Archive of Our Own

'Three blockers!!!'

Ball went beside hands of the side blocker landing sharply on the line. Whistle marked end of today's practice match. Both teams shook hands and started packing their stuff.

'Hey hey hey!!!'

'Bokuto-san slow down.'

'And quiet down. You are yelling too much.'

'Kenmaaa, that was mean!!'

Boy in question just shrugged as he turned around taking out his game making two older boys that stood beside him sigh in defeat.

'Really? Game just finished.'

'I know. I have just one more level, I can beat it before bus comes.'

'Anyways. What is it you needed Bokuto?'

'Nothing! I just wanted to say good game today!'

'Yeah. It was, we will beat you next time Bokuto.'

'I would like to see you try Kuroo-kun.'

They looked like fight would break out but to Yaku's relief Bokuto backed down even if he didn't know why. But then he noticed scowl setter behind him had and things were getting clear. Bokuto turned around and when he saw Akaashi's face he backed away almost tripping over Kenma who was still sitting on cold ground.

'You dragged me with you on this cold right after a match just to say good game?'

'I...'

'I am going back inside.'

'Ekkk... Akaashi!! Wait a little! Sorry I am taking my leave now but my words still stand, try and beat us if you can!'

Kuroo smirked up at him waving his hand dismissively.

'Yeah, yeah we'll worry about that next time. Now it's your priority to catch up with you boyfriend.'

Bokuto paused in mid step and Yaku could see Akaashi freeze at those words as well.

'Who?'

'What do you mean who..'

'Kuroo.'

'Huh... What?'

'Bus is here, lets go or coach will be mad'

'Alright alright'

Kuroo took sudden interest in Kenma as the boy decided to speak up in most inconvenient time even though he must have been aware of what Kuroo was going to say.

'I think Akaashi is waiting for you.'

'Oh really?... REALLY!! I need to go, thanks Yaku'

'Bye.'

Back when they were seated in bus Kuroo sat with Kenma and Yaku was sitting next to Kai in front of them.

'So why did you two interrupt me?'

'Akaashi and Bokuto aren't together.'

'No way!' 

'Way, and on top of that you made Akaashi feel uncomfortable with your little attempt to tick off Bokuto.'

'What, how do YOU know that?'

'Akaashi was waiting for Bokuto in the hallway, I could see him from where I was standing.'

'Oh.'

'But how come that they are not together yet?'

'Why are you asking us?'

'Well you two had answers to all previous things might as well have an answer for this?'

'We don't.'

'But do you know what has gotten into Akaashi? Why was he so pissed, if you are friends with someone you don't just get mad at them for stupid shit like that?

'You do if you are sick.'

'Wha...Akaashi isn't sick'

'He is'

'He is.'

'HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?!'

'How do you not?'

This time it was Kai that spoke taking interest in their conversation.

'Coach was this close to subbing him out'

Yaku reached over his seat to point at Kenma's game that showed 'Game Over' screen with boss on very low health. He then turned it of and packed it in his bag continuing where Yaku left.

'But he didn't. Because Akaashi didn't want to stop the game and risk Bokuto going into emo mode.'

'Oh, I see. So he risked getting even more sick to help Bokuto just to have that same Bokuto drag him out in cold not even an hour latter... Ouch that must have been a blow.'

'Probably. I wouldn't be surprised that tomorrow if someone called anyone from their team they will tell you Akaashi is not at school.'

'Agree. Also it would be good if someone told Bokuto Akaashi is sick.'

'Why?'

'Because he isn't going to realize it on his own. And without AKaashi there, there are higher chances of Bokuto falling apart in most inconvenient time.'

'True. You know I agree with Kuroo now.'

'Oya?'

'Yeah, well kind of. Kenma do you have any ideas how two of them aren't together yet?'

'Not really, only that Akaahi doesn't seem like a person to talk about how he feels.'

'I see. Well we might as well give them a little push.'

' Yes, Yaku my man...'

'No.'

'Kenmaaa!!! Don't be a spoilsport!'

'Leave them be, they will figure it out eventually.'

'I can't wait that long!!'

