Archive of Our Own

The sky was dark, yet untouched by dawn's first rays as Kenma's yawn clouded in the winter air.

"What, still tired?" Kuroo asked as he locked the door to his apartment. "Didn't you get up this early all the time when you were in school?"

Kenma narrowed his eyes as he tightened his jacket around himself and looked down the deserted street ahead.
"No." He stated. "I would get up earlier than this, mess around with a game for an hour or two, and then sleep for a couple more hours. I never stayed up if I woke up this early."
"Eh, you don't have to today, either." Kuroo shrugged before shivering as he shoved his keys into his pocket. "As soon as we board, you can go back to sleep."
"In an airship. Full of other people."
"...ok, fair point. But, hey, on the bright side, seeing the sunrise from the air is gonna be really cool."
"And on the not bright side, you booked us tickets for a pre-sunrise flight." Kenma grumbled.
"It's not my fault Kou and Keiji could only meet us after the first flight of the day, complain to them, not me."

Kenma just huffed as they started down the steps, increasing his grip on his backpack, the only bag he was bringing.

“...But, are you ok, for real?” Kuroo asked after a brief beat. “You seemed a little out of it last night, wouldn’t quit looking at your bag. If you need to bail, you’re almost out of time.” he joked, though Kenma recognised the undercurrent of seriousness.
“I’m fine.” he responded, looking up at the stars above, just starting to lose their prominence as the pure, inky darkness of the night sky began to soften into navy. “Just not looking forward to ten days of socializing.” he added, nose wrinkling up, and Kuroo laughed softly.
“I think you need it.” he teased. “When was the last time you talked to someone besides me or Sho?”
“My parents last week.”
“Oh come on, parents don’t count.”
“...Fukunaga? I think that was around two months ago?”
“See? You’re just making my point for me.”
“What does it matter?” Kenma scoffed. “And besides, I already agreed, right? I don’t need to pretend I’m going to love every second of it to do it.”
“Ah, come on, I know you’ve missed Keiji and Kou, at least a little.”
“...just a little.”
“Not to mention, you'll actually get to see Sho in person. What’s it been? Five months?”
“Six. His birthday was the last time our schedules matched up.” Kenma replied. “But, how did you know that? I know I didn’t tell you.”
“You may be his boyfriend, but he’s also Bokuto’s friend, and Bokuto’s my friend, so he told me a few weeks ago that Shoyo told him he'd be in town to see family for the winter holidays.” Kuroo relayed. “It’s actually half the reason I invited you.” he admitted with a slightly awkward laugh. “I honestly wasn’t sure if you’d come if he wasn’t gonna be there.”

Kenma just hummed, not quite sure himself, and they fell into a familiar silence as they walked.

A few minutes later, and after working their way through the check in process, they were waiting on a bench in a lounge as their airship was prepared for departure.

Kuroo had tossed his legs over the armrest and dropped his head into Kenmas lap almost immediately as he yawned. Kenma rolled his eyes, but just slipped a small case from his pocket and shifted his attention to that as Kuroo began dozing.

He opened it up, revealing a piece of solid black glass, about four or five inches by two or three inches, pressed his fingertips to a small gem set into the top, and muttered a few words.

A moment later, the glass began glowing, displaying Kenma’s newest creation, and he shifted around slightly, getting good and comfortable, before letting himself get absorbed in it.

"Is that a new one?" Kuroo yawned after a moment, rubbing his eyes, and Kenma hummed in response, not taking his eyes off of it. "When did you make it?"
"A couple weeks ago."
"Is it fun?"
"Yeah."
"Can I try?"
"No."
"Booo, you're no fun." Kuroo complained as he halfheartedly grabbed for the device.

Kenma lifted it up about six inches, and Kuroo huffed softly before he sat up and yawned again.

"Did you bring an old one I can mess with?" He asked as he stretched his arms above his head.
"Sure." Kenma shrugged, nudging his bag towards Kuroo with his foot. "Just be careful. It's Shoyo's favorite."
"You say that like I don't have a profound respect for your work and less than zero desire to see Shorty disappointed." Kuroo snorted as he quickly retrieved the familiar case from the bag and slipped the device out of it. “Is it the gathering stuff one or the fighting stuff one?”
“Neither. It’s the first one.”
“Oh, the one with all the obstacles?”

Kenma nodded without looking up, and heard a soft ‘huh’ from Kuroo as the device flickered to life.

They sat in silence next to each other for a while, until, finally, an announcement about their flight was made and Kuroo was standing up, putting the device back into its case.

He held the case out towards Kenma, who just grunted and gently kicked his bag again. Kuroo sighed, but dutifully tucked the case away before scooping the bag up and tossing it over his left shoulder. He then grabbed Kenma’s arm and gently tugged him to his feet with only minor protesting that he wasn’t at a good stopping point, and began guiding him towards the gate.

“You know they’ll need to check your ticket.” Kuroo said after a few steps.
“Pocket.” Kenma responded flatly, and Kuroo’s hand slipped into his pocket.

They arrived at the gate and Kuroo handed over the tickets, exchanging a few words and a clearly polite and not terribly genuine half laugh before he was guiding Kenma forward again, the whole time Kenma’s eyes remaining trained on the glass in his hands.

If nothing else it let him avoid seeing the faces and bodies that corresponded to the shoes edging their way into his periphery or the voices edging into his awareness.

Kuroo’s grip on him adjusted slightly.

“You feeling ok?” he asked softly, and Kenma could feel his concerned gaze as it was turned upon him.
“Fine.” Kenma murmured against the steady thudding in his chest, what had been manageable and background becoming far more pronounced.

They made their way onto the ship and the crowd, thankfully, began to dissipate as people moved about, heading to their rooms or making their way to one of the three viewing decks the large ships like this one housed.

“Does the middle sound ok?” Kuroo asked, and Kenma nodded.

They made their way through the crowd, Kuroo shifting from gently grabbing Kenma’s arm to carefully placing an arm over his shoulders as they navigated through some particularly narrow, crowded areas, until finally arriving at the second level viewing deck.

Kenma finally risked a glance away from the game in his hands, even though it had been frozen since they’d started up the ramp onto the ship.

It was an open area, probably two hundred meters long and a hundred and fifty wide, with yellow lights along the vaulted ceiling that straddled the line between sterile and warm. The walls to the left and right were nothing but thick glass, interrupted every ten meters or so by metal beams. The wall behind them and on the other side of the area were solid panelling, with wide swinging doors, between which stretched a walkway, probably five or so meters wide, and off to the side of which was a tired seating arrangement, like a giant staircase comprised of six steps on which were chairs and benches, so each seat had a fairly unimpeded view of the windows. Ramps curved down gently to the left and right, providing access to each level, as well as a few more, and a few staircases, along the main walkway.

But, above all, what Kenma noticed about the view deck was that it was quiet.

There were people scattered throughout, maybe two dozen or a little better, but most people weren’t conversing, and those who were were doing so softly.

Kenma felt a little of his tension melt away, and Kuroo’s arm slipped off of him.

“You wanna pick the seats or should I?” Kuroo asked as he surveyed the room.
“We’re heading South?”
“Yeah, roughly.”
“Right side. Don’t care what level.”

Kuroo grinned as they headed down the ramp to their right.

“Oh? The right side, eh? Whyever could that be?” he asked.
“If you’re asking in that tone of voice, you know full well.”
“But do I? Wouldn’t it be easier if you just told me?”

Kenma stopped rather suddenly and dropped into the nearest seat, about ten seats deep on the lowest level, the one that was only a few meters from the windows, and gazed out.

The horizon was shifting from pale blue to a watery yellow, the stars gently fading away, the moon already out of sight.

Kuroo dropped down next to him with a sigh.

“You know, I’ve always liked sunsets more than sunrises,” he noted.
“I know.” Kenma agreed softly.

There was a lengthy beat of silence between them.

“At least you know what you two are.” Kuroo all but huffed after a moment.

Kenma couldn’t help thinking about the ink in his bag or the discomfort in his chest that was, for once, not solely attributable to his binder as he stared down at the piece of glass in his hands. It made his throat constrict a bit, though he couldn’t quite say why.

Maybe it was the distance that was starting to grow between him and Kuroo, ever since they finished school, a feeling like the ground under Kenma’s feet was shifting. He couldn’t tell if he wanted it to stop.

Maybe it was the closeness between him and Shoyo, ever since they’d met, four whole years now, a feeling like drinking pure sunshine. He didn’t think he wanted to stop.

“Sorry.” Kuroo mumbled after another long moment with a heavy sigh as he rubbed his eyes. “I didn’t need to- It’s just…I’m sorry.”
“I know. Me too.” Kenma responded, just as softly as he unfroze the device in front of him and trained his eyes on it.

Its soft sounds were the only thing that kept the trip from being made in complete silence

---

Staring outside at the snow as it gently drifted down from the thick, gray clouds, one thought crowded out everything else in Shoyo’s mind.

It was time.

His heat thudded in his chest, his breath fogging up the window in front of him as he grinned.

It was time.

There was a sharp rap on his door.

“Sho! Hurry up!” Natsu demanded, and Hinata laughed as he spun on his heel and scooped up his bag, slinging it over his shoulder before rushing to the door and yanking it open, revealing Natsu, still in her pajamas.
“No, you!” he said with a grin. “I’ve been ready since I woke up.” he added smugly.
“Me too.” Natsu huffed. “Mom and dad are letting me wear this cause it’s warmer.” she added. “And if you’re ready then come get some food or we’re gonna be late.”
“Absolutely.” Shoyo responded, shutting his door behind himself before following Natsu to the kitchen, where their mother was eating and their father was washing dishes.

