The Cat and the Crow

“Talk to me, Tsuki,” Kuroo urged softly as they walked. “You were happy for a little while, and now… well, I can’t tell if you’re nervous or maybe scared. But you aren’t happy. Not like before.”

When Tsuki didn’t answer, he looked over at his love, and stopped. Those gorgeous golden brown eyes were troubled, his eyebrows were furrowed, and it looked like he was angry. But it wasn’t directed at anyone, at least not that he could tell. Looking around, Kuroo decided this was not the best place to talk, and took hold of Tsuki’s hand. The park wasn’t too far, and he knew the perfect spot where no one hardly ever came.

Once inside their little copse of trees, Kuroo sat down on the grass, and gently pulled Tsuki down to sit in front of him. He wrapped himself around his love like a blanket, settled his chin on Tsuki’s shoulder and waited patiently.

“This really has been the best birthday ever,” Tsuki finally said. “And I loved your surprise at school… which I still want to know how you got everyone on the team involved.”

“Yamaguchi and Sugawara. I got in touch with them, and we planned that whole thing out,” Kuroo told him. “Nice diversion, babe. Why was the second part of my surprise so upsetting?”

After a few minutes of silence, Tsuki said in a small voice, “don’t laugh.”

“I won’t. Promise.”

“I’m not really upset, at least not because of your surprise. I want to go. But…” he took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “This is my first time going to Tokyo by myself, and I’m kinda scared.”

“Kinda?”

Tsuki shrugged. “I know it doesn’t make much sense. I’ve been to Tokyo twice now. I shouldn’t be scared to go by myself. But, here we are. I’m scared, frustrated at myself for being scared, and on top of that, I don’t want to upset you…”

“I’m not upset,” Kuroo assured him, leaning in to kiss his cheek. “I was about to suggest changing plans and just stay here again. Invite Bokuto and Akaashi up for a day. If staying close to home is what will make you happy…”

Kuroo felt Tsuki’s relief relax his body. He hadn’t realized just how wound up his love had gotten himself. Making up his mind, he was about to just go ahead and change plans, but Tsuki turned so that they were facing each other.

“No. I want to go. I want us to do everything you have planned. I want to see where you live, and experience Tokyo the way you do. And I want to do it all with you.”

“Tsuki… How is it that you never cease to amaze me?”

Tsuki blinked, and then tilted his head. “What do you mean?” But he didn’t give Kuroo a chance to answer. “If this is what you look like whenever I ‘amaze’ you, then maybe I shouldn’t know.”

Now, it was Kuroo’s turn to be confused. “I don’t understand.”

“Well, like right now,” Tsuki said, a little smile playing at the corners of his mouth, which is where Kuroo focused all his attention. “You look bamboozled,” he said, snickering.

“Wait… what?” Kuroo’s eyes snapped up to Tsuki’s. “I don’t look…”

Tsuki gently placed a finger on Kuroo’s lips. “Bamboozled.”

“How?”

He went absolutely still when Tsuki gently traced a fingertip across his cheekbones, and his eyes shut all on their own. “Your face is red, here, and here.” Then, he brushed back the part of Kuroo’s hair that always fell over his right eye. “Your eyes go wide, like you’ve been surprised and don’t know what to do about it.”

“Well, you’re not wrong,” Kuroo whispered, opening his eyes again. “Just don’t ever stop.”

“Stop what?”

“Surprising me. Knocking me off balance. Keeping me on my toes. Reminding me that you’re the best thing to ever come into my life. You’re the only one that can do that to me, and I love it every single time. I love you.”

Tsuki said nothing, but he didn’t have to, either. Kuroo’s breath hitched when Tsuki’s hands cradled his face, and leaned in for a kiss. When it was over, Tsuki pulled away and smiled.

“I love you, too.” Then he laughed, and tapped Kuroo’s nose. “Bamboozled!”

“You little…” Kuroo moved suddenly, knocking them both over. They laughed and tumbled around a bit before stopping. Kuroo had landed on top of Tsuki. “You did that on purpose.”

“So what if I did?” He looked rather proud of himself, and even that was enough for Tsuki to start laughing again. When he caught his breath, his eyes were shining with mirth. “Do I need to say it?”

“Say what?” Kuroo asked softly, slowly lowering himself, their mouths only a breath apart.

“Bam…” Tsuki didn’t finish. Kuroo didn’t let him.

[A Special Gift]

With Kuroo’s help, Kei had his backpack and regular bag packed for the weekend. All they needed to do was catch the train to Sendai station, and then to Tokyo. The closer the time came to leaving, the more excited Kuroo became. Of course, that helped Kei with his nerves, because Kuroo’s antics made everyone laugh, which made him feel better.

