Scratch

Chapter 7:

Final Answer?

The two men had been standing in silence for several minutes now. Kuroo had been observing Sugar through the bathroom doorway, making a few noises here and there. One kitten had been birthed, and like he had predicted, Kenma was utterly disgusted. He had also been looking around anxiously, his thoughts stuck on what Kuroo had said.

"I make a pretty good teddy bear for you. Don't I?"

Seriously. How cheesy is that? Kenma wondered if he had meant it, and if that meant Kuroo liked him. If that meant Kuroo like-liked him. Kenma's lips twitched up into a small smile for the brief of the before quickly scolded himself for sounding like a middle school kid.

Sure, Kenma had come to terms with the fact that he was falling for the vet, that was old news. He also wished that Kuroo would feel the same, but he felt like it was impossible. The problem was, he wasn't sure if that was because of his depression, or because he genuinely believed like Kuroo didn't like him. There was always that 'what if' part of him, but his mental health always made everything ten times difficult. They were too different, and Kuroo deserved better. Kuroo was intelligent and charming and attractive. Kenma was unsocial and ugly and pathetic.

He shook his head softly, earning an unnoticed look from Kuroo. This really wasn't the time to start feeling miserable. Kuroo sensed that Kenma was starting to become upset, so he decided to talk. "So, it seems like she's doing great. She's licking the kittens, so that's good. She also nibbled the umbilical cord off as well. Those are good signs; I think we can leave her alone for now"

Kenma nodded dumbly, taking longer than usual to process the information. He turned to walk to his living room, Kuroo following behind him, quietly asking, "How long will she be in labor?"

He couldn't bring himself to be louder than a whisper, he was too exhausted.

"Well, it can last between two to six hours. It's only been about 45 minutes, so at the very least, another hour and fifteen minutes. My guess is she will only be in labor for three hours, she's giving birth in fairly quickly intervals," Kuroo answered. He paused to look at Kenma, who had sat on the couch, holding his head in his hands. He looked miserable, Kenma felt miserable.

Kuroo's expression softened and he looked at Kenma with a sad smile.

"This seems like too much emotion just for a cat giving birth, even if she's your baby," he commented softly. He paused again, and watched as Kenma nodded weakly. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Nothing to talk about," Kenma muttered. He pulled his legs up onto the couch and curled into a ball. He felt like shit. Why tonight, of all nights? Kenma firmly stood by the fact that the universe liked to mess with him.

Kuroo stood still, contemplating what to do. He moved slowly to Kenma's side, and sat down on the couch as softly as possible. Kenma didn't flinch away, so that was a good sign. Deciding it was probably better to ask, he whispered, "What can I do to help?"

Kenma didn't respond for a long time; Kuroo was almost worried he didn't hear him. Kenma took a deep breath, and looked Kuroo in the eye, and in that instant, Kuroo realized how Kenma really felt. He nearly wanted to cry, just for Kenma. He didn't deserve any sadness, ever. The taller man wanted to pull Kenma closer to him, and just hold him the entire night, but held himself back. He didn't know what the other would be comfortable with.

"Watch Because of Winn Dixie with me," Kenma finally responded.

"Huh?" Kuroo said intelligently. He forgot what he had asked. He was about to ask Kenma if he was sure about that movie, but his expression said he was completely serious. Coughing, Kuroo mumbled, "Oh! Yeah, sure."

Sure enough, ten minutes later, they were sitting on the couch together. After, of course, bathroom breaks and checking on Sugar. Kenma curled up on the couch, intently watching the beginning of the movie. Opal was explaining that she moved, and how she was alone the majority of the time. He smiled softly at the tv; he loved this movie. It was definitely one of his favorites.

Kuroo wasn't really paying attention, he was mostly watching the other. Kenma chuckled when the Church was in the convenience store, he frowned at the Dewberry boys making fun of her, his lip quivered when Opal said she missed her mom. But the best part was when Kenma smiled a real smile: Opal met Winn Dixie in the Winn Dixie grocery store. The workers were trying their best to get the dog, but to no avail. Produce was strewn all over the place, and they were going to call the pound. Opal lied and said the dog was hers.

"That's how I got Clyde and Sugar. They seemed to be best friends, and I found them in the grocery store. Just like that," Kenma explained, smiling at the memory. "They were really skinny, so I guess they wanted food. Or maybe the rats in the grocery store. I don't know."

"So that's why this movie is your favorite? Or why we are watching it?" Kuroo asked, genuinely curious.

"Partly," he admitted, "But there's another part that makes it my favorite. I'll tell you when."

