Border of Tomorrow | PRIVATE

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    Kenma's uncertain expression formed into another one of those cat-like frowns. Practicing with Kuroo would take effort that he didn't know he was in for but eating more than he wanted to was not only uncomfortable but in no way did he want to. ". . ." He gave Kuroo a blank stare as if he would have expected the half god to already know his reaction. "I'm finished, I don't want anymore." He said, actually giving an answer than from the most times in which he would have just shaken his head. With that he stood up and crossed his arms as if to prove his point.


    Kenma was quite stubborn when it came to food. He didn't like to eat more than he wanted, definitely didn't eat anything healthy, and well just wouldn't eat enough in general. It wasn't the best of habits but without the influence of Kuroo nothing in them had really changed. ". . . You're not going to make me eat anymore, are you?" He asked with the frown becoming present again. Kenma was making it clear he would be very unhappy with having to continue to eat and if Kuroo told him to he'd just end up picking at it. His head tilted and he gave Kuroo another one of those 'looks' that said 'don't you dare' as with Kenma being Kenma that childish yet stubborn side of him was showing through.

    Kuroo sighed at the other's blatantly stubborn reaction. Well, it had been worth a shot. "No," he replied defeatedly with a shake of his head. "But you can't blame me for wanting you to keep your strength up, can you?" the half god added, though he didn't really need a response. He grabbed the plates, shooting Kenma an unimpressed and unsurprised look at the food that was left over on his plate, especially when taking into consideration how empty his own plate was. "I'm going to go return these. I'll be back soon so get ready to practice kitten," Kuroo told the other before ducking out of the tent.


    The trip to the other tent was easy enough and had no interruptions, though the camp still stirred with the recent news and Kuroo could see he wasn't the only one who thought some extra practice would be a good idea. Several soldiers were out and about either going over simple techniques individually or in small groups. Kuroo knew it wouldn't be long until another meeting was set so he only had a limited amount of time to train with Kenma, but he figured any little bit could help, and potentially make a big difference one they were on the battlefield. He made his was back to the tent. "You ready?" he asked.

    Kenma met Kuroo's gaze as the other left the tent, not feeling surprised with Kuroo's expression. His own gaze was stubborn though clear that whatever Kuroo thought was something that won't change how much he would eat. He was way too stubborn for that. Kenma's word was Kenma's word and it couldn't be said whether his stubbornness was good or a bad thing. Letting out a 'hmph!' as Kuroo left the tent he began to get ready. In truth he hated most training, too much effort for something that wouldn't change him in the end. It just wasn't the kind of thing Kenma thought would benefit him. Grumbling and complaining to himself the entire time Kenma got what he needed on just becoming grumpier by the minute.


    He'd gotten completely ready when Kuroo came back in. Kenma looked at Kuroo and nodded, scratching his lower arm for a moment then walking over to the other. He was wearing that grumpy cat-like frown with that same look in his eyes to match his frown as it looked much like an angry cat. If he had fur it would surely be bristling. "Yeah." Kenma said simply. It wasn't being with Kuroo that made him grumpy, he'd take any chance he could. Though it was just having to do something that could possibly worry the half god. After watching Kenma it was a clear reminder that he was a thinker and at random times he would put in physical input to keep up at the most surprising and needed of moments. Though his stamina was low making such things a lot harder.

    Kuroo raised his eyebrows at Kenma's clear disapproval of his suggestion, but the mere fact that he'd gotten ready to train showed that he at least realized this was something Kuroo wouldn't be lenient on. The other could probably gauge what Kuroo's mindset had been when he'd suggested practice in the first place, and could at least see his reasoning. The half god couldn't ask for much else at that point. He simply grabbed his shield and his sword, not bothering with armor before leading the way out of the tent and into a clearing that didn't already have soldiers training on it.


    "Just come at me with what you remember, and from there we can just work on whatever needs improvement," Kuroo suggested as he distanced himself a bit from Kenma, sword twirling absently in his hand. Despite this hardly being an actual sparring match he was still almost giddy at the simple motion of holding his sword. Kuroo could admit that he probably enjoyed combat a little too much, but he blamed the blood in his veins for that. For now, at least, all he really wanted was to be assured that Kenma could hold his own in battle if Kuroo for some reason could not be there to help him.

