Chapter 21: Butterfly Farm 1
A few days earlier, when he had deliberately collided with Kenma's car to announce his decision, the blond had looked him in the eyes once the confusion had passed. Pragmatic in every situation, he simply asked: 'Okay, what do you want to do?'
Kuroo stayed silent for several seconds. Seeing that the trio was waiting patiently for his answer, he said, 'I don't know... Can we start with a date... dates? I'm not really sure how it works.'
Kenma nodded. He took out his phone and, without looking up, asked: 'Are you free on Saturday?'
"Yes."
"The whole day?"
"Yes."
"Okay, then we'll do that on Saturday."
Kuroo nodded. Bokuto, who was still holding him in his arms, let out a euphoric babble, planted a kiss on his cheek, and finally let go of him. Before he could gather his thoughts, the trio was gone. He didn't get any more information until Friday night, when Kenma sent him a message on Instagram simply stating, 'Be ready around nine.'
Kuroo wasn't sure if it was euphoria, stress, or anxiety that woke him up at 6 AM on that Saturday, but his brain refused to give him more sleep.
By 7:23, he was already fully dressed. He'd changed his outfit two more times, not sure of what to go with, but eventually settled for a classic: white t-shirt, and black jeans. If his sisters saw him, they would likely be scandalized, but he didn't have the mental space to care. Besides, he only had one ridiculously small mirror, and a fashion faux pas would happen too quickly if he were to attempt a more eccentric look.
Anyway, he was waiting.
He entered a paradoxical state of consciousness, almost managing to detach himself completely from the turmoil stirring his body. He resurfaced upon hearing the doorbell. He glanced down at his watch: 8:58. He looked up at the intercom. It rang again. He got up, stumbled upon realizing his legs had gone numb, but managed to stagger to the intercom. He picked up.
"Yes?"
"Kuroo-san."
He shivered and couldn't help but smile.
"Akaashi-san."
They both remained silent for a while. Kuroo was the first to speak again:
"I'm coming down."
He hung up, and paced around without knowing what he was looking for, the only thing swirling in his head being, "Is this really happening?". He had to force himself to remember what he was looking for: his wallet. He retrieved it from his backpack and left the apartment. He raced down the stairs and only stopped once he reached the door. He breathed out, lifted his head, and opened the door. His gaze instantly found Akaashi's. The young man was charming and elegant, as usual. Having him there, so close, brought a smile to his face.
"Hello."
"Hello."
The two young men stood facing each other, smiling foolishly without either of them being able to speak. Kuroo eventually stuck his head out to survey the surroundings.
"Is it just you?"
Akaashi simply nodded. Kuroo nodded in return, finally stepped out, and closed the door behind him. He turned his gaze, smiling again as he met the brunet's eyes.
"Coffee?" Akaashi offered, handing him a cardboard cup.
"Oh, thank you."
Kuroo took the cup, and Akaashi nodded before starting to walk.
"Where are we going?"
"To the station."
"Oh... okay."
Kuroo followed him.
Once the excitement faded, silence settled between them. It stayed that way for most of the journey. They exchanged occasional small talk, but neither could seem to start a real conversation. Kuroo didn't know how to handle the awkwardness, just trying to ease the tension by sipping his coffee every ten seconds.
The train coach, which had emptied more and more at each stop, was now practically deserted. Gathering his courage, Kuroo decided to address what had been on his mind for a while now:
"I..."
Akaashi turned to him.
"I was surprised to see you first," Kuroo finally said.
"Oh. Well, Kenma sleeps in late, and Kōtarō trains in the morning."
Kuroo didn't expect this kind of answer at all; he just said, "Oh, okay," before falling silent again.
"That is not the answer you were expecting," Akaashi remarked.
"No," he averted his eyes, "I mean," he met his interlocutor's gaze again, "our last, um... discussion didn't... you know."
"Oh... Yes."