'Stop crying like a child.'

'Cruel Kenma! Cruel!!!'

'He is right Kuroo also don't you have your own love life to worry about?'

'What love life?'

'Exactly.'

'Will you two stop tormenting me!!!?'

'Akaashi!! Is something wrong?'

'No. I am fine.'

'Really?'

'Yes I am just tired from match.'

'Oh alright! Make sure to rest properly today, I can't play without my setter.'

Akaashi shook his head slightly and looked at Bokuto who was spotting his usual childish expression.

'I am not the only setter on team, you remember that right?'

Bokuto looked conflicted as he thought hard try to say something. In front of him Akaashi deadpanned thinking that Bokuto actually forgot there were other players on team aside from two of them and Konoha.

'Yeah.. I know. It's just that I want to hit lot of Akaashi's tosses. I am graduating this year you remember that right?'

Now instead of his usual poker face Akaashi was looking at white haired teen with shock. In the end he forced himself to nod and nothing more. Rest of time in gym went normal this time they went home on their own. Bokuto saying that he had to go earlier so he won't be late. Setter did find it a little odd but decided against questioning his actions.

It was next morning that Akaashi really felt consequences of his cold and stubbornness hit. He was under so much fever that he could barely go to the bathroom on his own.

'Sweetie, I will call school and say you are sick.'

'Alright...Thank you.' 

'Try to get as much sleep as possible, that is going to help you the most.'

'I will.'

'Alright. I need to go now, I will try to come home earlier today seeing as your dad needs to work overtime again.'

'Really mom, don't worry about me. I will be completely fine.'

'Bye honey.

'Bye.'

Akaashi shuffled tighter under thin covers as fever over took him. Was it really that bad to the point where he was hearing voices? He could have sworn he heard another voice coming from downstairs. Just as he was about to fall asleep doors to his room opened and scared him half to death. Soon heavy arms were seated on his shoulders probably trying to calm him down but before that could happen and before Akaashi could get even a single look at person next to him everything went black.

When he finally opened his eyes there was not way Akaashi could tell what time of day it was as his blinds were tightly closed preventing absolutely any light from outside to come in room. Soon he realized that blinds were open when his mother left and also he didn't have cold towel on his forehead back then. Before any more thought could swarm him doors of his room creaked open causing setter to jump up in sitting position.

'Bokuto-san!!!??'

'Oh, did I wake you up, I am sorry I was really trying to be quiet but seems that doesn't work... Sorry'

Ace looked at him with apologetic smile and then came toward bed and placed tray with soup on bedside table before reaching hand and taking towel from Akaashi.

'What are you doing here? What time is it? What about school you are going to be late!'

 'Eh, wait wait. One by one. I came here today when your mom left for work, I actually got just in time before she left. So she actually let me stay. Um and when I came in here you fainted...'

'That was you?'

'Mhm. And now it should be somewhere around noon, I didn't really pay attention.. So I don't know'

Finally Bokuto returned from bathroom with freshly washed towel and held it against Akaashi's forehead until the said boy decided to relax and lay down.

'But..'

'Don't worry about school. Coach told me that you were sick yesterday after match so I asked right away if you were to skip school today could he find a way for me to not get in trouble for skipping as well because I just wanted to help. And guess what Akaashi?? Coach told me not to worry about it and even let me go home earlier from cleaning if I wanted to go get some stuff.'

'Huh? What stuff?'

'Oh right I forgot, here...'

Bokuto picked up bag form floor and put it beside Akaashi taking out its content and showing everything to Akaashi.

'I didn't know how bad your cold was so I went all out. I got ugh... wait what is this... Oh! Cough medicine, pills to control your fever. Some instant ramen... I know, I know that isn't really best option but I can't cook for the life of me. So I thought it would be better idea to get something simple to make than to try and make something myself that will result if burned house.'

'Bokuto-san...'

'I also got some snacks so we can watch a movie or something if you are feeling well enough later, and don't worry about schoolwork. I got Konoha and Saru to ask some of your classmates for notes end send them to me.'

'Bokuto-san.'

'Hm? Did you say anything?'

