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A low whine is what grabs Sugawara’s attention.
He has just returned from the main hall, where all teams are already gathered for breakfast—well on their way to finishing it, actually. All except for one, in the case of Karasuno. One who is usually among the first in line to eat, always ravenous in the mornings—which made his absence all the more obvious, and weirder.
After a fruitless inquiry with the other first years—which earned only an eye roll from Tsukishima, a confused shrug from Yamaguchi, and a loud, triumphant ‘He’s late? LAZYAMA! I WIN!’ from Hinata—Sugawara exchanged a puzzled glance with Daichi before motioning toward the exit with a tilt of his head. The captain nodded in agreement, and thus Suga found himself alone in the empty corridors of the school a few minutes later, on the way back to their dorm.
When the door opens to a large room filled with sunlight and empty futons, Suga frowns. He steps inside and looks around just to be sure, but there’s no sign of anyone, much less his kouhai. He turns around, thinking that maybe he should check the bathrooms, when it reaches his sensitive ears—it’s muffled and soft, but definitely a whine.
Baffled, Suga checks all around him again, wondering if some small animal managed to slip inside through the windows somehow. It’s the only explanation he can come up with.
He’s about to give up and put it all up to his active imagination when his eyes land on the very small mound covered by blankets not too far from him. On Kageyama’s futon. His heart picks up speed, but Suga doesn’t hesitate to come closer on very quiet feet. When he stops right beside the bedding, the upset sound reaches his ears again, and this time he’s sure where it’s coming from.
Suga lowers himself to his knees and, after taking a deep breath, he reaches out with one hand but leaves it hovering over the small protuberance.
“Hello?” he calls softly, trying not to startle whatever is hiding in there.
There’s some shifting beneath the blankets, followed by an unmistakable whimper. Something inside Suga’s chest tightens at the pained sound, and he finally lets his hand gently land on the unidentified shape.
“Hi there,” the vice-captain greets in a soothing tone, trying not to feel like an idiot in case he’s talking to a lost pet or something like that. “Would you mind coming out? I promise it’s okay.”
There’s a stretch of hesitant silence when his hand makes contact, and Suga wonders what else he could possibly say to convince whoever is under there to come out without frightening them further. Luckily enough, there’s no need for drastic measures—his mysterious companion starts shifting again, and then the blankets are being pulled down.
Suga’s breath falters when he’s confronted with the widest pair of blue eyes he’s ever seen on such a tiny shape. A little person.
A child. On summer training camp. What?
“H—hi there,” the silver-haired teen stutters out again, this time with some difficulty.
“Hi,” comes the quiet reply. The tone is soft and shaky, and Suga wants to coo after he helps little hands push the blanket fully aside, at last revealing his companion. A small boy, with red-rimmed eyes and plump cheeks, who likely won’t reach past Suga’s knees if they stand up. He blinks up at Suga with owlish attention, taking him in with almost disturbing shrewdness for such a little guy.
“Hello, sweetheart. Are you okay?”
The boy bites his quivering lips, as if trying to keep something inside, but his eyes fill with tears that soon spill over as he suddenly shakes his head in a frantic motion.
“Hurts,” he whines, and it’s so heartbreaking that Suga wants to emit the same sound in solidarity.
Still on his knees, the vice-captain shuffles a bit closer, telegraphing his movements as obviously as he can so as not to scare the child.
“Oh, no. I’m so sorry it hurts, sweetheart,” he answers truthfully, extending his hands for the little boy. “I promise I’ll try to help you, alright? Can you tell me your name?”
Blue eyes contemplate his proffered hands for a moment, as if taking their measure, before tiny fingers finally reach for them. His skin is warm and soft to the touch.
“Tobio,” comes the eventual reply, which robs Sugawara of all breath.
He blinks a few times, taking in those slanted, curious eyes. The rounded cheeks. The downy dark hair, ruffled into a soft mess thanks to the blankets.