    Kenma glanced down at the hilt being held in his own hand, sharp eyes glancing around the area before focusing on Kuroo. It may be a repetitive statement but truly Kenma was not meant for the physical part of battle as he had a mind for nothing but strategies. In a fight he relied on instinct and planning, decisions, that had to happen within less than a second. He could outsmart someone but couldn't hold an equal ground in strength. His speed wasn't spectacular and his stamina was nothing compared to other soldiers.


    Feeling a light pounding in his chest, Kenma took in a sharp breath with a gaze that matched. It was within seconds that he focused on all the surroundings, how the air felt, the ground, even such things if there was any wind. Since Kuroo had requested him to take the first strike the worry that rested only became worse as he had to come up with something that had a higher chance of being effective. Drawing the sword he was holding back he adjusted his grip on the weapon. He hated holding weapons, they weren't comfortable and rather a nuisance when it came to movement. Just another thing to cause possible mistakes over. After one of those split second choices did Kenma move to lunge forward, the way he moved his arm causing the sword tip to drive down before rotating and going up, hoping for a higher attack on Kuroo.

    // ahhh i did too tbh and i missed these angsty dorks so much


    Kuroo waited patiently for Kenma to make a move, though his eyes certainly never left the other and his grip on his sword tightened. Unlike Kenma, the feeling of the blade in his palm made Kuroo feel energized and almost as if he were ready to take on anything. Despite this, he knew in this particular sparring match he would simply focus on defense, and truthfully it would be good practice for Kuroo considering the fact that Kenma's movements were carefully calculated and strategized. After years of training with Kenma the taller of the two could almost see Kenma thinking and focusing, and while he'd given up trying to read his thoughts in combat ages ago he still very much held a strange admiration for his childhood friend. Kenma's approach was different than Kuroo's, who moved out of instinct.


    Once Kenma moved forward with his sword, the half god brought up his own to block the strike. It wasn't particularly fast, but if he caught another off guard Kenma's strike could've likely hit its target. Instead, Kuroo managed to block it and push forward with his own blade, though he made no move to attack. "Not bad, tighten your grip and get a firmer stance so I don't push back so easily," he advised, perhaps the more military-general side of Kuroo showing.

    ;; me too, this was one of my favorites actually c: and you're profile picture makes me happy. I've also just been realizing I've been calling kenma a blond the entire time when he's naturally a brunet and I was like wait- I have made a mistake


    Those sharp golden eyes narrowed in slight frustration at having the blow deflected though of course Kenma did not desire to actually hit Kuroo. (Okay, at some points he couldn't deny the half god sure needed to be smacked over the head for some of his dorky comments) The feeling of the vibrations through his hands from the two swords clashing unsettled him. After all the mixed haired boy was one who hated being countered. He was aware of his own lack of strength and stamina so he could only rely on his calculations. When his calculations didn't fall through or they resulted in error it was only a troubling step back.


    Kenma was a bit lazy to a certain degree which happened to catch up with him at times like this. He'd processed what Kuroo had told him and drawing back his grip became firmer. His stance slightly changed as well but he preferred to stand how he felt was more comfortable so it didn't change very much. With a careful gaze he quickly took notice of how Kuroo was holding his sword, how he was standing, where more weight was falling. Just like with his first blow those were things he was careful to map out. A few quick seconds passed before Kenma made an attempt at another blow that led to him putting his weight towards his toes and bending slightly in his knees so that hopefully his blow would land lower on Kuroo.

    // honestly same cx and thx i saw the pic of casually aesthetic iwa-chan and had to have it as my avatar lol but honestly i've been picturing kenma as a blond this whole time even though hair dye probs wasn't a thing back then so u and me both ^^;;


    While Kuroo wasn't ridiculously tall, he tended to have a height advantage more often than not. He probably enjoyed it a little too much when it came to teasing Kenma or feeling the need to flaunt his height, all lightheartedly of course, but it also meant attacks that were aimed lower than his chest required more effort to defend against. Usually because it meant he had to adjust his stance in mere seconds to stop the blow, and this time when Kenma swung his sword Kuroo had to step back in order to properly block it and not be grazed by the blade. "Nice," he said under his breath, probably not actually audible over the sound of clashing metal.


