When Akaashi thought of Bokuto Koutarou he tended to think of powerful imagery. Wild winds, birds of prey, or perhaps the crash of waves on a cliff. Rising and crashing to the whims of an unknown tide. But no matter what, it was always intense. Bokuto had never been one to do things half way.

But this relationship Akaashi was trying to coax into fruition was showing him a whole different side of his captain.

Akaashi had been pressing his advantage since that first kiss. He didn't make a big deal of it, if he had he was sure that Bokuto would go running for the hills. Akaashi simply had started to initiate simple, intimate, physical gestures. He held the other's hand on the way to school, deliberately leaned into Bokuto's excited embraces, ran his fingers through white and black hair affectionately, always left him at the end of the day with a soft brush of lips on his cheek or mouth(depending on how the day had gone).

One things was for sure, it was certainly unbalancing Bokuto.

Akaashi would catch Bokuto staring at him before the other would look away quickly blushing furiously. The third year was hyper conscious of his touch, giving light shivers. Occasionally, Akaashi would lean close to him and Bokuto's gaze would drop to his mouth unconsciously. Would sway slightly further into his space.

Akaashi was surprised how much little actions like that ruffled his own composure.

A physical relationship had never meant much to Akaashi. He'd always figure that, yeah, if he dated someone they'd probably end up being physical as well. But he'd never actually desired to be kissed or held or touched. Ever. Not even Bokuto, who he had been falling for a while now. Akaashi had known he wasn't quite like Kenma, he wasn't repulsed by sex and sexual activity. Just not particular interested in it either. He'd kissed Bokuto originally because that was something you were supposed to do when you liked someone. A sure fire way to get Bokuto's attention.

He hadn't particularly expected to like it.

But he had. A lot. And he'd been mortified to realize how quickly his desire bloomed the moment they kissed. It was like all of a sudden he'd been smacked with the realization that his friend was very attractive. He'd known this intellectually. He'd even noticed the pleasantness of his figure. But it had always been Bokuto's infectious personality and energy which had drawn him like a moth to a flame. And what left Akaashi more confused then ever was the fact that when he wasn't trying to actively seduce Bokuto, he was jut like he always was: uninterested but unbothered by things of the body. It was there was some kind of secret switch to his interest that Bokuto randomly was able to switch on for brief moments.

Akaashi was a little irritated at himself. It had been so much easier to carry out plans when he wasn't getting unexpectedly swept away.

"See you tomorrow Bokuto." Akaashi said tilting his head to press a soft kiss to Bokuto's mouth at the end of the day. Shyly, Bokuto leaned into a little, kissed back ever so slightly. He'd been doing that more often. It was ridiculously chaste for the amount it affected Akaashi's coherency. It felt like he was intoxicated sometimes. It was becoming harder and harder not to wrap his arms around the others neck, to lean onto his chest and press close.

But no, that would surely frighten Bokuto off at this point.

Normally Akaashi associated Bokuto with strong imagery. But the Bokuto that kissed him felt like spun glass… felt like if Akaashi held him too tightly he would shatter completely.

Akaashi pulled away just for Bokuto to chase his mouth for one more second before pulling away embarrassed. Barely anything, but enough for Akaashi to feel the blood burning the tips of his ears and neck.

"See you tomorrow 'kaashi." Bokuto hurriedly mumbled and then bolted down the street. Akaashi took the much slower route to his house, going the extra block or two just to walk a bit longer. To help him clear his head. And to let his heart calm down so that he could properly compose himself before his parents saw him.

"Hey angel, did you have a good day at school today?" called Akaashi's father poking his head out of the kitchen.

"Nothing to report." Akaashi shrugged, before sniffing the air curiously, "Are you making curry?"

"Yeah, extra spicy for you fire breathing dragons- ahem, I mean, you and your mother." Said Akaashi's father innocently.

"Mom will be happy." Replied Akaashi smiling simply, and after a pointed look and a raised eyebrow he admitted, "And I am happy too."

