1: Hisashiburi Da Na

[usuck]

That meeting up with Kuroo today was unexpected was an understatement. Tsukishima had been at a loss interacting (albeit just over the internet) with him that he had agreed to meet up without putting up any sort of resistance.

Not that resistance was necessary. He was an adult and was even more open-minded.than before.

But how did one even deal with someone you hadn't seen in years? They were not that close to begin with (not like his relationship with Yamaguchi anyway) so at the very least it would be awkward. That's not even taking into consideration what had happened when they last saw each other. But, he had already decided, and he was already on his way so there was no turning back. Of course he could come up with some excuse and tell Kuroo he couldn't show up, but he didn't want to go back on his own word.

Tsukishima sighed and continued on his way to where they were meeting.

Kuroo considered himself to be a grown up adult. He finished good college, has very good job (even if he's looking to do something else), has apartment in good part of the town. Yet he still feels like some high school kid that's going on his first date. And Tsukishima's the one to be blamed for the way he feels- restless, confused, nostalgic and with very great urge to see him again. It's been gnawing at him ever since he moved in a while ago, so when his post got response from Tsukishima, Kuroo didn't let the chance slip out of his hands.

He's going to see him, talk to him, catch up and maybe, just maybe, that night, long time ago, even if they were drunk, meant something for Tsukishima too. Of course, he dares not to hold onto much hope because... yeah, it was one night they barely (did they even?) talk about.

He picked a rather famous barbecue restaurant with cheerful atmosphere and music and great drinks for their meet up and Kuroo was waiting for him right in front of it, hands in the pockets of his dark pants. He still has wild hair, although he learned how to comb it to be a "stylish" mess.

Tsukishima stopped in his tracks when Kuroo came into his view. He wasn't excited, not in the heart-racing, hands-sweating, breath-catching sense, but there was something different between someone crossing one's mind and actually seeing them in person, and that made him feel strange, something akin to speaking in public or doing a presentation unprepared. There was a tiny voice in his head telling him to try and not mess things up which annoyed him so he tossed the thought aside and chided his pulse for beating just a tad quicker. It was all Kuroo's fault, Tsukishima reminded himself as he trudged on, stopping a couple of feet away from Kuroo.

"Good evening," Tsukishima greeted with a slight dip of the head. That didn't sound too formal, did it?

Kuroo was going through the contacts list on his phone, trying to kill time and nervousness he was feeling, albeit he's extremely unsuccessful when it came to the second part.

His head snapped up when voice spoke up and Kuroo could feel goosebumps go down his back. Damn, he's as tall as ever. And now even had this certain aura around him that Kuroo could just let himself drown in. It's the same aura he had back in high school, on training camp, the one that had him draw to Tsukishima in matter of seconds.

But night won't be fun if they are both tense like this. He gives him toothy grin:"Tsukki! Evening! I know we didn't see each other in long time, but no need for such formalities." Relax, relax. Focus on talking and not how good he looks in that damn suit. Maybe... he picked wrong restaurant, now that he thinks about it. He didn't expect Tsukishima to be dressed nicely like this.

Tsukishima had almost forgotten how that annoying grin looked. Oddly, he felt a pang of wistfulness that he immediately quashed. He could not let himself entertain such thoughts--he was no longer a teenager who was easily swayed. This was nothing more than a meeting between old acquaintances, much like when they used to see each other during practice games: brief and temporary, with a goodbye at the end of the day and not a certainty of meeting again.

"Okay," he said, ignoring the twist his chest gave upon hearing his nickname. Now that he was closer, he could see Kuroo's face better and thought he looked the same yet different. Tsukishima supposed he just lost the last traces of youth. And he wasn't sure if it was just the lighting but he thought Kuroo had dark circles around his eyes. He must be tired with work. Tsukishima wondered if he actually had any free time he could spend with him at all.

Forcing himself to breathe and act normally, he returned a small smirk. "I'm starving. Is this place any good?"

Yes, Kuroo did have a bit of a tired look on him that he couldn't fix with hot shower. He had night shift last evening and then barely got to sleep- nervousness did its thing. He had a nap of only three hours, but that's nothing for someone who spent whole night on their feet, rushing around. But even so, there was no way he'd miss chance like this because... there might not be next one. And he doesn't want to think about it.

"Of course! This place is the best when it comes to grill." Bokuto never shut his trap about this place when they hung out in high school so Kuroo's sure it's still as good as it was back then.

"Let's head in then!" He grins and heads inside, opening the door and letting Tsukishima go in first. The restaurant is neat, nothing too fancy but not low brow either. There's counter to the right for those that come to have quick bite to eat, and on the left are booths with grills. The windows have very thin, wooden bars on them and there are potted plants around the place.

"Where would you like to seat?" Hopefully not at the counter because no privacy, they can't really talk.

