tepidity | (no subject)

[ God, he's never felt his breath catch so suddenly and so completely in his throat before. The almost look that could have been explained as a glance at his food, but Kuroo's brain knows better than to take the easiest assumption, and is much too indulgent to accept it. He'd been chancing a look at exactly what Kuroo had been alluding to, only he'd been caught and spooked, and even though a meeting of their eyes might have been just as breathtaking, the attempt says so much more and ends up being just as interesting.

But that isn't what makes him risk choking on his fish... Prepared. Nisaka had called him prepared, and such a particular choice of words has Kuroo reeling. He's looked, he's understood, and perhaps jealousy isn't the most logical answer after all. He might even be blushing, just a bit, but he manages to keep his grin concrete. ]

Mm. Meat and greens. Lots of rice. I haven't had anything sweet since I left.

[ God.... He's hardly even trying to be subtle now. ]

[ kuroo isn't exactly known for his subtlety. in fact nisaka is certain he only ever uses it as a weapon, far too addicted to the reactions he can provoke using other means. so it's really no surprise that his best friend be pretty void of it now, and, okay, they're teenage boys. i's pretty part and parcel of their humor that most things tend to be coated in double-entendres. sex jokes are not exactly uncommon, nor is the occasional teasing on a personal level (though some take it too far, matoi, you asshole).

still. still. it's too much. this is too much. what are they even talking about anymore? nisaka's mind is reeling from fevered recollections of kuroo's abs, off-handed conversations about meat, and now they're talking about sweet things...? he very nearly puts his chopsticks down. ]

Guess I have to get you dessert after all.

[ it's fine. that's fine. that's what they talked about before, after all. nothing conspicuous about that. ]

[ Here or home, he wants to say, he almost says.. but this isn't the training camp where he can say outrageous things to the kids he might not ever see again, won't have to see on a daily basis... doesn't have a history with that he could put in danger of damaging with said outrageousness. It's Nisaka, and though Kuroo figures he could probably get away with being as upfront as he possibly can be and still manage to diffuse it with a laugh and a wave of his hand, he wonders if it's really worth that risk... just because he's giddy with how it feels to be beside him again. ]

Mm, good. You remember what I like, right?

[ Is Nisaka determinedly not looking at him on purpose? Kuroo might have been frustrated like that under other circumstances, but now he only feels... teased by it. ]

And don't tell me you've forgotten. You'll hurt my feelings.

I don't know if that's even possible.

[ forgetting, or hurting kuroo's feelings? he doesn't elaborate. just like he continues not to look back up at the other, determindly working his way through his plate so as not to let iwata's hard work go in vain. or something like that. whatever the reason, his gaze doesn't lift any higher than kuroo's own plate. ]

We'll have to stop by the bakery on the way home. At the rate you're going, they'll be closed by then.

[ That manages to snap him out of it for a moment or two. The mention of the bakery almost disappoints him, but it's not often Nisaka wins in this weird vague gay chicken thing they usually find themselves toing and froing in, so really it was to be expected. What really catches his attention though, is Nisaka mentioning his food, and as Kuroo looks down to see he's still got a fish and a third left to eat he's suddenly reminded of the days when Nisaka would come over for dinner at his house after school when they were younger, and Kuroo would be so excited by the company of a friend he had so much care for that he'd often spend most of the time he should have spent eating blabbering away to him or muttering to him when his mom caught wind and told him off. The softness of that memory softens Kuroo's sharp smile, too, and much like his younger self might have, he scoffs down the rest of his meal with just as much enjoyment had he eaten it slowly.

Plate clear, sucking on his chopstick again, he sits back. ]

You're spoiling me today, huh? You must have really missed me.

[ the shift in position tears down nisaka's guard. he makes the mistake of looking towards the movement, just in time to see kuroo's cheeks hollow out around the pair of chopsticks and nisaka thinks it's the lewdest thing he's ever had the misfortune of seeing. it's an image that instantly burns itself into his mind, has him stalling for a second too long.

it's fortunate he still had a bit of food left in his mouth, otherwise the rough swallow to follow after would havd been way too suspicious. ]

...Don't get used to it, [ he says, eventually. he resists the urge to tug on the collar around his neck. long-sleeves were definitely a bad idea. ] I'm just being a good host.

