Chapter Text
The first time Kuroo saw Akaashi Keiji, Fukurodani had come from their part of Tokyo over to Nekoma for training week. In the beginning, the first year did not seem to stand out from the rest of the group; quiet and reserved. He had a fairly neutral expression, maybe on the borderline annoyed, a mop of messy, black curls on top of his head, but nothing that would make Kuroo look twice. The only reason Kuroo had even taken a notice to him was because he was next to Bokuto, almost attached to the hip, whether it was by choice or not was hard to tell.
“Hey, hey, hey! Kuroo!” Bokuto called, coming up to him after the regular practice matches, the underclassman in tow. “Do you want to come be my blocker? I finally have a setter that's willing to give me tosses, isn't that right Akaashi?” He threw an arm over the smaller man's shoulders, bringing him close.
Akaashi's face remained the same. “Yes, Bokuto-san,” he agreed, his voice lower than Kuroo had expected. Bokuto let out a whine.
“Akaashi! Why won't you call me 'senpai' like I asked?” He questioned his underclassman, his arm tightening around his shoulders.
“Would that make you happy, Bokuto-san?”
Bokuto brighten up instantly. “Of course it would!”
“Then you know why I won't.” The cheeky comment took Kuroo by surprise, even more so when Akaashi had yet to crack a smile.
Kuroo barked out a laugh, clapping his hand on Bokuto's back. “Come on, Bo, you can't win them all. Sure, I'll block for you. Who knows? Maybe if you actually get through them, you might finally get Akaashi to call you senpai?” He winked, looking towards Akaashi just in time to watch him roll his eyes.
Bokuto let out a small gasp, looking at Akaashi expectantly. All he got was a shrug, but that was enough to motivate him. He let out a loud 'whoop' before letting go of the dark haired male and running towards the newly free gym, leaving the other two in the dust. Sighing, Akaashi followed behind him. “Bokuto-san, please be careful.”
The practice continued considerably longer compared to how it usually is with Bokuto. Any other setter would throw a few tosses, get annoyed with Bokuto's intensity, and then leave them alone. Akaashi, on the other hand, stayed as long as Bokuto wanted. He didn't have to be coerced, no groveling or pleading, he just stayed, sending toss after toss to Bokuto. Kuroo had to say he was a little impressed. Although he was still a first year, Akaashi seemed to be highly skilled as a setter, sending tosses that brought out the spiker's best. There were still some mistakes here and there from his lack of experience, but he was able to correct them after a few more tosses.
When the three had to stop for the day, Akaashi offered to stay after and clean up. The second year duo would have gladly accepted the opportunity to get out of cleaning, but watching the underclassman look at the towering volleyball poles was a little pathetic. Out of the kindness of their hearts, Kuroo and Bokuto decided to help out.
Akaashi was placing some of the volleyballs into the carrier when Kuroo approached him. His curiosity was starting to get the best of him. “Hey, Akaashi,” he started, looking over his shoulder at the other second year putting the net away.
“Yes, Kuroo-san?” He asked, dropping the balls into the basket. “I take it that it's alright if I call you that? Or do you have the same fascination with being called 'senpai' like Bokuto-san?”
Kuroo snorted and shook his head. “No, it's fine,” he rubbed the back of his head, continuing. “I was wondering why you decided to stay after for spiking today?”
Akaashi looked at Kuroo as if he had grown two extra heads. “If Bokuto-san is going to be the ace next year, then he can't be stopped by a single blocker.” He said it as if it was the most obvious thing, as if Kuroo asked how to add single digits together.
“Right,” Kuroo smirked, having heard that before, “Bokuto said something like that too. I take it you spend a lot of time together?”
Akaashi nodded, bending over to pick up another ball to place it in the cart. “Of course, but that's not why I say he's going to be the ace.”
“Oh? Then why?” Kuroo asked, cautious of the setter with the neutral face. Without a read of him, Kuroo was not sure of what his intentions were with his friend. Maybe Akaashi would use Bokuto to get in the main rotation next year? Or possibly something even more?
But his answer was the first of many things that would always surprise Kuroo about Akaashi.
“Because I've seen him play,” he placed the final ball in the basket, leaving Kuroo behind him as Bokuto called over the younger man, saying that he would eat his dinner if they got there too late.