Even though the top of the doorframe would probably not hit him, out of habit, Tsukishima ducked his head a little when he entered the restaurant. The sizzle and smell of cooking barbecue welcomed them, along with the busy chatter of the numerous customers. Even without Kuroo asking for his preferred seat, Tsukishima would have started heading for a spot away from a loud party of salarymen near the entrance. Walking a step ahead made him somewhat conscious but he fought the urge to peek over his shoulder. He didn’t want to look at the other unless completely necessary; he was disconcerted enough as it was. It seemed like the initial shock had finally worn off and it had sunk in that Kuroo was actually there, and he didn’t want to think too much of it for fear of his mind getting away with him. Again.

He wandered further inside, passing several tables with until he saw an empty booth in a corner and made a beeline for it. He took a seat with his back to the wall and waited for Kuroo to take the one opposite his. With better lighting, he confirmed what he had noticed earlier. “You look dead on your feet,” Tsukishima blurted.

Perfect, the booth in the corner was empty so they will be hidden from curious eyes of the guests. He doesn't want to be interrupted by anyone, not even by people he knows. It was hard getting Tsukishima to come meet him, he's not going to allow other people to make their date outing awkward. It's tense enough as it is.

He nodded at one of the waiters before dropping himself in the seat across of Tsukishima. He lets out a sigh and cracks his neck before leaning forward. He chuckles at the comment- man, he must really look like shit for Tsukishima to mention it. He usually doesn't bother with trivial stuff. "Ah, well, that's what a night shift can do to you." Especially if you can't sleep before or after the shift.

The waiter approaches them and Kuroo orders beer for himself and lets Tsukishima order for himself. He grins:"If you order something non-alcoholic, I'll be disappointed."

Tsukishima had been keeping himself from asking because he was anxious what Kuroo's answer would be, but he knew it would keep niggling at him until he did so, "Are you sure you should be out instead of catching up on sleep?" Not that he was worried. He was not; it was just not pleasant to look at. Not that he was looking either. One couldn't help that if the other person was right in front of you.

And after years, Kuroo was.

The topic of alcoholic drink was something Tsukishima expected so he wasn't surprised at the glimpses of the past that came with it. To be honest, he could barely remember anything that time, and what he did remember he couldn't really trust because of the time passed and the influence of alcohol. He hoped Kuroo wouldn't bring up what happened. He didn't think he could talk about it so soon after seeing each other again.

Tsukishima snorted, sarcasm dripping in his reply. "And I'd really hate to disappoint you." Still he asked the waiter to bring him a medium sized bottle of sake.

Kuroo grins:"Of course! I got to meet up with you and that's always worth it." Also his next shift is during the day so he can catch some sleep tonight when he comes back home. If he's not too drunk, he'll probably plot how to get Tsukishima to meet up with him again.

The waiter leaves them menus as he leaves to get their drinks. Kuroo glances through it but he already knows what he'll order. Kuroo leans his chin on his entwined fingers, glancing out of the window as he speaks:"That's the thing, Tsukki. You never do." Not in volleyball nor outside of it. There's tiny smile on Kuroo's face as he says that and to hide that he's a bit embarrassed from what he said he looks back at the menu.

"I wonder how spicy they make their pork. I want some mushrooms too..."

The quizzical expression Tsukishima had in response to Kuroo's first comment quickly melted into a blank face, a look that only appeared when he was completely thrown off by something. What was Kuroo getting at? Did he mean anything by it at all, or was he overthinking things as usual? The pause lengthened and a frown slowly formed on his forehead as his stunned brain restarted. Was Kuroo expecting a reply? If he was, then he would surely disappoint Kuroo now because there was no coherent thought in his head at the moment.

Thankfully, before he could bust a nerve for all his unanswered questions, Kuroo changed the subject. So maybe it was just a random comment intended to tease him. Well, it did more than that, for sure. But if that was just a random comment, it shouldn't have surprised him this much? There was something there, but what was it?

He told himself to focus and reached for a menu. “Shouldn’t you know that? Haven’t you been here before?” At least with these questions he was probably going to get some answers.

He didn't expect a reply from Tsukishima, considering that what he blurted out just now is rather embarrassing, even for Kuroo. But the fact that there's no negative reaction to what he said is making him relax a bit. No negative reaction is a good thing, right? Unless Tsukishima snaps at him later...

Either way, he chuckles:"Ahh, I did, but it's been such long time. I was wondering if they had step up their spice game. When I had spicy pork last time, it was rather mild." Kuroo's eager to chat and he's very happy that Tsukishima's talking as well. Sure there's a bit of poke on his expense from him, but Kuroo doesn't mind. It's Tsukishima and some things never change.

"So what's your pick?"

Tsukishima just regarded the uneasy feeling in his stomach as hunger because considering it to be something else was probably not a good idea, nor was trying to recall when the last time he heard Kuroo laugh was. It was absurd how he was paying attention to something so minor, so he decided to distract himself with browsing the list in his hand.

"They have kimchi if you want something spicy." Tsukishima set the menu on the table in Kuroo's direction, tapping a finger on the dish he just mentioned, and then sliding it toward another. "And I'll have this."

"Oh yeah, I totally forgot about that. I'll definitely order it." He nods at Tsukishima's order. The waiter comes around after a minute, bringing them their drinks and taking their order of food. Pork, beef, lots of kimchi because Kuroo is in mood for spicy food and a bit lighter salad in case Tsukishima prefers it that way.

