The next day Akaashi had work and could tell he wasn't used to partying anymore. He woke up with a headache and it took 3 cups of coffee to make him feel like he was functioning. Surely everyone at work had to notice his more disheveled look than normal, though no one chose to bring it up. The day felt like it dragged on more than normal and he made a mental note to not to party on a weekday night no matter what Bokuto said. Luckily when he finally went home, Bokuto was still at practice and his 'friend' from last night was nowhere to be seen.

For whatever reason, when Bokuto and Akaashi saw each other, Bokuto didn't really bring up the party much. Akaashi was grateful. It seemed as if Bokuto would be chilling out on the parties a bit, but Akaashi was wrong...

"Maybe I can get Kana to come with us," Bokuto said to himself as he scrolled through his phone.

Akaashi's eyes widened at the name, realizing Bokuto was holding a few secrets of his own. "Didn't you just hook up with another girl?"

"Yeah, but it was just a hookup," Bokuto said like it was supposed to be obvious.

"That's not my point Bokuto." Akaashi pinched the bridge of his nose. "I thought you weren't talking to Kana anymore."

"We're not together, but I wouldn't mind it if we were. Look at how cute she is!" Bokuto smiled widely as he showed Akaashi one of her Instagram pictures she just uploaded.

"I swear Bokuto you two better not get together and then expect me to-" Akaashi's voice began to rise but was cut off before he could finish.

"Hey, hey! Akaashi!" Bokuto interrupted his agitated best friend, "You're worrying over nothing. I wouldn't push that onto you unless you wanted it. Besides, aren't you two friends now?"

"I wouldn't necessarily call it friends, but I don't hate her," he grumbled, starting to now scroll through his phone.

Akaashi didn't hate Kana. It was what comes with Kana that he hated. He was too good of a friend to push it any further though. If Bokuto really liked this girl then he would have to push aside his own problems. Maybe Bokuto was right in the first place. When he was making the decision to move here, Bokuto thought a distraction was what he needed.

"I'm in." Akaashi suddenly spoke out, not looking away from his Instagram feed. "I want to go to (y/n)'s."

"You WANT to go?" Bokuto asked curiously, not believing he didn't have to try to convince Akaashi this time.

"Yeah. I WANT to go." he looked up and smiled gently to his best friend for assurance. "And Invite Kana."

"Yeah, Akaashi! That's what I'm talking about!" Bokuto yelled out, stoked at his sudden change of attitude.

Within a few hours Akaashi & Bokuto, accompanied by Kana, were ready and headed over to your house. Akaashi put a little more effort into getting ready this time, which Bokuto found hilarious and teased him the entire time. This time he was a bit nervous, instead of annoyed, though he wouldn't admit it. This was a party though, and he could drown out his nervousness with liquid confidence.

The walk to your house was a bit awkward. Kana kept attempting to make conversation with Akaashi, but everything that came out of her mouth pertained to the current status of his love life. Do you have a girlfriend yet? Hooked up with anyone? Are you sure no one has caught your eye? He almost lied just to get her to back off. Luckily, it wasn't too far to your house and once he was inside he would be able to dodge her all night, especially once Bokuto gets a few drinks in him.

When the trio arrived at your house, it was just like the previous scene at Akaashi & Bokuto's. There was music playing loudly and plenty of people wandering about. If anything, your party had more people. Akaashi curiously scanned around and noticed your best friend in the living room. She gave a small smile acknowledging his presence and he gave a nod in response. Bokuto was leading the way to the kitchen, further back in the house, saying hey to quite a few people on the way. The closer they got to the kitchen, he could begin to hear your voice laughing and yelling at someone. Akaashi wasn't expecting to see you standing on a countertop with a drink in your hand when he walked in, but that's what he found. Your back was to them, so you hadn't realized anyone arrived.

"(Y/N)! I told you to stop doing that! Come here." Bokuto scolded in a friendly tone as he walked over to where you were. He wrapped his muscular arms around your thighs and picked you up to place you on the ground as he spoke out. "The savior is here! What are you trying to reach?"

