Foreboding dark grey clouds blanket the sky and set the morning in dim light as the sun fights a losing battle to brighten the day. Kei stands out on the front porch waiting to be picked up for school and thinks it's rather fitting.

As a new student Kei isn't integrated into the Nekodani social network yet, but Tadashi had been miserable enough about it yesterday for him to know that the 'homosexual' commotion hasn't died down. He knew it wouldn't. He hoped, for Keiji and Koutarou's sakes, he hoped. Unfortunately, hope is simply another way to be disappointed.

It makes Kei feel more upset than he thinks he should considering the short time he's known them, but the issue is too relatable, a wound that hasn't quite sealed between the metaphorical stitches – though, there were literal stitches also – his brother saved him with.

Tetsurou's red Jetta pulls up out the front and Kei, despite the heavy rain rapidly drenching his clothes, ambles over to the car indifferently and slumps down in the front seat. When he closes the door and looks up at Tetsurou he's a blurred image of grinning white teeth and messy black bangs through the droplets covering his glasses. With an indignant huff he takes them off and starts cleaning them with a dry part of his white shirt.

"Morning Tsukki," Tetsurou's voice chimes, but there is an early morning huskiness behind it that makes Kei think he's not as happy about it being morning as he fronts. He refuses to acknowledge how sexy it sounds. "Wow, it must be really annoying having glasses in the rain."

Half way through removing the water from his glasses Kei glances up; his vision isn't so bad that he doesn't see Tetsurou's amber brown eyes roam his face.

"Why don't you wear contacts?" Tetsurou blurts.

Kei frowns and then continues cleaning his glasses. "They're annoying," he answers dismissively. "Why aren't you driving?"

"Right, school. Or, as I like to call it, hell on earth. Only redeeming thing about today will be practise," Tetsurou mumbles as he pulls out onto the road.

"Did you finish the homework all right?" Kei addresses Kenma, who is sitting quietly in the backseat.

"Yep. It was easy enough after your explanation. Thank you."

In the silence that follows Tetsurou starts drumming his fingers on the steering wheel; not an unusual action for him but it's more twitchy and erratic, lacking a steady beat. With his glasses set comfortably on his nose again Kei watches the dark haired boy from the corner of his eye noticing the uncomfortable set of his broad shoulders and the tension in his muscular forearms. He looks anxious, more so than Kei has ever seen him.

"So, how catastrophically bad do you think today will be?" Tetsurou questions, the thinness of his voice confirming Kei's thoughts.

Kei doesn't want to answer but he knows Kenma won't and he doesn't like hearing the ever cool and confident Captain sound so uneasy. It doesn't suit him.

"Anything they say or do… They don't deserve to affect the outcome of your day," Kei says, his jaw tight as he stares out the window at the droplets of water threading across the glass.

He can feel Tetsurou's eyes on him but doesn't turn to meet them. As resolute and resilient as Kei might sound the words feel forced. It doesn't matter if you know and believe your arsehole peers are, in fact, arseholes that are determined to make your life miserable if only to make theirs seem slightly less so, it still hurts. But perhaps Kei's friends are stronger than him and won't go home to curl into a misshapen ball and grossly sob themselves to sleep tonight. He hopes they won't.

"We'll be working on individual skill sets today," Tetsurou says, changing the subject as if feeling Kei's discomfort. "You'll be working with me Tsukki! And probably Lev. God knows both of you need a lot of work."

This makes Kei's head spin back to Tetsurou who is, of course, smirking playfully. Clicking his tongue Kei turns back to the window but feels himself relax as Tetsurou's rambling words about practice wash over him. Kei grounds himself with Tetsurou's voice and focuses on the details of what he's speaking about.

When they pull into a parking space in Nekodani's parking lot Kei sees Koutarou and Keiji waiting for them under cover. They're holding hands because, well, there probably isn't much point in not holding hands anymore; the comfort is well worth those few extra eyes on them. They're standing huddled together, talking, worrying. Keiji looks as stoic as ever, his expression carefully controlled but his body language, leaning into his boyfriend seeking support, gives away his discomfort. Koutarou looks more relaxed but from what Kei knows of him he likely doesn't care what anybody thinks about him.

Tetsurou and Kenma scramble out of the car, covering their heads with their bags and running for cover, while Kei takes his time. He gets wetter and his glasses need cleaning again but he likes the rain. It's soothing. Cool on his skin where his shirt clings to him.

"Mornin' Tsukki!" Koutarou greets him cheerfully when he finally reaches them. "Shit, you're drenched!"

When Kei only shrugs, attention on wiping his glasses, Tetsurou says, "Apparently he likes the rain."

"What's wrong with rain?"

Smirking, finding something humorous that Kei cannot comprehend, Tetsurou shakes his head. "Nothing. We should probably…" he trails of, glancing between Koutarou and Keiji, "get going."