    He made no move to retaliate, instead waiting for Kenma to decide his next attack. It was more of a training session than sparring, but Kuroo was used to that by now. Over the years it had been hard to find many people who actually enjoyed battling him, save for brave comrades who mostly wanted to improve themselves. While Kuroo had complained at first, putting himself in their shoes made him realize quickly enough that if it's impossible to win a fight in the first place, many people didn't see the point in trying at all. In the end his adopted father had merely had him train against multiple warriors at once and called it sufficient.

    ;; I am sad to say I just lost my kenma hair since I dyed it back to its natural colour ^^


    Kenma breathed out sharply in response to having his next blow reflected. Of course it was to be expected with his own skill compared to Kuroo's. Though truly this was another concern as it was the fact that he was practicing with Kuroo and not a real enemy. A real enemy would do anything to strike him down at any moment and wouldn't give him time to think out his next moves. That problem was revealed with the fact that he was taking just a few seconds to plan and those few seconds could easily cause somebody their life.


    His lips pressed into a firm line before he lunged forward again. If he was unable to hit Kuroo from where he was now he'd no choice but to change his place of attack. Kenma slipped his feet forward in an attempt to draw himself closer to Kuroo, his feet slightly turning as to draw himself so that his back was facing the demigod for around a seconds worth. The rotation brought the blond inwards near the taller's side so that his next blow could aim at the back of Kuroo's shoulder. It was a troubling move due to the footwork and having to navigate a sword so closely to someone while in hopes of not tripping up. At this point it seemed to be one of his only options seeing as how more distant moves were easier to predict and to deflect.

    // oh noooooooo like im sure it looks great but also rip kenma hair cx


    It was probably unfair for such different skill levels to be sparring against one another, but unless forced to Kuroo doubted Kenma would be willing to spar with anyone else. It had certainly taken a bit of convincing on his part just to get the other to leave the tent with him, and they were both childhood friends and lovers. Kuroo could tell that Kenma's movements were clearly thought out, and he moved swiftly in order to dodge his latest attack, choosing to avoid contact completely instead of counter. For now. "A good move, if you'd gone a little faster it would've no doubt hit your opponent and caught them off guard," he remarked, though he didn't allow for a response as he stepped forward and shifted to offense.


    Without warning the taller of the pair swung his sword in a simpler motion, angled and aiming towards Kenma's ribcage. If he were to actually swing as fast as he was capable with as much force, it likely would hit. Instead Kuroo was almost too careful making sure that it was at a speed that was easy enough to block as long as Kenma was on guard, and it hardly had the strength behind it to do much damage. While it may not be the most effective form of training, Kuroo could never bring himself to put Kenma in any real harm.

    ;; I miss my kenma hair .-. it's an ash blonde now- so it's basically grey


    Kenma could not help the slight annoyance he felt at having Kuroo escape the blow entirely even though such was to be expected. What broke that was the sudden sound, both of Kuroo's movement and the sword raking the air. Those golden eyes widened for a slight fraction in realization of what was actually going on. Quickly one of his feet slid back to stop himself from being thrown off balance with having them next to each other while his arms drew in to bring his own sword closer to himself in hopes of being able to defend against Kuroo's blow. The blond had managed to get his own weapon close in time to actually counter though even without Kuroo putting in much force his arms bent in slightly.


    Truly it was only Kenma's concentration and observation skills to be able to counter that. His strength matched for nothing but he did have enough determination in some cases to surprise a bit in moments strength or quick reactions were needed. That small tremble in his arms showed that this was not one of them. Inwardly did Kenma flinch as he only knew that was not a good sign for his strength or prove he had something worth in battle. True soldiers would not be kind or careful like how Kuroo was being. He hadn't practiced enough and it was something that showed as after all he only watched and observed, practiced when forced to. Of course no one could say how he'd do in battle for certain due to the fact that Kenma did have those strong and surprising moments that could throw anyone off guard as if he had this silent and hidden instinctual determination at times that he could not control.


