Day 1: Coffee and Peaceful Smalltalk

Summary: For Akashi and Kuroko, it only takes a simple cup of coffee and some small talk for the two to relax from the stresses of daily life.

The coffee shop that Kuroko and Akashi regularly visited was one of their favorite locations for comfort and relaxation. Quaint, peaceful, with the faint scent of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the friendly "welcomes" of the talented baristas, the duo couldn't help but enjoy the quiet atmosphere. To which is especially true after a long day's work filled to the brim with exhaustion and overbearing stress that is the true definition of college. With only the wait of their recently ordered coffee awaiting them, the couple could finally have their chance to be temporarily relieved from the daily stresses and just relax in each other's company.

Sitting across from each other in a leather booth, Kuroko was the 1st to speak.

"Akashi-kun," he spoke, desiring to engage in platonic conversation. Said redhead looked up towards him, crimson orbs maintaining eye-contact with baby blue ones.

"What is it, Kuroko?" Akashi responded, a soft smile emerging as he continued his gaze on his handsome significant other.

"When did you start drinking coffee?" a simple inquiry though it began as a random thought which evolved into an opportunity to learn more about his enigmatic boyfriend that is Akashi Seijūrō.

Said man blinked at the question, and replied with that enticing smile that made Kuroko's heart flutter. "Ah, I was young, about 13 when I 1st had the taste of coffee."

Kuroko couldn't help but widen his eyes at the response. In his eyes, 13 was rather young to begin drinking coffee.

"That's quite young, Akashi-kun. I didn't begin drinking coffee until my senior year of high school."

"To which I already had knowledge of. I admit that I wasn't into the idea of drinking coffee at the time, though my father insisted. He told me that it's the norm for business men to drink coffee and that it's best to begin the habit at an earlier age," Akashi responded which perplexed Kuroko. It wasn't the response that was perplexing but the mentioning of his father that caught Kuroko's attention. He knew very well of Akashi's pure hatred for his demanding and strict father, yet even with just the two of them, he spoke of the man in such a formal, almost nonchalant tone that Kuroko couldn't just ignore it. However, he knew better than to ask about it. Here in this coffee shop was one of the few times the two of them could share peace and comfort; he didn't want to shatter that peace with a painful topic that was Akashi and his father so he decided it was best to ignore it.

"I see," Kuroko merely replied instead, wishing to continue their rather brief conversation but one of the friendly baristas called their names out, signaling their coffee was ready so the two of them got up together to retrieve their drinks.

The two of them had ordered the same thing; regular black coffee but at the return to their booth, Kuroko grabbed 3 of the tiny sugar pouches already available there at the booth and poured the sugar into his coffee, witnessing the tiny grains dissolve into the black drink. It wasn't much later that Kuroko then aimed for an excessive amount of cream that was also available at the booth to be poured into his coffee, now lightening into a russet brown mixture. The phantom proceeded to stir the mixture with a spoon, failing to notice the crimson eyes of his significant other, watching his every move in amusement and endless adoration.

The stirring of his coffee now complete, Kuroko begins to nurse his flaming hot coffee, only to flinch back in response to the heat.

"Ah, so hot," he murmured, inwardly scolding himself for attempting to drink his coffee so early.

"You flatter me, Kuroko," Akashi teased, giving his lover a quick wink and a teasing grin.

"I wasn't complimenting you, Akashi-kun," Kuroko deadpanned, placing his cup of coffee back on the table.

"Too late, I already acknowledged the compliment."

So stubborn. "You're hopeless."

"And you're cute, my adorable Kuroko," Akashi replied sweetly, playfully dabbing his significant other's nose.

Kuroko frowned, accepting his defeat. Despite his gentlemanly composure, Akashi can easily go from formal and professional to a bona fide tease when he wants to be. However, Kuroko knew from many years of experience that Akashi was only like this when he was completely at ease. Relaxed and stress-free, it gave Kuroko a sense of relief, having the knowledge that he had the power to provide that relaxing environment for Akashi, as he's a man who resides in a life of strict regulations and overwhelming pressure.

He didn't even have to provide much, just a cup of coffee and small talk in a quaint location was more than enough to bring forth this peaceful Akashi, to which gave Kuroko peace as well.

"Kuroko."

Said phantom glanced back towards the former captain, who cast the most loving smile and crimson orbs continuing to radiate endless adoration; it was enough to make Kuroko blush.

"You were frowning just a minute ago yet you're adorning such a peaceful expression. May I ask what you're thinking about?"

That was the breaking point, one that Kuroko himself didn't even know that he had reached, but he just couldn't hold it in. That handsome smile and gorgeous eyes would be the death of him. With that, Kuroko leaned across the table, careful to avoid the brewing hot coffee in-between them and sealed his lips with a kiss, cupping Akashi's cheeks to pull him closer. Akashi returned the kiss almost instantly, moving his lips in sync with the phantom's and stroking Kuroko's cheeks lovingly in return.

Kuroko was the 1st to pull away, gazing into Akashi's enticing eyes to provide a response to his recent inquiry. "I'm happy, Akashi-kun. I'm glad that I'm able to give you this happiness and that in turn makes me happy."

Akashi blinked and his captivating smile only grew in response. He brushed Kuroko's hair back, and responded. "I see, so you're saying that my happiness brings you happiness?"

"It does, Akashi-kun," Kuroko replied with a sweet smile.

"And do you know what that is called?"

"What is it called?" Kuroko could only ask, watching as Akashi took a sip from the cooler, black coffee.

"It's love, Kuroko."