Kuroo nodded and they went back to watching the movie. Every time Opal made a friend, Kenma smiled. His smile was really beautiful, Kuroo wondered why he never smiled more. Apparently he wondered aloud, because Kenma's face dropped.

"They said it was ugly," Kenma mumbled.

"Who did?" Kuroo asked angrily. "I think it's amazing. I know I sound cheesy, but it's beautiful."

The other smiled softly, and nodded. He turned back to the movie and shivered. Kenma hoped that Kuroo hadn't noticed, but of course he had.

"Cold?" Kuroo grinned.

"No," he lied, puffing his cheeks out. He giggled when Winn Dixie kept burping in Opal's face, "Perfectly fine."

"Yeah, sure," Kuroo chuckled. "Let me get a blanket for you. Where is it?"

Kenma pointed to a closet, and he went and got it. Grinning softly, he threw it over Kenma, hoping to warm him up, even just a bit. He sat back down on the couch, maybe a tad closer to Kenma. Body heat was the best cure for feeling cold.

"Thanks," he mumbled. They watched the movie, and at this point, Opal was offering a Littmus Lozenge to her father. Kenma scooted closer to Kuroo and leaned his head against his shoulder.

"The candy tastes melancholy," he recited. "What's melancholy?"

Kenma paused, waiting for the movie to catch up.

"Sad," he answered himself. Kuroo just watched him, utterly entranced. They both kept quiet until the scene was over.

"So that's why it's you wanted to watch it?" Kuroo asked, experimentally wrapping an arm around Kenma's waist. When the other didn't protest or flinch away, he kept his arm there. If anything, Kenma leaned into the embrace.

"Yeah," Kenma responded. He was quiet, before continuing, "Melancholy is my favorite word. It's a beautiful word for a terrible emotion."

"Why are you a video game designer? You should be a poet," Kuroo joked. He kissed the top of Kenma's head softly. They stayed together, cuddling close as the haze from the tv flickered back and forth. For a while, they were silent. Kuroo eventually shifted his head to Kenma's ear and whispered, "I wish you weren't sad. You don't deserve it."

"Sometimes I think I do," Kenma confessed. "Sometimes the bad thoughts are overwhelming. They can even physically hurt. You wouldn't think they would, but they do."

"You don't deserve it," Kuroo repeated firmly.

"That's not what everyone else believes," Kenma replied harshly. "You're the first person besides Nekomata to not completely hate me."

"Completely hate you?" he asked incredulously, shifting to face Kenma more. Kuroo studied the other man's expression before mumbling, "I probably like you too much for my own good."

Kenma froze, and if he was functioning normally, he would have tried to analyze what was just said. But he was just so… so tired. He could feel the tears coming, but he couldn't help it. The movie continued in the background as he sniffled, "Why? Why do you even like me?"

"Why? Why not? You're incredible, Kenma, I promise you," Kuroo declared. "You're so intelligent, it makes me feel like an idiot compared to you. You're so observant, I see you watching people all the time. You notice the little things, and pick up on small cues. That's amazing. You're funny in your own little way, with your sassy remarks and eye rolls. Yes, I've seen those."

He paused, before smirking. Twisting a lock of Kenma's hair in his hand, Kuroo said, "Don't even get me started on your looks. God, you're a beauty."

Kenma smiled softly, making a noise in between a sob and a giggle. Kuroo continued playing with his hair, and kissed Kenma on the forehead.

"If you don't like yourself, I'll like you enough for the both of us," he promised. "I'll show you what there is to like about you, okay?"

Sniffling again, Kenma just nodded. He turned his body towards Kuroo more and buried his face into his chest. Kuroo just laughed, and rubbed circles on his petit back. A muffled comment came from Kenma.

"What?"

"Is it weird to say that you smell good?"

"No, it's a compliment. You're too cute, you know," he replied. He noticed Kenma was beginning to nod off, so he pressed another kiss to his temple. "You can sleep if you want."

An affirmative sound. And, just like that, he was asleep.

Kuroo was falling for Kenma, that much was certain. He smiled at the sleeping young man in his arms, and wow did he look adorable when he was asleep. Kenma looked so much more relaxed, as well. Maybe even happy. Kuroo decided he liked that look on his face, when he was happy.

He took the time to look around the room. It was kinda messy, and he was honestly surprised that Kenma's other cats hadn't been around to bother them. Kuroo supposed they were worried about Sugar, or maybe sensed that they should leave Kenma alone for the night.

Or maybe they were asleep.