'Thank you... but why did you go through all that trouble?'

'Well that is what friends do right!? And don't be stupid it wasn't any trouble.'

'Yeah.. I guess.. Really, thank you Bokuto-san'

'Don't mention it. Come on, get up now you have to eat'

Bokut went as far as to feed Akaashi even if the other protested that he is fine enough to eat on his own. After they got that over with Bokutos phone lit up with messages which turned out to be from Konoha sending in notes for Akaashi to copy.

'Konoha said hi and he also said he and others wish you quick recovery'

'Thank them please.'

'Will do.'

Few minutes passed with Bokuto typing away on his phone and Akaashi squirming in his bed, Bokuto was just about to put down his phone when thunder echoed over their heads followed by all of the lights going out.

'Dammit. Give me a second Akaashi I will turn on the flash.'

'Bokuto-san? '

'Hm?'

'Why are you so worried?'

'How do you mean?'

'You would never skip any practices. And you are missing out on one right now as we speak.'

 'Well it's okay, I am not missing out on anything special. I wouldn't have been able to spike a lot today anyway.'

'But...'

'Also I know I am not from some great help at school with failing my class and also with constantly getting annoyed at stupid things at practices and matches. In the end you always end up going around with me to try and help me. I just want to help Akaashi for once.'

'Oh... Thank you Bokuto-san'

'Hehe don't mind. Let me check if you have a fever.'

Bokuto got up from his place on floor and Akaashi sighed to himself before going into full panic mode when he felt strong hand on back of his head followed by soft press of lips to his forehead. He let out yelp that caused Bokuto to move away and looked at him confused.

'Akaashi, is everything alright?'

'N..No! What are you doing?!'

'Checking is you have fever?'

'What? Has is not occurred to you that you will get sick from that??'

'Oh, well it's fine. I handle colds just fine so it's okay, but you seem to still have high temperature. Here drink one of these pills and I am going to cool down the towel again.'

Akaashi watched astonished how Bokuto acted completely normal at such closure and then again this was completely normal for energetic owl. He was used to physical contact at all time as he would go from high fiving someone to hugging the other person not even minute later. While Akaashi was all for nods and hand shakes at most. He did make exceptions for Bokuto though... He refused to say anything about it but his feelings for older boy were far beyond friendship at this point. 

'Akaashi?'

'Yes Bokuto-san?'

'Are you alright, you were zoning out?'

'Yes, I am i think that is because of fever.'

'Oh. Okay. Here, put this on your forehead and try to sleep some more.'

'Aren't you going to be bored if I sleep?'

'Don't worry I'll be fine.'

Akaashi didn't remember falling asleep again but when he woke up his fever seemed to be worse than before, he got up to reach for glass of water but something heavy was pressing on his legs. He looked down and saw Boktuo sleeping on floor with his head on Akaashi's lap. He had no intentions of waking him up but white haired boy started to stir and when he looked up sleepy look disappeared instantly

'Akaashi? What is wrong? Do you still have a fever?' 

Akaashi just nodded and finally reached for the water he initially woke up for. Bokuto watched him with careful eyes and when Akaashi laid back down and started shaking even if he was completely covered in blankets he grew even more worried.

'Akaashi do you have any spare blankets around here, do you want me to bring one to you'

'I don't have any... I am usually pretty warm when I sleep so I don't need them...'

'Okay okay, wait a minute'

Akaashi tiredly watched as Bokuto sprinted out of the room and down the stairs, at some point when he was sleeping electricity got back as he could see lights from hallway now. Not much later Bokuto came back carrying his team jacket. He sat on the bed next to Akaashi and pulled covers off from sick boy.

'Bokuto-san!...'

'No, no just let me help. Come on sit up for a moment please.'

Akaashi sat up with little grumbling before giving up and putting on Bokutos jacket, the other zipped it up at the way which made it go and cover half of Akaashis's face. Dark haired boy laid down and let himself be tucked in as he was way too tired and worn out to protest. But he did try to yell when Bokuto laid down next to him and pulled him as close as he could.

'What are you doing? Bokuto-san...'

