Chapter Text
Bokuto had looked away for one minute. His back turned for one measly minute, and he was gone. The person Bokuto cared most about had all but disappeared. His eyes widened as panic began to seep in. Pivoting on his heels, he looked around the park anxiously. He gathered their belongings in a haze and took off, racing through the park searching desperately.
“What if he’s gone for good? What if I never find him? What if someone took him? What if he’s hurt and I’m not there?” Bokuto thought to himself. He was struck with worry and his chest felt heavy with fear.
Thankfully, Bokuto didn’t have to look for long. The angry shouts of passerby and the fire truck imitation noises were enough to give it away. The older man cursed under his breath as he raced towards the noises. He muttered half assed apologies to the people around him who in return were shooting glares like daggers.
“What a lousy father,” People had spat, “Who leaves their child alone like that?” They would claim. They were just like the others. Just about anywhere he went he was criticized for everything he and his son would do. His son was hyper, and he couldn’t help that. Sure, he would bounce around and he was loud as hell, but Bokuto would do the same. Though, people acted as if his son had lacked manners and was an impolite beast. They were all wrong, Bokuto had made sure his son used manners constantly.
Not only would they say nasty things, but they would also comment on Bokuto constantly in a negative fashion. They judged him on his looks without giving a chance.
"He's so young, I feel bad for him", they would say. It would be followed by the typical, "He was probably a dumb kid who made a bad mistake." Yet that didn't faze Bokuto one bit. He could live with the constant snide remarks. But, what hurt the most was when he heard, “I bet he regrets his mistake." It pained him to hear them say those words. It also hurt him to know his son would hear it, and just wouldn’t know why people were so mean to his dad. Bokuto may only be 22 years old, he may not have gone to college or live in a fancy home, but he did not and would never regret his choice to keep his son.
So, Bokuto did what he grew accustomed to doing, and only ignored them as he kept racing towards the excited shouts of his five year old.
His panic eased when he finally found what he was looking for. Bokuto would have to remember to call and forgive his parents for being such a terror as a child. He, like his own son, would run off to play with anyone and anything all the time. Now he understood why his parents were always tired. Kids were hard to keep up with, especially ones with as much energy Bokuto and his mini-me shared.
The small boy Bokuto had been looking for was perched on a park bench beside a young man wearing tidy, business casual clothes. The small boy who resembled Bokuto so much was holding up his toy fire truck, and talking animatedly about who knows what. Most people would have left the bench almost immediately. His son had messy black hair and a constantly dirt stained face - Bokuto was cleaning off his face what seemed like every five minutes, yet it would be just as dirty the next. His eyes shone bright and gold, they were pure and full of innocence. His smile was large, seeming to reach his bright eyes even with the countless teeth he was missing. On top of it all, his son was loud and energetic, and absolutely loved people. His messy wild child was enough to have anyone running, yet the young man had a soft smile on his face, as he listened patiently.
Bokuto stared at the two in awe. He knew for a fact his child was wild, barely having the attention span to stop and speak to anyone, let alone have a full conversation with someone. He watched for a minute more, until realization seeped in. His child had run off and disobeyed him. His child was talking to a complete stranger, for all Bokuto knew, this man could be a pedophile or something!
Bokuto’s typically content expression turned sour. His eyes narrowed, and he pouted his lips in anger. He popped his hip, and crossed his arms over his chest to emphasize his disapproval. Clearing his throat, Bokuto kept his voice stern and hard, “Kouki Shouta Bokuto! You get your butt over here right now.”
Both Kouki and the stranger turned their heads towards Bokuto, though his son didn’t move from his spot on the bench beside the stranger. Kouki only slouched further into the bench and pouted. The young boy whined, “But Dad, I’m having fun with my new friend!”
Bokuto raised a brow, “Your new friend? What did I tell you about talking to strangers? You don’t know who this man is,” Bokuto paused, gesturing to the man beside his son, “no offence by the way, but he could be dangerous. You don’t talk to strangers Kou.” Bokuto sighed, he had told his son millions of times before not to talk to strangers, but like his father, Kouki was a people person.
“None taken sir, but I can assure you I had no wrong intentions,” The stranger finally spoke, his expression was soft yet his words sounded softer. His words caught Bokuto by surprise. Turning to face the man, Bokuto felt a bit winded, and suddenly, he felt as nervous as a school girl. The man stared at Bokuto with his sharp green eyes. Bokuto swore they were the most vibrant green eyes he’s ever seen. The man removed the book from his lap and placed it on the bench beside him. Standing up, Bokuto noticed he was taller than the other. It took Bokuto a few moments to notice the stranger’s hand was out stretched. “I’m Akaashi Keiji, and I assume that Kouki-kun here his your son?”