"I hope so. Ah, both my lovely family members have been working so hard lately." Said his father, a flash of a special smile around his eyes, "Do you need a snack? I know you athletes burn a ton of calories jumping around as you do."

"I can wait for dinner." Akaashi assured him heading up to his room.

He stared blankly at his desk and the pens and paper neatly lined up for him to begin homework, before dumping his backpack on his chair and allowing himself to fall face first onto his bed. He didn't feel like thinking, he didn't feel like sorting out all the thoughts and emotions of the day and carefully categorizing them to be filed away. He just…

Akaashi turned his head and curiously pressed his fingertips to his mouth lightly, tried to mimic the pressure of Bokuto there. Why did he sometimes react like that? He knew it was technically how a normal teenager was affected. His parents would probably say hormones or what-not, but… he'd never fit into a normal category before so it was extremely strange to do so now. It wasn't like Bokuto has the first person he'd ever kissed. There had been some upper classman who had asked to kiss him over the years and he'd indulged them. They were nice enough and they'd certainly taught him a few tricks, but he always thought it was kind of boring and would stop it after all while. They certainly hadn't thought it was boring, and Akaashi could admit that there was a kind of satisfaction in being the cause of a partner's enjoyment. Akaashi had assumed that that was the way it would be with Bokuto and it was kind of throwing him off a bit that it wasn't.

He still let his eyes flutter closed, tried to relive their last parting moment for a little longer.

He was curious to know when that feeling would return next time. How far did it reach? Did he just like kissing Bokuto? Did that mean he's also enjoy other things if they were with Bokuto? Sitting by himself in his room the idea seemed impossible. But there had been a tingling kind of potential that he sometimes felt if Bokuto was feeling bold enough to press back against him… so maybe?

It kind of bothered him not to know.

He didn't really like uncertainty. Akaashi liked to lay out all his options, choose one, and go with it till the end. It was a little stressful that everything was too unpredictable for him to do so. He wasn't too sure how to proceed anymore.

The wise thing to do would probably talk to someone about the situation and get some advice, even though he inwardly cringed at about consulting anyone about his love life he recognized that it was necessary part of a healthy relationship to have outside advice. But the thing was that he knew he was being a bit unconventional not only in his decision to pursuit someone outside of his soulmate but also in the way he was trying to coax Bokuto on board with the idea and honestly he had no interest in listening to what most people's opinions would likely consist of. He didn't really want to talk to his parents till he got himself more figured out, and Kenma would likely be just as lost as he was in such a situation considering how similar they were.

…Although that did give him an idea.

Akaashi reached out and dragged his bag off his chair by the strap and pulled it over so he could dig his phone out of it and send a quick text.

'Kuroo, would you be available/willing to talk?' It was a bit of a risk considering Kuroo was Bokuto's best friend. But he was also Akaashi's friend, and someone who had both of their best interests at heart and wouldn't judge him… Not to mention Akaashi suspected that Kuroo might understand his situation a little better than most people considering he also had chosen a relationship outside of his soulmate, and seemed to have a orientation that was at least a little closer to what Akaashi was figuring out his own was.

'For you angel-face? Always.' Akaashi suppressed a snort feeling a smile creep onto his face against his will. He could already tell that choosing Kuroo had been a good idea, 'I am actually in the area, I could swing by? Or is this more of a over the phone/text kind of conversation?'

Akaashi paused, his finger hovering over his key pad as he considered his response.

"Dad? Did you make enough curry for 4?" Akaashi called poking his head out of his door.

"Yeah? Is someone else coming?" his father called back sounding surprised but not unpleased.