When waiter leaves, Kuroo takes a sip of his drink then leans forward on his elbows. "So! What you've been up to Tsukki?"

There was a slight pursing of Tsukishima's lips at the mention of his nickname but once again let it slide. In his annoyance he was tempted to reply with 'stuff,' but then Kuroo would probably not be satisfied with the answer and pester him more.

"Our firm is in Marunouchi." Tsukishima paused. Somehow Kuroo's gaze was making him uncomfortable so he took the chance to take off his jacket and roll up his sleeves. "My team deals with intellectual property and patent filing and disputes." Said that way it sounded boring, and it sometimes was, but the whole procedure and paperwork was generally laborious. There was really nothing of note with his work recently that he thought was worthy of mentioning and he also didn't think anyone other than people in their line of work would be interested so he left it at that.

"How did it go with your application?" Tsukishima asked as he poured some sake for himself.

Well it sure does sound like a type of job Tsukishima would choose to do. It somehow fits him. He'd be surprised if he was doing something exciting or dangerous or is a professional volleyball player. Now that would be something and Kuroo'd feel bad for leaving volleyball days behind him.

"Can't deny that it sounds a bit boring," he grins and chuckles, "so sorry about that. My job is not extremely exciting either. I do come back home with punch of paper cranes and flowers!" He has a wide smile on his face as he thinks about it. Kids, while tiring when energetic, are amazing and he likes doing his job.

"Well, I sent it in and now I can just wait. I applied just for the sake of applying. I like my current job, but I wouldn't mind travelling around a bit, especially if it has volleyball in the mix." Yep, he's still volleyball nerd he was before. Judge him.

“All the paperwork that will last you a lifetime. Your application is probably nothing in comparison.” Not that he was disregarding Kuroo’s work and achievements; just that sometimes Tsukishima wondered if he was better off writing books with how thick their documents tended to be. “You sound like you’re enjoying it, though. Are you sure you want to leave them for a hobby?”

"I guess so. I do paperwork at clinic but as you say, it's nothing compared to what you probably do," he chuckles and takes another sip of beer.

Kuroo falls silent for a few moments, looking pensive at the question. Yes, he's enjoying it, but he also wants to go and be national's team doctor. "Well, I'd hate myself if I don't do what I always wanted, you know. I don't want to have to live with regret of not doing something if I have a chance to do it." A pause then a big grin appears on his face:"Of course, they'll have to accept my application first."

Tsukishima also became thoughtful, his gaze lowering to peer at the contents of his cup as if it held answers. He had always wondered how it felt like to have a specific goal in mind, to give everything to achieve it and to be desperate when you didn't. Things somehow always worked out in his favor, and those that didn't, he didn't fret about. Even during high school when he had more or less grown passionate toward volleyball, he was still somewhat reserved. And then whatever drive he had developed he lost the moment he quit the club.

Regret, huh? Tsukishima looked up, his brows knitted, when Kuroo continued. He didn't exactly qualify, but frankly Tsukishima had been curious whatever it was they had before, if there was even something there. He wasn't exactly an innocent teenager (he was widely read after all) but there was only so much someone his age understood. But that was already in the past--there was no use thinking about these things. He would just end up with more questions and with the person in question right in front of him, it would only make him as confused as he was back then. And that wasn't something he needed now. He cleared his throat and said in a soft voice, "Well, good luck, I guess."

Kuroo keeps an easy-going smile on his face:"Thanks, I'll need it. I always try to do my best and I have to say," he tilts his head slightly, giving Tsukishima a knowing look, "I didn't do a single thing I regret." Yes, he remembers that day. And no, he doesn't regret doing what he did with Tsukishima. He doesn't regret getting drunk and going down and dirty with him and he never will.

Before he could say anything else, the waiter appears with their food and starts the grill that's between them. Kuroo nods his thanks at the waiter and gives Tsukishima a grin:"Looks good, ne?"

Tsukishima raised an eyebrow at Kuroo, irritated at the kind of look he was given, as if he knew what was running in his head. He thought he'd kept his face neutral. Was what he was mulling over that obvious? Clicking his tongue (mostly annoyed at himself but putting all the blame on Kuroo), Tsukishima gave the other a sullen glance before giving the food his attention. "The food does." Because surely Kuroo wasn't referring to himself, and it was just Tsukishima's imagination.

Yes, Kuroo was talking about food. And now that he's seen reaction and opinion (partly) on what happened between them back then, he will not bring it up again. He feels as if he had tricked Tsukishima into that back then, but being the horny teen he is, he didn't care. And he doesn't regret it. Not even now. Except maybe the trick part, but he was drunk so...

He puts his meat on the grill, keeping an eye on it as he talks:"Do you still play volleyball?"

With the grill burning now, it had gotten hotter so Tsukishima also slipped his tie off and popped a button. But he was glad for something else to do while talking. At least now he couldn't be expected to keep eye contact. "No." His answer came quick as he lined his karubi on his side of the grill. "Even if I had time, I'd look like an idiot playing by myself."

