Chapter Text
*Three weeks later*
Akashi stood in the kitchen, his arms folded sternly across his chest. In front of him was Katsuo, his posture straight and rigid like a soldier about to head into battle.
The sight of it all was pretty funny, Furihata couldn’t help but think. Even if the theatrics of it were a little unnecessary.
“Do you have your lunch?” Akashi asked.
Katsuo patted his backpack. “Yup!”
“Your crayons?”
Katsuo nodded. “My markers, too.”
“What about your—”
“Daaaad!” Katsuo groaned, his shoulders slumping. “I’ve got everything, okay? Furi and I checked everything yesterday.”
Akashi turned to look at him, and Furihata couldn’t help but laugh. “He’s all packed,” he told him. “If there’s anything specific he needs, the teacher will let you know after class. He should be all good, though.” He shrugged. “It’s only kindergarten.”
Akashi still looked unconvinced. “Are you sure? I can send someone out if we’ve forgotten anything…”
“I promise,” Furihata assured him. He squeezed Akashi’s shoulder, trying to offer comfort. “He’s gonna be just fine.”
Akashi sighed loudly, raking his fingers through his hair. He relaxed into Furihata’s touch. “I know. You’re right.” He gave Furihata a sheepish grin. “I suppose I’m just nervous.”
Furihata laughed. “Totally normal,” he told him. “I remember watching Kuroko go through the same thing on the first day of school. He had to shove half of the parents out the door.”
“I can imagine,” Akashi agreed with a smile, his expression softening. “I’ll try not to cause a scene, but I’m afraid I can’t make an guarantees.”
Furihata laughed. He felt the urge to slide his arm around Akashi’s shoulders, but he couldn't quite justify it with Katsuo watching. Sure, Katsuo probably wouldn’t think anything of it, but Furihata was still nervous about the whole thing...
Although after today, he hoped he wouldn’t have to be.
The thought made his stomach flip. He knew, realistically speaking, that he had nothing to worry about. They would take it slow, and with any luck things would work out just fine.
But regardless, he was still worried. The entire situation still felt to good to be true, and Furihata couldn’t help but wait for it to be snatched away.
Almost as if he could read his thoughts, Akashi reached out and straightened Furihata’s tie. While it probably looked innocent from the outside, Furihata was hyper-aware of Akashi’s fingers gently brushing against his neck, lingering on his skin. It was supposed to be a reassurance, and one that Furihata definitely needed right now.
It might also be something else.
He met Akashi’s eyes for moment before his gaze flickered to his mouth. His throat felt oddly dry, suddenly. He swallowed thickly, his heart racing in his chest. He wanted nothing more than to lean in, to let Akashi’s fingers slide up and tangle in his hair…
“Dad?” Katsuo asked curiously. Akashi jumped slightly, jerking his hands away from Furihata. “Can we go now? Please? ”
Akashi cleared his throat, his cheeks tinged pink. “Yes, of course.” He glanced at Furihata. “Are you ready to go?”
Furihata wondered if his face was as red as it felt. He nodded, adjusting the strap for his bag and checking for his wallet. “Y-Yeah, I’ve got everything I need.”
“Then let’s go!” Katsuo cheered. He bounded between them, his school bag bouncing against his back. His golden mop of hair disappeared around the corner towards the front hall.
Akashi and Furihata exchanged a look. “He’s certainly changed his mind about school, hasn’t he?” Akashi asked with a chuckle.
Watching the excitement on Katsuo’s face, seeing how at ease Akashi was… it felt like the final weight had fallen from Furihata’s shoulders.
Everything was really going to be okay.
He met Akashi’s gaze with a smile. “I’m glad,” he finally managed. “Worrying about school should be the last thing on his mind.”
He turned to look fondly in the direction Katsuo had gone. He jumped when an arm suddenly slipped around his waist.
“I don’t believe he was ever worried about school ,” Akashi breathed against his neck. A shiver ran down his spine. “He was only ever worried about you leaving. Just like I was.”
Furihata’s heart hammered in his chest. He turned his head slightly, his face inches away from Akashi’s. “ You were worried?” His voice was practically a whisper.