"Kuroo's going to hang out with me for a while." He informed him. Akaashi had introduced Kuroo and Kenma to his parents a few weeks ago. Admittedly, Kuroo had only dropped by for a moment to say hello before leaving Akaashi and Kenma together while he went and hung out with Bokuto, but Akaashi's parents had liked him well enough. Though his mother had been far more interested in Kenma. A few minutes in the same room with the blond and she had gained a certain knowing glint to her eyes that told Akaashi he had no need of revealing the name written on his collarbone to her.

"Great! The more the merrier!" his father cheerfully called back. Akaashi smiled slightly as he went back to his bed to text Kuroo. Unlike Akaashi and his mother, his father had always been a bit of a low key extrovert and always got extremely pleased whenever there was going to be more people in the house.

'Coming over would be great. We're having curry if you want any.' Akaashi texted.

'The same curry that you always bring with you in lunches that makes everyone breathe fire? Dude, like I'd miss out on that.' Akaashi huffed out a small laugh and dropped his phone onto his chest. Absentmindedly he began to trace Kenma's name lightly with his finger as he considered how much he wanted to tell his friend. Though he knew Kuroo could be trusted with all of it, he also didn't want to put him into the position of having to lie to his best friend… also there was only a certain amount of soul vomiting/heart-to-hearting Akaashi could stomach in one go.

Presently though he heard Kuroo knock on the door and his father let the captain in.

'I hear you are "seducing" my boyfriend with godly curry?' came a text from Kenma that really did make Akaashi grin.

'Is that what he's calling it?'

'It is. Have fun. Try and fatten him up for me: he's comfier to lay on that way.'

'Noted. Enjoy your quiet evening.'

'I will. Feel free to keep him for as long as you want.'

'I'll tell him you said that.'

'Mmm that's find just send him home with leftovers.'

"Keiji! Your friend is here!" His father called shortly followed by the sound of the door opening and cheerful chatter.

"One sec, I am coming." Akaashi called back rolling to his feet and heading to the kitchen where predictably both men were standing talking excitedly over a cookbook.

"Your father is a wizard among men." Kuroo solemnly informed him when he caught sight of Akaashi standing in the doorway.

"If you want to learn you can help out with this last bit of prep and learn of my wizardly way." His dad offered with a teasing grin.

"I'd be honored." Kuroo said with a glint in his eyes, "I always seem to be cooking this or that for Kenma, I'd be glad to pick up some tricks of the trade."

"Good good, come along I'll show you how it's done," His father said hiding his eagerness. Akaashi knew he was happy to show off a bit to someone who loved cooking as much as he did seeing as his mother never cooked and Akaashi only cooked when he had to… and the he only went for practical dishes and never anything fancy, "Keiji, could you set the table for us?"

"Sure." Nodded Akaashi, smiling as he was ignored after that, the two men eagerly discussing seasoning tricks.

"I see we have a guest." Noted Akaashi's mother hanging her work things by the door as she entered.

"Welcome back. Yes, Kuroo is going to hang out with me for a bit." Akaashi leaving the plates to go greet his mother briefly, "How was work?"

"It was work." Shrugged Akaashi's mother with a tired smile, "Go finish up, I'll join you as soon as I change."

Akaashi nodded and did as he was told, finishing setting the table just as Kuroo and his father came baring pots of food.

"Was that you mother I heard?" asked his father to which Akaashi nodded, "Let me go greet her and we can begin."

"Your parents are so cute." Kuroo confided in a low voice as Akaashi's father left the room.

"I know." Agreed Akaashi with a fond smile.

"I am always startled whenever I meet your father… I always pictured him more like you." Admitted Kuroo as they sat down.

"Yeah, me and my mom have always been the ones who were alike." Nodded Akaashi, he heard that often when people met his father.

"Your dad offered to give me the recipe for this." Continued Kuroo sounding pleased.

"Kenma will like that. He texted to ask if we could fatten you up so you'd be more comfortable for naps." Akaashi informed him.

"Augh, that traitor. Yeah, he complains all the time that I am too musclely to be comfortable. Any other partner I am sure would be thrilled about my muscles. Thrilled!" complained Kuroo. But he had such a fond look on his face Akaashi couldn't help a gush of his own affection for the couple.

