Chapter 2: Celebration

They arrived at the fancy restaurant that Hinata had chosen and were led to their reserved table near the back. On one side sat Akaashi and Kageyama. Across from Akaaski was Bokuto, Hinata was opposite Kageyama and then Natsu was next to Hinata. They began by ordering a bottle of champagne (probably sparkling wine since it's not champagne unless it comes from the Champagne region of France) and Kageyama proudly toasted Hinata's pro volleyball career.

"I would like to propose a toast to my amazing husband, Shoyo, who worked really hard and achieved his dream of playing for MSBY, and had an incredible game tonight. I'm so proud of you, babe." Everyone toasted (Natsu used water) and Hinata blushed as Kageyama grabbed his hand from across the table and gave it a quick kiss.

After ordering their meals, they began discussing the game. Hinata and Bokuto did most of the talking, describing the plays and points and things that happened that might not have been obvious to the crowd. They were both really excitable and animated when they talked about volleyball, and Akaashi couldn't help but be captivated by Bokuto. First, there was his smile, which Akaashi thought was so bright and beautiful. Then, there were those golden eyes, which were alive and sparkling when he talked about the sport he so obviously loved. Akaashi also observed that Bokuto's hair fell over his forehead a bit haphazardly, and Akaashi thought it was really sexy the way his eyes peeked out from behind the black and white strands. It had been gelled back for the game, but Akaashi preferred it this way, down and natural. All in all, Akaashi thought that the combination was dazzling.

He was trying not to be too obvious in staring at the attractive guy across from him, but he was afraid he wasn't doing a good job. He tried to look at Hinata and Natsu sometimes, but every time his eyes were drawn back to the man across from him. Akaashi liked everything about him, from his face, to his demeanor that lit up a room, to his physique, but realized again, with an acute pang of disappointment, that Bokuto was out of his league. Oh, well, he thought. Nothing wrong with looking. And fantasizing.

Before long their meals arrived and the conversation waned a bit. Bokuto took this opportunity to talk to Akaashi, who he was really interested in getting to know better. He had been watching him, covertly, during the dinner so far. He admired his dark messy hair and his eyes, which Bokuto decided were blue, but with a hint of green in the center near the pupil. He loved watching Akaashi's little reactions, his small smiles, the way he played with his hands. Everything about Akaashi was … what? Reserved? Subtle? So opposite from himself. Bokuto admitted he was intrigued, and also yes, definitely smitten with that pretty face.

"So, Akaashi, tell me about yourself. How long have you known Kageyama?"

"We met our first year of college" Akaashi said with a smile as he took a sip of his water. "That would be, what, nine years ago?"

"And what about your company and your work?"

"Oh, not much to tell," said Akaashi humbly. "I'm just a computer nerd."

Bokuto wondered why Akaashi seemed to put himself down. In his experience, it was unusual for a rich, successful guy to not want to talk about himself, and Bokuto found this interesting and appealing. Was he just shy?

"I doubt that's all," said Bokuto, smiling handsomely. Wait, what? Thought Akaashi. Was that, no, it couldn't be. Is Bokuto flirting with me?

"Really, please tell me more about your job and your company," Bokuto asked earnestly, so Akaashi, even though he disliked talking about himself and having attention on him, proceeded to explain a little about their company and his role. Bokuto listened intently, those gold eyes boring into his own, and Akaashi really thought he might actually be interested in what he was saying. Which was strange. Or else Bokuto was a very good actor. When Akaashi felt he had talked enough, he tried to turn the conversation back to the other male.

"But enough about me. Your life and career is much more exciting."

Bokuto actually looked a little embarrassed. "Nah. Well, maybe. But I'd rather talk about you." Akaashi blushed again, taking another sip of his water and realizing his glass was now empty. Was it hot in here?

Bokuto noticed his empty glass and said, "Kaashi, you're out of water. I'll call the waiter," and before Akaashi could process that Bokuto had (a) called him Kaashi and (b) noticed he was out of water, which was very considerate and observant, he had his glass filled again by the staff and was staring at Bokuto with a new interest. Akaashi admitted to himself that he expected a professional athlete to be pretty self-absorbed. Is there more to this guy than I gave him credit for? he wondered to himself. And why did he call me Kaashi? It was cute, I think I liked it.

By the time dessert had rolled around, more champagne had been consumed by the adults and Hinata and Bokuto were telling some stories about their time together in college. Although they were clearly auditing their stories because Natsu was there, it was obvious there were some crazy stunts that the two had been involved in. There was a lot of laughing and smiling and again, Akaashi couldn't help but notice his eyes going back again and again to Bokuto. He sighed internally at what he figured he'd never have.

Bokuto's mind, however, was going in an entirely different direction as he stared at Akaashi. He was thinking he would definitely be getting to know the dark-haired male better.

"Akaashi, how long are you going to be in Osaka?" Akaashi's eyes opened a tiny bit wider in surprise, Bokuto noticed and internally smiled to himself that he caught him off guard.

"Ah. Several days," stuttered Akaashi, trying not to read too much into the question. After all, it could just be polite conversation, right?

"I could show you around town, if you'd like." Bokuto said, again making Akaashi's eyes open another fraction. To buy himself some time, he reached for his water glass silently wishing it was alcohol. He took a drink and tried to calm his pounding heart. He wants to show me around town? Wow. Okay. This is okay. This is good. I'm good.

"Sure," Akaashi thought he managed to sound casual as he put down his water glass and hoped that his blush was not evident in the low lighting of the dining room. When he agreed, Bokuto's eyes lit up, again almost startling Akaashi with their sparkle. He smiled a little at the excitement on the taller male's face. This night turned out way better than Akaashi had hoped.