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1
Tobio's second Olympic season is about to begin.
Some things stay the same, like the smell of stale air hanging in the locker room, or the feel of red polyester scratching on skin, or the jumpy undercurrent of anxiety passed between teammates as they unpack their bags for their first official practice.
Some things change, expectedly, like the faces of said teammates, only a handful besides Tobio remaining from the last Olympic roster. The number on his jersey is different, now a sentimental throwback to his high school years. He’s a little bit taller, a little bit wider, a little more confident. He’s certainly more excited this time around, too.
After all, this is the first season in years that Tobio and Hinata will be playing on the same side of the court. His insides are all lit up, palms itching, eager to fall right back into step with Hinata like no time has passed - because that’s one of those things that hasn’t changed. No matter the distance or time spent apart, they come right back together, folding the gaps in their history to connect smoothly.
But something else is different this time - not with Hinata, but with his new teammates. And Tobio had spent enough time playing the villain in middle school to sniff it out right away.
Tobio is being snubbed.
It starts, like most things do, with Tobio being an idiot. As he heads towards his locker, two things happen simultaneously: an orange blur flies across the room, all muscley arms and tanned legs and lunging right for Tobio. And Tobio, thinking he’s under attack, dodges.
Hinata lands flat on the tile floor.
“What the heck, Kageyama?” Hinata rolls onto his ass, face scrunched up in the cutest pout.
“I-I thought you were going to pummel me!”
"It was a hug!" Hinata flails his arms, orange hair fluffing around his cheeks like a little angry bird. He could definitely use a haircut. “A. Hug. Kageyama. Have you ever had one before?”
Tobio could kiss him. He digs his heels into the floor just in case. “Well, sor-ry your hug looked more like a threat! Maybe warn me next time before you try to torpedo me to the ground.”
It's sudden then, the shift in the air, cold and sticky and raising every hair on the back of his neck. He’s aware of too many eyes on them. He rolls his shoulders to shake it off, clears his throat, and holds out a hand - the first olive branch of their season. “I’m sorry.”
Hinata practically sparkles, his smile stretched to his ears. But before he can accept the peace offering, Atsumu materializes out of fucking nowhere, tucking his hands under Hinata’s armpits and lifting him to his feet like a ragdoll. The glare he sends Tobio is sharp enough to draw blood.
“Ya gotta be careful, Shouyou-kun! Don’t want my spiker injured before tha season even starts.” As if an afterthought, Atsumu rakes his eyes from Tobio’s head, down to his gym shoes, and back up. “Hello, Tobio-kun.”
It’s barely a greeting, his words stilted, lip curled. Tobio decidedly ignores him, instead brushing the side of Hinata’s arm with his knuckles. “It really is good to see you, Shouyou.”
A pink blush dips past the collar of Hinata’s white tshirt and Tobio wonders just how far down it goes (maybe he'll even find out later). When Hinata opens his mouth to respond, Atsumu interrupts, filling the pause with endless blathering while ushering him away, an arm wrapped snugly around his shoulders.
Tobio is left alone to wonder: what the fuck was that?
He stomps over to his own locker, loudly emptying the contents of his gym bag. Atsumu doesn’t shut up, just keeps stuffing himself into all the spaces where Tobio should be - it’s starting to scrape his nerves raw.
“By the way, Shouyou, how did yer tinder date go?”
Atsumu’s question seeps into Tobio’s ear canal, dripping into his gut, congealing to his ribs like sludge. He clenches his fists and focuses on breathing through his nose. In and out, in and out.
Date? He tries not to let the word get to him, but - date? Why is Hinata going on dates when he has Tobio? They may not be exclusive, and Tobio is certainly no nun when they’re apart, but he doesn’t date. He watches them anxiously from the corner of his eye, his stomach suspended in air, waiting for the drop.
“Ha,” Hinata chuckles awkwardly, “I broke it off.”
Good answer.
“What, why?” Atsumu squawks. “That was only three days ago, what changed?”
Hinata’s eyes find Tobio’s on instinct, expression unbearably soft. Tobio’s lips twitch into his own dopey grin - he can’t help it. He really wishes he hadn’t ruined that hug earlier.
Atsumu scoffs. “Gross, have some pride, man. No one wants ta see you two drool over each other all season.”
Hinata giggles. Tobio doesn’t find it very funny.
By some miracle of god, Tobio manages to keep his anger in check once they hit the court. There’s even some semblance of normalcy between he and Atsumu once a volleyball is involved, the team falling into a good rhythm. Tobio even forgets about those bad vibes from earlier.
Until they step off the court.
They’re on a break, and Tobio can’t seem to find his water bottle. He looks under the bench, behind a stray jacket, considers maybe he left it in the locker room - until he spots it in Hinata’s mouth, sucking down every last drop.
Tobio barrels toward him. “That’s mine, dumbass!”
Hinata’s eyes go round, caught in the act. He prances around Tobio, keeping the bottle just out of his grip. “Mine was empty! I was choking! Didn’t you hear me cough?”
“Then why didn't you just refill your own? Give it back you mooch!” Tobio’s got his hands all over Hinata, trying to pin him down but it’s harder than he remembers. He’s so fast.
“You want it? Come and get it.” Hinata wiggles his eyebrows, slurps a mouthful of water, and holds it in between his cheeks, lips puckering.
Tobio is so so so tempted to do it, to swoop in and suck the water right out of his smug little face. But with all eyes on them and a sense of unease fogging up his good mood, he takes the easy way out; he smashes his cheeks with both hands, spewing water all down Hinata’s shirt.
They erupt in laughter as Hinata moves to retaliate, wrestling Tobio’s arms to his side. He's laughing so hard his ribs ache and he suddenly decides he does want that kiss, very much so, and he ducks down to steal it. Hinata smiles, leans forward to close the distance, and—
“Ball!” the two leap apart to narrowly avoid a volleyball to face.
Tobio spins on his heels, fuming. That was no accident. He finds himself wondering once again, this time out loud: “What the fuck?”
Unsurprisingly, there stands Atsumu - and Bokuto? - acting all innocent. “Oops, sorry! Ya ok, Sho-kun?”
“Yes, Atsumu, I’m fine.” Hinata says slowly, as if he were speaking to an overbearing parent.
Tobio sets his jaw. “You better work on your aim.”
That box-blonde, arrogant, second-best asshole smirks. “Nah, I think it’s right on target.”
Tobio nearly detonates right then and there, taking one threatening step toward Atsumu - luckily, Coach blows the whistle and they scatter before Tobio can commit a homicide. After a few deep breaths (in and out, in and out) Tobio manages to realign his focus. Yet, there’s an itch in his mind for the rest of practice: why is Atsumu being a dick? Aren’t they friends? At the very least, he and Hinata are close, so shouldn’t he be nice to Tobio?
Hinata doesn’t seem phased by any of it. After practice, he still seeks Tobio out, tangling their fingers together, swinging their arms between them like a lovesick teenager. It’s fucking cute.