It can’t be.
“Kageyama Tobio?” he breathes out, and almost chokes when the small boy confirms it with an unwavering nod, gazing up at him with obvious curiosity.
“O—okay. Tobio… do you maybe… do you know who I am, sweetie?”
The way this child tilts his head to the side is eerily familiar, as is the little pout taking shape on his lips as he ponders over Suga’s question. So adorable, oh God. Sugawara has a hard time not squishing the boy—his kouhai, his mind quietly reminds him. What the hell is happening?
“Suga-san!” he suddenly exclaims, his pitch going a bit higher with excitement, drawing a few nervous chuckles from the vice-captain.
“That’s right, sweetheart, good job,” Suga compliments him, gently squeezing his hands. “Now, can you tell me where it hurts?”
The cute pout deepens, and the boy quietly gestures to the spots on his face and arms where band-aids and bruises stand out. Suga winces, recalling that Kageyama was already sporting them when they arrived at Shinzen High—a result of his physical fight with Hinata and Tanaka’s equally physical intervention.
When Tobio presses a small hand to his left side, over the loose white t-shirt that hangs on him like a dress, Suga can’t help but wonder how much pain Kageyama had been hiding since that fight. It seems he will need to have a few words with Hinata and Tanaka soon. However, right now he has to focus on those teary blue eyes gazing up at him with so much expectation, as if Suga somehow holds all the answers.
“Alright, Tobio, I think we need to find you some medication. Would you come with me?”
He’s startled when the little boy suddenly bursts into tears. “It hurts. Want Grandpa.”
The heartbreaking wail is too much for Suga, who can’t resist pulling the child into his arms anymore. Thankfully, Tobio sinks into his embrace, hiding his flushed face against the teen’s chest as he sniffles and quietly cries. Suga soothes him as best as he can, fingers running through messy dark bangs until they are straight again and his little companion has quieted down.
“I’m sorry, darling, he’s not here right now. But I promise we’ll call him, okay?” he murmurs gently into a tiny ear, even as his mind scrambles to figure out how the hell they’ll explain this to Kageyama’s family. How do you tell someone their teenage boy magically turned into a little kid under your care?
The answer he gets is composed of a faint nod and sobs that shake small shoulders, but that’s enough for Suga. Planting a kiss on the boy’s forehead, Suga reaches for a blanket and then carefully stands up, keeping a firm grip on the small body as he covers him with the warm fabric. When he starts walking, tiny arms and legs wrap around him like a koala’s.
In response, Suga’s protective instincts soar as his hug tightens around his charge.
“Alright, baby. Let’s do this,” he murmurs, placing a kiss on the crown of Tobio’s dark head before leaving the room.
As Suga expects—or rather, hopes—the cafeteria is almost empty by the time he returns, indicating that most of the teams have already moved on to the gyms for morning practice.
Unsurprisingly, Daichi is still at the Karasuno table waiting for him—Ennoshita must have been sent ahead with the rest of the team—but he’s not alone. He can see Hinata, Tanaka and Nishinoya on one end, still eating and talking noisily, as they were the last to come down for breakfast. There are also some stragglers from Fukurodani and Nekoma a few tables over, but all Ubugawa and Shinzen students have already left, thankfully.
Taking a deep breath, Suga steps into the ample room and moves in a beeline to their table, his eyes laser-focused on Daichi’s back. He tries to act as normally as possible, but it’s hard not to attract attention when there’s a small child wrapped in a blanket in his arms.
Daichi looks up as soon as he comes to a stop beside him, but Suga hisses between his teeth before he can say anything.
“I need you to come with me. Now.”
The captain’s open expression suddenly creases into a confused frown when he takes in his boyfriend’s current load. Any other time, it would actually be funny to watch the reel of emotions that Daichi runs through in that short span before settling on complete bewilderment.
