The Cat and the Crow

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"So.... How did it go?" Suga asked, looking both excited and curious at the same time.

Kei blinked, looked at his senior, and then at Tadashi, who wore the same expression on his face. It seemed he had a little cheering section of his own. They managed to meet in the team's room after everyone else left for dinner. Kei chuckled and smiled, which startled both of his friends.

"Oh my god," Suga said, clearly amazed. He looked over at Tadashi who nodded. "That smile aside, I'm pretty sure everything went well."

"I'd say it went better than that," Tadashi added.

"Yeah, it did," Kei finally managed to say. "But look, we don't have much time before someone comes looking for us. I need to ask you both if you will cover for me tonight."

"He asked you out? So soon?" Suga asked, suddenly serious. "Isn't that a little too fast? And practice starts early tomorrow."

"He did, but we won't be alone. Akaashi and Bokuto are coming as well. We aren't going to be out long, and the place isn't far," he explained.

"Are you sure, Tsuki?"

"Yeah. I just need you to cover for me. Will you?"

After a few minutes of thought, Suga nodded. "As long as you're sure you won't be out too long. Daichi will notice, and I'm not good at lying to him."

"I'm not asking you to lie," Kei assured. "If he asks you directly, then tell him."

"You just need a diversion," Tadashi said, catching on quickly.

"Yeah. We'll be eating dinner here, and then leaving."

"Okay, fine. We'll do what we can," Suga finally agreed. "Just don't be out too late."

"Yes, mom. I promise," Kei quipped.

As Suga and Tadashi left him, he went to his bag and tore into it, grabbing the casual clothes he had packed. He wished he'd thought to bring a smaller shoulder bag to carry stuff in, but he'd remember it next time.

Next time. He was already thinking ahead to other possible outings. Or, should he call them dates? Semantics; he didn't have too much time to spare. He rolled his clothes, a brush, and his phone into his towel, and then made his way down to the cafeteria. There was a restroom nearby, where he could change and get ready. He'd have already done so, if he knew it wouldn't draw attention.

As soon as he'd hidden his things, Kei went into the cafeteria, finding Kuroo first. Seated at a table with Akaashi and Bokuto, they'd already set out food for the four of them. Raising an eyebrow, he joined them and sat down.

"It made more sense to have food waiting, rather than you going to get a tray and coming back," Akaashi said. "It's not too much, either. Those two," he waved at Kuroo and Bokuto, "want to treat us to something at the restaurant."

"At the very least, something for dessert," Kuroo added. His eyes were practically smoking.

Kei smirked and stared back. "Just because I said you weren't moving too fast, doesn't give you leave to go straight up light speed, either."

"Point taken," Kuroo relented, and he smiled, his entire expression changing.

"Oooohhh, something happened after we left this afternoon." Bokuto was fairly brimming with curiosity. "Do tell, and leave nothing out."

"Not that it's any of our business," Akaashi said, glaring at Bokuto. But when he turned back to look at Kei and Kuroo, he didn't look any less curious than Bokuto.

Kei glanced at Kuroo, who merely shrugged, leaving the decision up to him. Considering the three of them had been friends long before he'd come along, that they at least knew something of him before this training camp, and it was highly likely they even knew about this excursion, it shouldn't be much of a surprise that they'd want to know everything. Just like Tadashi and Suga, he supposed.

"Later," he finally said. "No guarantees on the 'leave nothing out' part."

"Awww, Tsuki..." Bokuto made a show of his complaint.

"Fair enough," Akaashi agreed.

Kei caught Kuroo staring at him. He widened his eyes, and mouthed 'what?' at him. That earned him a slow wink. Good grief. He may have slowed down from light speed, but that wasn't really going to stop him from flirting hard. Kei rolled his eyes, and started eating.

When they were almost finished, Kuroo leaned forward, speaking low. "Here's the plan. Bokuto and Akaashi, you can leave first and get ready. In five minutes, Tsuki, you can go, too. I'll clear up here, and then follow you out. Nothing too conspicuous, I think. Kenma and Yaku are covering for me."

"Washio and Konoha for us," Akaashi said.

"Tadashi and Suga are my cover," Kei added. "But I told them not to lie if they were asked directly."

"That's almost begging for trouble," Bokuto disagreed.

"This whole adventure is begging for trouble," Kei told him.

Akaashi grinned. "He's right, you know."

Kuroo laughed, and then smiled at Kei. "Welcome to the squad, by the way."

"Thanks. I think."

"See you in a few," Akaashi said as he rose from the table. He nudged Bokuto, who also stood up. They left, bickering the entire way.

Kuroo started clearing up their dishes, watching Kei as he sipped the rest of his miso soup. He looked like he wanted to ask something, but wasn't sure how to start.

"What?" Kei asked quietly.

Kuroo took a deep breath, and then exhaled slowly. He put down the bowl he'd been holding, and put his elbows on the table. He brought his hands up in front of his mouth, and looked deep into Kei's eyes.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes," Kei answered with a little smile. "I wouldn't have agreed otherwise." He paused and narrowed his eyes. "Why are you asking now?"

"I didn't really think it through. I don't want you to get in trouble."

"Hhhmm," Kei sighed, and then leaned forward, talking quietly so that only Kuroo could hear him. "I think I'll take my chances." He glanced at the clock and slowly rose from the table. "I'll be waiting."

This whole thing was new to him, Kei thought as he left the cafeteria. But, if Kuroo was going to flirt, then so would he. At least, he'd try, anyway.

Fair was fair, after all.