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To this day, Wakatoshi has no idea how he managed to convince Oikawa Tooru to date him. On court rivals maybe, but not boyfriends which is why it came to many of their friends’ surprise that Tooru announced that they were dating during their joint training camp with the other schools in the district. He doesn’t exactly blame them for the shock though.
He firmly believed that the animosity between them was overly exaggerated and his boyfriend didn’t initially hate him that much.They admittingly had a rocky start, standing on opposite ends of the court on multiple occasions but they were relatively civil with one another.
At least, that’s how he perceived it.
Wakatoshi was definitely not the most pleasant conversationalist and might have agitated the setter more often than not. Granted, he thought that someone of Oikawa’s caliber was wasted on Aoba Johsai, and he was quite vocal about this opinion. Meanwhile, Tooru was always the more headstrong type, tenacious and analytical. He took everything Wakatoshi said as a backhanded compliment and got incredibly defensive, pushing him to prove he could build his own team that utilized each individual player’s strengths. They both were prideful individuals that strived for victory, so of course they were more focused on their individual paths to achieve it.
In the end, it was a battle between a fruitful garden versus a carefully crafted greenery. Each was strong and prosperous in their own ways–only to be thwarted by a herd of crows. Perhaps, it was due to both their worthless pride that they lost, yet it is this same pride that pushed them to blossom into better players in the end.
It didn’t surprise him when he saw Oikawa waiting for him near the corridor after his devastating loss, in the same hallway that he had foolishly berated OIkawa after their loss to Karasuno. He had gestured for the rest of his team to go on without him, knowing well enough the setter was waiting to give him a taste of his own bitter medicine.
He had unfairly criticized him for his poor choice in teammates, so he expected that the setter would wish to do the same. He deserved it. He justifiably needed to be shamed for being arrogant, for being a poor teammate and by default, a terrible captain. Whatever Oikawa was going to throw at him, he was ready to accept every taunt and snide insult. No matter how much it would sting, he was going to take it with a grain of salt.
Except Oikawa doesn’t pick a fight with him. Rather, he stood there with a nonchalant expression.
“You know why I’m here.” His gaze shifted towards him expectantly, probably analyzing his posture and the dejected way Wakatoshi avoided his pointed stare.
“I lost.”
“It was an impressive game, as expected from Shiratorizawa. All of your players were competent, your setter worked well with you, and even your little rookie held his own despite the mistakes he kept making, and though I hate to admit it, it was a near flawless performance from you nonetheless.” He huffed, shaking his head in disapproval as he placed his hands on his hips, muttering disbeliefs, before quietly adding, “I may have some notes.”
“I’m surprised that you are trying to comfort me.”
‘Honestly, same. I was so ready to rub it in your face too, but I know for a fact that you don’t need that right now.”
“That’s… really mature of you Oikawa. Thank you.”
He bowed, and the other boy flubbed out an additional response, slightly offended by the backhanded compliment.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m totally going to rip you a new one the next time Ushiwaka!” Next time? “Just you wait, I’m not going to be pulling any punches!”
“You have plans to see me again despite the season being over?”
He watched Oikawa’s face illuminate a pink glow, sputtering incoherently. It was… cute. There was an unusual urge to tease him, but he decided otherwise.
“So, you mentioned you had notes?”
Several unofficial “practice matches”, impromptu sleepovers, and a few failed confessions later, and he and Oika– Tooru started dating. They worked well together, always making time for each other, and really got to know each other.
The sole exception to this was graduation as both Aoba Johsai and Shiratorizawa’s commencement ceremonies were around the same time frame. This unfortunately meant that they had yet to meet each other’s families, and though it was a pity, it was an understandable delay. Meeting your significant other’s parents is an important event and shall be treated as such.
There was however a different small issue, really a minor setback and inconvenience, but not problematic– long distance dating.
Their university applications were already sent out prior to the Spring Tournament, so attending different schools was inevitable. Besides, their intended fields were vastly different, Wakatoshi choosing engineering per his mother’s wishes while Tooru was dead set on astrophysics since he was a child, so it would be illogical for either of them to insist the other go to a less beneficial field for the sake of being within coupling distance.