For the first time the five of them don't separate into seniors and juniors, they enter the school as an unspoken unified front of six foot tall intimidating athletes. People gawk and whisper and giggle but Kei ignores them, making a beeline for his locker. It's not until he unlocks it that he notices Tetsurou's followed him. Discreetly Kei's eyes flicker to the basketball Captain and he relaxes marginally when he notices Tetsurou watching Koutarou and Keiji. They're talking in hushed voices in front of Keiji's locker and it's certainly not difficult to guess what they're discussing.

"Keiji's telling Kou to ignore it," Tetsurou mumbles to himself, like he's analysing a silent film.

"He has a point," Kei remarks and Tetsurou glances at him, surprised to get a response. "As horrible as they are, reacting to them will only make it worse. Especially reacting physically."

The dark haired boy scoffs. "Kou wouldn't hurt a fly, he's a big softy."

"And you?"

"I'll…" he clenches his jaw. "Restrain myself."

"Tetsurou—" Kei catches himself their eyes lock for a long silent moment. "Just…"

"Don't worry Tsukki, I'm not going to do anything, I'm not stupid."

"Could have fooled me," he mumbles in good humour.

"What?" Tetsurou questions and Kei can hear the smirk in it as he sorts through his locker.

"Nothing."

In some ways the time they spent together on the weekend made it easier to be around him; Kei feels like they're getting to know each other, that they're now actually friends rather than some odd form of acquaintance. But the friendship, as much as Kei wants it, worries him because of the feelings Tetsurou is starting to bring to life in him.

Tetsurou chuckles with amusement. "See ya at practice Tsukki."

It takes every ounce of willpower Kei has not to stare longingly after Tetsurou as he leaves with Koutarou. He's happy he didn't because Tadashi is suddenly beside him but the perpetual happy crinkle at the corners of his eyes is nowhere to be seen.

"It's bad," Tadashi reports in a dejected tone.

Kei wants to scoff – but settles for a long-suffering sigh – because that is an understatement. His eyes wander the rapidly crowding junior locker corridor. Groups are forming and ridiculous little jokes about homosexuality and the basketball team can be heard. Anyone in the vicinity of Keiji – who is thankfully standing with Kenma and Morisuke – is smirking at him except a group of girls who are watching Kei. As soon as his withering gaze lands on them they squeak and quickly avert their gazes.

The air is oppressive in the tightly packed corridor. Hearing their hurtful words, even if they're not aimed at him, makes Kei cringe. It makes him feel ill. It makes him wonder how people can be so hateful, so insensitive and cruel, but then they don't see it that way.

"It's just a bit of fun, don't be such a pussy."

Yeah. Fun.

Slamming his locker closed – making a couple of people around him flinch, including Tadashi – he stalks off to his first class.

For the most part Kei is able to tune out the gossip and ridicule. His first two classes drag on as his mind reels through memories he'd rather forget. The hum of noise, as much as he ignores it, builds in the back of his mind, growing louder as the day progresses.

Kenma follows along quietly as they make their way to Health. Kei had asked about Keiji's second period class and Kenma had allayed his concerns, informing him that Hitoka was with him. His main hope at this point is that Keiji can get through the day without being alone for too long. It's difficult to discern Keiji's distress but if the ever perceptive Tetsurou is worried for him then so is Kei.

They enter health class to find Keiji already sitting at his desk, expression blank as his deep green eyes flicker over the book in front of him. There is a group of girls sitting on the desks at the back of classes giggling about 'ice princess Keiji' and 'porn star Koutarou' and that apparently that's action they'd 'sign up to see', like they're relationship is a public freak show, open for all to gawk at.

Kei's stomach tightens as he takes his seat in front of Keiji and Kenma sits beside him. The dark haired boy doesn't acknowledge either of them so Kei figures he wants to keep to himself; Kei isn't very good at consoling anyway.

A senior boy, who'd been traipsing passed the open classroom door, makes an excited surprised noise and enters the room, walking straight up to Keiji.

"Hey, pretty boy," he smirks like it's the most humorous thing he's ever said. Considering how unintelligent he looks Kei thinks it likely is the most humorous thing he's ever said. "I hear you got yourself the Ace's fat cock to fuck yourself with, good on you. Honestly I'm rather impressed that someone as delicate as you can take such a pounding, the dude's all energy!"

Kei doesn't have to turn to see Keiji's jaw clench or the small line between his brows caused by the horrid churning in his stomach. He just knows.

That humming white noise in Kei's mind goes abruptly silent and the tightly pulled string of his patience snaps. Not for himself, but for them. For Kenma, flinching at the hateful words and attempting to make himself as small as possible. For Keiji, stoic, gentle and unbelievably understanding. They don't deserve this.