Both glanced towards them as they entered the room, Natsu quickly dropping down into a seat, in front of which was a plate with a half eaten, berry sauce smoothed pancake that she promptly attacked.
“Good morning.” Their mother said as she smiled towards Shoyo. “Are you almost ready?”
“Yup!” Shoyo announced as he dropped down next to her. “Packed and dressed, I just gotta put my shoes and jacket on!”
“That’s great. You seem very excited for the festivities this year.” She noted.
“How could I not be? It’s been a year since I’ve seen everyone.” he responded with a grin before tucking into the plate of food that Natsu had shoved towards him.

“Yes, that’s true.” his mother said with a small smile. “Speaking of which…” she glanced towards Shoyo’s father. “Honey, wasn’t there something we were discussing a day or two ago?” she asked pleasantly.
“...We’re doing this over breakfast?” he asked with a heavy sigh, somewhere between long suffering and bemused.
“Doing what?” Hinata asked through a mouthful as his father dried his hands and turned around, leaning against the counter as he slipped his glasses off.
“We just wanted to…tell you something before you moved out.” his mother said, drawing his attention in that direction.
“Tell me what?” Hinata asked. “I don’t even have plans to move out yet. Did something happen? Do you need me to leave?”
“No, no, nothing like that.” his father said, rubbing the back of his neck. “But, we were just assuming you had decided to take the job offer you got a few weeks ago, for once you’re out of school.”

Shoyo swallowed, feeling his stomach squirm a little.

“I haven’t,” he lied, and his mother laughed.
“Alright. That’s fine. It's your decision and we won’t be upset either way.” she soothed. “We just also wanted to-”
“Are you sure this is necessary?” his father interrupted. “I don’t want to add any stress or awkwardness before they get to see each other.”
“I know, but,” his mother started.

Shoyo was about to interject, but felt a foot against his ankle. He looked towards it and found Natsu staring at him, an expression somewhere between frustrated and elated.

“They’re fine with you marrying Kozume, if you want to.” she declared, and Shoyo choked on air.
“Natsu!” their father yelped as their mother quickly hid her smile behind her mug.
“What? You guys were taking forever to say it.” she defended. “And, I’m ok with it too.” she added with a shrug as Shoyo started to recover. “He’s cool and his magic’s really awesome.” she added as Shoyo grabbed his water and took several long drinks.

No one spoke as he did so, and he could feel the heat spreading over his face.

He finished and set the glass down as his mother did the same.

“Look, Shoyo,” she started. “We’re not trying to tell you what to do with your life or that you need our approval for every decision you make.”
“It’s just,” his father took over. “We can see how much you two care about each other and don’t want you to hold off on…certain things,” he said, giving Natsu a pointed look.

She stuck her tongue out at him, and he rolled his eyes as Shoyo’s mother stepped in again.

“We just wanted you to know that you have our approval, whatever that’s worth to you, for whatever you and Kozme end up becoming in the future, especially as you get older and start really building your own lives.” she said with a soft smile.
“Exactly.” Shoyo’s father said. “We love you and don’t want to stand in the way of something that would make the two of you happy. We know you don’t need it, but we wanted to make it clear that you do, indeed, have our blessing. And Natsu’s too, apparently.” he said.
“Only if he lets me have one of the cool glass things he makes.” she clarified, and Shoyo laughed, face still bright red, the tension of the moment softening.

“I can’t promise that. Ken really likes his creations. But I can ask.” he said with a grin. “And, thank you guys. It might not be necessary but…it still feels nice.”
“Of course.” his parents said in unison as his stomach squirmed a bit.

Had they…known?

No, no there was no way.

Shoyo himself had only made the decision last night.

“Alright,” Shoyo’s mother said as she and Natsu stood, Shoyo’s father disappearing down the hall towards their room. “We’ll go grab our bags while you finish eating, and then we can head out.”
“Right, sounds great.” Shoyo responded with a smile that he hoped looked more genuine than it felt.

A moment later, he was alone in the kitchen, staring down at his food and wondering where his appetite had gone.

He took a few deep breaths, told himself his fear was unfounded and that he wasn’t someone who let fear stop him, founded or not.

And this time was no different.

He wasn’t going to be mad at himself for being scared, but he wasn’t going to let it stop him, he told himself, over and over again.

He still wasn’t able to finish his breakfast.

A few minutes later, their little group of four was stepping out into the snow as it coated the ground and was still lazily drifting down from the thick gray clouds.

Natsu stuck her tongue out to catch a few flakes, and Hinata laughed before mirroring her, hoping the familiarity and juvenility of the action would be soothing.

It almost was.

Their parents started talking as they walked, details about tram times and switches and other stuff Shoyo would rather not have to bother with.

After a few moments, he said as much.

“You know,” he started, glancing at Natsu as she sprung forward to catch a snowflake. “This trip is always so long.”
“Then be grateful it’s the last time you’ll have to make it.” she shrugged, looking over her shoulder at him with an expression somewhere between piercing and maybe a little sad.
“And what’s that supposed to mean, huh?” Shoyo asked as he scooped up some snow and tossed it at her.

It hit her chest and burst out, most of it slipping off her cloak almost immediately as she stopped and looked up at him.

“You’ve been talking to Bokuto and Kuroo a lot.” she stated.
“They’re my friends.”
“Yeah,” she said, looking him over in a way far too intense for a ten year old. “They are.” she met his eye. “I’ll miss you, you know.” she spun on her heel and raced forward, into the tram station they’d arrived at.
“What was that about?” Shoyo’s mother asked as she arrived next to him.

He cleared his throat as he adjusted his bag.

“Nothing.” he managed. “Nothing at all. Lets just go catch up to her before she gets lost or kidnapped.” he said before heading inside quickly, his parents only a step behind.

About a half an hour later they were all on the train as it sped towards their destination.

Shoyo’s thoughts drifted to the conversation he’d had, only hours before, and then the small item, carefully tucked away in a simple box at the bottom of his bag, and then, finally, his little sister as she dozed against their father, snoring slightly.

A faint smile made its way to his lips as his stomach continued to squirm lightly in a way he wasn’t quite sure how to feel about.

He did know, and he returned the sentiment.

---

“You’re still asleep?” A cheerful voice asked incredulously as light suddenly assaulted Kenma’s half closed eyes, drawing a noise somewhere between a groan and a hiss from him as he tugged his blanket over his face.
“Not anymore.” he grumbled, and Bokuto laughed.
“Fair enough! But Keiji made some breakfast and it’s gonna get cold.”
“If he’s the one who made it, that might be for the best.” Kenma muttered as he sat up, wrapping his blanket around himself.
“Hey, no trashing my boyfriend's cooking alright?” Bokuto said as he dropped down onto the bed next to Kenma. “But,” he added in a whisper. “I do have some leftovers stashed away that you can have when he gets in the shower in three, two-”

The water in the bathroom across the hall came on, and Bokuto grinned.

“One. Now c’mon, Tetsu’s gonna be back from his walk soon and I don’t have enough leftovers for both of you.” Bokuto said as he stood and headed for the door.

Kenma sighed, but begrudgingly rose to his feet, still wrapped in the blanket, and shuffled after him.

“So I was thinking,” Bokuto started as he began flitting around the kitchen and Kenma settled himself at the table, sinking into the blanket even more. “Today would be a really good day for us to go get decorations! I know it’s been a while since you were in town and there are some really cool new places I wanted to show you!”

Kenma groaned again, rubbing at his eyes.

“You know, I really don’t mind to stay here while you guys-”
“Nonsense!” Bokuto interjected. “It won’t be nearly as fun without you.” he added as he plunked a plate in front of Kenma with a smile. Kenma narrowed his eyes.
“You’re lucky I like you.” he finally sighed after a long beat, and Bokuto laughed.
“I know! It’s awesome!” he said as Kenma wiggled an arm out of the blanket and scooped up a fork, beginning to eat as Bokuto continued chattering about all the places they would go and the things they would do.

Before long, though, the front door was creaking open, and in stepped Kuroo.

Kenma immediately shot him a ‘please help Bo’s being so loud and it’s so early’ look, and Kuroo grinned as he strode into the kitchen and draped himself over Bokuto, who had been so engrossed in his mental planning he hadn't even heard him enter.
“Hey there,” Kuroo started, and Bokuto whipped his head around, narrowly avoiding Kuroo’s nose and very suddenly coming face to face with him.
“Tetsu!” he said cheerfully. “Did you have a good walk? I was just telling Ken about the stuff we should do today!” he said, seemingly nonplussed by the proximity and oblivious to the way Kuroo’s face was starting to ever so slightly tint pink.

Kenma just rolled his eyes as he shoved another few bites of food into his mouth and quietly slipped back into his and Kuroo’s room, locking the door behind himself before letting the blanket fall to the floor as he yawned and stretched his arms above his head.

He made his way to his bag and dug out some clean clothes, tossing them on the bed as he grabbed the small stone from the very bottom of his bag.

He turned it over in his hands as he straightened up.

Shoyo had probably already started traveling for the day, since he was supposed to arrive in town tomorrow or the next day.

Akaashi would be clean and dressed soon, and Kuroo would come back to reality soon as well, and he and Bokuto would probably come up with a far too intricate and overly full schedule for the day.

