The Cat and the Crow

Brain Scrampled Egg

"I think we're safe, now," Kuroo said breathlessly once they ran past the baseball fields and surrounding tree line.

"Yeah," Tsuki replied. He had his hands on his knees, breathing hard.

"Not much of a runner, are ya?"

"I'm getting better. Penalty laps up that blasted hill help."

"Do you guys actually like doing those?"

That earned him a death glare. Kuroo couldn't help laughing. Taking a few steps around, he waited for Tsuki to catch his breath and calm down, and scrubbed the towel over his face. Summer was in full swing, and while it was a bit cooler here at Shinzen, it was still pretty hot. Even now, as the sun was setting, the heat was only just beginning to let up.

"We don't have much time," he told Tsuki through the towel. Kuroo listened for a response, but when none came, he started to lower the towel. "Hey, Tsu-" he began, but suddenly another towel covered his face. Tsuki's hand held the towel on his head, and second later, Kuroo felt his warm mouth touch his through the towel. Being kissed by the one he loved, knowing he did not initiate (or even ask for) it, sent him reeling. But it ended almost as soon as it began, and Tsuki had pulled away, leaving the towel behind. It slipped down his face, and he watched as his love walked back the way they came. If only he'd have looked back, he'd have seen Kuroo's wide eyes and flushed face.

"H-hey! Wait!" he called out, and started after him. Luckily, Tsuki hadn't gone far, and Kuroo crossed in front and stopped him.

Tsuki's face was adorably flushed, and his expression was an amusing cross between 'totally meant to do that,' and ridiculously embarrassed that he even tried. Kuroo's lips trembled as he smiled, trying not to laugh.

"Did you just...?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"Did you not want me to?"

"Yes! God, yes! I can't wait for more, to be honest." But now he had to know something. "Why?" he asked again.

Tsuki took a deep breath, and stepped closer to him. "I wanted to. Since Tokyo. I was curious, but also nervous. I couldn't bring myself to ask." Those golden brown eyes of his connected with Kuroo's, and a tiny smile tipped his lips.

"What are you thinking?" Kuroo asked softly.

"Do you remember what you told me that night?"

"Like I'd ever forget. I told you I'd wait until you're ready."

Tsuki nodded once. And then... he smiled the most beautiful smile Kuroo had ever seen. "Kiss me goodnight?"

"Really?"

"Yeah. Kiss me goodnight."

Kuroo exhaled, not realizing he'd been holding his breath. With his left hand, he reached up and caressed Tsuki's face, and watched as his eyes fluttered closed. With his right hand, he took hold of Tsuki's hand, tangling their fingers together. He took in the sight of Tsuki's beautiful face before leaning in and capturing his mouth in a kiss.

If he thought that familiar, and all too addicting, sensation of a bolt and shiver down his spine had been the best ever, Kuroo knew he would need to reconsider those thoughts.

It hadn't just been the bolt and shiver; it felt like... like a sparkler had ignited inside him. Little pinpricks danced all over his body. His heart was racing a mile a minute; Tsuki tasted sweet, and he couldn't get enough. But since this was Tsuki's first real kiss, he held back. A few moments later, he ended the kiss, softly withdrawing and leaning his forehead against Tsuki's.