The noise of his chair pushing backwards screeches out, silencing the laughter in the room, before it slams into Keiji's desk. Kei stands tall, his shoulders tense. He turns to face the shorter senior who, while bulkier than him – mostly with chubbiness – stiffens with alarm as his beady hazel eyes meet the unrestrained infuriated scowl on Kei's face. Looming over him Kei's expression morphs into a smirk that makes his beady eyes widen further.

"Hi, sorry, what's your name?" Kei asks, his voice light with false friendliness.

"Er, I…" he mutters, confused. "Todd."

"Nice to meet you, Todd. I'm Kei. I just wanted to stop this lame attempt at flirting before it got out of hand. I mean, the whole pigtail pulling approach, so elementary school. Keiji's so attractive that going to any length is understandable but, you know, sometimes nice guys don't finish last."

Todd's mouth is hanging open and his face is bright red. "I-I wasn't—!"

"Oh! Okay, if you say so. But you acknowledged how 'pretty' Keiji is and sure seem to have thought an awful lot about him taking cock. You sure there aren't any secret personal fantasies in there, Todd?" Kei grins, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. "Maybe it's your cock you want him wrapped around?"

A strangled noise is all that Todd responds with.

"In which case, I feel like it's my duty to remind you about Keiji's boyfriend, Koutarou. You might know him… About yay high, energy level through the roof and ridiculously beefy. Honestly, when he gets angry he scares the shit outta me," Kei whispers conspiratorially and laughs nervously. "Well… You get what I'm saying, right Todd?"

The senior boys shuts his mouth with a resounding click and takes a step backwards. "Dude, you're… fucking crazy."

Kei's smile drops instantly and he drawls, "You have no idea. Don't you have a class to get to, Todd?"

As he scurries out of the room Kei slowly turns his unimpressed glower around the silent room, eyeing the other students pointedly before re-taking his seat. They start talking in hushed tones but it's no longer about Keiji. Kei can feel Keiji and Kenma staring at him but he doesn't remove his gaze from the front of the room.

"Thank you, Kei," Keiji says quietly.

Kei turns his head slightly to acknowledge that he's spoken but doesn't turn to face him. "You're welcome. No one should have to suffer that shit alone."

Keiji contemplates his words momentarily before he says, "Did you…?"

Taking a deep breath he remembers the people that helped him the same way.

"Not always."

Tadashi reports, as meet up after their last class, that somehow, thankfully, Keiji has all his classes with at least someone from the basketball team. Which means that at least he wasn't alone through the continued onslaught of despicable teenage bullying. Small miracles.

"Everyone's talking about you on Facebook," Tadashi remarks, leaning against the lockers next to Kei. "Apparently you're also having sex with Keiji. 'That new blond guy with Keiji's stick up his ass.'"

Kei scoffs. "That's farfetched, he's completely out of my league."

Tadashi grins with mirth but it fades, his brow lining with concern. "They're saying horrible things about you Tsukki, don't you care?"

Kei knew he wouldn't actually be able to scare anyone into shutting the fuck up about it – they won't leave it alone for a long while – but he doesn't, in fact, care what they say about him. It doesn't matter what they say or what they think. He's already suffered through the worst of it, and he won't let anyone get to him like that ever again.

"Better me than them."

"You're a lot nicer than you give yourself credit for you know?"

"Shut up Tadashi," Kei drawls, lacking heat.

"Sorry Tsukki," he responds habitually, beaming at him happily.

Throwing his bags over his shoulder Kei closes his locker and they make their way to training. Tadashi doesn't go every night because there isn't as much for him to do as actual members of the team but more often lately he's taken to assisting the coaches. He's actually becoming rather well versed in training methods and strategy. When Tadashi grows out of his social anxiety he'll be an exceptional coach.

His best friend has grown so much from the small nervous stuttering mess of a child he was in elementary school. Kei never pitied him because he could see Tadashi's compassion and determination; traits idiotic children would never understand or see as the strong characteristics they are.

The more time Kei spends with head coach Keishin the more he sees the similarities between the coach and his best friend. That unwavering desire to solve problems and construct resolutions with sheer will. They work together well. Especially with Coach Nekomata's guidance.

"Looking forward to Hitoka's birthday?" Kei questions, raising his eyebrows when Tadashi flinches at the mention of her name. "You should tell her then."

"Oh, n-no, that's… I don't think so," Tadashi stutters, staring down at his feet and looking a little lost. "I mean, I think she and, um, Shouyou… I think they like each other."

Kei doesn't know either Hitoka or Shouyou well enough to deny that claim and he hesitates from doing so even though the sadness on his friend's freckled face make his stomach tighten uncomfortably. He doesn't want to give Tadashi false hope but, from what he's observed, neither Shouyou nor Hitoka seem interested in each other that way. They both seem the nervous blushing type and neither of them blush during their overly excitable conversations with each other.

"Kou's birthday is soon too," Tadashi muses when Kei takes too long to form a consoling response because he's simply hopeless with such things. "Yours too. There are so many birthdays in September."

His jaw clenches. "Can you not… Can you please not tell anyone about it?"