“We’re just gonna room together, right?” Hinata beams at him.
Tobio can sense they’re being observed - by Atsumu, yes, but also by Sakusa and an unusually quiet Bokuto. They linger a bit too long, a bit too close, as if his response is being graded. He tightens his grip on Hinata’s hand.
“Yep.”
Apparently that was the correct answer, and he and Hinata manage to escape the locker room unbothered.
Whatever is pissing off the MSBY clique, he’s sure it’ll get better.
2
It does not get better.
Despite Tobio’s best efforts to be friendly, there seems to be a sharp edge to his interactions with some of the guys, especially any time he gets close to Hinata. They leave it off the court, practice going well, but the moment they step out of the stadium, he feels like he’s about to be shanked. He’s only able to ignore their barbed comments and obvious glares because Hinata is acting completely normal - or whatever normal is for them.
Their standard for “normal” is admittedly an odd one.
Some things stay the same, after all - like how he’s been disgustingly in love with Hinata since he was 16. It’s no secret, Hinata has known for years. Yet, it always seemed like the wrong place, wrong time. During high school, he wasted two years worrying that it was unrequited, until one morning, Hinata cornered him in the club room and shoved his tongue down his throat. But by then, Hinata was already slated to set off to Brazil - Tobio, the national team. So they never really dug into the details, just let it build higher and higher until it reached its peak. Yet, it’s hard to build something stable without level ground, and their lack of establishing what exactly they were doing put them at risk of collapse.
Tobio figured they'd just sort their feelings out once Hinata got back for good.
But some things change - in their case, too many things. By the time Hinata was home, Tobio only had one year left before he jetted off to Italy. Instead of disturbing their rocky start any more, they stole moments whenever possible and kept not talking about it. Sometimes Hinata seemed sad. Sometimes it seemed like he wanted to talk.
What would Tobio say?
When Tobio was growing up, romance was only something found in fiction - as big gestures and white weddings and kisses in the rain; as saving the girl from the villain, as riding off into the sunset. It was too big of a concept, too overwhelming, too much pressure to be appealing. He simply resigned himself to being properly alone the rest of his life. And then when this thing with Hinata took off, he certainly didn't have the time nor the proximity to dedicate romance to him, no matter how much he wanted to.
Volleyball comes first. Hinata understands that better than anyone.
So while they’re both here, before Tobio goes back to Italy and Hinata to Brazil, before distance tears them apart again, Tobio is going to soak in every single moment. And he’s determined to monopolize each second of Hinata’s time.
Maybe that’s why everyone is being so mean.
Tobio thinks on this as he’s smashed in a too-small booth between Hinata and Suna, across from Aran, Atsumu, and Sakusa. It gives him an excuse to touch Hinata shamelessly, one arm around his shoulders, practically pulling him onto his lap. This feels good. It’s been awhile since they’ve spent so much time together. And it’d be perfect if it wasn’t for one very irritated man slumped in the seat on his other side.
Suna looks like an angry teenager, face buried in his phone, shoulders hunched up to his ears. Tobio can't tell if he’s playing a game or texting someone or just mindlessly scrolling social media. Either way, Suna’s point rings loud and clear in his silence: he is ignoring Tobio. Just Tobio.
The waiter comes by with their second drink order of the night, Suna’s in a short glass with a single round ice cube. It’s unique enough that it could be a conversation starter, and Tobio is damn determined to make this guy notice his existence.
“What did you get, Suna-san?” He asks.
Suna doesn’t even look up from his phone, simply mumbling “whiskey” under his breath. But when Hinata leans over and proclaims his love for whiskey, Suna’s head snaps up, suddenly all bright eyed and alive.
“Wanna try, Shouyou-kun? It’s technically a rye, it’s so damn good.”
“Yoink!” Atsumu plucks the glass out of Suna’s grip and swallows the whole thing in one gulp, the ice cube knocking into his nose. It only takes a beat before he’s coughing and wheezing, Sakusa patting him through his convulsing. “Tha fuck!! It burns!!”
Everyone is laughing, because Atsumu really is so dramatic.
“That’s a sipping whiskey, idiot.” Suna cackles, phone up and clearly recording. Atsumu has tears in his eyes.
“You asked for it, bein’ all grabby like that.” Aran pats Atsumu’s other shoulder.
“Eh, it was only a matter of time before he started crying - he’s always been a drunk cryer.” Suna adds.
"'M not drunk!"
“Only drunk? I saw him cry once at camp over his skin care routine.” Tobio snorts.
When he earns a chorus of cackling, Tobio grins to himself, finally relaxing. Maybe he found something they can all bond over: making fun of Atsumu.
Sakusa’s nose wrinkles. “I’ve cried over my skin care routine. It’s a serious event, I don't see the big deal.”
Their laughter builds again, loud enough to incite a few glances from surrounding tables.
“You two were literally made for each other. I don’t know anyone who cries more.” Hinata crows, wiping his own tears from his eyes.
Tobio tries to keep the momentum going. “You have no room to talk Sho, you cry all the time.”
“Hey!” Hinata pinches his side, Tobio immediately fisting a hand in his hair. Cue their typical pushing and shoving, which only brings Tobio closer to Hinata, nose to nose. Tobio has the sudden realization that he is so okay with PDA - he could kiss him all the time if given the chance.
But there’s a stiff silence that distracts him, everyone else done laughing. Atsumu wretches while Sakusa physically recoils. Those assholes really are made for each other.
“Maybe that’s because someone makes him cry.” Suna says haltingly.
Tobio turns to him open-mouthed, unsure if he’s more insulted or confused.
“Ignore him, Tobio-kun. He’s just jealous.” Aran handwaves furiously.
“Who are you texting anyway, Rin-kun?” Hinata asks, topic-hopping like it’s his Olympic sport. Tobio is so grateful for him. He feels that urge to mash lips bubble up again.
Atsumu snorts. “My ass of a brother, ‘m sure.” That’s right. Suna is dating the other Miya. What’s-his-name. Ots…mu?
“Yes," Suna locks eyes with Tobio, inclining his chin, "I like to stay in contact with my boyfriend when we’re apart."
Ok, but really... what the fuck?!
Tobio is about to ask as much - ask him what the hell he means, what his beef is, but Aran interrupts again in mock-surprise. “You don’t say! You only haven't looked up from your phone in 30 minutes. Honestly, it’s real nice of you to finally join the dinner conversation.”
Suna sighs, slumping back down in his seat and Aran soars to the top of Tobio’s mental list of allies. He managed to break the tension, but Tobio and Suna mutually avoid conversation the rest of the night.
Tobio asks Hinata about it later, when they’re in bed, Hinata curled up against his chest as he combs a hand through soft, orange hair. His breathing is evening out, almost on the edge of sleep.
“Do you think Suna hates me?”