"Alright let's eat!" Akaashi's father said jovially when he returned, his mother following with a much more reserved smile.

"Hello, Tetsurou wasn't it? So nice to have you here again." His mother formally welcomed as she took a seat at the head of the table.

"Thank you for having me on such short notice ma'am." Said Kuroo politely. Akaashi smiled into his water cup: people tended to be a little shy around his mom. She was so beautiful and put together, it was a little amusing to watch people fumble a bit in her presence.

"It is no trouble at all." She said graciously as Akaashi's father began to serve them.

"So Tetsurou, you're a third year right? What are you planning to do after graduation? It's coming up pretty quick." Akaashi's father began chatting happily.

"Oh don't remind me," Kuroo joked, "I got a scouted for volleyball at Tokyo University recently. Bokuto and I are planning to attend there in the spring."

Akaashi focused on his food. He didn't like to think of Bokuto and Kuroo leaving.

"What will you be studying there?" inquired his father.

"Kinesiology with an emphasis on education." Said Kuroo without an ounce of hesitation, "I hope to be a coach later in life."

Akaashi looked up in surprise. He hadn't heard that. But now that he thought about it he had no trouble picturing Kuroo coaching kids in volleyball.

"What age group are you thinking of?" asked Akaashi's father with interest.

"Middle School." Said Kuroo with a grin, "I kinda like how angsty they are at that age, and I want to be someone who can encourage them to keep going."

"Quite a worthy ambition." Noted Akaashi's mother, and Kuroo flushed a little tugging at his bedhead absentmindedly.

"Thank you ma'am." Kuroo said. The rest of the meal went on like that, Kuroo and Akaashi's father dominating most of the conversation. About how Kuroo knew Akaashi and Bokuto, what position he played in volleyball, how long he'd been doing it, what was his favorite subject in school, what Akaashi's father and mother did for a living, how they'd met, what age were they when they decided to have a kid etc.

"I'd always wanted to have kids. Wanted a lot right away y'know? But my wife here has always been the sensible one between us. We got together in the 90's so you might remember the country was struggling through a bit of a rough spot economically and living in the city was expensive. So we waited until her job was more secure and I was able to get a job where I could work from home."

"And was Aka- erm- Keiji and handful?" asked Kuroo with a teasing look in Akaashi's direction.

"Oh he was a perfect little angel most of the time. Occasionally though he'd find something that he'd want and he'd get so stubborn and hung up on it like you wouldn't believe. He wouldn't exactly throw tantrums, but man I've never seen a kid give the evil eye quite like Keiji. He was like the king of the silent treatment when he was mad, he could keep it up for days." His father reminisced with a grin. Akaashi huffed out a quiet breath not liking the turn in conversation. He gave his father an annoyed look.

"Like that! Except in miniature," grinned Akaashi's father. Kuroo looked like he was having way too much fun as well.

"You're forgetting the part where it always worked on you." Akaashi couldn't help but point out.

"Not always." Insisted his father.

"Yes always," his mother interjected calmly, "Our son would have been spoiled rotten if it was up to you."

"Ah… there may be some truth to that." Admitted Akaashi's father sheepishly.

"Why don't you boy's head up, we'll take care of dishes." Akaashi's mother said evenly with the slightest smile in Akaashi's direction.

"Thank you for the meal." Akaashi and Kuroo said quickly clearing their places and heading to Akaashi's room.

"It's kinda fun," commented Kuroo making himself at home on Akaashi's spinning desk chair, "Hearing stories about you when you were little. You don't talk about yourself too much."

"Not much to say." Akaashi shrugged sitting down as well.

"I doubt that," grinned Kuroo, "I bet you were a freaking cute little kid."

"From what Kenma tells me, you were just as much a disaster then as you are now." Akaashi countered.