Ah- [ He brandishes the chopstick he'd just had his mouth all over, waving it at Nisaka. ] I'm not your guest till I'm in my jammies. You don't have to host me at all for at least another half hour or so. You're doing this because you missed me. You wanna welcome me back, make sure I don't decide I like summer camp better than hanging out with you~

[ He's using that sing-song certain voice he uses when he knows he's being an asshole and is doing so proudly. The warmer, softer feeling in his chest had lowered his concentration, so he didn't see Nisaka glance up at him, distracted as he was by the fact that Nisaka hadn't exactly denied that he missed him. He knew he had, but there's something addictive and enticing about hearing Nisaka say these things out loud. Kuroo has a small collection of moments like that stockpiled in his memory bank. ]

Maybe I'll have you buy me two pastries. Since I was gone two months. I think that's fitting.

If you scarf down two pastries, it'll be your uniform that won't be fitting.

[ he's quick to toss that little barbed comment back, feathers ruffling defensively in an instinctive response to that tone. no, he won't deny missing kuroo, because doing so would be lying, and he lies enough to his best friend on the regular. shifting, his foot nudges against kuroo's beneath the table, but it's hardly a sweet gesture. ]

Maybe. I'm willing to take the risk, though. Free food always tastes better.

[ Being a competitive person means that Kuroo often finds competition where there is none, so when Nisaka's foot nudges him he takes it as a move being made on his honor and catches the offending foot under his own with ridiculous speed and agility. He smiles serenely, faux-innocent.

He doesn't relent even when Iwata-san circles on by again, asking if there's anything else they'd like. Kuroo shakes his head and after he's given the bill and slides it over to Nisaka the little old man responds with surprise, wondering aloud what Kuroo might have done to deserve such a treat.. which Kuroo finds hilarious. ]

He missed me. [ Kuroo points out, all too loudly and much too proud, so even some of the people dotted around at the tables around them glance up. ] While I was at camp. This is my welcome home present.

He's dying, [ nisaka cuts in, but it's already too late: iwata-san is already looking between the two boys fondly, and his cheeks are already bright red. ] This meal was his last wish.

[ he's grumbling at this point, but it's light-hearted. once he finishes paying, he politely thanks iwata-san and his wife for the good meal, in a tone must softer and quieter than before. getting to his feat, he holds his arms up high over his head to work out the kinks that had somehow settled onto his shoulders. standing for hours at a time in his new job hasn't helped his posture much, and the added tension of having his best friend around (who somehow managed to become even hotter in the two months he'd been gone) certainly isn't doing wonders either. ]

Ready?

[ Ah, it's unfair, really, how slender and attractive Nisaka is. Kuroo finds himself surrounded on the regular by muscled boys and strong men who play sports and enthuse about sports, so the soft surface and angles of Nisaka's body are addictive in their unfamiliarity, set so far apart from the broad shoulders he's used to slapping after matches, the thick muscles he feels against him during blocks or tactical meetings. Though he spends a great deal of his time around Nisaka, every limited touch never feels like enough, and it's that lack that keeps him returning for more, drinking in every glimpse and brush of contact.

So when Nisaka stretches, Kuroo is caught for a moment just watching him... The arch of his spine, the shift of his clothes.. How he wishes that shirt was just a little bit shorter. He has to shake himself out of it, only when he realises that there's been a silence that's become a little too loud, too obvious. ]

Mmhm. When you are. [ He stands, bows low to the tiny old man bidding them goodbye, promises to bring his mother out sooner rather than later, and automatically puts his hand to the small of Nisaka's back to lead him back toward the door. ]