It seemed that Kuroo would grow to like this first year setter.
–
The second time Kuroo saw Akaashi was at the Interhigh Spring Tournament. The third years at Fukurodani decided not to stick around, leaving Bokuto as captain. He was excitable as ever, a solid, black four on his shirt; the number of an ace. Next to him was the apathetic looking setter, whispering something to his new captain that caused a brief pinch on Akaashi's forehead. They both walked over to the coach as the rest of the team was warming up.
Since they were only a few courts apart, Kuroo could tell Akaashi had grown a bit since their last meeting. He was taller, slightly thicker, his face filling out, if it could be called that. He was more defined in his cheeks, but that might be an illusion created by his dark locks no longer covering his cheekbones. Nevertheless, Akaashi almost looked...pretty.
This time, Kuroo did look twice.
Both teams fought hard, but Nekoma ended up falling out after their second game. Fukurodani was still playing their second game of the day, having won the first; they were on the fast track in filling in the second slot for Tokyo representatives. Though his own team was upset by their roles in the last game, Kuroo was quick to remind them of what they had done.
“This is not the end for us, so don't beat yourselves up. We fought with everything we had, and so did the other team. The strongest team wins, that's a fact, but that only means we need to become stronger. With every new step, with every learned mistake, we get closer to becoming just that. We lost today, but we can't let it deter us.” The newly appointed captain said, looking over the crowd of fallen faces and watering eyes. “We'll become stronger, and we'll be back on this court and win, I promise you that.”
After Nekoma said their 'thank you's to the crowd, the team decided to stay and watch the third set for Fukurodani. As it stood, each team had taken one set, and Fukurodani was tied 20-20 with their opponent. Even from the stands, Kuroo could feel the intensity of the game.
Unfortunately, so could Bokuto.
It appeared that Fukurodani's captain had gone into his 'dejected mode', as the team had called it. Kuroo knew that he was capable of these mood swings on and off the court, but, in the past, nobody knew what to do during an important game. Tensions were high, and Bokuto was frustrated; he was messing up at simple tasks, nothing too unusual.
Except that Akaashi was able to correct almost all of them.
If Bokuto accidentally received a ball and it was lower than expected, Akaashi would dive for it. Too close to the net? A quick with another wing spiker. But Akaashi was not the only one; the others were just as accountable. If something went wrong, they all went into action. The team on the other side of the net believed that if they could get Bokuto, the team would fall. That was the furthest thing from the truth.
Fukurodani would be a dangerous team next year.
Ten minutes later, the score was 25-24, match point Fukurodani. Cheers erupted from both sides of the bleachers, spectators on the edge of their seats, both teams anxious. Fukurodani was receiving, Konoha dived just before the ball hit the floor, flying over to Akaashi. He set the ball, Sarukui smacked it down, but it was received by the other team's libero. The ball was sent soaring into the air, but no one could tell if it was going over the net. The setter stopped it, jumping up to place it perfectly in line with the spiker. They hit it at full force, it would have hit the ground if Komi had not saved it at the last second. The ball was going straight to Akaashi, the blockers moving to stop Sarukui or Konoha, the active spikers.
They had stopped paying attention to Bokuto.
“Idiots,” Kuroo muttered, watching Akaashi send the ball over to Bokuto, who jolted into action. The same could not be said for the other team's blockers. Bokuto was left with free range, and he took it. His straight was powerful, the sound of the ball echoing off the walls as it smacked into the ground. It was silent for one second, and then the referee blew his whistle, and screaming erupted from Fukurodani's side of the court.
Kuroo never thought he would see the day where Akaashi would accept a hug from Bokuto, let alone initiate it. But there they were, rushing into each other, Akaashi screaming with the rest of his teammates. Fukurodani was going to Nationals.
“We'll have to keep an eye on them if we ever want to beat them,” said Kenma, his eyes glancing down to the team below before looking back up to Kuroo. “But it will be possible.”
Kuroo grinned, placing his hands on his hips. “Well, if you think it's possible, then we can definitely do it.” He watched as Kenma rolled his eyes, zipping up his jacket.
With one more throw over his shoulder, Kuroo watched as Fukurodani began to line up. But, more than anything else, he found that he was glad to see Akaashi smile like that.
A deeper part of him was annoyed that it was not directed at him.