“Hmm,” Akashi hummed. “That’s inconquencial, at the moment.” His arms tightened around Furihata, his lips barely brushing against his. “You’re mine now, and you’re not going anywhere.”
His eyes fluttered shut. Furihata twisted in Akashi’s arms, turning to face him and wrapping his arms around Akashi’s neck.
“Good thing I’m not trying to leave,” Furihata murmured, rubbing Akashi’s collar between his fingers. He tilted his chin, and pressed his lips against Akashi’s.
Even after three weeks of stolen kisses, Furihata’s heart still pounded just as hard as the first time. He was pretty sure he’d never get used to it.
Akashi pulled back after a few seconds, his pupils slightly dilated. Furihata tried to keep the pout off his face.
“We should get going.” Akashi sounded breathless. “I’d hate to set a bad precedent on Katsuo’s first day.”
Furihata shook his head a little to clear it. “Yeah.” He checked the time on his phone. “I shouldn’t be late either.”
“Very true,” Akashi smiled. He hesitated a moment before looking up from under his hair. “Will you stay the night tonight?”
Furihata’s breath caught in his throat. He hadn’t expected Akashi would ask him so soon…
After that first night, Akashi and him had reached an agreement later that afternoon, after Akashi got home from work. The plan they came up with was simple — keep things as normal as possible. Which meant no public affections, no lingering touches, no difference in honorifics.
And no spending the night.
Furihata had been surprised to discover that the last part ended up being the hardest. He was confident he’d be patient, and be able to wait until everything was settled.
That was the last time Furihata underestimated Akashi.
Despite agreeing to the plan, Akashi attempted to break the agreement after barely a week.
He started by convincing Furihata to stay for dinner one night. It seemed harmless at the time, and Katsuo had been thrilled with the idea, so Furihata figured it couldn’t hurt.
It was after dinner, when they were cleaning up, that Akashi made his true intentions loud and clear in the form of trapping Furihata against the counter.
He protested weakly, trying to stick to the plan, but in between several kisses, Akashi’s sultry voice, and the fact that he had somehow managed to wedge a knee between Furihata’s legs...
Furihata liked to think he had some level of self control. But when it came to Akashi, it was like all rationality flew out the window. Sure, it had been a while since his last physical relationship with someone, but Furihata hadn’t expected Akashi would render him so powerless .
It had happened several more times over the past few weeks. Akashi would talk Furihata into staying for a movie, or for dinner, or to help him go over interview questions. And as much as Furihata wished he could say he was being ‘tricked’, he was more than aware of the hidden meaning behind Akashi’s words.
Even now, anticipation drummed in his veins at Akashi’s offer. He could stay the night without any lingering guilt in the morning. He wouldn’t have to rush to leave before Katsuo woke up, only to return freshly showered and changed an hour later. He’d be able to stay for breakfast and help get Katsuo ready for school, and maybe give Akashi a kiss goodbye before he left…
Furihata ducked in to quickly press his lips against Akashi’s, his cheeks blazing. “Yeah, I’ll stay.” He glanced back towards the front of the house. “You don’t think Katsuo will…?”
“He’ll be fine,” Akashi assured him. “If he has any questions, we’ll tell him the truth.” His mouth quirked up in a smile. “The censored version, that is.”
Furihata’s blush darkened, but laughter burst from his lips. It was all so ridiculous.
“Dad! Furi!” Katsuo’s voice echoed down the hall. “Come on! ”
They both shared a look. “I believe we are being summoned,” Akashi said, one eyebrow raised. Furihata couldn’t fight back another chuckle.
Akashi slid his arms from around him and took a step away, jerking his chin for Furihata to follow.
“We’d better not keep him waiting.
-----------------------------------------
Furihata pulled his car up in front of the school.
Akashi’s sleek black car pulled into a spot next to him. Katsuo knocked on the window from the backseat, grinning and waving at Furihata from behind tinted glass.
Furihata laughed and waved back before unbuckling his seatbelt. He stepped out, and a moment later Akashi emerged from the passenger seat of his car.
Furihata lingered on the sidewalk while Akashi got Katsuo out of the backseat. He helped adjust the straps of his bag before taking his hand and joining Furihata.