Great, now Akaashi was as uncomfortable too.
"Well, you said there were things I didn't know, and... well, I guess I know now..."
"Yes."
"But... I don't know... When you came last time... I mean, you know... I felt like..."
The brunet frowned.
"Like what?"
"That you felt, I don't know... sort of forced to be there," Kuroo finally blurted out.
Akaashi's eyes widened.
"Oh... no, not at all. I was there of my own accord. If I gave you that impression, I'm sorry. It's just that—" Akaashi gestured vaguely, struggling to explain.
He paused, letting his hands fall onto his knees. Kuroo noticed a faint blush spreading across Akaashi's face as he finally clarified:
"Kenma was still angry with me, and... I felt silly for being there after... after what I told you during our last meeting."
"Oh," Kuroo frowned, "why was he angry?"
The brunet in front of him grimaced and averted his gaze, visibly embarrassed.
"Well... I had not told him about... us, about you. And he found out a bit suddenly."
"Oh..."
Kuroo finally let out a laugh:
"Just imagining Kenma angry gives me chills."
Akaashi met his gaze: yeah, no one really wanted to face the wrath of Kozume Kenma.
"How did he find out then?"
Akaashi hesitated but eventually told him what had happened at the Fukuro. Kuroo couldn't help but laugh, amused by Akaashi's embarrassment.
"Now I understand why Konoha-san can't stand me."
Akaashi grimaced. Silence fell between them again. This time it was soft and ethereal: their silence.
"Kuroo."
"Hmm."
"If you were doubting it, know that I'm here willingly. I'm glad to be here, with you."
The brunet smiled at him.
"Me too."
They looked at each other. Something had already shifted between them.
It reminded Kuroo of the first time he had met Akaashi at Fukuro. How his gaze had lingered as they were about to part; how he had felt that first spark, the youthful excitement that had washed over him completely. And how, in that moment, he knew the feeling was mutual.
Today they were here. Together.
Kuroo was the first to break eye contact:
"So, where are we going then?"
"Oh, an immersive exhibition of Monet's works, the French painter. I heard good things about it when it was in Chicago."
"Nice."
The atmosphere had completely changed between them. It was still charged with crackling tension, but now it had a touch of excitement. Once they got off the train, it took them another good ten minutes to reach the exhibition. The place had just opened when they arrived, and after less than a minute in line, they reached the ticket counter. Akaashi asked for two tickets, and not knowing exactly what their arrangement was, Kuroo reached for his wallet. Noticing him do so, Akaashi placed his hand on top of his to dissuade him, smiling.
"My treat," he said.
Kuroo smiled and looked away. He cursed himself mentally for feeling his cheeks flush. He wasn't used to going on "romantic dates" anymore (just thinking about that word made him feel awkward). He made an effort not to reveal any of this turmoil: he was an adult for fuck's sake, not a fifteen-year-old high schooler!
His mind went completely silent when they entered the exhibition. The room was plunged into darkness, with images of a pond dotted with blooming water lilies projected on the walls, trees reflecting in waters that were sometimes navy blue, sometimes violet, occasionally tinged with the orange hue of a setting sun. Water lilies were everywhere, from floor to ceiling, and Koi carp were swimming peacefully under their feet. Kuroo let out an amazed sigh. Akaashi stole a glance at him, delighted by his enthusiasm.
He followed the fish and approached the surface of the walls, examining the nuances of colors in the water reflections, a formidable and dazzling kaleidoscope. Akaashi approached and whispered to him:
"These are several paintings from the Water Lilies series. There are nearly three hundred pieces, exhibited all over the world."
"Wow, that guy liked water lilies," remarked Kuroo.
Akaashi smiled and nodded.
"This is the pond he had built in his house in Giverny, in northern France. These are from the works of the last ten years of his life," he lowered his voice, "he had cataracts and could not see very clearly."
Kuroo chuckled.