Kenma should just put the stone back in his bag.

He didn’t need to talk to Shoyo until he could in person.

The stone glowed softly in his hand, and he couldn’t help smiling as whispered the needed words.

“Ken!” Shoyo called cheerfully. “How are you? Is the city ok? I hope all the people haven’t been too stressful. You’ve been breathing and taking binding breaks, right?”
“I’m fine, Shoyo.” Kenma responded with that same small smile as he dropped down onto the bed. “What about you? You’re the one who's still traveling.”
“I know, but I like traveling and you don’t.” Shoyo laughed. “I’m having a blast. Me and Natsu had a snowball fight earlier and I totally won.”
“May your victory over a ten year old live on in society's collective memory for years to come.”
“Hey! She fights dirty when it comes to winter stuff. Me beating her is impressive.” Shoyo huffed, and Kenma laughed.
“Mmhmm.” he responded.
“I’m serious!”
“I know.” Kenma assured. “You’ll be here tomorrow, right?”
“Ah, about that,” Shoyo started, and Kenma could hear the wince in his voice. “It might be another day or two.” Kenma sat up, gripping the stone a little tighter.
“Did something happen?”
“No, no! Nothing, like, bad or anything,” Shoyo quickly reassured. “Just, normal winter weather travel delays, you know? It’s hard to say when we’ll actually get in. But I promise I’ll let you know as soon as we do.” he soothed, and Kenma untensed slightly.
“Ok.” he said, gaze falling on his bag. “Ok.”
“Ok.” Hinata echoed. “You sure you’re feeling alright? You sound a little… distracted.”

Kenma shook his head.

“I’m alright.” he repeated. “For now, at least. Bokuto wants to drag me out to buy decorations after everyone’s eaten breakfast.”
“Oh, sounds fun!”
“...It really does,” Kenma sighed, rubbing his eyes with his free hand. “Which is why I wish he had picked a day that I had enough energy to enjoy it.”
“You could ask to do it tomorrow?”
“I’ll be fine. Besides, if I say I’m tired, they all over compensate and treat me like a dying cat.”
“Ah, yeah, that must suck.” Shoyo responded. “I hope it’s at least kind of fun. Did Bokuto say where all you’re going?”
“I’m sure he did, but I barely heard any of it.” Kenma admitted. “I tuned out after about a dozen words.”

Shoyo laughed lightly again.

“Bokuto can be hard to follow, especially when he gets excited.”
“Don’t I know it.”
“I should probably hang up now, right?”
“Probably.”
“I don’t really want to.”
“I don’t either.”

There was a knock at the door.

“Ken?” Kuroo said. “Are you decent? Can I get pants?”

Kenma groaned as he stood, approaching the door.

“Was that Kuroo?” Shoyo asked.
“Is that Shorty!?” Kuroo asked.
“We’re just hanging up.” Kenma said as he unlocked it.
“Not before I get to say hi,” Kuroo declared, slipping in with a grin as Shoyo laughed.
“Hi Kuroo,” he said.
“Hey shorty.” Kuroo responded. “You guys almost here?”
“Almost. Just another day or…so.”
“Well ya better hurry up before Ken loses his mind.” he said with a grin. “I think he’s about had enough of the three of us, truth be told.”
“I’m hurrying, don't worry.” Shoyo assured. “And, if I wanna keep hurrying, I should probably go.” he admitted.
“Yeah. See you in a bit.”
“See you in a bit! I love you so much!”
“Love you too.”
“Me too.” Kuroo added, and he and Shoyo laughed a bit, and before long, the stone was buried back into Kenma’s bag and Kuroo was scooping some clean clothes out of a dresser.

“Well, he seems like he’s doing pretty good,” he noted, glancing at Kenma. “How about you? You look a little…” Kuroo gestured vaguely at him, and Kenma sighed.
“Because I am a little-” he vaguely gestured to himself. “But it’s alright. I’ll be ok while we go out today.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah.”
“Ok. Lemme know if you change your mind. It shouldn’t be too hard to get Bo and Kaashi back here without letting ‘em know you’re feeling weird.”
“For some reason, I doubt that.”
“Understandable.” Kuroo shrugged. “But, the stuff Bokuto wants to do is way too much for one day, even for me. We won’t have to do everything today.”

Kenma just sighed again as he took the deepest breath he could.

“You better be right.” he muttered, though a small sinking in the pit of his stomach told him Kuroo wasn’t.

At least Hinata would be here soon, he told himself as his gaze fell on his bag again.

Probably, he reminded himself, unable to stop the small wave of uncertainty and fear.

At least all of this would be over in eight days, regardless of how it ended.

---

Finally.

That was the only word on Shoyo’s mind as he collapsed onto a guest bed in his great aunt's house.

After four long days of travel, they had finally arrived at their destination, and the tension and energy of the last few days began to ebb out of his body.

“Hey, get out of the bed.” Natsu demanded from the doorway, or, what Shoyo guessed was the doorway. His face was shoved into a pillow so he wasn’t really sure. “Go wash off before you get the sheets all sweaty and nasty.”

Shoyo groaned dramatically as he flopped over onto his back.

“You just want the bed to yourself.” he stated, and Natsu huffed.
“Duh. But you are pretty dirty and mom and dad wanted us both to at least change before dinner.” she pointed out. “Besides, you’re planning to try to go over to Kozume’s, right? Don’t wanna be all stinky when you see your boyfriend.”

Shoyo laughed at that, hualing himself up and slipping off the bed.
“Fine, fine, it’s all yours. Just don’t tell mom and dad, ok? I don’t know if I’m sneaking out or asking to go out yet.”
“Why would I tell? If you're gone, that’s just more dessert for me.” she responded with a grin that Shoyo returned as he scooped his bag up.
“I like your priorities, Little Bug,” he said as he ruffled her hair. “Just leave a bite or two for me, ok?”
“Or what?”
“You’ll see.” Shoyo promised ominously before slipping out of the room and making his way to the washroom.

Moments later, he was stepping into the warm water, his thoughts drifting to, as Natsu had pointed out, his desire to slip away and go see Kenma.

It would be almost impossible by tomorrow, when the bulk of his family was getting in, both he and Natsu knew. With an extended family this size, you’d be seen by four people just going to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

No, if Shoyo was going to do this, it would have to be tonight, he decided, relaxation beginning to give way to energy and readiness as he climbed out of the bath and quickly dried off and dressed.

He made his way back to the room he and Natsu were sharing without incident, and found her asleep, sprawled out over the bed, and rolled his eyes fondly as he put his bag in the corner quietly instead of tossing it.

He eased the door shut on his way out, and when he turned to head down the hall, came face to face with his father.

“Oh, hey, nice bath?”
“Oh, yeah. Really nice. And warm. I think this is the first time I’ve been actually warm since we left.” Shoyo laughed.
“Great. Are you busy?”
“I was thinking about going to say hi to Ken before everyone got here tomorrow,” he started uncertainly.
“Ah, you’ll have plenty of time for that. Would you mind helping with dinner first?”

Shoyo sighed, having a sinking feeling he knew where this was going, but knowing it couldn’t go anywhere else, so he might as well just strap into the ride instead of trying to fight it.

“Sure. Are mom and auntie already started?”
“Yup, just a few minutes ago. I think one of your cousins is in there too.” Shoyo’s father responded as he tossed an arm around his shoulders and guided him towards the kitchen.

-

As anticipated, ‘just helping with dinner’ turned into ‘Well you can’t leave without eating’ which turned into ‘Everyone has to help clean up’ which led into ‘good job cleaning up, let's have dessert’ which became ‘why don’t we all play a game before bed’, which led to ‘Now I’m sitting in bed without getting to see Kenma and Natsu’s already taking up three fifths of the bed and snoring’.

Hinata sighed as he stared out the window and gripped the stone in his hand a little tighter.

He really wanted to call Kenma.

But it was late, and Kenma had almost definitely had a long day and was probably actually sleeping right now.

Maybe sleeping.

Probably not, honestly, but on the off chance he was, Hinata didn’t want to be the one to interrupt it when it was so sorely needed.

But… he had also made a promise…

He held the stone up, closer to his face, and whispered to it, resolving to end the spell in five seconds if Kenma didn’t answer.

He chickened out and ended it on three, an unusual and intense wave of nerves, fear and insecurity, washing over him.

He closed his eyes took a few deep breaths before opening them and looking out the window.

The stars were already bright in the night sky, what little of it Hinata could see through the clouds and trees and lights from the nearby city, and it made him smile.

Soon, he promised himself.

He’d get to see his starlight soon.

He tucked the stone back into his bag, and then wiggled under the covers, preparing to have to fight Natsu for space.

Instead, as he laid down, he found her staring at him.

She stopped fake snoring as soon as they made eye contact, and she scooted back.

“Sorry you didn’t get to see Kozume.” she whispered.
“I’ve still got time.” He assured. “And don’t think you’re getting out of hanging out with me over the holidays either.” he added with a grin.
“Right back at you.” she huffed before flipping over and nestling back down into the blankets.

The next morning, though neither would be able to say who had moved, they woke up back to back.

---

The early morning sunlight was strong enough to easily see by, but too weak to be abrasive, the sky just starting to tint with the pinks and oranges of a sunrise as the lead of Kenma’s pencil snapped for the fourth time since he’d started working.

He huffed lightly, staring down at the paper in his lap and the sketches that covered it, ranging from flowers to animals to mountains to geometric patterns.