"Eh, pretty much." Agreed Kuroo, "I still kinda want to see pictures of you though."

"No. I forbid it."

"I bet your dad would show me some if I asked."

"No talking to my dad either."

"Aw, come on little prince, your dad loves me. He'd probably adopt me if he could."

"Don't suggest it. He would. I have no desire whatsoever to have you as a brother."

"I am hurt." Kuroo said laying a hand over his heart.

"You should be." Akaashi informed him. Kuroo cackled at that for a moment before settling down again and spinning himself lightly on Akaashi's chair. He was so tall his limbs stuck out everywhere, but somehow he managed to look like an overgrown child.

"So… you called me over here because you wanted to talk. Spill." Kuroo drawled with a grin.

"Don't make it sound like we're a bunch of middle school kids about to gossip." Frowned Akaashi.

"Aren't we? Sans the middle school part?" asked Kuroo making himself comfortable with his chin on his forearms.

Akaashi sighed. He wanted to talk to Kuroo, knew from experience that once they started the natural chemistry that lay between them would carry the conversation on easily, but he wasn't sure how to approach the subject.

"What's Kenma going to do once you graduate?" asked Akaashi instead.

"Now you're stalling for time. Is it that bad? Do you need me to help you burry a body or something?" asked Kuroo frowning.

"Hardly," said Akaashi dryly, "And it was a legitimate question."

"Hmm…" Kuroo gave him a shrewd look before shrugging, "I expect Kenma will do much of what he always does. Play games, do volleyball, try to convince the teachers he's not a genius so they don't call on him in class. You know, normal Kenma stuff. He'll stay on the team for the final year though I can't convince him to continue in college. I guess that means you two will still play against each other."

"It'll be weird without you two." Commented Akaashi quietly and a look of understanding crossed Kuroo's face.

"Yeah. Honestly I am trying not to think about not being able to be at Kenma's house everyday. I'll miss it… you'll keep an eye on him won't you? Make sure he doesn't isolate when I can't drag him out?" asked Kuroo, a hint of real worry creeping into his voice.

"Of course." Akaashi promised easily, "I would do so even if you hadn't asked me."

"I know." Said Kuroo gratefully, "You have no idea how happy it makes me that you two get along so well. It's like it was meant to be, I can't believe I didn't see it earlier."

"If you keep trying to mother him he'll get pissed off eventually." Akaashi warned, the name on his collarbone prickling slightly. Kuroo had no idea how close to the truth he was at that.

"Taking care of people is part of my love language," Kuroo said shrugging, "Kenma knows this and he likes it for the most part. When he doesn't, he's pretty quick to tell me. Communication has always been a pretty big part of our relationship."

"and what would you do," Akaashi asked licking his lips a little nervously, "If you thought such communication might destroy you relationship?"

"We're not talking about Kenma anymore are we." It wasn't a question. Kuroo was watching Akaashi with old eyes that were bright and alert.

"No." admitted Akaashi softly.

"Then I'll say this: even if keeping secrets postpones harm, they fester and get worse the longer you keep them. So the sooner you bring it out in the open the better for the both of you. Although… if you're keeping a secret because you don't know yet what you feel about it… try and do as much of the processing as you can before it is revealed. Because it will be revealed in one way or another. It does less damage if you do it on your terms." Said Kuroo thoughtfully.

"That… maybe." Admitted Akaashi, "And I know I have to but…"

Kuroo looked at him expectantly. Patiently.

"I am going to ask Bokuto to be my boyfriend." Said Akaashi.

"Well over due." Observed Kuroo with a lazy smile.

"We are not truemates." Akaashi added and Kuroo's eyes sharpened on him.

"You're certain?" he asked.

"Yes." Said Akaashi.

"Ah," Kuroo did not ask for specifics, "Bo is going to have trouble with that."

"Yes."

"He's still going to need to know." Kuroo said slowly seeming to be processing the information, "Probably pretty soon before that little courtship dance you two having on is going to continue."