[ despite being the first to rise, nisaka finds himself hesitating by the table, dragging his feet as they cross the short distance back towards the doorway. kuroo's hand is a light weight against his lower back, but he swears he could feel the palm of his band burn through the thin material of his shirt. he tries not to draw too much attention to the gesture, knowing it means to be polite and guiding at best, but he can't help the uncertain (perhaps even hopeful?) way his eyes flicker over towards the other before rooting directly in front of them. the bakery isn't far from where they are, though further from his home than the restaurant. normally it would bother him, to have to go so far out of his way, but as the evening drags on... he can't deny the warmth it brings him to know he can have kuroo all to himself for just that little bit longer.

once they're outside, he steps forward just enough that kuroo's hand would have to fall unless he truly means to keep it there, pretending to fuss with the hem of his shirt and shoving the sleeves up to nestle around his elbows. ]

When is your mom supposed to get back, anyway?

[ nisaka actually knows, but he pretends to have forgotten. the night air is somehow even quieter outside than in the little restaurant, and though he'd always been quite comfortable in silence, there is a nagging in the back of his mind now that prompts him to fill it however he can. ]

[ The sun is warm in the late evening, even as it dips lower into the burnt orange sky, and Kuroo breathes in a settling sigh through his nose, breathing the scent of home and of being where he belongs once again. He exhales in a hum of thought, mentally checking through dates to work out when his mother would be home from visiting his grandma. ]

Tomorrow afternoon. Probably just before it's time to eat. You know what she's like.

[ He misses his fingers on the concave of Nisaka's spine already. He doesn't have any reason to follow when he moves away, no excuse that comes to mind, but even that limited contact has him thinking back to when he'd seen Nisaka get changed and how badly he'd wanted to touch that bare skin.. He wants even more now, now that he knows how warm Nisaka's skin is under that shirt. He's only a little guilty to find that he's thinking changing into pajamas can't come soon enough, and that thought seems to encourage a yawn from him. ]

Woah, fuck-- [ He sounds surprised as he covers his mouth, which he really shouldn't be considering he's been up since the early hours so he and Bokuto could lay claim to the best spoils of the farewell breakfast, and has played two practice sets while waiting for the bus. ]

[ the yawn is definitely a surprise, though it certainly makes sense after some more thought. he's certain the camp has had them up before even the crack of dawn doing some form of warm up or something. the last day likely isn't any exception. ]

Mm. Your old age is getting to you. Are you sure you can make it on your own? Maybe we should get you a walker...

[ now it's his turn to rest a hand along kuroo's back. he isn't nearly as bold though, settling his fingertips instead along a shoulderblade, using that to gently guide the older boy along as he shifts up beside him. it doesn't often get brought up, but just like kuroo's height, nisaka isn't above using the year gap between them to his advantage when he can. skipping a grade had been a good idea, after all. ]

Edited 2018-03-11 17:27 (UTC)

[ God, it feels good. It's such a simple touch and yet it feels better than any other half brush or accidental contact he's ever received, and Kuroo can't bring himself to feel guilty for thinking it. Nisaka's hands aren't as broad as his, nowhere near as heavy, but they're constant in their presence and it reminds Kuroo of their relationship, if he thinks about it enough; Nisaka isn't as intense as him, doesn't coo or wax poetic about their friendship, but he's always there.. reciprocating in his own way. ]

Ah-ha, but when I've got you, who needs a walker? You're just the right height to be a crutch.

[ The age difference between them used to bother Kuroo, when he was younger and wanted to be equals with his best friend, but now it's just more fuel for his fire. He loops an arm around Nisaka's neck again as they walk up to the bakery front. ]

[ he makes sure to make a disgruntled noise when that heavy arm is slung around his shoulders, drawing him closer than he had been before. he ducks his head, hoping it and his long fringe hides the way his cheeks flare up after nearly having his face crushed into kuroo's hard chest—

a delighted sound marks their entrance into the bakery. like iwata-san, tanabe-sana is just as pleased to see them both, though admittedly she gets to see them far less frequently, given kuroo's commitment to his fitness. nevertheless, she is a frequent gossiper with both of their mothers, so she winds up knowing far more about the boys than either of them would like...

case in point, she crows happily about kuroo's return, asking him all sorts of question. she doesn't seem at all perturbed about how they stumble into her store; if anything, there's a certain glint to her eyes as she looks between them both. ]

Hello, Tanabe-san... Do you have anything that'll knock this guy out?

