Hey can you come-a come out and play - for Horned_Owl

[saltinourstars]

Maybe Bokuto should have suspected something when Akaashi actually volunteered for an extra Sunday practice. Or when he calls off sick. Insisting Bokuto should go anyway, that he'd send someone else over. That's just what a good assistant captain would do, right?

But at the very least Bokuto should have registered it's March 14th. White Day. When gifts are given in return for Valentine's.

Or, in Tsukishima's case, payback. Same difference. So he gets to be dressed in good clothes, sweater and dark jeans, waiting outside Fukurodani. Smirking at the sweats Bokuto probably arrives in.

"Wow. Is this really how you're going to dress for a date?"

Comments

[horned_owl]

Bokuto can't deny- it really did sound suspicious when he first heard it. But then he wrote it off to Akaashi wanting to train more. It happened, it wasn't that rare, especially with the setter being the only person that actually remains after practice for additional practice.

What was confusing was the cancelation and a replacement!? He doesn't want to train with a replacement! He has nothing against new guys, at all it's just, well, they are still not in sync properly yet.

Maybe that's why--

His train of thoughts stops when he sees Tsukishima at the gates of the school and Bokuto gapes. No, he didn't think of the date. He remembered it earlier that week but the talk about practice completely distracted him.

"TSUKKI!?" Did he really grew wings and flew to Tokyo!? Wait- date!? "D-Date!? Huh!?" Very eloquent.

[saltinourstars]

It's called a train, Bokuto. Some people take them during the day. Instead of impulsively deciding on it at midnight then lurking outside windows.

Anyway. That expression is absolutely worth it. Tsukishima has to force an exaggerated sigh. Fighting to keep his face neutral. God it's been too long since they were in the same place. He keeps getting distracted by Bokuto's shoulders.

"White Day. Look, you're the one who gave me flowers. So it's your fault for forgetting."

Also having Akaashi help stack the deck. Details, details.

[horned_owl]

Excuse him Tsukki, but his brain short-circuited when saw you just leisurely stand in front of his school as if it's a normal occurrence.

It takes a minute for Bokuto to compose himself and for the words to finally settle in his head. Then he drops the bag on the ground and just runs over, pulling Tsukishima into a tight hug.

This might be the best gift he had ever received.

[saltinourstars]

"Oof!"

Even though Tsukishima's shot up another several centimeters, it's easy enough to nearly knock him off his feet. He decides to just go with it. Wrapping both arms tight for balance.

And fine. He missed Bokuto too. It's been hard to keep this a secret.

There's actually a smile whenever he's released. Though that might take awhile.

"Hi."

[horned_owl]

Fuck the people passing them by (which isn't a lot since it's weekend and there aren't many people around school)- Bokuto let's go of the hug and kisses him with everything he has. Because it's really been way too long and he can't control himself.

It's not like people don't know they are dating. Not after that smooch in the middle of the match.

When he pulls away, Bokuto's beaming, grin from ear to ear.

"This is the single best present I could get for a White Day! TSUKKI YOU'RE HERE!"

And that's another hug.

[saltinourstars]

It has been too long, turning the kiss sharper then Tsukishima intends. There's just so much to take in at once. Heat and muscle, the smell of whatever Bokuto slathers on his hair.

So he tolerates another hug, then disengages. Sliding his hand down to Bokuto's. Taking a moment to come back to Earth.

"Oh? So you don't want the rest?"

Look. Sarcasm is a comforting default. Sometimes you need it.

[horned_owl]

"The rest? There's more!?"

Bokuto would've been just fine hanging out with Tsukki in the park, munching on some snacks or something and talking his head off.

He quickly goes to grab the bag that he dropped (which is now a mild inconvenience since this is a date) and runs back to Tsukishima.

"Where are we going? What did you cook up!?" Bokuto grins.

[saltinourstars]

By this point Tsukki's recovered enough of his sense to return hands to his pockets. Starting to walk as soon as Bokuto's caught up again. Despite the earlier display, he's still not quite at ease with being all over each other in public.

Though there is a nudge into Bokuto's shoulder.

"I told you already. Can't you guess?"

It should be pretty obvious they're heading for the train station?

[horned_owl]

Hey, Tsukki, he missed you. A lot. Don't blame him if his brain short-circuits and can't answer some of the questions properly. For example- where are they going.

"You did? It could be anywhere!" Bokuto exclaims.

"Somewhere romantic like Tokyo Tower, or exciting like a volleyball match!" He pauses to think.

"Wait- are we going to the owl cafe!?"

[saltinourstars]

Tsukishima just shrugs. Keeping his secrets. He will maybe never admit it, but stringing Bokuto along when he's like this? It's fun. Kind of like having a balloon as a little kid.

"I guess you'll find out?"

In about twenty minutes, when they are, indeed, standing in front of Akika Fukurou.