–
Akaashi's presence slowly continued to work its way into Kuroo's life. There were times where he planned to hang out with Bokuto, and he would find Akaashi by Bokuto's side. Of course, Akaashi would apologize, explaining that Bokuto had dragged him out with them.
By the eighth time, Kuroo had started to expect it.
“Hello, Kuroo-san,” Akaashi greeted him as he and Bokuto walked into the small cafe. After a quick, energetic greeting, Bokuto walked into line, leaving the other two alone. Akaashi turned to Kuroo, an apology on the tip of his tongue. “I'm-”
“Akaashi, you don't have to say sorry every time you come along. I actually like having you here, you know?” He told him as they both slid into chairs across from one another while they waited for Bokuto. It wasn't a lie; Kuroo liked Akaashi. He was quiet, but not necessarily shy. He would still come up with a witty comment in response to Bokuto's antics. And, okay, maybe he had gotten Kuroo on a few, too. Akaashi was careful, but he was also fun to be around.
Kuroo watched as a soft pink blush spread over Akaashi's cheeks as the younger boy put his jacket behind his chair. The sight of the usually composed setter getting flustered was strangely satisfying.
“Thank you, Kuroo-san,” Akaashi spoke softly, the corners of his lips turning up in a smile that made Kuroo's heart do very strange things. “You're not so bad either.”
This was no longer so satisfying.
“At least, when you're not being bothersome.”
This was really no longer satisfying.
Straightening up, Kuroo's smile radiated confidence, even if the setter's smile had sent him into a nearly flustered state. “I think that's the closest thing to a compliment that I have ever heard you say, Akaashi,” he teased, crossing his arms over his chest. “I never knew you could be so kind.”
“You're being bothersome.”
“Your mouth says bothersome but your eyes say-”
“really bothersome.”
“Oh, Akaashi, every time you insult me, the more I know you care.”
Akaashi snorted, leaning back in his chair as he placed his hands on the table. He looked over his shoulder for a brief moment, and then looked back at the man in front of him. “Kuroo-san,” he started, his tone more serious than it had been before. Kuroo was not that surprised, Akaashi almost always had a serious voice. “I,” he took a pause, fighting with himself on whether or not to say what he was thinking. “I need advice on something,” he spat out, as if it were painful to get past his lips. Kuroo noted that Akaashi started twiddling his fingers, something that he usually did when he was nervous. Kuroo leaned forward.
“Sure, what is it?”
With a slow inhale, a slow exhale, Akaashi started. “Well, Bokuto-san made-”
Akaashi was about to finish his statement when the very man they were talking about appeared next to the underclassman, sliding into the seat. “You guys will not believe what happened!” Bokuto exclaimed, not taking notice to the heavy air between the two.
Akaashi straightened himself back up, no longer leaning far back in his chair. “You got above a thirty on your exam?”
“That is pretty unbelievable,” Kuroo smirked at the shorter captain, but his eyes still flickered to Akaashi. What about Bokuto? Did he make a comment that made Akaashi uncomfortable? He quickly put the thought away. No, Bokuto may be direct and can't assess a situation to save his life, but he usually didn't make anyone uncomfortable. Plus, it was Akaashi; Akaashi didn't get uncomfortable. Even if he did, he would just tell Bokuto, not come to Kuroo for advice. There had to be something more.
Bokuto whined, collapsing against the back of his chair. “This isn't fair! When did you two start teaming up against me?”
“I thought you wanted us to get along, Bokuto-san?” Akaashi said simply.
“I did! But that was before you two actually started...” He floundered for words to say.
“getting along?” Kuroo offered.
“Exactly!”
Kuroo heard Akaashi snicker from beside the struggling second year, hiding his mouth behind his hand. Whatever had been bothering him just seconds ago seemed to be no longer relevant. However, Kuroo would do a follow up before they went their separate ways.
But that didn't mean Akaashi was free from his teasing behavior.
“I don't know, this seems like your fault, Bokuto-san,” Kuroo grinned, his voice mimicking the unintentionally sultry way Akaashi would say Bokuto's name.
Bokuto's eyes widened, leaning across the table. “You sounded just like him! Do it again.”
“Bokuto-san.”
“Again!”
“Bokuto-san.”
“Kuroo-san”
“Wow! That one was impressive!”
“Because that was me, Bokuto-san,” Akaashi stated, his cheeks dusted pink.