Parents and their kids wove around them. The grassy lawn and paved entrance were crowded with people. A few teachers stood at the doors, shaking hands and directing kids
Katsuo’s stared up at the building, a tiny crease forming between his brows. Despite his eagerness at home, he suddenly looked nervous.
Furihata knelt down next to him and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “You okay?”
Wide, golden eyes met his for a moment before turning back to the school. He shuffled his feet a little. “...there’s a lot of people,” he murmured quietly.
“I know,” Furihata assured him. “But all these kids won’t be in your class. It just seems a lot more crowded because it’s the first day. It won’t be as bad in a couple of weeks.”
Akashi dropped down on Katsuo’s other side. “I know it must be overwhelming,” Akashi began softly. He brushed his fingers through Katsuo’s hair, fixing it from the wind. “But Furihata-san is correct. Everything will be just fine.” Akashi shot him a grin. “He is the expert, after all.”
Katsuo nodded, some of the tension easing off his face. He let go of Akashi’s hand and turned, flinging his arms around Furihata’s neck.
Furihata caught him in surprise, barely managing to avoid falling backwards. He looked to Akashi, only to see him watching the two of them with a smile, his eyes full of warmth.
Furihata wrapped his arms around Katsuo and squeezed, patting him comfortably on the back. “You’re gonna do great, Katsu-kun. After a couple of days you’ll be loving it.”
Katsuo pulled back with a smile. He looked much more relaxed. “I’ll try.”
Furihata ruffled his hair and pushed to his feet. He stepped back a little while Akashi pulled Katsuo in for a hug, kissing his forehead and straightening his shirt.
Akashi stood, taking Katsuo’s hand. “I guess we should head in,” he said. “We’ll see you for dinner?”
Furihata didn’t miss the way Katsuo’s face lit up. “Yeah, I’ll be there,” he agreed. “Is six okay?”
“Perfect,” he smiled. He glanced down at Katsuo and jerked his chin towards the school. “Are you ready?”
Katsuo nodded. “Bye Furi!” he called, turning and waving as Akashi guided him up the sidewalk.
Furihata waved back, unable to keep the soft smile off his face. He heart felt like it might burst from how full it was.
After dreading this day for months, Furihata couldn’t be happier that he was able to be here to see Katsuo off to school.
And speaking of school... Furihata checked his phone. Today was his first day of school too, but in a different way. He’d been accepted at the high school as a teaching assistant, and he didn’t want to be late.
With one more glance toward the school, Furihata watched Akashi and Katsuo disappear into the building. He felt sad for a moment before remembering what would be waiting for him later.
A new job. Hearing about Katsuo’s first day. Dinner with Akashi. And whatever awaited him after dinner…
Excitement drummed in his veins. He couldn’t quite place it, but today felt like the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
He couldn’t wait to see what the future held.
*Three months later*
Akashi opened the back door of the car, sweeping his arm in a grand gesture for Furihata to climb inside.
Furihata bit his lip, fighting back a grin. He couldn’t quite keep from rolling his eyes, though. “You’re being ridiculous, you know that?” he teased.
Akashi chuckled as he slid in beside him. “What do you mean? I’m simply expressing my appreciation for you agreeing to join me tonight.”
“I might believe that… except this is, like, the twentieth time we’ve been out,” he noted with a laugh.
Akashi leaned in and pressed a kiss to Furihata’s cheek. “Darn,” he laughed against his skin. “You’ve seen right through me, Kouki.”
“Yeah, well, I guess I’ve gotten pretty good at it.” He turned his head to the side, so he could return the kiss properly.
Furihata vaguely felt the soft rumble of the engine as the car started. A month ago, he would have waited until they were out sight of the driver before he was comfortable with this kind of public affection. Now he barely paid any attention to it. After all, some of the house staff had accidently glimpsed far worse than a few kisses over the course of their relationship.
They pulled apart, both breathing a little heavier than usual. Akashi’s eyes sparkled in the dim lighting of the backseat. He reached for Furihata’s hand, lacing his fingers between his.
“I am glad we were able to go out tonight,” he said. “It’s been quite a while, hasn’t it?”
Furihata nodded. “Yeah, but it’s not like we could help it. You had that trip a few weeks ago, and I’ve been staying late getting ready for the next semester.” He squeezed Akashi hand, giving him a smile. “It’s not like we don’t eat dinner together almost every night anyway.