    Stepping back with the slight force of Kuroo's against his own after the block he hoped to dismiss that tremble but immediately taking an inward jab to Kuroo's stomach within immediate seconds of having been attacked. Surely it was a bit childish to want to push that matter aside though hopefully the demigod wouldn't have noticed or put anything against it.

    // ohhh is ur hair like naturally really pale blond? tbh I'm jealous u can dye ur hair mine is too damaged and too dark lol but ash blonde sounds badass


    Kuroo's combat skills were mostly the result of instincts, of knowing how and when to move his feet and swing his blade. It came pretty naturally to him, and he supposed he had his real father to thank for that, though he also liked to think his effort in training also helped in that matter. His observation skills weren't lacking, however, and while they may not be as honed as Kenma's the demigod did in fact notice the way his sparring partner's arm trembled ever so slightly. If Kuroo had swung with more force, it likely wouldn't have been a very successful counter. He didn't have much time to focus on the slight mistake as Kenma continued an attack, and the proximity made the ravenette have to jump back, barely feeling the tip of the metal before he'd pulled away altogether. He mentally berated himself for paying more attention to Kenma's mistake rather than his own defense.


    Now that he was a reasonable distance away, bouncing on the balls of his feet, he eyed Kenma. "How do you feel?" he asked, mostly referring to the other's own techniques but also his stamina. They hadn't been fighting for too long, but Kuroo was still very aware that the younger man hadn't been eating much, nor feeling particularly energized. He was all too used to Kenma's fighting style, considering they'd been sparring since they were younger, but Kuroo was already wondering just how difficult it would be to get the other generals to agree to letting him help in the strategizing aspect of the war instead. Then again, that wouldn't necessarily mean Kenma would never have to see battle, but Kuroo had decided since he'd gotten there that no matter what he would be alongside the other in order to protect him as much as possible.

    ;; no, it used to be naturally a very red golden blonde, but then it started changing into an ash blonde but I had dyed it to a very golden blonde again but the ash and the gold didn't look good together so I dyed the whole thing ash but due to it having been red before it's still more blonde than actual ash


    Kenma stopped all his movements in order to draw his attention to Kuroo's question. Due to having been so focused on trying to create some sort of worthy attacking move, he'd not been paying much attention to himself. That was rather odd of him with the fact he was observant of basically everything. It seemed that fighting was something that could cause him to lose some focus in some categories. With that noted the sound of his own slightly increased breathing caught him. All of this had taken place in little time but already had his breathing begun to change to a slightly rougher and frantic sound though it was not terrible.


    Taking a moment he steadied himself while the tip of his sword fell and lightly brushed the ground yet the handle remained in his grasp. "I'm . . . fine, Kuroo." In between the words, Kenma had to take a moment to be able to breathe in. Truly it was almost saddening with how easily he lost his breath but of course that didn't mean anything when he knew that he had to get things done. The facial expression he pulled after speaking was more of asking 'why?' as to wanting to know the exact reason as to why Kuroo would stop to just ask that one simple question.

    // huh, sounds complex, though i can't relate to all the blond problems lol but it sounds cool


    Kuroo's eyes never left Kenma, though his hands toyed around with the blade between his fingers, twirling it every so often. The slight adrenaline that had kicked in hadn't entirely faded, but he'd stopped shifting on the balls of his feet at least. The demigod waited while the other took the time to catch his breath, and Kuroo was glad that he'd found a good place to take a break and see how Kenma was doing since it didn't seem as if he'd noticed his own physical state. Kuroo knew well enough that combat could be distracting, but it was critical to know one's limits. While Kenma's answer didn't have him thoroughly convinced, he merely nodded until he registered the unvoiced question on the other's face.