Bokuto looked over to his underclassman, a wide grin over his face. “Come on, Akaashi, even you can't deny that that was pretty well done!”
“Do you think the way I say your name is weird, Bokuto-san?” Akaashi asked, eyebrow raised.
Bokuto was quick to withdraw his teasing, apologizing for 'hurting' Akaashi, who looked perfectly fine. Kuroo guessed that his friend couldn't handle harming his precious setter in fear of no longer having anyone toss to him. Or maybe, Kuroo thought as he looked at the way Bokuto was nearly fawning over the younger boy for forgiveness, maybe there was something more.
The rest of the time there was drinking, eating, and poking fun at each other for various stupid moments. This was mostly just comprised of Bokuto and Kuroo embarrassing each other, trying to unveil every single mortifying story about the other. A few of them got Akaashi to laugh, and Kuroo couldn't find himself caring if he made a fool out of himself. He liked the way Akaashi's nose would scrunch up, his smile reaching his eyes, which would crinkle at the corners. He liked how his cheeks would flush just the slightest bit, how his shoulders would relax as he let out the final breathy laugh.
Kuroo was absolutely fucked.
By this point in his life, Kuroo was relatively comfortable with his sexuality. He knew, Kenma knew, Bokuto knew, and some others on his team knew, but this was the worst he's felt about it. Being attracted to actors or other celebrities felt completely different than what Kuroo felt in his chest when Akaashi laughed.
When it was time to part ways, Kuroo made sure to fall back a bit so he could talk to Akaashi.
“If you want to finish telling me what you're worried about, you can text me.”
Akaashi stared at him for a moment, his expression incomprehensible, before he tore his eyes away, digging around in his jacket pocket. When his hand emerged, Akaashi held out his cellphone to Kuroo, a silent agreement to his offer. Kuroo felt his lips pull up into a smile as he took Akaashi's phone in his hand before typing in his number.
Akaashi put the device back into his pocket, turning to move down the sidewalk. “Thanks, Kuroo-san,” he said as he looked back over his shoulder, then continued making his way back home.
Kuroo was most definitely fucked.
After making his own way home, Kuroo went into his room and collapsed on the bed. The room wasn't exactly clean, but it wasn't messy either. Organized chaos, Kenma called it.
When his phone vibrated in his pants pocket, Kuroo both loved it and hated it. Yes, he knew exactly who it was, but it appeared his mind was working against him at the moment. Why had he taken notice to everything Akaashi did today? It wasn't as if there had been anything different. Akaashi, Kuroo, and Bokuto; the terrible trio. Well, Kuroo and Bokuto were terrible, Akaashi was...Akaashi.
Slowly, Kuroo turned so he stared up at his ceiling, still debating on whether or not he would his answer his phone right away. Maybe he was lonely? Yeah, that would make sense. He was having a dry spell recently so now he was projecting these feelings onto his impressionable underclassman.
That made complete sense.
With a sigh, Kuroo fished his phone out of his pocket and unlocked it to reveal the text from Akaashi.
– > I hope this is your number, Kuroo-san. I know you put it in, but typing your own number wrong is a very you thing to do.
Kuroo snorted, rolling his eyes as he typed his response.
– > u know, u shouldn't insult someone u want advice from.
The next reply came almost instantly.
– > But can I expect anything less from you?
– > That's neither here nor there. U want advice, right?
There was a longer pause until the next message came in.
– > Bokuto-san wants me to be vice captain.
Kuroo hummed to himself, trying to figure out what exactly to say. There wasn't much information, and Kuroo couldn't see why this was such a bad idea. Akaashi was younger than everyone else, but he was just as competent.
– > What? Did the other guys give u a hard time or something?
– > No, it's the exact opposite. Everyone agreed with him.
– > I really don't see the problem here.
– > I'm going to be vice captain as a second year, how is that not a problem?
– > b/c if they agree then you deserve it??
There was another pause between the next reply. Kuroo first thought that Akaashi had fallen asleep, but after another few minutes, a buzz emanated from his phone.
– > I don't want to disappoint them.
Well, that was unexpected.
Akaashi had never shown any sign of doubt before. Every movement, every word, every idea seemed to be well thought-out or at least secure. Why would Akaashi, King of Poker Faces, feel as if he could disappoint anyone?