“True,” Akashi said, returning his smile. He tilted his head slightly. “Is it safe to assume you’ll be staying the night again tonight?” Even after all this time, his tone still sounded hopeful, like he wasn’t sure what the answer would be.
“Definitely,” he laughed. It was sort of an inside joke at this point—Furihata stayed nearly every night. “As long as you’ll have me.” He paused for a moment, remembering something. “I’ll have to get up early, though. I’ve gotta stop by my place and pay the rent. I promised her I’d have it first thing in the morning, before she goes out of town."
He expected Akashi to agree easily, or to offer to go with him. But instead he was oddly quiet, staring at Furihata with an expression he couldn’t read.
Furihata’s stomach flipped a little. He told himself he had nothing to worry about… it couldn't be that bad, if Akashi had still offered for him to spend the night.
Right?
The silence dragged on for another long moment. It was probably only a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity. Finally Akashi cleared his throat, and spoke.
“There’s… something I’ve been meaning to speak with you about.” He paused, looking suddenly unsure. “Concerning your rent.”
Furihata blinked in confusion, his brows furrowing. He didn’t understand Akashi’s train of thought at all. Except, well, maybe he had one idea…
“Listen, Sei, it’s not that I don’t appreciate the thought, because I really do,” he began. “But if you’re gonna offer to help pay my rent again, or to help me get a new place —”
“No,” Akashi interrupted him. “While I’d be more than willing to assist with either of those, I know you’d never allow it.” He hesitated again. “It’s… related to that, however.”
“O..kay?” He waited for Akashi to go on, but he didn’t. “So, what is it?” he finally prompted.
Akashi seemed to take a deep breath. He sat up straight, squared his shoulders, and looked Furihata dead in the eye.
“Move in with me.”
Furihata’s jaw fell open, as he gaped openly at Akashi. “You— you w-want me… to... what?” he stuttered incomprehensibly.
Akash’s expression looked strained, but his gaze didn’t waver. He raised his chin, and repeated himself.
“I’m asking you to move in with me.” Furihata let out a squeak, but Akashi continued before he could say anything. “You spend the majority of your time here anyway. A large portion of your clothing is already in my closet.” His speech quickened, suddenly. Almost like he was nervous. “You eat most of your meals here. You sleep here far more often than at your apartment.” He lowered his gaze, looking at their joined hands. “It—it simply seems like the most reasonable option,” he finished softly. “Why pay rent for an apartment you hardly use?”
Furihata’s mind raced. It was true, that he spent most of his time when he wasn’t at work at Akashi’s place. And there was definitely a section of Akash’s closet that was for him… and most of his night clothes were shoved into a drawer that Akashi had cleared out for him. He had his own pair of house slippers. Akashi had groceries stocked in the house that were specifically for him. And the last time he had stayed at his own place was…? How long ago now? Furihata couldn’t remember.
He couldn’t remember anything right now.
Akashi coughed, low in his throat. Furihata’s attention snapped back to him. He stared, wide-eyed, his thoughts still in a frenzy.
Akashi looked uncomfortable, to put it mildly. His head was turned away, gazing at the back of the seat in front of him. His lips were pressed into a tight line.
“Forgive me,” he said, and even his tone sounded all wrong. “I don’t wish to pressure you. The last thing I wanted was to put you in an awkward situation. What you do with your money is no business of mine.”
Furihata swallowed thickly. He squeezed Akashi’s fingers in what he hoped was a reassuring gesture. “That’s not— I m-mean, that is…” He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. “The money's not it. I just, um…” he trailed off uncertainty.
Akash’s gaze flickered back to him. “It’s just what?”
“It’s just— well, you don’t think it’s maybe… too soon? For that sort of thing?” he choked out. He stared at their hands, unwilling to look at Akashi’s expression.
There was a beat of silence. And then another. Finally, Akashi raised head, looking right at Furihata. “No, I don’t think it’s too soon. Not in the slightest.” He paused, running his fingers through his hair. He turned his gaze to the window, his voice soft. “I suppose some people might look at things that way. But Kouki..."