'It's alright I already told you that I am fine with cold and also you need to be warm now. Just stay still for a little bit and let's see if this help you'

Akaashi listened and hesitantly relaxed against others body. He couldn't lie, all this warmth was very welcoming. Bokuto was surprisingly warm or it was probably just effect of cold talking but Akaashi didn't mind whichever it was and instead he nuzzled his head in crook of others neck. Bokuto was happy to help his friend but he was struggling to keep still. For one because he was used to constant movement and he wasn't very patient person so he couldn't stay still for long. And as second reason he was slowly loosing his mind feeling Akaashi's warm breath against his skin. Instead of asking other boy to move Bokuto tightened his grip and started playing with his friend's hair. Boy in his arms sighed in content which was sign for Bokuto to continue. When he believed Akaashi was asleep he started talking to him.

'You know Kaashi, I am worried for you. You don't get sick often so that is good, but I would love if you never got sick, I don't like seeing you in pain.'

In the end Bokuto also fell asleep. Both boys were woken up by Bokuto's ringing phone. Boy turned around half asleep to answer.

'Yes?... Oh, no no I will be there. Alright. Bye mom.'

'Bokuto-san, what time is it?'

'Half past seven.'

'Alright.'

'How are you feeling Akaashi?'

'Much better actually, thank you'

'Hehe don't worry, but I need to leave soon. Are you going to be fine?'

'I will, my mother should be here in about hour maybe less, so it alright.'

'Well, you still have some fever but it has gone down for sure. I'll be back soon'

Bokuto grabbed bag from floor and left the room and just like he said he was back in five minutes not even giving Akaashi the chance to doze off. He was carrying tray with some ramen and what Akaashi assumed was green tea.

'Thank you Bokuto-san you didn't have to do this I could have made something.'

'No problem. Say Akaashi do you need something else before I leave.'

'No, I am fine thank you.'

'Alright, then I guess I'll be off. Bye Akaashi.

'Bokuto-san.'

'Hn, yeah?'

'I don't like seeing you in pain either.. so you better not get sick.'

'eh... EHHH YOU HEARD THAT?!!? I thought you were asleep!?!?'

Akaashi just smirked a he avoided older's gaze. He then hear loud thud and panicked when he didn't see Bokuto at door but then his expression changed to confused one when he saw him lying on floor.

'Uh, Bokuto-san are you alright?'

'Not fair Akaashiiii!!!'

'Huh? What is not fair?'

'How are you always so cool and adorable at the same time?!?'

Both boys froze in silence for a moment just staring at each other letting words Bokuto said sit in.

'Bokut-san... That sounded like a confession???'

'...'

'I didn't hear you, please say it a little louder.'

'Itwasaconfession.'

'Huh?..'

'I really need to go right now but if I already messed up I have nothing to loose with this.'

'What are you talking about?'

Bokuto picked himself up from floor and went straight for bed scaring Akaashi a little. He leaned down slowly and placed gentle kiss on smaller boys forehead. Akaashi just sat there frozen holding onto Bokuto for dear life. When Bokuto moved away from him Akaashi was starstruck to see how much emotion was held in his eyes, he was looking at Akaashi like was looking at most beautiful thing he ever saw. That was something Akaashi couldn't understand and he had no time to try and ask as Bokuto lowered his head  and this time his lips were sealed over Akaashi's. He didn't press any further, it was just a peck. Was it because he didn't want to get sick or because he thought Akaashi didn't like him back was not clear. But if he had to bet Akaashi would say it was the second one especially after remembering how many time Bokuto proudly repeated that he doesn't catch cold easy. But Akaashi wasn't the same he would catch cold easily and he had one now, which meant he got dizzy way too fast. He weakly pushed the other, lucky for him Bokuto felt it and released him immediately.

'Eh, sorry Akaashi... Well see you soon. Rest a little so you get better.'

'Bokuto-san!!'

But Bokuto was already sprinting down stairs and Akaashi couldn't really run in this state if he didn't want to get a concussion by falling right of the bat. He just laid there staring at the ceiling until he passed out again. On the other hand Bokuto was practically sprinting down the street as he tried to grab a hold of his phone.

