#myof

If Akaashi had expected there to be some cataclysmic change with his confession he would have been disappointed. As it was he felt.... Strangely at peace with whatever would happen.

Because he was seeing that the quiet happiness he derived from their friendship was just as special to him as the promise of a committed relationship.

Bokuto for his part was only a little skittish the first few days when he wasn't yet sure if Akaashi would abandon him if he didn't choose a relationship. Once assured  that this was not the case they returned to something of the close friendship they'd had before. But there was an underlying trust and respect there that hadn't been there before.

Exams and preparation for the preliminaries ensured that they didn't have a lot of extra time anyways. Kuroo and Kenma were equally if not more weighed down at the moment given that Kuroo was was in advanced classes and Nekoma didn't have a student manager to help elevate the laid of his captains duties. Bokuto was bummed, but Akaashi helpfully reminded him they were going to the same college so they'd be spending plenty of time together soon enough.

Privately, Akaashi had worried that he may have caused a certain amount of tension in the couple's relationship.

'Kuroo was upset.' Kenma had texted, 'but it has lead to some good conversations about what we need from one another in terms of trust and communication so it turned out alright.'

Akaashi found himself missing both of his friends and their input, but there was nothing to be done about it.

To distract Bokuto from missing their cat-like friends- and to ensure he actually studied- he and Akaashi decided to have after school study sessions at Bokuto’s house with Konoha and Komi, both of whom also would be graduating. Bokuto’s mother was good about keeping his younger siblings out from under foot and the environment was warm and playful thought still productive.

Akaashi once again realized he was the only regular on the team that was a second year. They had some good first years and the second years in reserve weren't bad necessarily. Akaashi would still have his hands full as captain next year. He couldn't help but speculate that next year might be a little lonely.

"Akaashi, don't frown so much." Konoha said reaching across the table to poke him in the forehead, "I know you’re our team's beautiful mama hen but if you worry so much you're going to get wrinkles."

"That's unlikely since I imagine I'll look like my mother when I get older. But if I do then I am blaming you lot." Akaashi said mildly flipping to the next page. He couldn't believe some of the stuff these three idiots didn't know: he was a year below them and he somehow still ended up teaching them. Except for math. Bokuto was weirdly good at math. Trying to get him to explain his reasoning was next to impossible because it wasn't something he was really consciously doing.

"Oh yeah? What's your mom look like?" Asked Komi curiously.

"Pretty much just like me but older with longer hair." Said Akaashi underlying a passage and handing it to Komi, "here, make sure you study that: it almost certain to be on the exam."

"So essentially, she's drop dead gorgeous?" Konoha teased.

"And scary." Bokuto threw in.

"Scary?" Asked Konoha curiously. He'd only ever met Akaashi's father who was the gentlest soul in existence.

"Yeah. She's super pretty and super smart and when she looks at you its like 'uwah!' Like wow, pretty sure she can read your mind." Bokuto told the other two with the special kind of reverence he reserved only for Akaashi's mother.

"So.... Essentially, just like Akaashi?" Teased Konoha making the black haired setter roll his eyes.

"How'd your parents meet?" Asked Komi.

"College. They were neighbors that became friends and eventually decided to get married." Akaashi summarized briefly not looking up from his notes. He could tell when someone was trying to sidetrack him and he refused to give in.

“Aw cute.” Laughed Konoha before waggling his eyebrows, “So how long did they know each other before they got their soulmarks?”

“They’re not soulmates.” Akaashi corrected mildly. He didn’t usually flash that fact around, but neither was he going to lie to his friend about it when asked straight out.

“Wait what?” Bokuto asked sitting up from where he’d been sprawling slightly with his notebook, “No way. Your parents are so perfect together there is no way they’re not truemates.”

“They’re far from perfect.” said Akaashi dryly, “But they do really love each other and are devoted people so it all works out. They both have other soulmates. My mom and her’s are friends and my dad’s is off overseas. Never really been a problem for my family.”