Either way, the two men had been alone all night. Eventually the movie had finally ended, and he glanced at his phone. The clock said it was almost 3am. Kuroo told himself that he should get up and check on Sugar, his inner vet showing. Plus, he was starting to feel stiff.

Kuroo gently pulled Kenma off him, and laid him on the couch all the way. He stretched, hearing some pops. He found the remote as well, and turned the tv off, glad that the lights were finally off. Kenma didn't look very comfortable on the couch, so Kuroo bent down and picked him up, bridal style. Despite being short and skinny, Kenma weighed more than he expected.

Once Kenma was finally situated in his arms, he went to the bedroom and put him down lightly on the bed. Of course, he made sure Kenma was tucked in under the covers. Kuroo stretched again, still feeling stiff.

He went around the house, busying himself with little things. He checked on Sugar again, who had seemed to finish giving birth, and was now feeding her kittens. He went in and gave her extra food, just in case. Kuroo was glad that turned out alright, Kenma didn't need any other stuff to go wrong in his life.

Next, he made sure all the other cat food and water dishes were full. He even cleaned out the kitty litter because he's an amazing person. (Kuroo, despite being a vet, can't stand the smell of soiled kitty litter, just like anyone else.). He also had some food, hoping Kenma didn't mind he was going through his refrigerator.

After all was done and finished, he collapsed on the couch. He checked the time again. 3:30am. Damn, he was hardly gonna get any sleep. He needed to be at work at 7, which meant getting up at 5:45 in order to get home and get cleaned up. Kuroo imagined that he could call someone to fill in for him, but there was only the Akaashi guy, Oikawa, and an intern, Yaku. Akaashi only did night shifts, and Oikawa was a dumbass, so he would probably call Yaku.

But he was only a college intern...

But Yaku is so smart, and Kuroo is so sleepy…

Yeah, he'd call him in the morning. Actually, Kuroo decided he'd text him right now, so he wouldn't even have to wake up in the morning. Definitely a plan. Taking out his phone from his pocket, he opened up a text message. He was glad he had charged it before he left the house, otherwise this entire thing would be harder than it needed to be.

[To: Morisuke Yaku

From: me

Sent at 3:34am

take my shift for this morning. i'll give you extra recommendations and whatever other college shit you need. please, i am sooo tired.]

A near-instant response. He had probably woken Yaku up, but he didn't really feel apologetic.

[To: me

From: Morisuke Yaku

Received at 3:36am

You woke me up, dumbass. why should I take your shift? today is saturday, the busiest day. don't tell me you just don't want to go to work, or I'll sue you.]

[To: Morisuke Yaku

From: Me

Sent at 3:38am

excuse u, i'm your boss. and i'll have you know, it was technically business. the guy freaked out b/c his cat went into labor. please! i'm exhausted.]

[To: me

From: Morisuke Yaku

Received at 3:40am

ok, but only if you take care of Lev the next time he comes in with his dog. you know he makes me irritated but you always make me deal with him.]

[To: me

From: Morisuke Yaku

Received at 3:40am

also, I have a friend I want you to hire. or at least check out. you want a 24/7 vet office, right?]

[To: Morisuke Yaku

From: me

Sent at 3:43am

okay yeah whatever i don't care im sleepy bye.]

He flopped down on the couch, haphazardly throwing his phone onto the side table. And, just as easily as Kenma had fallen asleep, Kuroo fell asleep on the couch. With the blanket, of course.

Much, much later, Kenma slowly came back to consciousness and opened one eye, and then the other. He groaned, feeling kind of stiff and yucky. He decided he really needed a shower. Grabbing his phone, he checked the time: 10:25am. He groaned again, he was late to work and would probably have to call in sick again. Dialing his secretary's number, he waited for Aone to pick up.

"Hello?" a gruff voice came from the phone. "This is Aone, how may I help you?"

"Hey, Aone," Kenma responded. "I'm gonna miss today as well, sorry. Please keep all calls and messages for me to read tomorrow."

"Alright," Aone replied. "I hope you feel better and come back soon."

"Thanks," Kenma said with a slight smile. He was indeed feeling better. "Bye!"

He stretched, walking towards his bathroom. Peeking his head in, he noticed the mess from Sugar's delivery. He scrunched his face up, and decided he should clean it before he showered, otherwise it'd ruin the point of taking a shower. Gagging, he held his breath and quickly wiped it up with paper towels, and throwing it away. He put a fresh towel down for Sugar, and noticed that there was still food and water from earlier, probably from Kuroo.

Once Kenma decided everything was okay, he quickly hopped into the shower and reveled in the feeling of warm water. He could practically feel the grime sliding off his body. After a while, he shampooed his hair and finished up his shower.