Tadashi's brown eyes widen and initially Kei worries that he already has disclosed the information, until a troubled expression washes over his features.

"Why?"

"You know I don't really like my birthday and I'm only really here for basketball. I don't want them to feel obligated to celebrate; I don't—"

"Tsukki—"

"I don't want to make a big deal of it," Kei asserts firmly, diligently ignoring Tadashi's puppy dog eyes. "I just want to celebrate with you and Akiteru. You're not going to tell anyone."

His best friend sighs with defeat. "Fine, but I'd like it to be known that I think you're being ridiculous."

"Noted."

Kei's aware that it may seem he's being 'ridiculous' from an outer perspective. There is simply too much hurt surrounding the occasion that no one but Akiteru will ever understand. His birth doesn't feel like something to celebrate anymore.

They've made good time today and can hear the majority of the team in the locker room as they approach. It's louder than usual, excitable, which, considering the dark clouds hanging over the heads of two of the team's prominent members, is unexpected. Koutarou's excited hollering, not uncommon unfortunately, is especially unexpected.

They enter the locker room and Koutarou is standing up on a bench and the team are either laughing with him or at him. It's often difficult to tell.

Kei's frown only deepens when Koutarou spots him, squawks 'Tsukki' – vaguely in the background he hears Tetsurou and Keiji try to stop him – and then Koutarou's large hands are gripping firmly at his shoulders and he's pressing a kiss to Kei's mouth. Kei's eyes widen as the locker room falls silent; Tetsurou's amused snicker and Keiji's exasperated sigh audible over the startled hammering of his heart.

Koutarou pulls back with a wet smack – because apparently he'd kissed Kei with a slightly open mouth and he'd been too shocked to register it – and grins ecstatically at him.

"Tsukki! You're the best!"

Kei's mouth is hanging open and he cannot for the life of him find words. There are no words. How do you words?

"Koutarou," Keiji scolds in that flat tone.

"Oh sorry," he drops his hands from Kei's shoulders but his grin doesn't falter. "Did you get a boner? I have that effect."

"Koutarou!"

"I—no, what? No!" Kei splutters, his eyes feel wider than they've ever been. "What the fuck is going on?"

"You were so awesome! Everyone is talking about it!" Koutarou gushes, his yellow gold eyes alight with elation. "They're sayin' you almost made Todd piss himself and some people are even taking your side because the dude's a jackass. You're a badass Tsukki! It's kinda scary…"

Kei's frowning again. His eyes flicker to Keiji who's merely smiling fondly, which is good because Kei really doesn't want to get between them, but also weird. The tone of his soothing monotonous voice suggested that he's accustomed to his boyfriend acting this way, or at least isn't surprised by it.

"What Kou is failing to express," Tetsurou adds helpfully, characteristic smirk curling his mouth, "is that the assholes aren't so focussed on Keiji and Koutarou. When Keiji told us what you did at lunch it gave me an idea and we've all been 'coming out' on Facebook. Like, the whole team. I'm now in a complicated relationship with Mori," Tetsurou declares, throwing his arm around the shorter boy's shoulders.

Morisuke rolls his pale brown eyes and shrugs out from under his arm. "You wish."

"Rude!" The Captain gasps but he's still grinning. "Alright guys, we still have training so hurry the fuck up and get your asses out there."

"Seriously though Tsukki," Koutarou says, patting him on the shoulder as his expression sobering into sincerity. "Thank you."

Kei swallows hard as the emotion of the bulky boy's words twist in his stomach. All he can do is nod in response. Koutarou grins again before making his way back to his locker, his bare, muscled chest suggesting he got distracted halfway through changing.

The room settles and Kei changes. Every time he meets one of his teammate's eyes they smile appreciatively at him and it's not… It's not as uncomfortable as he thought it would be. He can even feel himself smiling slightly in response. He's starting to feel like a part of this Nekodani team.

"Tsukki, you're smiling, are you maybe reconsidering—?"

"No."

Tadashi chuckles fondly. "Okay Tsukki."

"Lev, your arms aren't at the right angle when you're passing!" Tetsurou growls, because it's not the first time he's had to remind him of this. "I don't care how uncomfortable it feels, the more you do it properly the more naturally it will happen and the better you'll pass. Don't make me get Tsukki to show you again."

The first half of training was the usual warm up and training drills: passing, shooting, dribbling. After an hour the usual rotation of training drills were stopped and everyone was assembled to be separated into groups. Keishin took most of the first string team while Coach Nekomata – more formal than the young dyed blond man in using his title – took the second string to the second court. Kei and Lev, however, have special training with Tetsurou.

This is something Tetsurou apparently specifically requested he be allowed to do and Keishin agreed it would be helpful for them. Lev is being groomed to take over from Tetsurou after this, his final year. The Captain is content enough with Kei's offensive ability to focus on his 'limited defensive capability' before delving into giving him some strategical game experience – with Keiji's help – and then pulling it all together to perfect Kei's gameplay.