"I know," sighed Akaashi, "But in all the scenarios I've considered, there isn't one where I can see him taking it well. He's… He holds the position of truemates in such a high status. It's like part of the core lens through which he sees the world. The rock that he stands on. I've been challenging it, but I am worrying a bit now about what shaking that foundation is going to do to him."

"Akaashi…"

"I really like him." Akaashi admitted quickly, "I don't want to hurt him and I don't want to lose him. But I don't think both are possible."

"Akaashi." Kuroo said seriously getting off the chair and coming to sit by him, "I want you to listen very closely to what I am going to say next."

"Of course." Agreed Akaashi frowning.

"I love Bo. He's very important to me, but I love you too 'kaashi and I know Kenma feels the same." Said Kuroo seriously, "And if you tell Bokuto and he can't get over himself, then you've got to let him go. You can not try and sacrifice your happiness for his, that will only make you both miserable."

"…I don't know if can do that." Admitted Akaashi. It was a little hard to acknowledge, when he recognized the wisdom of what Kuroo had just said.

"Then come over with Kenma and I. We'll help you. Your parents will help you. Hell, your team will help you. You are so loved Akaashi. People will be there if you ask." Kuroo promised.

"What about Bokuto?" Akaashi asked. This is why he called Kuroo. He was able to work in feelings in a way that both Akaashi and Kenma struggled with. And he was up front in his delivery too.

"Bokuto is just as loved." Kuroo smiled, "It'll work out, one way or another… though you know I am personally rooting for you as a pair."

"Thank you." Akaashi said, and it was more than just for the statement of his support. He knew Kuroo understood.

"Hey no worries angel, I've always got your back." Said Kuroo winking at him.

"You can be pretty wise sometimes when it suits you."

"That's such a back hand compliment, but I'll take it." Laughed Kuroo light heartedly. Akaashi smiled and relaxed.

He had good friends.

Akaashi frowned as a rapid tapping sound came from his window. He almost had heart attack when he saw someone was crouching on the ledge of his window before he recognized who it was. He hitched up the sleeve of his sleep shirt that was threatening to slip off his shoulder and marched over to open the window ready to tell Bokuto off for coming over so late at night and not using the door like a normal person. The moment it was open though Bokuto was climbing in and gathering Akaashi up in the kind of hug that made the air puff out of him and his feet be lifted almost from the floor.

"Bokuto- what-?" Akaashi managed, his voice rough from sleepiness. Bokuto held him tighter and buried his face in the crook of Akaashi's neck muttering quivering words into his skin. Akaashi shivered slightly, and tried to get Bokuto to turn his head so that he could hear him properly.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry 'kaashi. I know I am being a bother. I should leave but-" there was an edge to Bokuto's voice that made Akaashi snap to attention. It was a tone he associated with his friend's deeper ruts of dejection.

"Bokuto… Shhh…" Akaashi soothed stroking his hair. It was soft and un-spiked and slipped like feathers through his fingers. Gently, Akaashi eased them onto his carpet as he continued to hold the other despite the awkward position, "Slow down. Start again and tell me what's wrong."

"Jus' dropped." Mumbled Bokuto taking deep breaths, "Just laying on my bed trying to sleep and I just suddenly dropped really bad. It's not usually this bad 'kaashi, I don't know why it's this bad…"

Akaashi gripped him a little tighter and rubbed soothing circles into his back. When they'd first met, Bokuto's sudden drops had been frustrating and exasperating. Now, when he knew them more intimately, when he knew that they were not something that Bokuto chose or had much control over, when he saw how badly they hurt him… now he wished there was a way to pour all his love, all his care, all his support into the other. That somehow, all the strength that Bokuto always so freely gave away Akaashi could give back to him when he fell short.

"Were you thinking of anything particular when you dropped?" Akaashi asked letting his body relax into Bokuto's hold, that he could somehow be what the other needed.