Hinata hooks his chin on Tobio’s collarbone, eyes barely open. “What? Mmm, no, he’s just always like that.”
“Are you sure? He’s sure nice to you.”
“Everyone is nice to me, except you, Bakagayema.” He smiles then, full set of white teeth on display, and Tobio’s heart clenches. He decides to drop the topic, opting to kiss Hinata’s stupid face raw.
3
During the pre-Olympic season, most of the players choose to stay in the dorms provided in Tokyo. Tobio has his own apartment about 15 minutes away, but he can’t say no to the quick walking commute to the stadium. Plus, he and Hinata get to stay together, so why would he go elsewhere?
He supposes it’s some sort of a bonding experience with the guys, too. Probably. He wouldn’t really know since he and Hinata ride around in each other’s pocket, their routine air-tight with very few moments where they’re apart. One of which, however, is in the morning - after their jog and before they toss around a ball for a few hours, Hinata goes off to meditate while Tobio prepares a hearty breakfast for the two of them.
Despite what people may think, Tobio does have friends besides Hinata. Specifically one who always joins him in the kitchen: Ushiwaka.
Tobio considers him a best friend, if he had to choose someone besides Hinata. Ushiwaka understands Tobio without needing too many words, their friendship blooming through a series of grunts, physical proximity, and a religious view of volleyball. It’s nice to have someone like that. Tobio isn’t so lonely with Ushiwaka around.
And so, in the quiet of 7am, Ushiwaka reads the paper (or, the ads in the paper) while Tobio cooks in shared silence.
On this particular morning, Bokuto surprisingly joins them, bringing with him his usual loud dumbassery, which is kind of grating. But Tobio figures he can handle him for one morning; Bokuto, although not particularly friendly, is the only MSBY member on the national team who doesn’t act like he wants to tear Tobio’s head off. Consider this his white flag.
“Keiji makes eggs like that.” Bokuto hovers too close, peering over his shoulder as Tobio places the lid on the pan, “He says it's like boiled but even better!”
Keiji… Keiji Akaashi, Tobio remembers. Who is now technically Keiji Bokuto. High school sweethearts who tied the knot basically right after Akaashi graduated. Tobio has always been a little envious of them, but right now he’s more curious than anything.
“Bokuto-san, don’t you and Akaashi live in different cities?” He asks, keeping a watchful eye on his eggs.
“Only sometimes! We have an apartment in Tokyo and a condo in Osaka, which makes it a lot easier during our busy season.” He grins, proud of this, but it only furthers Tobio’s confusion.
“Wait… you’re in a long distance marriage.”
“Well, yeah, duh! It’s hard sometimes, but we’ve gotten used to it over the years.”
Ushiwaka peers over his newspaper. “Tendou and I make long-distance fun. Visiting tourist traps in Paris during breaks feels like a vacation for both of us.”
“What??” Tobio swivels his head around. “You and Tendou are dating? He literally lives in another country!”
“Yes, it's been two years officially now.”
Perhaps there are some things he still doesn’t know about Ushiwaka. Relationships apparently can’t be communicated telepathically.
“Don’t you miss each other?” Tobio misses Hinata all the time. Even right now.
“I think we’d miss each other anyway. Together or not. It just makes sense to be committed.” Ushiwaka says sagely, Bokuto nodding his head with him.
“But how do you have time to be committed?”
Ushiwaka lays the newspaper flat on the table, eyes stern, deadly serious. “I make time.”
Tobio chews on that for a minute: he always thought long-distance relationships were just a step away from a break up. But they make it seem so easy.
“It's kinda part of the gig,” Bokuto adds. “Unless you have a partner who can drop everything to travel with you, you just have to go with it. That's the life of a professional athlete! Might as well be with someone who understands, even if they are halfway across the world, right, Ushibuddy?”
Tobio’s jaw is in a crater somewhere at his feet, and it takes the sizzle of his burning eggs to reboot his brain. Shit.
“Actually, Tobio-kun?” Bokuto says slowly. “Can I be blunt with you?”
He nods dumbly, turning off the stove in time to save his eggs. When he turns around, Bokuto is in his face, his cheery expression dropped, leaving behind that aura, the same aura all of MSBY seems to have with him. Tobio almost puts his hands up to defend himself in case Bokuto throws a punch.
“If you hurt Shouyou again, I will kill you.”
Huh??
The words knock the air right out of Tobio’s lungs, audibly gasping. Bokuto’s face splits into a carefree grin again. “Ok good talk, I'm off! Enjoy your breakfast, boys!”
Bokuto disappears as quickly as he came, leaving a dumbstruck Tobio to stare at Ushiwaka. His friend simply shrugs and goes about reading his newspaper.
He can’t recall a time recently that he’s hurt Hinata - not intentionally, at least. Yeah, it hurts when they have to separate, or when Tobio has to draw the boundaries between them. But it’s a mutual pain, one they both know is necessary for survival.
Right?
Tobio feels like he’s finally getting closer to figuring out why he’s been black-balled.
4
He’s not stupid. Ok, maybe he kind of is, but he isn’t that stupid. Tobio now knows that the MSBY gang and their extended posse have some beef with him over Hinata, but he doesn’t totally understand why. For one, it isn't any of their business, but two, what’s there to be so upset about? He and Hinata have been together - in their own way - for years; longer than any of those guys have been close to Hinata. None of them knew him while he was in Brazil. They don’t know anything.
Regardless, it’s enough to make Tobio self-conscious when he’s around them, like he has to handle Hinata with kid-gloves or they’ll jump him. But since he and Hinata’s love language is teasing and jabs, it’s easier for him to just avoid him altogether whenever the team is present.
It only takes one day of this added distance for Hinata to call him out.
“So... are you mad at me or something?” He asks, toweling his wet hair, fresh out of the shower.
Tobio sits on their shared bed, his legs dangling off the side. He’s got his journal balanced in his lap, pretending it takes all his focus to write his notes. If he looks at Hinata, he knows he’s a goner. “Hm? No?”
“You've acted weird all day at practice. Like… fake-nice. I totally messed up my serves twice and you didn't say a single thing.”
“Ummm…”
Hinata’s palms land squarely on Tobio’s thighs and he nearly jolts out of his skin. “What's with that, huh? Are you babying me?”
“Uh,” Tobio’s mouth goes wobbly, averting his gaze.
“Do you think it's not worth being honest with me?” Hinata sounds hurt, and that’s the last thing he wants him to think.
“What? No!” He places his journal to the side, cupping a hand to Hinata’s cheek. “Yeah you fucked up twice but, I-I don’t know. I figured you realized it and didn’t need me jumping down your throat about it.”
Hinata stands up straight, plucking both fists on his hips. “Who are you and what have you done with my Tobio?”
My Tobio, my my my.
He goes a little lightheaded, gets to his feet to walk it off. “Sorry. I guess I've just felt kinda off lately. Getting used to the team and everything, probably.”
“Pfft, if Atsumu is still giving you grief, just ignore him. He lives for the drama.”
