He was nervous, which was completely illogical. They were meeting Akaashi and Bokuto, friends that they had met with countless other times the past year. It wasn't as if suddenly everything was going to be different. There wasn't any reason for his palms to be sweating or his heart racing. It was Bokuto and Akaashi.

"I think they're running over," Kuroo said lightly, looking down at his phone as Kenma sat against the school gate, DS in hand. He glanced up, seeing Kuroo lean back with his arms crossed over his chest. "Bo said they were going to try and finish up a little early…"

"Sorry!" Bokuto said, running up to the two and plowing into Kuroo's side. He leaned down, blinking wide, apologetic eyes at Kenma. "Coach wanted us to work on a new play and then he held me and 'Kaashi back because he wanted to talk about-"

"We are sorry you had to wait," Akaashi cut in politely, reaching his hand down to help Kenma to his feet. Kenma slipped his hand into the other boys, his cheeks reddening as he felt the sturdy fingers wrap around his own as he was pulled to his feet. Akaashi did not let go as he began to walk, pulling Kenma behind him and looking over his shoulder at Kuroo and Bokuto. "If we hurry we should be able to make the next train."

Bokuto and Kuroo ran ahead of them, jumping on each other and just generally being loud as they shouted various phrases at one another that Kenma was certain wasn't an actual conversation. Kenma scrunched his nose in distaste as he hung back, keeping close to Akaashi's side and his hand wrapped in the slightly taller beta's. His omega purred in his chest, pleased that he could feel the heat coming from Akaashi's body and that Kuroo and Bokuto were getting along so well. "How have you been, Kenma?"

"Fine," he responded, fiddling with the sleeves of the too big sweatshirt he was wearing. It was one of Kuroo's old ones that didn't fit the other boy anymore but it still had traces of his scent. Kenma loved it.

"Hmm," Akaashi smiled slightly, eyes mischievous as they rested on the smaller boy. "So, should I ignore the fact that you asked me for advice on asking myself for a courtship?"

Kenma's cheeks flushed. He knew the other boy wouldn't have let that go. "Please do."

There was a melodic chuckle beside him and Kenma bit his own lip to stop a smile from spreading across his face. It wasn't often you heard Akaashi laugh. The other usually showed his amusement with teasing words and a small grin. "Well, I can't lie and say I was completely surprised when I got your message," Akaashi admitted. Kenma glanced at him and saw the amusement etched on his face. "I can't say I wasn't…drawn to you and Kuroo when we first met. I had already experienced it with Bokuto as well, when I first joined the team. When you presented, I figured we would eventually get to this point. Well, I supposed I hoped we would."

Of course Akaashi had already known. Kenma probably would have as well if he hadn't been so wrapped up in Kuroo at the time. He hadn't even thought of it as a possibility as he had convinced himself that he and Kuroo would be a mated pair and a full circle wasn't in the realm of possibility. Though even he could admit that he enjoyed the other two's company whenever they met and had actually looked forward to seeing them.

"What about Bokuto?" Kenma found himself asking, wondering if the older alpha had also felt something or if he had been completely blindsided by the message.

Akaashi smirked and rolled his eyes slightly, "Bokuto has stayed by my side since we met. I believe he and Kuroo were inseparable during their first training camp together and have stayed in contact ever since. And he has spoken about you just as often in the past year. Although he might not have realized what was happening, I have no doubt that he felt the same thing as I. While he is very friendly, he does not seem to have many close friends, including those on the team. They get along with him but they do not seem too often do things together."

It was something both Kuroo and Kenma had noticed. Kuroo had spoken about Bokuto often after they met and he had relayed more than once that the other boy seemed to do little besides attend class and practice volleyball. He only began to talk about doing things outside of school after he met Akaashi. Kuroo seemed to believe that Bokuto, while friendly, was too much for many of the other people in his class. Kenma understood the thought, the alpha was extremely excitable and loud on occasion, but when he was around Kuroo most of his enthusiasm seemed to be directed toward the other boy while he was much calmer when speaking with Kenma. And, on the occasion that he became slightly more overbearing, Akaashi was able to reel him back in.