While Tetsurou explains all this Kei listens carefully and can't help but be amazed by how much thought the Captain has put into it, into Kei. It's a little flattering. But he shouldn't be surprised, he knows the team is hoping for him to become their relied on shooting guard. Kei hopes for the same thing, so he works hard and allows Tetsurou to polish his skills with little complaint.

"Tsukki, can you shoot please?" Tetsurou says, drawing Kei's attention back to the court as they're apparently moving on from Lev's failed passing form.

As the Captain has been going over different aspects of defense his attention has been going back and forth between Kei and Lev. Personally working them through it.

Lev scoffs. "No way can you shoot from there."

Kei is standing two metres off half court. It's a decent assumption that he can't shoot it from this position. A wrong assumption.

"Would you just shut up and watch his form," Tetsurou snaps but it's softened by his smirk, he knows how far Kei can shoot.

Flexing his right hand before settling the ball in his hand, Kei sets his stance, hunching as he bounces the ball. Taking a deep breath he raises his gaze to the hoop. In a natural fluid motion Kei straightens, pushing down off his feet as his arms straighten above his head. The ball arcs through the air, on the exact trajectory Kei set it on, and swishes through the net.

Lev whistles high to low, his raised eyebrows widening his already wide green eyes. "Nothing but net. Couldn't sink it under pressure though right? That'd be monstrous."

"No, I can't shoot it under pressure," Kei admits readily, shaking his head.

"Did you notice Tsukki's high shooting point and his jumping point?" Tetsurou questions, his brow is furrowed though because he already knows the answer.

"Uh…"

"Damn it, pay attention this time! Here Tsukki, again please."

Kei heaves a sigh as he receives a ball from Tetsurou and does exactly the same shot. Nothing changes in his form or the trajectory. Lev turns to him with wide eyes.

"What are you…? That was the same—"

"Lev!"

Kei snickers as Tetsurou growls at the lanky half-Russian. He actually doesn't blame Lev; they're coming to the end of training and with all the emotional turmoil of the day Kei is losing focus quickly too. It can't have been much better on Tetsurou so Kei wonders how he maintains his seemingly unwavering motivation and, despite the snapping – which Kei suspects is just the way he gets through to Lev – patience. If the Captain didn't already have Kei's respect multiple times over he would again now.

After another two half court shots Lev finally sees what Tetsurou is trying to show him. He moves over to Kei and shows them both perfect reaction timing as Kei does some fake jump shots. Despite this being defense training Kei is actually learning a lot about how defenders think and react for when he's shooting.

Training winds down shortly after and they finish with warm down stretches. Showering and avoiding any possible visual contact with Tetsurou – honestly Kei would rather stare at Koutarou's regularly paraded and impeccably muscled naked form than even glimpse Tetsurou – Kei dresses quietly while the others goof around. Namely, always, Koutarou, Lev and Shouyou.

"Hey, Tsukki, you're coming with me yeah?" Tetsurou questions, sauntering over to lean against the lockers beside Kei, shirtless, because of course he is.

"Don't I usually?" Kei practically snaps at him. Put on your fucking shirt you overly attractive asshole.

Luckily Tetsurou just chuckles. "Just checkin', I've already been ditched by one of my travel buddies."

"What's Kenma doing?"

"His mom's picking him up. She works a lot so they try to spend time together when they can," the Captain explains, a concerned softness in his voice as he pulls a deep red t-shirt over his damp, messy black hair. "You ready to go?"

Kei nods, pulling his bag over his shoulder and closing his locker before walking over to the door.

"Kei," he turns to Keiji's gentle voice and is immediately pulled into the shorter boy's embrace. "I'm sorry for Koutarou's actions but we're both incredibly grateful."

Standing stiffly, he slowly relaxes and settles his hands awkwardly on Keiji's shoulders. Kei's mouth opens and closes a couple of times, like a fish, because he can't find an appropriate response. Keiji pulls back and gives him a small, closed mouth smile, the corners of his green velvet eyes crinkling.

"Thank you for standing up for me," the dark haired boy says sincerely. "The rest of my day was actually tolerable thanks to you."

"You're welcome," Kei responds softly.

Tetsurou approaches then, patting Keiji's shoulder. "See ya tomorrow Keij. C'mon Tsukki."

Kei offers his best friendly smile to Keiji before following Tetsurou out of the room. As they round the building Tetsurou comes to an abrupt halt and pulls Kei to a stop with him, pressing a hand over his mouth when he goes to complain. Tetsurou practically has him pushed up against the wall as he leans around the corner covertly and all Kei can focus on is how damn close he is.

This close the heady scent of Tetsurou's sweat and deodorant is intoxicating. Their bodies are touching at their opposite hips and the hand over Kei's mouth is large and warm. Tetsurou is so warm. Everything is too warm. Thank fuck Tetsurou is focussed on something else because Kei's certain that his expression is giving away all the desire he works so hard to ignore and conceal.