Kuroo's eyes easily slip from Tsukishima's face to his neck. He always had nice, long neck. There's a flash of memory of him leaving a bite there but Kuroo shakes it off fast. Not the time to remember such things. He takes chopsticks and places his meat on the grill, enjoying the sizzle and smell of it. "You can always play with me, when and if you have time. We can call your old classmates too, I noticed they are around." If the comments on his blog are anything to go by.

Tsukishima took another drink of sake while the meat cooked. He couldn't remember the last time he last touched a volleyball in a game. It was probably back when he was still in Karasuno club. They had sports fest in TouDai, too, but he was contented just watching (when he could be bothered to). "Maybe." He didn't exactly miss it, but thought it might be nice to have another means of exercise other than the gym equipment.

Kuroo takes a sip of his beer as he eyes Tsukishima. He leans back, rubbing back of his temple:"I know you were not eager to meet up with me, but it would be nice if you didn't answer my questions with single word." He chuckles and flips the meat:"I ain't going to eat you, I'm going to eat bbq."

Tsukishima put the hashi down before he could snap them. What Kuroo said struck a nerve for reasons unclear to him. He had always been accused of being disinterested because of his silence and short responses, but he was used to that. Maybe it was because Kuroo voiced out something he was worrying about? He wasn't hoping for anything, but with what had happened before remaining unresolved, he could hardly be blamed for being uneasy. "What did you want to hear from me, then?" His voice was even, but he wouldn't look at Kuroo.

Kuroo leaned his chin on palm of his hand, but is looking really serious. "I don't know. How have you been, what did you do, stuff like that, to catch up." He tilts his head:"I know you're not the most chatty person, but you always had a comment for whatever I said before, even if it's a sarcastic one. Now it's just me rambling and you responding with 'yes' and 'no'." The sassy Tsukishima he knew back then, that's the one he came to really, really like.

"I'd like to point out that I said 'maybe' and not 'yes' or 'no.'" He took the hashi again and flipped the karubi over. They were close to burning but it was his fault so he couldn't complain.

It seemed like Tsukishima was only creating complications by himself by overthinking as Kuroo didn't seem to feel as unsettled as he did. There was only one logical explanation he could think of and it was a rather unpleasant one so Tsukishima took steadying breaths to ease the sudden distress he wished he didn't feel, and, as usual, he decided to act like he would in a business meeting.

He downed two cups of sake before continuing. "Right, so, I've only been back to Japan for less than a year. Went to Harvard after TouDai, then got head-hunted by my current firm." He picked a piece of meat and took a bite; it was indeed a bit burnt, so he followed it with some salad. "You know, they had Japanese restaurants in America like this, too, but nothing came close to how we make it here." He laughed at his secret joke.

Kuroo snorts and rolls his eyes with a grin:"You know what I meant." He did know what Kuroo meant, Tsukishima's the smartest person he knows. Hard to motivate, but extremely smart. He was flipping his food but his real attention was on Tsukishima. He was "bothered" so to say, rather nervous that his attempt to get back in touch with Tsukishima will blow up in his face.

But it didn't... yet. And he's trying really hard not to step over the boundaries and anger Tsukishima. Annoy? Yes. Anger? Nah. He doesn't want to end the night just yet.

He grinned at the way Tsukishima downs his drink and he finishes his own and asks for a refill- for both of them, before talking:"Wow, you went a long way." He shakes his head with a cheeky grin:"No, America can't get it right. And I am even better cook!" He's not. "Wait until you see how I make stir fry!" He burns half of it.

With Kuroo's eyes on the yakiniku, Tsukishima observed him. He was usually good at reading people (when he could be bothered to notice them) but somehow always doubted what he thought he saw in Kuroo. Like now, he had no concrete idea what the other was thinking, other than wanting to engage him in conversation.

Like before, it pissed him off.

"I took a plane." He remarked, and drank the last of his sake. He took his karubi off the grill lest they really burn, put them on a plate and picked them one by one to eat. "Instead of going for a post that had something to do with volleyball, maybe you should open a restaurant. Be an iron chef or something."

It's easy to deceive people with blank look on the face, even easier when one constantly smiles. And Kuroo does that a lot. It's not like he's having bad life or anything but when it comes to Tsukishima, he wishes that he wasn't such a brat back then, at Bokuto's party and got himself and Tsukishima drunk. But what happened happened, and there's nothing he could do about it.

He almost spits out his drink. "That you did haha," Kuroo shakes his head with a chuckle. He can always trust Tsukishima to give him a remark with no underlying tones. The waiter places new drinks in front of them and Kuroo starts picking off the food from the grill. "You think? I think I am too kind hearted to be iron chef."

The new batch of karubi sizzled on the grill as Tsukishima finished the first batch, and started on the new bottle of sake. "Can't really expect me to walk that far." Tsukishima mumbled. He was not trying to be funny but he smirked anyway because the sight of Kuroo almost choking on his drink because of him was fun to see and not because hearing Kuroo laugh was something he'd missed. Definitely not the latter.

"Did you mean you're too heartless?" Tsukishima pours another cup for himself. He had been so disconcerted that he didn't even think to offer Kuroo any. Times like this he disliked being Japanese with the whole 'think about others first' in a social setting thing. "Oh, would you like some?"