They continued the tour, crossing fields of poppies and sunflowers, stormy seas and green fields. Akaashi's voice accompanied him on this journey, and although Kuroo didn't retain a single word he said, hearing him whispering close to him was exhilarating.
They eventually found themselves in a lit corridor: no floral walls this time, just large panels. Kuroo, not wanting to appear dumber than he was, began reading a panel about... the theory of colors in the painter's works... Why not? Sure, he didn't understand much of it, but that didn't tarnish his... interest. He was pulled out of his reading when he heard Akaashi chuckle. Seeing that a couple was passing behind him, he straightened up again and resumed his reading. He completely lost his composure when they were alone again and stifled another laugh. Curious, Kuroo joined him. He raised an eyebrow when he saw that the brunet was standing in front of a panel written in German (he had almost forgotten who he was dealing with).
"What's going on?"
Akaashi seemed on the verge of tears now.
"The translation," he managed to articulate.
"What?"
"I do not know how they managed it, but it makes no sense."
"What does it say?"
Akaashi cleared his throat.
"Claude Monet, also known as Oscar Claude Monet, was born in Paris on November 14, 1840, and died in Garnsey on December 5, 1926, a French painter and one of the founders of Italy."
They both burst out laughing, trying to remain discreet.
"Italy?"
"I'm not sure how they went from 'impressionist' to 'Italy.' Wait, it goes on: 'He began his career by recording the known figure of Le Havre.'"
"What does that mean?"
"I have absolutely no idea... but did you know, Kuroo-san, that 'Painting saloon thanks to 'Woman in Green Dress' about of Camille Dancio, whom he wedding on June 28, 1870'.'"
Kuroo was now also on the verge of tears, finding it increasingly difficult to hold back loud laughter.
"On a more serious note: 'San Montre,' whom I guess is no other than Claude Monet, 'dies according to his lung cancer of the lung.'"
"'According to his lung cancer? They weren't sure, so they asked his cancer, is that it?"
"It was not just any lung cancer, Kuroo-san, it was a lung cancer of the lung."
"Never mind, very reliable source indeed..."
"Indeed..."
"Poor San Montre, whoever he is."
They exchanged a complicit look and stifled another discreet laugh.
"I think you should offer them your translation services," suggested Kuroo.
"Hmm, I am not sure, it would lose its charm."
"You're right, it would be a shame to spoil the pleasure of a few German speakers."
"Indeed... I will spare myself from reading the panel in French, I am not sure I can survive it."
"You're doing the right thing, safety first."
They smiled at each other and stood there for a long moment, in the middle of the corridor, looking at each other without ever getting tired of their silent exchanges.
"We still have one more room left," Akaashi finally said.
Kuroo took the lead, and they finally reached the last room. It was a small dark room where fish, flowers, and sunbeams swirled in shimmering water.
"Cool!" exclaimed Kuroo when he saw that bean bags had been placed on the floor. He quickly went to sprawl out in one and let out a sigh, fully contented.
Akaashi joined him, and they silently watched the carp swim across the ceilings (a much more pleasant activity than staring at the ceiling of his apartment).
"I can't believe we're here, together," Kuroo murmured.
Akaashi turned his head towards him.
"Neither can I, to be honest."
"But I'm glad to be here."
"So am I."
They smiled at each other.
Kuroo thought about the first time they met. He couldn't help but share his thoughts:
"Do you know what I used to call you at the beginning?"
Akaashi frowned.
"In my head, I mean."
"Oh... no?"
"Mr. Fantastico-mystical."
Akaashi chuckled.
"I hope you realize that means absolutely nothing."
"Maybe not, but I think it suits you well."
"Why is that?"
"I don't know... It's the impression you gave me when we first met... Your aura, your presence. And the fact that you're probably one of the most fucking beautiful people I've ever met in my life..."
"You... flatter me."
