The Cat and the Crow

Best. Birthday. Ever.

"Talk to me, Tsuki," Kuroo urged softly as they walked. "You were happy for a little while, and now... well, I can't tell if you're nervous or maybe scared. But you aren't happy. Not like before."

When Tsuki didn't answer, he looked over at his love, and stopped. Those gorgeous golden brown eyes were troubled, his eyebrows were furrowed, and it looked like he was angry. But it wasn't directed at anyone, at least not that he could tell. Looking around, Kuroo decided this was not the best place to talk, and took hold of Tsuki's hand. The park wasn't too far, and he knew the perfect spot where no one hardly ever came.

Once inside their little copse of trees, Kuroo sat down on the grass, and gently pulled Tsuki down to sit in front of him. He wrapped himself around his love like a blanket, settled his chin on Tsuki's shoulder and waited patiently.

"This really has been the best birthday ever," Tsuki finally said. "And I loved your surprise at school... which I still want to know how you got everyone on the team involved."

"Yamaguchi and Sugawara. I got in touch with them, and we planned that whole thing out," Kuroo told him. "Nice diversion, babe. Why was the second part of my surprise so upsetting?"

After a few minutes of silence, Tsuki said in a small voice, "don't laugh."

"I won't. Promise."

"I'm not really upset, at least not because of your surprise. I want to go. But..." he took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "This is my first time going to Tokyo by myself, and I'm kinda scared."

"Kinda?"

Tsuki shrugged. "I know it doesn't make much sense. I've been to Tokyo twice now. I shouldn't be scared to go by myself. But, here we are. I'm scared, frustrated at myself for being scared, and on top of that, I don't want to upset you..."

"I'm not upset," Kuroo assured him, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "I was about to suggest changing plans and just stay here again. Invite Bokuto and Akaashi up for a day. If staying close to home is what will make you happy..."

Kuroo felt Tsuki's relief relax his body. He hadn't realized just how wound up his love had gotten himself. Making up his mind, he was about to just go ahead and change plans, but Tsuki turned so that they were facing each other.

"No. I want to go. I want us to do everything you have planned. I want to see where you live, and experience Tokyo the way you do. And I want to do it all with you."

"Tsuki... How is it that you never cease to amaze me?"

Tsuki blinked, and then tilted his head. "What do you mean?" But he didn't give Kuroo a chance to answer. "If this is what you look like whenever I 'amaze' you, then maybe I shouldn't know."

Now, it was Kuroo's turn to be confused. "I don't understand."

"Well, like right now," Tsuki said, a little smile playing at the corners of his mouth, which is where Kuroo focused all his attention. "You look bamboozled," he said, snickering.

"Wait... what?" Kuroo's eyes snapped up to Tsuki's. "I don't look..."

Tsuki gently placed a finger on Kuroo's lips. "Bamboozled."

"How?"

He went absolutely still when Tsuki gently traced a fingertip across his cheekbones, and his eyes shut all on their own. "Your face is red, here, and here." Then, he brushed back the part of Kuroo's hair that always fell over his right eye. "Your eyes go wide, like you've been surprised and don't know what to do about it."

"Well, you're not wrong," Kuroo whispered, opening his eyes again. "Just don't ever stop."

"Stop what?"