"But it would be kind of awesome, you know. Being able to walk to whichever part of the world you want," Kuroo adds with a contemplative look on his face, looking totally serious. He points his chopsticks at Tsukishima:"No travel expenses, no large bodies of water to cross. Quite amazing."

Kuroo presses hand against his heart:"Tsukki you wound me! I would never! I am a nice person, honest!" He's nice person... most of the time. He just likes to tease people. Preferably his Tsukki. He chuckles:"Nah. Mixing alcohol is not good. But thank you."

"It would. But we live in the real world. Also," Tuskishima pouted at Kuroo, "don't point that thing at me. It's rude." He shrugged when Kuroo refused his offered sake. He just had to ask; now his conscience was clear. Besides, it was probably wise that he'd refused. People easily got drunk when mixing sake with beer, and he knew what happened the last time Kuroo (and him) got drunk. "Stop pretending. It doesn't suit you." His scowl had turned into a smirk with the last comment.

Kuroo blinked and looked at chopsticks. Whoops. "Haha, sorry, sorry." It's been a while since he had dinner out, he's forgetting his manners. Well, hopefully he'll befriend Tsukishima, AGAIN, and have dinners like this with him more often.

"But I am not pretending!" He looks shocked (but is not). "Kids wouldn't love me if I was bad. They have nose for people like that." He takes few bites:"Once, some guy started yelling at me about prescription I didn't give him obviously because I work at paediatrics. But since there was no one at the front desk, he came over and started complaining. So one of the boys that's staying at the hospital, came out of the play room and called him rude cry baby."

"Kids are dumb. They'll believe anything especially when bribed." Tsukishima asserts, but quickly regretted his remark as awful memories of his past conflict with his brother resurfaced. Aside from this, didn't he also get lured with free food so he'd go out tonight? Frowning at himself in annoyance, Tsukishima chomps on his barbecue before turning his attention, and an arched eyebrow, back at Kuroo. "How did it feel being defended by a brat?"

"Naaah. Kids are way smarter than we give them credit. The shit they can come up with is baffling," Kuroo laughs. He takes a long sip of his beer, briefly wondering why's Tsukishima frowning. "How do I feel?" He places fried meat on his plate and puts other on the grill, "I felt proud that kid could recognize douchebag. Also," he smiles softly, "I always feel loved by them. The little guys that stay in hospital during the day and over the night leave pictures and notes like that."

"See? You said it yourself." Tsukishima tended to his barbecue closer to avoid burning them this time. "The things they come up with are shit." He downed another cup, already half-way into this new bottle. Maybe he should have ordered a larger one instead so they didn't have to call the waiter over and over. "They probably only love you because you give them attention or treats." He couldn't understand why he was annoyed, but for some reason he was.

"Oh, but it's a smart shit that sometimes even adults can't think of." He's not going to admit that he was one of the adults at one point. He was really surprised.

"Attention yes. Treats not really because I can't mess with their diet." They are staying at the hospital for a reason, and he's supposed to cure them, not to make things worse by feeding them sweets.

Children might provide a different perspective but he doubted they could think of things better than adults. Things that mattered in real life anyway. Tsukishima didn't comment anymore and just poked at the sizzling meat, but then he remembered Kuroo's complaint about him not responding properly. He made a face and muttered the first thought that came to his mind: "Maybe you should hurry up and have your own kids if you like them so much."

Well that comment came out of nowhere. Well, he didn't expect to hear it from Tsukki. His family mentioned stuff like that but... He chuckles, taking a good sip of his beer. "I love them but I am not sure if I can raise one." That needs way more dedication and Kuroo, while he loves little shits, doesn't feel like he should have a kid any time soon.

"Oh, well." Tsukishima drawled as he picked a strip of meat off the grill. "It will probably be the other way around, your kid raising you, huh." He ribbed, and then chased the karubi with a mouthful of sake.

Kuroo picked up the rest of his food from the grill, eating slowly. "That's actually true. I mean, we taught our parents how to use computers and cell phones right? There's possibility our kids teach us stuff we don't know."

Tsukishima stared at Kuroo for a moment. He wasn't supposed to react that way. He was supposed to be annoyed (or at least fake it?) and say he was being silly. Was he losing his touch? Or was he becoming more irritable because of the alcohol. The latter was rather unlikely as sake didn't affect him as much as, say, vodka, but he was also close to a third bottle so... He sighed; he didn't have anything to say to that so now what do they talk about next? Clicking his tongue, his eyes slid from Kuroo's to his cup, and took another gulp of his drink.

Even Kuroo, for all that is worth, got a little bit mature over the time. Not to mention that he didn't want to enter a crossfire "argument" (it's never really an argument, but it looks like it) and get tossed out for making other guests uncomfortable with his teasing.

But that doesn't mean he's completely mature (he'll never be) or that he won't subtly poke Tsukishima. "So, speaking of kids, how's the love life?"

