The Cat and the Crow

[23 December]

[Does he suspect anything?]
[I don’t think so, Kuroo]
[THIS IS GOING TO BE SO AWESOME!]
[That’s the 215th time you’ve said that, Bokuto]
[You’ve been counting?]
[Call me curious, Daichi]
[When did you start counting?]
[This morning]
[Good grief...]
[Anyway, almost everything is ready for Christmas day, Kuroo. We just have a few finishing touches to make, and then spread the word.]
[Okay, good. Most of the team will arrive tomorrow night, as will Nekomata.]
[We’ve got it covered for who will stay where.]
[Thanks, Suga]
[I CAN’T WAIT! THIS IS GOING TO BE SO AWESOME!]
[216]
[We’ll be in Sendai soon. You guys have been a big help. Thank you!]
[To be honest, we’re in agreement with Bokuto…]
[THIS IS GOING TO BE SO AWESOME!]
[217]
[HEY! I DIDN’T SAY IT! THAT WAS SUGA!]
[Still counts]
[Akaashi, you’re awesome!]
[I’m glad we adopted you]
[Thanks mom and dad]
[LMAO!]

“I literally thought I was going to go crazy, that train ride was so long!” Bokuto exclaimed as they got off the train.

“It was only an hour longer than the Kyoto trip,” Akaashi said calmly. “You’re just excited.”

“Damn right, I am! This is going to be so awesome!”

“218.”

Tetsuro laughed at his buddies even as he scanned the platform for his favorite person… and family. It didn’t take long before he spotted them, and waved once they found him. Kei broke away and ran toward them, practically knocking Tetsu over as he hugged him. Mom and Akiteru came over at a more sedate pace, but they were both all smiles.

“I’m so glad to finally meet you two, Bokuto and Akaashi,” Mom said happily.

“Glad to meet you,” Akiteru repeated, reaching out to shake their hands. “Thanks for coming up to celebrate with us.”

“Wouldn’t have missed it!” Bokuto exclaimed. “We’ve been wanting to meet you guys, too.”

“He’s been super curious. More so the closer the time for the trip came. Which is why he could barely stand a 3 hour train ride,” Akaashi added. “Thanks for inviting us.”

“It’s our pleasure,” Akiteru said. “Well, we need to get moving if we’re going to make it home, and get you both settled, at a decent time. The train to Ogawara will be boarding soon.”

Bokuto practically shot off in the wrong direction, but Akaashi caught up to him and brought him back to the group. Mom was still smiling, looking so happy she could barely contain it. Akiteru led the way. And bringing up the rear were Kei and Tetsuro, who had yet to let go of each other, both of them flushed and happy to be together again.

[The Walk Home]

“This feels so much smaller than Tokyo,” Bokuto said as they walked down the main avenue through town.

“It’s tiny compared to Tokyo,” Kei added. “And quieter.”

“That only adds to its charm, really,” Tetsu joined in. “I like it here.”

“You like it here largely because of the one you haven’t let go of since arriving in Miyagi,” Akaashi deadpanned.

“I mean, true, but I really do like it here, and for the very reasons that were pointed out. Smaller, and quieter.” He looked at all the Christmas decorations lining the street. Everything was lit up, and it looked like they were getting ready for a Christmas festival.

“Is there anything you boys want for dinner tonight?” Mom asked from behind them. “The grocery store is just around the corner. I can pick up what we need.”

“Let’s all go!” Bokuto suggested. “Since we’ll be here for the next week, we’ll need snacks and stuff.”

“Oh, no, please. You don’t have to…”

“Maybe you should let them, mom,’ Kei said with a smirk. “Bokuto and Tetsu eat more than all of us put together.”

“Hey!” Bokuto objected.

“Rude, but fair,” Tetsu muttered, though he was smiling.

“It’s not a bad idea,” Akaashi said. “They do eat a lot. It’s only fair if we help out with the food, so they won’t eat you out of house and home.”

By the time they got home, each person carried several bags of groceries. To say Bokuto and Kuroo went overboard in buying provisions was a massive understatement, yet it would save them time by not having to go shopping for at least the next few days, not including Christmas dinner, which would be purchased tomorrow. Mom had plans for that meal, and no one could dissuade her.

“Akiteru, will you show Bokuto and Akaashi to the guest room, and show them where the restroom is? I’ll get started on dinner.”

For a moment, no one moved, except Mom and Akiteru. Akaashi and Bokuto exchanged a look, and then turned to Kei’s mom. She smiled kindly.

“Kei told us all about you. We figured you’d be more comfortable in the same room. It’s also beneficial to us, since we only have one guest room,” she said with a wink. “Go on and get settled in. Dinner will be ready before you know it.”

“Ni-san, we’ll show them around, you can help mom,” Kei said, moving behind his two friends and gently pushing them out of the kitchen.

“We’ll be back,” Tetsu added, following them out.

Once they reached the guest room, they all gathered inside and shut the door.

“You look surprised, Akaashi,” Kei said as he went to the closet to take out the futons.

“Wasn’t expecting it, to be honest,” he answered quietly. “If we’re staying with friends or family, we’re usually given separate rooms, or sharing rooms with someone else. Crash space, so to speak. Either way, we never get put in the same room.”

“Pretty sure we told you about my first visit here, yeah?” Tetsu asked, tossing blankets in Kei’s direction, and then turning to get the pillows.

“Yeah…”

“I had overheard Mom and Akiteru talking to Kei about me.”

“Something about giving you their approval, right?” Bokuto asked, catching one of the pillows Tetsu threw at him.

“Yeah. So doesn’t it stand to reason that they wouldn’t care about putting you in the same room?” he asked, tossing another pillow at Akaashi.

“And she said so herself, just a few minutes ago. You'll be more comfortable sleeping together than apart, right?” Kei added. “It’s fine. Besides, I can already tell she likes both of you. Don’t be surprised if you guys are adopted by New Years.”

“I think you’re overestimating,” Tetsu said sarcastically. “We’ll have new brothers by Christmas.”

“Or tomorrow,” Kei replied.

“Boys! Dinner is ready!” they all heard her call them from the kitchen.

“FOOD!” Bokuto hollered, grabbing Akaashi’s hand and racing out of the room.

“Bokuto, slow down! We‘re guests here!” they heard Akaashi admonish, even if it had little effect.

“Come on. Let’s get in there before Bokuto eats everything,” Tetsu said, reaching down to take Kei’s hand. “Thank you, by the way,” he said quietly as they walked.

“For what?”

“For reassuring them they’d be welcome here.”

“But I told them they would be.”

“I don’t think they doubted you, really, but they needed to find out for sure themselves.”

“Well, I just hope they enjoy their time here. That’ll make me happy.”

Tetsu smiled at him, and leaned in to kiss his cheek. “You make me happy, Kei.”

“Yeah, same,” Kei replied, looking adorable as he flushed.

“Did I say something embarrassing?” he asked playfully. “You are so cute when you blush.”

“Tetsu?”

“Yeah?”

“Shut up.”

Tetsu was laughing when they walked into the kitchen and joined everyone at the table. Mom had put together a huge hot pot with tons of meat and veggies to cook. There was also a few dipping sauces, and ginger rice, along with iced tea to wash it down.

“Took you guys long enough,” Bokuto chided, staring at the food before him.

“She made him wait until you arrived,” Akaashi explained. “He was seconds away from claiming starvation.”

Mom laughed. “Alright, dig in. Enjoy!”

No one had to be told twice, though Akaashi managed to snatch some for her, so she could eat with them.