"I don't know, I don't know!" Bokuto shook his head nearly unbalancing the two of them, "I was just… I guess my mom and dad had been talking about how they met and stuff and I… but thinking about that kind of thing usually makes me happy? I don't understand. Maybe it's graduation or something. I don't know! These thing never make sense. I wish they would just make sense so I could, I don't know, think my way out of them?"

"Yeah… It sucks. It's not your fault though." Akaashi reminded him. Bokuto nodded into his skin and then raised his head. Akaashi hated how lost he looked. How fragile. 'You're precious, you're precious' he wanted to tell him over and over. He wanted to protect him. Knew he couldn't.

"That's why I came here." There was a slightly odd look in Bokuto's eyes and Akaashi- who usually kept careful track of what all Bokuto's looks and moods meant- didn't know what to make of it, "You always seem to know just what to do to pull me back up."

"Bokuto…" There were warning bells going off in Akaashi's head but he wasn't sure what for.

"You're so…" but whatever Bokuto thought he was Akashi never learned because the next moment he was leaning in and kissing him. It was a little awkward, there was some nose mashing, but Bokuto quickly adjusted to a better angle. Akaashi's fingers flexed unconsciously on Bokuto's back, a little uncertain. There were reasons why he should be objecting but his head was a little hazy on why at the moment.

Bokuto had never initiated any of their kisses thus far, had never held him this close, and Akaashi wasn't expecting the way he would melt into it. It was closed mouthed, but firm and sure and full of emotion… all things Akaashi hadn't realized he'd want. All things he wasn't sure what to do with except give back just as tender, press just as close, knot his fingers in white and black hair to guide the kiss with more purpose.

Akaashi was jolted out of whatever haze he'd fallen into when his back hit the carpet and something in his head suddenly shrieked 'too fast!'.

He hadn't even realized Bokuto was lowing him down.

"Bokuto- stop-" Akaashi said, a little breathless as he pushed the other firmly back.

"What's wrong? Did I hurt you?" Bokuto asked, immediately frantic.

"No- just- we haven't talked about anything and I don't want- this can't just be some kind of numbing thing for you because you don't feel good-" Akaashi struggled to put into words all the reasons why he was feeling uneasy.

"No, no, I swear that wasn't it! I just wanted- you looked so- I am sorry I am so sorry 'kaashi please don't stop talking to me." Bokuto begged.

"Hey… calm down, you don't need to apologize. Why would I stop talking to you? I've been kissing you all this time haven't I? You didn't do anything I didn't like. That was just… not the right time." Akaashi propped himself up slightly.

"Sorry…" Bokuto sniffed slightly, "I am so uncool. I just-"

Bokuto froze.

"Bokuto?" Akaashi frowned worriedly.

"I- what-? Kenma's your-?" Bokuto stuttered looking absolutely devastated. Akaashi's blood ran cold as he realized that the nightshirt he was wearing did nothing to his soulmark… and that Bokuto was staring right at it.

"I thought you- I thought we could be-" Bokuto was backing away from him.

"No." Akaashi said firmly not letting the frightened fluttering in his chest creep into voice as he grabbed Bokuto's shirt. Something, anything to keep him from leaving. 'I am losing him, I am losing him, I don't want to lose him.' "Bokuto, this doesn't change anything. We can still-"

"So you knew? You knew someone else was your soulmate and yet you still kissed me?" Akaashi had expected him to be upset… he hadn't expected him to be mad. But perhaps he should have.

"Yes I did." Said Akaashi tilting up his chin unapologetically. Probably not the most soothing to say, but Akaashi was unwilling to pretend that this was something he felt like needed an excuse, "It doesn't matter- no, don't give me that look, it doesn't matter who the name is-"

"Of course it matters! It's fate!" Bokuto shot back stubbornly.

"Then maybe I want to make my own fate." Akaashi challenged.

