly, Bokuto’s spirits back up. They walked home and Bokuto asked questions about how Akaashi’s job was going and his family. He couldn’t help but notice that on the way back, Bokuto didn’t take his hand again. He flexed his own fingers by his side, trying to shake the itch in them to reach out and find home in the space between Bokuto’s.

The apartment was quiet when they came in. It seemed that all the players were getting an early rest before the game tomorrow. Akaashi felt a pang of guilt at imposing in Bokuto’s space during such an important time. He found himself standing in Bokuto’s room, watching as the other boy moved around.

“You didn’t have to let me stay here, you know?” Bokuto lifted his head, eyebrows furrowed. “You should be resting for tomorrow. I could have easily gotten a hotel.” He pulled at his fingers.

“Hey, hey, hey.” Bokuto smiled. “Come on, Akaashi! I invited you to stay with me because I wanted you here.” Akaashi frowned, doubt still digging into him. “We’re the protagonists of the world, remember? We’re still a team!”

Akaashi’s heart betrayed him, picking up speed without his permission. He tried to fight back a smile, but he knew he had been caught as Bokuto’s own grew in return. “You’re right.” He bowed slightly, making Bokuto chuckle at the formality. “Thank you for having me.”

“Don’t mention it!” He turned and began to search in his closet. “Now let me find the futon and we can get to bed. I know you’ve had a long day traveling.”

Akaashi sat on the edge of his bed as he searched. After a moment, Bokuto mumbled something to himself and huffed before standing and leaving the room. Pulling out his phone, Akaashi busied himself by checking through his emails and texts. He mostly found a few work things that needed following up on later and a few texts from his family to send their good luck to Bokuto on the game tomorrow, as well as one from Kenma, letting him know when he and Kuroo would arrive for the game. It also had an attached complaint of Kuroo apparently nagging the other boy about the way he packs his suitcase. Akaashi didn’t respond. He had seen the way Kenma packed, not folding a single item, just shoving everything and even going as far to lay on the suitcase to be able to close it enough to zip it. His sympathy was rarely with Kuroo, but this was the exception.

The door opened again, revealing a slightly frazzled looking Bokuto. When Akaashi looked up, he was rubbing the back of his neck, with a slight tinge of red coloring his cheeks. Despite his obvious embarrassment, he looked quite attractive in the dim light of his bedside lamp.

Akaashi shook that thought away and put his phone aside. “Is everything alright?”

The red on Bokuto’s cheeks darkened, spreading to the tips of his ears. “So, here’s the thing. When Kuroo and Kenma stayed over, they used the futon. They slept in the common area and Tsumu and Omi kind of…” He paused. “Caught them having sex. Tsumu can be a bit dramatic.” Akaashi bit back a laugh at the idea of Bokuto calling anyone dramatic. “And Omi has that whole thing about germs.”

“And?” Akaashi prompted, growing a little impatient.

“They burned the futon and everyone is in bed already so I don’t know if they have an extra.” He said in a rush. He puffed his cheeks out as if holding his breath, waiting for Akaashi’s reply.

Akaashi blinked. “Oh.” He considered his options. “It’s a bit late to go find a hotel.” He pulled at his fingers. “I could sleep on the common room couch, or the floor I suppose.”

Bokuto gasped out and flailed his arms around. “Absolutely not! No guest of mine is sleeping on the floor or that broken down couch!”

Akaashi pinned him with a blank stare. “Then where am I supposed to sleep?”

“Sleep in my bed!” Akaashi’s eyes widened. “I’ll sleep on the couch or something.”

“Bokuto.” He signed, looking at the other man, still standing in the doorway. “You have one of the biggest games this season tomorrow, and this is your home. I’m not sabotaging one of MSBY’s best players because he got a cramp in his neck from sleeping on the couch.”

Bokuto laughed and shook his head. “Well, we could always just share the bed?” If Akaashi wasn’t mistaken, there was a bit of nervousness to the question.

Akaashi’s eyes snapped to Bokuto, who was shifting from foot to foot, looking away. Any blush that had died down on his face was back in full force. “Are you sure?” Akaashi hoped his voice would sound steadier than it felt.

Bokuto shrugged and looked back at Akaashi. “Of course! It’s plenty big enough. I have practice early so you’ll have the place to yourself for a while too and you can sleep in.” He smiled. “I know you’re not really a morning person.”

Silence fell between them. Akaashi was still sitting on Bokuto’s bed, just on the edge. He wasn’t sure his heart could take the idea of him wrapped in Bokuto’s sheets, so close he could touch him, but not close enough. “Okay, then.” He said without thinking.

“Really?” Bokuto asked, his mouth hanging open.

Akaashi shrugged. “Well, if you’re okay with it, then so am I.” It did seem like the best option for them both to get some rest, even if it had some negative effects on his heart. He silently cursed Kenma and Kuroo's inability to keep it in their pants for one night.

“Okay, then!” He immediately perked up. “It’ll be fun! Like a sleepover!”

With a roll of his eyes and another flat look, Akaashi stood from the bed and went to grab his things from his bag. “We’re going straight to bed, Bokuto.” Out of the corner of his eye he could see Bokuto deflate a little. “You have practice early.” Akaashi stood again, taking on the stern tone he was used to sporting when Bokuto had an idea that didn’t need to be pursued. “You need your rest and you want to beat the Adlers, don’t you?” Bokuto nodded vigorously. “Well then, you better get a good night's sleep so you’re not dozing off on the court.”

“You’re right!” Bokuto nodded and clapped his hands once, a determined look in his eyes. Akaashi let himself smile at Bokuto’s antics.

They got ready for bed fairly quickly, in comfortable silence. Bokuto insisted that Akaashi shower first, so he made quick work to not put the other man out more than he already had. He settled on the bed, with a book as he waited for Bokuto to finish getting ready, the bedside lamp the only light in the room.

After a little while, Bokuto emerged again, water dripping from his now flat two toned hair, and a towel slung low on his hips. Akaashi glanced up as he entered and suddenly found himself unable to look away. His mouth felt dry as he watched a drop of water curve down his chest, carving a path over hard and smooth looking muscle.

“Sorry.” Bokuto’s sheepish voice broke him from his trance and his eyes found Bokuto’s face again. His face burned and he slid down slightly, holding a book on his knees, covering half his face. “I forgot my clothes. I usually just get dressed here.” He let out an embarrassed laugh.

“You’re fine.” He cleared his throat when he heard how hoarse his voices sounded. “It’s your room after all.” He forced himself to look back at his book, not reading the words. “We’ve changed in locker rooms before. If you would like to get dressed here, I promise I won’t look.” He tried to joke to combat the nerves rising up in his throat, but it came out shakier than he would like to admit.

Bokuto let out a laugh, seeming to not have noticed. “I‘ll be quick!”

Akaashi heard the rustling of Bokuto changing and before he realized it, his eyes had darted up to the other man. Bokuto had his back to him, muscles shifting and smooth skin damp from the shower. Warmth spread through Akaashi and burned at his cheeks. Suddenly, Bokuto dropped the towel, and Akaashi snapped his eyes back to his book, a guilt filling him after having been looking at his friend as he undressed. He lifted up his book further, to cover his face from Bokuto’s view. He took a breath, trying to calm his heart. He read the first sentence on the page, trying to distract his brain, but he couldn’t concentrate, the words muddling together on the page.

Bokuto finished getting dressed and dried his hair before making his way over to the bed. He seemed to hesitate slightly, before sliding under the covers beside Akaashi. Akaashi closed his book, sitting it on his knees before looking over.

Bokuto was already looking at him, with a soft smile. Akaashi stilled as he met his gaze. Bokuto opened his hand and gestured towards the book. “Straight to bed, no staying up late, right?”

Akaashi rolled his eyes and let out a small laugh. He had always had a habit of losing track of time reading. Bokuto had often fallen asleep on video calls with him as he read late into the night. He handed the book and his glasses over to Bokuto, who sat them on the nightstand. Akaashi scooted down until he was buried under the covers and turned his face into one of Bokuto’s pillows, already feeling his body relax.