They thought nothing of it though. They were dating while attending two different schools, so this would not be any different. Rather, they made due with calls every other day, ranging from a meaningful 20 minutes to catch up to a 3 hour debate between trivial manners like “who’s the superior Robin” or building the ideal Pokemon team. It wasn’t exactly the best way for them to spend their time, and someone would fall asleep on the other. Wakatoshi wouldn’t have it any other way though.
But… sometimes, it’s not enough.
It was during their semi-daily video calls, his boyfriend had been pouting over a series of struggles–a ridiculous lab partner, early morning classes, the piles of midterms approaching, and over all missing him. Ushijima relayed similar sentiments, finding his coursework not necessarily difficult but extensive, and missing the presence of the other by his side. It also made him feel bad that he wasn’t around to hold his boyfriend during this trying time, knowing full well that the other tends to overwork himself til near exhaustion. However, such is their situation. They were busy and their spring break was still a month away…
And that was when Tooru dramatically gasped, dropping his phone on the floor. The video shuffles around the dorm until it realigns with his excited boyfriend’s face, too close to the screen with that determined gleam in his eye that Wakatoshi was always fond of.
“You should stay over at my house for spring break!”
Which brings him to today–Wakatoshi nervously gripping the handle of his suitcase as he scans the train station for a familiar fluffy mop of hair. His boyfriend texted him prior that he was waiting for his train to arrive along with a long list of emojis, conveying his excitement to spend their break together. In response, he sent a semi-detailed description of his surroundings, somewhere between the vending machines and the ticket counter near the central entrance.
His phone vibrated once more, telling him to stay where he is. Mere moments later, he hears a familiar “Yahoo!” and he immediately opens his arms to catch his beautiful boyfriend as he flung himself towards him.
“I found you!”
”Indeed you did,” he chuckles, pressing a soft kiss against the soft brown hair and sighed. They held onto each other tightly. It had been too long since they had been able to do so.
“Hi Toshi,” he whispered low and sweet, mumbling into his collarbone.
Wakatoshi shivered as he felt him ghosting multiple small pecks against his neck, unsure whether it was intentional or not but knowing it wasn’t completely unwelcome. In response, he buried his nose in the familiar spicy sweet scent of his shampoo, easing away the residual nervousness and travel fatigue.
“Hello Tooru,” he sighed back. He needed this more than he anticipated.
Reluctantly, he is the first to break their embrace, silently preening at the fact that Tooru still had a tight grip around the back of his jacket, debating whether to pull him back. He lets him go though and pouts a little bit, to which Wakatoshi couldn’t help but lean down and kiss away.
“We’ll have plenty of time to reacquaint ourselves later, preferably in the comfort of privacy. Until then, will holding my hand be sufficient?”
Tooru scoffed and rolled his eyes, taking the outstretched hand before lacing their fingers together.
“I guess, since you asked so nicely, it'll have to do,” he huffed, but the latter could see the red hue glowing across the nape of his neck. He did not say anything nor point it out, but it was very cute.
“I appreciate your kindness. Shall we head to your home now?”
They left the train station, hand in hand, shoulders brushing against each other every so often as they slightly leaned towards each other, not a care in the world.
It was perfect.
His Tooru was perfect.
A subtle buzz caused his boyfriend to pull away from him once more, leaving only their connected hands as their sole link of contact. He watched him swipe the icon across the screen to accept the call, briefly noting the bold “ Mother Ship ” displayed on top of the adorable image of his dear with his mother. Tooru immediately switched to speakerphone before returning his head back against Wakatoshi’s shoulder.
“Hi Mama~”
<<Hi Tooru! Where’d my baby boy go this fine morning?>>
“I told you, I went to the train station to pick up my boyfriend.”
<<You did? But, he’s already here.>>
What? They both stop walking, staring at the phone, offended. Unconsciously, Wakatoshi’s hand goes slack and his breath hitch, but Tooru grips onto him tighter, grounding him before any unnecessary thoughts could form.
“What are you talking about?” he throws a reassuring glance towards him and smiles, rubbing small circles with his thumb. “He’s right here with me.”
<<Don’t lie to your mother Tooru. Your sister and I found Hajime-chan walking to his house all by himself. And how could you? You need to treat your boyfriend better.>>
Once more, Wakatoshi feels his throat tighten. However, the gentle nudges and squeezes weren’t able to stop the intrusive thoughts this time.
