How We Began

Over the next two weeks, Kuroo visited the little bookshop. And its owner. Honestly, the owner was way more interesting to him than the books, but he also went because it was a nice place to rest after a long day of work. He tried going before work, but Tsukishima didn't open until 10am.

That was one of the first things he learned about Tsukishima: he was not a morning person. By any stretch of the imagination. Kuroo dropped by over the weekend, and witnessed for himself the grumpy, quite sarcastic, side of Tsukishima. It seemed his regular customers knew, too, giving him another hour to acclimate to the morning before trickling into the shop. Kuroo found that highly amusing.

Kuroo also learned that Tsukishima loved sweet things. His coffee, whether hot or cold, was more cream and sugar than coffee. Tea was treated the same way. There were little bowls of candy scattered throughout the shop, but he was a real sucker for strawberry danishes and shortcakes.

There were other little things about Tsukishima that intrigued Kuroo: he didn't always wear his glasses, he liked the peace and quiet, but would have light music, often something traditional like koto music, playing in the background. Some days, he wore headphones around his neck, and would slip them on occasionally.

When Kuroo came by, Tsukishima would greet him with a grin, but usually left him to his own devices. Oddly, Kuroo liked being able to focus more on a project, or finish up some paperwork. He even had a favorite chair to sit in, and it was waiting for him when he arrived. Sometimes, a steaming hot cup of something was also waiting for him.

Clearly, while he was discovering things about Tsukishima, Tsukishima was learning about him, as well.

Sometimes, Kuroo wore glasses. He preferred his coffee hot, with just a little cream and sugar. Same with his tea. He liked savory snacks over sweets, and music with a beat and big sound. He wasn’t much of a reader, which made his visits to the shop somewhat inexplicable, but Tsukishima never made him leave.

"It's like you've known each other for far longer than a couple weeks," Aunt Yui said the night before the trip to Kyoto. They just finished dinner and were enjoying a nightcap. Kuroo had told her everything. After she'd demanded it, of course.
"I wouldn't say that," Kuroo replied, feeling himself flush.
"I would," she replied. She looked quite pleased with herself, actually. Kuroo narrowed his eyes at her.
"What?" she asked, attempting to look innocent. Again.
"Oh, nothing," he replied with a shrug. "Just that I can't imagine that you'd have set us up on purpose."
"I would never! Don't be silly! Why would I even do such a thing?"

Kuroo rolled his eyes and snorted at her obvious overacting. But he remained silent, toying with the finger where a ring used to sit. Maybe she had her reasons for setting him up with Tsukishima. And it was a set up; there was no denying it. Though, after the past two weeks, could he really be angry with her? He looked at her, and smiled.

"Thank you, Auntie," he said quietly, reaching out and taking her hands in his.
"For what?" Clearly, he’d surprised her.
He smirked. "For being the sweetest, meddling auntie I know and love. You're my most favorite auntie."
She snorted, but she was blushing. Kuroo counted it as a point for him. "I'm your only auntie."
"Which is why you're my favorite," he retorted with a wink.
He planted a kiss on the backs of her hands, let them go, and stood up to stretch.
"Thanks for dinner, Aunt Yui," he said, rubbing his belly. "I need to go home and finish packing."
"Have fun on your trip, dear," she said happily. "Take lots of pictures!"
"Oh, sure. One of each torii gate."
"Brat!"

Kuroo laughed, dodging a pot holder as he left the kitchen, and then started whistling as he collected his keys, put on his shoes, and left to go home. As he drove the short distance to his place, he mentally went through his list of things left to pack, and then an idea hit him.

He checked the time; it was too late to run by the bookshop. Well, not like it would've mattered, anyway. Tsukishima tended to close early if it looked like there wouldn't be more customers. Still, maybe he could call. He'd put the number of the shop in his phone after that first night.

As soon as he made it home, he got his phone and pulled up his contact list. He was about to tap on the number for the shop, but then he noticed something else. Right below the shop's phone number was Tsukishima's personal number. Kuroo wasn't sure when he’d been able to even put it in there; Kuroo’s phone was never that far from his hand.

Not that it mattered, really. He couldn't help it; he let out a whoop and did a happy little dance around the entryway. He felt his face flush and his heart started racing. Forcing himself to calm down, he went to the kitchen, turned on his electric kettle, and prepared a cup for tea. When he felt ready, at least enough that his voice wouldn’t shake, he tapped on the number and waited patiently as it rang.

"Hey, it's Kuroo," he said as soon as Tsukishima answered.
"Wondered when you'd find it." The man was definitely trying not to laugh. Kuroo could hear it.
"Yeah, I'm still trying to figure out when you even had the chance."
"Like I'd tell you."
"No worries. I'll eventually figure it out."
"Good luck with that."
"Smartass."
"Accurate."
"Anyway, I did have a reason for calling."
"What's that?"
"Think we can meet at the station a little earlier?"
"Define 'earlier,' "
"Nothing drastic. 10am. Think you can manage it?"
"I guess I could. But why?"
"You'll see."
"What? Now you aren't going to tell me?"
"Of course not. That would ruin the surprise."
"You and your surprises."
"You like them. Admit it."
"Not a chance!"
"Whatever. I'll see you at 10am, okay?"
"Yeah. I'll be there."
"Great! See you then."