"I see," Kenma answered eventually. He walked in silence with Akaashi toward the station and only met back up with Bokuto and Kuroo once they moved onto the train. Kenma had found an open seat quickly and slid in while the other three boys chose to stand, all lined up in front of him.

"I pulled out some movies I think you would enjoy!" Bokuto told Kenma with a bright smile. He was practically jumping in place. "And mom and I went shopping for some snacks! I think she's planning on cooking tonight as well! Oh, I'm really excited."

Kenma let out a small smile toward the older boy as Akaashi softly told him to lower his voice. Kuroo had thrown his arm around Bokuto's shoulders and hugged him at the words. "Thanks, Bo! I'm sure it's great!"

Kuroo had explained to Kenma the previous evening that Bokuto's parents had been a mated pair. His mother was an omega and his father a beta that had been killed years previous in an accident. Kuroo told him that Bokuto's mother had been mentally affected when she lost her mate, a common occurrence when a bond broke, and had only been able to pull herself together thanks to Bokuto. However, like most mates that have their bond severed without another to help stabilize it, she tended to lose time and act irrationally on occasion. It was believed that omega's with a severed bond lived only for their children after their mates death. One reason Bokuto was so excited to take them to his house was that he knew his mother would be happy about the courtship and he thought it would put her in a good place for a few days, if not longer.

Bokuto led them off at his stop and they made the short walk to his apartment. He threw open the door with a big smile, calling out as they entered. In seconds, a woman with dark hair and Bokuto's eyes was standing before them. She smiled and said hello to both Akaashi and Kuroo quickly before turning her attention to Kenma. "It is so nice to meet you, Kenma," she said brightly, moving forward and wrapping her arms around the startled boy.

Kenma blinked, unsure of what to do with this woman that was hugging him, but eventually loosely wrapped one arm around her. He almost purred at the warmth and comforting smell of another omega. "Okasan!" Bokuto whined loudly, "I told you not to do that!"

Bokuto-san pulled away, ignoring her son and giving Kenma a warm smile. "Thank you for considering my son. I know he can be a handful."

"I-of course," Kenma stuttered as Kuroo barked out a laugh and Bokuto wailed loudly. How was he supposed to respond to that? Was he supposed to deny that Bokuto was a "handful"? It would be a lie…but maybe he could say that it was okay? Would that be rude?

"Thank you for allowing us to meet here, Bokuto-san," Akaashi cut in, his eyes dancing as he watched Kenma. Kenma felt his eyes narrow. He just knew Akaashi could see his distress and was laughing at him for overthinking the situation. Like the other setter had any room to judge him about that.

"Of course, Keiji!" Bokuto-san gushed, turning and pulling the beta into his own hug. He blinked, obviously surprised as he had already been greeted once, and slowly moved his own arms behind her back quickly. "I am just so happy you are also part of this courtship! And, of course, Tetsurou as well!" She laughed, letting go over Akaashi and turning to throw her arms around Kuroo. Kuroo laughed, hugging back the smaller woman easily. "Now, go ahead and get yourselves situated! I have snacks all set up and I'll be cooking later on!"

Akaashi bowed slightly in thanks as Kuroo gave the woman one more hug. Kenma nodded his head, eyes down, as he allowed Bokuto to pull him into another room as he complained about his mother "overdoing it!".

He might have been right. The main living area of the apartment had obviously been transformed. There was a large pile of blankets and pillows in the middle of the floor, making a sort of nest. The coffee table had been moved to one side and had a variety of drinks and snacks perched on it. Bokuto let out a sigh. "I told her not to do this," he whined but Kenma could see his eyes laughing, "I said we could just sit on the couch!"

"The couch is too small for the four of you!" His mother protested as she moved past the four boys. "You and Tetsurou can barely manage to fit on that thing! Anyway, all of you have fun!"

Kuroo let out a bark of laughter as he threw himself down on the pallet and leaned his back against the couch. "This is great, Bo! Hey, hand me that bowl, would you?"