He chuckles a little at that one. “I really am sorry. I didn't mean to act strangely.”
Hinata smirks. “I forgive you.”
“Well, I forgive you, too.”
“For what!”
“For your terrible serves!”
“Kageyama!” Hinata launches himself bodily at Tobio, wrestling to get the upper hand. Tobio manages to drive him back into the wall, pinning his wrists above his head. Hinata’s eyes are rounded, mouth parted as Tobio towers over him. He drinks in that look like a dying man in a desert.
“Hey,” Hinata stretches his neck to try to make contact, Tobio standing his ground - he likes to make him work for it. “If you wanna make it up to me, I have an idea.”
“Oh yeah?” Tobio leans down, bumping noses.
“Come with me to a party tonight!”
Tobio drops his wrists and turns away. “I’m out.”
“Come onnnn, come with come with come with! It’ll be fun!” He grips the back of his shirt, as if the squirt could physically pull him along.
“No thanks.”
“Everyone is going! Ushiwaka and Hoshiumi and Aran,” he lists all three of Tobio’s friends, “and even Omi-kun promised.”
He’s about to shut him down, but Hinata wraps his arms around his middle, voice pleading. “Tobiiii, don’t make me show up alone.”
‘If you hurt Shouyou again, I will kill you.’
With a long, exaggerated groan, he finally relents. “Fine.”
“Yesssss!!” He squeezes him tighter, nearly breaking a rib in the process.
“But we go early so we can leave early.” Tobio grins, his voice low and collected, “I have an idea how you can make up for those terrible serves after.”
Hinata’s face goes blood red, and he takes a flying leap into Tobio’s arms, tree-frog legs winding around his hips. Tobio slides their mouths together, kissing him in earnest to seal the deal.
-
By the time they actually get there, the party is in full swing. Hinata unglues himself from Tobio’s side immediately and Tobio retreats to the safety of a wall. From there he can watch everyone get plastered and mind his own business. And no one will stab him in the back if it's against the wall.
Parties aren’t exactly his thing, but at least there are several friendly faces, as promised by Hinata. Hoshiumi is shot-gunning a red bull, Hakuba and Aran are arm wrestling on a table, Komori even spots him and waves.
Komori is nice enough when he isn't around Sakusa, since Sakusa is a part of the anti-Tobio club. He has no clue what he could have done to piss off Sakusa - would he really be the type to get defensive over Hinata?
As if summoned on command, Sakusa appears next to Komori, stops in his tracks, and makes a beeline for Tobio. He gets the distinct urge to flee, but stomps it down: he’s no coward. He lifts his chin and seizes Sakusa’s gaze. But instead of initiating a fist fight, he casually leans on the wall beside him.
“Kageyama-kun.”
“Sakusa-san.”
They exchange a curt nod, followed by an extended silence. It stretches so long that it actually becomes comfortable, Tobio more interested in watching Hinata dance with Atsumu. He hides a smile behind his fist - it’s really fucking cute, the way they flit around, doing their little dance. Shouyou wipes at his forehead and catches Tobio’s eye, waving wildly as if they didn’t walk in together a half hour before. Tobio huffs a laugh.
“I’m going to tell you something because we’re friends.”
Tobio almost hits the ceiling, forgetting Sakusa was even next to him. “We are?” News to him.
“Shouyou had a boyfriend at one point. Lasted a couple months, too.” Sakusa speaks deliberately, like he has to physically pry the words from his mouth.
“I dont care.” Tobio lies - he cares a little. He wonders why SakuAtsu is so obsessed with Hinata’s dating history, anyway. It’s starting to piss him off.
Sakusa’s expression darkens. “We all met him. He was really good to Shouyou, too. Kind and thoughtful and understanding. And available.”
“Ok?” He grinds through his teeth.
“You wanna know what happened?”
“No—”
“You came to town. From my understanding, it was work related, it’s not like you specifically came to see Shouyou. But, still, you called and he came running.” He turns on Tobio then, hooking a finger under his mask to pull it down his chin. “Shouyou didn’t even break up with the poor guy properly until a few days later.”
He pauses, his head cocking slowly like a zombie in a horror film. It sends shivers down Tobio’s spine. “There was real potential there. And If that was the love of his life and he missed the chance to be with him because you called just to fuck around, that’s on you.”
Tobio feels itchy. “Listen Sakusa, Bokuto already gave me the shovel talk—”
“This isn’t that.” Sakusa hisses. “This is simply me telling you: Shouyou has options. Lots of them. And he won’t wait around for you forever, so you better figure your shit out fast.”
A sour memory fills his chest. Something Hinata once said…
I’ll be here. I’m always here.
Will he be?
“That is all. Just thought you should know.” Sakusa kicks off the wall and stalks away before Tobio can gather his thoughts.
His head is spinning - he never considered that Hinata could move on from this, from him.
For the first time since the season started, since the team has been staring daggers into his back, he feels like he deserves it.
5
Tobio doesn’t think about Sakusa’s warning again for a few weeks. Practice really starts to pick up, and the only thing he has room for in his head is volleyball. It’s actually kind of nice, to be so consumed by the thing he loves most while also spending time with Hinata.
It’s been eye-opening for Tobio. Romance to him no longer looks like big gestures, kissing in the rain, massive declarations of love - no, romance looks more like jogging together in the mornings, and buying extra snacks, and talking until the late hours of the night. Romance is helping each other be better, in volleyball, in life. Romance is also Hinata chewing Atsumu’s head off for making a snide remark in Tobio’s direction, or calling Suna out when he acts like a dick.
Here, wedged in between life’s big moments, Tobio finds he’s being swept off his feet.
The other guys have mostly backed off of him as of late. The deeper they get into the season, the more their professionalism comes out, all too focused on the upcoming Olympic trials to deal with drama. Things seemingly fall into place. That is, until one practice.
It doesn't even happen over something big. He and Hinata start going at it after a particularly rough practice match where Hinata screws up his set not once, not twice, but three times in a row. His form is off, total garbage, and romance to Tobio is him making sure Hinata knows he’s failed. Knows he can do better. It’s the only way to improve.
On the third failed attempt at a set, Tobio spins around to glare, Hinata already on the defensive.
“That one wasn’t that bad!” He crosses his arms defiantly and Tobio can’t believe he’s trying to get away with this bullshit.
“Are you insane? It was terrible!” Tobio marches up to him. “Who taught you how to set? Your little sister?”
Hinata’s eyes are on fire, knuckles cracking audibly as he invades Tobio’s space. He’s a little surprised how ready Hinata is to throw hands over an objectively bad set, but emotions are running high.
“I actually learned from years and years of watching you, your highness. Sorry I don’t have enough of a stick up my ass to keep my form straight.”
Tobio grabs a fistful of Hinata’s shirt, nearly yanking him off the floor. Hinata kicks his ankle to throw him off his balance, but Tobio’s got excellent reflexes, and makes sure if he’s going down, he’s taking this little shit with him.
