Chapter Text
Takao rubs his hands together nervously as he waits in the hallway. His eyes flick to the couple other students who did just as poorly as he did. Knowing other people failed made him feel just a tiny bit better.
"Relax," Midorima muttered as he grabbed at Takao's hands. He could see that Takao was on edge plain as day. The way Takao shifted every few seconds with tensed up shoulders and scrunched up eyebrows was nothing short of a giveaway.
Takao turned a nervous glance up to Midorima, though not quite meeting his eyes as he mutters quickly, "I'm nervous, Shin-chan." He can feel his heart sputter anxiously in his chest as thoughts race around his brain.
What if I don't pass? What if I fail? Again? Will I have to go to summer school? I don't want to go to summer school - I won't get to play basketball - I won't get to hangout with Shin -
"I know," Midorima replies softly as he encases Takao's hands between his. He feels the minute trembling of Takao's fingers and frowns.
Takao shifts on his feet as he squirms in place. "Y-You passed, you don't - this test -" Takao stutters as his mind races. He really doesn't want to go to summer school.
" Takao ," Midorima says sternly, jerking on his hands to pull Takao's full attention to him. Takao squeaks slightly as he suddenly realizes Midorima's closeness - his hands that have been wrapped around his own - "It will be fine. You're going to pass."
"But -" Takao sputters as he hears the door click open. His mouth clamps shut and he looks up at Midorima with worried eyes.
"No buts. I didn't work my ass off studying with you for you to fail, okay? I have no doubt that you will pass this test. You can do it." Midorima assures as he squeezes Takao's hands. Takao swallows the lump in his throat.
"Come now students, it's time," Calls a teacher from the doorway.
Takao nods, and nods again and he mutters, "Okay - okay okay, I will pass - I will pass."
"Now, go kick math's butt," Midorima smiles as he let's go of Takao's hands but not without giving them a gentle, encouraging squeeze.
"Okay," Takao nods, "Okay."
Takao makes his way through the door and Midorima sighs as he looks out the window, but he startles when he feels a weight press against his back and arms circle around his waist. "Wha-"
"Thank you, thank you much Shintaro," Takao murmurs into Midorima's back before disappearing once more through the door. The teacher offers Midorima a smile before closing the door. Midorima feels himself smiling as he subconsciously clutches at his shirt while his heart thuds gently against his ribcage.
Midorima waits patiently in the empty hall for about an hour until students slowly start to exit the classroom one by one. Midorima watches closely and perks up when a frazzled looking Takao steps through the door. He stands next to Midorima with a dazed expression. "Hey Shin, can numbers melt your brain?" Takao whispers as Midorima stands.
Midorima hums as he looks down at Takao before replying, "I don't think so."
"Huh," Takao mutters as he blindly starts for the gym. "I still think my brain melted a little."
Midorima swallows before he murmurs, "It wasn't that bad, was it?"
Takao looks down at his feet as they walk before he admits sheepishly, "I'm a nervous test taker, I... I forgot like half the stuff we studied."
Midorima's lips pressed into a fine line. He knows about testing anxiety. He himself doesn't suffer from it, but he knows it can seriously misrepresent someone's intelligence. Midorima clicks his tongue before he reassures, "You're not actually an idiot, no matter how many times I say it, yanno?" Takao just hums in response as he pushes the door to the gym open. The familiar squeaks of shoes on the court distract him momentarily. Midorima scrunches up his nose before he tries his best to reassure Takao once more. "I'm sure you passed, Takao. Try to focus on basketball for now," Midorima mutters as he follows Takao into the locker room.
Practice is normal, for the most part. Takao seems to be in his own world as he remains quiet. His passes are sufficient, and he's working relatively well with the others, but Midorima can tell his heart's just not in it today. He tries to not let it annoy him, if it were anyone else he'd probably call them out on their lazy gameplay, but he knew Takao was struggling with things outside of basketball and it just wouldn't be fair.
Things were going decently until about twenty minutes before practice ended. Takao was receiving a pass when he slipped on his own shoelace. He fumbled the ball and it bounced away as he landed with a hard smack onto the court. He set his jaw as he breathed a growl through his nose before smacking the floor and yelling, "Dammit!"