“Kei, may I talk to you for a minute?” his mother asked quietly. Akiteru gestured for Kuroo to follow him, and after a quick kiss on the head, he left.

“What is it, mom?”

She set a small box tied with a simple white string on the table between them, and then reached out to take both his hands in hers. “I’m going to miss you. But he makes you happy, so I want you to have as much fun as you can.”

“I will,” he said, confused. “Why do you sound like I’m going to be gone longer than this weekend? I am coming back, you know.”

“I know. I’m being silly, I guess. Nevermind that,” she said, flustered. She let go of his hands. “Here’s my present to you,” she gave the box a little push. “Happy birthday.”

Kei carefully took the box, untied the string and opened the lid. Inside were a pair of rose gold rings, with an inscription on the inner part of the rings. One read “I love you more,” and the other read “I love you most.” Stunned, Kei could only look up at his mother, who looked about as teary-eyed as he felt.

“Your father and I wore those bands until we were married. He called them our promise rings, but since we hadn’t yet discussed marriage, I just thought of them as a symbol of our loyalty and devotion to each other. Before he passed away, we decided that they would go to whichever of our sons found the love of their life first. That would be you.”

“Mom… I…” Kei didn’t know what to say.

“Obviously, mine will need to be resized if you decide on wearing them, but I thought they could be worn on a necklace, as well. It’s completely up to you and Kuroo how you want to do it.” Her smile was shaky, and then a tear streaked down her face. Seeing that, Kei felt his own tears start to fall.

“Oh, no no no. Please don’t cry!” She said as she stood up and came around the table, wrapping him in her arms. “We can’t cry. How will we explain this to them? We’ll be such a mess…” she chattered on, talking to calm the both of them down. “I’ll go get a cool, wet towel. Can’t look like we’ve been crying a river now, can we?” She made to leave, but Kei stopped her.

“Thank you, mom. I love you.”

He didn’t expect her to kneel in front of him, but she did. Wide-eyed, he stayed stock still as she gently took his face in her hands. “I love you, too, Kei.” She smiled again, and Kei couldn’t help smiling, too. “My baby boy is 16, and nearly all grown up. I’m proud of you, and I know your father would be, too.” She reached up and ruffled his hair, and then slowly stood up, glancing at the clock.

“Come on,” she said briskly. “We don’t have much time before you two need to leave.” She turned and opened a nearby drawer, pulling out a dish towel. At the sink, she ran cold water over it, wringing it thoroughly, and then handing it to him. “Here. Hold that against your face and eyes for a few minutes. When it starts to warm up, hand it back and we’ll repeat the process. It won’t be perfect, but it’ll help.”

Kei nodded and took one last, lingering look at the rings before he closed the lid, re-tied the string, and put the box in his pocket. Then, he did as he was told, and applied the cold towel to his face.

[Tokyo Bound]

Only a half hour into their trip, and Tsuki was already asleep. Kuroo didn’t mind, though. Tsuki’s head rested on his shoulder, and he looked peaceful, which is more than he could say from earlier. It looked as if Tsuki had been crying, and tried to hide it. But the red-rimmed eyes had been a giveaway. When they were on the train to Sendai, he’d asked if everything was okay. Tsuki had answered positively, but didn’t elaborate. Kuroo didn’t push the matter, and now, here they were.

Smiling, he took out his phone, set up the front-facing camera, and took a picture of them. He changed his background photo on FaceBook, posted to Twitter, and to Instagram. After that, he took another photo that he intended to share only with Tsuki, sending it via text. Last but not least, he sent the first photo to the group chat.

[LATE! ALREADY SAW IT ON INSTA]
[Geez, Bokuto. Stalking, much?]
[WHAT DO YOU EXPECT? WE’VE BEEN WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU]
[Yeah, well, we’re on our way.]
[Want us to meet you at the station?]
[Thanks, Akaashi, but no]
[WHY NOT?]
[It’ll be after midnight when we get there, and after one by the time we get to my place]
[SO?]
[Sleep is a thing, Bokuto]
[Most of the world agrees with you]
[AKAASHI!!]
[Anyway, we can meet up in the morning and go out for breakfast]
[Sounds good. What time?]
[I’ll let you know. Ttyl]
[Ttyl]
[LATERS!]

Kuroo put his phone into sleep mode, and back into his pocket. He shifted slightly, making sure not to wake Tsuki, and wrapped an arm around his shoulder. Now, Tsuki was snuggled up in such a way that at least looked a little more comfortable than before. Resting his head on Tsuki’s, Kuroo closed his eyes, and dozed off.