Akashi looked at him, his eyes full of gentle warmth. “While we’ve only been dating a few months, you’ve been an incredibly important part of my life for nearly a year now.” He lifted Furihata’s hand, kissing his knuckles. “I’m not sure if any aspect of our relationship can be considered normal, by most standards.” Akashi’s lips tilted in a half smile. “Why start now?”
Furihata couldn’t hold back his laughter at that. The tension faded, both of them relaxing back into the seat. Akashe kept a hold of this hand, brushing his thumb against his skin.
“I apologize for bringing it up so abruptly,” Akashi said softly. “I didn’t mean to spoil the evening.”
“You didn’t,” Furihata hurried to say. “I’m sorry for overreacting the way I did. It just… caught me off guard, is all.” He gave a nervous laugh, lowering his gaze.
Fingers caught his chin, lifting his face back up. Before his eyes could even focus, Akashi was kissing him, his lips soft against his own.
Furihata kissed him back, tilting his head a little and parting his lips. Akashi didn’t hesitate to take advantage, swiping his tongue through Furihata’s mouth. He shuddered a little, his free hand fumbling to touch Akashi’s chest. His fingers danced up to his neck, weaving themselves into his hair, holding him in place.
Akashi made a noise, low in his throat. He let go of Furihata’s hand, wrapping an arm around his waist and pulling him flush against chest. He pressed forward, nearly pinning Furihata to the car door. Furihata shifted a leg so Akashi could slide between them.
He forgot where he was. All he could think about was Akashi, and how close they were, and how it still wasn’t close enough…
Something changed. Furihata couldn’t quite place what it was. A sound changed, or something. He wasn’t sure he even cared, until—
“We’ve stopped,” Akashi said. He sounded breathless, his voice low and husky. It sent heat pooling in Furihata’s stomach.
His head was spinning. “O-Oh…” He tried to steady his breathing. Akashi’s face was still right there, in easy kissing range. He struggled to remember where they were. “Dinner. Right.”
“I know, it’s such a shame,” Akashi said. He squinted out the window before turning his eyes back to Furihata. His mouth lifted into a smirk. “I’d much rather finish my dessert first.”
Furihata’s jaw dropped. “Sei!” he sputtered, flinging his hands over his face. He could feel the blush burning it’s way up to his hairline.
Months later, Akashi was still surprising him. Furihata didn’t know how he was able to say things like that so easily. He tried to copy him a few times in the past , but he always ended up stumbling over the words. And Akashi would laugh, kissing his red face and telling him how adorable he was…
Long fingers pulled his hands away. Akashi kissed his forehead, his devilish grin melting into something softer. “Ready to go? We’re nearly late for our reservations. Not that I would mind continuing this.” He chuckled a bit.
Furihata swallowed thickly. “Yeah, we can go.” Akashi leaned back and helped him sit up. He ran his fingers through Furihata’s a little, fixing a few misplaced strands. He wondered if Akashi could feel how fast his heart was beating.
“But u-um,” Furihata continued, his face heating up all over again. “I’ll definitely have room left for dessert. You know… later.” Gosh I’m such an idiot.
Fingers lifted his chin, and then Akashi was kissing him again. He pulled back after a few seconds, his smile blinding. But there was a spark in his eyes that Furihata didn’t miss.
“I look forward to taking you up on that,” Akashi said. His gaze flickered a little, his expression softening. “And Kouki?” he added. He seemed to hesitate for a moment. “I meant what I said. Before, when we first got in the car. It would mean a great deal to me if you thought about it.” He took Furihata’s hand, squeezing his fingers. “I’ll support whichever you choose. There’s no pressure for you to agree.”
Furihata nodded, clasping other hand over Akashi’s and squeezing back. “Thank you, Sei. I definitely will.”
Akashi smiled. “I’m glad to hear you say that.” He glanced behind him, reaching towards the door handle. “Now then… shall we?
----------------------------------------------
Furihata stumbled into the back of the car, plopping down heavily against the seat. Akashi slid in right next to him, his hands catching at his elbow and pulling him back towards him.
Akashi’s lips found his easily in the dim lighting. Furihata parted his lips, immediately tasting the wine still lingering on Akashi’s tongue.
They parted after a moment, both of them panting into the air. Furihata’s head was spinning a little, and he wasn’t sure if it was because of the alcohol, lack of oxygen, or some combination of the two.