Eventually, he finished his morning routine and began to make his way to the kitchen to make breakfast. Brunch, actually, he reminded himself with a smile. The smile grew much bigger when he noticed Kuroo sleeping on the couch. Well, that's not an accurate description. Kuroo was sprawled out on the couch, different limbs pointing in different directions. He was way too tall for the couch, Kuroo's feet hanging off the end, and one arm hanging off the side. Kenma didn't understand how that could be comfortable. Kuroo was drooling, too, but somehow Kenma still thought it was cute.

Smiling one last time, he went into the kitchen and began making brunch. He decided he wanted scrambled eggs, hash browns, and mixed fruit. Soon enough, brunch began to smell delicious. The smell was the exact thing that woke Kuroo up. He found himself following the smell to the kitchen and was content to see Kenma awake and doing something productive.

Also, Kenma was really cute. Because that mattered, right?

"Good morning," Kuroo commented, and leaned over him to smell the food. He reached a hand out to grab a strawberry, "You look cute today."

Kenma swatted Kuroo's hand away from him, and frowned. Hopefully the frown would hide the blush. "Good morning. You seem awfully perky today."

"Well yeah, that food smells absolutely delicious. I really want some."

"Who said it's for you?" Kenma teased. "Go sit at the table, it's almost done, okay?"

Kuroo grinned, walking away, extremely happy that Kenma felt okay. He actually talked more than he usually did, too. Kuroo sat down at the table, and browsed his phone for a few moments. He looked up immediately when he heard Kenma come out of the kitchen, and couldn't help but drool at the food. It looked amazing.

"Damn being a poet, you should be a cook," Kuroo chuckled. "That looks really good."

"Thanks," Kenma replied with a blush. He put down the plates, handing one to Kuroo. "I hope it tastes as good as it looks."

Kenma finally sat down as well, and they began eating. But that's all they did. Neither of them said a word, and the silence wasn't comfortable like usual. He could feel his face heating up, hoping Kuroo couldn't tell he was blushing.

"Do you want something to drink?" Kenma blurted out. He stood up and went to the fridge; he needed to get away for a second. Kuroo only smirked, watching his every move.

And, out of nowhere, Kuroo threw a curveball.

"You do understand that I like you more than friends, right?" he asked bluntly, slightly worried. He figured he had to be the one to get over the beginning awkwardness, or else nothing would happen. Kuroo had been dropping hints like crazy, but none were picked up.

Kenma tripped over his own feet, flailing wildly for a moment before righting himself. He turned towards Kuroo and stared at him, before he responded, "I guess I do now."

"Okay," Kuroo acknowledged. He paused for a second, seeming to wait for something as Kenma got his drink and sat down at the table again. Looking away from Kenma, they both went back to eating. It was silent, except for forks clinking against the two plates.

"Me too," Kenma admitted shyly.

It took Kuroo a few moments to understand what he meant. He went back to their conversation from minutes ago and then it made sense. "Oh. Oh, okay, good."

"Good," he repeated.

It's quiet for a moment, before they looked at each other simultaneously. Kuroo made a weird face, before the two burst out laughing.

"I don't even know what I'm laughing at," Kenma said, reveling in the feeling of laughter. It had been a long time since he'd last laughed.

After a bit, they calmed down, and the atmosphere was relaxed. The scene wasn't a perfect romance scene from a movie, there was no rain, there was no grand gestures, no emotional confession. Yet, Kuroo still felt it was the best time to ask. They hadn't known each other for very long, but both of them felt like they should have. Kuroo steeled himself to ask The Question.

"Kenma…"

"Yeah?"

"Can I ask you out?"

Kenma was silent, thinking about what Kuroo said. Eventually, he responded cautiously, "Are you asking if you can ask me out, or are you actually asking me out?"

"Um, I'm asking you out."

"Yes."

"Is that your final answer?" Kuroo mimicked the voice of a game show host, hiding his slight insecurity with humor.

"If I get it wrong, do I still get a million dollars?" Kenma asked, smiling shyly.

"Definitely not," Kuroo joked back. He stretched a big stretch, and grimaced when he heard something else pop. He glanced up, looking at the charming blond across from him, who was biting his lip. Kuroo smiled, deciding to help with some of the anxiety for Kenma. "I mean, if you ask me, I'm worth way more than a million dollars."

"Yeah. Yeah, sure." He paused, looking away. The next thing Kenma said was barely audible, and Kuroo had to strain to hear it. But damn, was Kuroo glad he heard it. "Final answer."