[ she chortles happily, waving them towards the display case. ]

[ Kuroo is painfully reluctant to let Nisaka go now he's got him close again, because he knows full well that the walk home will feel twice as long when their hands are full of treat bags and Kuroo can't be as physical as he always wants to be.. but Tanabe-san has sharp eyes behind those little coin-shaped glasses and a mouth that runs away with her, and Kuroo can't help but worry about what she's capable of. So he releases his best friend once they enter the shop, politely answering all her questions with plenty of detail, hoping to get on her good side so she doesn't tease them both too much... Somehow they never get out of here without beet red faces. ]

He only wants to knock me out so he can get out of his promise to treat me to dessert, you know, Tana-san.

[ He presses his face against the glass, almost needing to bend in half to get down there. Those extra few inches really have made a difference. ]

Ah, I was going to go with something expensive since Nisaka is paying.. but I can't resist when they're sitting right there..

[ The tray of eclairs is winking at him, glistening in the light from the case, and they look as freshly made as ever. Kuroo sometimes has to wonder if she makes a fresh batch around this time just in case he comes in on his way home from school. ]

[ nisaka remains upright, which puts him in the unfortunate position of being directly in front of tanabe-san's light of sight. the "line of fire," so to speak, especially given how her keen eyes crinkle slightly at the corners, followed by the upturn of the corners of her lips. ]

Aa, [ she agrees, keeping her eyes on nisaka a moment longer before sliding her steely gaze towards kuroo. ] Temptation is a tricky thing, ne? Sometimes the best thing for you is right under your nose.

[ she pauses then, rather poignantly — during which nisaka feels the need to shift a little uncomfortably under the weight of that silence — and then she suddenly titters, sounding young. ]

Choose what you like, choose what you like! I'm feeling generous — two for one!

[ Now look, Kuroo isn't an idiot, and the double meaning of her comment doesn't go amiss because Kuroo knows full well that Tanabe-san isn't an idiot either; she didn't say it with any intention for him to misunderstand, similarly to Kuroo's sense of humour she said it to get a reaction out of him, so he's determined not to show one.

Tanabe-san has known about the feelings he has for Nisaka long before even Kuroo himself was willing to give them any serious consideration, which makes him worry that he's being obvious about it and also makes him.. kind of hungry for the recognition, because he never gets to talk about it at any other opportunity, but that's too dangerous to consider. Ignorance is safer, even if it's not easier. ]

I can't ignore your sound logic. [ Haha.. If only it were that simple. ] I'll have an eclair, please.

[ nisaka himself can be pretty perceptive... but only to an extent. there is a wall he always hits, a wall he built up himself, so that any time he even gets close to the idea that maybe... maybe...

he stops himself. reminds himself how ridiculous such fantasies are. puts a stop to it before the fantasy can take root. ]

...Get him the expensive one too, [ nisaka pipes up, meeting tanabe-san's look with a steady gaze. ] He deserves it.

[ he already starts fishing out his wallet, leaving no room for argument. ]

[ Kuroo turns at that. Tanabe-san's free suggestiveness has been something he's become so used to that he's no longer surprised by it even if it still manages to fluster him, but Nisaka giving in to complimenting him when they're around other people is frankly less likely than it suddenly starting to snow outside. Kuroo raises eyebrows at him, apparently so stunned by the sight of his best friend pulling out his money to pay the content little old woman behind the counter that he's rendered speechless, unable even to think of some teasing quip to poke back.

Tanabe-san boxes up an eclair and the fancy chocolate drizzled monstrosity Kuroo dazedly points to, and then manages to snap out of it enough to give Nisaka another look. ]

You're not getting anything? I'm not sharing, you know.