Luckily for Tsukishima most of his sake had already gone down his throat else he would have choked. At it was he still coughed when some went up his nose when he gasped. He glared at Kuroo (but it was probably softened by the color lightly dusting his cheeks), taking a moment to reply. "I don't have any kids if that's what you're getting at."

Ah! There it is, the embarrassed blush. It looks good on stoic person like Tsukishima, person that always gives his best to keep their face void of expression. He grins:"Doesn't have to be kids. I was talking in general," Kuroo explained, taking a sip of his own drink.

Tsukishima's focus of late was getting his assignments done perfectly. There was also no one who caught his attention despite getting come-ons from time to time. One, he usually didn't notice being hit on, and two, even if he did, he quickly got bored or annoyed.

"There's nothing to talk about." He grumped, straightening up and unconsciously withdrawing his fists to hide them under the table, setting them on his knees. Besides, even if he had someone, Kuroo was the last person he would think of talking about this. They hadn't even discussed about that thing before. But if he could easily bring this subject up, maybe it really wasn't such a big deal.

"Oh? No dates, girlfriends," boyfriends, "stuff like that? Sheesh Tsukki, don't waste years like that." He was about to say 'get drunk and get down' but the flashback from the past tied up his tongue nicely. "I know you're not partying type, but getting connected to people is not that bad."

And it's kind of a big deal- it gave Kuroo important information- Tsukishima's single so he can plan how to impress him. Because he can recognize this tugging, uncomfortable feeling in his stomach prior Tsukishima's answer- nervousness and fear that Tsukishima already has someone. And Kuroo's old enough to know what all of that means.

"You know, life isn't measured by being in a relationship or not." Being put on the spot with this line of questioning rarely went well with Tsukishima that over time his mother had stopped asking altogether. Now that it was Kuroo asking them, it was even more embarrassing. And it made no sense why he was suddenly feeling guilty for the dates and relations he'd had, so he scowled at the grill. "I'm connected to enough people. Those who matter anyway."

"I know, and I wasn't measuring it or anything," Kuroo waves his hand. "I was just saying that it's nice having someone is all." And that he's both surprised and not surprised by the fact that Tsukishima's alone now. He's not judging him at all. He offers a sincere smile:"Well, as long as you have people close to you then I guess it's alright." He leans back, looking thoughtful a bit. Tsukishima always appeared as a solitary person so hearing that he has people around him is good.

Tsukishima's tone had more edge than he meant to when he replied. "It's only nice when it works." But more often than not people get left behind, heartbroken and miserable. He'd seen it so often he wondered why people would willingly put themselves out there when they knew it could end badly. He looked up at Kuroo. Well, maybe he could sort of understand...

"That's true," Kuroo admits, finishing off the rest of his food. Tsukishima looks pensive, hurt even. Was he the cause of this? Ugh, this beer is messing with his train of thoughts. "But, you won't be able to find the one that works unless you try," he adds. He looks at him with small, sincere smile. He really wishes he could... well, now is not the time for that.

Try, huh? Did what happen between them count as trying when they weren't completely conscious of their actions? Of course not; it was just the folly of youth, an alcohol-induced case of messing around. He didn't expect something more before; he wouldn't start now.

Gone was the last cupful of sake, and, because of his annoyance, so was Tsukishima's first layers of filter. He wasn't exactly keen on Kuroo's answer but not knowing was worse. "So, you would try even if nothing good could come out of something?" He shrugged, then gestured for the waiter to bring them fresh drinks. "Isn't that just a waste of time?"

"Not if you ask me," Kuroo shrugs. "You gather experience that way and you can recognize and tell apart relationships that have potential from those that are complete disaster."

He makes a pause, thinking on what happened between them- most of people would say that what happened between them wasn't exactly healthy and has no grounds for decent relationship. But Kuroo doesn't want to believe that.

Tsukishima sighed, sounding tired and weary. "That just sounds like a hell of a lot of work for something that might not pan out." When the waiter left after bringing over new bottles of sake and beer, Tsukishima continued as if there was no interruption, keeping eye contact with Kuroo. He wanted to make sure if the signs he thought he'd been seeing were true. "How will you know if it's worth it?"

It's true, things don't always work out and it seems like a lot of work but Kuroo doesn't mind it. He pours beer and takes a good sip, before returning the eye contact, a stare that has smile hidden behind the eyes. "I will know because, in the end, regardless of the events that happen, I will still want to be close to them, trying to make it work. Because I know that they are worth every second of the trouble."

That's probably the best confirmation Tsukishima thought he'd get about how inconsequential that night had been for Kuroo... but on the other hand, couldn't he have meant that he was, according to him, trying to make things work and wanting to be close? Tsukishima might not be drunk yet but the sake was doing its work on his sanity, making him more confused than before.

"Is that so?"

Yes, the things may be appearing to be contradictory- that he did one thing but is saying another. But long have been those days where he didn't take anything too seriously. It was only after being with Tsukishima that he realized that he needs to calm the fuck down.

"Yes. I needed some time to realize that though. Heh, I wasn't as mature as I looked," he chuckles, referring to how 'seriously' he looked in high school and how inaccurate that picture was (just remember the Solia K. Rabu). He knows better now, and he wants to try and fix things. He just doesn't want to have Tsukishima hate him.

