The Beginning of the End

Chapter 17

Akaashi pressed his back against the wall. He appreciated the way the cold surface dug into his skin, reminding him to stay calm.

He needed the reminder because he was quickly losing his patience.

"Akaashi, Oikawa is a friend. And you're supposed to help your friends, which is why Kuroo had to go with him. Please don't be mad, I made it back here! Plus I'm talking more than I did before, which is good, right?"

Akaashi didn't know who Oikawa was and he didn't care enough to know.
He had been relieved when Bokuto-san had finally returned, but now Kuroo-san was still missing, all because of this pesky Oikawa.

"Bokuto-san. I am happy that your trip outside helped you but that does not change the fact that it was dangerous."

"But-"

"No! You could have died! Kuroo-san could even be dead right now because of your new friend, did you ever think of that? No, of course not. Because you and Kuroo-san never think and that might get you killed one day!"

Bokuto flinched at Akaashi's raised voice and hurtful words, his hair drooped down sadly, a pout residing on his face.

Akaashi immediately regretted his outburst, he hadn't meant to scold Bokuto-san.
He was just overwhelmed with anxiety, he felt like Bokuto's naïveté would be his downfall.

"Bokuto-san" Akaashi spoke more gently, trying to console his friend.

"I am sorry for yelling, I shouldn't have. I am just worried. I care a lot about you and I don't want to lose you. I am not mad, and I know you do think, so please don't be sad..."

".....Akaaashiii" Bokuto pulled him into a hug, squeezing him tightly.

Akaashi couldn't help but smile. He had missed Bokuto-san. And despite his concern, he could see that the encounter Bokuto had with Oikawa and Kuroo did heal him a bit.

"I'm glad you're okay Bokuto-san."

"Me too. I missed you 'Kaashi."

"I missed you too."

Now that he was relaxed, Akaashi felt his heart flutter with happiness.

Before, Bokuto-san would hardly utter a word. He still wouldn't raise his voice above a whisper, but now he was forming full sentences. It made Akaashi hopeful.

"Let's go back to the others" he said, leading Bokuto-san out of the office they had been in.

Bokuto was beckoned by Lev and Yamamoto to see a toy they had found. Akaashi wasn't interested so he went over to join Kenma.

Kenma was hunched over, playing on a gaming device. He had downloaded zombie and survival games, they provided a basic knowledge of how to live through disaster.

Akaashi sat down beside the blond and peered over his shoulder.

Kenma's character was injured with a broken leg. There were instructions on the screen, identifying the materials and the procedure needed to repair the injury.

"Keiji, can you write all of this down.." asked Kenma, keeping his gaze on to the screen.

"Do you think the information is accurate?"

Kenma shook his head. "I don't know, but it'd be useful to have just in case.."

Akaashi complied, grabbing a pencil and a folded paper from his pocket. It was filled with previous data and intel from Kenma's video games. A guide on how to treat wounds and what to avoid during an apocalypse.