“Kouki, ” Akashi purred. His voice was low and throaty, and it sent a shiver straight down Furihata’s spine. Akashi pressed closer, wedging himself between his legs, and Furihata bit back a moan.
The car ride back to the house seemed to go by quicker than Furihata expected. He was pretty distracted, though, so maybe that had something to do with it. He did know the driver was was probably thrilled to have them both out of the car.
Akashi kept an arm around his waist as they made their way through the front door. Katsuo was asleep, given how late it was, but Furihata was still a little surprised when Akashi led them to the living room instead of the bedroom.
Not that it mattered. Akashi pressed him into the couch, untucking Furihata’s shirt and sneaking a hand underneath.
Furihata pulled away from Akashi’s lips to focus on his hands, which were busy fumbling with the buttons of Akashi’s shirt. He got the first few undone, exposing the perfect, pale skin of Akash’s throat. He craned his neck, pressing his lips against his collarbones, nipping a little with his teeth.
Akashi groaned above him, his hips twitching a little between Furihata’s knees. He pulled back, looking at Furihata beneath him. His eyes were practically glowing, full of warmth and heat.
Furihata looked at the man above him and wondered, not for the first time, how he got so lucky.
And it seemed like he kept getting luckier. He was lucky enough to meet Akashi and Katsuo, gaining the opportunity to work for him. He was lucky enough to spend time with him, to learn things about him that most people didn’t get to see. He was lucky enough to kiss him, and to be kissed back.
Lucky enough to love him, and to be loved by him.
Lucky enough… that Akashi wanted to live with him.
“I’ll do it,” Furihata blurted.
Akashi blinked above him. “You’ll… what?” His brows knitted in confusion.
“Move in.” Furihata took a breath to steady himself. “I’ll move in. With you.”
Akashi stared at him for a long moment. Furihata’s heart hammered, wondering what Akashi was thinking. Maybe he shouldn’t have said it like. Or maybe he should have waited until tomorrow. Did Akashi think it was weird…?
After what felt like forever, Akashi broke into an ear-splitting grin. Furihata only got to see it for a second before Akashi bent down, crushing their lips together with a renewed eagerness.
He pulled back just as quickly. “Are you sure?” Akashi asked. He couldn’t quite mask the excitement in his voice.
Furihata nodded. “I’m sure,” he said. “I want to be here more than anything. With you and Katsuo.”
Akashi’s soft gaze melted, a hint of that smirk from the car pulling back at his mouth. His eyes were bright, full of heat that sent Furihata’s blood running south.
“In that case,” Akashi purred, crouching over Furihata like a predator stalking its prey. “Would you allow me to show you to your new room?”
They both stood, fumbling to hang on to each other as they made their way up to Akashi’s bed.
No, Furihata thought, as they stumbled up the stairs. Not Akashi’s bed.
Their bed.
*Three years later*
Furihata paced outside the door of the gymnasium. He held his phone in one hand, nervously checking the time every ten seconds.
Tryouts should have ended roughly five minutes ago. He’d seen a few kids leave, but so far, there’d been no sign of Katsuo.
He checked his phone again.
Furihata got more nervous as the seconds ticked by. He knew he didn’t really have anything to worry about. Even if Katsuo didn’t make the team for some reason, it wasn’t like it was the end of the world. He could always try again next year.
But Katsuo was determined to make it, despite the fact that he was at the youngest eligible age to join. Most of the kids were nearing ten, with Katsuo being amongst the few who were only eight.
Katsuo was incredibly skilled for his age. Not to mention his crazy-talented father and his entourage of equally talented friends.
Furihata had finally met the Miracles nearly a year into their relationship. That had been… intimidating, to say the least. At first, anyway. It turns out they were all really nice, for the most part. There were a few comments, like “Really Akashi? You fell in love with your nanny ? Sheesh, could you be any more shojo? ”
Furihata was worried Akashi’s friends might not approve of him, but instead, they all seemed relieved seeing how happy Akashi was. Even if Furihata was his nanny-turned-lover.
That had been the first time Furihata really saw Katuo light up playing basketball. They couldn’t keep him off the court while they tried to play. After everyone left, Katsuo had begged to stay out longer. The three of them had played until the sun went down.