"Look," Tetsurou whispers as he uncovers Kei's mouth.

Curiosity suddenly overwhelming other emotions – that shall remain nameless – Kei frowns and leans around the corner of the building as Tetsurou makes room for him.

Standing fifteen feet away are Kenma and Shouyou. The daylight is fading quickly and the school's automatic lights have started to come on and Kei can make out their joyful expressions; one slightly more noticeable than the other. They're both looking down at phones in their hands before offering them back to their rightful owner. Exchanging numbers.

"Thanks Kenma!" Shouyou chirps brightly, grinning ear to ear. "I'll text you when I get home!"

"O-okay, good night Shouyou," the dyed blond boy responds quietly.

"See ya tomorrow Kenma!"

With that the bubbly redhead bounds away and Kenma smiles to himself, watching after Shouyou before walking in the other direction. Tetsurou starts chuckling as soon as they're out of sight and abandons his hiding place.

"I knew it!"

"You knew they'd exchange numbers…?" Kei cocks his eyebrow with confusion.

"They like each other," Tetsurou confirms with a giant grin as they continue their way to the car.

"Because they exchanged numbers…?"

"No, because of the way they look at each other and their expressions whilst they exchanged numbers. God, I've never seen Ken look so excited. I'm so excited for him. They're so cute."

"You say 'cute' too much for someone of your… Everything," Kei waves his hand vaguely in front of Tetsurou who merely chuckles.

"Ah, youth," he remarks wistfully, pressing his hand to his chest and slinging an arm over Kei's shoulders casually. "I remember my first crush. Kelly Ashfield. She wasn't even that attractive but I was twelve and had no taste; she did have these adorable little dimples in her cheeks when she smiled though, couldn't stop staring at them."

Kei clicks his tongue and squirms out from under Tetsurou's arm. "That's… really lame."

"Who was your first crush Kei?" the Captain questions, ignoring Kei's commentary.

Before Kei can reel in his thoughts he remembers the boy; dark hair, tan skin, shorter, strong and sturdy with a pleasant smile.

"I didn't—I've never cared about those things," he mumbles as he slumps into Tetsurou's car.

"C'mon Tsukki, you're a teenage boy, with all the hormones and shit it's practically impossible that you've never been attracted to someone."

"Practically impossible."

Tetsurou stares at him from the driver's seat, brow knit as his eyes scrutinise Kei. Ever an expert at being guarded Kei's impassive mask is carefully kept in place so Tetsurou turns away dissatisfied after unsuccessfully discerning anything from his expression. The dark haired boy doesn't say anything but he's smiling, a completely new smile, he almost looks… intrigued.

They talk about basketball as they drive to Kei's house. Or, more accurately, Tetsurou talks and Kei listens, sporadically making sarcastic remarks that the older boy finds humorous. They get along well, Tetsurou doesn't get offended or awkward about his abrasive personality, in fact he seems to enjoy it, always going along with Kei's sense of humour. It does nothing helpful for the feelings Kei is quickly developing for him. Quite the opposite. Kei enjoys spending time with him. It's frustrating.

When they pull up outside Kei's house Tetsurou turns the car off and gets out with him.

"What are you doing?"

"Are your parents' home?" Tetsurou questions, dark caramel coloured eyes roaming over the house.

"Uh, I—no. Why?" Kei stutters a lie in response, panic rising.

He raises an eyebrow staring at something past Kei. "Then why is there a car in the driveway…?"

Tetsurou starts walking to the house but Kei stops him at the gate. "Tetsurou, what are you doing?"

"You're skinny."

Kei frowns. "I'm—What?"

"You're too skinny, I want to talk to your parents about your diet."

"Um, and completely bypass the main source of information, aka me, why?"

"I tried that already remember, a couple of times last week; you were all evasive and I pretty much got a grand total of zero information. Now, let me go talk to your parents so I can fix your damn diet. We need you healthy as possible this season."

"I don't live with my parents," Kei says quietly as Tetsurou moves past him.

The Captain stops abruptly and turns back to face Kei, his expression solemn. His lips are parted, about to ask the obvious question – the question Kei can't answer, – but he snaps them closed again when his gaze meets Kei's and something softens in his expression.

"I live with my brother," Kei says quickly, before Tetsurou's curiosity wins out over the respectful restraint.

"And he's home?"

"Well, yes, but—"

"Wonderful!"

Heaving a sigh of annoyance Kei follows Tetsurou to the front door, fingers curled tightly around the strap of his sports duffle. This is bad, this is very bad. Akiteru cannot meet Tetsurou, he's going to know. Akiteru has already caught onto the fact that Kei likes someone and he's going to know as soon as he sees the far too attractive basketball Captain.