"Bokuto, you're here!" you yelled excitedly as you began spinning around looking for someone. "AKAASHI! You decided to come, I'm so glad!" you said running over to him in the kitchen doorway and surprised him with a big, drunken, hug. Akaashi casually wrapped one arm around you in response. "That asshole, Nakamura, wouldn't get the bottle down for me." looking up as you held him, you flashed him a pout and he looked up to see who you were talking about. He saw a guy glowering next to where you had been standing.

Bokuto confirmed that was him when he lightly smacked his chest with the back of his hand while reprimanding him. "Damn man, you know if you don't get it down her clumsy ass will climb up there." Nakamura shrugged and took a sip of his drink, watching Bokuto walk to you.

"Here, short stuff." He handed you the bottle, the nickname causing you to huff.

"Akaashi doesn't think I'm short!" you argued back like a child, hugging tighter onto him.

"Yes I do." he fired back without any hesitation.

Looking up at him with a jaw drop, you let go of him and crossed your arms. "Let me make you a drink and I'll forgive you for that."

The corner of his mouth turned up into a half-smile, "Lead the way."

That was all it took for you to grab him by the wrist and whisk him away, just as you had the other night. Walking to the kitchen island this time, you hopped up faster than Akaashi could process. Sitting so that your legs were hanging off the side, you reached around for everything you needed and began making two drinks. Once you tasted one and approved of it, you pulled him closer, so that he was standing in front of you, slightly between your legs. "Here, this one tastes better than the last one," you said handing the other cup to him.

Akaashi didn't bother to move from the close proximity to you before trying the green drink. His eyes lit up as he realized it was really good. "You're right. It's really good. Thank you, Short stuff."

It took you a moment to catch what he said and you, when you did you, looked up to him, whining "Akaaaashi!"

His mouth twisted into a smile and he looked down at you laughing. Akaashi was so captivated with you at the moment that he didn't notice Bokuto and Kana come closer to make themselves some drinks.

"Keiji, are you going to introduce me to your girlfriend?" Kana asked out, catching everyone in the kitchen by surprise. Bokuto pulled her back to him by the arm, giving her a warning look. Akaashi seemed annoyed by her sudden presence, and his eyes narrowed as she addressed her.

"She's not my girlfriend, Kana," he grumbled out, looking irritated, but smiled at you as he gestured from you to her. "Kana, this is (Y/n). (Y/n), Kana. She's here with Bokuto."

"Hi!" you gave her a cheery smile, "It's nice to meet you." Kana only gave a small nod, with an even smaller smile, as a reply. It was obvious she wasn't happy with your presence but due to the amount of alcohol already in you, you found it hard to care.

Bokuto stepped closer to all of you, first addressing her. "This is (Y/n)'s party and she's one of my close friends so play nice." he gave a gentle, pleading smile to her. Turning to you, he leaned in to whisper, though not as quiet as one would expect, "(Y/n), your drunk is showing." That was code between the two of you for 'reel it in some' and Bokuto emphasized his remark to you by looking at the way you were keeping Akaashi in your clutch close to you. It took you a moment in your drunken state to understand what he meant, but when you did your eyes widened and your face flushed red.

"Right! Sorry Bokubro. " you looked down, letting go of the tiny clutch you kept on Akaashi. The action caused him to furrow his brow slightly and look to his best friend, apparently he didn't hear what he had said to you. Bokuto gave a pat to your head and turned back towards his date to give her a quick kiss as he placed his arm around her.

Noticing (Y/Bff/N) entered the kitchen, and the new lack of grasp from you, Akaashi stepped to the side of you. Unbeknownst to any of you, your best friend had been watching from her spot in the living room for a little while now, amused by your interactions with everyone. Being great at reading a room, feeling out the vibes, she decided it was time to make her presence known. The mood in the kitchen, while still playful, had shifted to slightly tense.

"(Y/Bff/N)!" you squeaked out as you took her in for a side hug, accidentally spilling the both of your drinks a bit. "Where have you been?!"

