The Cat and the Crow

When Kei got off the train, the night before Tetsuro’s birthday, he found Akaashi waiting for him. He smiled and went over to his friend. He’d been too excited to mind the crowds of Tokyo; he was too focused on his plan. The only ones who knew about it were his brother and Akaashi. Bokuto would find out tonight, and Kei could only hope he could keep his mouth shut. So far, everything had gone smoothly, and now they’d reached the final part. Tetsuro had no idea Kei was in Tokyo, and until tomorrow, that’s how it needed to stay.

“Good to see you, Tsuki,” Akaashi said, smiling back. “Ready to go?”

“Yeah,” he replied, following Akaashi out of the station. “Thanks for all your help with this.” He adjusted the bag on his shoulder, and changed hands with the one he carried.

Akaashi reached over and took the bag from his hands. “You’re welcome. It’s been fun trying to keep them from finding out. I have to admit that Kuroo almost figured it out.”

“He didn’t, did he?”

“There’s no telling, to be honest. If he has, he’s been just as secretive as we have.” They reached a line of cabs and Akaashi found one to take them to his place. They got in and Akaashi gave the driver directions, handing over the expected fare. “Even if he has figured out you were coming, he doesn’t know when.”

“Okay, good,” Kei said. He was excited, but just a little worried. He wanted Tetsuro to be so surprised, he’d have that bamboozled look on his face for a long time. Or at least for the weekend.

“So what did you bring?” Akaashi asked, gesturing at the bag he still held.

“I made some of the food I know he likes, and put together a visual playlist with pictures of us with our favorite songs. There’s a cookbook I cobbled together, and a video game in there that I hope he doesn’t have yet. But that’s all I could really think of bringing.”

“Sounds perfect if you ask me. He’ll love all of it.”

“Well, that was kinda my problem,” Kei said wryly.

“How so?”

Kei thought for a minute. “What do you get the guy who’ll love anything you give him because it made you happy to give it to him?”

“Fair point,” Akaashi agreed. “He’ll be the happiest man on earth when he finds out you’re here. You didn’t need to bring anything, really.”

Kei blushed and remained silent.

“So, what else are you planning for his birthday, Tsuki, or is that super secret information?”

“Well…” he told Akaashi most of the rest of his plan.

When they finally arrived at Akaashi’s place, they walked in to find Bokuto raiding the fridge and dancing. Kei had to admit he was a good dancer, but it was still enough to make him laugh.

“Didn’t know we’d get dinner and a show,” he joked. Akaashi burst out laughing.

Bokuto, hearing more than one voice, whipped around and went wide-eyed when he saw Kei.

“Tsuki?! What are you doing here?!”

“He’s here for Kuroo’s birthday tomorrow. And now that you know, you have to remain silent,” Akaashi said, going over to take the items Bokuto held, and moving him so the refrigerator door could be closed. “Sit down. I’ll make you something.”

Bokuto didn’t hesitate. He sat down, and waved Kei to sit down, too.

“Tell me everything. He’s going to be so surprised!!”

“That’s the idea,” Kei said carefully. “He can’t know I’m here yet. Not a single word to him, okay?”

“I know how to keep a secret,” he said, just a little offended.

“This one is big, and you have a tendency to talk when you’re excited,” Akaashi said calmly, taking the food Kei brought and putting it in the fridge. “It’s a good thing we already played them, or he’d know something was up just by looking at you.”

“I wasn’t thinking about that,” Kei said, bemused. “How did it go?”

“We won,” Akaashi replied carefully. Kei must have had a strange look on his face because Akaashi continued. “They aren’t out. Tokyo is a huge prefecture, and will be sending three representatives to Nationals. Nekoma will play Nohebi tomorrow morning.”

“I’m sorry. I’m happy you won your spot to go to Nationals…”

“No, it’s okay. We understand.”

Bokuto nodded emphatically. “Soooo… tell me everything.”

[Hard Won Victory]

“Congratulations, Kuroo,” Kei heard Akaashi say. He was standing just around the corner from where they’d finally found Tetsuro in an empty hallway. “Glad to see that playing dirty doesn’t gain wins.”

“I knew Suguru was underhanded, and proud of it, but the rest of the team?” He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I’m just glad we were able to persevere. They are good, even if they cheat.”

“That’s... generous of you,” Bokuto said sarcastically. “How’s your finger?”

“Hurts like hell, but it’ll be fine. Nail was torn beneath the quick.”

“Sounds painful, but at least it’s not worse.”

“I know, right?”

“And Yaku?”

“Stepped on someone’s foot while chasing a ball. Minor sprain. Should be fine by Nationals.”

“Good. He’s your best libero, and I’m sure he wants to play as bad as you do.”

“Damn right,” Tetsuro agreed.

Kei peeked at Akaashi from around the corner, and he gave a slight nod. “By the way, happy birthday, Kuroo. Winning a ticket to Nationals has to be an awesome present.” He changed position smoothly enough that he was facing Kei, while Tetsuro had his back to him. Now, he just had to wait for the perfect moment.

“Yeah, I guess.”

“You sound like it’s not exactly what you wanted.”

“I mean, it still is. We get the chance to face Karasuno again on the national level, like our coaches always wanted. I’ll get to see Tsuki again, after waiting two long, excruciating, months…”

Akaashi caught his gaze and nodded imperceptibly, again. No time like the present, and now was about as perfect a time as one could get. Kei rounded the corner and stopped a few yards away. Akaashi and Bokuto had pulled out their phones, and Kei smiled.

“Not as long as all that. Happy birthday, Tetsuro,” Kei said quietly.

To say that he wanted to see Tetsuro’s face was an epic understatement. As it was, Akaashi and Bokuto both caught his reaction on their phones, and Kei saw Tetsuro’s back go suddenly straight, and then relax again. He started to turn around, and Akaashi quickly put his phone in his pocket, grabbed Bokuto, and dragged him away.

“You’re here?” Tetsuro murmured, still looking like he couldn’t quite believe what he was seeing.

Kei nodded. “I wanted to surprise you, like you did for me.”

“Oh, I’m surprised,” he said, chuckling a little. “Absolutely astonished.” Tetsuro seemed to shake off his surprise because he began to move slowly forward until he was within inches of Kei. He reached out and put his hands on his waist, pulling him closer. At the same time, he slid his hands up just far enough to get under his shirt and touch skin.

Kei inhaled sharply, clutching Tetsuro’s shoulders. “Do you like my surprise?” he asked shakily.

“I love it,” Tetsuro replied, inching his face closer. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

The kiss they shared was so deep that they nearly forgot where they were. But even so, they didn’t really care, either. It grew so heated, that if it hadn’t been for someone clearing their throat (they later found out it was Bokuto who’d done it), they would have been caught in a more compromising situation.

“Let’s go home.” Tetsuro’s voice was husky and low with need.

“My stuff is at Akaashi’s place,” Kei replied.

“We can pick it up later. Let’s go home.”

Kei nodded. “Okay.”

With the help of their friends, and Tetsuro’s teammates, they were able to leave the Sumida City Gym without anyone else being the wiser. They behaved (mostly) during the cab ride to Tetsu’s house, and barely managed to make it to his bedroom.

It wasn’t until later in the evening when they reemerged, took a shower, and traveled back to Akaashi’s house to get Kei’s stuff. And then, they went right back home.