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Bokuto

Bokuto didn't hear from Akaashi the rest of the weekend and the boy did everything he could to avoid him at school on Monday. As soon as the bell signaling the beginning of gym class rang on Tuesday, Akaashi went to the coach and asked to go to the nurse.

"You're limping pretty bad."

"I was too active over the weekend."

"Bokuto," the coach called and he jogged over. "Walk Akaashi to the nurse. Let him use you as a crutch to take some weight off that leg."

"It's alright. I can walk myself." The coach was already gone, yelling instructions to the rest of the class.

"Don't worry, Akaashi. I got you."

"I'm fine alone." Bokuto followed him out of the gym anyway.

Despite the heat of the early fall, Akaashi wore long sleeves and pants. He was clearly overheating, his movements sluggish. His boot dragged the ground with each step.

Up close, Bokuto could see the bags under his eyes; dark, deep-set half circles that betrayed his exhaustion. He wasn't any less pretty, but it was unnerving to see him like that.

Akaashi wiped the sweat from his face, breath laboring.

"Take it off."

"What?"

"Take off your shirt. You're going to pass out." He reached to pull it off for him, but Akaashi held it down.

"I'm alright."

"You're overheating." He reached for the shirt again, overpowering Akaashi when he fought him.

"No, stop it." He did, but only when he saw the bruises lining his abdomen.

"Did Kuroo do this to you?" They weren't like the last time. There were no teeth marks in these. The purplish-black marks were in the shape of fingers. Bokuto dropped the hem of the shirt to pull at the top of the turtleneck.

Akaashi shoved his hand away. "It's none of your concern."

Bokuto was angry. "It's everyone's concern! He's abusing you." His voice echoed through the empty halls.

"Go back to class, Bokuto. Don't meddle in my relationship." Akaashi was shaking as he started away, not making it more than ten steps before he collapsed.

Bokuto barely caught him before his head hit the cement. Lifting him up, he carried him to the nurse.