“Dude, I think my respect for your folks just multiplied. They sound really rad.” laughed Konoha.

“I guess I’ve never thought about marrying someone who wasn’t my soulmate, but I suppose it could work. Might be kind of tough though,” Mused Komi scratching at his short brown hair and staring up at the ceiling, “Would you ever follow in your parent’s footsteps Akaashi? I mean like, marry someone who wasn’t your soulmate?”

Akaashi could feel Bokuto’s gaze locked onto him but he refused to look at him.

“That depends,” said Akaashi slowly, “On the person in question and the situation. But I am not adverse to the idea.”

“I’d be fine dating someone who wasn’t my soulmate, but marrying? What if they got someone else’s name? I think I’d get jealous.” declared Konoha, “But geeze, props to people who can do it. That takes some serious balls.”

“What about you Bokuto?” asked Komi leaning forward. Akaashi tried to tell himself he wasn’t interested in the answer but-

“Maybe.” Bokuto said licking his lips a little nervously, “I think- Maybe. If it was a very special sort of person.”

Akaashi couldn’t help but glance at him at that. Had to look away when his gaze met bright gold eyes. He tried to take a deep breath without it being too obvious. Akaashi was Bokuto’s soulmate so the question didn’t really apply to their situation… but it was still a very different answer than he imagined Bokuto would have given a few months ago. It still made his heart beat a little faster.

“Ah, our fearless leader strikes again.” laughed Konoha slapping their captain on the back.

“Alright that’s quite enough you three.” Akaashi chide, “I don’t want to stay up too late doing this.”

The proclamation was met with groans from all sides.

“Say Akaashi, how about we go study at your house one of these days? I really want to meet your parents now.” asked Komi.

“No.” replied Akaashi shortly. He knew that if they did there would be no studying happening and his dad would probably just try to stuff them full of baked goods.

“Aw come on!” complained Konoha.

“If you pass your exams then maybe you can visit.” Akaashi bargained instead setting his book aside and getting to his feet to go make some tea.

“You boy’s doing well up over there?” asked Bokuto’s mother smiling a secret smile when she saw him.

“Quite well. They’re all very bright once they focus.” Akaashi said honestly.

“They’re all going to miss you terribly once they leave. They don’t know that the treasure they have in you.” she praised. Akaashi shifted a little awkwardly not used to accepting such straightforward compliments.

“Thank you ma’am.” he said simply bowing his head instead.

“Always so formal. You know you needn’t be after all this time. You’re practically family.” She scolded him batting away his hands as he tried to take the teapot and instead pouring it for him.

“I am honored that you think so.” said Akaashi humbly.

“My son thinks the world of you.” she said suddenly and some part of Akaashi realized she knew far more than she was letting on. Perhaps she’d always known.

“I… am very fond of Koutarou as well.” Akaashi admitted. She looked at him long, gold eyes alert and perceptive before she beamed at him.

“I know. I am glad you two found each other.” she said handing him his tea. Akaashi felt his throat tightening a little bit but he maintained his composure and thanked her politely before leaving the kitchen to go back to their study room.

He almost ran straight into Bokuto in the hallway.

“It’s rude to eavesdrop you know Bokuto.” he scolded him. Bokuto was staring at him gold eyes that seemed utterly captivated. Like Akaashi was the only thing resting in a silent spotlight. The attention was a little terrifying. It was also a little intoxicating.

“You called me by my first name in there.” Bokuto noted stepping a little closer.

“I did.” agreed Akaashi willing his feelings not to show on his face, “It would be strange to use your last name in your home when it belongs to your mother and your siblings as well. It might get confusing.”

“I like it when you call me by my first name.” Bokuto decided, “You should do it more often. Can I call you Keiji as well?”

“No.” said Akaashi immediately.

“Why not?” Bokuto pouted a bit.

“Just… because.” Akaashi replied lamely. How could he describe the way his name on bokuto’s tongue made his chest swell painfully tight and wonderful with… something.