"Exactly where you left me, (Y/n)." she giggled at your doe-eyed reaction. "I thought you were going to bring me that bottle of vodka but it looks like you got distracted."

"Oh yeah!" you laughed letting go of her and looking around for the bottle. "I'll find it!" you promised. Before you could begin to look, Akaashi reached over and grabbed the bottle you made your drinks with and offered it out to you.

"Is it this one?"

"YES!" you grabbed the bottle excitedly, passing it to your best friend. "(Y/Bff/N), look who came!" you grabbed back onto Akaashi excitedly pulling him towards the two of you as you showed him off. "He actually came!"

"Did Bokuto harass you again?" she questioned him cheekily.

"Of course," he answered matter-of-factly. Bokuto's went to argue but you cut him off suddenly with a friendly hug, almost spilling more from your cup.

"Thank you Bokubro!" you exclaimed looking up at him cheesily, grinning ear to ear.

"Do you always call him that?" Akaashi grumbled without looking at anyone in particular as he took a sip of his drink.

"Jealous?" Bokuto asked, nudging a friend that had walked up and joined the group just before your hug.

"No." Akaashi deadpanned. Bokuto was probably the only one in the party that knew Akaashi well enough to pick up on the slightest bit of pink on his face in response.

"Ooh! Akaashi can have a nickname too!" you excitedly suggested. Kana rolled her eyes again, though she seemed to be trying to hold it back for Bokuto. Having the attention span of a squirrel when you drink though, you noticed through the doorway to the living room another one of your good friend's arrival. Before anyone knew it, you had taken off to your front door, forgetting all about Akaashi.

"Looks like you don't get your nickname!" Bokuto burst out laughing at his best friend's expense, along with almost everyone else in the kitchen, causing the brunette to glare. (Y/Bff/N) changed the subject and he was grateful.

"We played Kings Cup a few times earlier and she was getting it the worst." she informed them, explaining the difference in your behavior tonight. "She had to waterfall most of the games."

"That explains it." Bokuto shook his head and bringing his arm up to smack Akaashi's back. "Now you get to meet incoherent (Y/n)."

"That could be either really good or really bad" (Y/Bff/N) laughed to herself as she drank from her cup.

"Can't be any worse than an incoherent Bokuto. " Akaashi poked fun at his best friend.

"Well you've stuck by me buddy so I can't be that bad" he challenged in return. "but anyways, AkaAshI, can I talk to you for a moment?" Bokuto said, pulling his friend with him out the back door of your kitchen, leaving your best friend to attempt small talk with Kana until he returned.

"What is it Bokuto?" Akaashi questioned his sudden summoning.

"Look I know I said that I thought you and (Y/n) would be a good match and that you needed a distraction, but I didn't warn you like I should have, for both of your sakes. She has issues like you and needs a distraction. She uses these parties as a distraction." Bokuto began to explain to his still sober friend. "But she's not the one for a one night stand. That's not what I meant. Don't do it."

Akaashi's forehead creased as he was taken aback by Bokuto's plea. "I wasn't planning on it."

"Just letting you know in case drunk (Y/n) is planning on it." Bokuto

Suddenly Akaashi was curious. Was this something that happened with everyone she meets? He would be lying if he said your attention didn't make him feel some sort of special but was that not the case? Was this something everyone experienced? Had Bokuto once felt that way with you? "Is that something she does often?" Bokuto blinked rapidly in confusion for a moment. "Are you trying to tell me she's a wh-"

Bokuto cut him off before he could finish, suddenly realizing what he had been wondering. "No! No! Not all! That's why I felt the need to talk to you. She can be too friendly at times, but she never lets it lead anywhere. you know what? I have a better idea. Maybe I could introduce you to-"

"Stop. I'm not looking for someone, hookup or serious." Akaashi firmly stated, hoping this time his self-proclaimed wingman would get the hint. "When I am ready and interested, I will let you know. now can we please go back inside and save (Y/Bff/N) from Kana?"