The whole team freezes at his sudden outburst and they all glance at Midorima. Midorima quirks an eyebrow at the group before slowly turning and walking over to Takao. "Takao?" Midorima asks as he reaches down to touch Takao's back.
Takao jerks away and stands quickly. He barely looks their coach in the eyes as he mumbles, "I need to use the restroom." He then quickly walks to the locker room with the door slamming shut behind him. Midorima's eyebrows furrow in worry as he hesitantly looks over to the boys who resume playing with a shrug. His coach, however, sent him a look as if to say, Go check on him . Midorima nodded curtly and adjusted his glasses before he hurried into the locker room.
"Takao?" He calls out, his words echoing down the tile hallway. His footsteps seem incredibly too loud in comparison to the quiet sniffling he hears off to the side. He rounds the corner to see Takao hunched over on a bench with his head pressed into his hands. Midorima softens as he slowly approaches the boy. "Takao..." Midorima mumbles and Takao stiffens.
Takao presses his palms into his eyes as he mutters, "Please go away, Shin."
Midorima feels an empathetic frown pull at his lips as he shifts his weight. He studies Takao as he lets out an, "Uh..." He sits on the bench, leaving plenty of room between the two as he murmurs, "I don't think I should."
Midorima can hear Takao swallow. Takao doesn't look at him as he mutters, "Okay."
Midorima nods to himself and he sits there quietly with his hands resting on his knees as Takao takes in a shaky breath. It was a few moments of silence before Takao whispered, "Sometimes I just feel so stupid."
"O-Oh," Midorima breaths as he searches for the right words - the right way to comfort his Takao.
Takao's lips turn down in a sour frown as he mutters, "It's dumb. I know." He rubs at his face harshly before dropping his hands into his lap with his gaze cast downwards.
"No -" Midorima starts immediately, scooting closer with his hand hovering over Takao's back. "No, it's not dumb. And you're not stupid, Takao."
"I know that," Takao hisses as he looks to Midorima before immediately deflating, "But, but... I just... I feel so stupid. I do stupid things. I fail math tests. I trip over my own feet." His shoulders sag even more.
Midorima's heart aches as his eyebrows curl together. His lips twitch as he hesitantly drops his palm to rest on the top of Takao's back. "Everyone does stupid things Takao," Midorima murmurs softly in an attempt to cheer up the boy. He scoots even closer as he traces his hand up and over Takao's shoulder before wrapping a secure arm around him. "Just because you do stupid - stupidly endearing things - doesn't have anything to do with your intelligence."
Takao sniffs and rubs at his nose before murmuring, "I guess." Takao's mind lingers on the word endearing as he feels Midorima's whole body press into his side.
Midorima tilts his head as he watches Takao closely while reassuringly softly, "Do you think I'd hangout with someone who was actually a moron?"
Takao hesitates before he mumbles, "N...No?" He blinks to himself.
"Exactly," Midorima smiles and brings his free hand up to caress Takao's cheek, brushing away some stray tears.
Takao's cheeks tint with embarrassment as Midorima's fingers linger. Takao presses flat hands over his face as he mumbles into his palms, " Gah - This is all because of that damn test." Midorima chuckles softly as he uses his hand to press against the side of Takao's head, gently pulling him to his chest. Takao takes the invitation immediately and nuzzles shyly against Midorima as he whines, "God - I hate math."
"Don't we all," Midorima croons as he runs aimless patterns across Takao's back. Takao laughs weakly, a shuddered sigh escaping his lips as Midorima murmurs, "If, if , you fail - which - you won't - but, if you do, I will help you study for summer school."
Takao pulls back with a confused, "Wha-" He tilts a curious gaze up to meet Midorima's eyes. "Really?"
Midorima smiles, "Really."
---
Takao was vibrating in his spot as he stood with the small group of students in front of the notification board. Midorima stood a few feet back as he waited patiently. Takao had dragged him back to the school, on a sunday no less, but Midorima didn't mind.