By the time he hung up with Tsukishima, he'd slid down to the floor, and his face hurt because he was smiling so much. It had been a long time since he'd felt this... this happy. No, actually, he'd never quite felt like this before. It was different, new, and it felt so good.

Looking down at his contact list, Kuroo noticed something else. Tsukishima hadn't just entered his phone number. He'd also put his name in as 'Tsuki,' clearly a nickname. "Ohmigod," he whispered to himself. He wanted to yell so loud, he'd wake up the entire neighborhood.

Instead, he just clutched his phone to his chest and repeated that 'ohmigod' over and over again. Maybe this was just a major crush, or maybe he'd fallen head over heels in love; Kuroo wasn't sure. All he could really hope for was that Tsuki felt the same way.

And he couldn't just rush in. He’d done that once, and it ended in disaster.

No matter what, he didn't want to screw this up.

Whatever this was.

Later, he picked himself up off the floor, made his tea, and went to his room to finish packing. He had a bit of an earlier start in the morning, and he was looking forward to it. Hell, he was looking forward to the whole trip.

The next morning, Kuroo made it to the train station just in time to meet Tsuki. Smiling as soon as he saw the younger man, he calmly met him halfway. He was still in a rather euphoric mood; it was a wonder he even slept at all last night. Good thing he set more than one alarm.

"Good morning, Tsuki!" he said brightly, his mood still riding high.
"Morning," Tsuki replied grumpily, though a smirk had appeared on his face. "Already using my nickname, huh?"
"Well, you did put it in my phone," Kuroo shrugged.
"That I did." A little color tinted his cheekbones. Tsuki hooked a hand around the nape of his neck, looking down and away and anywhere besides Kuroo for a few minutes. Then, he turned back again.

"So. What's your surprise?"
"Can't contain your excitement, can you?"
"I'm literally overflowing with it."
"Such sarcasm," Kuroo said quietly.
"It's still early," Tsuki reminded him.
"Yeah, well, come on," he said as he started heading into the station. "Where we're going isn't far from our platform. We can take our time."

Kuroo felt when Tsuki caught up to him. He fought the urge to look over and smile, even though he really wanted to. But he wasn't able to ignore how Tsuki seemed to sidle just a little closer to him as they entered the station's huge concourse. People were everywhere; it was almost lunch hour, which meant it'd be even more crowded with those who worked nearby and ate at the numerous eateries.

This time, he did look over at his companion, who was nearly on top of him now. Tsuki was trying to be cool about it, but it was obvious he really hated crowds. The noise level rose the further in they went, and there were lights and signs drawing attention everywhere at once.

"We're almost there," he leaned close enough to be heard without yelling. "Do you have your headphones?"
"Yeah," Tsuki replied. He quickly brought his bag around, dug them out and put them on. He visibly relaxed a bit. Kuroo knew they weren’t the noise-canceling kind of headphones, but they’d help, and Tsuki would still be able to hear him.

"Better?"
"Yeah. A little."
"Do we need to stop?"
"No. Not here," Tsuki replied. "How much farther?"
"About another few minutes walking. I swear, where we’re going is in a quieter section of the station."
"It's fine. Let's just go."

On impulse, Kuroo stood in front of Tsuki, making sure he had his attention. He also gently grasped his wrist.

"We'll go when you've calmed down a little more, okay?"

Tsuki stared at him; eyes darting from hair to eyes to ears, to his mouth, then finally back up to his eyes. Kuroo knew he was grounding himself, especially when Tsuki turned his wrist and grasped his hand, needing the skin-to-skin contact.

"Better?"

Tsuki nodded and took a deep breath; his first since they stopped. "Yeah. Better."
"Good. We'll walk slowly until you can move easily, okay?" Kuroo moved so they could begin walking again. When there wasn't a response, he stopped and looked back.
"How did you know what to do?"
"I had a friend who hated crowds, too. A long time ago." He explained with a little smile. "Ready to go?"
"Yeah."

Kuroo meant to let go of Tsuki's hand, but Tsuki held his hand a little tighter. Perhaps he still needed the contact, but Kuroo didn't mind at all. Maybe it was the wrong time to think such things, but he was happy Tsuki needed him.

They arrived at their destination roughly ten minutes later. It was a sweet little coffee shop that Kuroo found on a ramble during his lunch break once. He'd been a regular ever since. When he walked in, the server behind the counter flashed a bright smile his way and waved.

"Nice to see you again, Kuroo-san! The usual?"
"Please, and thank you!" he replied. He turned to Tsuki. "What do you want for breakfast?"
"I don't know," Tsuki replied. "I'm not sure I can eat right now."
Kuroo understood well enough. "Do you think you could drink coffee or tea?"
"Tea, please? Something herbal."
"Got it. Want to find us a place to sit while I order?"
"Sure. Preference?"
"Anywhere is fine."
"Got it," Tsuki smiled, repeating Kuroo. He slowly let go of his hand and went to find a place for them to sit.
Kuroo went up to the counter to order.