"Heyyy! She's not that bad." Bokuto whined back offended.

"Tonight she is." Akaashi finished the conversation as he opened the door and re-entered your kitchen.

After returning, the group talked for about 45 minutes before a few dispersed into the rest of the house. Akaashi and a few new friends he had made, including Nakamura remained. They had begun to take shots while discussing sports, something that Akaashi could talk about for days. This didn't go on for too long though before being interrupted by some slightly chaotic energy.

"PROTECT ME AKAASHI!" you suddenly yelled out, running to dodge behind him. Entering in the room right after was a guy, taller than Bokuto but not quite as buff. The guy looked peeved, to say the least, but halted his pursuit once he saw you hide behind the unexpecting Akaashi.

"Who is that, (Y/n)?" Caught completely by surprise, Akaashi cautiously took a shielding stance, standing forefront of you. His right arm came back to block you, and you took that chance to grab onto that hand with your right hand. Much to the mysterious guy's obvious dismay, you leaned into Akaashi's back, reaching up slightly to place your chin on his shoulder and wrapped your left arm around him.

"Her brother." the stranger answered with eyes burning directly into Akaashi's. Akaashi shot an almost frantic glare sideways to you at his words. Your brother's stare lingered on Akaashi for a moment longer than he would have liked before it snapped back to lock eyes with you. "I mean it. I'll kick everyone out if you don't get it together."

"It's my house." you defied him without a second thought, causing Akaashi to internally curse your boldness.

"I DON'T GIVE A FUCK, (Y/N)." your brother yelled out as he took a step closer. "Why is that so fucking hard for you to understand? Quit being a fucking brat and listen to me for once. It's impossible for you isn't it?! You're such a fucking embarrassment."

Whether it was believable or not by your current actions, you love your brother. Hearing those words mixed with his harsh tone and demeanor was enough to make you forget that he felt the same. Eyes welling up, you let go of Akaashi, causing him to study your every move, concerned by the sudden shift in your mood. Staring at the floor, you scrambled for something to say, anything at all, but nothing came. Turning instead to leave, you were pulled back just as fast as you had taken off. The abrupt halt in your actions caused by a gentle hand around your arm, pulling you back in.

"Hey, wait." Akaashi's spoke out softly to you, uneasy with the idea of you crying. He waited for you to look at him to finish. "He's not trying to be mean. Let's calm down a little. That's all he wants."

"I'm just trying to have fun Akaashi." you pouted up at him.

"I know. We still can," he assured you with a little chuckle at your behavior. Despite how childish it seemed, he couldn't help but think it was sort of cute. Especially the way your face went from glossy eyes and a sulky expression to bright and full of hope at his words. Walking closer to Akaashi, you settled in next to him but were interrupted by another guy entering the room.

"Will you stop rushing off to chastise your sister? We have somewhere to be." your brother's best friend, Eiichi, reprimanded. At the sight of the boy who was practically a brother to you as well, you began to smirk mischievously. Akaashi noticed but chose not to question it for the moment.

"Why do you always defend her?" your brother asked rhetorically, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.

"What can I say? She's pretty cute when she's drunk." your brother glared back at his friend who just seemed to laugh harder. "I'm joking! Sort of. My point is, let her have some fun. What's so wrong with that?"

"There are too many people like you walking around here. That's what's wrong with that." he spat back. While those two were distracted you began to chug the cup in your hand.

"Oh come on, I'm not so bad! You like me more than you like to admit." Eiichi laughed again, looking to you this time. He walked over and patted you on the head as he strolled past with his case of beer. "See you later brat."

Much to Akaashi's dismay, your brother did not follow in suit. Instead, he turned back to address him directly.

"Are you her boyfriend?" he asked, face as serious as could be.

"Everyone keeps saying that tonight." you giggled out, pulling your cup from your mouth and trying to hide it behind you.

"I wonder why." Akaashi and your brother sarcastically spoke at the same time. Akaashi's response was more of a mumble under his breath, whereas your brother was a bit more snappy.