Was… he not supposed to be the one Tooru was dating?
“MAMA! What the hell!!”
<<Auntie, I keep telling you it’s not like that!>>
<<Why are you two yelling at me?>>
“But, that’s not– We’re not!” Tooru lets out a frustrated scream, urgently pulling him along as he speed walks toward his house. Wakatoshi lets himself get dragged, dread and insecurity slowly but surely weighing down on him.
“Cmon Toshi, we need to go save Iwa-chan,” he grumbled then turned back to shout into the receiver. “Stay strong Iwa-chan!! We’re almost home! Don’t let mama do anything silly!”
Ten minutes later, the two were leaning against each other for support. The door swung open, revealing Iwaizumi along with a small, bright-eyed woman. She shook her head disapprovingly at them, but it was followed by a poorly concealed giggle, showing that she carried no malice.
“Iwa-chan, how could you get captured by my mama!” Tooru screamed in exasperation, wildly gesturing towards his mother.
“Tooru dear, you look exhausted. I know you’re excited to see Hajime, but you didn’t have to run the whole way.” She laughs lighty, petting his head in reassurance. Slowly, her head turns towards Wakatoshi, eyes flashing in recognition but immediately drops in favor of a plastered courtesy smile.
“And who pray tell may you be?” Her voice drops into a familiar sugary tone, indicating that perhaps it was a rhetorical question. Furthermore, the way she started to nudge Tooru behind her and stare him down made him more uncomfortable than welcome. Nevertheless, his mother taught him to always be respectful and sincere, so Wakatoshi introduced himself and stated his business. First impressions matter after all.
“My name is Wakatoshi Ushijima. I am currently attending S University to study engineering, and have returned to Miyagi to–”
“He’s my boyfriend Mama,” Tooru interjects, “the one I told you I was inviting to stay over during spring break, that boyfriend–not Iwa.”
“He’s what?” She blinked, eyes darting back and forth between them, trying to process the new information, “But I thought Hajime was–”
Iwaizumi placed his hands on her shoulders, “Oikawa Kaa-san, I already told you, we’re not like that.”
“But you were by our home, of course I thought you were here for Tooru!” she cries.
“I live next door, remember?”
“Hajime-chan!!” she slaps his arm and pouts. “This isn't any way to talk to your elders.”
Helpless, Wakatoshi watches her and Iwaizumi half-heartedly squabble, not noticing that Tooru took his hand again, squeezing it apologetically. He would be lying if he said he didn’t expect some sort of backlash. After all, Oikawas tend to be… overly passionate. It shouldn’t come to a surprise that his mother was equally, if not more, dramatic than his beloved.
Once let in, the couple dropped off Wakatoshi’s stuff in Tooru’s bedroom, then returned to the living room, cuddling respectfully on the couch as Ms. Oikawa and Iwaizumi continued bickering– the elder disregarding every plea and reason why he and her son were not ever going to date.
The reasons presented were facts that Tooru has divulged to him before. Though both cannot deny the other is objectively attractive, they never saw each other beyond the status of friendship, ergo, the potential of becoming romantic partners is null. If anything, it was due to their long standing friendship that they knew it was physically impossible to view the other romantically. It was, as Tooru gracefully put it, “like dating my brother, just no”.
Besides, the latter was in a loving relationship as well (with someone that Wakatoshi is quite acquainted with in fact), but that got brushed off as “trying to lie about their relationship in order to spite them”. It probably did not help that Tooru was considerably vocal about their rivalry, so his mother was justifiably caught off guard by their perceivably sudden relationship status.
It was uncomfortable to say the least.
“Tooru, should I return home?”
“What?” Tooru pushed himself away and looked at him incredulously “Why would you do that?”
“Well,”he paused, thinking of the best way to phrase his concerns “it appears that my presence isn’t welcome. I really would hate to impose.”
“You’re not imposing at all!”
“But your mother–”
“Mama is just being dramatic. You know how us Oikawas are?” he grinned, trying to sound more lighthearted, but the clench against their conjoined hands proved otherwise.
“Tooru…”
Arms wrap around his bicep and he feels Tooru press his face against him.
“Please stay,” he mumbles, pressing a soft kiss on his shoulder, “for me? I want you here.”