Akaashi could feel Bokuto looking at him. He opened his eyes and blinked up at him. Bokuto had one hand on his phone where he had been plugging it up. Akaashi waited. Bokuto’s eyes darted around his face, before a smile grew on his face and he let out a small breath, almost like a laugh. “Goodnight, Akaashi.” He said softly. He turned away again and then turned off the lamp, coating the room in darkness. Akaashi could feel the bed shift as Bokuto laid down, his back to him.

“Goodnight, Bokuto.” He whispered into the dark. Warmth radiated off of Bokuto and Akaashi found himself shifting slightly closer before his eyelids grew heavy and he succumbed to sleep.

—

Bokuto woke up a few minutes before his alarm went off. He always kept it as a precaution, but he was an early riser by nature so he rarely needed it. Something about this morning was different though. He hadn’t opened his eyes and he felt somehow more comfortable, warmer and more snug in his bed. He let out a yawn and opened his eyes, knowing he had to move even if he didn’t want to.

He froze as he took in the other person in his bed. He had almost forgotten Akaashi was there, but now he was impossible to miss. Bokuto had made sure to go to sleep facing away from the other boy, unsure that he could handle looking at him snuggled into his bed again, he felt like he was having a heart attack from how at home he looked.

But now, he was on his back and Akaashi was half on top of him, arms wrapped around his chest and his face tucked on his shoulder, warm breath fanning over his neck. He tried to hold back the shiver at the feeling. Their legs seemed to have become tangled as well. Akaashi looked so peaceful in his sleep, lips in a soft pout. Bokuto bit his fist to keep from squealing at how cute he looked.

His chest felt tight and he hoped that the skyrocketing of his heart didn’t wake Akaashi up. He had had this fantasy before, waking up tangled up with Akaashi, kissing his face until he woke up, and making breakfast together. But having the man he loved wrapped around him was just downright painful and made him want so much more. Guilt settled into him. He shouldn’t be feeling like this with Akaashi innocently sleeping beside him.

He tried to shift away, carefully moving Akaashi to not wake him. But when he shifted away, no more than a few inches, Akaashi’s brows furrowed and he let out a whine before pulling Bokuto back and rubbing his face against Bokuto’s shoulder, nose pressed against his neck.

Bokuto gasped and then let out a strained laugh. He tried to not think too hard about the noise Akaashi had made, the long line of warmth against him, or his blood suddenly pooling lower than was completely appropriate. He tried to even out his breath, before moving again. Akaashi didn’t release him at first, eyes still closed. “It’s okay, ‘Kaashi.” He whispered. He ran a hand through Akaashi’s hair as he shifted him, trying to soothe the pout on his face. Bokuto had to hold back a laugh and the childish behavior. He never expected this out of a sleepy Akaashi and he almost cried with how endearing he found it.

He was almost out of the embrace when Akaashi spoke. “Bokuto.” It was barely a whisper. “Don’t go.” He grumbled.

Bokuto felt like he was going into cardiac arrest, heart clenching tightly in his chest. He grasped his hand at the front of his own shirt and then fell to the floor from where he was trying to remove himself from Akaashi’s grasp. Bokuto laid there for a moment, willing the tears away. Akaashi didn’t move, still very obviously asleep, but guilt welled up in his chest anyways. He sat up and looked at the man in his bed, rumpled from sleep. His face wasn’t as pinched as it was before, now settling back into sleep. Bokuto sighed and got up. He watched Akaashi, before leaning forward. He brushed a few strands of the black hair away from Akaashi’s face and left a soft kiss on his forehead. He smiled and got ready for practice as quietly as possible, already hearing his teammates stirring in the house. Before slipping out the door, he scrawled a note and left it on the nightstand, on top of Akaashi’s book.

——

Akaashi woke to the sun pouring through the window and directly into his eyes. He groaned and buried his face in the pillow. He took a breath, inhaling a familiar and comforting scent. He slowly opened his eyes and reached over to the night stand for his glasses. He looked around the room, knowing he was alone. He flopped back on the bed replaying last night, before a blurry memory seeped into his brain. Like a cold bucket of water being splashed over him, it hit him, and he shot up in the bed.

“Oh my god.” He said to himself, he buried his burning face in his hands as he thought of his half asleep brain clinging to Bokuto as he tried to leave. He remembered not wanting him to leave and holding him close. Embarrassment flooded him and he groaned. After a few minutes of well deserved self loathing, he pulled himself out of bed. A note on the night stand caught his eye. It was messily scratched onto a sticky note and it read:

“Good Morning Sleeping Beauty!! You can have anything in the kitchen, and we have a break at 1pm for lunch if you want to come hangout with us! I’ll buy you lunch too ;) -Bokuto”

Akaashi couldn’t help but laugh. He still had a few hours before he would go meet Bokuto. He made breakfast and wandered around the house, taking in the place. It felt odd for it to be so quiet with how loud its tenants were. He read a bit more and even got some work done before getting dressed and heading out.

He had been to the Black Jackals stadium a few times, for games and once because Bokuto had pestered him into setting for him again during the off season. He was a little early so the team was finishing up a practice game. The squeak of rubber on the shining floor and faint smell of sweat was familiar to Akaashi. He kept quiet and sat on one of the bleachers near the door, still out of sight of the team. He didn’t want to interrupt so he pulled at his book and tried to stay busy while he waited.

He was lost in his reading, when he heard Atumu call out, “Bokuto!”

Akaashi found his eyes lifting, just as Bokuto, high off the ground, slammed his hand against the leather of the ball. The thunderous collision of the ball hitting the floor on the other side, followed only a second after. Bokuto landed gracefully on his feet again, then lifted his fist. “Hey hey hey!” He shouted.

Every time Bokuto landed a good spike, it was like seeing it for the first time. Even before Akaashi knew he would attend Fukoradani, before he played side by side with Bokuto, he knew he would be a star. Watching him play was always entertaining. Akaashi never regretted the career he chose. Volleyball was never something he wanted to do professionally. But sometimes, when he saw Bokuto play, he got that same feeling that made him love volleyball in highschool. It made his fingers itch to set for Bokuto again, to feel the buzz in his veins after the ball leaves his hands and collides with Bokuto’s. There was something about the other man that never failed to push him, to inspire him.

“Alright boys, rest up and I’ll see you all here at 4pm for warm-ups. Don’t be late.” The coach said, before clapping and dismissing the team. Bokuto was laughing at something Atsumu said, before the blonde caught his eyes over Bokuto’s shoulder and pointed. Bokuto hurled himself around, eyes wide before finding Akaashi.

“AKAASHI!!” His voice echoed off the walls. Atsumu laughed and swatted him with a towel, but he took no notice. “You came!” He jogged over to where Akaashi was sitting.

Akaashi closed his book slowly and stood to meet him. “I did. You asked me to, after all.”

“I wasn’t sure if you would want to, but I’m glad you did!”

“Of course I wanted to.” Akaashi tilted his head. “I did come all this way to see you.”

Bokuto’s cheeks darkened, and he let out a chuckle. “Yeah, you did.” The smile on his face softened as golden eyes watched him.

Shifting on his feet, Akaashi cleared his throat. “I also wanted to apologize.” He paused to calm his growing embarrassment. “For this morning.”

Bokuto’s eyebrows furrowed together, a small confused pout replacing the smile. “What do you mean?”

Heat pricked at Akaashi’s cheeks. “For the…” He looked away. “Clinging.”

“Oh, that!” Bokuto laughed, bright and loud, making Akaashi look up. “Don’t worry about that, ‘Kaashi.” He rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly sheepish. “Plus, it really was cute.” He laughed again. “You had me thinking about skipping practice altogether just to stay there!”