[ He's holding onto the box Tanabe-san passes to him like it's made of gold. ]

[ nisaka hands tanabe-san the money (paying for both, rather than accepting her two-for-one deal) with a shrug, not quite meeting kuroo's eyes. ]

I'm still full from dinner. [ he thanks the woman when she hands him his change, bowing in part to avoid how she, too, keeps eyeing him curiously.

when he finally turns back to the other, he lifts his brows at the look. ]

What? It's your birthday present, obviously.

[ That breaks the tension a little, because Kuroo can't not laugh, and nudges Nisaka with an elbow. ]

You're two months early, but thanks.

[ He bows to Tanabe-san, still holding his precious box close to him, and then elbows his way out of the door, holding it open at the last for Nisaka to follow him. Tanabe-san tells them to behave and to keep her updated, and Kuroo is for a moment confused about what they could possibly keep her updated with... and then he flushes, and closes the door behind them. He wonders if maybe he should pay Tanabe-san a visit by himself.

The walk home is reasonably uneventful. Kuroo makes a show of sniffing at the folds of the box, commenting on how just the smell of sugar is enough to make him hungry again since the only sugar he got at camp came in the form of electrolyte drinks and fruit, and points out only when they're almost back to Nisaka's house that maybe he should have gotten something for Nisaka's mom and dad, to thank them for letting him stay over.

Once in the Nisaka home, he pads through the house like it's an extension of his own and shoves the chocolate monster in the fridge for later, dumping the eclair out onto a plate though he's entirely ready to just eat it with his bare hands. ]

I'm gonna regret this, [ He says proudly as he makes his way back upstairs. ] I'm looking forward to elastic waistbands already. [ He should probably wait to change into his pajamas, though, considering how that went last time. And the fact that he's probably going to get cream and chocolate all down himself. ]

You know you already wear elastic waistbands every day, right? [ it's an inconsequential comment, but one that nisaka felt necessary to point out regardless. he leads the way up to his room, despite how easily kuroo navigates his way around the house, which is pretty much the boy's second home at this point. (and thus why the mild worry over not bringing his parents any baked goods is brushed aside with a wave of his hand.) ]

Don't get any crumbs on my bed, [ is all he says once the door is quietly shut behind them. he's already begun to move towards his drawers, pulling out his own sleepwear to change into. he'd been getting way too hot in that long-sleeve, and he's eager to slip into something thinner and looser. he lingers by the dresser, folded clothes in his arms. not for the first time, he finds himself overthinking his next move. it would be better, he's certain, if he stepped out and changed in the bathroom. offer them both some privacy or something. it's courteous.

but they've known each other for so long that courtesy doesn't really factor in their day-to-day, so doing so would only be weird, wouldn't it? it's definitely not something they usually do, their level of familiarity with each other going so much more past regular boundaries between friends. and yet... after the day they'd just had... he chews on his lip, eventually turning back around to eye the other boy. he's mildly disappointed to find kuroo hadn't yet finished his treat. ]

Sure, but I'm not wearing an elastic waistband right now.

[ Better not to dwell on that right now, though, since doing so would mean Kuroo would have to shed light on the fact that he stupidly wore jeans on the uncomfortable ride home for one reason and one reason only.

Kuroo finds his spot again on the bottom of Nisaka's bed, though he refrains from flopping back for the moment as doing so would make it incredibly difficult to eat his eclair. Which he does. The first bite did exactly what he expected and got all over his face, but he hardly cares because it tastes so good, so when Nisaka chastises him for eating on the bed, his response is muffled by the pastry in his mouth. ]

I'm not gonna-- I wouldn't waste any.

[ Is Nisaka lingering for any reason, he half-wonders, distracted as he is by how good his sweet treat tastes. They've got changed in the same room before, albeit at the same time and facing away from each other. Right now it feels.. kind of like a show, the way Nisaka is standing before him with his clothes in his arms. Kuroo looks down at his eclair, only half eaten, and swallows. There's still cream on his lip, though. ]

What, want me to close my eyes? I know I put you to shame shirtless but you don't have to make a big deal out of it.

[ Ah yes, just diffuse it by being your asshole self, Kuroo. That definitely won't backfire. ]