"Mm-hmm," was the only response Tsukishima could give before he shifted his gaze from Kuroo to his food. He poked at the last batch of his karubi in somewhat good spirits. So there was his answer. To one of his numerous questions, that was. Things were still unclear between them, sure, but at least, despite their whole conversation being a roller coaster which ended in both of them indirectly talking about something specific, Tsukishima found out that all the turning things over in his head he did when he was younger was not for nothing. "You're like a sea turtle then. Took you a while to mature, didn't you?"

Kuroo almost choked on his drink. And then chuckled, a big grin returning to his face:"I didn't expect you'd compare it to a sea turtle but yes, something like that." There are things he did that he's not proud of (everyone has those) but he's extremely glad he realized his mistakes before it was too late to do anything about it. "Maturing comes sooner or later and just smacks you in the face with epiphanies that it makes you dizzy."

"Be glad that you even made it. It could take thirty years for sea turtles to mature. You cut it rather close, you know." Tsukishima said as he watched his barbecue cook, getting a bit of a buzz out of hearing Kuroo chuckle. Of course there was also the sake, but he could tell it wasn't the cause (although he was starting to feel sort of light-headed).

"I am, I am," Tetsurou grins. "But man, really? Thirty years? That's a lot." Then again sea turtles have nothing to do at the bottom of the sea so they can take their time. "But you matured waaay before me. What animal are you?"

Tsukishima shrugged. There was a phase during his childhood when he would have quickly answered 'dinosaur!' but, even though he still nursed a soft spot for the prehistoric animals, he had grown out of the craze, just like constantly trying to figure out a lot of things, some even out of his control (namely, his past conflict with his brother, having no apparent direction in life, Kuroo...).

"Not an animal. Maybe a bamboo." Despite swaying along with every gust of wind, bamboos stay strong, unyielding. He liked to think he had become like that, now, as corny as it sounded.

Kuroo raises eyebrows:"Wow. That's actually really clever." He smiles:"Of course, it's Tsukki after all so I don't expect overly-stupid things." He's going to give Tsukishima a bit of space for when he does stupid things. For example when he gets drunk again and decides that making naked snow angels is great idea.

Tsukishima mock pouted. He wasn't really annoyed because he knew what Kuroo meant, but he didn't have to tell him that. "So, not 'overly-stupid' but still kinda stupid?" He glared at Kuroo, his lips curling.

Kuroo grins:"Unless you guarantee me you never do or say anything stupid while drunk, then yes, kinda stupid." Kuroo makes shitty decisions, Tsukishima does kinda-stupid things. All's fair, right?

Tsukishima blanched. Of course Kuroo would mention such a thing. Looking at the way their conversation was going all over the place he should have expected this but he was still surprised. But maybe Kuroo was talking about it in general? Tsukishima couldn't deny, after all, that he could get crazy (in one way or another) when wasted. "Shut up." What a great retort.

Why wouldn't he? They are both grown ups that have their share of drinking behind them, not including Bokuto's party and shenanigans. Yes, he's talking in general and Tsukishima's reaction to it amuses him. He laughs:"Don't worry, I am sure I'm way worse than you when I'm drunk."

It seemed the sake was already affecting Tsukishima: his face was feeling hot. He was sure it was that, or it could be the grill. Tsukishima mumbled his answer after giving Kuroo a sidelong glance. "No doubt."

Yes, it could be the grill. Kuroo's face is feeling flushed as well but that is not deterring him from the drink or the subject. Kuroo's lips twitch into a smirk, though, when Tsukishima gives him that look with that flush. "I have the biggest urge to say something but I feel you'll grill my face if I do." The word that begins with "c".

"Don't tell me you're a coward, Kuroo-san." Tsukishima smirked, but his eyes showed clear warning. Whatever it was Kuroo wanted to say, if he thought Tsukishima would resort to physical harm then it couldn't be good. His eyebrow jerked. "The thought of your face on the grill scare you?"

"What? Of course it scares me! It'll look like barbecue." Pause. "Well, maybe someone will find it attractive then so the idea is not that bad. But still- let's not test it." He's had enough beer to eventually agree with it, please don't push it Tsukishima.

Tsukishima snorted, amused. "Who would?" He chuckled as he poured the last of his sake into his cup. "Who else would find anything on your face attractive?" What in the world did he just say? And as if to add to his blunder, his eyes slid to Kuroo's goddamn mouth that wouldn't stop yapping, like that time during Bokuto's party when he wanted to know how it would feel like if he shut him up by... Shit.

Kuroo grinned and tried to "flip" his bangs. It didn't work so he ran his fingers through them, moving them to the side. "This part- the bangs that give me that, oh, so mysterious look." Mysterious- more like serial killer.

Tsukishima sighed (though he tried not to be so obvious). Good thing Kuroo seemed not to notice a thing. He thought that because of his questions he would be asked what he found attractive. Thankfully he wasn't.

"Pfft," Tsukishima couldn't help but chuckle again. "Mysterious? Did you mean 'silly?'"