Wakatoshi sighed and buried his nose in the fluffy tresses. The tension in his shoulders melted away under the light, comforting strokes of his beloved’s fingers. He truly is powerless against his dearest one.
“As you wish.” Tooru lets out a satisfied hum and rewards him with a kiss.
“She’ll calm down soon, and I promise, once she sees how good we are together, she’s going to love you.”
And Tooru was correct, sort of. His mother’s dispute with Iwaizumi ended when the latter agreed to invite his family and “special guest” to dinner tonight, something that the other mother seemed quite ecstatic to agree to. However, based on what they could hear from the call, she appeared to be equally convinced in the childhood friend’s “finally coupling with each other”.
Moments later, the doorbell rings and Tooru’s mother rushes to welcome her guests. She returns with a petite woman with a sharp gaze.
“It’s been too long Aoi-chan! Glad you were able to make it.” she squealed.
“Yeah, yeah. You’re lucky I love you or else we’d be having serious problems about you kidnapping my son.”
“Aw, c’mon. He was here willingly. I am his favorite afterall~” she winked and dodged the purse that flew towards her head. “Hey, none of that. We have a guest. I hope you don’t mind…”
She turned her head towards Ushijima, warning flashing towards him.
“Tooru brought an acquaintance.”
The mothers retreated to the kitchen to prepare for dinner, later joined by Tooru’s sister who arrived much later with her son in tow. The remaining three adults were left to “entertain” Takeru, which led to Wakatoshi answering all of the younger boy’s volleyball questions–specifically about nationals (much to the Aoba Johsai alumni’s chagrin). Nevertheless, it passed the time.
Once dinner was ready, they gathered around the table, and Wakatoshi did his best not to grimace at the spread. Presented in front of them was a variety of dishes– mapo tofu, tempura shishito peppers, and a roasted fish that was garnished with a variety of vibrant spices. His stomach clenched in warning, knowing full well that everything in front of him was going to be spicy.
Mother always said it is rude to reject food and that pickiness is unbecoming. In their defense, he is the guest, they didn’t know. In fact, he’s not sure Tooru even knew about his aversion to spicy foods. This was his fault in a sense, a lack of communication prior, so he braced himself and tried not to react to every excruciating bite.
He’d like to think that he handled himself quite well, his eyebrow twitching every once in a while. The rest of the table was engaged in chatter, not noticing his perfectly concealed suffering. In addition, sitting next to his beloved, hand on his thigh tracing random shapes and lines, comforted him greatly.
He was doing well. Nothing could ruin his facade as long as he stayed focused, not the fact that he was being ignored, nor the crippling fear of not being accepted. Not even the way Tooru was fishing out the pieces of tofu, careful to avoid the peas floating around the ominous puddle of chili oil, before plopping the spoon down into Iwaizumi’s bowl could deter him. (“Iwa-chan loves tofu,” he shrugs while his mother gives him a scheming grin.)
Or the way Iwaizumi reaches for a piece of tempura with his chopsticks, placing it onto Tooru’s plate. (“You need to eat more vegetables idiot.”)
“Aw, you two are so cute,” Iwaizumi’s mother gushed.
“Yeah, I can’t remember a time where Haji and Tooru weren’t feeding each other,” his sister added.
“They do take such good care of each other.”
He tried his best to block out the comments, but to his misfortune, Takeru noticed he was being quiet, too quiet. From the looks of it, there was a question on his mind that he was dying to ask.
“So why are you here anyways Ushijima-san?” Wakatoshi nearly chokes on a piece of fish. He thankfully passes it off as a small cough.
“Tooru invited me.”
“Why? He hates you.” He takes a bite of rice, unaware of the way the other boy flinched. “Did you force your way in and Uncle Tooru just didn’t kick you out?”
“Takeru!” his mother scolds him, but the damage was already done and Wakatoshi decides it’s better to keep his head down as suddenly everyone’s attention was on him.
“No, no, Takeru is right,” Tooru’s mother lightheartedly chuckles. “Our Tooru wasn’t very shy about his disdain towards you, so we’re all confused as to how you managed to convince him to have you join us Ushiwaka-chan.”
