Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to these characters.


The air surrounding the shrine was serene as birds flew about singing their songs as they darted through the trees and their branches. Some were perched in nearby trees as they were drawn into watching the intensity of the two battling figures below. It was an age-old battle of epic proportions—young verses old.

Kenma's eyes narrowed as he focused on the board before him. This time he was certain to win—he had practiced and planned out every possible move. Now he was ready to place it into action and his opponent and teacher was falling nicely into his trap. Allowing the small smirk to creep across his face, he placed his piece down on the board with victory within his grasp.

The elderly figure across from him frowned deeply as he scanned the board for his options. Raising his hand, he dropped his responding piece and then grinned evilly at his younger opponent. "Better luck next time, Kenma-kun."

Stumped, Kenma stared at the board in disbelief before slowly tilting his head up to look at Higurashi-san. His mind rapidly replayed the game over—desperately trying to pinpoint where he went wrong, and then it hit him like lightning. "I thought I was guiding the pace of the game, but you were leading me this whole time."

Grandpa grinned and chuckled. "You had a good strategy, no doubt about that. But you were a little obvious in your tactics. Subtlety is key."

"A plan within a plan…"

Nodding gently, the elder studied the teenager before him. "Sometimes, the best strategy is to have a loud plan to hide the quiet one. Take for example your team. Yamamoto-kun is your Ace, that makes him an immediate target. Others like Kuroo, Kai, and Fukunaga's attacks can be more discrete. Depending how you use them in a match could cause an imbalance for the opposing team."

Kenma tilted his head in thought as he contemplated his teammates and their skills. "Kagome never shows her full hand when she practices with us. She's consistent at keeping the team uneasy."

"Yes, an adept strategy that works very well. The less your enemies see, the less they can prepare for."

"Let them see what we want them to see. Then throw in a surprise move to throw them off center." Kenma blinked rapidly as all the lessons Grandpa Higurashi taught him began to fall into place. "You've been leading people around and allowing them to believe one thing about you so you can blindside them later on—your commitment to your strategy is both impressive, and terrifying."

Grandpa grinned evilly as he released the gleeful cackles, causing all the birds to squawk in terror and flee the area.


This was it. Today was the day. All the near tears of frustration and disappointment, the endless rounds of practice—which Souta and Kirara seemed to enjoy their roles as taste tester, and boy was she ever grateful for that. Regardless! Today was the day that it all had to come together perfectly. She was absolutely determined that she would cook this dish and it would be her best attempt yet!

Kenma had left earlier after training with Grandpa, and her little family took off to spend the weekend with relatives. So, Momma wasn't here to save her if things go south—a terrifying thought, but Momma said that she was ready to cook this dish so she would have faith. Kagome took a deep breath to center herself, and with a nod she rolled up her sleeves and got to work. This fish would be exceptional, it had to be, because it was Kuroo's birthday.

She carefully went through all the steps to prepare and grill the salted mackerel pike. Keeping an ear out for the timers for the rice and vegetables as she watched the main dish like a hawk. The last thing she needed was to burn all the side dishes because she only paid attention to the fish!

Slowly pulling all the food off the burners and forming the plates, she just finished setting the table as a knock echoed through the house. With a quick last second scan, she rushed off to the door and swung it open to greet the birthday boy in question.

"Tetsu-kun! Happy Birthday!"

The newly minted 17-year-old grinned as he looked down at his petite other half. "Thanks, Kago-chan."

Stepping aside, she ushered him into the house and guided him to the table. Kagome was incredibly pleased with herself as she watched him freeze and stare at the spread in awe—in fact she's pretty sure that he started drooling. "Sit down, or the fish will get cold."

Kuroo snapped out of his daze and quickly helped Kagome get seated before he dashed to his own and dove into the meal with glee. Kagome giggled as she observed him enjoying his birthday meal with relish. "Should I leave you and your dinner alone?"

His head lifted at her snickers and she nearly choked at the picture he made. His eyes were wide and sparkly with part of a fish hanging out of his mouth. He quickly chewed and swallowed his food before morphing his face into a solemn expression. "You may need to. We've formed a deep connection. I'm even thinking of proposing to it."

Struggling to keep her face straight, Kagome nodded in mock acceptance. "I understand. It hurts to lose you, but who am I to stand in the way of true love?" After a moment of silence, she wasn't sure if who lost their composure first—chances were high that it was her restrained snickers that escaped first causing Kuroo to follow and there was nothing but boisterous laughter that followed. Whipping the tears from her eyes, she took a breath in an attempt to regain some composure. "I take it that you approve of the fish?"

"This is the best ever, Kago-chan. Thank you!"

Kagome smiled softly as her cheeks flushed. "I'm glad you like it. I have to admit that I practiced a lot to get it right."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah, I wanted to make you your favorite dish for your birthday."

Kuroo's eyes softened as he looked across the table at her. "I appreciate it."

Feeling a bit flustered, Kagome glanced down and brushed a stray piece of hair behind her ear. "You know, you should also thank Kirara and Souta for being my taste testers."

"I will—wait, you had Kirara be a taste tester?"

"Of course! Being a nekomata, she is a supreme fish specialist."

Kuroo tilted his head in thought before nodding. "Good point. She would be the perfect judge."

"I also knew I was on the right track when she stole some of Souta's fish after she finished hers."

They continued to laugh and talk as they finished their meal. Afterwards they worked together to clean the dishes. Kagome shooed Kuroo out of the kitchen as she finished drying the last plate. Joining Kuroo in the family room she smiled as he picked out a movie for them to watch. As she sat down, she handed him a small wrapped box.

Kuroo's grin widened as he opened the present to find a leather corded necklace with a single volleyball charm. Looking closely, he noticed on the back that there were engravings.

Kagome leaned into his side and rested her head on his shoulder. "Think of it as a good luck and protection charm. I may not be able to be on the court with you per se, but I can be there with in every way I can."

Feeling that all too familiar warmth spreading in his chest, he thanked her as he placed it around his neck. Kuroo wrapped an arm around her and kissed her as they snuggled into the couch to watch the adventure film that he picked. "You think it will protect me from the fan girls?"

Kagome snickered and patted him lightly on his chest. "That would require a much larger charm, and it wouldn't go with your style."

"Drat. I guess I'll just have to keep you tied to my hip."

"Well, Kenma did mention that I make for a great deterrent."

"So, it's settled!"

"I get the feeling I didn't have much of a choice regardless."

"Nope."

"Figures. The things I do for you."

"Shhh! Watch the movie, pocket-chan."

The two settled into a comfortable silence—then Kuroo released a yelp after Kagome pinched his side. Birthday boy or not, he doesn't get a free pass for poking fun at her size.


Author's Note: Sorry this took so long. My brain would not engage when I sat down to write this. Here's to hoping that the next chapter won't run into the same problem.