"He's just a friend," Bokuto interjected as he found his way back to the kitchen with Kana. Akaashi had never been so happy to see that goofball show up.

"Bo-Man!" your brother greets Bokuto and the two dap each other. "I'm leaving. Keep this shit under control for me will you?" he says referring to you. He then turns to Akaashi and bluntly adds, "And watch him."

Akaashi didn't find the situation too funny, but Bokuto found it hysterical. He spilled some of his drink doubling over laughing. Raising one hand when he finally calmed down, "It's all good man. This is my best friend, Akaashi."

"Why haven't I seen you around before?" your brother questioned, clearly still skeptical.

"He just moved to the area. My new roommate." Bokuto answered again on behalf of Akaashi. "He just met (Y/n) a few days ago at one of my parties."

"A few days ago and you're already this latched onto him? You're so fucking annoying sometimes." his brows drew together as he stared at you.

"Quit being so mean to me all the time," you whined out starting at the ground in disappointment.

"Oh shut up. You know I love you," he grumbled out as you looked up to him. He put his empty beer bottle he had been clutching in the trash. "I'm leaving for real now. Please chill out on the drinks."

Akaashi reached down to take your cup from you, knowing damn well you had chugged most of it when you thought no one was looking. When it was halfway away from you, you grabbed onto his wrist with both hands and pulled it back towards you, so you could finish off the cup. Downing the last few sips, you smiled like a child as you let Akaashi take the cup. "Done." you offered both guys the brightest of smiles. With that, your brother walked out of the kitchen and followed Eiichi out of your front door.

"That was, uh, interesting.." Akaashi broke the silence.

"He's not that bad." Bokuto offered to his slightly stunned friend. "Just has no patience for her antics. Feels the need to play the protective big bro."

"You tried to set me up." Akaashi nudged you with his elbow as he took a much-needed gulp of his drink.

"I'm sorry. I didn't think he would be so mean." you buried your face in his arm.

"TIME FOR SHOTS!" Bokuto interrupted everyone in the kitchen and walked over to pull out all of the shot glasses he could find in your cabinet. He lined them up along the counter and gestured to Akaashi to fill them up with the bottle next to him. Akaashi filled them up and passed them out one by one, giving them to everyone so far but you.

"You really aren't going to give me a shot?" you looked up at him, jaw parted slightly in disbelief. He looked down at you with a small smile as he passed the last shot over to Nakamura.

"No." he looked away and you huffed. When he looked back at you once he finally had his shot in hand, he noticed you were pouting up at him again, with your fist slightly clenched by your sides. He laughed at the sight but continued ignoring your request. "Chill out, Tinkerbell." he mocked your attitude. "You had more than us. We have to catch up."

"Yeah punk." Bokuto stuck his tongue out. "Can't let you have all the fun."

You looked over to the counter where your cup was but Akaashi noticed and shook his head no. You groaned and he smirked and he downed his shot with the rest of your friends. This happened for two more shots while you just watched, waiting for Akaashi to either give you permission or get distracted, but that never happened. When everyone was done, you all decided to move to the living, which had cleared up a little seeing as it was late and people were start trickle out slowly.

Sitting down next to everyone who was starting to play another round of King's Cup, without you. Normally you would have overruled everyone, and joined in anyways, but Akaashi had a mysterious way of making you comply. He let you sit next to him and you had to admit, you still had fun laughing along with them, even without a drink.

About halfway through the game, Akaashi looked over to you and tilted his drink towards you. "Just a sip," he instructed and you looked back at him like a kid with candy as you took a sip. This was enough to occupy you through the rest of the game. Once that game finished, they decided to set up to play a game of flip cup. Once the games began, you made your way to the kitchen taking the opportunity while everyone seemed distracted. Standing in the middle, you searched for your favorite bottle but it was nowhere in sight. Neither was your favorite cup. After a few moments of searching, you made your way to the cabinet to pull out another one. Before you could open it, Akaashi spoke out.

"Looking for this?" he asked leaning against the doorframe. He was holding your favorite bottle in his hand.