((OOC: Pssst they have a website))

[horned_owl]

Bokuto was almost visibly vibrating next to Tsukishima during the train ride. Luckily it was a bit of a busy ride so he didn't get to ask a ton of questions. When they arrived, however, Bokuto's eyes were wide like saucers.

And he glued himself to the window of the shop.

"Beautiful" he whispered and then jumped away from the window and back to Tsukishima. "This is amazing Tsukki! Just look at them!" They are not even in the shop yet and he's excited like a small child having a bowl of candy all for himself.

Over owl posters.

"Can we go in?!"

[saltinourstars]

((OOC: OHMYGOD they have PROFILES for every owl. I am dying.))

There's laughter, of course, but it's fond. Bokuto's so predictable. Not that anyone can blame him. Tsukki felt this way about the aquarium. Minus the bouncing.

"Our appointment's in ten minutes."

There's a line of people, so it's good Tsukki thought ahead. Even if this turns into the longest ten minutes of Bokuto's life. Eventually the pair get called in. A smiling host reminds them to clean their hands and keep voices low.

The 'cafe' doesn't actually serve food. Everything focuses around creating a calm environment for the owls.

Which seem to be everywhere.

[horned_owl]

[ooc: I SAW! They are amazing!! omg ;o; ]

"Oh right, you have to make an appointment!" Bokuto completely forgot about that, of course.

Only waiting is a game he's not really good at. And he wants to hug Tsukishima again or hold his hand while they wait but PDA- not something Tsukki is very fond of.

"How was the train ride?" Small talk. Should help kill the time.

[saltinourstars]

"It was fine. Dessa has a new album out, I was listening to that."

He doesn't expect Bokuto to recognize the name, but it's nice of him to ask?

Then their turn is up. They are brought over to a row of actual owls. Blinking lazily at their guests. Some small enough to fit in a hand, one that looks as big as a cat. Even Tsukishima feels a pull at his heart.

"Which do you want to start with?" the host grins. "You can visit with two each."

[horned_owl]

Yeah, he doesn't recognize the artist. But he suspected Tsukki would be into artists that don't sing about stupid things. Like Kuroo and he are interested. Because memes, of course.

When they are finally together with the owls, Bokuto is doing his best to contain the excitement inside of himself instead of screaming in delight. That would scare his new friends!

"I want them all--I mean-!" Bokuto corrects himself quickly and looks through the offered profiles, "I wanna see... Kuppi! And... Yoshinori! How about you Tsukki?" The picture of small, small owl is almost making Bokuto squeal.

[saltinourstars]

Tsukki can feel the energy radiating out of Bokuto. The amount of control he's using is... actually really impressive.

"I knew you'd pick Kuppi. He looks just like you," he grins. Pointing at the tufts of black feathers sticking out above the owl's eyes. Matching Bokuto's spikes. Then Tsukki considers the rest of the offerings.

"That one," he decides. Nodding at the cat-sized owl with the namecard of "Takoyaki." Because how can he possibly resist picking the largest one with Bokuto's tiny fluff-ball?

[horned_owl]

Bokuto just doesn't want to scare the owls. There was a sign before they entered to be calm and quiet so- he's doing his best.

Of course he'd pick a look-a-like. There are pictures to be taken with. Bokuto chuckles merrily when he sees the name of the owl- they should actually buy some food after the owl exhibit. For now- he turns to the lady.

"We're ready to go."

Like a kid in a candy store.

[saltinourstars]

The boys - and their first 'hosts' - are all brought to a table. Tsukishima's given a heavy glove to pull on, then holds out his arm for Takoyaki. He's a solid bird. Good thing Tsukki's put in extra work in the weight room!

Kuppi's turn comes next. The woman grins at how well he matches Bokuto.

"Can I put him on your head?!"

He's light, with small claws. The only possible damage would be to the spikes. Is it worth the sacrifice??? (Probably)

[horned_owl]

Bokuto already has his phone out, taking a few pictures of Takoyaki. No flash, of course. Poor bird doesn't deserve that. And Takoyaki is magnificent. With a huge grin, Bokuto gently strokes the top of bird's head.

When Kuppi comes out, Bokuto almost yells 'My twin! but then bites down his tongue. It's such a delightful owl and at the offer, Bokuto lights up like a Christmas tree.

"Of course! Will he stay there? Tsukki! Take a picture of us!" He hands Tsukishima his phone.

[saltinourstars]

Kuppi bobs. Excited at the attention, though he settles down happily in his stylish new 'nest.' Hair spikes popping up all around him. With his wide eyes, he looks as astonished as Bokuto.

Twins indeed.

Tsukishima grins and takes a couple shots. Which is quite the juggling act, considering he has his own owl to keep balanced. But he manages the Volleyball Idiots, right? He can do this, even with 2 animals. 3, if you count Bokuto.

