Broken Wings - BokuAka

Chapter 10

- Akaashi

"I'm home!" Bokuto called, and the door closed behind us. "I also brought a friend!" Bokuto added, grinning at me.

"Oh, is it that Kuroo boy again? He's a good-" a voice I recognized started, but stopped.

"H-hello, Mrs. Bokuto," I said shyly, bowing with respect.

"Keiji? Is that really you?" Bokuto's grandmother said with shock.

"Yup! Keiji, in the flesh!" Bokuto said triumphantly, and I heard a hint of pride in his voice.

"Keiji! Oh my gods!" Bokuto's grandmother yelled, covering her mouth with her hands. "Everyone, come quick! Keiji's back!"

"Keiji?" Bokuto's father said, poking his head around the corner. "Oh my, it really is you!"

"Oh honey, it's so good to see you again," Bokuto's grandmother said, coming over to me and taking my soft hands in hers.

"It's good to see you, too," I said, and I meant it.

"Now that you're back, that means we don't have to worry about Bokuto getting into trouble anymore!" Bokuto's grandfather laughed, coming to greet us as well.

"U-umm, well. . ." I stammered, not really sure what to do. I wasn't used to this much attention.

"Geez, guys! Give Keiji some space!" Bokuto scolded them, gently pushing them away from me. I gave him a grateful look.

"Thank you," I mouthed.

"No problem," Bokuto mouthed back.

"Anyway, are you spending the night? Would you like some dinner? Oh, it's been so long since you've had dinner with us," Bokuto's grandmother rambled. "Are you eating all right? Are you safe? Do you have a boyfriend?"

"What?" I intervened. "No, I don't have a boyfriend, ma'am," I assured her, and I swear I heard her sigh in relief.

"Guys, he literally just got here," Bokuto reminded them, putting an arm in front of me protectively. "Give him enough time to answer."

"Ah, you're right," Bokuto's grandmother laughed. "Anyway, Keiji dear, would you like to stay for dinner?"

I nodded. "I will gladly take that offer, thank you very much," I said, bowing again. Another laugh from Bokuto's grandmother.

"Please, raise your head. No need for such formalities here, you're among family," she said, and something like joy squeezed my chest.

"Yes," I laughed. "I suppose I am."

~~~

"Thanks again for letting me stay," I said, and Bokuto nodded, grinning at me.

"Sure, Keiji! You can stay here as long as you like, any time."

"I really do appreciate it," I said. Bokuto and I were sitting on top of the roof of his house, the night sky shimmering above us. Stars gleamed like diamonds in the hard earth, and different shades of navy painted the sky like a dark canvas. A beautiful night, indeed. Dinner had been very warm and welcoming, full of laughs and smiles. Nothing like how my life used to be.

"You know, you don't always have to keep on saying thank you," Bokuto chuckled.

"I know, but I feel like if I don't it'll sound rude," I sighed.

"That's not the case," Bokuto argued. "You're too kind, Keiji."

"Doubt it," I said, and Bokuto turned to look at me and pout.