– > What?
– > I don't want to disappoint them. They all think I can do it, but what if the upperclassmen resent me for it? I don't want to over step my bounds. And Bokuto is Bokuto and I know he's not incompetent, but he's fueled by emotion.
That reply had also been a slower than the others, but Kuroo didn't think it was from the length of the message. Akaashi even dropped Bokuto's honorific, so he must be in a dire situation. Although Kuroo may not be the best at comforting the fears of others, he could sure as hell call people out on their bullshit.
– > Akaashi, ur not making sense. If they didn't think u were up to being VC then they wouldn't have even offered the position to u. Ur not the only one who can stand up to Bo if need be.
Was that really the only reason Akaashi would be upset about this? Kuroo furrowed his eyebrows together, trying to come up with any other explanation. Then it dawned on him: maybe this all came down to one person.
– > Unless, of course, ur just worried about what lover boy thinks. I wouldn't tho. Bo probably thinks u hung the stars in the sky.
That would explain a lot. Akaashi would never fret over something like this, not unless there was something else behind it. Akaashi Keiji: the emotionally driven setter. Who would have known?
Then again, since when has Kuroo ever been good at reading Akaashi?
The next reply came almost immediately.
– > Bokuto and I are not together.
– > Akaashi, what are u doing lying to ur senpai?
– > Kuroo I'm serious.
– > No 'san'? I must be hitting the nail on the head.
– > You're really not. Besides, who I am or am not dating is not the issue here.
– > Akaashi, there isn't much else I can tell u. Ur teammates believe in u, Bokuto believes in u, I believe in u, Kenma probably would too if he knew, and Kenma is the smartest person I know. Plus, as long as u continue to act like u did in the preliminaries, I have no doubt that they'll all follow u.
Another pause. Maybe Kuroo had finally pushed him over the edge, said too much. No, he said exactly what he meant and exactly what Akaashi needed to hear. If Akaashi didn't want to talk to him for the rest of the night, he could live with that. In the end, he'll hopefully see that Kuroo was right.
As Kuroo got undressed, he heard his phone buzz, although muffled through the sheets. Tossing his shirt into the hamper, he bent over and went to look over Akaashi's message.
– > Thank you, Kuroo-san.
Ah, well, Akaashi's thanks were much easier to live with.
– > np Akaashi.
– > but ur seriously not with Bo?
– > No, although you wouldn't be the first to think so.
– > ohoho? Sounds like there's a story behind that, Akaashi.
– > Not one that I'm willing to share. I do have some pride to maintain, Kuroo-san.
– > Alright, alright, I can respect that. But, when the time comes, and ur ready to leave the nest, I could give amazing dating advice. U could learn from the master.
Kuroo could almost hear Akaashi laughing from the other end. After changing into more comfortable clothing, sweatpants and a loose shirt, Kuroo sat back in his bed. His back was against the soft pillows, all his muscles turning limp.
– > Thank you Kuroo-san, but I'm handling my own 'crushes' fairly well on my own.
Akaashi had crushes? Currently? Kuroo sat up, taking a greater interest in his cellphone screen.
– > u have feelings for someone Akaashi? And u haven't said anything? I'm hurt that u didn't come to me sooner.
– > I'm not even coming to you now.
– > Don't be like that, of course you are. Why else would you bring it up?
– > A slip of the finger.
– > or ur subconscious.
– > No, Kuroo-san.
– > Come on, tell me what she's like? Or he, I don't judge here.
– > Honestly?
Kuroo waited for the next response, watching the three pop up on the screen as Akaashi continued to type.
– > Kind of a pain in the ass.
Kuroo snorted loudly, rolling his eyes.
– > And ur sure it's not Bokuto?
– > Positive.
– > Aw, Akaashi, I never knew you had feelings for me.
Why were his palms sweating as he typed that?
– > Kuroo-san, did you just call yourself a pain in the ass?
– > Wait.
Kuroo was glad that Akaashi was on the other side of Tokyo, this way he couldn't see Kuroo blush.
– > Yes, Pain-In-The-Ass-Kuroo-san?
– > Stop that.
– > Stop what, Pain-In-The-Ass-Kuroo-san?
By the time Kuroo had convinced Akaashi to stop calling him that, the question had still not been answered, but it had also been forgotten.