"Hey, hey, hey," Kuroo starts laughing too. "Don't dis my hair! Do you know what amount of work is needed to turn this mop into something presentable!? I should get a prize for it and you should be showering me with compliments!" He's not completely serious about this because topic is silly, but their whole conversation's been silly for a while now.

"That thing actually required work? It looks nothing more than--" Tsukishima almost said 'bed hair' but he thought that would put them again in awkward conversation territory (for him, that was) so, "--a bird's nest." That wasn't any better, but whatever. "I'm also gonna pass on giving compliments. I don't like lying."

"Well it looks like pigsty if I don't do anything about it," Kuroo admits. After all of these beers he had, he's about to admit anything and everything. Hopefully Tsukishima doesn't inquire about more serious stuff and keeps to his hair.

"Please spare us the horror and don't leave the house without doing anything about it." Tsukishima emptied his cup and asked Kuroo if he wanted a refill. How many did they have already? He might be feeling more than a little buzzed.

"I will, I will! I scare myself with it, I don't wish that fate upon the others!" He glanced at his glass- when did he empty it?!- and shook his head. "Thanks Tsukki, but if I drink more I might not end up home tonight. I already feel buzzed." Not to mention that the drink is making him say nonsense.

"Well, all you have to do is not look in the mirror. We, on the other hand, don't have that choice." Tsukishima droned but his eyes shimmered playfully until Kuroo mentioned the last part and he became a bit wary again. "Stop if you need to. I'm not going to carry your ass home or pay for taxi."

"Wow, you're cruel, haha," Kuroo shakes his head. There's smile still painted on his face as he watches Tsukishima- he knows that blond has no problem saying what he thinks, but it becomes critical hits when he has a glass or two. Kuroo waves with his hand:"Naah don't worry, you won't have to. But I do need to stop. Going to work with hangover is not good."

"Would you rather have me lie to protect your ego?" Tsukishima might be pushing his luck what with them being not drunk but not entirely sober either, but surely Kuroo wouldn't easily be offended like other people. That was one thing good about talking with Kuroo: he didn't have to mind his words much. "Then stick with the food." Tsukki also decided that was the last cup he'd drink tonight. But they were also running out of barbecue. "Order more if you want to stay longer."

"Naah, I think I can handle it," Kuroo grins. He doesn't get offended easily, no, especially if it comes from Tsukishima because he knows that Tsukki likes to pull people's strings as well.

"That's great idea actually. More meat!" Once a cat, always a cat. Kuroo raises his hand to call over the waiter to order more bbq. He won't refuse the chance to spend more time with Tsukishima if he's eager to stay.

Tsukishima grinned. "At least you know what you're getting yourself into." He said his thanks then settled down his chopsticks; he wasn't really a big eater and his stomach was acting funny so he didn't want to upset it anymore.

"Yes! Not to mention that my alcohol tolerance increased as well. It would be troublesome otherwise." He wouldn't be able to go out drinking with people without getting drunk and causing trouble. But even through his blurred vision and buzzed brain, seeing Tsukishima grin like that- it heats up Kuroo's face way better than any type of drink. "You're beautiful when you smile, you should do it more often."

The expression 'cat got your tongue' was so appropriate right now Tsukishima wanted to laugh. If he could, that was. But he was left staring, his mouth slightly open as if about to say something but what? It wasn't everyday anyone could render Tsukishima speechless; Kuroo should really stop doing that.

A moment and a pair of burning ears later, Tsukishima muttered, "Shut up. I'm not some idiot who goes around smiling for no reason."

He likes leaving Tsukishima speechless, even more if it causes blushing as well. But he doesn't point it out- he will just smile and enjoy it. Getting reactions like this from him are rare and he will indulge himself in them as long as he can.

"Hmm... then I'm happy I managed to make you smile!" And he's also happy that he witnessed him smiling.

Tsukishima couldn't think of a rejoinder, and he couldn't exactly deny it so, without looking at Kuroo, he just said, "Well, don't let it go to your head." Tch. That's what he got for speaking without thinking things through. Kuroo and sake were to blame, of course.

Kuroo shakes his head: "I won't. Well, I'll try not to." And he will give his best to make Tsukishima smile like that again. For him. Yeah... it would be really nice.

Tsukishima rolled his eyes. God, why did Kuroo have to be so embarrassing? The more vital question was why he ever liked the guy before. Sure, he was excellent in volleyball and he was all right to hang out with if he didn't do things that made Tsukishima antsy, but a lot of times he would end up pissed off. He could only attribute it to his being young and impressionable, and the lingering awkwardness was probably due to that ambiguous thing they may or may not have had. Still, like before, he could not deny that he felt a certain pull towards Kuroo. How potent that was now was left to be seen, however.

Kuroo's answer to that would've sounded cocky and all smartass but Kuroo would wonder the same thing on the inside. He likes Tsukishima for what he is- all the sass, grumpiness and intelligence wrapped into one.

All in all, Tsukishima thought tonight went fairly well, better than he had visualized. He still had some questions that needed answers, but it was probably enough that they could share a meal as amicably as it was possible between them. For now.