“You know.” Bokuto said suddenly thoughtful, “I used to think you didn’t get embarrassed by anything. Now I’ve noticed that your ears get really really red.”

“Oh?” Akaashi tried to sound nonchalant as Bokuto reached out and touched one of his ears feather-light and soft. The skin was hot under his fingers and Akaashi knew his ears were red right that moment.

“Yeah. And your ears are kind of pretty and pointed. Like a fairy.” said Bokuto almost reverently.

“I don’t think ears are supposed to pretty Bokuto.” Akaashi said taking a step back into his own space. If this went on he would kiss him and spill his tea everywhere.

“They’re on you. Of course they’re pretty.” Bokuto blinked as if this was the most obvious fact in the world.

Akaashi had the strangest urge to punch Bokuto. Not because he was mad or offended, but because he suddenly had no idea how to handle all the emotions swirling through him. Instead he took a deep breath.

“Bokuto. You can’t say things like that when you know I am in love with you.” Akaashi said firmly walking past him.

“What if- What if maybe I want to anyway?” Bokuto asked following him.

“Then you need to make up you mind what you want along with that.” Akaashi said softly before leading the way back to their friends.

*****

Bokuto's was not a quiet existence. Akaashi wasn't sure why he somehow expected that when Bokuto made up his mind it be something... Normal. Like, you know, pulling him aside and telling him yes or no sometime after school or practice.

It was not, however picking him up and planting an enthusiastic kiss in the middle of the qualifiers against Nekoma after a particularly nice spike.

The crowd yelled its approval and Akaashi could feel his ears turning red with embarrassment along with the secret thrill of knowing what this meant. He could see Kenma wince slightly with second hand embarrassment and Kuroo whooping triumphantly. The rest of Nekoma looked a range of smug like Yaku, outright jealous like Yamamoto, or bewildered like Lev.

“Geez, keep your pants on captain we’re in a game.” teased Konoha as Bokuto reluctantly set Akaashi back on his feet.

“Congrats you two, I think it’s safe to say we’re all jealous of you captain.” grinned Komi.

“Extremely jealous.” agreed Konoha with a mournful sigh in akaashi’s direction as the rest of the team nodded in agreement. Akaashi knew he blush was not restricted to his ears now but probably creeping down his neck as well.

“Find your own boyfriend.” Bokuto huffed at them and a secret thrill ran through Akaashi as gold eyes turned back to him, “If that’s alright with you that is, because ‘Kaashi you’re the most wonderful-”

“Save it for after the game.” Akaashi said quickly.

“After we win this game you mean.” teased Bokuto, his eyes so bright even as they fluttered to give him another kiss that made the referee clear his throat.

“Yes.” Agreed Akaashi, “After we win.”

*****

“Congratulations.” Kenma told him softly as they shook hands under the net after the game.

“Thanks.” Said Akaashi his smile softening at the blond, “You played well today too.”

“I suppose. There was no way we were going to bring down Bokuto’s high after a move like that though.” Kenma huffed out a small laugh which might have been amusment, “Good luck with him.”

“See you at nationals.” Akaashi said. A promise as much as a statement. Kenma merely inclined his head. He watched his soulmate friend rejoin his team. Watched him seemingly casually drift close to Kuroo who was dragging his hand through his hair and looking a little stressed by the prospect of their next game against Nohebi. Kenma lightly touched the other’s hand. The stress in Kuroo’s shoulders seemed to drain out of him all at once as he twined their fingers together.

Akaashi had to look away: they might only be holding hands, but somehow the simplicity held and togetherness that was more intimate than fucking ever would be. He saw Bokuto beaming at their friends and knew he was thinking something similar. Knew that his own recent acceptance of mismatched pairs was contributing to his pride and happiness for the two.

Akaashi let a smile tug at his lips.

****

“‘Kaashi we did it!” Bokuto was practically vibrating with glee as soon as he was able to drag Akaashi off on his own.