He watched as the whole crowd momentarily grew stiff with anticipating silence as a teacher came out. They pinned a paper to the board and the moment they left the vicinity the teenagers piled in front of it. Midorima could hear cheerful shouts and a couple of groans, but he couldn't exactly place Takao's mood as he sent him a look from the sheet of paper. Midorima tilted his head, his eyebrows curling together in brief worry before a grin cracked Takao face and he took off sprinting towards Midorima.
Midorima's eyes widened and he just barely got his arms open as Takao launched himself into Midorima's arms as he shouted gleefully, "I passed!" Midorima lets out a small oomf as Takao wraps his legs around him while yelling, "I passed - I passed!"
Laughter ignites in Midorima's chest as he giggles, "Congratulations, I knew you could do it."
Takao wraps his arms around Midorima's neck, squeezing him happily as he grins, "Not without you! Thank you thank you thank you thank -" Takao paused to take a breath, pressing a quick peck to Midorima's cheek before nuzzling into him while breathing, " Thank you ." Midorima had wrapped his arms securely around Takao. The boy was practically a koala bear, but Midorima hugged Takao back as his heart fluttered with joy. Takao quickly dropped from Midorima's grasp as he gripped at Midorima's wrist. "We should celebrate!"
Midorima felt himself smile as he said, "I know just the place."
---
Takao rubs his belly as they exit the restaurant while exclaiming, "Wow, that was delicious! Thank you so much for treating me, Shin-chan!"
Midorima adjusted his glasses as he mumbled, "It was nothing. Besides, you deserve it after all your hard work." They had gone to the restaurant Takao had been oozing about for weeks, and seeing Takao grin so happily up at him made every dollar worth it.
Takao beams up at Midorima, his cheeks painted a rosy, adorable hue as he coos, "You're kinda sweet, Shin-chan." He was almost sleepy, his belly full. The weather was perfectly comfortable and he was with his favorite person. This day only got better.
Midorima shoves at Takao's shoulder playfully before gesturing to the small park across the road, "Wanna check out the park?" It looked quaint. Midorima could see the lush green trees poke over the iron fence.
Takao's eyes glisten as he glances at the small park across the street. "Yes, yes most certainly - are you kidding?!" Takao grins as excitement bubbles in him.
Midorima lets out a breathy laugh, "Well, okay then."
The two make their way across the road and into the park. It is well maintained as thick bushes and beautiful flower patches adorned its grounds. There's a small playground off to the side and in the middle is a pond. Reeds and cattails poked from the water's edge, and lily pads could be seen floating on the water's still surface. Takao gasps as he notices the small pond, and he jogs over to crouch near the edge. He peers at the lilies that haven't quite flowered yet and he points while bubbling with excitement, "I wonder if they'll open at sunset!"
Midorima catches up and peers down at Takao's excited face. He then looks up to the warm sky as pink and orange slowly start to seep into light blue. He crouches down next to Takao before suggesting, "We could stay."
"Really? You wouldn't mind?" Takao asks as frogs ribbit beside them and off in the distance.
Midorima stares into Takao's eyes as fondness washes over him. He smiles softly as he breathes, "I don't mind at all."
" Awesome ," Takao breathes. He scoots up the grass a bit before sitting down with his legs stretched in front of him as he speaks. "I just kinda love nature, yanno? Animals, plants, all of it. I love to be outside and experience these things -" Takao continues on as Midorima sits on the soft grass next to him. He watches Takao as he leans back on his hands, a small smile tugging at his lips as Takao muses. "- And - And I'm rambling - sorry - I just-"
"No -" Midorima chuckles and straightens up, "Ramble all you like, I'm listening."
Takao's words simmer and he feels his cheeks warm as Midorima looks at him with pure fondness. He bites back a smile as he slaps his hands over his face in embarrassment causing Midorima to let out a soft chuckle. "Sorry - sorry -" Takao breathes into his palms with embarrassment. The way Midorima looks at him so casually, so fond - it melts his insides.
Midorima laughs as he reaches out to pull Takao's hands from his face while reading, "Don't apologize. You love nature, you should get to talk about it."
"I - I guess," Takao mutters as his eyes drop to their hands. Midorima's looked much larger in comparison to his as Midorima ran gentle fingertips across Takao's knuckles. Takao's heart skipped a beat as the sky faded and dusk slowly swept over them. "I'm so used to people not listening," Takao finally mumbles when Midorima lets his hands go.