Kenma rolled his eyes but slowly sank down beside Kuroo as Akaashi handed Kuroo said bowl and Bokuto began to list off what was available on the table. Kenma easily accepted a piece of apple pie that Bokuto handed him while Kuroo complained about him spoiling his dinner. Akaashi gracefully sat beside Kenma, his long legs stretched in front of him. Kenma sank into the warmth that was provided from the two boys on either side of him and he grabbed one of the blankets to drape on top of them creating a nice, cozy oven. Bokuto looked uncertain for a moment but Kuroo easily caught the other boys hand and pulled him down on his other side. "So, what do we have?"

Kenma wasn't ashamed to admit that he didn't pay any attention to the movie. It was some action thing that Kuroo and Bokuto had seemed interested in and Akaashi hadn't immediately declined, so he just let himself relax as Kuroo and Bokuto both shouted at the television and Akaashi occasionally made comments. "You look like you're going to fall asleep," Akaashi finally said in a low voice, making Kenma turn sleepy eyes toward him. Akaashi's lips quirked up when he looked at Kenma's face. "You don't have to stay awake."

Kenma moved slowly, his body turning more to the right as he pressed himself more firmly into Akaashi's side. Said boy moved to accommodate him, letting his arm slide around Kenma's waist. "Tired," Kenma muttered through a yawn, "warm."

He felt Akaashi's chest move under his cheek as the boy let out a quiet laugh, "Yes, I had thought the train ride would tire you. You can take a small nap and we will wake you once the movie is finished, if you like. I believe Bokuto also has some games we can play later on." Kenma felt himself nod along to the words as he sank into slumber.

Kuroo wasn't sure when Kenma had fallen asleep but he chuckled when he saw that Kenma had burrowed himself into Akaashi's side and was breathing deeply. Bokuto laughed as well. "Ah! You two are so cute!" He said loudly, causing Akaashi to hush him. Bokuto grinned sheepishly in return.

Kuroo had to admit, the two of them were cute. "I guess the train ride took a lot out of him," Kuroo apologized.

"Ah, Akaashi said he would probably fall asleep for a little while," Bokuto waved his hand toward the omega, "that's why I got this movie! I thought we could watch it until he woke up! This way he won't feel bad about sleeping and missing it because I didn't think he'd really like it!"

Kuroo was surprised at the words. He had thought it odd that Bokuto had made a point to say he had got movies he thought Kenma would enjoy and then brought out an action film. Kuroo, not wanting to upset Bokuto, hadn't commented on it and when neither Kenma nor Akaashi protested, he let it go. "Bo, I think I love you," Kuroo said, more serious than he would like to admit at the moment.

"Ah, you too!" Bokuto responded easily. "Seriously though, I have Mario Cart for when he wakes up or I did get a movie I think he'll enjoy! He can choose later!"

"That was very considerate of you, Bokuto-san," Akaashi said softly. "I do not think you needed to go through all of this trouble."

"Course I did! And it isn't trouble!" Bokuto declared, smiling. "I wanted everyone to be happy!"

"Thank you, Bokuto-san."

"Kaashi! I told you to stop calling me that!"

"He will once we've completed the bond, wont you Akaashi?" Kuroo teased, obviously referencing the slip of tongue Akaashi had had that day on the phone. Akaashi scowled at the alpha. "I do not know what you mean, Kuroo-san."

"Right, of course you don't," Kuroo taunted, smirking as the scowl on Akaashi's face grew more pronounced. "It isn't like we have yet to really talk about any of this, after all."

Kuroo laughed as Akaashi began to mutter about "Pain in the ass Kuroo-san."

He stopped laughing and leaned toward the other boy, pressing himself firmly against Kenma and letting his nose brush against Akaashi's. "Oh, Keiji, I could easily become a pain in your ass."

Bokuto laughed loudly beside him as the two watched the usual infallible Akaashi blush a bright red.