They looked fine, good, even, by Kenma’s standards, but none of them were right.

He wished he could say why, or what would make the right one, but he couldn’t. Not before seeing it.

He sighed as he brushed the broken lead off the page and briefly considered sharpening it again and filling another page, but the steady increase in noise and motion in the city around him, despite being on an out of the way park bench, was telling him he’d be better off to cut his losses and return to the apartment before the others had a chance to really wonder where he was.

Forcing it wasn’t working, and he did have a few more days before the solstice festivities started, anyway, he reasoned as he packed up and headed out.

He had only taken a few steps before someone barreled into him, and he lost his balance.

He was briefly torn between anger and worry as he started to fall, having no desire to start his day with fresh injuries, but it quickly shifted to resignation and discomfort at the prospect of how the person who’d run into him would handle it.

But the resignation was dispelled a half second later when Kenma still hadn’t hit the ground, a hand firmly grabbing his wrist, and the discomfort a half second after that as a familiar gasp that melted in a bright laugh rang out through the clear morning.

“Kenma!” Shoyo cried. “I’m so sorry, did I hurt you?” he asked as he hauled Kenma all the way back to his feet.
“Shoyo,” Kenma said, for lack of ability to say anything else at the moment as he looked up and got his feet under him.

And there he was, that smile brighter than the rising sun painted on his face, that fluffy orange hair, a little longer and messier than the last time Kenma had seen it, highlighted by the sunrise gorgeously.

“Could you not sleep? Are you by yourself? Man, I've missed you! Can I hug you?” Shoyo rattled off quickly.
“Shoyo!” Kenma repeated, surging forward and wrapping his arms around him, and Shoyo just laughed again, hugging him back fiercely.
“It’s so good to see you.” he said as he dropped his chin onto Kenma’s shoulder.
“You’re telling me,” Kenma responded. “I didn’t know you were here yet. I thought it would be tomorrow.”
“So did I. We actually got in late yesterday afternoon. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. At first I thought I’d actually be able to come see you in person, but then it got really late and I didn’t want to wake you up.” Shoyo explained.
“You know I don’t sleep.”
“And you know that’s a little bit of a problem you have.” Shoyo returned before shifting back a bit and glancing over Kenma. “You look ok though. How’re you feeling? I know you’re not big on travel.”

“I’m fine,” Kenma responded, taking the moment to return the favor and give Hinata a quick once over. “But you…got bigger.” he said, finding Shoyo now only about an inch or so shorter instead of about two, and his shoulders a little broader and arms a little more toned, nothing huge, but noticeable after so long apart, especially in the loose, sleeveless top he was wearing this morning.

Shoyo laughed.

“I know! You know how I told you they were messing with my T dosage? They finally increased it to my permanent dose size a couple months back, and I think it’s definitely part of it. And I’ve been around the roosts with Kageyama a bit more lately, too, so that’s been a lot of hard work.” Shoyo rambled before stopping and shaking his head. “But, you’re fine? How’re Kuroo and Bo and Akaashi?”
“I’m fine.” Kenma repeated. “The others are good. Except for Kuroo. I think being around Keiji and Kou might finally break him this year.” Shoyo laughed.
“Does he realise that there’s no way they’d turn him down? Or at least no way they’d abandon him?” he asked, and Kenma sighed.
“He does. He just…he needs a little more time. I think.”
“Then I guess he’s lucky they’re pretty patient too. And speaking of time, I’m so sorry, but I don’t have a lot of it this morning. My parents sent me out to meet some of my relatives at the airport and help them get home. Can I call you tonight?”
“I’ve got nothing better to do.” Kenma responded. “But, is there a day we’ll be able to…” Kenma trailed off, and Shoyo nodded vigorously.
“Yes! We’re gonna spend some time together, I promise! Definitely during the festival, if nothing else, and tonight we can set up a different day? Maybe one where we can do something, just the two of us?”

Kenma nodded.

“Sounds perfect. I’ll talk to you tonight.”
“I'll talk to you tonight, I love you so much!”
“I love you too.”

And as quick as he’d arrived, Shoyo was sprinting off, down the path through the park, leaving Kenma’s head spinning a bit.

His hand fell to the bag resting on his hip.

Maybe he didn’t have to go back just yet.

Maybe he had just gotten some inspiration.

---

It took Shoyo far, far too long to get back to his aunt's place.

In fact, the whole day went by at a snail's pace after seeing Kenma.

Knowing he was so close but Shoyo couldn’t go see him, go hold him, go talk to him for hours on end about everything and nothing, was nearly torturous.

But finally. Finally, finally, finally, everyone was here, settled in, and dinner was over, allowing Shoyo to slip outside and make his way to one of the giant, old, trees on the edge of the land his aunt lived on, a large area just outside the city, where buildings gave way to wilderness, roads to rough trails, and street lights to the sun and the moon and stars.

He arrived at the base of his favorite, the one that was about thirty feet across and was only able to be climbed because of the rope ladders, tied off on the branches above..

He scaled it easily, he could practically climb it in his sleep, his breath clouding as he panted until the branches became thin and gnarled enough to be grabbed on their own, about thirty feet up.

Within moments, he found himself nestled on a nice wide branch about thirty or forty feet off the ground, his back pressed to the trunk and his legs straight out in front of him.

He gave himself a moment to soak in the night, clear and crisp around him as it settled in for the long hours ahead before the sun would grace the horizon. He could see the lights of the city in the distance, bright and warm and watery with the unique quality magic had when it was used to emit light. Above it, the moon, massive, pale grey, hung nearly full, directly overhead and obscured by the tree cover, though its light diffused through the leaves, bathing the land in pale silver light.

Shoyo reached into his pocket and tugged out the stone, running his thumb over it as it nestled into his palm.

It was an amazing feat of enchanting, truly. The result of months of Kenmas hard work and Shoyo's pouting about only ever being able to talk to him when they were face to face.

He activated it and, a half second later, heard Kenma’s voice.

"Shoyo?"
"Kenma! How are you? Did you have a good day?"
"I'm fine. It was fine. Yours?"
"Would've been better if I got to hang out with you. But, honestly, it wasn't bad. Everyone who's visiting is here now, so we don't have to worry about picking anyone else up or anything. And now that everyone's here we're going to finish all the decorating, probably tomorrow. How about you guys? Is your place already decorated?"
"When I got back after running into you this morning the other three had already started." Kenma responded flatly. "I made so many things out of paper and will never forgive them."

Shoyo laughed.

“How much glitter is on you right now?”
“At least a cup. Why did I come down here again?”
“Because you get to see me!”
“...Fair enough.” he huffed gently, and Shoyo gripped the stone a little tighter.
“Do you want to hang out soon? I know I won’t really be able to get completely away from my family, but you could come over, if you wanted. Tomorrow would be a little soon, but maybe the day after?”

There was a long beat of silence before Kenma sighed.

“I guess I do need some time away from here,” he admitted. “Kou is amazing, but he takes so much energy to be around.”
“You don’t have to, if you’d rather-”
“I want to.” Kenma assured. “Your family is just…”
“A lot?”
“Let's just say that after meeting them, I see where you get a lot of your traits.” Kenma laughed softly. “The ones that are a little more taxing, and the ones that are soothing.”
“Is that a… yes?”
“Yeah. The day after tomorrow?”
“If you’re free.”
“I’m always free. For you, at least.”
“I know. You never let me pay for our dates.” Shoyo complained, and Kenma laughed lightly again.
“Maybe you should just be quicker.” he said, and Shoyo could hear his grin.
“Maybe I’m going as fast as I can.” Shoyo defended with a laugh. “Should I pick you up?”
“Nah. I can get there. Just, maybe, meet me at the gate so you can be next to me when I come in.”
“That’s the least I could do.”
“Alright. Well, Kuroo’s mouthing something at me from the doorway and doing a variety of frankly embarrassing gestures that I think mean dinner is ready, so I guess I should go.”
“You haven’t eaten?! Yeah, go, go,” Shoyo encouraged. “Oh, just, what time?”
“Let’s say about two hours before midday.”
“Perfect. Enjoy dinner! I love you so much!”
“I love you too. See you soon.”
“See you soon.” Shoyo echoed as the stone in his hand went silent and dim.

His grip on it tightened as he smiled, looking out over towards the softly glowing city again.

“See you soon.” he repeated to himself, warmth spreading through him at the thought despite the winter night.

---

It had taken far, far too long, but staring down at the most recent sketches in his notebook, Kenma was hit with a sense of rightness.

He’d been told that this was one of those things where you would know the right one when you saw it, which he had always assumed was just something his parents said.

Until he had finally seen it.

A particularly strong gust of wind blew, cutting right through Kenma’s frankly pitiful coat and forcing him to clutch the notebook tighter as the pages rustled. He glanced towards the sky, finding it filled with even more dark grey clouds than before, now less than half of it visibly blue.

“You’re going to freeze.” Kuroo said suddenly, and Kenma almost jumped out of his skin as his head whipped towards him and he clutched the notebook to his chest.
“What are you doing out here?” he asked, and Kuroo shrugged as he closed the small distance between them and dropped down across from Kenma.
“Looking for you,” he responded.
“Mission accomplished then.”
“You planning on coming back in soon?”
“Why?”
“No real reason.” Kuroo’s gaze fell to the notebook in Kenma’s hands and there was a beat of silence. “That what I think it is?”
“...Probably.”
“That’s a big step.”
“I know.”
“You worried at all?”
“Honestly? No. Not really.”
“You’re seeing him tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
“Are you asking then?”
“No.”
“During the solstice, then?”
“Yeah.”