Akaashi’s eyes widened, mouth opening to say something, but nothing came out. Air seemed to get caught in his throat. Did Bokuto really just say that? Bokuto thought he was cute? He would skip out on Volleyball to stay in bed with Akaashi? Bokuto had never once even thought about missing out on Volleyball, had he?

“Bokuto!” Bokuto turned towards Hinata’s voice, seeming unaware of Akaashi’s panic. “Are you guys coming to get food with us?”

“Yeah, I’ll change and we’ll be ready!” Bokuto turned back to Akaashi, with a warm smile and a soft touch to his shoulder. “I’ll be right back and lunch is on me!” With that he turned around and ran off to the locked rooms.

Akaashi was left in a near empty gym, staring after him. He finally closed his mouth and cleared his throat. When he turned to get his stuff, Atsumu was standing there, watching him with a knowing smirk.

“What?” Akaashi asked, suddenly nervous at the thought of him being watched during that interaction.

Atumu shrugged. “Oh, nothing.” He leaned over, looking in the direction that Bokuto had disappeared in. “Just young love.”

Akaashi rolled his eyes and grabbed his bag, ignoring him. But Atsumu, like most of the Jackals, refused to be ignored.

“So, when are you going to confess to him and put us all out of our misery?”

This got Akaashi’s attention again. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Miya.” He was always good at keeping his expression blank.

“Aw, come on!” He pouted. “Don’t be like that. It’s obvious to anyone with eyes that you’re into our little owl. I mean, just confess and live happily ever after and then we can all stop hearing Bokuto wax poetics about your eyelashes.”

Akaashi blushed at that and turned his head away.

“Miya. We’re friends.” He pushed his glasses up his nose.

“Friends don’t look at each other like that.” His voice was softer this time. When Akaashi looked over at him, his smirk was gone. There was something almost genuine about the way he was looking at Akaashi. “We want Bo to be happy.” Akaashi almost laughed at the irony. “You make Bo happier than anything, except maybe volleyball.” Akaashi’s mind unwillingly jumped back to what Bokuto had just said about almost missing Volleyball practice. “So why not say something?”

Akaashi gripped his bag tightly, fingers flexing. He rolled around the idea in his head. Bokuto was the kind of guy that always said what he was thinking, every emotion was written plainly. If he had feelings for Akaashi, wouldn’t have said something by now? He doubted that Bokuto was capable of keeping a secret like that, much less for that long. He was friendly, tactile, and warm, but that didn’t mean he felt the same as Akaashi did. The last thing he wanted was to lose his best friend.

“I’ll consider what you said.” He caught sight of Sakusa approaching them. “But Miya?”

Atsumu turned to look at him from where his eyes were already following Sakusa. “Hm?”

“Perhaps you should take some of your own, very wise advice.” He cut his eyes to Sakusa and then back. He was rewarded with a very red and flustered Miya Atsumu.

They all trekked out of the gym together, Bokuto close by Akaashi’s side as Hinata bounced around them, discussing new moves they were working on. They were a fairly loud group, but Akaashi settled comfortably into the familiar feeling of being surrounded by energetic athletes.

They stopped at a small shop down the street, a hole in the wall that you wouldn’t notice unless you were looking for it. The older woman behind the counter greeted the team by their names, even pinching Hinata’s cheek, who was doing a bad job of hiding his grumpiness at the gesture. The woman only laughed at the boys and waved them off to the empty tables by the windows.

“You must come here often.” Akaashi said as he sat beside Bokuto.

“Yeah, it’s good food! Plus it has good healthy options that keeps Coach off our backs.” He laughed and looked up at the older woman as she stepped up to their table. “Plus Asa here takes really good care of us, don’t you?” Bokuto turned his blindly smile towards her. She frowned and popped him on the back of the head gently, making him pout.

“If you break another plate with all your rough housing, I’ll let you starve.” Her tone was stern, but there was a small glimpse of a smile. The team laughed at Bokuto’s hurt expression.

“Aw Asa! Come on!” He rubbed the back of his head. “I haven’t broken anything in weeks! The vase was Tsum-Tsum!”

“Hey!” Atsumu leaned forward, pointing a finger across the table. “Don’t bring me into this.”

“Now now, boys.” Asa’s eyes then fell on Akaashi. “And who do we have here?”

“Akaashi Keiji, ma’am.” Akaashi bowed slightly.

Asa laughed. “Oh what a sweet boy!”

“”Kaashi is visiting me for the game!” Bokuto’s voice was full of pride as he slung an arm over Akaashi’s shoulders, making him blush.

Asa moved her eyes back and forth between the two, her eyes soft and a little distant, as if lost in a memory. “Well isn’t that nice.” She said finally. She patted Bokuto on the arm absentmindedly. “Now what can I get for you boys?”

Lunch went by with minimal damage, mostly due to Asa’s warning glare every time the team got a little too rowdy. Bokuto paid for Akaashi’s food, despite his protests. “Akaashi, I promised! Are you trying to make me a liar?” Akaashi relented soon enough and they thanked Asa and she sent them off with leftover sweets for after the game and a good luck to the Jackals.

They passed the time easily, going from shop to shop, and joking around. Bokuto seemed to find anything that had an owl on it and hold it up proudly for Akaashi to see. Inside one of the stores, he had lost track of Bokuto. He couldn’t see that familiar streaked white and gray head anywhere. After a few minutes of searching, he stepped outside into the afternoon, hoping that Bokuto would find him there whenever he was ready.

Akaashi sat on a bench and leaned back, watching the street. He saw Atsumu and Sakusa in another store across the way, seeming like they were bickering about something. Akaashi could mostly see that from Atsumu’s expressive movements, while Sakusa had his face covered with a black mask, as usual. After a moment, Sakusa’s shoulder started shaking, as if laughing. Akaashi wasn’t sure if he had ever seen him laugh. Atsumu seemed upset about this, but even from a distance Akaashi could see the blonde deflate, dropping his head onto Sakusa’s shoulder, who didn’t seem too bothered, still laughing.

Something tugged in Akaashi’s chest as he watched them. He wasn’t the relationship sort. Sure he had been asked out, even been on a few dates, but nothing ever stuck. He was much too busy with work and not many people seemed all that interested in talking to someone that was as quiet as Akaashi. At least, that’s what he kept telling himself. It wasn’t that every time he imagined being in a relationship, his thoughts would always conjure up white and gray hair and bright gold eyes. No, of course not.

You’re never too busy for Bokuto. His brain supplied. He shook his head, looking away from the spot that Atsumu and Sakusa had already moved away from. Bokuto is his best friend, of course he would make time for him.

Bokuto always wants to talk to you. He doesn’t mind that you’re quiet and he gets you talking.

Akaashi groaned and dropped his head back against the wall. Being with Bokuto was never a possibility, not like that. He knew that. He had made peace with it. But watching Atsumu and Sakusa’s comfortable familiarity with each other, had dislodged something in him again.

“Akaashi!” Bokuto came barreling out the door of the store, a bag in his hand. “There you are!” He smiled and dropped beside Akaashi on the bench. “I got something!” He looked up then, eyes taking in Akaashi’s stance and his smile dropped slightly. “Hey, are you okay?”

Akaashi lifted his head, schooling his face into something more neutral. “Of course, Bokuto.”

“You just seem a little…” Bokuto shifted slightly, their shoulders brushing. “Sad?”

Akaashi tried to smile slightly and then placed a hand on Bokuto’s knee, who looked down at it with wide eyes, and then back up to Akaashi. “I assure you, I am perfectly content.”

Akaashi’s chest burned at the lie as he watched Bokuto’s eyes flit back and forth over his face. He didn’t say anything, and it didn’t seem like he believed him either.

Akaashi rubbed a circle with his thumb on Bokuto’s leg and pulled away. “So, what did you get?”

This seemed to break Bokuto out of his thoughts, his smile returning full force as he pulled the bag up between them. “Oh, yeah!”