“He actually doesn’t like being called–”
“Hush Tooru, I’m talking to your ‘friend’.” She shushed him and he backed down. “So tell me, how did this happen?”
Wakatoshi could see the malicious glint in her gaze and he starts to sweat, being put on the spot like this. It didn’t help that he doesn’t exactly know the correct answer. It just sort of… happened.
“We started meeting up for unofficial games and became fond of each other.”
“Fond of each other–ha!” the mothers laugh as if what he said was absurd. He had been told that his form of speech was overly formal. Perhaps they felt the same? The thought makes him unsettled.
“Did I say something wrong?”
“No, it’s nothing Ushiwaka-chan. I’m just surprised that Tooru would choose a brick such as yourself over Hajime.” She teasingly turns towards Iwaizumi’s mother, holding her hand with a sad look on her face.
“It’s just such a shame. We had wedding plans for our sons and everything, ne Aoi-chan?”
“It’s okay Kanao. They’re still young, so you never know.”
The two of them giggle amongst themselves, completely ignoring the yells of protest from their sons. Meanwhile, Wakatoshi’s gaze wandered towards the uncomfortable fidget from Tooru’s sister, more so her conflicted expression as her eyes darted between her mother and Takeru. The younger boy appeared just as lost in the conversation, clearly uninterested in the conversation. This went unnoticed however, and the mothers continued to push and prod.
“I can’t say I’m surprised considering my Tooru is highly coveted in both athletics and looks. Plus, you were quite aggressive about wanting my son as your setter. Your attraction to him was inevitable.”
Wakatoshi blinks, trying to digest the pointed words. She had said them so matter of fact, but at the same time, they carried an accusatory bite to them that made his stomach twist. Furthermore, though true, he was not with Tooru for those particular facts alone– and he stated as such.
“I will not deny that Tooru is both skilled and objectively charming, but I do not agree that these traits alone were the sole reasons for why I wished to be with him.” He squeezes his hand and looks at him fondly, “I admire his tenacity and his charisma that makes others naturally gravitate towards him.”
Tooru and his sister “aw”-ed but his mother scoffs at the response, a forced smile ever present on her face.
“Please, this isn’t an awards ceremony. I’m his mother. You think this is the first time someone has been brought to me, wanting a piece of his ass.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“No offense, but you’re a brick, just cold and hard, and overall, not suitable for a fiery, free spirit like Tooru. He needs someone like Hajime to keep him in line. Guys like you only go for pretty boys like him for one thing.” She casted a judgemental glare towards her son.
“It’s a good thing you know how to keep your legs closed.”
“Mama!” Tooru stands up, knocking his chair on the floor. A similar shout came from Iwaizumi as his mother tsked at his friend’s abrupt behavior.
“Hush, Tooru, take Hajime and go do the dishes.”
“But–”
“Dishes, now .”
They glared at each other, but in the end, the boys collected the dishes and retreated to the kitchen, the sound of porcelain clattering the only sign of discontent coming from them.
“Now then, where were we?” she smiles, cheek resting against a curled hand.
“Was that necessary?” Wakatoshi blurts out, unable to contain the edge in his tone. Respect your elders be damned.
“Excuse me?” she gawked.
“Ushijima-san, please watch that tone of yours. It’s coming off as disrespectful.”
“The only ones who are being disrespectful are you two.” Wakatoshi locks eyes with them, his determined gaze burning into their stunned ones.
“Aside from the fact that you have been blatantly disrespecting my relationship with Tooru during the time I have been here, you have spent the majority of this meal pushing your delusional agenda, in front of a child no less.” He pointed towards Takeru who was half-way sinking into his seat, the clear discomfort evident on his face. Takeru’s mother takes it upon herself to nod in agreement, slightly relieved that something was said rather than the conversation continuing.
“I think it might be best for us to take our leave, right Take-kun?” She grabs her son, and heads for the door, patting Wakatoshi on the way out and whispering “good luck” before disappearing.
On the other hand, Iwaizumi’s mother was conflicted for different reasons.
“Wait, Kanao, you told me it wasn’t serious between those two!”
“Iwaizumi-san, apologies, but I have been seeing Tooru since last November of our third year.”
“That long!”
“Kanao!”