They fell into silence as another strong gust of freezing wind made its way over the rooftop, and Kuroo looked out over the city.

Kenma was suddenly hit the heaviness in his eyes, the stiffness in his shoulder that had nothing to do with how cold he had to be.

The ground under Kenma’s feet was the only thing shifting.

“We should go back inside,” he said after another long moment. “It’s fucking freezing up here.”

They both stood, Kenma’s notebook shifting in his arms and drawing Kuroo’s eye, giving him a brief glimpse of the page as he closed the notebook.

They made their way inside silently, until they started heading down the hall Akaashi’s apartment was on.
“They look really nice.” Kuroo offered after a moment. “I… hope it all works out.”

Kenma just hummed in response as his thoughts drifted to the pens in his bag.

At first, he hadn’t been sure if he’d brought the right ones, but now, like with the piece itself, he now knew he had exactly what he needed.

Another beat passed and he glanced at Kuroo out of the corner of his eye, finding his eyes downcast, his brow furrowed, and his hands stuffed into his pockets.

Kenma sighed.

He always ended up as friends with such dramatic people.

“Everything will work out for you too.” he muttered as they arrived in front of the door, and he rushed inside before Kuroo had a chance to respond.

---

After almost half an hour of pacing and bouncing on the balls of his feet, Shoyo’s wait was finally over.
“Kenma!” He cried, waving vigorously as he caught sight of him making his way towards the house. Kenma stopped, giving a small smile and wave, and Shoyo all but flung himself down the hill, screeching to a halt in front of him with a big grin. “It’s so good to see you! How are you? How was getting out here? Are you hungry? Can I hug you?" he asked, rapid fire, and Kenma’s smile only softened further.
“I’m fine, so was the trip, not really, absolutely.” Kenma responded, and Shoyo surged forward, wrapping him in a hug as he laughed brightly.
“You wanna go in and say hi to everyone?” he asked after a moment, and Kenma tensed in his arms. “You don’t have to, really, we can just go to the room I’m staying in and hang out, but I told them I’d ask.” Shoyo assured, explaining quickly.

After a slightly tense, silent beat, Kenma sighed softly and relaxed a bit in Shoyo’s arms, winding his own around Shoyo’s waist as he dropped his chin onto his shoulder.

“Ok. How long will it be?”
“Not long! Well, not that long, I-I’ll see what I can do. My family is…you know.” Shoyo laughed, and Kenma groaned softly, angling his face down.
“I do.” he responded, voice muffled by Shoyo’s shoulder.
“Are you ready to go in or do you need another minute?”

Kenma looked up, putting his face barely an inch from Shoyo’s.

“I think a kiss might give me the strength to go on in.”

Shoyo grinned, and closed the sparse distance without hesitation.

The second their lips met, a voice rang out.

“Mom wants you two to hurry up!” Natsu yelled, making Kenma flinch, and bury himself back against Shoyo.
“C’mon Natsu, two seconds of privacy!” Shoyo shouted back.
“You’re literally standing in the driveway!” she returned with a huff, her footsteps approaching. “Just be glad they let me volunteer to come check on you,” she added as she arrived next to them. “At least I won’t tell everyone else that you two were kissing. You know Mari would’ve been all over that.”

Shoyo rolled his eyes.

“I shouldn’t have to thank you for not screaming about who I’m kissing.”
“And yet, here we are.”
“....Fine, thanks.” Shoyo conceded with a grin before glancing down. “Hey Ken?” he asked the top of his head, which was currently shoved against Shoyo’s chest.

Kenma groaned lightly.

“You ready to go inside?”
“Fine.” he muttered, pulling away, face red.
“It’s nice to see you.” Natsu offered, and he nodded once.
“You too.”
“Did you bring any of those cool glass things you make?” she asked as the three started up the path towards the house.
“Uh, yeah, one of them.”

Her eyes widened.

“Can I try it?”
“Natsu, leave him alone for a sec.” Shoyo chastised. “And besides, it’s his game, he doesn’t have to let you play with it.”
“Actually, this one is one you probably won’t see either, Sho.”

Shoyo’s attention whipped from Natsu to Kenma.

“Really?” he asked, trying to keep the disappointment out of his voice. “I mean, that's fine, of course, but, can I ask why?”
“It’s not ready yet.” Kenma responded with a small, knowing kind of smile.

Behind him, Natsu stuck her tongue out at Shoyo, and before Shoyo could respond, they’d made it to the front door.

It was quickly thrown open, and in they were all pulled, immediately plunged into a sea of questions and attention, that, despite Shoyo's best effort, was more than a little overwhelming and resulted in far less alone time than he would've liked, the two of them only able to steal glances at each other and hold hands under the table.

He was a little frustrated that he couldn't ask Kenma.

He felt like he should've been more frustrated.

---

Kenma woke up several hours after midday, if the bright, ever so slightly orange tinted light spilling into the guest room around the edges of the curtain was anything to go by, and, frankly, he was a little surprised he hadn't slept longer.

The previous day spent with the Hinatas had been pleasant but taxing, which his stomach also reminded him of, growling loudly as he groaned and rolled over onto his back. He had hardly been able to force himself to eat anything.

It was far too awkward a time to expect food to be prepared, and making anything filling enough to really take the edge off would take more than the sparse energy Kenma had regained through sleep.

He could wait till dinner, but that was likely several hours off, and he was supposed to help prepare it, anyway. He could see if…

He rolled over onto his side, blinking heavily as his still somewhat blurry gaze landed on the empty bed across from his.

The perfectly made, long, long since cold bed right under the window, because Kuroo knew Kenma hated sleeping under windows.

He wouldn't mind, and Kenma knew it. He had always been better at maintenance, both his own and helping others.

He sighed, forcing himself into a sitting position and wrapping the blanket around his shoulders. His eyes fell on his bag, the top of a sketchbook just barely visible, and a small wooden case beside it, and he smiled faintly.

He wouldn't mind either, though the result probably wouldn't taste as good as Kuroo's.

The smile fell as quickly as it formed, and Kenma stood.

Maybe, if he was lucky, there'd actually just be lunch leftovers and all of this thinking had been pointless.

He slipped out of the room, making his way down the hall and towards the kitchen with a yawn, blinking at the silver snowflakes that now all but coated the hallway walls, several even hanging from the ceiling.

He arrived at the kitchen table, catching sight of a few new decorations in the kitchen and living room on the way, finding it empty save a single half sheet of paper.

He scooped it up, and found a note on Kuroos messy scrawl.

Morning, or, more likely, afternoon!

Kenma rolled his eyes, but kept reading.

I hope you actually slept, and didn't want to wake you in case you were. Bo and Keiji are at their families places and are probably gonna be back late. I'm taking some actual vacation time and doing a few things I wanted to. I should be back around sunset.

Kenma hummed lightly, frowning a bit. That seemed odd. He was the one who always wanted alone time, not Kuroo. But his thoughts shifted a bit, to Bokuto and Akaashi and their affections, and to his own time with Shoyo, and he winced.

Kuroo had never been one to be genuinely jealous of less material things, but spending a week straight in these conditions couldn't have been easy for him. Especially not when he still kept stealing all those pained, pining looks at Bokuto and Akaashi when he thought they weren't looking.

Kenma sighed as he went to replace the paper, beginning to resign himself to hunger until Kuroo's return, but as he did, writing on the back of it caught his eye, and he flipped it over.

Also, there's some lunch (or whatever meal it ends up being) in the pot on the stove, just make sure to put the rest away when you're done.

He looked up, and, sure enough, found a pot with a lid atop the stove, and made a mental note to praise Kuroo upon his return as he abandoned the note and rushed to fill a bowl.

-

A half hour later found him sprawled out on the couch, the midafternoon light spilling in despite his closing the blinds, falling across the living room in bright stripes as he smiled softly down at the piece of enchanted glass in front of him, the one that matched the one he'd given Shoyo yesterday.

Anything written on one appeared on the other. It was simple, and they were still figuring out the best way to use them, but so far, Kenma was happy with his work.

They'd been messaging since Kenma had finished eating, and continued to for quite some time still, the shadows outside beginning to lengthen without Kenma's noticing, until he dozed off after Shoyo said he had to help with something and would come back to keep talking in a few minutes.

-

This time, it wasn't the light that woke Kenma, but seemingly the lack thereof. He stirred, blinking, and found the room almost pitch dark, save the faintest bit of light peeking in from the edges of the curtain, and a small, luminescent charm he immediately recognised.

"Kuroo?" He mumbled, and the necklace moved towards him a bit.
"Yeah. Sorry if I woke you up. I tried to be quiet coming in." Kuroo responded, the charm providing just enough light to make him look like he was about to tell a “scary” story to a bunch of kids at a campfire. Kenma groaned as he rolled onto his side, pulling his knees to his chest.

Kuroo sat in the newly vacated space with a sigh, and Kenma stretched his legs back out, over Kuroo’s lap.

“Good afternoon?” he yawned after a silent beat, and Kuroo gave a soft huff of a laugh.
“Yeah. Not too bad. Yours? Or did you sleep all the way through it?” he teased gently.
“...only part of it.”
“How late did you even stay up? I thought you’d gone to bed early?”
“I did. That doesn’t mean I fell asleep early.”
“Ah,” Kuroo said, his wince audible to Kenma. “Does it feel like you got caught up, at least?”
“More or less. Sho kept me company with the newest enchantment I came up with. It was kind of nice.”
“Good. I’m glad.” Kuroo responded, his voice taking on a slightly odd quality.
“When are Bo and Keiji getting back?”
“Probably in a few hours.” Kuroo responded, and the light from the charm vanished, swallowed by his hand as he reached up and grabbed it.