He pulled out two small key chains. Both had little owls hooked to silver clasps. One was a charcoal gray, with dark eyes, with lighter gray spots on its wings. The other was a white owl, with gray feathers sporadically through its wings and large peaks on its head.

Akaashi almost laughed at the resemblance and tried to bite back a smile. But he soon failed, when Bokuto shouted, “It’s us!”

Akaashi chuckled, reaching out and touching the charms dangling from Bokutio’s hand. “It appears that way, yes.”

Bokuto beamed, proud of Akaashi’s approval. “I saw them and I had to buy them! And I thought that maybe, I could take the one that looks like you and you could take the one that looks like me.”

Akaashi’s eyes snapped up to Bokuto, who was still looking down at the little owls, sheepishly. “You know…” He continued. “So even when we’re not together, we’re still together.”

The burning in Akaashi’s chest was back, full force. His mouth opened and closed again. He reached out a hand and silently took the white owl from Bokuto’s grasp, letting their fingers graze slightly. Bokuto looked up at him then, eyes open and hopeful. As if Akaashi would ever reject anything Bokuto gave him.

“Thank you, Bokuto.” He said quietly. “I love it.” He cradled the owl in his hands.

Bokuto stared at him, mouth open and then it stretched slowly into a wide smile. His eyes crinkled at the corners and they never left Akaashi. Being looked at like that by Bokuto, with such open affection, made a very small, very stupid part of Akaashi’s brain hope for something he had denied himself.

You are Bokuto’s best friend. Guilt spread through him. Akaashi burned with the searing want. He had handled it for years, but sometimes, Bokuto would smile or touch him and suddenly, he had no handle on it, no way of tampering down the growing pain in his guts. Bokuto always loved his friends openly. Akaashi was his friend.

He smiled down at the owl, letting himself have a moment of happiness in his thoughtfulness. He ignored the radiating hurt in his chest and cleared his throat. “We should probably get you back soon.” He stood up and turned to Bokuto. “I haven’t been yelled at by a Coach in years and I would like to continue to avoid it.”

Bokuto laughed at that, standing as well. He threw an arm around Akaashi and led them back to the Gym. “Yeah, Coach Foster can be pretty scary when he wants. But don’t worry, I’ll take the blame. It was my fault anyways.”

“I don’t mind.” Akaashi nudged Bokuto with his shoulder. “It’s not the first time you’ve pulled me into trouble.”

Bokuto laughed again, bright and open. His head was tilted back, eyes closed as the sun hit his face. For a moment, Akaashi let himself admire Bokuto, in all his glowing happiness.

—

Akaashi left Bokuto at the Gym with the promise to see him at the game and made his way to the train station. The game was a big deal in their group of friends. Kuroo and Kenma had decided to come down to see it, but with their busy schedules, couldn’t stay longer than that. It wasn’t long before the train emerged and Kuroo’s messy black hair was in sight. He was wearing a suit, with his jacket missing and his sleeves rolled up, a little wrinkled from the journey. He waved when he caught sight of Akaashi. Kenma trailed behind him, partially dyed hair pulled back into a small, low bun. He was wearing black sweats and a Bouncing Ball Corp. hoodie. It was comical how much their outfits seemed to contrast one another. Kenma had his head down, typing at his phone and only looking up when they stopped in front of Akaashi.

“Hello Kenma.” He turned. “Kuroo.”

Kenma nodded. “Hey.”

Silence followed and Kuroo rolled his eyes. “Chatty as always, you two. Don’t you talk like, all the time?”

“Yes.” They both answered in unison, but offered nothing further. Outside of Bokuto, Kenma had become one of his closest friends. They texted a lot, had lunch ever so often, and had also made a habit of spending time together while they worked in companionable silence, Akaashi on his editing and Kenma on his video games. Only speaking when offering up advice or critique when asked, and the occasional complaint about Bokuto or Kuroo’s antics.

Kuroo laughed. “Alright, then.” He turned towards Akaashi. “How’s Bo doing? Shaking in fear?”

Akaashi shook his head. “I don’t know if I’ve ever known Bokuto to shake in fear when it comes to volleyball.”

“That’s fair.” Kuroo draped an arm over Kenma’s shoulders. “Now scary movies, spiders, and the idea of taking another math class. That’s a different story.”

Akaashi smirked at that. He turned, the other two men following after. “Bokuto gave me the key to the apartment so we can drop your stuff off and hang out before the game.”

“Thank god. I gotta get out of this suit.” Kuroo groaned, leaning more weight on Kenma, who grumbled, but kept walking.

They passed the time easily together. Kenma had a new game coming out soon and he explained some of the new mechanics they were working on and Kuroo pestered Akaashi for an early copy of a Manga he was editing, before claiming the shower after several complaints about needing to wash the work day off of himself.

Before long, they were heading out again, making their way back to the stadium. They had gotten there a little early, wanting to miss most of the crowd. There were small groups of people beginning to take their seats. Akaashi noticed a few familiar faces as more people filed in, some of his old high school teammates, and a large number of the old Karasuno team. It must have been a big occasion for two of their old star players to face off against each other.

Their seats were just behind the Black Jackal’s bench, just about as close as you can get to the court. The team had come out of the locker room and were going through their warm-up stretches. After a bit, the Coach called them all together, near the bench, saying something that Akaashi couldn’t quite hear. Bokuto was focused on what was happening, expression serious, but Akaashi could see the energy buzzing in him. Every so often, he would hop on his toes and shake his hands out. It was a habit he had before games, when he was too keyed up, but couldn’t let any of it out yet. Akaashi found himself endeared by the familiar movement.

The Coach clapped and the team separated, going about their individual pre-game preparations. Bokuto caught sight of the Akaashi, Kuroo, and Kenma. He waved his arms wide above his head as if they weren’t only a few rows back. “Oya oya oya!”

“Oya oya oya!” Kuroo called back, like some weird bro mating call. Kenma rolled his eyes and looked down at his phone.

Bokuto ran towards them, taking the stairs two at a time. “I’m so glad you guys are here! My people!”

“We wouldn’t miss this for the world, man” Kuroo smiled and Bokuto put a hand over his heart dramatically.

“Are you guys staying to eat with us after?”

“Yeah, but only for a bit. We gotta head back tonight.”

“Well get ready for a celebration!” Bokuto shouted. He then turned to Akaashi, he leaned forward, right into Akaashi space, arms braced on either side of his seat, caging him in. Akaashi’s breath caught in his throat as Bokuto looked at him, face only a few inches apart. “You’ll watch me, won’t you, Akaashi?” He asked, voice quieter, but still held the same excited buzz as before.

“Of-of course, Bokuto.” He cursed his own voice for shaking.

Bokuto smiled, wide and full of pure joy. He bounced slightly, radiating energy. “Good. Keep your eyes on me, okay?”

All the air in Akaashi’s lungs was gone. He was sure his heart had completely stopped. He could only nod, slack jawed and in awe of the man so close to him. “Yes.” He croaked.

Bokuto nodded, smile growing even more before nodding and turning, hopping down the stairs and onto the court again. Akaashi stared after him, trying desperately to fight the blush that was creeping up his face. He heard a chuckle beside him.

Kuroo and Kenma were both looking at him. Kuroo was so smug it was painful to look at. Akaashi had a feeling that his mouth would be permanently crooked from how hard he was smirking at him. Kenma looked interested, one eyebrow raised, which was a big reaction from the smaller man.

“What?” Akaashi snapped before turning back to the court, feeling embarrassed.

“Nothing.” Kuroo said in a sing-song voice.

“Just you and Bokuto being super gay.” Kenma’s voice was as neutral as always.

Kuroo barked out a laugh and Akaashi sank down in his seat, face burning. More and more people began to fill the seats and soon the stadium was packed with fans sporting, either Adlers or Blackjackals colors. Akaashi had worn an extra Jackals shirt that Bokuto had lent him. He had worn a brown jacket over it, but Akaashi was all too aware of Bokuto’s name plastered on the back of it.

