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One

Akaashi's tired. Actually bone running deep exhausted. He's setting with Bokuto currently, not that he would complain about that, he does enjoy setting for Bokuto, obviously since Bokuto is an amazing ace. But, god, he's so fucking tired. He sometimes wishes that Bokuto was more.. Intuitive.

"Did you see that? It was so good!" Bokuto exclaims, voice high pitched in Akaashi's ears. Akaashi smiles softly at Bokuto. He's so tired, but Bokuto looks so happy, so he picks up the ball again, handing it to Bokuto.

Bokuto looks at him, eyes peering. "I'm going to get some water, alright?" He speaks softly, monotone.

"Okay!" Bokuto smiles, spiking the ball over, Akaashi goes over, grabbing water. It's cool and refreshing against his dry throat. He walks back over, smiling at Bokuto.

"My spikes have gotten so much better, I'm totally ready for the training camp! Ay!" Bokuto cheers, ball slamming against the floor.

"I think my sets have gotten better." He deadpans, not all that sarcastically.

"Do you think my spikes are better? Do we need to practice more?" He cries out, dramatically looking at his hand. Akaashi notices that he's getting fidgety. Most likely because Akaashi stepped away.

"Your spikes are improving," Akaashi responds, his voice flat but not unkind. He knows Bokuto is sensitive about his spikes, and a simple acknowledgement is often enough to soothe his ego. "But we can always work on precision. Maybe focus on placing the ball more consistently in the open court."

Bokuto's eyes widened in excitement. "Really? Okay! Let's do it!" He grins, already reaching for the ball. Akaashi sighs inwardly. He knows what's coming next. A barrage of spikes, some good, some not so much, and a lot of energy that will drain him even further.

After they practice, way longer than Akaashi anticipated. Both boys are changing their shoes, ready to leave the gym. "Are you excited for the training camp? I can't wait to see everyone!"

"Mm, who's all going?" Akaashi asks, he thinks Bokuto's going to stay at his house, normally when they have to leave early for away games, or training things for Volleyball he'll stay over, so that he doesn't end up missing out, something that Bokuto said he was scared about to Akaashi.

"Uh. Karasuno, Nekoma, Date Tech, and I dunno the- Oh, Aoba Johsai, I think, I was paying attention all that much." He responds, he sounds tired. Akaashi notes, Akaashi's super tired too, so it's not all that surprising.

"Nice, I guess it'll be good to see everyone again." He replies, tying the laces of his shoes. Bokuto watches him, already being finished and ready to leave.

"Can I go to your house Kashi? I'm super tired!" Bokuto complains, and Akaashi understands.

"Sure, Bokuto," Akaashi replies, his voice barely a whisper. He's so tired, the idea of going home and collapsing into bed is incredibly appealing. But he knows Bokuto needs someone to look after him, and he's the only one the ace will really listen to.

They walk out of the gym in silence, the cool evening air doing little to refresh Akaashi's weary body. Bokuto, on the other hand, seems to have recharged his energy, chattering excitedly about the upcoming training camp. Akaashi listens, offering the occasional hum or "yeah" in response.

As they approach Akaashi's house, the exhaustion finally catches up with Bokuto. His steps slow, and his chatter fades into quiet mumbles. Akaashi smiles softly. He knows that beneath the boisterous exterior, Bokuto is a sensitive and caring person.

"You can sleep in my room," Akaashi offers. "I'll sleep on the couch."

"What? No!" Bokuto replies. It's fast and quipped when it comes out of his mouth, "Just uh- we both need to be well rested for tomorrow." The boy blushes, looking away shamelessly.