“Is there a reason you torture yourself?” the question leapt to Kenma’s mind and past his lips unbidden, and the ensuing silence was almost oppressive, even for him.

The light from the charm returned as Kuroo opened his hand, letting it lay in the center of his palm.

“Or,” Kenma continued softly, intentionally, this time. “Or a reason you try to pretend you don’t? And that you aren’t hurt?”

Kuroo let out a shaky breath that could’ve been an incredibly soft laugh, though whether happy or sad, it was impossible for Kenma to tell.

“Because I can control it.” Kuroo whispered. “It’s my fault and no one else’s. My responsibility and no one else’s.”

Kenma felt an odd ache in his chest, and he wasn’t sure if it was sympathy or pity, understanding or confusion.

The only thing he felt sure of was that the shifting under his feet, under thier feet, certainly didn’t seem to be bringing them any closer together.

So he said the only thing he could think of, though he wasn’t sure why it felt right.

“I’m sorry.”

Kuroo looked towards him, underlit by that soft green light, wearing a small, sad smile.

“I know. Me too.”

---

Were it not for his extended family being a scant fifty feet behind, Shoyo almost definitely would've tackled Kenma into a hug the moment he laid eyes on him and kissed him until they both couldn't breathe.

"Oh, hey! There he is!" Someone yelled from behind Shoyo as Kenma came into view, rounding a corner further down the busy street, Kuroos arm around his shoulders, Bokuto and Akaashi flanking them, and Natsu gave a soft huff.
"Here we go again." She muttered.
"Hey, help me out?" Shoyo asked, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. She raised an eyebrow as they got closer and the chatter behind them increased.
"Whats in it for me?"
"Knowing you're helping your amazing older brother who loves you very much? And also keeping his even more amazing boyfriend from dying of embarrassment?"
"Not a bad offer, but my rates have increased these days."
"Fine, I'll let you ride one of the dragons when you visit me after I move out and start my new job at the roost."
"Sold! Which style? Redirection or false alarm?"
"Redirection, if you think you can pull it off."

Natsu's smile turned a little smug.

"If? It's like you forget who you're talking to." She responded, and then the two groups, one far larger than the other were meeting, and Shoyo made eye contact with Kenma just in time to see the tension spread through his entire form.

“Kenma!” he called over the growing din as his family started asking a million questions, fortunately, a decent chunk directed at Bokuto, who got along with the Hinata’s like a house on fire, and, less fortunately, an also not insignificant amount to Kuroo and Kenma. Kenma gave Shoyo a small smile and wave before Shoyo had made it to his side.
“Hey,” he said softly.
“Hey!” Shoyo returned. “You wanna get outta here?”
“Yes please. Your family’s amazing, but I don’t wanna drain all my social energy so early.”
“Perfect. One second, and trust me on this.” Shoyo said before smiling and grabbing Kenma’s hand. “Hey everyone!” he said, holding their joined hands up a bit. “This is my boyfriend, Kozume Kenma. We’re gonna go hang out, but feel free to say hi if you see us around, ok?”
“Sure, just make sure one of you wins me a toy!” Natsu called, winking at Shoyo. “Oh, and, mom, can we go get some food? Walking all the way here made me really hungry.”
“Oh, sure! It’s very nice to see you, Kozume, and have a good time, you two!” she said as Natsu grabbed her hand and all but drug her away, effectively distracting the rest of the kids near her age with the promise of food, and the remaining adults mostly echoed the sentiment, and or had to keep up with the kids of their own.

Kuroo laughed as he and the rest of their small group, now five strong, let themselves drift a little further from the closest stadium entrance, in the opposite direction from the rest of Shoyo’s family.

“That was pretty smooth. How many times do you think they’ll bug you guys tonight?” he asked, his arm slipping from Kenma’s shoulders as Shoyo shrugged.
“A few, at least, but I think I can make sure it’s all pretty short.” he responded with a grin.
“Well, you know what they say about fighting fire with fire,” Kuroo said. “But, I digress. Have a good evening you two.”
“You don’t have to leave.” Kenma said immediately, and Kuroo shrugged.
“I know. And I’ll catch up with you guys, all of you guys,” he said, making sure to glance pointedly at Bokuto and Akaashi, who were alongside him as well. “I just…have something I gotta deal with first, real quick.” he said.

Kenma gave an appraising look for several seconds before sighing.

“Yeah, of course. I just didn’t want you thinking we were kicking you out or anything.”

Kuroo laughed.

“I know. You guys wouldn’t do that.” he said simply, before giving a little wave, and lengthing his stride, making full use of his height and within moments disappearing in the crowd as it thickened near the archway into the stadium that, tonight, housed a festival packed with food and games and lights and music and people.

“Oh! That reminds me,” Bokuto gasped. “I gotta show you something, Keiji, let's go!” Bokuto took off, scarcely giving Akaashi time to respond, leaving Kenma and Shoyo rather suddenly by themselves, and Shoyo laughed.

"Well, being left behind's no fun. You wanna go try and win Natsu that toy?"
"Of course. Anything above knows you won't be able to do it on your own."
"Hey! I would manage eventually." Shoyo huffed, though he didn't even try to repress his grin.

Kenma returned it, that soft, small smile.

"Sure. But yeah, let's go ahead and find one she'd like."

Shoyo nodded, tightening his grip on Kenma's hand briefly.

"Hold on?" He asked, and Kenmas brow furrowed.
"What- oh." Kenma sighed, but then confusion melted into fond exasperation. "Sure. Go ahead."

Shoyo took off at a dead sprint, briefly tugging Kenmas wrist before he got his footing, falling in step a half step behind.

They raced down the street, moving against most of the foot traffic, Shoyo laughing as they weave through the people, for several long moments, before slowing outside a shop a few blocks away. They slipped inside, and Shoyo smiled at the woman behind the counter.

"Hi!" He called, and she glanced up.
"Well I'll be damned, is that you, Sho?" She asked with a wide grin, running a hand through pale blonde hair with deep brown roots.
"You bet." He responded with a grin.
"How the hell'd you get so…So-," she tried, gesturing to him, and he couldn't help laughing.
"One, I haven't seen you in almost three years, and, two, T." He offered, and her eyes widened.
"Ohhhh that makes so much sense, I'm so happy for you and what the hell are you waiting for get over here and hug me!"

Shoyo laughed, rushing to meet her as she stepped out from behind the counter, and Shoyo, for maybe the first time in his life, realised he was taller than someone he had once been shorter than. But it was a brief moment, and the next thing he knew, they were colliding in a hug, Shoyo finally forced to drop Kenmas hand to wrap both of his arms around Saeko.

"You actually have muscle now!" She gasped, and Shoyo laughed.
"You too! You're about to break a rib, and not just because I'm binding."
"Ah, yeah," she released him and stepped back a bit, giving him a more thorough look over. "Much as I love this shop, I've been spending a lot more time at the garage downtown. Way more lifting down there."
"You gotta tell me all about it."
"And you gotta tell me all about everything too. But I'm guessing by that one," she gestured towards Kenma, a half a step behind Shoyo and gently shifting his weight from foot to foot. "That you're not here to catch up just yet."
"Yeah, not quite yet," he responded with an apologetic smile. “I was just wondering if we could use your alleyway to get to the Stadium’s back entrance so we can avoid the crowds and stuff.”
“You’re welcome to try. It might be locked or watched, though.” she shrugged. “So, just don’t get caught, alright?”
“When have I ever?”
“You really want me to answer that?”
“...Thanks so much, I’ll swing by tomorrow to catch up!” Shoyo responded, quickly grabbing Kenma’s hand again and moving briskly towards the back door, followed by Saeko’s bright laughter.

“Remember,” she called as Shoyo opened the shop's back door. “No saying my name if anyone gets in trouble!” he couldn’t help smiling as the door fell shut behind them, cutting off her laughter and leaving Kenma and Shoyo alone in a cold alley, stretching both left and right.

"Was that Tanaka's older sister?" Kenma asked as he adjusted their hands, lacing their fingers.
"Yeah!" Shoyo responded as they started down the alley. “It’s nice to see her again after so long. Anyway, I remembered that this alley leads to a back entrance into the Stadium, like I was saying back there, so we don’t have to deal with the bottleneck and front entrance crowds and stuff.”

Kenma hummed in response, and a small tremor of anticipatory anxiety wound its way through Shoyo as the solitude and quiet of the moment washed over him.

…Now?

Should he ask now?

“You know,” Kenma started. “I think Kuroo used to come back here.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Every now and then, during festivals or events like this, I’d lose him, and then he’d show up a while later.” he continued, looking around the alley with an odd look, somewhere between sad and amused.

Like he was looking at an old favorite toy from childhood.

“He never took you back here? Seems like you’d make more use of a place like this than him.”
“Oh, no, he hates crowds almost as much as I do.” Kenma said, almost dismissively, as though it was obvious, despite certainly being news to Shoyo. “He minds crowd attention less than I do, but doesn’t like being in them. I think it’s half the reason he’s able to be so attentive when we’re in one together. He knows that if he’s stressed, I am, and then we both benefit from dealing with it.” he shrugged, getting a rather soft look in his eyes as a small smile made its way across his face.