Bokuto felt his heart squeeze in his chest, he felt the words freeze in his throat and his actions stiffened. It took him a few seconds to drift back into reality. He felt his cheeks redden slightly as he grasped Akaashi’s hand and shook it firmly. Bokuto’s large hand seemed to mold perfectly against the smaller one; he didn’t want to let it go, but he let go when Akaashi’s grip softened.
“Ah, I’m uhm,” Bokuto was so lost in Akaashi’s stunningly green eyes, his name wouldn’t come to him. Internally, Bokuto was screaming at himself in panic. He found himself blurting out the first thing that hit his tongue, “KOUTAROU BOKUTO.” His golden eyes widened and he shook his head, “I mean, I’m Koutarou Bokuto, and yes Kouki is my son. My son who doesn’t like to listen and likes to run off when I’ve got my back turned.” Thankfully Kouki was here to throw under the bus and Bokuto was able to save himself from embarrassment.
He was startled by Akaashi’s light chuckle. His green eyes squinted slightly, and he brought a hand to cover his mouth. The sound was like a melody in Koutarou’s ears; if there was such thing as angels, he was sure that this is what their songs would sound like. Though the sweet song was interrupted quickly.
“Hey! No fair! There was a grasshopper and I wanted to catch it! I tried to tell you but you didn’t listen!” The small boy frowned and let out a whine. His frown was wiped away almost immediately as something else caught his attention. He was near running off again, when Bokuto rushed in to grab his boy. With a quick lunge, Kouki was snagged and lifted into the air. Bokuto stuffed his squirming kid under his arm and turned his attention back to Akaashi.
“Look, I’m very sorry about this chump right here. If he interrupted you and stuff I’m sorry. He’s a wild thing that’s for sure and controlling him definitely isn’t the easiest.” Bokuto admitted, raising his free hand to rub the back of his neck.
Bokuto had no idea why, but he felt his nerves grow. He was getting more and more embarrassed, and he was feeling so nervous around this man, for what though? Because he was attractive? Definitely attractive, Bokuto noted. Was it because for once someone didn’t treat his child like he was trash? Was it the gentle look in his eyes when he spoke to Kouki? Bokuto didn’t know what it was, but something about this man had his chest pounding, and his sweat a dripping.
Akaashi shook his head, “No need to apologize Bokuto-san, if anything, I enjoyed his company.” Akaashi’s eyes went down to the boy resting on Bokuto’s hip, “Thank you for showing me that grasshopper you caught. It was super cool Kouki-kun.” Akaashi mused, earning a smile from the young boy.
Bokuto liked the way his name sounded rolling off of Akaashi's tongue. He liked how sweet and gentle he acted towards Kouki, how he played along with his crazy five year old.
Kouki stopped squirming and directed his attention to Akaashi, his smile seemed to keep getting bigger, “Really? You thought it was that cool? All my friends think bugs are gross, but I think they’re super cool. You’re super cool too Kaashi, maybe next time we come here we can catch some bugs together, that way you can have your own grasshopper to show all of your friends!” The small boy’s tone was getting louder as his excitement grew. His hands started waving around excitedly, and he was slipping from Bokuto’s grasp.
Bokuto adjusted the boy on his hip, and opened his mouth to decline, but Akaashi beat him to it, “I would love that Kouki-san,” Akaashi turned his attention to the small copper watch on his wrist and frowned, “I’m very sorry, but I must be going. My lunch break is over. It was nice meeting you both.”
Without another word, Bokuto watched as Akaashi bowed slightly and retreated down the park path. Once the curly haired man was out of ear shot, Bokuto turned his attention to the boy on his hip.
“Seriously dude, you can’t run off like that. What if he was a bad person and he took you from me? Please don’t run off again, you had me worried sick.” Bokuto was frowning, but the innocent look on his son’s face had the corners of his mouth turning upright.
“I’m sorry dad. I just wanted to show him the grasshopper.”
Sighing, Bokuto placed Kouki back on his feet, and took the small hand into his own. “I know, but next time, show me instead yeah? I think grasshoppers are super cool too.” Bokuto hated lying to his son. He hated bugs so much, they scare the crap out of him. But, a small white lie like this wouldn’t hurt.
Instantly, the boy was smiling, “Really? Then can we come back and catch some tomorrow?” Kouki asked, bouncing in place.
“Hmmm, only if you promise not to run off tomorrow.” Bokuto mused.
Kouki pursed his lips, bringing a hand up to his small chin, he seemed to ponder for a moment, until he smiled, “Sounds like a deal Dad!” He grinned up at his father.