"I need to modify my usual order," he smiled at the now super curious barista. "And could you make the order to go, please? We'll have our drinks here."
"Sure thing! What'll ya have?"

Out of respect for Tsuki, he ordered both of them some herbal tea, a mild mint flavor he favored, and that he knew would help calm a stomach issue. Also, plain toast, too. For the to go part of his order, he picked out a few sandwiches, each with different flavors ranging from plain to flavorful. He grinned as he added a few sweets, too. A tray with their tea and toast was placed in front of him. Kuroo paid for his order, and went to go find Tsuki.

When he found him, it was in a far corner of the restaurant, and he was practically sitting in the corner. His eyes were closed, and he was breathing steadily, so it looked like he was almost back to normal. Carefully, Kuroo set down the tray, and tried not to make too much noise.

"You don't have to be so deliberate," Tsuki said, opening one eye, and then the other. "I'm fine. Really."
"I don't mind," Kuroo replied, gesturing at the tray. "There's mint tea, and plain toast, if you're up for it."
Tsuki slowly sat up, taking in the contents of the tray. "Any sugar?"

"I mixed in a little honey to lightly sweeten it," Kuroo replied, handing Tsuki the tea he'd doctored up. He was about to warn him it was still too hot, but Tsuki merely blew on it before taking a sip.
"Good?"
"Tolerable," Tsuki replied with a little smirk. "Maybe a little more next time?"

"I'll keep that in mind," Kuroo grinned back.

He passed the plate of toast to Tsuki, who picked up a piece and began to nibble on it. As Tsuki ate, Kuroo decided to tell him a little more of the story he'd started earlier, knowing Tsuki was probably curious, but too shy or polite to ask.

"My friend was always sick after an attack. Sometimes a lot more than just nauseous. Because we were almost always together, his parents taught me how to help him through it enough to get him home, or to a quiet place. Better if it was also cool and dark. I'd give him herbal tea and plain toast, too."
"Best friends?" Tsuki asked. He'd been watching Kuroo as he talked, his attention unwavering.
Kuroo shrugged. "We grew up together. Well, at least since I was eight."
Tsuki was silent for a few minutes, finishing his tea and the last piece of toast. "Past tense."
Kuroo nodded. "Even longer story."
"Fair enough," Tsuki replied quietly, knowing he’d reached the end of the story, for now. He watched as Kuroo started clearing their trash.
"Is there anything you want to ask about me?"
Kuroo stopped and looked up at him. "You mean, besides the standard info?"
Tsuki smiled. "Birthday is September 27th. I'm 28 years old. Libra."

Surprise must have shown on his face, because Tsuki started laughing. Kuroo was slain. Tsuki was beautiful when he laughed.

"Didn't think I'd tell you that easily, did you?"
"Not really, no."
"Well, tell me yours and we'll be even. Besides, you just told me part of a story that I'm certain only a select few know."
Kuroo narrowed his eyes. "Don’t tell me you felt obligated to tell me your stats because of that?"
"No, not at all. Forgive me if it sounded that way."
"Then why?"
"I wanted to. Wanted to for a while now."
Kuroo nodded. "November 17th. 30 years old. Scorpio."

They went back and forth with their stats, almost making it a game. Kuroo discovered Tsuki was originally from Sendai, went to Karasuno High, and graduated from Sendai University. Tsuki found out Kuroo had always lived in Tokyo, went to Nekoma High, and has been working for the JVA.

It was nearly noon when they had to leave in order to make their train on time. Picking up the tray, Tsuki threw away their garbage, put the dishes in the bucket, and left the tray on top of the stack next to the bucket. Kuroo waited by the door, having stopped by the counter to get the bag of sandwiches and sweets.

"I have another question," Kuroo asked as they walked along, heading to their platform.
"Shoot," Tsuki said from beside him.
"You were so prickly when we first met, but now, it's like a switch flipped. How come?"
Tsuki shrugged. "Is it really that much of a surprise?"
"Yeah, actually. I mean, I thought it was just a part of your personality."
“Wow. Kinda rude.”
“Is it really, though?”

Tsuki shrugged and was silent for the rest of their walk. Kuroo was about to let it drop and apologize, almost afraid he’d overstepped his bounds. When he opened his mouth to say so, Tsuki spoke over him.

"You didn't run away."
"What do you m...?"
"You kept coming back. You let me get used to you. You didn't push me."

Kuroo didn't know what to say, but he was curious to know more. And Tsuki would tell him when he was ready to, not one minute before. He looked over at Tsuki, who was staring at him, and smiled.

"Ready for Kyoto?"
"I think the real question is, is Kyoto ready for us?"
"Not even a little bit."

When the train arrived, they boarded, letting the conductor clip their tickets. An attendant showed them to their private berth, which was a surprising little perk that wasn’t mentioned in their little red envelope. Securing their bags, they sat down across from each other and spent the entire two hour ride talking quietly, or in companionable silence.