No, you can do this, Kei thinks to himself, swallowing hard as Tetsurou knocks – even though Kei has a key. All you have to do is act cool, not care. Tetsurou is pushy and annoying and invasive. You do not like him!

"What, did you do forget your—?" Akiteru's laughing voice is cut short when his gold brown eyes land on Tetsurou. "You're not Kei."

"Very true, unfortunately, I'll never going to be as cool as him," Tetsurou beams at him and offers his hand. "I'm Tetsurou Kuroo, Captain of the basketball team and Kei's friend."

Akiteru raises his blond eyebrow – an expression they share – and Kei watches as realisation swiftly sweeps across his features. Realisation about why Kei still hasn't, to date, referred to 'the Captain' by name; why he's evasive about the boy who drives him to and from school; why he gets overly frustrated with Akiteru's questions about 'boys'. His brother then grins right back at Tetsurou, shaking his hand happily.

Shit.

"The Captain, it's so nice to finally meet you," Akiteru beams brightly, shaking his hand for too long. Please don't say what I think you're going to— "Kei's told me so much about you."

Standing behind Tetsurou and out of his line of sight Kei shakes his head vigorously when his brother's golden eyes move to his own. The dark haired boy doesn't seem to notice the weirdness, even when Akiteru frowns back at Kei.

"Oh has he? Probably just complaining about how harsh I am at training," Tetsurou chuckles, scratching the back of his head. Either he's actually nervous, which seems unlikely, knowing him, or he's playing coy.

"No, no, he's says you're an amazing basketballer and he's really enjoying learning from you. It sounds like he really respects you."

"Does he now?" Tetsurou grins back at him, a teasing, shit-eating grin.

Okay, wow. This is the real reason this shouldn't be happening. The two people in the world who purposely go out of their way to playfully make him uncomfortable should not be in cahoots, or even in the same room for that matter. Not that they're in a room yet. This is going to be painful. All he needs now is Tadashi and the three of them could have a grand old time turning him into a blushing mess of a human being.

Kei pulls out all his frustrated teenager moves, clicks his tongue and rolls his eyes so hard it hurts. He pushes past both of them, which, with Tetsurou's broad shoulders standing in the doorway and the bags on his back, is more like stumbling into the house. It's better than either of them noticing the heat rising to his cheeks.

"Excuse me while avoid this fucking disaster waiting to happen," Kei mumbles, walking into his room which is just off the entranceway.

Tetsurou continues talking to Akiteru as they enter the house and already far too friendly with each other for Kei's comfort. They're both friendly people though, so it makes sense. He feels like he should have really been more prepared for this considering that Akiteru is like a fucking mind reading wizard and Kei has unidentified feelings – because he goes out of his way not to identify them – for Tetsurou. Or maybe that's why preparation for this would have been in vain. His brother did work it out in all of about five seconds.

Dumping his bags in his bedroom Kei follows their cheerful voices into the kitchen where they're discussing food. Kei's diet to be specific. Which is Tetsurou's goal: the team, basketball. Not invading Kei's privacy and his life. Not forcing himself further into Kei's life. Though, if he's being honest with himself – which doesn't happen often – Kei would prefer Tetsurou's reasons to be more selfish.

"He's not that skinny is he? I mean we're both naturally slender, like our mother," Akiteru says leaning against the counter and raking his gaze over Kei's body.

Kei scowls at both of them, feeling oddly naked under the scrutiny of their gazes. "Why do you care so much about my damn diet?"

"It's important," Tetsurou asserts in his Captain voice, with his serious Captain expression. "And I'm not saying he's—you're unhealthy or anything, just that you could probably eat better."

"How do you know what I eat?"

Tetsurou simply grins smugly.

"I'm going to kill Tadashi."

"It wasn't Freckles, I knew he'd be uncomfortable with telling me things about you. Even Kenma wouldn't give me information—"

"That's because he's a decent human being," Kei mutters.

"Sparkles told me, she understand the importance of it Tsukki."

Akiteru chokes on the water he's drinking, somehow managing to keep it in his mouth. "You let Tetsurou call you 'Tsukki'?"

"Why is my diet so important?" Kei grinds out, ignoring both of their smirks.

Tetsurou heaves a sigh, his smile dropping. "Where do you want to take your basketball?"

"I don't…" he frowns, glancing between them and then quietly admits, "I don't know."

"Bullshit. You came to Nekodani for a reason and you know it. Part of the reason I'm working hard to train you is because I personally want the team to have a good year, a winning year, and I think you will play a key role in our success. The other part is that I see how fucking skilled you are and know you have enough talent to go pro."

Kei's eyes are wide because while Tetsurou has never kept it a secret that he thinks Kei is good he's never outright said anything so complimentary. The sincerity in his warm, amber brown eyes twists Kei's stomach in the most pleasant way. He can feel Akiteru staring at him and thank fuck Tetsurou continues because Kei really doesn't think he could have elicited a response.