Akashi had worried a little a first. Katsuo kept asking to go out to the court after dinner each day, babbling on about how cool all the Miracles were, and how he wanted to play just like his dad and his friends someday.
“You don’t think he feels pressured, do you?” Akashi had asked one night, when they were alone in their room. “I’ve been very careful to not force him into any interests, but I wonder if his knowledge of my past and seeing the others makes him feel obligated.”
Furihata couldn’t help but chuckle a little, even as he reached for Akashi’s hand. “I get where you’re coming from Sei, I really do.” He squeezed Akashi’s fingers. “But I think you’re worried about nothing. Katsuo’s five. Of course he sees how amazing you all are and wants to play like you.” Furihata laughed again, ducking his head a little. “Hell, I’m twenty seven and I’m still amazed.” He gave a shrug. “The Miracles are like superheroes to him.”
Akashi rolled his eyes at the superhero thing, but his shoulders relaxed. “I suppose that’s true,” he smiled sheepishly. “I’m overreacting again, aren't I?”
“Maybe just a little,” Furihata grinned. “But it’s only because you care.” He curled up closer to Akashi, pressing against him. “Really though, I think he’ll be fine. If he decides he doesn’t like it later on, he can always quit.”
So they started working with him, making sure the whole thing was on Katsuo’s terms. He was free to stop any time he wanted, but as the months turned to years, he only wanted to play more.
And he had the skill for it. He was quick and decisive, just like his father. He was very methodical in his practice on the basics like shooting and dribbling, and always listened attentively when Akashi or Furihata showed him something new.
Most importantly, when they started taking him to the park to play with other children his age, they found that he was also an incredible team player. He meshed with the other kids easily, falling into the leadership role without seeming to realize it. While some were better at making shots or passes, Katsuo was able to effectively use those abilities to the teams advantage.
His skills, confidence, and generally good-natured personality drew the other kids to him like a magnet. And from the excited way he had reenacted the whole thing on the way home, Katsuo had enjoyed the experience.
The grade school community teams took kids ages eight through ten, with another group taking the eleven and twelve year olds. They broke down into three strings, with each level playing against other schools from the same string. That way everyone got a chance to play regardless of skill level.
At a minimum, they figured Katsuo would make third string, but they were all hoping for a second string placement. First string was mostly the older kids, who had already been playing for a year or two.
Ten minutes had passed now, and Furihata was growing more worried. He stared at the gym doors, anxiously chewing on his lip when his phone buzzed in his hands. He nearly dropped it trying to swipe it open.
It was a text from Akashi. [Is he out yet? How did it go?]
[Not out yet] Furihata keyed back. [Where are you?]
His phone buzzed again. [I’ll be there soon. Keep me updated.]
[Will do <3]
The gym doors opened, and Furihata’s head snapped up. A few more kids came out, running off into the parking lot to walk home with friends or to meet with their parents.
Still no Katsuo.
Furihata started pacing again. He wondered if something could have gone wrong…? But it was a basketball tryout, what could possibly be that bad? And if it was, surely someone would have called him or Akashi by now.
Nearly fifteen minutes now…
Just as Furihata was working up the nerve to barge in there and demand some answers, the door cracked open, and Katsuo stepped out onto the pavement.
There was a beat of silence as they looked at each other. Furihata was frantically trying to read his expression, to see if he looked happy or disappointed…
Katsuo walked up to him, his face giving nothing away. He stopped in front of Furihata, his arms folded behind his back. Almost like he was waiting for something.
Furihata held his breath. “Well?” he finally asked. He cleared his throat. “How, uh… how’d it go?”
“Good,” Katsuo said. He blinked his big golden eyes up at Furihata.
He waited, but apparently that was all Katsuo was going to say.
“That’s… good.” Furihata paused, waiting again, only to be met with more silence. “Anything else you feel like sharing?”
Katsuo broke into a grin.
Furihata felt his own mouth twitch. “You made it?” he blurted with excitement.
Katsuo nodded once, and Furihata couldn’t hold back anymore from sweeping him up in his arms and hugging him right there in the parking lot. He didn’t care where Katsuo placed, or what position they thought he should play.