The game kicked off, the energy palpable in the room. Bokuto was in his element, jersey clinging to his skin and his standard knee pads covering most of his legs. He hooted and hollered whenever their team made a good play and had antagonized the other team. He was in high spirits and the crowd was eating it up.

Akaashi had kept his promise, his eyes never left Bokuto, watching his every move. He felt like he was in middle school again, seeing Bokuto play for the first time and he was just as awestruck as he was then. Bokuto had always been a star.

The points were close, the Adlers had taken an early lead, but the Jackals weren’t far behind. Atsumu was up to serve. He lifted his hand, quieting the crowd, an old habit he had done in high school. He leaped and his hand connected with the ball sending it over. The Adlers were quick, but the ball was quicker. It hit the floor on the other side. The crowd erupted.

They moved through, perfectly synchronized. Hinata was still insanely quick and was practically flying when he went in for a spike. He was able to get in a few good shots, but Kageyama seemed to be watching him extremely closely, blocking his shots with a smug look. Every time he did, it seemed to only pump Hinata more. The kid had a drive like few he had seen before.

Sakusa was extremely skilled as well, his wrists were flexible and when he pulled back for a spike, he could aim with skilled precision. Ushijima and Kageyama were unable to block some of his spikes despite their height and skill. Atsumu and Sakusa also seemed to work well together, almost reading each other's minds whenever Atsumu set the ball. It was a sight to behold.

But no one could hold a candle to what it was like watching Bokuto. He had the kind of presence that couldn’t be ignored, he demanded attention. Whenever he jumped to spike, the power behind it could be felt from the stands and it was like he moved in slow motion. The sound of the volleyball colliding with Bokuto’s hand and then the floor rang in his ears. The Jackals took the first set, riding their high.

The second set didn’t go as well, through a hard fought battle, the Adlers took it. Kageyama’s sets were calculated and Ushijima was always skilled in powerful spikes. They were able to dig up many of the Jackal’s shots. They were evenly matched, both teams dripping in sweat, with intense looks on their faces. Every block, every point, every dig, Akaashi found himself shouting along with the crowd, heart pumping in his chest. Kuroo was in a similar position to him and even Kenma had cast his phone aside, watching the action with his cat-like eyes.

“Bokuto!” Akaashi watched as Bokuto leaped again. “You’ve got this!” His voice felt hoarse. Once again, his hand slapped the ball and shot through the Adlers defenses. Akaashi screamed, jumping up and down. Bokuto looked over at him at that moment, smiling, elated, and running high on adrenaline. He pointed towards Akaashi, dedicating the point to him. Akaashi screamed louder with the crown, fist balled up and shoving it in the air as if to meet Bokuto’s who raised in return.

Hinata was able to dig up one of Ushijima’s spikes, it collided with his arms in a way that looked painful, but he held his ground. The small redhead had truly improved leaps and bounds since highschool. Mein, the Jackals captain was shouting encouragement as the score evened up. Bokuto had his eyes locked on the game, an electricity in his gold eyes. Atsumu set the ball, and they all moved at once, Sakusa leaped, then Hinata, and then they fell away. The Adlers blockers had already jumped, but as they were falling, there was Bokuto. He jumped, powerful legs carrying him. He spiked the ball, and it sailed home. Another point for the Jackals. Akaashi was afraid that he would pass out from lack of oxygen, unable to stop the loud cheering that was coming out of him.

Bokuto’s eyes found him again, as if asking. Did you see that, Akaashi? Are you watching me?

Akaashi couldn’t fight his smile, cheeks almost hurt from it.

It was Hinata that scored the winning point. Atsumu had set the ball impossibly high and it almost seemed like a mistake, but suddenly, there was Hinata, flying through the air. Kageyama was the only one that saw this coming, jumping to meet him. They appeared to slow and Akaashi could see the concentration as Hinata shifted, spiking in a new direction, accommodating for the block in mid air. Kageyama must have noticed this too because his arms moved to follow, but Hinata was quicker. The ball grazed Kageyama’s arm, but split through their defenses and struck the floor, their Libero just missing it in his dive.

The stadium fell silent at the sight and Kageyama and Hinata both landed on their feet again. After a breath, the crowd exploded again, cheers echoing off the walls. The Black Jackals had won.

Akaashi was screaming, tears threatening to fall. Kuroo was shaking Kenma beside him in excitement, who had turned to the court, eyes blazing and was shouting out an usually loud “Shoyo!”

Bokuto was caught up in a team hug, clinging to each other in victory. Soon, his eyes moved, finding Akaashi, who was still yelling.

“Bokuto!” That seemed to be all the older man needed to remove himself from his team and sprint over to the stands. He leaped the stairs, and grabbed onto Akaashi, lifting him off his feet.

“We did it! Did you see that!” Akaashi laughed, filled with unbridled joy. He wrapped his arms around Bokuto’s shoulders, gripping him back just as tightly. “I was awesome, right?”

“You were amazing, Bokuto!” Akaashi pulled back slightly to look at Bokuto. His face was flushed from the game, damp and glistening with sweat. He laughed loud and open, drunk off the high of winning. He leaned back slightly with the force of it, causing Akaashi’s hands to fall away to his forearms.

“We won! I can’t believe we won!” And then he did something Akaashi never expected. He lifted his hands, worn from years of volleyball, and grabbed Akaashi’s face and pulled him into an excited kiss. Akaashi’s eyes were wide in shock, but he didn’t pull away. Bokuto’s lips were warm and clumsy and oh so nice. After a moment, Bokuto pulled back, letting out a hoot and high fiving a laughing Kuroo, as if he hadn’t just kissed Akaashi.

He stood there in shock, frozen with his mouth hanging open and eyes wide and round as someone called out for Bokuto on the court. He gave Akaashi one more bright smile and a squeeze to his shoulder before jogging back to his team to line up and shake hands with the Adlers.

The crowd was still buzzing with celebration, but all of the noise seemed to fall away. Akaashi was stuck, couldn’t move or think. He could feel Kuroo and Kenma’s eyes on him. He felt a hand land on his shoulder, making him jump, breaking him from his stupor. He finally looked over to find Kuroo.

“You good?”

Akaashi cleared his throat, hoping to blame the redness of his face on the excitement of the game. “Yes. Of course.”

“So you’re not having a full gay panic that Bokuto just kissed you?” Kenma sounded extremely unimpressed.

“What? That’s insane.” He tried to school his features into his usual neutral set, but Kenma only raised an eyebrow at him. His shoulders dropped. “Okay, fine. Yes. Are you two happy?”

He turned to follow the crowd out of the stadium. Kuroo cackled behind him. “Thrilled.” Kenma answered, though his voice didn’t change from its normal bored cadence.

They waited for the team in the hall outside the locker rooms, only allowed back there because of their Friends and Family status with the team. It wasn’t too long before they began to emerge, freshly showered and slightly damp.

“Kenma!” Hinata shouted as he bounced over.

“Hey, Shoyo.” Kenma let Hinata rattle on and on about the game, as if Kenma hadn’t just watched it.

Atsumu and Bokuto emerged next, deep in a conversation about one of their attack setups and the other teams receive. Sakusa was right behind them, listening. After Bokuto caught sight of Akaashi, his focus on Atsumu was lost.

“‘Kaashi!” He ran up, slinging an arm around him. Atsumu just smiled and rolled his eyes before turning to Sakusa. “We won!”

“I know, Bokuto.” He let himself smile. “You played very well.”

“I am the best volleyball player ever! Yeaaah!” His shouts echoed down the hall, and he pulled Akaashi closer, shaking him with the force of it. “HEY HEY HEY!”

Akaashi grimaced at the volume. His teammates shook their heads, accustomed to Bokuto’s antics. He didn’t bring up the kiss and neither did Bokuto.

—

“It must have been a heat of the moment thing. You know, from the adrenaline of winning.” Akaashi took a sip of his beer and watched Bokuto at the bar chatting happily to Kuroo and Atsumu. The latter looked like he was also harassing his brother behind the counter.