Wakatoshi felt slightly bad for the satisfied feeling that welled up as he saw Tooru’s mother start fumbling in her explanation to her friend, but it was deserved. Clearly, she had misinformed her about a few details. He decided to continue berating them though, not quite done pointing out the error of their actions.
“In addition, you dragged Iwaizumi unwillingly into your home despite him repeatedly informing you that he is in a relationship with someone else.”
“My Hajime is seeing someone?” his mother asks softly, the horrified, guilt ridden look on her face speaking volumes. Yes, good, please feel ashamed of yourself and reflect on your actions.
He takes a deep breath, returning to a more calm manner of speaking.
“He’s seeing my former teammate, Semi Eita, a very considerate classmate and one of the most compassionate people I have had the pleasure of working with,” he offers a small smile. “He too is back in Miyagi for the break. I highly suggest taking the time during this break to invite him over. At least one of us deserves a proper meeting.”
“I-I suppose that would be appropriate…”
“Only if Iwaizumi is comfortable with it though. I believe you should discuss this with him first.”
“O-of course,” she looks down before excusing herself. “I should… go. Tell Hajime to come home once the dishes are done.”
Wakatoshi and Tooru’s mother sit alone at the table in silence, only the sound of rushing water filling the tense atmosphere. A lot of his frustration towards the prior events had already dissipated, and with it, a lot of his unease. One insecurity stuck though.
“You honestly expect me to believe that you and Tooru make a good match?” she stared him down, “That he’d bother to get to know you to the level that he knows Hajime?”
“What do you mean?”
She throws her head back and laughs.
“You think I didn’t notice how you were struggling to swallow down dinner or the way you were trying to ignore the way those two were picking each other’s food. That’s over 18 years of friendship that you will never be able to compete with. Those two are so compatible, it’s almost a crime that they’re not together!”
“That’s… I understood this before coming into this relationship.”
“Then you understand the simple fact that you’ll never compare to him,” she leaned back and crossed her arms with a self-satisfied smirk on her face, “If presented the choice between you and Hajime, he’d always pick Hajime–his childhood best friend, his ace, and the only person who understand him better than anyone.”
Her eyes flicker towards the kitchen, noticing that the sound of water has stopped, followed by the increasingly loud pad of footsteps against the lacquer floors. She cleared her throat and scooted her chair back, dusting off the imaginary dirt off her skirt.
“Well, time’s up. I hope you’ll take my words to heart, Ushiwaka-chan. You’ll never mean as much to him.” She smiles once more, any sign of the displeasure melting back into a courtesy smile. “I do hope you enjoy your stay here though.”
A light knock rapped against the thin wooden door, which though strange since it was their residence (more specifically Tooru’s room) that Wakatoshi decided to hole himself in, the considerate gesture was definitely appreciated. Nevertheless, Wakatoshi was the trespasser here. He had no right to keep whoever it was outside of the door.
He says a light “come in” and is greeted by his boyfriend carrying a bowl of small, yellow fruits– perhaps tomatoes?
“Iwa-chan went home,” he mentioned in a nonchalant tone, looking at Wakatoshi’s distant expression from the corner of his eye. He received a nod in acknowledgement, so he pushes the conversation further.
“We happened to hear what Mama said to you too.”
“...”
“Toshi, I’m sorry that she’s being difficult. I swear, she’s just–”
“Do you ever wish you fell in love with Iwaizumi?”
Tooru froze, taken aback by the question.
“Toshi, we’ve been over this, Iwa-chan and I don’t have those kinds of feelings for each other.”
“But do you wish you did?” Wakatoshi felt his voice tremble, afraid of the answer but needing to hear it for himself. “Would it not be easier to be with someone familiar, that you can depend on?”
“Why would I want that?”
“Why would you not want a convenient relationship? He understands you, and you understand him.” Wakatoshi lamented, sounding defeated.
“You two are… compatible.”
“Convenient doesn’t always mean better.”
Tooru tried to put a hand on his lover’s hair, hoping to run his fingers through the short dark olive hair, but the latter flinched away from his touch. With a resigned sigh, he decided to move on to plan B–randomly pushing the bowl from earlier towards him. Wakatoshi looked down at the bright fruits staring back at him, and then back at Tooru with an inquisitive glance.
“Try them.”