All that mattered in that moment was that Katsuo looked really, really happy.
Furihata set him down, keeping his hands on Katsuo’s shoulders. Katsuo was bright with laughter, all smiles. Furihata couldn’t stop the questions from spilling out rapid-fire. “How did it go? Was it fun? What happened in there? What took so long?”
Katsuo opened his mouth, but then his eyes flickered behind Furihata’s shoulder, and he paused. Furihata turned his head, and caught sight of a bright red flash of hair.
Akashi was racing through the parking lot, his tie whipping in the wind behind him. Furihata bit his lip, fighting back a grin. Katsuo chuckled a little next to him.
Akashi came to a stop in front of them. “I’m sorry I’m late,” he panted. “Traffic was terrible, and the cab driver in front of us had clearly never driven a vehicle before…” He paused, his sharp gaze flickering between the two of them. “How did everything go?"
Katsuo stepped away from Furihata, moving to stand directly in front of Akashi. From this angle he could see a folded sheet of paper clutched in Katsuo’s hands behind his back.
Furihata watched as Katsuo held the paper out to Akashi. He blinked, looking a little confused, but he accepted it. He eyes moved back and forth swiftly, scanning the page.
His eyes widened suddenly, his eyebrows lifting in surprise.
“You— you made first string.”
Katsuo beamed up at Akashi. “Sure did,” he grinned. He turned back to look at Furihata. “That’s what took so long — the coaches said they would place me in second string, but if I was up for the challenge they’d be happy to have me on the first. But that I didn’t have to if I didn’t want to.”
Furihata was pretty sure his jaw was on the floor. And from the looks of it, Akashi felt much the same way.
“Katsuo, I…” Akashi started, his voice tight with emotion.
Without another word, Akashi reached forward and pulled Katsuo into a hug, burying his face in his golden hair. Katsuo’s arms flung around his waist, clinging to him.
“I’m so proud of you,” Akashi murmured into his hair. “Incredibly proud. You worked so hard for this.” He pushed Katsuo back, brushing his hair back from his face. “How do you feel about it? Of course the first string is wonderful, but I agree with the coaches. There’s no shame in joining the second string instead. You know that, right?”
Katsuo nodded. “Yeah, I know.” And then in the most Akashi-like move Furihata had ever seen him do, Katsuo furrowed his little brows and lifted his chin, looking Akashi in the eye with pure determination written on his face. “I want to play on the first string. If they think I’m good enough for it, then I want to prove them right.”
Akashi laughed, pulling Katsuo back into his arms. After a second, Katsuo turned, pulling an arm off of Akashi to reach for Furihata.
He wrapped one arm around Katsuo, ruffling his hair, and slid the other around Akashi’s waist. Katsuo smiled at him with pride, burrowing his face in Furihata’s neck.
“I knew you could do it,” Furihata told him. A part of him wondered if he was going to start crying. He laughed a little. “I swear there’s nothing you can’t do.”
Katsuo looked like he was about to fly away. His smile was almost painful to look at, it was so bright.
The three of them eventually straightened, but Akashi and Furihata both kept a hand on Katsuo as they walked back to the car. Katsuo was gushing about every detail of the tryouts, talking so fast they could barely keep up.
And in the moment, Furihata thought back to a years-old memory. Of the three of them at the zoo, on that day when Furihata was so sure he was going to lose both of them. And he remembers seeing the other couples, the families with their children, and thinking that he would never have that. Not with Akashi and Katsuo.
He blinked back to the present, looking at Katsuo’s hand still wrapped in his, and thought about all the times he got to tuck Katsuo in to bed, or help him with his homework, or hold him when he cried on a bad day.
And he thought about Akashi, and getting to fall asleep and wake up next to him every day. He thought about all the dinner dates and deep conversation late at night. All the laughter over the last three years.
He looked at the gold ring on his left hand, flashing bright in the afternoon sun. He listened to the excitement in Katsuo’s voice, and watched the proud and soft smile lingering on Akashi’s lips. And in that moment, he realized, more than he ever had before…
…that he was wrong, all those years ago at the zoo. Anyone looking at the three of them now would be thinking the same exact thing. It was so obvious, Furihata was sure it could be seen all the way from space.
They were a family.