Kenma shrugged across from him. “If that’s what you want to believe.”

They were at Onigiri Miya, Osuma making good on his promise to feed the team if they had won. The celebration was in full swing. The whole team was there, as well as friends, and even a few of the Adlers players showed up, despite their loss. Most notably, Kageyama was squished into one side of a booth next to Hinata, not looking as upset as one would expect, staring down at his redhead boyfriend with what could only be described as reluctant fondness.

Akaashi sighed. “You know that’s not what I want to believe.”

Kenma looked up from his phone. “Why don’t you just talk to him about it. It’s about time you tell him how you feel.”

“I can’t do that. What if he doesn’t feel the same and it ruins our friendship? What if it really was just the excitement and he just loved me as his friend and I overstepped?”

“You’re overthinking this.” Kenma sat his phone aside, giving Akaashi his full attention. His eyes seemed to pierce right through him. “Bokuto cares about you a lot. Even if he didn’t feel the same, you wouldn’t lose him. He’s not like that.” He thought for a moment. “You know, from an outside perspective, it’s actually you that seems like you don’t have feelings in this situation.” He turns back to his phone as if he didn’t just drop that bomb.

“I’m sorry, what?” He leaned forward.

Kenma shrugged, not looking up. “Bokuto is always the one touching you, reaching out, calling your name. You’re reserved, I get that. But maybe Bokuto doesn't know that you like him. He is pretty oblivious.”

“And what am I supposed to do with that?”

Kenma rolled his eyes. “Drop hints. Test out the waters.” Akaashi blinked at him. “Flirt with him, Akaashi.” He sounded bored. “See what happens. I mean he’s so touchy, it’s not like it would be weird.”

Akaashi sat back, eyes finding Bokuto across the restaurant. He could try that. A touch here and there, a few compliments. It couldn’t hurt right? That is, if Bokuto even noticed it was happening.

“I guess, I just thought if the kiss meant something to him, he’d be freaking out. You know how he is. He doesn’t look like he’s freaking out at all.” Akaashi stared at his back for a moment and Kenma shrugged again.

—

“Guys, I am freaking out!” Bokuto leaned forward on the bar next to Kuroo. “I can’t believe I kissed him!” He groaned. “God I’m so stupid.”

Kuroo patted his shoulder and laughed. “Come on, man. You should be celebrating, not moping.”

“I don’t know why you don’t just go for it.” Atsumu said, leaning over the counter, trying to reach another Onigiri without Osamu noticing.

“Yeah, cause you’re one to talk.” Osamu said as he slapped his hand away. Atsumu pouted, rubbing at his hand.

Kuroo laughed and thanked Osuma as he handed him another plate, out of Atsumu’s reach. “Why don’t you just talk to him man? I mean you’ve been in love with him since high school. Maybe it’s time.”

“I can’t.” Bokuto whined, hair deflating slightly as he pouted. “It’s Akaashi we’re talking about. He’s never really shown that he likes me more than a friend. And he’s so pretty and smart and so out of my league.”

“Hey!” Kuroo slapped his shoulder with the back of his hand and pointed a finger in his face. “No one is out of your league. You’re Bokuto Koutarou, one of the best Pro Volleyball Players out there and one of the best people I know!”

Bokuto’s mouth wobbled, eyes getting a little misty. “Thanks, bro.”

“Now stop being a coward and get the man of your dreams.”

“Hey!” Bokuto yelped.

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to hangout with my boyfriend.” Kuroo looked over Bokuto’s shoulder. “It looks like your’s has left him and is heading this way.”

Bokuto whipped around to come face to face with Akaashi. God he looked beautiful. His dark hair was slightly tousled, hooded eyes watching Bokuto, and he had taken off his jacket, showing off the Jersey that had Bokuto’s name plastered across the back. Bokuto’s heart stilled in his chest and then picked up double time.

“Hey Akaashi!” He tried to cover up his nerves. But one glance at Akaashi’s lips and he was thinking about the kiss again.

Akaashi smiled, it was a small one. The kind of smile you wouldn’t notice unless you were paying attention and boy was Bokuto paying attention. “Hello Bokuto.” He sidled up to him against the bar, their shoulders brushing slightly. He was closer than necessary, but Bokuto found himself leaning in to him.

“Are you having fun?” Bokuto bumped their shoulders together and was surprised when Akaashi chased after it, leaning heavily against him.

He smiled up at him again, blue eyes shining behind his glasses in the soft light. “I am having fun.” Bokuto couldn’t look away. “You were incredible today, you know? You looked good out there.” He looked away, almost nervously, before his eyes met Bokuto’s again. “I mean, you always look good.”

Bokuto’s throat ran dry, a blush scorching its way across his face and the tips of his ears. “Th-thanks.” He cleared his throat. “You always look good too.” He shook his head, realizing that Akaashi was talking about how he looked on the court. “I mean-“

Akaashi reached over and placed a hand on Bokuto's, which was sitting on the counter. Bokuto stilled, the rest of the sentence dying. He looked down at their hands and then back at Akaashi, thrown by how this conversation was going. “Thank you.”

A dopey smile fought its way onto Bokuto’s face. He leaned forward without thinking, their hands still connected on the bar. His eyes tracked down to Akaashi’s shirt and back up again. “You look really good in my jersey.” He leaned back again, marveling at the pink tinge of Akaashi’s face as he looked away, embarrassed.

Was Akaashi…? No, he couldn’t be flirting with him. Right?

They kept talking at the bar for a bit, still standing close to each other. Akaashi would occasionally lay a hand on his arm or shoulder. They made jokes and laughed and Bokuto let himself fall into a comfortable rhythm with Akaashi, one that was familiar. He tried to ignore the burning feeling in his chest whenever Akaashi would touch him, but a little voice in his head told him to enjoy it. It was a celebration after all.

They soon moved to a booth, sitting on the same side, leaning into each other as they talked. Every so often , someone else would joy them for a bit, congratulate Bokuto on the game, talk volleyball, or reminisce on their high school days. It was fun. At one point, Akaashi had leaned over and rested his head on Bokuto’s shoulder, the latter tried his best not to freak out, suddenly being hit with the memory of Akaashi curled around him in his bed.

“Hey.” He said quietly. “Are you getting tired?”

“No.” Akaashi shifted against him. “You just looked comfortable.”

Bokuto huffed out a laugh and pulled his arm back, Akaashi lifted his head at the movement, a small pout on his face. It might have been the cutest thing he had ever seen. He shook his head and then wrapped his arm around Akaashi’s shoulder, pulling him close to his side. Akaashi blinked up at him before slowly laying his head back down. Bokuto enjoyed how close Akaashi had been to him all night, but every touch made him want more. He rubbed circles into Akaashi’s arm with his thumb and then for a few moments, they were quiet, just enjoying each other's space and watching their friends mill around the Restaurant.

Then, Akaashi shifted. Bokuto could feel him take a breath and then he reached out, taking Bokuto’s hand in both of his. His fingers were long and a little cold against Bokuto’s. He didn’t resist, didn’t move an inch in fear that he would startle Akaashi and he might drop his hand. He played with Bokuto’s fingers, running his hands along them, feeling the rough skin on his fingertips. He loosely intertwined his hands with his. Bokuto felt his heart squeeze in his chest as he watched quietly.

After a few moments, he couldn’t take it anymore, he pulled Akaashi's hand, making their fingers fit together more snugly. Akaashi froze under his arm and Bokuto gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. He waited and then he felt a squeeze in return. Bokuto let out a breath he didn’t know he had been holding. The giddiness inside him made it sound like a soft laugh.

Akaashi lifted his head to look at him curiously. Bokuto only smiled. God, he was beautiful. “Do you want to go back to the apartment?”

Akaashi’s eyebrows pulled together. “But you’ll miss out on your celebration.”

“We’ve been here awhile.” He shrugged. “Plus, I just want to hang out with you.”