Kenma woke to laughter. Bokuto was obviously amused while Kuroo was laughing in a way that meant he had just done something he enjoyed but the person he had taunted probably didn't. Considering Bokuto was laughing and Kenma was asleep, Kenma was afraid exactly of what Kuroo had done to Akaashi.

"Kuro, are you being mean to Akaashi?" Kenma asked sleepily, stretching out his back as he sat up and looked toward his mate.

Said mate stopped laughing and looked angelically at Kenma, "Of course not, kitten."

Kenma's eyes narrowed as he turned to the boy in question. His face was blank as usual, but Kenma easily detected the fading pink on his cheeks. Kenma sighed, deciding it was probably better not to ask. "What time is it?"

"Five-thirty," Akaashi responded, shooting a thankful look toward the omega. "Bokuto-san mentioned Mario Kart while you were asleep."

Kenma grinned wickedly and Kuroo groaned. "Seriously," he whined, "Did you have to tell him? No one ever beats him at Mario Kart."

Bokuto shrugged as he jumped to his feet and began to set up the game system. "So? It's all in good fun."

Three rounds later found Bokuto screaming at Kuroo for daring to hit him with a red shell, Kuroo's character sliding off course as he slid on a banana peel Akaashi had left, and Kenma cruising into first place with Akaashi behind him a few moments later. "I can't believe you did that to me!" Bokuto sobbed, "Again!"

"Come on!" Kuroo sniped back, pushing the other alpha off of his lap when he collapsed on top of him, "Akaashi keeps blowing me up! And pushing me off course!"

"It is not on purpose, Kuroo-san," Akaashi commented dryly. Kenma seriously doubted that. He had seen Akaashi easily pass two or more competitors before tossing a bomb at Kuroo.

But he figured Kuroo deserved it.

"Like it believe that!" Kuroo responded passionately, "Is this in retaliation for earlier? The ass thing?"

See? Kenma knew he didn't want to know. "Are we playing again?" he asked, wanting to change the subject from Akaashi's – or whoever's – ass.

"Yes!" Bokuto demanded, sitting back up and staring at the television in determination. "And this time I'm going to win!"

"I doubt it," Kuroo muttered as he prepared himself for yet another round.

Kenma didn't even bother to respond as he selected the track and the next race began. "Dammit, Akaashi!" Kuroo groaned as Rosalina once again flew off the side of the cliff, courtesy of a hard hit from Shy Guy.

Bokuto cheered as Daisy flew past the now last place Rosalina, only to wail as a green shell slammed into her and she spun out of control. Kenma glanced to his right, seeing that Shy Guy was close enough to him that Akaashi was able to make out his position. He flicked a switch, letting go of a shell he had been holding onto, and bit back a laugh as Akaashi cursed.

"Well, you four seem to be having a good time," Bokuto-san said, making Bokuto yell out as Daisy lost her parachute and had to be set back on the track. Bokuto-san ignored her sons wail as she told them that dinner was ready.

The four finished the race and stood to make their way to the table, which had been covered with various dishes. "Thank you for the meal," they chorused after they had taken seats. Kenma looked around, wondering what he should start with.

Kuroo moved before he did, selecting multiple dishes for him. Kenma sent a feeling of gratefulness through the bond and quickly began to eat, his eyes flickering up to his fellow omega once he did so. "This is great, Bokuto-san. Thank you."

"Of course! I'm so happy to meet you!" She sent them all a smile that was an exact replica of her son's. "Tetsurou, have you looked into universities? Koutarou mentioned something about Todai."

Kuroo's eyes flickered to Kenma as the other boy paused. University was something Kuroo had always avoided talking to Kenma about, other than to ask what school Kenma would choose, but the omega was well aware that the other boy would be leaving within the year. "It's an option," Kuroo said carefully, "I'm taking the exam and hoping to receive a volleyball scholarship. They've shown some interest."

Had they now? How interesting.

Todai would be a good decision for Kuroo. They had a great science program, for one, and a good volleyball team. Even if Kuroo wasn't planning on going pro, Kenma knew his mate would want to play for as long as he was able. And it wasn't that far from Kenma, about an hour by train. It was closer to Bokuto, actually.