'KUROOOOOOO!!!'

'Oya Oya? To what do I own the pleasure?'

'I SCREWED UP!!!!' 

'Ouch mind if you stop yelling for a moment, I bet Kenma could hear that even if speaker is not turned on.'

'Sorry sorry... but I need help...'

'You sound desperate?'

'I am.'

'Alright, I am putting you on a speaker now.'

'M'kay'

'Done! So... You are failing another class or is it worse?'

'Worse Kuroo, far worse...'

'Is Akaashi sick?'

'Yeah.. Kenma! How did you know that?'

'Well yesterday you and Kuroo were the only ones who didn't notice.'

'FVCK!'

'Now now, Kenma don't be mean. Why don't you go and pay him a visit Bokuto he will understand that you didn't notice.'

'It not that, coach told me he was sick after you left and I spent the entire day with him.'

'Then what can be wrong? You are overreacting again.'

'I may have or may have not done something stupid...'

'You already said that you lousy owl. Just spit it already, no one is going to murder you for saying something'

'I confessed...'

'oh'

'HUH?!?! FINALLY!!!!'

'Heh? Finally?'

'Ignore him, Kuroo was complaining the whole way from your gym back to our school how you and Akaashi aren't together.'

'Eh?'

'So what did Akaashi say?'

'Well that is kind of problem... I ran off before he could say anything.'

'YOU DID WHAT NOW!?'

'I PANICKED!! And I can't just go back there now so I am freaking out a little'

'Then wait till tomorrow.'

'You think?'

'Kenma no! Just because your lazy ass wouldn't move an inch from those games doesn't mean others can be patient like you.'

'I am not saying it because of that.'

'Guys!! I am still here!'

'Listen here...'

'No, Kuroo I know what I am saying'

'Okay...'

'Kenmaaa... Help.'

'Oi. You called me for help! Not him!'

'Because I don't have his number.'

'Tch...'

'Wait till tomorrow, before or after school it doesn't matter. But just give Akaashi a little space and time to think for now. No one does well under pressure and especially not someone like Akaashi.'

'Alright'

'Huh, would you look at that you weren't being lazy for once.'

'Yeah, is that all Bokuto?'

'Yeah it is, thanks Kenma!!'

'Bye.'

Bokuto ended the call with smile on his face, he might be the one spending the most time with Akaashi but Kenma was the most observant one. If Bokuto was to trust another person beside Akaashi it would be Kenma for sure. But he still couldn't help the little chills that crept over his back and thoughts of worst scenario happening that infected his mind.

Bokuto listened to Kenma and didn't bother Akaashi ever since he left last night, now at the lunch break he was thinking about what to say when he goes to check on him later.

'Oi Bokuto!!'

Bokuto didn't even bother to look up at where Konoha was standing and instead just continued nervously doodling on his notebook,

' What!'

' Your favorite Kouhai is here!

' Huh?'

Bokuto whipped his head around and he was sure that girl behind him could hear cogs in his head turning as he stared at doors. Soon he was on his feet and running out of the classroom dragging Akaashi with him.

'What the??'

'Why are you here!?'

'Ouch... I was waiting for you to go and eat lunch but if you don't...'

'That is not what I mean. Akaashiii why are you in school when you are sick???'

'I am feeling completely fine so I didn't want to miss out more than I had to'

'You are lying!Your skin is pale and your face is red! You still have a fever! Wait there.'

Bokuto disappeared back in classroom and soon came back carrying his bag. He grabbed Akaashi again and dragged them back to second year's class. Akaashi was left standing confused at the door while Bokuto just stomped past all of his classmates.

'Hey, um?'

'Yeah?'

'What is happening right now Akaashi?'

'I have not idea...Oi. That is my bag where are you going with that?'

'Well you are sick and you are going home, did you really plan on leaving your things in here?'

'I don't need to go ho...'