"Hey you stole it!" you whined out and he laughed as he walked to stand right in front of you. Leaning in inches from your face, he placed the bottle on the counter and reached out to slide it away from your reach.

"No more drinks, remember?" he asked looking down at you.

"I wasn't in here for a drink." you lied, looking away from his tense gaze. "I was in here to get cake."

"Riiiiiight." he didn't believe you for one second. "What cake? Let's get you a slice."

"Jokes on you Akaashi!" you laughed out as you turned around in front of him, reaching up to open a cabinet and take out a plate. "I made the best Strawberry cake ever today." He didn't say anything as he watched you pull down a plate and pull out a knife and fork. Then you made your way over to the fridge and pulled out the cake. Akaashi noticed you were wobbling with it a little so he ran over and took it from your hands, noticing it did look really good. Placing it on the counter, he complimented your work.

"It does look really good," he said and you perked right up.

"Here try a bite!" you said as you dug a fork right into the cake, not even bothering to cut a slice. Bringing the fork up to him, he looked at you for a second before taking the bite from you. Waiting eagerly for his response, you questioned. "Isn't it? Isn't it the best cake ever?!"

"It is good!" he said as he took the fork from you, and scooped up another bite for himself.

"Hey you savage!" you laughed out picking up the knife. "We can't keep digging into the whole cake." Before you could cut a slice, he took the knife from you and scooted you out of the way. Being the gentleman he is, he cut you a piece and placed it on the plate, knowing you were too drunk to be using a knife. As he did that, you reached up and got down a plate for him too, insisting that he cut himself a slice too. Once the two of you had decent sized slices, you made your way to your couch to eat them while watching the others play. Akaashi was surprised when you laid your head on his leg as you ate your slice, acting as if this was completely normal.

"Sorry if this is too invasive, but what was he so mad at you for?" he asked, catching you off guard.

"Who?" you questioned, not realizing at all what he could be talking about.

"Your brother," he replied and then stuffed his mouth with some more cake.

"Oh," you recalled the earlier events to the best of your ability. "I was sitting on the stair rail talking to this guy. I don't think he likes him. Or my stair rail."

"You were drunk. You could have fallen easily and hurt yourself," he said without looking at you. "He was right to ask you to get down."

"It was comfy!" you huffed back, taking another bite of cake.

"There's no way that was comfy," he argued.

"Well it wasn't this type of comfy," you said as you rolled on your side to put your plate on the ground when you finished.

"This type of comfy?" he questioned, putting his plate on the end table next to him.

"Yeah," you answered as you snuggled in. "You're super comfy."

Right after you said that Akaashi could tell you were starting to drift off to sleep. He didn't mind. It was late and he was getting tired himself. He sipped on the rest of his drink and lightly played with your hair as you passed out.

Eventually, Bokuto noticed this and walked over. "Well look at this," he said smugly as he looked down at your sleeping form on Akaashi's lap. "That's cute and all, but Kana's ready to go. Ready to head back?"

"Yeah, but now what do I do?" Akaashi asked looking down at your sleeping form. He didn't miss the roll of Kana's eyes at the sight.

"Yeah about that. Hmm.." Bokuto said as he thought about it. "Usually I would just stay here, but I want to go home this time" he subtly nodded towards Kana.

"Didn't want to know that." It was now Akaashi's turn to roll his eyes.

"We can just lock the door when we leave. They're leaving too." he motioned to the only people left in the house with them. "Besides, (Y/Bff/N) is here. She went to her room to sleep a little while ago."

Akaashi slowly scooted from under you so that he could stand up without waking you up. "Do you know which bedroom is hers?" he asked Bokuto.

"Yeah, why?" his best friend answered sounding slightly confused.

Akaashi picked you up bridal style and you didn't stir at all. "Show me."

"OooOoHh. We have a GeNtLeMaN." Bokuto began to rag on his kindness.

"Bokuto, shut up," Akaashi grunted, shifting you slightly in his arms. "Take me to the damn room."