"I bet you only messed around with me because Kenma is with Kuroo." Bokuto looked like he regretted the words as soon as they were out of his mouth and even though some part of Akaashi realized that they came from the fact that Bokuto was still in a slump of insecurity, another bigger part of him…

"Get out." It was spoken softly, but Bokuto looked like he'd been stabbed.

"Akaashi, wait, I didn't mean-" Bokuto tried feebly.

"I don't care, get out. You can not treat me that way. I am not that cheap. I don't want to see you until we've both calmed down." Akaashi ordered. Bokuto made one last wounded sound before quickly climbed back out his window. Akaashi sat on the floor breathing heavily as if he had just run a race. Then, because even though he was pissed at Bokuto he could recognize that he still cared for him, Akaashi grabbed his phone a sent Bokuto's mom a quick text.

'Sorry to disturb you so late, but Bokuto and just got in a pretty bad fight. Please make sure get's back alright and check on him.' She responded fairly quickly considering the late hour with a quick thanks and Akaashi dropped his phone back onto the floor. Slowly, Akaashi brought his knees up to his chest and rested his forehead on them.

Akaashi clung to his anger like a blanket. Because he knew once it was gone the grief would come and he didn't want to deal with that. He couldn't believe Bokuto had said that to him. He couldn't believe that Bokuto would think that he was the kind of person to use him as… what, a stand in for Kenma? Some kind of substitute because he couldn't be with his soulmate? Never. Even if he liked Kenma that way he would never do that to someone.

Bokuto had to know on some level that he was wrong. After all, by his own logic, neither he nor Akaashi nor Kuroo or Kenma should ever be able to be happy with anyone because they were all mismatched in terms of their soulmates. Or Akaashi's parents for that matter. Or half the freaking population of the world. Truemates were societies ideal, not it's norm. Akaashi didn't understand why Bokuto refused to see- refused even entertain the idea-

"Keiji? Baby, are you okay?" his mother called softly knocking on his door before opening it cautiously, "I thought I heard raised voices."

Akaashi was at once very grateful that his father was a heavy sleeper. He was very protective of Akaashi and would have likely barged in and thrown a fit.

"I am fine mom." Akaashi said raising his head, he wished he had had time to get up off the floor but his mom was already settling herself down beside him, "I just- Bokuto came by and we got in a fight. He's gone now though."

"A fight." She repeated, her voice tight. Akaashi abruptly became aware he had quite obviously been kissing someone, his lips bruised, his hair mussed, and his clothes sitting ungracefully on him from the way Bokuto's hands had twisted in them… The fact that he was sitting on the floor upset after, the kind of picture that might paint for a parent…

"Mom, no, we weren't even- and anyway, Bokuto would never- I mean, we were fighting about soulmate things, not…" Akaashi said quickly flushing his words coming out a bit disjointed.

"If that boy ever hurt you, you know you could come to me about it right?" She said seriously.

"Yes mom, I know." Akaashi assured her.

"Good." She said seeming satisfied after searching his face, "Bokuto is a sweet boy, and he honestly seems to worship the ground you walk on so I am not too worried. But I also know what it is like to be young and get carried away."

Akaashi flushed up to his ears, but stayed quiet at that.

"That being said, no more boyfriends sneaking in your window at night. And I want your door to stay open when you have him over. At least while you're still underage." She said sternly.

"Bokuto is not-" Akaashi began, but his mother fixed him with a look, "Yes mom."

"Good. Now I'd like to hear about this fight, if you're willing to tell me, but for now I think sleep is in order." She said her stern features softening as she gently pushed back his dark curls, "I am alright with you skipping school tomorrow too, if you need time to sort yourself out."

"Thanks mom." Said Akaashi softly with a tired smile.

He let her tuck him in as if he were still a child. The pain of the evening still lay very real in his chest, but it was dulled slightly by his mother's presence and Akaashi felt himself gratefully drifting to sleep.

Tomorrow he would deal with today's consequences. Tomorrow.