'Come on let's go, bye Akaashi's friend'

In less than five minutes they were out of school gates, with Bokutos speed it would have taken him less if he was alone but because he was with Akaashi and he knew how his friend cared about perfect attendance,Bokuto had to stop and inform teachers that he needs to make sure that Akaashi goes home now because of fever. Of course teachers let them go with no objections but Akaashi was struggling the entire time because Bokuto wouldn't slow down nor stop embarrassing him in from of entire school.

'BOKUTO-SAN STOP!'

'Eh? What is wrong? Are you not feeling well...'

'Stop for a moment and let me talk!!'

'Okay...'

'First, I was really feeling better today... I might have fever now but I really was feeling better.'

'Alright.'

'Second, WHY THE HELL DID YOU JUST RUN OFF YESTERDAY WHEN I WAS CALLING AFTER YOU?!!!'

'I... uhm.. You see I panicked but I also thought about coming over today after school so...'

'And? What was that about?'

Bokuto looked around them and noticed quite a few people staring and starting to whisper. He grabbed Akaashi's hand and kept walking toward his house.

'Bokuto-san?'

'Let's talk when we're alone okay?'

'Sure...'

When they arrived at Akaashi's house Bokuto became unusually self-conscious which Akaashi immediately noticed but didn't know how to react to. He went past Bokuto heading straight for his room, there was no need to turn around and check on white haired boy as he could hear him walking clumsily up the stairs practically tripping on every other one. When they were free of their books and sitting in youngers room silence was becoming rather heavy and uncomfortable.

'Um.. would you like anything to drink?'

'Erhh, no... I'm good, thanks.'

'Alright'

'...'

'...'

'Akaashi.. about the other day.. I am sorry I shouldn't have done that!!'

'Hnn... I would rather you tell me why you did it?'

'Well... I already told you right?...'

'Huh?'

'Before.. I.. You know, kissedyou...I told you that what I said was a confession...'

'Oh, I was so surprised by everything that I forgot about that... my bad.'

'No, no... I am sorry really... I should have kept that to myself... now I just made things awkward and bad...'

'Bokuto-san, did you really mean it? That you like me?'

Older's face went few shades darker at that but at the same time he perked up trying to form coherent sentence.

'WELL YEAH! I mean who wouldn't! You are nice but strict... no strict is not the word I'm looking for but I can remember what is it.. Never mind one word is not the point. Point is how could I not like when you are such a great person and also let's not forget you are absolutely adorable most of the time.'

 Almost immediately after finishing his sentence Bokuto started panicking when he saw Akaashi was crying. He ran to boy's side and hugged him tightly.

'I am sorry 'Kaashi I shouldn't have done what I did the other day. I am sorry if I hurt you'

Other just moved his head in a 'no' as he wiped his tears and looked up at Bokuto.

'You didn't hurt me. I am just really happy you like me back, at first I really thought you were messing with me.'

'NO! I wasn't I swear!....'

'Bokuto-san, calm down I know. I am sorry for upsetting you today'

'Don't worry about it. But Akaashi, there is one more thing left.' Bokuto shuffled away so he was not hugging Akaashi anyomre and instead was directly facing him and his heartbeat went crazy when he saw setter looking at him with glassy eyes and small simle.

'Really, what is it?'

' Well I still need to ask you to be my boyfriend and go on a date with me of course!!'

'Oh... Well, what are you waiting for? If you are too slow I might say no.'

'AKAAASHIIII!!'

'I am joking, I am joking hehe'

'Not funny Akaashi! Anyways as I was saying... Would you like do go on a date with me?'

'Or course, but that has to be moved to next week.'

'Why????'

'I am still sick Bokuto-san.'

'Oh right! That reminded me! I'll be right back you change for bed, I am going to make you something to eat!'

'Bokuto-san!...'

Before Akaashi could complain owl headed boy was already halfway to the kitchen and he figured it would be less tiring to just go along with his boyfriend's antics. While in the kitchen Bokuto remembered to text Kuroo and Kenma, Kuroo requested whole report so he got one while Kenma got a big thanks and a new game promised.

In the end of day Akaashi couldn't remember when someone pampered him that much as Bokuto did today, he even went as far as to go and just switch his books for next day and came back to sleepover at Akaashi's place so he could watch over him.