"That's great! Koutarou had mentioned them showing an interest in him as well!" Bokuto-san clapped her hands together as she squealed. "Of course, a scholarship would be required…" she broke off, a faraway look of sadness welling in her eyes.

"I was also thinking of Todai," Akaashi said swiftly and Kenma watched as Bokuto-san's eyes began to clear. "Of course, that would depend on multiple factors. But it is one of my options."

Bokuto-san laughed, "Ah, I'm sure you will have multiple options once you graduate, Keiji. Even without volleyball."

Akaashi smiled politely and Kenma wondered just how true that was. Sure, Akaashi's parent currently paid his tuition, but would they be willing to do so for University? Especially if he bonded with a circle they didn't approve of?

"What do you think, Kenma?" Bokuto-san questioned, not noticing how Kuroo's shoulders dropped as he stared at his plate. Yeah, he should feel guilty. Kenma was being pulled into a conversation about universities when they hadn't even talked about it yet.

"It is a great University," Kenma replied softly, as politely as he could manage, "and it isn't too far away."

Bokuto-san seemed happy with the answer, which was good, because Kenma really didn't have anything else to offer at the moment. "I agree! Tetsurou and Koutarou could easily room together in their first year-"

"Okasan!"

"-and you and Akaashi could join them the next! Of course, that's assuming everything works out. Or that you want to attend Todai."

Kenma just nodded his head, deciding not to answer the obvious question she was trying to ask. He hadn't really thought about university for himself. He knew Kuroo would be going and had just assumed that he would end up wherever Kuroo was. But Bukuto-san was correct in the fact that, if he expanded the circle, there would be more people to consider than Kuroo. What if something happened and Bokuto's scholarship fell through? Where would he end up? And if Akaashi couldn't pay the tuition would he need to go somewhere outside the city? It would be difficult to pay the tuition and pay to move out.

He lost track of the conversation after that. The thoughts were swirling around inside his head and he wasn't sure how to make them stop. He wasn't even sure what he was so worried about. But he did know that even now they were having trouble finding time to spend with each other. Once the bond was formed, being away from each other would be even more difficult. And it would be harder on the bond once Kuroo and Bokuto were in university. Even if it was only an hour ride away, they would have class and practice. They would be on a different schedule than Kenma and Akaashi. And Akaashi would the best candidate for captain next year, which would be taking up even more of his time. What if they didn't have time to see him? Akaashi would be closer to them, he could probably meet with them regularly. But – well – as an omega, not seeing circle members, not being with them, could cause complications.

He blinked when he felt a blanket slowly being wrapped around him. He glanced around, trying to figure out where he was. How had he ended up back on the pallet with Bokuto on his left and Akaashi and Kuroo in front of him? When had they finished eating? Had he thanked Bokuto-san? Had anyone offered to help her clean up?

"Alright," Kuroo said loudly as he let out a deep sigh. His eyes flickered to each of them and Kenma looked down when those eyes finally landed on him. Glancing to each side, Kenma noticed that the alpha wasn't the only one that looked serious. "I think we all know that this bond is already going to happen. This isn't a…regular courtship where we are all figuring out if the pieces fit. Which means I really don't think we need to avoid things that should be talked about."

"I agree," Akaashi said, surprisingly. He smiled tightly at Kenma when the omega looked up at him. "Kenma, Bokuto and I were already aware coming into this that this was it. While I do think we should wait awhile to complete the bond, neither of us are going to be pulling out of this courtship."

"Yep!" Bokuto chimed in, moving to throw his arms around Kenma and rest his head on the smaller boys shoulder.

Kuroo sighed once more as he relaxed beside Akaashi and the younger boy slowly reached over to link their fingers together. Kenma felt his inner omega jump in excitement as he watched the contact. "I know you're worried about university, kitten," Kuroo admitted and Kenma felt his eyebrows raise in interest as Akaashi winced as Kuroo's hand tightened around his own. "It was one reason I hadn't spoken to you about it yet. Not really, anyway. And I knew that until we settled things with Bo and Akaashi you would be anxious."

