Shelter [Kurotsuki]

Chapter 14

Tsukishima stands on the edge of the gym with his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath. He's not sure what's going to happen first, his arms falling off or his head exploding but he's sure that one is going to happen soon.

"Drink," Akaashi stands next to him holding out a water bottle.

"I'm going to die," Tsukishima adds puking to the list of things that are gonna happen very soon, maybe crying too. He takes the water bottle and drinks as quickly as he can.

"Did you eat today?" Akaashi asks. Tsukishima scrunches up his face and tries to think. He's been so busy lately that he doesn't know what's going on in his life anymore. Between his double major and his job at the bookstore and volleyball practice, he's burnt out. His roommate is the absolute worst and he's spent more nights sleeping in the common areas than in his actual bed.

"Breakfast maybe..." He forces himself to stand up straight as he finishes drinking his water. "Let's get back to it before the coach catches us."

"If you're sure Tsukki..." Akaashi looks hesitant but he follows Tsukishima back onto the court to continue their practice. Tsukishima knows that after practice he has a shift at the bookstore and he has an essay due in a week that he should get started on.

He manages to make it through the practice somehow and has just enough time afterward to shower and change into his work uniform before hurrying to the bookstore. He's been thinking about food since Akaashi mentioned it earlier but he'll have to wait until his break to get anything.

The bookstore is thankfully slow, he's on registers for once so he's able to study while he waits for customers to come up. Time drags on as he stands there, his legs feel like lead from practice and he wishes he was allowed to sit or something.

He highlights a passage in his book as the bell above the door rings. He's supposed to greet everyone that enters but he's just not feeling it today and none of his bosses are around to notice anyway. A delicious smell wafts through the store and his mouth practically waters. He really needs to try and remember to eat more often. A take out bag is set on the counter in front of him and he jumps a bit as he pulls his attention away from his textbook to look up.

"Tssuukkkiii~" Kuroo sings. Tsukishima realizes that the heavenly smell is coming from the bag that Kuroo is holding.

"Oh my god is that Thai from the place by your apartment?" Tsukishima sits up straighter.

"Nice to see you too moonshine." Kuroo grins. Tsukishima picks up the phone and calls his manager's office to ask to take his break. Kuroo leans on the counter and turns Tsukishima's textbook around to look over what he's studying.

"Did Akaashi text you then?" Tsukishima asks.

"Does he have something to be concerned about?" Kuroo raises his eyebrow and Tsukishima shoots him a glare.

"No, nothing. God that food smells so good." One of his coworkers comes up now to take over the register so Tsukishima takes off his apron and hangs it up then tucks his textbooks away before grabbing the food and Kuroo's arm to drag him out of the store. Kuroo follows him willingly.

They find some benches to sit on outside and Kuroo takes the food out of the bags giving Tsukishima's to him along with some chopsticks. Tsukishima doesn't wait to dig into the food. Kuroo pulls Tsukishima's legs onto his lap.

"What are you doing?" Tsukishima asks.

"You had practice today right?"

"Yeah...?"

"Then just relax, don't mind me okay."

"Okay..." Tsukishima relaxes a bit and focuses on eating again.