This December | Kuroo x Kenma Hospital AU

4

A little over a month had passed since Kenma's surgery, and he'd been given the OK to play in nationals. And that's just what he did.

Unfortunately, Nekoma lost to Karasuno. Surprising himself, Kenma was more sad about it than he thought he'd be. But looking at Kuroo, Kenma knew he wasn't the saddest.

The captain had laughed and smiled after the match. But now that they were in the hotel room, Kuroo frowned.

Everyone but the two friends had fallen asleep, and slowly, Kenma moved closer to Kuroo.

Kuroo looked at him with wet eyes. "Hey. I thought you'd be asleep."

Kenma sighed and, carefully, grabbed Kuroo's hand. The older boy was clearly shocked, and Kenma tried not to roll his eyes. "I can't sleep with you pouting like this."

"Sorry."

"That was a joke," Kenma mumbled. "You were amazing today, Kuroo. You know that right?"

Kuroo squeezed Kenma's hand. "You were too. I think that's the best you've played yet, actually."

Kenma silently watched as Kuroo rubbed at his face. He frowned at his sad friend.

"I didn't even care about winning. I mean, it would've been awesome, but... I just want to play more with you guys. And I can't."

They were both quiet for a moment, and, unsure of whether or not Kuroo had fallen asleep, Kenma whispered, "Thank you."

Kuroo rolled onto his side to face Kenma. "For what?"

"For teaching me about volleyball." Kenma smiled. "I really love it. And I think... I know, I'm going to keep playing it next year."

"Kenma..."

"So you have to keep playing too. For your college, or a neighborhood team, or whatever. And one day, I'll set for you again. And I'll block with you again."

There was more Kenma wanted to say, but...

"So don't cry. You know I don't do well with crying people."

Finally, Kuroo grinned, and Kenma's heart fluttered a bit. He stared into Kuroo's teary, pretty eyes.

"Thank you, Kenma." Kuroo rolled over again to face the wall. "And you're welcome by the way. For giving you the gift of an interest other than video games."

"Oh shut up."

Kenma closed his eyes and sighed. Despite the speech he'd given Kuroo, he could swear he heard as the captain cried quietly before falling asleep.

Having started to develop a headache, Kenma had trouble sleeping. He inched slightly closer to Kuroo and wrapped an arm around the sleeping boy's torso.

Kuroo is always warm. And his big muscles have been known to make a great pillow for the whole team. Hugging him, Kenma figured he should be able to finally fall asleep. And he did, not knowing that Kuroo was awake and smiling.