Yes, maybe he had gone overboard for a first date... But well, it's not like they weren't used to this kind of exchange, he just raised the bar and brought sincerity. Kuroo didn't dare to turn his head, not wanting to see his reaction.
"Kuroo."
"Hmm?"
Akaashi cleared his throat.
"May I kiss you?"
I beg your pardon? Turns out it was he who was playing it safe.
Kuroo turned to him, deeply surprised. His counterpart didn't look confused, perfectly composed after his request, patiently waiting for his consent.
"Here?"
Akaashi nodded.
"But... there are people!"
"There is no one here."
Seeing Kuroo so disarmed amused the brunet, who raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.
Kuroo froze. He knew. He knew that if he accepted, he might not be able to go back. Legally, yes, he could, but he knew he might not be able to. He, who had promised himself not to make any "mistakes," just to leave himself some room to maneuver, just in case... His gaze slid to Akaashi's lips. Damn, he wanted to kiss him so, so bad. He accepted with a nod. To hell with caution and margins for error!
Akaashi smiled at him and leaned over. Kuroo let him, not taking his eyes off his approaching lips, closing his eyelids as they met.
Kuroo felt his heart swell, swell, until it became gigantic, until it pounded on his chest like a stretched drum, sending bursts of blood throughout his body, so violently that his head began to spin.
Every nerve in his body spiraled out, and his energy-overloaded neurons started to form electric arcs, until the whole system short-circuited in one go, sending hundreds of lightning bolts crackling under his skin.
Kuroo eventually heard footsteps behind them, and the voice of a young woman reached them. He turned his head, breaking the exchange. He sank into his bean bag, a vain attempt to disappear from the face of the Earth. Akaashi chuckled at his reaction and settled back into his place.
"Don't tease me!" Kuroo whispered to him.
"You are adorable."
Kuroo let out a groan, deeply embarrassed. It took him several seconds to regain his composure.
"I could never have imagined that you were so cavalier, my dear," he finally intervened, an amused smile playing on his lips. "Who would have thought that I was in the presence of a PDA enthusiast."
"It's not public if there is no one around," remarked Akaashi. "And besides, have been initiated into this delicate craft since a young age," he continued.
"Oh really? Can I know the name of your master in this rarely practiced art in the Land of the Rising Sun?"
"Certainly, the wise Kōtarō Bokuto."
Kuroo burst into laughter.
"But it seems you've already experienced his methods," Akaashi remarked.
Kuroo almost choked on his saliva.
"He told you?"
"Of course."
"Oh..."
"Is there a problem?"
"No, not at all."
"Not at all," he didn't know. Talking about kissing the mate of the person who had just kissed you wasn't necessarily something Kuroo had experienced frequently in his life. Once again, he tried to play it off with his best smirk:
"How so? Did you take this initiative because you were jealous that I had dealt with your sensei?"
"Dealt with?"
"Don't dodge the question. Were you jealous?"
"Jealous, no. Envious? Perhaps."
Not one for composure and self-control, Kuroo didn't know what to reply and began blushing like a schoolgirl.
Akaashi smiled at him. He stood up and offered him his hand:
"Shall we go?"
Kuroo nodded and took it. The water lilies and poppies accompanied them until they exited, their colorful shadows dancing on Akaashi's silhouette. Kuroo smiled. His body was still trembling with electric shivers, and the sensation was exhilarating.
-end of the chapter-
Next chapter "Butterfly farm 2"
"And," Bokuto began, "they always have at least one quirky movie. Listen to this: 'An invasion of zombie sharks plunges the earth into terror. Who will save humanity from this apocalypse? An elite unit of bionic soldiers, part dogs, part dolphins, is formed to avert this crisis. Will they rise to the challenge? Can they save humanity from their doom?'." He mimicked an explosion noise to accentuate the drama.
Kuroo chuckled.
"It sounds wonderfully bad, I love it!"
Bokuto let out a smile, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Are you in?"
"Let's go!"