Ill-Fated Calf-Love

Akaashi

Kuroo didn't stand up to his teammates directly, but he did change the subject to distract them whenever they started in on Akaashi, and for that Akaashi was grateful. It was improvement.

For the most part, their dates consisted of studying, ending with cuddlign and kissing to help relieve Kuroo's stress. He hadn't had this much trouble wiht his work the year before, easily understanding once Akaashi explained it to him, but his parents also hadn't been getting divorced then.

They had dropped the bomb on Christmas, Kuroo calling Akaashi too upset to speak more than a few words before he broke down. His mom was leaving his dad and taking everything: the house, the cars, and Kuroo. His dad moved out the following week. Due to football and school, Kuroo only got to see him every other Sunday. It had been tough since Kuroo was close to his dad. He'd only seen him three times since then and it was now March.

"Let's take a break. You're not going to make any progress stressing like this."

"Sorry," Kuroo mumbled, letting his head fall forward onto the table with a thud.

Akaashi just pressed a kiss to his hair, getting up to fill their drinks and grab a snack. "Maybe we should study at the park. The snow melted this morning and it might be good to change environments."

"I'm not allowed at the park until my grades improve. You're only allowed over because you help me study. If you didn't, I wouldn't be able to see you at all."

"What are your grades now?"

"D's. My only A is gym. I'm still passing, just not very well."

Akaashi said nothing, just pulled Kuroo until he sat up and climbed into his lap. He curled up, tucking his nose into the crook of Kuroo's neck and slipped his arms around his back. Only a moment later, Kuroo's arms wrapped around him, tight and secure, and the weight of Kuroo's head rested against his own.

"It's jsut so hard, 'Kaashi. It hurts so much."

"I know. You're going to get through this. I'll help you, so trust me."

"I do trust you."

Akaashi didn't know how long they sat like that. He'd nearly drifted off to sleep when Kuroo's arms released him and he stood up to stretch, legs and arms stiff from disuse.

"I love you."

He smiled, sitting back into his own chair. "Are you ready to try again?" Kuroo nodded, and Akaashi walked him through the problems again, this time wiht slightly less difficulty.