The grip on Bokuto's hand tightened. Dark blue eyes met gold, flitting back and forth in search of something. He seemed to find what he was looking for, because he nodded, a small smile breaking onto his face. They untangled themselves from each other, only for their hands to gravitate together again as they stood.
—

Akaashi’s not sure how it happened. One second he was leaning over into Bokuto’s space and the next thing he knew, he couldn’t stop touching him. It was like a dam broke inside of him. But to his shock and awe, Bokuto seemed to reciprocate the movements, not just accepting them, but moving closer to Akaashi as well. Every compliment Akaashi gave, Bokuto seemed to nervously stutter out on his own. When Bokuto pulled their hands together, he thought, Maybe I can have this.

They said their goodbyes. Some of the team had left, but the younger ones were still going strong in their celebration. Atsumu and Sakusa had convinced Osuma and Suna to play against them in a game of darts, despite their ban after the last competition got out of hand. Hinata and Kageyama were arguing over some aspects of the game, but it didn’t look hostile. From the look in their eyes they were closer to kissing than they were to fighting. Some of the old Karasuno players were still spread out around them, having their own conversations or laughing at the duo. Kenma and Kuroo had left a little while before, needing to catch the train to get back.

They got out, mostly unscathed, outside of Atsumu yelling out “Use protection!” Accompanied with a wink.

The walk back was nice. There was a slight chill in the air, but Akaashi had Bokuto’s hand and his nervous blush to keep him warm. It wasn’t awkward, but some of the excitement had died down. They talked occasionally, but mostly they just settled into the noises of the city, perfectly content.

When they got to the door of the apartment, Bokuto patted his sides, coming up empty. “Hey, do you still have the apartment key I leant you?”

“Oh, yeah.” He released Bokuto’s hand to pull his keys from his pocket. He began to take the key off, when Bokuto stopped him. “What?’

Bokuto was looking intently at his keys, hand lifting up to them before landing on the small white owl hooked to the bundle. He grazed his fingers over it. “You actually kept it?” He asked, breath barely over a whisper, filled with a disbelief that Akaashi didn’t quite understand.

“Of course I did.” He pulled the key off handing it to Bokuto, who still hadn’t moved. He put his keys back in his pocket. “It’s me and you, right? So even when we’re not together, we’ll still be together. Why would I throw it away?”

Bokuto let out a shocked laugh and shook his head. Akaashi could have sworn he saw his eyes looking damp before he turned away and unlocked the door. They walked through the apartment in tense silence and Akaashi couldn’t shake the feeling that he had said something wrong.

Akaashi followed Bokuto into his room and he shut the door behind him. They stood there, Bokuto not moving, leaned against the door, his eyes far away. The room was dark, the only light was from the streetlights outside the windows.

Pulling on his fingers nervously, Akaashi took a step towards the other man. “Bokuto? Are you alright?”

This seemed to break Bokuto from his stupor, he stood up fully, his eyes slowly moving to meet Akaashi’s. There was a quiet intensity to them and Akaashi found himself frozen in the middle of the room.

Bokuto walked towards him, not even a foot away. “You would tell me if I was making a big mistake, right?”

Akaashi tilted his head, confused, but smiled fondly anyways. “Don’t I always?”

“Yeah.” Bokuto breathed and laughed softly.

“Why do you ask?”

Bokuto leaned forward slowly, as if giving him an out, but Akaashi didn’t move. Soft lips met his for the second time that night. This kiss was different from the first. There was no blind excitement or reckless energy. It was gentle, like Bokuto was afraid to press into him too much, or he would shatter.

Akaashi’s eyes fell closed and he leaned into the kiss. It was over too quickly and Bokuto pulled back. Akaashi didn’t open his eyes at first, trying to memorize the feeling of Bokuto’s mouth against his. The first time had been a blur, over before he knew it had happened. He wanted to savor this one.

“So?” Bokuto asked, voice shaking slightly. Akaashi blinked his eyes open. He let out a shaky breath. “Was that a mistake?”

Akaashi blinked again. Willing his brain to form a coherent thought after that. “No.” His voice cracked slightly and he cleared his throat. “No. Not a mistake.” He could hear the breathlessness in his own voice, his heartbeat thundering in his ears, as he closed the gap between them again.

Bokuto surged forward, arms wrapping around Akaashi’s waist, pulling him closer. Akaashi gripped Bokuto’s shoulder, hands fisting into his shirt. He never thought he would get this far. The burning in his chest only seemed to intensify, searing his insides. Their mouths moved against each other and Akaashi tilted his head slightly, slotting them together further. Bokuto let out a low groan, and pulled Akaashi forward again, fingers digging into his back desperately. Akaashi gasped, mouth opening against Bokuto’s. Bokuto was never one to miss an opportunity. He pushed his tongue inside, licking his way into Akaashi’s mouth.

Akaashi let out a moan, opening his mouth to give him more access. Bokuto kissed him like no one has ever kissed him before, sure and wanting. He pulled back, needing to breath, skin flushed and hot. Bokuto followed after, moving down his jaw and neck, leaving hot, wet kisses in his wake.

Akaashi closed his eyes, trying to catch his breath, reveling in the feeling of Bokuto against him. Bokuto pushed forward again, guiding Akaashi back towards the bed. He felt his knees hit the edge and tumbled back, bringing Bokuto down on top of him. Akaashi ran a hand through the white and gray strands and tugged his head up, mouth colliding again. Bokuto moved against him and he could feel a hardness pressing up against him. He opened his legs, letting Bokuto slot between them and grinded up against him, lining them up, already painfully hard himself.

Bokuto’s breath seemed to punch out of him, and pulled back, resting his forehead against Akaashi’s, eyes closed. They both were panting, warm breath fanning out and against kiss swollen lips.

“Akaashi?” Bokuto’s voice was barely above a whisper. Akaashi ran a soothing hand through his hair, keeping him closed. “Is this really happening?” Akaashi tilted his head as Bokuto pulled his head back and opened his eyes, bracing himself on his elbows over him. “I mean, I’ve thought about this before. I’ve been in love with you since highschool and…” He paused, mouth making a wobbly line. “This isn’t a dream right? This is really happening?”

Tears burned behind Akaashi’s eyes as he looked up into golden eyes. Bokuto was always so large, in body and in presence. But he seemed so vulnerable. It made Akaashi want to wrap him up and never let go. He lifted his hand, fingers ghosting over his cheek bone. Bokuto leaned into it. “This is real.” Bokuto closed his eyes again.

They laid there for a minute and then Akaashi broke the silence. “So we could have been doing this the whole time, huh?”

Bokuto opened his eyes, brow creasing in confusion. “What do you mean?”

Akaashi smiled up at him. “Koutarou.” He whispered, watching as Bokuto’s eyes widened slightly. “I’ve been in love with you since I was 15 years old.”

“You what?!” Bokuto lifted off of him. “You’re in love with me!?” He shouted.

Akaashi laughed. “Yes.”

Bokuto’s smile was blinding, before it fell slightly, leading to shocked aggravation.“WE COULD HAVE BEEN TOGETHER THIS WHOLE TIME!” Akaashi laughed harder, tears leaking and stomachs cramping up slightly.

Bokuto got quiet as Akaashi’s laughter slowly subsided. He looked up to Bokuto, wiping a tear from his eye, a smile still lingering. Bokuto was looking down at him and Akaashi suddenly feels stupid for having not seen it before. The man over him was looking down with such open love and fondness in his eyes that it made his throat constrict at the sight. Akaashi flushed at the thought that he probably had a similar look on his face.

Bokuto lifted a hand, fingers running through black hair and across a pale cheek bone. “You know, Keiji.” Akaashi’s lips parted slightly at the sound of his given name on Bokuto’s lips. “I think we have a lot of time to make up for.”

“Oh, do we?” Akaashi lifted a brow, voice teasing.

“Yes, we do.”