Hesitantly, he picks on out, studying the round berry, from the amber colored flesh, to the spindly veins of white and green tracing from the dried cortex from where assumably a stem once laid. Also it was sticky, uncomfortably so… Without a second thought, he pops it into his mouth and bites down.
Immediately, a burst of flavors spread across his palette, sweet but tart, yet also bitter and vegetable like. The overwhelming grassy flavor overpowered all of his senses, and he notes the increasing floral sting as he continues to chew on the flesh, lingering in his mouth even after he begrudgingly swallows the offensive fruit. It was unpleasant to say the least… but he was tempted to try another one.
It was the same sensation, a bubble of tang and earthy notes that should not be mixed together, all unified under unappealing perfume-esque aftertaste. Wakatoshi furrowed his brow and grimaced slightly, still trying to process the sudden invasion on his tongue, positive this was some sort of punishment for once again not being up to standard. Meanwhile, Tooru looked at him with a mixture of amusement and fondness.
“Tooru, I’m finding this rather challenging and am unsure how to not see this as a cruel gesture.”
Tooru tossed his head back and laughed.
“Pretty weird, right?”
“That is an understatement.”
“Tell me about it then.”
“It’s complex to say the least.” he pauses, trying to think of a proper description. “It’s not quite sweet nor sour, but it leaves a residual bite that is unsettling, but it’s more herb-like if anything- bitter and an unforgiving lingering taste. If not for the supple, grape-like texture, I would have mistaken this for a rotten, unripe tomato.”
“Yeah, that sounds like a gooseberry.” Tooru nodded along, a mirthful smile still gracing his features. “They are quite nasty when you first try them. I hated these when I first tried them.”
“Is this your way of breaking up with me?” Wakatoshi blurted out, already feeling his eyes starting to water.
“What? No, never!” Tooru yelled. “What kind of person do you think I am–oh god, you’re crying. Please, no Toshi baby, no. No.”
He pulled Wakatoshi into a hug, stroking his back and whispering assurances until the tears were no longer forming. Eventually, the large boy peered up, pressing his cheek against Tooru’s chest to listen closer to the soothing thump of his heartbeat.
“So if not that, why would you feed this to me?”
“Same reason you keep eating them, because I learned to appreciate them.” He reached over and plucked one of the berries from the bowl, examining it under the soft golden light from his lamp. He tosses it in his mouth and closes his eyes, chewing at it thoughtfully.
“It’s blunt and odd, and it lingers way too long for it to be considered pleasant, yet I find myself thinking about it for hours afterwards–the subtle sweetness hidden behind it’s bold first impression, the firm yet delicate structure–”
Tooru craned his neck down, locking eyes with Wakatoshi as he unwrapped one of his arms to cup Wakatoshi’s cheek, the pad of his thumb rubbing softly across Wakatoshi’s slightly parted lips.
“And there’s something about them that makes you crave more,” he said with a heated gaze. “And I never back down from a challenge.”
“Tooru…”
“I’m hopelessly in love with you Wakatoshi, completely obsessed with you, so take responsibility for driving me crazy all these years.”
And like that, the hand on his cheek pulled him forward, lips pressed against each other in a tender embrace before parting and joining once more. One kiss turned into two, and before long, Wakatoshi felt himself starting to melt into his embrace.
Wakatoshi tried to protest, honestly. The insinuation behind Tooru’s words were not lost on him, making him flustered beyond belief. However, no matter how unpleasant Tooru’s mother was to him tonight, he still held enough respect towards her to not do inappropriate things with her son while she’s most-likely in the room next door.
“Tooru, wait.. you’re mother,” he whispered between kisses, not noticing that he was already lying against the mattress. His arms were wrapped against his beloved’s neck, holding onto him tightly as if he would disappear dare he let go.
“And what, pray tell, are we doing wrong?” Tooru smirks, caressing the rosy hue painting his lover’s cheeks.
“You heard what Mama said. My legs are closed. Yours on the other hand,” he hooks his other hand underneath Wakatoshi’s leg, hiking it up as he presses against him, “you’re wide open.”
Wakatoshi most definitely had enough respect for the matron of the house to not do elicit acts under her roof. That being said, it did not mean he couldn’t be convinced, especially when Tooru was quick to find a loophole.
A wonderful, most pleasurable loophole.