His spine hits the floor and the wrestling begins, their fingers linked as they struggle. Hinata buries a knee in Tobio’s ribs and that’s the final straw - he wrangles his hand away and punches him (lightly!) in the gut, Hinata doubling over and rolling onto his back. They both are breathing heavily, and Tobio barely registers the sounds of someone yelling at them, someone who isn't their coach.
Sitting, Tobio cranes his neck up - really far up - to meet the twisted scowl of that two-meter tall guy, whose name he cannot remember.
“Really, Kageyama? Starting a fistfight during practice? I’ve had just about enough of you berating him. Grow up and lay off.”
A ball dropping to the gym floor echoes to the ceiling, a hush falling over the team. Tobio’s face burns, unsure if he’s more embarrassed for himself or for this guy - he and Hinata getting physical isn’t anything new. Clearly he clearly isn't used to the way they are around each other.
Tobio says as much. “Where have you been? We always argue. This is our thing.”
“Sounds like a pretty toxic thing to me.”
Tobio looks to Hinata, who’s shrinking into the floor. “Hyakuzawa-kun, it's really ok. Kageyama is right, anyway…”
The giant throws his hands in the air, growing impossibly larger. “Stop letting him treat you like that! At least not here where we’re all forced to watch.” And with that - along with a pissed off glare from their coach - he walks off the court and parks himself on the bench.
Getting to his feet, Tobio helps Hinata up, both mumbling a quiet sorry. He can hear a mortifying amount of chuckles from the other guys and Tobio has never wanted to quit a practice so badly.
He doesn't. He decides to just stick with his friends from the Adlers for the rest of practice. It's not that he's mad at Hinata, they aren’t even fighting, just getting some space to avoid scrutiny from their teammates during breaks and free-practice. He’s grateful he even has a few friends since everyone else seems to hate him.
And why? Why exactly do they hate him with Hinata so much?
It's later, during drills, while he’s benched with Ushiwaka, Hoshiumi, and Komori, he finally feels safe to ask.
“So, do you know why half the team hates me?” He steeples his fingers in front of his face, elbows on his knees.
Hoshiumi blinks. Ushiwaka blinks. Komori blinks.
“They don't hate you,” Komori says at the same time Ushiwaka declares “It probably has to do with Shouyou.”
He looks between them, deflating. “I’ve figured out it's Shouyou-related. But why? Shouyou doesn’t hate me - in fact he likes me just fine.”
“Well…” Hoshiumi squats in front of Tobio, like he’s talking to a child. “You two have a pretty, um, unique relationship.”
“Ok? And?”
Hoshiumi glances at Ushiwaka, as if to ask for permission to continue. “You’re dating when you're in the same town, but you're not dating any other time? And they’re probably a little defensive. Everyone loves Shouyou.”
Tobio drops his hands to his lap. “I don’t get it. If Shouyou likes me, and I like Shouyou, what does that have to do with anyone?”
Hoshiumi lets out a groan, standing up to pace around a few steps. Tobio waits patiently for an answer, any answer that makes sense.
It’s Komori who finally speaks up. “Ok, listen, I think they’re being awfully unfair, so I'll tell you. Kiyoomi says you're leading Hinata on.”
Oh.
Tobio’s face twists. “It's not like I'm forcing him to be with me or something.”
“We know that, but people get invested,” Komori sighs. “Especially when they have to be the ones who see him cry over you all the time.”
A boiling silence fizzles between them.
Tobio can’t believe what he’s hearing. “Cry all the time? Over me?”
“Don’t act stupid,” Hoshiumi snaps. “They're saying when you guys are apart, you're a shit boyfriend. Or not a boyfriend at all, which is probably the real problem. It’s wearing on Shouyou. You have to know that. Even you can’t be that oblivious.”
Hoshiumi is usually blunt with him, but for some reason, this just feels mean.
“Hoshiumi, Komori,” Coach calls from the court, “you're in this rotation.”
“Yes, coach!”
The two jog away leaving Tobio a mess of feelings. He never thought he was leading Hinata on. Shouyou knows Tobio loves him. He may have never said it out loud really, but he has to know. Right?
Tobio miserably pieces it together: he and Hinata aren't on the same page anymore.
“...I cry too, you know.” The words slip out, a secret between him and Ushiwaka. His chest aches.
Ushiwaka places a warm hand on his shoulder, squeezing twice. “It’s hard to be far away from a loved one. It easily mucks up the waters, makes things messy.” Tobio feels his eyes sting, trying to steel himself. “And I want you to know I support you, Tobio. I think your romantic relations are much more complicated than people understand. But I also think you should consider what they’re asking. What is Shouyou to you? What do you want from him? And if it’s a relationship, a real one, then what are you waiting for?”
What is he waiting for?
+1
A break comes at a much needed time for the team. Olympic qualifiers are over, and they get an entire week off. That just means a whole week without formal practice, but Tobio and Hinata will still practice every day. It also gives Tobio plenty of time to think, think some more, and then overthink.
And Hinata, sweet social butterfly that he is, insists they go to a club one night. He begs Tobio, claiming the whole team is going, as if that's any incentive. Everyone is bringing their significant others, as if that will motivate him. We’ll miss you if you aren't there, as if that's the truth.
Truthfully, Tobio would rather be shunned forever than go to a bar, get drunk, and risk committing his thoughts to words before he figures them out himself. The things he needs to say to Hinata are delicate, emotional, personal. But he can't exactly tell him no, so he compromises: he'll meet Hinata there later after going on a long jog to clear his head. Which means by the time he shows up, everyone is properly sloshed.
The bar they chose is shitty, cramped wall to wall with Olympians casually humping each other like a Greek orgy. The music is way too loud, the bassline thundering in his chest so hard he might stroke out. The air is thick and smells like sweat and booze and bad decisions.
Hoshiumi greets him at the door, kissing him on the cheek and shoving a drink in his hand - not a great start to the night, but who is he to tell Hoshiumi no? He bounces away and Tobio marches to the nearest wall for comfort.
He takes a moment to scan the crowd - orange hair pops out between bodies like a light, and Tobio is nothing but a humble moth, the pull to chase after him stronger than gravity.
But before he can make his move, he’s woken from his Hintata-induced trance by a body slamming into the wall next to him. It’s Sakusa. Again. Tobio sends him his nastiest glare he can muster, cuz this is his wall and Mr. Clean should find his own space to be a loser.
“I’m sorry, is this wall taken?” Sakusa asks dryly.
Tobio slowly blows hot air from his nose, to really give the impression he’s annoyed. When Sakusa squints and makes no move to leave, Tobio reluctantly scoots over. They are apparently friends, or something.
He gets a strange sense of deja vu.
And - crap - now he’s lost track of Hinata. Lifted on the balls of his feet, he can make out the top of his head, along with Atsumu and Bokuto; all three are doing some sort of choreographed dance, but Hinata’s too short to see. Tobio cranes his neck.
