saltinourstars | If it feels like falling you probably already fell

Karasuno's come a long way from the "fallen rivals" no one could be bothered to practice against. Since they've qualified for Nationals, there have been several requests for scrimmages. Then Fukurodani asked for an entire weekend. Coach Ukai jumped on that one. True, they're competition. But after the improvements from Tokyo Summer Camp? Who knows what could come out of this.

So here it is. Crows vs. Owls. They've finished up their first joint practice and everyone's chattering. Excited about tomorrow's scrimmage, trading insults and tips. Tsukki wipes the sweat from his face, satisfied with the practice. Maybe even smiling a little. Definitely about the blocks, though. Nothing to do with any spiky-haired loud-mouths hooting around the court.

Or the fact Bokuto's sleeping at his house.

(Their school isn't set up for overnight guests. Solution? The Fukurodani players are staying with the Karasuno families.)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

saltinourstars

(Ask her about the dinosaur costume Bo~)

Tsukishima scoops up their things. Apparently content to carry the whole lot himself, unless there's a protest. Maybe he doesn't make huge declarations. But he does show affection in quieter ways. If you're paying attention.

There's one more long, considering look at Bokuto. The moon suits him too, Tsukki decides. Lights up his hair, his eyes, and makes him seem more like an owl then ever.

"Hey. Promise something."

From:

horned_owl

(Of course!)

He would've protested because it's not fair for Tsukishima to carry everything but he interrupts his train of thought.

"Hm?"

Promise? He's not usually asked to do such things, except in "promise not to train too much" cases.

From:

saltinourstars

"Promise you won't go easy on me. It's the only way I'm going to get better."

Tsukki isn't thinking of only volleyball. He means this... thing that they're building. He wants to be the best at this too. Bokuto deserves that.

He doesn't think for one second that Bokuto would. It's just important to hear out loud.

From:

horned_owl

Bokuto never intended to go easy on Tsukishima because, well, that's how he rolls. Of course, he respects when Tsukki needs time to wind down from stuff (something he should try to incorporate as well), but he never underestimates him.

"I promise on my owl honor, that I shall never go easy on you. In anything. Especially volleyball, eating tons of barbecue and kissing!"

It might sound goofy but- it's Bokuto. He means every single word of the promise he just made.

From:

saltinourstars

True, Tsukki does need processing time. It's different then the bottomless pit of trying not to care. That's what he wants to stay out of. This is better.

Weird, but better.

"'Owl Honor.'"

He shakes his head and there's a huff of laughter.

"Good enough. Come on."

Tsukki does not give up either duffel bag. Deal with it. It's not a long way to the house, anyway. The moon drifts behind them as they talk (or Bokuto rambles, Tsukishima inserts occasional sarcasm.)

From:

horned_owl

"Owl Honor is real you know," Bokuto half-pouted but it was obviously a fake. Because as soon as they stepped out on the street and he was allowed to be loud, he was.

The mention of owl honor has reminded him of something really important.

"Oh! By the way! When you come to Tokyo, I'm taking you to owl cafe!"

From:

saltinourstars

"Hm. No, I don't think so."

Tsukki waits a beat, holding his poker face. Then relaxes into a smile.

"See, I'd already planned to take you."

Which is true. He'd heard about the cafe before even meeting Bokuto. Once they'd started dating? It seemed inevitable. No way Bokuto's getting the drop here!

From:

horned_owl

"Oho?" Bokuto perked up at the new information. Being taken out on a date by Tsukki. It sounds as surreal as the first date where he accepted to go out with him. He can't help but grin.

"Sounds like a plan to me! Just say when you're free and we'll go!"

Although to be perfectly fair, Bokuto doesn't care who takes whom to date- as long as they GO. Spending time together is the best part of it all.

From:

saltinourstars

The Tsukishima household is bursting, going from two people to four. Akiteru's made it a point to get home. Curious about this 'friend' who's actually able to get Kei laughing.