An uncharacteristic stab of doubt buried itself in Shoyo’s chest, nearly making his breath hitch.

It was almost like he'd forgotten how close they were.

Was he being selfish?

Wanting this, asking for it?

Was it too much?

Kenma glanced towards him, and frowned lightly.

“Something wrong?” he asked, and Shoyo shook his head.
“No, no, just, uh, we're here!” he managed, fortunately right as they arrived at the familiar door.

Kenma’s frown stayed, but he didn’t speak as Shoyo tried the door.

It rattled, nearly unmoving in his hand.

Kenma sighed softly.

“How much trouble is this going to get us in?”
“None! Or, well not that much. I think. Probably. We should hurry.”

Kenma rolled his eyes, though a fond smile tugged at his lips as He gently grabbed Shoyo’s hand and removed it from the handle.

He wrapped his own around it, stepped in a little closer and pressed his other hand just below it before muttering.

A soft click later, he took a half step back and pulled, the door swinging open almost effortlessly in front of them, and Shoyo couldn’t help grinning.

Kenma glanced over his shoulder, and returned it as he held his hand out.

Shoyo took it, and Kenma pulled him through the door and tugged it shut behind them as they took off down a narrower than Shoyo remembered door lined corridor towards their right, the only way to go, their footsteps echoing, and, within a moment, Shoyo’s laughter.

“Any of these?” Kenma asked after a beat, gesturing towards the doors.
“Don’t think so.”

A moment later, they were coming to the end of the hallway, at which it t-boned, and directly across the hall, there was a door. Kenma slowed.

“This one?” he asked.
“Sure!” Shoyo responded, taking the lead and shoving it open, tugging Kenma along with him.

Sure enough, it led outside, the sharp winter air and warm, bright, late afternoon late acting as proof enough until Shoyo recognised where they were.

“Right, we’re on stage!” he said, remembering the door they’d passed as pre and post show rooms for performers. “Oh man, it’s a really good thing no one saw us.” he realised.
“Don't say that until we’re somewhere we’re supposed to be.” Kenma pointed out, glancing around the backstage area, a heavy curtain in front of them and various pieces of equipment Shoyo didn’t want to take the time to identify strewn about.
“Oh! Right, right, I think we can get down over here.”

Shoyo headed across the stage, and, fortunately, found the stairs he was looking for,
“Score!” he cried, and down they headed, hurrying off and away from the stage, along an open air corridor that led to the main, open area of the Stadium. “Was there anything you wanted to make sure we did tonight?”
“Just whatever you want to do.” Kenma responded.
"How about we start with getting Natsu that prize we promised?"
"Sure. Lead the way."

The pair made their way up and out, arriving at the edge of the festival, a plethora of tents and lights and sounds and scents that they began weaving through until finding the section primarily filled with games.

Shoyo grinned as he slowed, and glanced over his shoulder at Kenma.

"Which one?" He asked. Kenma looked past Shoyo briefly before raising his hand to point at a small booth, tucked off to the side a bit.

They made their way to it, managing to mostly skirt the edges of the growing crowd.

After several attempts, they were walking away with a new toy in Kenmas bag, a plush firefly that Kenma intended to add an enchanted crystal to, so its abdomen would actually glow.

Watching Kenma mutter to himself about the exact spell to use and the perfect way to do it so the light wouldn’t emit heat, Shoyo couldn’t help another stab of nerves and doubt.

Now? Should he ask now, when Kenma finished talking?

Before he could make that decision, Bokuto was running up to them, laughing brightly and holding up a stuffed dragon.

“Look what me and Keiji got!” he grinned, and Shoyo shoved his earlier thoughts away.

He could deal with all that later.

“It’s awesome!” he returned, and Kenma nodded.

Akaashi was only a few steps behind Bokuto, and the pairs merged into a group of four, meandering around the games, laughing, talking, playing.

Shoyo was almost able to focus on and appreciate it.

Almost.

The next thing Shoyo knew, Bokuto and Akaashi were heading off to get food, leaving him and Kenma alone together again.

The brief thought, along with the stab of nerves, returned.

Now?

Or should he wait?

And then Kuroo was walking alongside them, smoothly chatting to Kenma about the plush firefly and plans for the enchantment on it.

The three made their way to another area of the festival, and ate together, though Shoyo's appetite wasn’t quite where it normally was.

They finished, and Kuroo disappeared back into the crowd.

But this time, before Shoyo could even consider asking, he and Kenma were roped into some games and snacks with his family.

The next thing he knew, his family was preparing to leave, the moon high above and Natsu already asleep in her fathers arms despite the noise of the festival.

He and Kenma said a quick goodbye, and, as he trudged back home, he wasn’t sure how to feel about the relief that was washing over him.

At least you couldn’t get a ‘no’ if you didn’t ask.

---

Once again, by the time Kenma awoke, thick, midafternoon sunlight was leaking through the closed curtains. He groaned as he sat up, rubbing his eyes and wondering why Kuroo’s bed was empty. He slipped out of the room, however, and quickly answered that question.

In the middle of the living room floor, and still fast asleep, was Akaashi, on his back, next to Bokuto, who was on his side, and holding none other than Kuroo to his chest.

Kenma sighed softly.

“I told you.” he whispered gently, shaking his head.

He slipped into the kitchen and grabbed some fruit before slipping back to his room and grabbing his bag.

He quietly made his way out of the apartment and up to the building's roof, taking a deep breath of the chill air as he settled himself in the same position as the day he and Kuroo had talked up here. He took a long moment, biting into the fruit, before digging into his bag.

He started with the stone, activating it and waiting several long seconds.

After the third unanswered attempt, Kenma switched to the written message device, scribbling out a quick ‘hey, when can we meet?’

After a long moment, the glass went blank, and then a message appeared.

Hey, sorry! Just got up. Does tonight sound good?

Kenma waited a long moment before responding.

It’s ok. And yeah. Time and place?

Bench from a few days ago, like, at sunset-ish?”

I’ll be there.

All of a sudden, the door behind Kenma opened, and he flinched, stuffing the glass into his bag as he looked over shoulder.

Standing in the doorway, blinking heavily, was Kuroo.

“You’re awake?” Kenma asked, and Kuroo groaned.
“Am I?” he asked as he approached. “I think I’m probably still dreaming. Because, if I’m not, I actually slept with Bo and Keiji last night.”
“Slept?”
“Literally,” Kuroo yawned. “Or, maybe not. It doesn’t feel like it. I guess I am still dreaming.”

Kenma rolled his eyes.

“No, you’re just tired because you have the sleep schedule of a grandpa and the slightest deviation throws you off for a solid week.”
“Rude.”
“But accurate.”
“Never disputed that part.” he sat, looking out over the city, next to Kenma.

After a long beat of silence, he finally spoke.

“You were right.” he muttered, running a hand through his already wild hair.
“I know.” Kenma said simply before pulling his knees to his chest and wrapping his arms around them.

“I’m going to talk to Shoyo tonight.”
“Oh. That’s good. I’m happy for you, both of you.” Kuroo exhaled slowly. “Keiji and Bo said I’m welcome to move in with them.”
“That’s good. I’m happy for you, all of you.” Kenma returned.

They lapsed into a silence that Kenma repeatedly tried to find a way to break, but never let himself, as the violent shifting under his feet finally started to settle.

And now, he was looking at Kuroo from a lot farther away, and Kuroo was looking right back at him, with that sad little smile of his.

And neither of them was to blame.

He shifted, dropping his head onto Kuroo’s shoulder. Kuroo relaxed his own on top of Kenma’s head.

“You remember the time you enchanted that toy dragon?” Kuroo said suddenly, and Kenma laughed.
“Of course. I was banned from that toy store for life.” he grinned. “And what about you and the bakery incident?”
“Hey, I was innocent. Just because that cat happened to look like my shifted form means nothing.” he defended. “Besides, who was distraught about not having apple pie on their birthday that year anyway, potentially necessitating a bakery break in?”

“I’m sorry.” Kenma responded, rolling his eyes with a small smile.

And maybe it was the wrong thing to say when what had previously been such a fixed point in ones life finally shifted, changed, but didn’t actually leave. Not really.

But it was the only thing Kenma could think to say.

“I know. Me too.”

And maybe it wasn’t the wrong thing to say, if Kuroo felt the same.

---

A swift kick in the ribs is what finally woke Shoyo.

He groaned, rolling onto his side and away from Natsu, who had now sprawled out to take about the quarters of the bed.

He laid there, blinking against the early afternoon sunlight, for a long moment as memories of last night, of the festival, and Kenma, started coming back to him.

He felt the now familiar surge of nerves, and sighed as he sat up.

Was he really ready for this?

If it was freaking him out so bad, should he even do it?

He stood, grabbing his bag, and made his way to the bathroom.

His head still felt like jelly as he went through the motions and washed his hands and changed clothes.

He headed to the dining room, and found his parents eating.

His mother glanced up, and smiled at him.

“Afternoon.” she said softly. “You get enough sleep?”
“I think so?” he yawned.
“You have fun last night?” his father asked.
“Yeah.” he glanced away before taking a deep breath. “Uh…I…I was probably gonna go catch up with Saeko once I eat, though. If that’s ok. We ran into each other last night, but didn’t really get a chance to talk.”
“Sounds great. Say hi for us too.”
“Sure thing.”

Shoyo grabbed some breakfast, or, more accurately, lunch, and settled himself at the table.