“I’m gonna need another drink if I have a chance of going out there.” Sakusa blurts, drawing his attention from Hinata yet again.
Tobio holds out the cup he’s been crushing in his fist. “Want mine?”
Sakusa turns green - heh. “Disgusting. No, I mean,” he pauses, his eyes sliding to Atsumu, Hinata, and Bokuto, then back to Tobio, “I can’t believe I’m telling you this but, there’s a better spot to - just, ugh. Come to the bar with me? I’ll buy.”
Tobio needs another drink like he needs a hole in the head - the one Hoshiumi forced on him tastes like gasoline - but Sakusa seems antsy and Tobio is his friend. Apparently. He’ll take any opportunity to make nice.
“Ok.”
Sakusa peels himself off the wall and Tobio stalks behind him in silence, his shoes sticking to the floor with every step. Once Tobio plants himself on the bar stool, he realizes this is a front row seat to those three morons doing their little synchronized dance. And damn, Tobio’s little moron is really sexy, rolling his body as if he’s a goddamn professional. Tobio barely notices the others anymore. Atsumu and Bokuto, who? Although, he does wonder how they all know those moves…
“They practiced that dance for hours.” Sakusa supplies like a creepy mind reader, shoving a new drink in Tobio’s hand.
They go quiet, both a captive audience to the trio’s dumbassery. At one point, Atsumu lifts his sunglasses to wink in their general direction. Tobio chases Sakusa’s line of sight, directly locked onto Atsumu, too.
“Who wears sunglasses inside a bar, anyway?” Tobio baits, taking a wild guess.
“Douchebags.” Sakusa grunts, but his lips are curved into a fond smile. Ah. So it's serious.
When Sakusa catches Tobio staring, his disposition shifts. There’s a sudden alertness that wasn't there before, a small panic rushing to his face as they blink lamely at one another. Tobio offers a sympathetic nod - Sakusa shrugs - that’s that. An understanding, a secret treaty bonds them wordlessly. At least he isn’t getting scolded this time.
Finally, he thinks. He’s made an ally out of one of them.
Tobio doesn’t really want to hold this cup of mystery liquor anymore, tipping the whole thing back in one big swallow. It tastes like straight up fire, but in the way that makes his limbs sizzle, his heartbeat kick up against his ribs, makes him jittery and ready to leap off a building. It's way better than the diesel fuel Hoshiumi fed him earlier.
“What the fuck did I just drink?”
“Tequila.”
Great. Danger alcohol. Sounds a lot like Tobio needs to slow it down or risk winding up a stumbling drunk. Much like a visiting Akaashi (Keiji?), who is clearly overserved, tumbling into the middle of the dancefloor to drag Bokuto away by the collar. Simultaneously, Suna barrels into Atsumu, lifting him off the ground and spinning directly into Aran and Miya number 2 (Osma...Osuma…), who look ready to obliterate them both.
Which means…
Tobio blinks and Hinata is bounding up to him, very quickly invading his space.
“Kageyama!” He bats his big brown eyes at him. Under the flashing neon lights of the bar, Shouyou’s hair is painted almost a flagrant yellow, so bright and quick like a bolt of lightning that Tobio wants to reach out his hand to see if he’ll burn.
So he does. He pets his bangs off his sticky forehead, Hinata glowing under the warmth of his attention.
Absolutely beautiful, Tobio thinks.
“Your forehead is like a slip n slide,” Tobio says.
Hinata giggles around one of his annoyingly bright grins, giving Tobio’s thighs a squeeze. He knows all too well that Tobio’s thoughts often get lost on the way to his mouth.
“You’re pretty sweaty yourself for a guy who hasn’t been dancing. What are you two being all wallflowery for anyhow?” Hinata lifts an eyebrow.
“It’s an infestation out there.” Sakusa says simply.
“Yeah, what he said.” Tobio lies.
Hinata cocks his head, his hands creeping higher up Tobio's thighs. “You big liar! What’s the real reason, huh Tobio? Huh huh huh?!”
He’s got that teasing lilt that melts Tobio’s bones to mush. He backs up in his chair to ensure his useless legs don’t give out on him. He has so much to say to Hinata, needs to tell him, but—
“Oh, I get it! You can’t dance!”
Tobio grimaces. “What.”
“He definitely can’t dance.” Sakusa affirms, Tobio whipping his head so fast it could break his neck. Betrayal! Bad teammate! Worst friend!
“I- I can dance!” Tobio grits through his teeth, never mind the fact that Hinata can read him like a book. He actually can’t dance, or he’s never really tried. Just the idea of it is fucking mortifying. All eyes on him while he rolls his hips? Jiggles his ass? In public?! No chance in hell.
Hinata is smiling brightly again, fucking warmed to the core by this realization. “Ohhoho, no need to be embarrassed!”
He is. “I’m not!”
Hinata grabs his sleeve and tugs, “It’s easy! Come on, Kageyama, I’ll teach you.”
Tobio is puddy in his hands, shooting one last helpless glance at Sakusa - the bastard just waves and retreats back to their once shared wall. Treaty officially terminated!
Hinata shoulders through a few moist bodies, the sheer volume of people on the dancefloor making Tobio a bit dizzy. He stops when they get to a spot he deems big enough for them and turns, grabbing a fistful of Tobio’s shirt to drag his ear to his mouth.
“I love this song, perfect timing.” He yells into his eardrum as the beat of another candy-coated Kpop tune fills his sinuses. Hinata takes a step back to appraise him. “Hm. Ok, first things first, we gotta loosen you up. You still look like you've got that stick up your ass.”
“I’ll stick something up your ass.” Tobio cringes as soon as the words are out. He’s so fucking stupid sometimes.
But Hinata is unfazed, grinning wickedly. “Later. Focus!”
Hinata nabs his wrists and starts wiggling them around. Tobio stands stock still, blushing to the root of his hair. His face burns. His shirt is sticking to his back. He wants to run.
“This is stupid.”
“Shush, let the master work.”
After a few long, long seconds of Hinata flapping Tobio’s limbs around, Tobio clenches his jaw, swallows his pride, and sways. He feels so lame.
“This is stupid,.” He repeats himself.
“Yeah, cuz you suck. Now shut up and follow my lead.”
Hinata takes Tobio’s hands and plops them on his hips, drawing him in closer. Tobio didn’t really think about how... intimate it would be, to dance so close to him face to face.
“Nice, exactly like that. It’s kinda like a hug, right? And then -” without breaking contact, Hinata’s hands crawl up his arm, tenderly stroking from forearm, to elbow, to bicep, until he wraps himself delicately around Tobio's neck, leaving a trail of goosebumps in his wake. Hinata’s tongue slips out to wet his mouth, staring up through pale lashes. A muffled gasp swells in Tobio’s throat and he bites his cheek so hard his teeth clack. Hinata is just… so much. Too much. He can feel the words he needs to say creep their way up his throat.