A frown pulled at Midorima's lips and his heart ached. He never wanted Takao to feel this way - to feel like he shouldn't talk about his interests because it's annoying or bothersome. He scooted closer, their shoulders now touching as Takao picked at the grass next to him. "I'll always listen, Takao," Midorima murmurs carefully.
Takao breathes through his nose, a smile tugging at his lips as he bumps Midorima's shoulder with his. "That's why I like you," Takao murmured before he perked up with a small gasp. "Shin-chan!" He pointed towards the water lillies that now bloomed in the gentleness of dusk. The soft orange sky left gentle shadows over the trees and flowers as a warm breeze gently lovingly caressed the two boys. " Wow ," Takao breathed in awe as he took in the bright pink lilies. Midorima admired them as well. They poked up through the water in stark comparison to the lush greenery around them and were absolutely beautiful. His gaze wandered; however, to the boy next to him. He admired Takao silently as he watched Takao's eyes jump from one thing to the next with an amused smile on his face. He stared for a while, counting those tiny freckles that adorned Takao's nose.
Takao eventually caught sight of Midorima's gaze and he stuttered, a blush tinting his cheeks as he teased, "You're supposed to be looking at the flowers, not me, Shin- chan." Midorima swallowed as he felt his own blush creep up his neck. His mouth fell open, but no explanation came out as Takao giggled next to him. Takao took in a deep breath before falling on the grass with his arms spread wide as he breathed, "I could stay here forever. It's so peaceful and beautiful."
Midorima nodded, and he agreed, but on the only condition that this forever is with Takao. He turned on the grass to peer down at Takao's content face before he spoke, "I agree."
Takao laughed softly as he sat back up. A gentle breeze began to pick up and it played with Takao's hair as Midorima watched him carefully. Takao tilted his head to the side as Midorima blinked slowly at him. "Is something on Shin-chan's mind?" Takao asked softly, his eyes shining.
Midorima swallowed again. His heart thudded in his chest as anxiety took root in his limbs. Takao studies Midorima as he opens his mouth before biting his lip. He turns his gaze to the water. Moonlight reflects across the water and onto those lilies. He swallows and turns to face Takao. Takao raises his eyebrows up at Midorima. Midorima offers a sheepish smile before hesitantly reaching for Takao's hand. Takao's face melts into a somewhat confused, nervous gaze. Midorima looks away, his cheeks sizzling as feels Takao curl his fingers between his. Midorima finally gains the courage and mumbles, "Takao... I have something to tell you."
Takao hums, his attention fully on Midorima as his heart sputters with excitement. He tries to not smile, his face settling for a soft expression as he waits.
Midorima breathes a huff through his nose before he looks directly into Takao's eyes and puts it bluntly, "You're my lucky item."
Takao blinks and his face slowly twists with confusion as he mutters, "What?"
Midorima repeats himself, his voice more soft this time, "You're my lucky item, Takao."
"I - I -" Takao stutters as his brain tries to wrap around the sentence while he mutters, "That's - uh - flattering? I think? I don't real- "
His words were cut off as Midorima pressed his lips quickly to Takao's before pulling away and speaking with such emphasis, his face covered in an adorable blush as he murmurs fondly, "You're my lucky item, you idiot."
Takao froze in place. Midorima looked at him, patiently, but Takao could feel the anxious waves that rolled off of Midorima as he waited. Takao blinked and it all settled into place. A giant smirk curled around his lips as he cooed, "Is this - is this a love confession Shin-chan?"
He leaned closer as Midorima sputtered, "N- no - I mean - I mean yes? In a way."
"Hmm," Takao hummed as he titled his head, pressing the tip of his nose to Midorima's as he teased quietly, "Sure sounds like one."
The sky was fading into deep purples and blues as frogs croaked happily around them. Crickets chirped and leaves rustled in the warm breeze as Midorima let out a breath, gently nuzzling his nose against Takao's. Takao hummed, his smile huge as Midorima placed another kiss to the corner of Takao's mouth. Takao pressed himself into Midorima's lap, curling around him as he cuddled up close while murmuring, "You're my lucky item too."