Bokuto leaned down, capturing Akaashi’s lips again. This kiss was slower than the last, more comfortable and sure, like Bokuto wanted to take his time. He pulled away and kissed Akaashi on the cheek. “I love you.” He whispered. He kissed his other cheek. “I love you.” His nose. “I love you.” His forehead. “I love you.” His neck. “I love you.”

Akaashi was shaking, tears threatening to spill, overwhelmed by all of Bokuto focused solely on him. He let out a shaky breath and pulled Bokuto up to him again, kissing him with everything he had, pouring in the feeling of every time his chest burned with want for Bokuto, every ounce of love he had ever had for him.

When they pulled away, he ran a hand through Bokuto’s hair. “I love you too.” His voice was thick with emotion. “So much.”

They came together again, passion burning inside them, all words gone, only their bodies pressed against each other. Akaashi pulled at Bokuto’s shirt, trying to get it off of him without having to separate their mouths for too long. Bokuto huffed out a laugh and lifted it over his head, before grabbing at Akaashi’s, removing it as well. Bokuto trailed kisses down his neck and then his chest, sinking lower and lower, taking his time.

Akaashi’s moans and gasping breaths filled the room, but he was too focused on the feeling of Bokuto’s mouth on him to be embarrassed. Bokuto looked up at him, asking for permission, hands poised at the hem of his pants. Akaashi nodded, breath coming out faster. He lifted his hips helping Bokuto as he pulled his pants free. He could feel Bokuto’s eyes on him and he reached out, wrapping his hand around his exposed and hard cock. Akaashi hissed and then let out a deep moan as Bokuto took him into his mouth.

He threw his head back and bit into his fist, whining trying to fight their way out. Bokuto took him deeper, until his nose was brushing against the base. Akaashi fisted his hands in Bokuto’s hair fighting the urge to buck up into the wet heat of his throat. Bokuto pulled back, dragging his lips over him before releasing him with a pop, lips shiny with spit. Akaashi throbbed with want.

Bokuto licked his lips and began trailing open mouthed his down the underside of his cock, then the inside of his thighs, before dipping down and spreading Akaashi’s cheeks to gain access to him.

They continued like that for a while, Bokuto slowly opening Akaashi up, enjoying every moment of Akaashi writhing on his tongue, his fingers, and then his cock. He took his time, breaking Akaashi apart, making sure he kissed every part of him, whispering sweet words into the surface, as if to embed them there forever. When they finally came, it was with each other’s names on their lips.

—

Bokuto cleaned them both up before sliding under the covers next to Akaashi, who’s eyes were drooping slightly.

“Hey there.” Bokuto whispered.

His heart clenched when Akaashi smiled back up at him, wide and open. “Hey.” His voice was a little hoarse from overuse and he had taken off his glasses. He grabbed onto Bokuto, arms winding over his shoulders and pulled him against him. He tucked his head underneath Bokuto’s chin, nuzzling against his neck.

Bokuto let out a small laugh. “Who knew you would be so clingy.”

“I’ve been wanting to touch you since highschool, let me have this.” He grumbled.

“Hey hey hey, you can touch me all you want.” He kissed the top of Akaashi’s head. “I wouldn’t dream of stopping you.”

Bokuto felt Akaashi smile against his neck before they both succumbed to sleep.

When they woke up, it was a similar position to the day before. Akaashi was laying half on top of Bokuto, legs tangled together. Bokuto stretched slightly and kissed Akaashi’s forehead, then his cheeks, his nose, his temple, and his neck.

Akaashi groaned, nose wrinkling as he was jostled, the sun stinging his eyes where it was coming in the window. “What?” He croaked.

He could feel Bokuto’s laugh more than he could hear it, rumbling through his chest beneath him. “Come on, sleeping beauty, it’s time to get up.”

“Don’t wanna.” He nuzzled closer to Bokuto, chasing his warmth.

“Hey, that’s not going to work on me.” Bokuto pulled away slightly as if to get out of the bed, but Akaashi held firm, tightening his hold.

He looked up at Bokuto with hooded, sleepy eyes, a pout on his face. “Koutarou, please don’t leave.”

Bokuto groaned and rolled over, wrapping himself around Akaashi, who smiled into his shoulder. “Okay, maybe it’s going to work on me!”

Akaashi laughed and leaned back, kissing Bokuto slowly and soon they found themselves lost in each other again
.
—

They spent the day together, mostly in bed. Especially considering, one of the times they ventured out for food, with Akaashi clad in Bokuto’s clothes and covered in hickeys, they had received a round of applause from the team the moment they were spotted.

Bokuto pouted that Akaashi had to leave so soon, and in one dramatic speech, declared that he would move to Tokyo with Akaashi. That was quickly cast aside when Akaashi reminded him that the Black Jackals wouldn’t take kindly to the commute.

After a tearful goodbye, and almost not making it onto the train, due to him being unwilling to unhand Bokuto until the last possible moment, Akaashi went home. Things continued as usual, they still talked every day, sometimes more and visits between the two cities became more frequent.

—
2 years Later

“Bokuto, you have had a very successful Volleyball Career. From being one of the top Aces in the country in highschool, to going pro at only 18 and winning championships with the Black Jackals. Now you are on the world stage. One of few players chosen to represent Japan in the Olympics. What would you say is the driving force behind your success?”

Bokuto straightened in his seat. Feeling more and more at home in the red Japan Team uniform, the cameras trained on him. He smiled brightly at Keiji, who was sitting across from him, glasses pushed up his nose, pen and pad in hand as he asked the question. Bokuto thought it was so cute when he was professional with him, trying to maintain composure as he interviewed him.

“Well, Akaashi.” He smiled wider when he said his last name, trying to keep up appearances. He could see Keiji’s eyes narrow just slightly at him. “I’ve always loved Volleyball. From the moment I hit my first spike, the feeling of it against my palm, the sound of it hitting the floor on the other side. It’s something I can’t imagine my life without.” He thought for a moment. “But, even though I’m a star on the court, I couldn’t do it without my team, on and off the court.” He watched as Keiji blushed slightly at his pointed words, knowing he was talking about him. “Volleyball isn’t a single player sport. You need support.”

Keiji cleared his throat. “And do you think that this year's National Team has good team work?”

“Oh absolutely! Most of us have known each other since highschool tournaments or even played on the same teams before.”

Bokuto watched his boyfriend tuck a stray piece of dark hair behind his ear, writing something down. “You look really nice today by the way.” He smiled smugly as Keiji lifted his head to glare at him, but the red of his cheeks betrayed him.

“Bokuto-” He began, but Bokuto continued.

“I want to keep playing Volleyball forever. There is only one thing I love more than playing, only one thing I want to keep forever.” He said, watching as the dark haired man raised an eyebrow at him, letting him change the subject, an exasperated yet fond smile tugging at his lips.

“And what is that, if I may ask?”

Bokuto’s smile was blinding as he stood before dropping to one knee in front of his boyfriend. He pulled a box out and opened it, a gold band inside. “You.”

Keiji sat there for a moment, mouth hanging open, face burning a bright red. The world fell away around them, the cameras, the people, everything. “What?” His voice was barely a whisper, his eyes looking wet behind his glasses.

“Akaashi Keiji, will you marry me?”

The sob that wracked through Keiji could be heard through the gym. Tears sprang from his eyes, running down his cheeks. Bokuto had only half a second to be worried before he was tackled to the ground.

“Yes! Yes!” Keiji said into his shoulder as he laid on top of him. Bokuto’s bright laugh was cut off by his fiance's lips on his.

No matter the distance, or how busy their lives got, they made it work. They didn’t even need to make an announcement about their engagement, considering it was broadcasted live and several members of Japan’s National Volleyball Team were present in the gym. They were swarmed with congratulations and well wishes.

Astumu immediately demanded that he be allowed to make a speech and took most of the credit for getting them together. Kuroo and Kenma disagreed, but stayed quiet at least to be entertained by whatever would come out of Atsumu’s mouth at a formal function, when given a microphone.