"That's what I want to do. Play professional basketball. In freshman year I did a tonne of research on nutrition and fitness and I've kept on top of it since," Tetsurou shrugs nonchalantly, like that's a normal thing for a fourteen year old to do. "So I want to help you with it. Like I've helped Kou and Keiji and Mori and… Well, most of the team."

"Jesus, you really are team dad," Kei breathes jovially, needing to defuse some of the seriousness between them and definitely needing Akiteru to stop staring.

Tetsurou chuckles. "And proud of it. So I've got a couple of meal plans and information and stuff I can give you. Since Tsukki is too stubborn to even tell me how he eats I'm not trusting him with it; Akiteru seems much more trustworthy."

After beaming his mischievous grin at Kei, Tetsurou launches into a discussion about food with Akiteru, who is just as completely immersed in the conversation. It's odd to watch them so seriously talk about… Well, anything, but specifically this. Akiteru and Tetsurou get along well. It makes Kei happier than he should be, than he'd like to admit.

Swiftly growing bored of their in depth discussion of nutrition Kei mumbles about homework and makes his way into his bedroom. Getting his books out of his bag Kei pulls out his headphones and actively ignores their voices focusing on his homework.

An undetermined amount of time later Kei's halfway through his maths homework when movement at the corner of his eye draws his attention. He looks up as Tetsurou lies down across the end of the double bed and picking up Kei's English book to look through.

Pulling his earphones down around his neck Kei raises an eyebrow at him. "You know you have this weird habit of making yourself at home."

"It's not weird. More people should be as chill as me."

"…Do you know what privacy means?"

Tetsurou meets his gaze meaningfully. "I know where the line is and I know how to navigate it. I know how to nudge at it when people are stubborn and difficult."

"Sounds manipulative."

He shrugs. "All social interactions could be classified as such. We always smile and display our best self, we're selective about the information we give and ask questions we want answers to. It's human nature."

Most of the time Tetsurou is a playful idiot and then he says things like this, all too wise and beyond his years, that makes Kei remember just how intelligent he is. It's… Unfair really. How can someone be so smart and attractive and friendly and good at sport? But he knows how hard Tetsurou works for his study and sport; perhaps it's not unfair so much as earned.

"I wanted to thank you," Tetsurou says, sitting up and folding his leg underneath him as he turns to face Kei, expression more sincere than he's ever seen, "for what you did for Keiji. For both of them really. I just… You didn't see Keiji on the weekend, he was—he was broken. It was hard to see. He's usually so together. And of course Kou has no idea how to handle it so they were both just… Lost.

"I could see Keiji keeping up a brave face this morning but he wasn't dealing well. Which is understandable. But you…" Tetsurou smiles warmly. "I wish I could have seen it. Keiji's in awe of you dude, and that's not a common thing. So just, thank you. For standing up for him, for standing up for my friends. Your friends. I really appreciate it."

Kei just stares at the gentle curve of Tetsurou's mouth, in awe. He knows he shouldn't be staring, he knows he should stop, but he can't. Not until Tetsurou's smile drops and his brow furrows marginally.

"Are you—?"

Tetsurou's mouth snaps closed and his brown eyes search Kei's face for a moment. He seems to decide against asking, sitting back and looking down at the books on the bed between them. A relief considering the direction the question was heading.

Are you gay?

It hangs heavily in the air between them and makes Kei clench his jaw, swallowing down the uncomfortable feeling in his throat. Tetsurou likely already suspects, already knows probably, but they can't discuss it, Kei can't—

"So, we getting Freckles and Sparkles together or what?" Tetsurou questions, characteristic mischievous grin spread across his face.

Kei relaxes, probably visibly, and removes his headphones from around his neck, setting them down on his bed.

"Tadashi thinks Hitoka doesn't like him that way, that she likes Shouyou, and I don't really know either of them enough to dispute it."

The dark haired boy laughs heartily. "Nah dude, Freckles and Sparkles been in love with each other since, like, freshman year. They're just all shy and adorable. Watching them over the last two years has been both painful and sweet."

"Sounds like Tadashi," Kei remarks under his breath.

"Besides, the Shrimp clearly has big heart eyes for Ken after what we saw tonight. We might need to help with that one too. God knows Ken will never do anything about his epic love at first sight. So…" Tetsurou rubs his hands together, his grin turning into something wicked. "Let's shove these lovebirds into a closet."

"That sounds like a terrible idea," he deadpans.

"I didn't mean literally! Although…"

"No."

"Fine," Tetsurou grumbles. "Sparkles' birthday party is on the weekend, that's our opportunity to strike!"

"You make it sound like we're on a mission to assassinate them."

"A mission to sexassinate them maybe," he grins, so very proud of himself.

Kei blinks, completely unimpressed. "Why the fuck do people think you're cool…?"

Tetsurou wiggles his eyebrows. "Manipulation."