    "Just making sure," he replied casually, and it wasn't a false statement. "You haven't been eating all that much and you must be tired, so I just thought I'd ask. Gotta keep track of your stamina and all that. Besides, it'd be no good to tire you out. We can stop, if you'd like," Kuroo added, honestly not minding stopping or continuing. He'd have his meeting soon, but there was still some time left, and someone would likely be sent to fetch him when the hour arrived anyways. "Though, you do look good with your sword in hand," he said as an afterthought, his all too common smirk gracing his lips as he joked around.

    ;; haha, well blond problems are just difficult as it is a troublesome hair colour cx


    Kenma originally had a firm response in mind until Kuroo's last comment. Of course Kuroo would only throw off this moment by saying something so ridiculous and embarrassing. His gaze dropped to the hand that was holding the sword before back at the demigod with a slightly embarrassed expression. He was quite good at hiding his emotions although that became a bit difficult around Kuroo, only worsening when something was there to throw him off guard. "Kuroo . . . you're an idiot." The blond said bluntly as he looked at the older. It was clear that he was unamused though there was a slight pink dusting his cheeks. All he could think was that it was absolutely embarrassing.


    Drawing back to the actual point, Kenma was not too interested in continuing to fight. His lack of eating what would be considered a good amount was catching up to him. There was also the fact he simply was not built to carry a sword or fighting in general. It was a repetitive statement but truly being observant and smart could only take him so far. "And I'm fine, we don't have to stop." Though of course that was more of a stubborn statement and also trying to prove there was nothing to worry about when it came to him and fighting, that he could handle it.

    The smirk on his lips formed into a cheshire grin instead at Kenma's response, whose clear embarrassment only meant Kuroo had done his job. Leave it to him to pick rather poor timing to throw out such a flirty compliment. Then again, it had seemed like perfect timing to Kuroo. "I am," he agreed, bringing his unoccupied hand to his chest in a melodramatic manner as he accepted this fact. He didn't fail to notice, however, the light blush that had taken over Kenma's cheeks. The demigod's eyebrows arched just slightly at the other's answer to his earlier question, thoroughly unconvinced.


    "We could practice something else, if you'd like," he offered, searching for a potential compromise or middle ground. "When's the last time you shot an arrow?" While all soldiers were trained in all forms of combat, there were definitely some that focused on certain specialties. Using a bow and arrow wasn't particularly exhausting, and they often were closer to the back rather than the front lines. It wouldn't do any harm to do some target practice, in Kuroo's opinion, and it would certainly be better than insisting Kenma continue sparring with energy the other didn't currently have.

    ;; sorry it's a bit short, stress arguing with motivation .-.


    Kenma of course recognized the suggestion was there due to his own lack of stamina with their sparring. Though he didn't take it as an insult as he understood and then there was the fact he didn't mind bows. The string burned his fingers which he wasn't a fan of and yet it was something he was okay with. His eyes had always been sharp so things suck as that weren't too difficult. Things worked out pretty quickly in his mind though there was the fact holding and timing things out came as an annoyance.


    ". . ." Slowly his sword arm dropped a bit more, eyes narrowing and a small frown coming to his lips. "That's fine." Kenma said after a solid moment while looking at Kuroo with a gaze that didn't waver. His natural stubbornness never seemed to disappear and went straight to pouting when Kuroo noticed anything he hadn't wanted him to.

    // i'm hardcore feeling that rn lol no worries


    Kuroo exhaled a bit in relief at the fact that Kenma had agreed. He was very familiar with Kenma's stubborn tendencies, but since Kuroo himself could be quite determined their banter often took a while for either of them to relent. A lot of times, Kuroo would admit defeat just because it was hard to oppose Kenma in the first place. The other was most definitely his greatest weakness. But depending on the matter Kuroo could sometimes get his way, and it seemed this was now the case. It had also helped that archery was pretty entertaining for the both of them, and not nearly as taxing.


    The demigod's mouth quirked upwards at Kenma's expression, and he nodded. "Wait a sec while I grab what we need," he said before heading towards the weapons tent with a skip in his step. Since neither of them used bows and arrows frequently enough, they didn't have personal bows like they did with their swords. Kuroo made his way to the weapons tent to grab the supplies they'd need, nodding to a few other soldiers who were around.