Despite the earlier tale, the brothers seem comfortable enough. If Tsukki's quiet, well, it's been a long day. And night. He talks easily to Akiteru. (Though there's a hesitant look on the elder, whenever Tsukki turns away. As if he's weighing every word, surveying for new cracks.)

But it's good, warm and comfortable, with plenty of food. Mrs. Tsukishima clearly unphased by teenage appetites.

There are also plenty of chances to sneak glances at photos of baby Tsukki. Especially the one of him dressed as a T-Rex for a school play. Which Mrs. Tsukishima is happy to talk all about, despite protests from her son.

From:

horned_owl

It really is a lot of fun having many people in the house. Bokuto is an only child so seeing Tsukishima interact with his brother made him feel warm inside. Despite the differences and what happened, he's sure that they will work it out in the end. And Akiteru doesn't seem like a bad guy.

A ton of food was eaten, Tsukki baby pictures seen (Bokuto and Tsukki-Mom agreed that Tsukki Rex is the most amazing thing in the world) and his favorite blond was teased. The evening was a success! He was reluctant to go to sleep but there was more practice tomorrow and he needs to be in perfect form.

The next morning, with his training bag, slung over his shoulder, Bokuto waited for the youngest Tsukishima at the bottom of the stairs. Crunching at croissant Tsukki-Mom gave him. Where is Tsukishima anyway? He woke up before Bokuto.

From:

saltinourstars

"Looking for Kei?"

The Tsukishima coming down the stairs turns out to be Akiteru instead. His hair's still ruffled from sleep, though the smile for Bokuto is bright enough.

"He went for a walk. I think he wanted some quiet - should we go find him?"

From:

horned_owl

Bokuto looks up, a mouthful of food. Crap. He had totally forgotten Akiteru is around. He chews hastily and gulps down the rest of the food so he could respond properly.

"Good Morning!" A walk? That's... odd. Is it odd? Is Tsukki doing a morning jog!? He should've told him! He'd go too!

"Ah! Sure! Let's go!" He heads for the door but then paused abruptly. "Oh! I should probably bring his club bag with me so we don't do detours and just head towards the school."

From:

saltinourstars

"Good idea!"

There's still some time before practice starts. Akiteru stuffs a pastry into his own mouth as he ties his shoes. So looks like Bokuto doesn't need to worry too much about table manners?

"He should have told you. I'm sorry, he's not being a good host this morning!"

Akiteru chuckles at that, then rises. Leading the way down the street.

From:

horned_owl

He had never worried about his table manners. Bokuto always behaves himself. And right now, he's not at the table, is he? He thought he'd have a snack before going to the practice.

Bokuto easily falls into step, Tsukishima's bag slung over one of his shoulders.

"Nah, it's okay. It's just a bit unexpected." But there is a certain... proud (?) glow as he says that. Along with a very happy smile.

From:

saltinourstars

The smile is infectious. Akiteru grins back, glad to hear Bokuto's not worried. But really! This isn't cute, and he'll have a word with his brother!

"He usually does this. Just pulls on his headphones and heads out the door. Maybe he needs the break from talking?"

Kei's not around? He can't stop his brother from sharing secrets. Or from investigating into a few more. Bokuto is fascinating. Loud and energetic, as far from Yamaguchi as you can possibly get.

What kind of change has Kei gone through, to bring someone like this home?

From:

horned_owl

"Probably," Bokuto says in a thoughtful tone. "I mean, I'm kind of person that doesn't mind all the yelling and talking, but days in a row like that at practice, with over twenty people and with me coming over- I can see it be a bit too much for Tsuk- Tsukishima-kun."

...he almost called him Tsukki. And he called him -kun. The younger blond would be very suspicious of him if he heard Bokuto, he knows it.

"It was similar back at training camp, only that was even worse, what with four schools being there, all of the club members AND managers, together with teachers." By the time they were done practicing, even Bokuto's head would ring. And he's the one making the noise.

