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Bonus: Kuroo

Confidence had looked good on Akaashi.

Kuroo kept that in his mind. The last thing he had expected to see after his final match with Fukurodani was Akaashi sitting on the tailgate of his beat up, old pickup. It had been to similar to how it had been before, too close to what Kuroo was trying to move past. He had hoped that Akaashi wasn't there to ask for him back. Kuroo hadn't believed that he would be strong enough to reject him as he's needed to. If Akaashi had asked to get back together that night, Kuroo believed that he would be the same abusive asshole he'd been for the majority of their relationship.

Thankfull, Akaashi had been stronger than Kuroo, only wanting to make amends and restore the friendship Kuroo had destroyed. It had take everything in him to tell Akaashi no and drop him off at his house.

It was Akaashi's growth that he remembered when he needed strength.

Kuroo found that he hadn't minded when Daishou blocked his number, though it had stung when Kenma refused to talk to him after Kuroo told him he couldn't commit. Yaku Morisuke was a true friend to Kuroo in that last year of highschool, making sure Kuroo attended his therapy sessions and got better.

It was during the summer between graduation and college that Kuroo felt okay enough to reach out to Kenma again, surprised that the other man still wanted anything to do with him. They went on a few tentative dates, but Kuroo found reassurance in Kenma's calm, quiet demeanor. He agreed with only a slight hesitation to continue the relationship while he was away at college on the other end of the city.

The confident heir he wore only lasted until he was alone and unpacking in his dorm room, nervous about meeting his roommate. The shock was mutual as the door had opened and Bokuto stepped through into the space.

The words spilled out of Kuroo before he could stop them. "I'm sorry. I've made a lot of mistakes and cause you and Akaashi so much pain. If you don't want to room with me, I understand. I'll ask to be reassigned." He didn't understand why Bokuto stepped in front of him to prevent him from exiting, nor did he understand how the other could be so kind, open, and forgiving.

"Hey, no need to request a new room, dude. Akaashi told me that you've been going to therapy and trying to get better. We both want to forgive you so, call this a chance to prove that you're worthy of it." Bokuto had beamed, holding his hand out to shake on a truce.

"I'll do my best."

Surprisingly, the two got along well and had similar interests. Bokuto called Akaashi almost every night and Kuroo even heard him tell his ex that they were roommates and mention Kuroo like he was just another friend.

It had taken Kuroo two months to work up the nerve to ask about Akaashi, hoping that he and Bokuto were good enough friends that it wouldn't be taken the wrong way. Bokuto had spoken the way anyone would speak about their relationship to a friend, even inviting Kuroo along the following weekend to see Akaashi and the rest of the Fukurodani team, extending the invite to include Kenma as well when Kuroo mentioned him.

That's how Kuroo found himself sat across the booth from Akaashi with Kenma by his side. He'd been afraid that seeing his ex again would stir up old, dormant feelings, afraid that he would lose the control he has worked so hard to build up, but looking at Akaashi as he watched Bokuto joke with former teammates, Kuroo only felt relieved and happy.

Too soon Kenma had to leave due to an early cheer practice the next day. Kuroo walked him to his car and watched him leave. He stood there in the parking lot, unsure whether he should go back in or not.

"Tetsurou."

He jumped at the voice behind him, turning to face Akaashi.

"I'm glad that you came tonight. It's good to see you looking better. Kou told me how hard you've been trying and I'm proud of you."

"Keiji, I-"

"You don't have to apologize or explain yourself. I forgive you. You and Kenma look good together."

Kuroo shouldn't have been so surprised. Akaashi had aleays been understanding to a fault.

"I don't just want to look good together, I want to be good together. I-I don't want to mess up with him the way I messed up with you."

"You won't. You've proven that already. Just believe in yourself and trust in how you've changed." Akaashi's hand found Kuroo's shoulder, squeezing it so casually that he was at a loss for words. "You should come back inside when you're ready."

Akaashi started back to the restaurant, stopping to add, "don't tell Kou that I told you this, but I am so glad for everything that happened. I don't think I'd be this happy if it weren't for everything. I'm even happier that the two of you can be such good friends now."

With those words, Kuroo smiled and began to truly believe that he was taking a step in the right direction. He caught up to Akaashi, and together they made their way back to the restaurant and their friends.

A/N: Rereading the story, I realized that there were loose ends that I could have left open, but I wanted to tie up. Thank you for all the kind and encouraging words I've received about this story. I never expected the response that it got and I'm in awe that I continue to get so much praise after so long. I really hope you enjoy this bonus ending and thank you again for all the love and support!