Kenma felt his lips purse in annoyance. Once again, sometimes he really disliked how well Kuroo knew him. Especially when said boy kept things from him because he thought it would be easier for Kenma.

"So, yeah, I might have a scholarship to Todai," Kuroo admitted. "It really just depends on how we do this year. But they are interested. And, of course, I need to take the exam…" he sighed yet again and Akaashi pulled his hand away from the alpha, receiving an apologetic look in response. Akaashi responded by placing his hand on Kuroo's knee as the alpha's hands clenched into fists. "I think it's a good bet. And I really think Bo will get it – the volleyball team really wants him," Kuroo laughed as Bokuto perked up his head at the mention of his name.

"But nothing is guaranteed," Kuroo said before Bokuto could cut in. "Even if we somehow end up in different universities," he said, giving Bokuto a small smile when the boy whined and buried his face further into Kenma's neck. Kenma swallowed hard as he instinctively tilted his head to give the other boy more access. It wasn't like he was going to mark him, not yet, but just the thought of Bokuto being so close to Kuroo's mark…

Well, it made Kenma shift a little.

"- I think we can figure it all out," Kuroo continued, thought his voice had lost some of its seriousness and moved toward amusement. "If, somehow, Bo and I end up even further away, I don't doubt Akaashi would make sure that you don't–"

He left the sentence unfinished but they all knew what he was going to say. Akaashi could make sure he didn't drop. If an omega was extremely stressed, or if they went without touch for a period of time, especially from their mates, an omega could fall into themselves. An omega dropping without their mates nearby to help them out of it could result in the death of the omega.

"Even if Bokuto-san and Kuroo-san end up at Todai," Akaashi said after an uncomfortable pause. "I would come visit on Saturday afternoons, or we could visit the two of them if their schedules allow. Nekoma and Fukurodani will still hold practice games and trainings together on a regular basis. Once we graduate, I'm sure we will be able to figure things out."

Kenma stared at the beta. If he they bonded and he somehow ended up being a part from Kuroo and Bokuto for an extended period of time, he would need Akaashi with him often. He wasn't used to being alone. He and Kuroo had always been together, even before they were mated. Just the thought of spending every night alone…well, he might even need the other boy at times during the week. He said as much and Akaashi nodded, "If that happens, I'm sure I could come here after practice."

"But I won't leave you alone that long!" Bokuto said loudly. Kenma winced and pulled away slightly as Akaashi reprimanded the alpha for being too loud. "Even if I don't get into Todai, I will make sure to come see you! Even if I have to miss class or practice!"

Akaashi sighed at the words. "Bokuto-san, you cannot skip class."

"But Akaashi-"

"This really isn't relevant at the moment," Kuroo loudly proclaimed. "We really can't plan anything until we know for sure. But there is something else we need to sort out."

"We have the summer training camp," Akaashi said calmly, "And then we will be focused on getting to Nationals."

"And going to Nationals!"

"As I said, I am certain we will complete the bond," Akaashi said as Bokuto cheered once again. "I think the best time to do so would be after this year's training camp. We will have a week off from practice and it should give us enough time to settle the bond completely before we will have to separate to begin training."

Kuroo nodded slowly at the words, "We will still be able to meet as we are now. With the bond settled and us meeting once a week, it should help with the separation and also help prepare us for when Bo and I leave."

Akaashi hummed in agreement and Kenma felt Bokuto smile against his neck. The omega gasped as the alpha's teeth gently scraped against the tender skin. "Bo?" Kuroo asked in amusement. "What are you doing over there?"

Bokuto moved his head and Kenma let out a whine. He blushed brightly as the sound escaped and Kuroo began to laugh. "Wh-what's going on?" Bokuto questioned.

Akaashi chuckled as he studied Kenma's flushed face. "Well, I think summer break might be too long of a wait."

"Shut up."