He ate far slower than he normally would as he tried to work through what to do.

“Sho?” his father said after a few moments.
“Mmm?”
“You feeling ok? You look a little…sick.”
“I’m fine.” Shoyo assured. “Just…nervous, I guess.”
“About?”
“...I-I think I decided to take that job, the one you mentioned before we left.” he blurted out, and his father blinked as his mother laughed.

“Oh, we’d figured as much,” she said with a smile. “It sounds like a great opportunity.”
“You’re…ok with it?”
“Of course!”

He looked away, nodding slowly.

“I mean, it’s not like we were jumping for joy that you’re leaving, but it’s nice to see you starting to build your own life.”
“All that being said,” his father interjected gently. “You’ll always have a place back at home too, don’t doubt that.”
“A place, yeah, but not his old room.” Natsu yawned as she trudged into the dining room, rubbing her eyes. “I’m taking that before he makes it out the front door.”

Shoyo laughed.

“It’s all yours.” he promised, suddenly feeling a little better, a little steadier.

He quickly finished the rest of his food, and stood.

“I’m gonna go. I’ll be back in a bit, I love you guys!”
“Love you too,” his father said.
“See you this evening,” his mother added.
“More dessert for me,” Natsu muttered.

Shoyo laughed again, and ruffled her hair on the way past, getting a grunt in response.

He went to the room and grabbed his bag before slipping outside and starting the trek into town.

-

“I’ll be right with-Wait, Sho!” Saeko called as Shoyo stepped into the shop she worked at.
“Hey! Got time for that catching up?”
“You know it! Get over here!”

He made his way to the counter as Saeko leaned over it with a grin.

“You have a good time last night?” she asked.
“Yup! You?”
“Amazing. How’d Natsu like it?”
“She loved it, and still fell asleep before we were done so we had to carry her home.”

Saeko laughed.

“Eh, she’s still little. It makes sense.”
“I guess. Can’t wait to be home, though.”
“Fair. How much longer you in town for?”
“Another day or two.”
“Anything planned for it?”
“...Maybe.” he responded. “Which, actually…um…you wouldn’t happen to have any advice if I said I wanted to talk to someone about something important but am really really scared about how it could go, would you?”

She blinked.

“Well, not really.” she shrugged. “I’d say trust your gut. And maybe think about how you would feel if the conversation didn’t get to happen.”

Shoyo almost tensed, and everything clicked into place.

He had to do this, and he had to do it today.

“I’m sorry to do this twice in a row, but I gotta go.” he said.
“Headin off to an important conversation?” Saeko asked, and he nodded. “Then what are you waiting for?”
“Thank you!” Shoyo called over his shoulder as he spun on his heel and rushed for the door.

Saeko laughed.

“Don’t mention it. Just swing by tomorrow, or else!” she returned cheerfully.

---

The thick afternoon sunlight had begun to soften, yellows and oranges into reds and pinks, and Kenma found himself alone.

He had returned to the bench where he had first run into Shoyo, and was absently doodling in his sketchbook, his mind a lot quieter than he had expected it to be before something like he was planning on doing.

It was funny, for someone so used to fear, to uncertainty and the accompanying discomfort, he was oddly at peace with the strangeness of not being afraid of the uncertainty he was walking into.

He heard footsteps, someone running, and recognised the gait instantly, a small smile flickering to his lips.

“Hi,” Shoyo panted a moment later, all but screeching to a halt in front of him. “Sorry I’m late, I had to go talk to Saeko like I promised.”
“It’s fine.” Kenma assured, scooting over, and Shoyo quickly dropped down next to him.
“What’re you working on?” he asked as he sat, and Kenma closed the notebook before he could get a good look.
“You’ll see in a few minutes.” he promised. “How was Saeko?”
“Great. She…gave me a little bit of advice I’d been dancing around giving myself.” he laughed, a little nervously. “But, we’ll get there eventually. How was your morning?”
“I literally woke up ten minutes before I called you.”
“Oh. That’s impressive, even for you.” Shoyo grinned. “Do you at least feel rested?”
“Mostly. You?”
“Never better.”
“Natsu?”
“Still wiped out, but getting to eat a lot of sugar about it, so I doubt she’ll complain.”

Kenma smiled as he shifted a little closer, and Shoyo lifted up an arm.

“Cuddle?” he asked, and Kenma committed more fully, given the permission, and pressed himself against Shoyo’s side as his arm fell across Kenma’s shoulder. “You glad to be out of the city soon?” he asked as Kenma settled himself.
“Am I ever not?” he snorted softly. “Kuroo won’t be though, looks like he finally talked to Bo and Akaashi.”
“Really?
“They were all asleep in a pile on the living room floor when I got up, and afterwards he told me they invited him to move in with them.”
“Oh! Wow, well, good for them.”

They slipped into a companionable silence, and Kenma couldn't help relaxing.

Shoyo was next to him, chest rising and falling steadily, arm around his shoulders, in a way that felt like he was about to guide you on a path towards some kind of adventure.

Full of promise, but no pressure.

The sky above them continued to darken, to get richer, even more oranges and reds, with tinges of purple, as the sun began to sink over the horizon.

“Shoyo?” Kenma said after a beat.
“Mmmm?” Shoyo responded, cracking his eyes open, though Kenma hadn’t even realised they’d been closed. “Oh, wait, wow, the sky’s really pretty right now.” he muttered.
“It is. Can I ask you a question?” Shoyo took a deep breath.
“Sure. If I can ask you one, too.” he bargained, and Kenma smiled.
“Of course. You can go first, if you want.”
“No, no, go ahead. Mine’s kinda silly anyway.”
“Alright.” Kenma flipped through his sketchbook, until he found the right page. “You mentioned wanting to see what I was working on, so, here.” he laid the open book on Shoyo’s lap.
“Whoa, Ken,” Shoyo breathed, reaching out to touch the edge of the left page, the one with a stylized sun, with a small moon off set behind it. “These are really nice,” his attention shifted to the other page, the one with a larger moon, backlit/ringed by the sun. “Where did you come up with the designs? Or, like, the idea? Just the sky being cool and pretty?” he asked, looking back at Kenma, who shook his head.

“No. I mean, it is, but this was inspired by something else.”
“Am I allowed to know?” Kenma nodded again.
“So, my magic goes back a long way, generations and generations. One of the things it’s traditionally used for is bonding. There’s a special enchantment for ink, and you can use it for special tattoos. My family’s used it as their version of vows or partnership jewellery for centuries.”
“Kenma, are you…”
“I’m asking you if you’d like to bond with me. I guess the best analogy would be marriage, but it’s not exact. It’s fine if you don’t want to, and, while the tattoo doesn’t come off well, the ink’s enchantment is childsplay for the caster to remove.”
“So, would I get this one as a tattoo?” Shoyo asked, touching the one with the large moon.
“That’s what I had in mind. And I’d have the other one. Does that mean-”
“Yes!” Shoyo yelped, like he’d just remembered he hadn't said it, starting to go nearly as red as the firework display of a sunset above them. “I-I’d love to! Oh my god, that would be so great! Can I kiss you now?”
“You may.”

Shoyo shifted towards him, hand shifting to cup the back of Kenma’s neck as they kissed briefly, and then Kenma pulled away.

“I’m glad you agreed.” he said with a soft smile. “We can work out the details, but, didn’t you say you had a question too?”
“Oh! That,” Shoyo rubbed the back of his neck, looking away. “Uh, so, I was wondering if you wanted to move in together.” he blurted out, and Kenam blinked as Shoyo looked away. “I’ve got a job lined up, out where Kageyama’s been living, and I’m supposed to start in a couple months. I found a place, and it’s big enough for both of us, if you wanted.” he offered.

Kenma reached out, gently touching his shoulder.

“Shoyo,” he said softly, and he finally looked up. “I would love that.”
“Really?”
“As long as we put a cap on how often Bo can visit. I love him, but he takes a week's worth of energy to be around for a day.”

Shoyo laughed, sudden and bright and genuine, and Kenma couldn’t help smiling.

“Did you really think I’d say no after I proposed to you?” he asked with a lightly teasing grin.
“Hey! I didn’t know about that until thirty seconds ago!” Shoyo defended, eyes dancing with mirth. “And I’d had a pretty long time to get myself nervous about it.” he added, and Kenma blinked.
“How long?”
“...Like, six months? I-I’d been thinking about it since my birthday, but really made the deal with myself to go through with it right before we left. When did you start working on those designs?”
“Literally two weeks ago. I have no idea how you managed to last half a year while planning something like that.”
“You finalised these in two weeks?!” Shoyo returned. “Man, I punched way above my weight and somehow it still worked out.” he grinned, and Kenma couldn’t help rolling his eyes.
“I could say the same to you. I can’t believe you put so much thought into it and planned everything out. That’s really sweet.”

Shoyo looked away, somehow going slightly redder.

“I mean, I just wanted to make sure it was right, you know? That I-that I was ready, and that it seemed like you still, ya know. Liked me.” Kenma laughed.
“Lucky for you, I definitely still do.”

They fell into another lull, and finally, finally, finally the shifting feeling, the sense of change and uncertainty that had plagued Kenma for weeks now, melted even further.

Or, maybe it didn’t.

Maybe he had jst made peace with it, with the fact it would probably be sticking around.

The fact that he had several very amazing people in his life to be there for him, whether they were close or not.

And, right now, as the sky melted into navy above them, Shoyo’s arm around him, what more could he ask for?