Also, interrupt him whenever you like Akiteru, he talks a lot.

From:

saltinourstars

If anything that's overly formal. Even Tsukki's teammates drop the honorific. Akiteru raises a brow, but doesn't press it. Yet.

"He definitely complained about that noise! Especially a couple of captains that kept pushing him. But Kei wouldn't have kept going if he didn't want to. Something worked."

There's a teasing glance at Bokuto.

"That have anything to do with you?"

From:

horned_owl

They drop the honorific because Tsukki annoys him into dropping it. It's just how things go apparently. But Bokuto- he's not sure how to act around Akiteru so better safe than sorry! Tsukki is his boyfriend, after all, he doesn't want to anger his family!

"W-Well! Um-" Bokuto looks puzzled, not sure how to respond to this. He can't tell the man he went stargazing with his brother!

Wait, why did his brain go there!? Akiteru didn't ask about that!! He's too nervous, he ought to chill a bit.

"Well, I hope so!" Bokuto grins sheepishly. "I mean, two days into the camp and practice was taking a full swing. Minimum nine matches a day. So Kuroo, Nekoma's captain, and I kind of dragged him into the extra practice. Which he obviously didn't want to do." He sighs and puts hands behind his head.

"Then he asked a few questions, which I tried to answer. I do not know how much it helped because he didn't look convinced but eventually he went through everything training camp threw at him. He was pretty amazing," Bokuto grinned.

From:

saltinourstars

Oh, poor kid, Akiteru's not actually out to fluster him like this! He may have... suspicions, but whatever is going on? Bokuto seems like a good guy. Especially with how he lights up when he he talks about Kei.

Patting his shoulder, Akiteru smiles. Trying to be reassuring.

"I'm glad he's enjoying volleyball again. And I'm grateful, to anyone who helps him with that."

From:

horned_owl

[ooc: and 2) Bokuto looks like this when talking about Tsukki]

Saved! Akiteru has some tact, huh? Not that he'd mind admitting he's dating Tsukki, but... that's something his boyfriend needs to tell his brother, not him.

Bokuto beams like a sun after the pat: "Volleyball is great! And probably the only thing where I excel. So, whenever I can help, I will!"

From:

saltinourstars

((OOC: Awww though Tsukki probably looks like this))

"Well, I hope you can excel at making Kei smile!"

Akiteru can't resist a little teasing. Look who he's related too. He smirks through any spluttering. Sure that whatever else, Bokuto can't resist a challenge.

From:

horned_owl

There isn't very loud spluttering. More like a sudden onset of the couch and crazy red color on Bokuto's cheeks.

"Ah hah, I hope so too!" WHAT ELSE IS HE SUPPOSED TO SAY!?

Tsukki, please be around the corner before he blurts out he's dating you. Unless Akiteru figured it out by himself.

...he's going to combust.

From:

saltinourstars

The universe decides to take pity. As they turn the bend there's a familiar figure heading towards them. Tsukki's deep in the music, but glances up when Akiteru calls. Raises his hand.

And there's an instant when his face goes soft when his eyes fall on Bokuto. A quick upturn of his lips. It flickers away, but it feels like everything's gone fifteen degrees warmer.

Maybe the universe isn't so merciful after all...

From:

horned_owl

"Hey, hey, hey!! Tsukki!" Honorifics are forgotten already. Bokuto is waving frantically as if he needs to catch his attention. He lit up like a Christmas tree.

"I got your bag with me! No need to head back!"

He's not sure if Tsukishima can hear him over the music so he keeps his voice loud. At 7:30AM.

From:

saltinourstars

"Hey quiet - !" "Shut up Bokuto!"

Both Tsukishimas start forward. Only adding to the chaos as they try to calm the noisy owl. Dogs begin barking, and then comes the high wail of a baby. Great.

Wincing, Akiteru begins back-pedaling. "W-well I'd better be going! Good luck today!"

With that he's off. Before the wrath of the neighbors or Kei can fall on him!