Tobio snaps his head to the side to break the spell, casting a pleading gaze away - far away - anywhere that his brain can have a moment of reprieve from all that is Hinata. Now is not the time to go professing his love. His eyes find purchase on Ushiwaka, who usually serves as a pillar for Tobio. Instead of support, Ushiwaka turns to a pillar of salt, rolling his eyes so far back they touch the ceiling. Tobio really needs to reevaluate his friendships.
Slender fingers wind their way to Tobio’s chin, forcing his gaze back to honey-warm eyes. “Hey, eyes on me buddy. I’m your partner.”
Partner - that's the word Tobio's been itching to slap on their relationship. It requires zero elaboration, spans the gamut of what they mean to each other, and drops the whole mushy romantic boyfriend concept. It doesn’t fit perfectly, but it’s close. He could ask Hinata if he feels the same. He could do it right now—
“You have to actually touch me, Tobio.” Hinata curls his fingers around the back of Tobio’s neck, pulling him flush against him.
“I am touching you.”
“Touch me better, stupid! Like this.” Shouyou’s hips swirl in tiny circles against Tobio’s front, and hooooo, he feels like he just popped a handful of pills on an empty stomach. It’s just all so public. And Tobio is quickly losing his self-control.
So, fine. Shouyou wins this one - Tobio moves his hips along with him, mindlessly running his hands up Hinata’s sides. He fights the urge to close his eyes and imagine doing the same in the quiet of his bedroom, with less clothing and zero watchful eyes.
“See, easy! All about matching your partner’s rhythm. It’s just like— ”
“Volleyball?” Tobio supplies.
Instantly pleased, Hinata’s eyes widen. “Yes! Exactly!” He rewards him by moving impossibly closer, Tobio praying his knees don’t buckle. “Good, Tobio, that’s right! Small circles with your hips, just like that. Stay loose. And once you get comfortable, we can add in a spin.”
His brain misfires. “Spin what?”
“Spin me! Like this!” Hinata twirls himself under Tobio’s arm, then winds back in, hitting Tobio’s chest lightly. “Now you try.”
He swallows, nodding. Taking Hinata's hand, he whips him out like a frisbee. It’s way too rough and Hinata stumbles on the return, smacking into Tobio’s sternum hard.
A laugh bursts from Tobio’s mouth before he can stop it - it’s loud and breathy and right in Hinata’s ear. He tucks his face in the crook of Hinata’s neck to smother it. Since he’s already there, he presses a kiss to his sweaty shoulder. He can feel Hinata’s own giggle bloom through his chest.
“That was terrible! Do it again, Bakageyama!”
Like a good little dog, Tobio obeys. This time is even worse: their grip breaks and he launches a disoriented Hinata out into the crowd. He spins and spins until finally colliding face first into Atsumu, knocking the sunglasses right off his face. Tobio has to shove a hand over his mouth to stop himself from laughing openly. Atsumu and Hinata also double over, until Hinata grabs his collar and whispers something in his ear.
“Hey Tobio!” Atsumu calls out, “Watch and learn.”
They cross arms, gripping hands, and Hinata goes flying under Atsumu’s legs, untwisting gracefully when he pulls him back through. They do a shimmy and spin, and then Atsumu holds out an arm. Hinata jumps, Atsumu propelling him upside down in some sort of cartwheel around his shoulders.
Oh no, now Tobio is smiling dumbly - he feels the giddiness curve his lips up, but he can’t help it. They’re so fucking cute.
But this is also a challenge. He recognizes it, is ready for it.
The moment Hinata is steady on his feet, Sakusa emerges from the shadows, yanking Atsumu away by the back of the shirt and dragging him to the wall like some kind of eldritch horror. Tobio watches curiously for a moment, until the two start furiously sucking face - wow.
He promptly looks the fuck away, holy shit. Hinata is back to his side, shrugging with a laugh. “So, that’s actually a thing if you didn’t know.”
“I had an inkling.” He really did. He’s pretty proud of that one. “I can do that, too, you know.” He blurts without thinking, again. Goddamn this mouth of his tonight.
Shouyou’s 100-mega-watt-smile hits him like a tsunami, his eyebrows rocketing to his forehead. “Oh I know, Tobio.”
“Shut up, not that.” Tobio squeezes his cheeks. “I mean, whatever you guys just did. That - that dance!”
Hinata bats him off his face. “Ok, prove it. Let’s take it from the top.”
Tobio tries to remember everything as he pulls Hinata flush to him. Small circles, loose arms, match his pace… He tries to concentrate strictly on the moves. Not on the way the lights are coming and going crazy fast, or the way Hinata sparkles beneath them. Or the looks he gives him whenever they get pushed closer to each other. It’s getting increasingly harder to breathe, and something inside begins to beat and scratch against his chest, trying to get loose.
He can’t look at him anymore or risk running his big mouth, so he spins him around so he can properly grind against his ass. Hinata gasps. Tobio chuckles.
“Oh, the student becomes the master, huh?”
“Shush.”
“You shush!”
He then spins him out (gently!) and holds his arm out just like Atsumu did. It’s not as smooth as the way they did it, but it’s close enough, and he hopes Hinata gets the hint.
Without missing a beat, Hinata leaps, but Tobio stumbles, his feet falling out from under him as the two collapse in a heap. Oh, he’s really laughing now, his stomach aching, tears stinging at his eyes.
“Hinata,” he wheezes, “you’re so heavy.”
Hinata scuttles over on his knees, hiking a leg over Tobio’s waist to straddle him.
“Oh, am I too heavy for you? When did you get all weak?” He flicks his forehead.
I’m always weak for you, he doesn’t say. Sitting up, he brushes Hinata’s hair from his forehead once again. His hand lingers, sliding down his neck and resting on his collarbones. They share smiles for a moment, until Hinata wraps his arms around his neck in a hug.
“Lift me!” He demands like a child.
Tobio obliges, because he really is so weak, and also because people are definitely staring. He can see a blank-faced Suna snapping pictures from the corner of his eye. He grips under Hinata’s (very firm) ass and lifts, standing to his feet. He lets him down quickly, trying to shake the attention.
“Again?” Tobio whispers.
“Again!”
This time, Tobio thinks he’s got these dance moves down. He doesn’t have to think so much, his hips moving perfectly in sync with Hinata’s, just like they do on the court, in the bedroom - it makes his spine twitch just thinking about it, his insides squirming with a mix of nerves and arousal. They sway together, ebbing and flowing in perfect unison, custom made to each other.
This is what Tobio wants, he thinks. Forever.
He needs to tell him.
When Tobio whips his arm out again, Hinata leaps blindly, fully trusting Tobio. Somehow he manages to hold him just right, cartwheeling him to the floor.
Then they're both yelling deliriously in the middle of this crowded bar, because holy shit they actually fucking did it! Hinata headbutts him, pain blooming in his forehead, but he doesn’t care.