The two left the park hand in hand, talking about bugs and other creepy crawlies. Their loud exclaims easily drawing the attention of others, and easily obtaining their glares. Although, Bokuto didn’t care for their looks. He was happy as he was. Although he didn’t have the best job or home, he did have something that money couldn’t buy. He had a son that he loved to the moon and back, and he wouldn’t trade little Kouki for the world.
Later that night once Kouki was fast asleep in his tiny bed room, Bokuto heard a soft knock on his door followed by a muffled voice. “Koutarou, let me in.” the voice was gruff and easily recognizable as his resident next door neighbor and best friend, Kuroo.
“Just a moment,” Bokuto huffed, stepping over various toys scattered across the floor. He flung the door open stepping to the side to allow his buddy inside.
Kuroo’s hair seemed even more disheveled than usual. The shit eating grin that was typically plastered on his face was replaced by a frown. His clothes looked rough, almost like the other man had been living in them for a few days. Kuroo shoved a bottle of beer in Bokuto’s direction and flopped himself down on the couch with a grunt.
Bokuto stared at the man, “Looks like you’ve had it rough, what’s going on now?” he asked.
“Kenma’s ignoring me again…” Kuroo’s voice was softer than usual, almost below a whisper. Frowning, the taller man pulled the bottle to his lips and took a long swig. “You know, I don’t even know what I did this time.”
Bokuto’s smile slipped off of his face hearing his friend’s sullen words. He joined Kuroo on the couch, popping the lid off of his own beer. “I’m sure it isn’t bad dude, remember last time he acted like this? It was only because he forgot to save his place in his game before his system died. I’m sure you did nothing wrong!” Bokuto slapped Kuroo’s back reassuringly and offered him a strong smile.
Kuroo took a deep breath, looking up at his friends smiling face. His brow furrowed for a moment, before smiling for the first time in who knows how long. “You’re right,” he started, looking a bit more confident, “He probably just wants to be left alone. I’m over thinking things. Bokuto, bro, you’re a life saver.”
“Well, that’s what I’m here for buddy,” his smile widened even more, raising his bottle to clunk it against Kuroo’s.
“Glad you are. Sorry for barging in by the way, I couldn’t stand being alone any longer.”
Bokuto shook his head, “Mi casa, es su casa.”
Kurro rose a brow, “English dude,”
“I think it means my place is your place or something. Don’t worry about it.” He smiled again.
Kuroo analyzed his friends face, he seemed to take every inch of it in. “You’re smiling a lot more than usual today, what happened?” Kuroo blurted.
This earned a frown from Bokuto, “What do you mean?” though, his frown didn’t last long as it turned upwards back into his smile.
“See! There it is! It’s starting to freak me out, you’ve been smiling like a boy in lo- Bokuto did you meet someone today?! You met someone, who are they??” Kuroo was drilling questions at Bokuto here and there, hardly giving the golden eyed man time to respond.
He raised his hand to rub the back of his neck awkwardly, “I mean, Kouki ran off and into this guy, and it scared the shit out of me because I thought he was going to take him from me, but Kuroo you should have seen it buddy, he was so nice to Kouki. He didn’t judge him at all, he only looked at him with respect and there was no disgust at all. Other than you guys and my family, no one else has really looked at him like he was a good kid.”
Kuroo’s smirk seemed to grow wider, “Bokuto, that’s awesome man. It sounds like this guy is good with kids, and sounds to me like you like the guy. Did you get his name by chance?” he asked.
Bokuto shook his head, “I do not like him, and I just met him! He said his name was Akaashi, uh, I think his first name was Keiji?” Bokuto answered.
Kuroo pulled out his phone and started tapping on it furiously, his expression going slack. “Aha!” Kuroo exclaimed loudly. Bokuto rose a finger to his lips and hushed his friend. “Aha!” Kuroo softened his voice, “Is this your lover boy?” Kuroo teased, holding his phone out to Bokuto which displayed a facebook profile. The profile was definitely Akaashi’s, the profile picture of the man in a tight black tee shirt looking away from the camera. Though the image of the man was still stunning.
Bokuto felt the breath leave his lungs and he nodded eagerly, “Yeah, that’s him…”
Kuroo smirked again, “Boktuo, you’re a goner buddy.” He took another sip of his beer and stood. “It’s getting late, and I’ve got work tomorrow morning. See ya round bro.” He waved, stopping at the door for a moment. “He looks like a good guy Bokuto, he looks stable and if he’s as good with Kouki as you say he is, I think you should go for it.”
Bokuto shook his head, chuckling at his friend. Kuroo was always one to jump to conclusion. Akaashi was just a man he had met at the park today. He surely wouldn’t be running into him any time soon. Though, in the back of Bokuto's mind, he really did hope he could see that stranger again soon.