[horned_owl]

Bokuto actually lets out a soft squeal when the owl is on his head. He's grinning from ear to ear and trying so hard not to move and disturb his amazing twin.

"Tsukki," his eyes are almost sparkling, "I wanna adopt him."

[saltinourstars]

...Damn, it's unfair how cute that is. Bokuto has no right being so adorable. Tsukishima clears his throat. Taking a moment to stroke his own owl. Otherwise he might actually say that and live to regret it.

"Don't you think he'd be happier here? You wouldn't want to leave all your friends, would you?"

If that tact doesn't work, Tsukki has another plan. As always. This time preying on Bokuto's infamously short attention span.

"Should we take a selfie with them?"

[horned_owl]

And Tsukishima fits with his big owl very elegantly. They suit each other and Bokuto is amazed.

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Bokuto mumbles. He knows that he can't take owl with him, his mother would murder him. It was just... a thought. He was on the edge of slumping when Tsukishima suggested selfies and the grin is back!

"Hell yeah," Bokuto makes few small steps. "We are not leaving without selfies!"

[saltinourstars]

That did it. Tsukishima hands Bokuto back the phone, then shuffles a bit to let Takoyaki step gracefully to his shoulder.

Next he wraps his free arm around Bokuto's shoulders. So they can both get in the frame, of course. (Yes, he maybe sometimes still makes excuse about giving hugs. It is a growth process.)

"Well, go ahead."

[horned_owl]

Bokuto fixes his phone to take a selfie, angling it to get all the owls and the most handsome couple in Tokyo in the frame. He takes a few shots, just in case some turn out bad.

"This is awesome," Bokuto says, keeping his movements to a minimum as he slowly pets the owl Tsukishima's holding. His wide grin turns into a small, warm, happy smile.

"Thanks a lot, Tsukki."

[saltinourstars]

Takoyaki leans into the fingers. He has no reason to make excuses about accepting touch. Not like certain teenagers and their hang-ups.

Still - Seeing that soft smile, Tsukishima can't help reflecting it back. Not that it's hard getting Bokuto to smile. THis is different. Quiet and content, something much more difficult to achieve.

He reaches over to scratch gently at the top of Kuppi's head. Getting a chirp.

"You're welcome. I'm glad you're happy."

It's going to be tough, when the time comes to say goodbye to Takoyaki and Kuppi. Except that means they'll get to meet more owls!

[horned_owl]

The owls are the best. Bokuto feels as if he cloud sprout some wings right now and fly away. Take Tsukki and other owls with him and live happily ever after somewhere high on the mountain.

He's still grinning as the owl leaned into his touch, holding back an 'awww'.

What he's also holding back on is just giving his boyfriend a big smooch, here in the middle of owl cafe.

Parting with Kuppi hurts! His twin soulmate! Forever remembered through the pictures and selfies. "Oh! Careful," Bokuto crouches a bit so that the lady can take Kuppi off his head. He pets him as well before the lady takes him away.

"Byeee Kupiii," Bokuto sniffs.

[saltinourstars]

There's actually a sympathetic pat on the shoulder from Tsukki.

"Here. Why don't you pick my second owl too?"

[horned_owl]

"Ehh!? I can't do that! It's your pick!"

He would totally do this, though, but it's not fair to Tsukki.

[saltinourstars]

Tsukishima shrugs with one shoulder.

"I don't mind. You know more then me, so find a good one."

How can Bokuto possibly argue with compliments and such high expectations? He's the senpai in owls, right?

[horned_owl]

Bokuto looks at the owl profiles again, pausing briefly at one that's called 'Shrimp'. "Hey! I think I found Hinata in owl form!" Seriously, these two look alike.

But he won't pick that one. "Hmmm... how about Queen of Heart?" He tilts his head. "She looks so regal! Look!"

[saltinourstars]

Wow. That color of orange CAN be natural? Tsukishima snorts. Immediately grabbing a photo to torment Hinata with later.

"The Queen can be a bit stand-offish," warns the attendant. Reaching out to see what kind of mood the bird is in. Queen of Heart gives a long look. Then steps out carefully. Turning her head to evaluate these potential subjects.

Tsukishima smirks at Bokuto. Teasing, because he can appreciate having standards.

"So - You're giving me the picky one?"

[horned_owl]

Bokuto grins, standing calm and tall, not wanting to upset the owl who is, as Tsukishima just mentioned, -picky-.

"I'm giving you her because she's tall, proud and beautiful." She looks so regal that Bokuto feels a bit intimidated. And she's definitively extremely beautiful. He'll sneak a snap fast before the Queen changes her mind and decides to leave her subjects to fend for themselves.

Somehow I lost this tag *sobs*

[saltinourstars]

"Nice recovery."

The Queen, perhaps recognizing a fellow diva, then deigns to step onto Tsukishima's arm. Turning her gaze upon Bokuto, as if to say You may continue with the compliments.

She seems to be feeling generous today!