He loves him. So much.
This time, when all muscley arms and tanned legs leap once again at Tobio, he’s there to catch him. Maybe it’s the tequila, or the adrenaline, or that seeing Sakusa and Atsumu play tonsil hockey was kinda hot (he will never admit that out loud) but he gives in fully. Regardless of Ushiwaka’s knowing grin, or Bokuto’s wolf whistle, or Suna’s paparazzi antics.
Tobio smashes their lips together, Hinata opening up for him easily. Wet and hot and only for him - tell him. But all of his senses are narrowing, pulsing, glowing scarlet - tell him!! His mind totally unravels as they make out, mouth puffy, clothes becoming like a second skin with sweat.
“Wow get a room!” someone - Atsumu - yells, and it sounds like a great idea.
They break apart, Tobio faintly reminding himself to Not pant like a dog, do Not—
“Wanna get out of here?” Hinata is breathless, red-faced.
“Yes!” Tobio says, but it comes out more like a yell. Hinata hooks their arms together and leads them through the crowd and out of the bar.
-
As soon as the night air hits his skin, the world around them blurs. The quiet of the summer buzzes in Tobio’s ears, a light breeze cool like the moon. His throat is dry, his heart swollen, threatening to burst right out of his mouth.
Now. This is the time.
“So?” Tobio says instead, like a coward.
“So what?” Hinata looks up at him quizzically, keeping their arms linked firmly together.
“How was it?”
“Your dancing or the make out sesh?”
Tobio pulls his lips tight to avoid a laugh and pushes him, Hinata cackling and slapping him around a little. “My dancing, loser!”
Hinata shrugs. “Meh, you did ok.”
“Oh come on! I did more than ok!”
“No way, no way! I'll bet you forget everything you learned by tomorrow.”
Tobio pouts, but an opportunity has presented itself. Thinking quickly, he rolls his eyes to the side. “I could do better if everyone wasn’t fucking watching. If you come here I’ll prove it.”
Shocked, Hinata stops in his tracks. He looks around the empty street. “You want to dance here?”
“Unless you’re nervous you’ll suck without an audience.” Tobio grins.
“Oh shut up.”
He wraps him up tight as they sway together. It’s nothing like they were doing earlier, but this is all Tobio’s wants right now. Especially as Hinata buries his face in his neck, breath warm on his collarbone. He rests his head on top of his.
“Hinata?”
“Hmm?”
“Shouyou.”
That gets his attention - Hinata peers up at him, his eyes soft, cheeks pink, and mine mine mine.
“Do you remember a while ago… there was one night I was in Osaka? Right before I left for Italy. You wanted to tell me something?”
Shouyou’s face hardens and he pulls out of Tobio’s embrace, folding his arms to his chest. “Yeah. I remember.”
“Well, I don't want you to tell me anymore.”
“Huh?” Hinata’s expression caves in, and Tobio better hurry the fuck up and tell him before he gets the wrong idea.
“I wanna say it first—”
Hinata takes another step back, a defense mechanism. “Kageyama, this isn't some stupid competition.”
“No, listen to me,” Tobio groans. It’s so hard for him to talk sometimes, he gets frustrated with himself. He needs to - he has to—
“I love you.”
Hinata’s arms drop to his side. “That’s not fair.”
“Let me finish! I love you and I want to put a name to this.” Tobio picks his way over the syllables like stones across a river, careful, like he doesn’t want to get his feet wet or risk falling in and drowning.
“A name to what?” Hinata rolls his eyes.
Tobio reaches out and snatches his wrist. “Come on, I'm serious.”
He lifts an orange eyebrow, skeptical. “Why now?”
“Everyone is judging us, judging me.”
He snorts, “That’s hardly a good reason to start dating someone.”
“Will you just shut up and let me talk?” Tobio snaps. Hinata gestures for him to continue. “They're right. They’re absolutely right. I'm not good with this, I never have been, and for a while I convinced myself you were ok with the way things were. But if these last months have taught me anything, it's that you need more. I need more. I need all of you. And if I have a chance to have you for real, then I want to take it. Regardless of long distance or whatever excuse I've been making up.”
Hinata stares at him, his face painfully blank. Tobio’s belly flutters, his heart pounding.
“You want me to be your boyfriend? Officially?”
Tobio cringes. “I have to be honest with you, I don’t really like that term.”
He offers him a rare I agree with you look. “Ok, so what about partners?”
Originally that was what Tobio was thinking, but now…
“Nah.”
“What’s left then? Husbands?” Hinata slaps his knee like he told a funny joke, but that word feels like slipping into a perfectly tailored jersey. Tobio’s cheeks flush, and he shrugs. Hinata blinks. “Wait, are you serious? You like husbands?!”
Tobio cracks, a smile splitting his face. His hand moves from Hinata’s wrist to his palm, interlacing their fingers. “I kinda like husbands.”
He gives him a minute to process, Hinata going through seven cycles of emotions before grasping Tobio’s hand in both of his. “Huh? No. Really?! No, are you serious? No!”
“I-if you want. Because its all I can think about, but you've kinda said no three times just now so-”
Hinata wraps himself around Tobio, splattering kisses all over his face. “Yes! Yes yes yes yes yes - there I’ve said yes more now!”
He laughs, because it’s ridiculous isn't it? They're ridiculous.
“So, you wanna get married?” He asks, scooping him in his arms to kiss him again.
Hinata inhales, bending the shape of the kiss before opening his mouth.
“I’m going to marry you, Tobio Kageyama!” He screams right into his face, rattling around his already frazzled brain.
“You’re so loud, you dumbass!”
“And you’re gonna marry me!”
“You’re fuckin’ right I am!”
-
Shouyou went public with the engagement pretty quickly, posting a picture to social media by morning - a photo of them from high school, candidly taken with Tobio’s hand buried in Shouyou’s hair. Then a selfie of them from last night, Tobio planting a kiss on his temple.
He snorts. It’s kinda funny. They don't even have rings. Or any sort of plan, considering they'll both be on different continents after the Olympics. But that's ok - they've got time to figure it out. Now that Tobio’s no longer waiting, he finds he’s in no hurry.
He thumb swipes his phone, scrolling the comments on the picture.
Atsumu: feel like ya skipped a couple steps but CONGRATS ily both (even u tobio)
Aran: can we finally stop bullying kageyama now
Sakusa: no i dont think we should
Bokuto: oh oh i say we start bullying tsumu and omi now! since it seems to be working
Suna: LMFAOOOOO
Tobio smiles to himself. He doesn’t need their approval, but it feels good to have it.
Romance is found here, wrapped in sheets and laughing at the stupid things their friends write on instagram. Romance is all the little moments wedged between life’s big events. It's phone calls across time zones, red-eye flights from country to country, making the time, making the effort, making the leap. Romance is everything changing, but one thing staying the same: their love for each other.