“We did. The team did excellent.” agreed Akaashi enjoying being pulled close to the other now that there wasn’t a hundred people watching them.

“I was amazing! The ball just kept coming just right like *wham*! And you were so perfect, and we were so perfect and the team-” Bokuto prattled on happily nuzzling his cheek, “fuck, can I kiss you?”

“Yes…” agreed Akaashi softly allowing his own arms to settle uncertainty on Bokuto’s waist. The other boy wasted no time in cupping his face and kissing him with that same excitement, that same fire, that had been missing in the kisses he’d initiated before.

“I really like you ‘Kaashi, I really really like you.” Bokuto told him laying more shy- yet still somewhat playful- kisses at the corner of his mouth, his cheek, near his eyes, back to his parted lips again.

“I like you too.” Akaashi stated closing his eyes and just trying to get used to the odd new feelings of enjoying the contact.

“Could hold you forever. Been thinking about what you said that time, about making our own fate, I wasn’t sure but ‘Kaashi if it’s you I think we could do it.” Bokuto was telling him.

“Yeah.” Murmured Akaashi and they weren’t even kissing anymore just holding one another, “Yeah…”

“I feel like I’ve been liking you more and more and more until it just exploded like *Whah!* and you were just so pretty and amazing I had to kiss you and let you know.” Bokuto hummed looking both bewildered and elighted by his feelings.

“I…” Akaashi frowned uncertainly. He didn’t want to ruin the soft happy glow they were in, but he’d promised to be honest and… “Bokuto, about that… You should probably know something about me if we’re really going to try this.”

Back when he’d assumed Bokuto would just come and talk to him when he was ready he’d had a whole speech made in his head. A check list about all the things they needed to talk about before they started a relationship. But like usual with Bokuto, they’d gone right in head first.

“Is something wrong?” Bokuto asked looking instantly concerned. Akaashi wanted to close his eyes and lean into that warmth. He forgot sometimes that bokuto would be just as quick to take care of Akaashi as the other way around. Instead he pulled back a little so he could look at the other steadily.

“I’m not quite like you Bokuto. I don’t just… want and want until it builds up. Sometimes I like touching and kissing and stuff, most times I don’t really.” Akaashi tried to explain.

“Oh,” Bokuto blinked a look of understanding flickering across his face, “Kinda like Kuroo.”

“A lot like Kuroo, yes.” agreed Akaashi feeling relieved.

“Then… is this okay, right now?” Bokuto asked uncertainly glancing at the way they were holding each other. Akaashi leaned forward and kissed the corner of his mouth softly making Bokuto hum out a warm content sound.

“This is fine.” Akaashi assured him, “I just wanted to let you know so you aren’t getting confused by mixed signals later.”

“You’re the best.” Bokuto told him leaning their foreheads together his gold eyes bright and alight with… care, “I’ll ask. I’ll try to always ask. Even about stupid stuff. I don’t want to do stuff with you that you’re not into.”

“I will of course extend the same decency to you.” Akaashi promised feeling warm and for the first time like this might really work.

“I will always want you.” Bokuto laughed as if anything else was ridiculous, “You’re Akaashi.”

“Also,” Akaashi said carefully, because even though his heart was humming with content at the moment it still needed to be said, “I don’t mind some PDA with you but I don’t being on display like that with you. It’s really embarrassing and hard to enjoy that way.”

“Was earlier no good?” Bokuto looked a little worried, “Shit, I’m so sorry ‘Kaashi.”

“It wasn’t bad.” Akaashi told him frankly, “But I would have preferred you waited till you could kiss me. If you’re ever not sure just ask me.”

“I will.” promised Bokuto earnestly, “I will. You and me Akaashi, no matter what soulmarks we have, we’re going to figure this out.”

It’s what Akaashi had been trying to say for a long time, but hearing it said now with such certainty made him lose that shred of doubt he didn’t know he was still clinging on to.