The Cat and the Crow

A Plan Put In Motion

[23 December]

[Does he suspect anything?]

[I don't think so, Kuroo]

[THIS IS GOING TO BE SO AWESOME!]

[That's the 215th time you've said that, Bokuto]

[You've been counting?]

[Call me curious, Daichi]

[When did you start counting?]

[This morning]

[Good grief...]

[Anyway, almost everything is ready for Christmas day, Kuroo. We just have a few finishing touches to make, and then spread the word.]

[Okay, good. Most of the team will arrive tomorrow night, as will Nekomata.]

[We've got it covered for who will stay where.]

[Thanks, Suga]

[I CAN'T WAIT! THIS IS GOING TO BE SO AWESOME!]

[216]

[We'll be in Sendai soon. You guys have been a big help. Thank you!]

[To be honest, we're in agreement with Bokuto...]

[THIS IS GOING TO BE SO AWESOME!]

[217]

[HEY! I DIDN'T SAY IT! THAT WAS SUGA!]

[Still counts]

[Akaashi, you're awesome!]

[I'm glad we adopted you]

[Thanks mom and dad]

[LMAO!]

"I literally thought I was going to go crazy, that train ride was so long!" Bokuto exclaimed as they got off the train.

"It was only an hour longer than the Kyoto trip," Akaashi said calmly. "You're just excited."

"Damn right, I am! This is going to be so awesome!"

"218."

Tetsuro laughed at his buddies even as he scanned the platform for his favorite person... and family. It didn't take long before he spotted them, and waved once they found him. Kei broke away and ran toward them, practically knocking Tetsu over as he hugged him. Mom and Akiteru came over at a more sedate pace, but they were both all smiles.

"I'm so glad to finally meet you two, Bokuto and Akaashi," Mom said happily.

"Glad to meet you," Akiteru repeated, reaching out to shake their hands. "Thanks for coming up to celebrate with us."

"Wouldn't have missed it!" Bokuto exclaimed. "We've been wanting to meet you guys, too."

"He's been super curious. More so the closer the time for the trip came. Which is why he could barely stand a 3 hour train ride," Akaashi added. "Thanks for inviting us."

"It's our pleasure," Akiteru said. "Well, we need to get moving if we're going to make it home, and get you both settled, at a decent time. The train to Ogawara will be boarding soon."

Bokuto practically shot off in the wrong direction, but Akaashi caught up to him and brought him back to the group. Mom was still smiling, looking so happy she could barely contain it. Akiteru led the way. And bringing up the rear were Kei and Tetsuro, who had yet to let go of each other, both of them flushed and happy to be together again.

[The Walk Home]

"This feels so much smaller than Tokyo," Bokuto said as they walked down the main avenue through town.