“Is that a… kid? Suga, what—”
However, they don’t have time for this. Out of the corner of his eye, Suga notices how Noya has already stopped talking and is now turning to look at them with an inquisitive expression, so it won’t be long before Tanaka and Hinata also clue in and all hell breaks loose.
“Just come with me. Please,” he begs in a whisper, before spinning on his heel and rushing off, trusting that his boyfriend won’t let him down.
He doesn’t, and soon they are alone in the corridor that leads to the main hall. Daichi’s brown eyes are glued on the little blanket-covered bundle that Suga is holding like it’s something fragile. The only visible parts are Tobio’s thin arms wrapped like a vice around Suga’s neck.
“Koushi, I need you to explain to me why you have a child with you. On summer training camp. In a Tokyo high school,” Daichi croaks. “And do it slowly. Please.”
“I found him alone in our room. On Kageyama’s futon,” Sugawara explains truthfully, keeping his tone low.
Daichi frowns, eyes flickering up with confusion. “But how—”
“Sweetheart,” Suga interrupts with a gentle tone, leaning down to whisper into his charge’s ear. It’s probably best to just show him, because he has no words to explain what’s happening right now. “Would you mind talking to my friend for a bit? He’s really nice, and I think you know him too.”
A low keen is the first answer he gets, but then the tiny body starts sluggishly wriggling in his arms. Suga keeps his hand moving in a soothing manner along the boy’s covered back, until he eventually lifts his head from Suga’s chest and the blanket falls back, revealing his rounded and flushed face. He blinks up at the silver-haired teen, before glancing over his shoulder at the captain.
Daichi gasps.
“Kageyama?” he whispers, taking a step closer as his eyes flicker to Suga again for confirmation, before returning to the child.
“Do you know who that is, Tobio?” Suga asks gently, pressing a kiss on the boy’s temple.
Daichi is submitted to the same intense scrutiny by curious blue eyes, and both teenagers wait in tense silence for the verdict. Eventually, the little boy’s expression opens up with a delighted smile, and one finger comes up to point directly at Daichi’s nose with unbridled excitement.
“Daichi-san! I like you!”
It’s heartwarming to watch—the way his boyfriend’s tense countenance immediately melts with affection, his brown eyes wide in awe as Daichi comes even closer and lifts one hand to gently wrap around their kouhai’s much smaller one. In response, Tobio lets go of Suga’s neck and leans over with his free arm extended in Daichi’s direction, making his intention clear.
Daichi doesn’t hesitate, taking Tobio into his arms with obvious practice. When the boy is settled in his hold, the teen noisily pecks one round cheek, drawing small giggles from him.
“I like you too, little man,” he murmurs, his voice going deeper with emotion. When Tobio lays his head on Daichi’s shoulder, clearly getting comfortable for a nap, the captain arranges the blanket around his tiny form before gazing back at Suga with obvious wonder.
“Koushi, how?”
“I don’t know!” Suga whispers back urgently, working around the emotional knot that settled inside his throat at the scene he just witnessed. “I found him like this in our room. The only thing I know is that he seems to recognize us, so big Tobio is still in there somewhere, but at the same time his mind frame is still very… well, childish. He asked for his grandfather, and I told him we would call him, but I have no idea what we’ll even say to his family, oh God. And he’s in pain, Daichi. I need to find him some medicine, but I don’t know if the infirmary will have child paracetamol or something like that, I’m—”
“Breathe, Koushi.”
The warm hand on his shoulder, paired with his boyfriend’s calm tone, works wonders to halt his spiraling thoughts, and allows him to stop and take an actual deep breath.
“Okay,” Daichi croons after noticing he has calmed down. “One thing at a time. I have some medicine that he can take, but why is he in any pain to begin with? And we should probably find Ukai or Takeda so they can deal with his family—”
Koushi frowns. “Why do you have child medicine?”
He gets an arched eyebrow in response. “Did you forget the part where I have four younger siblings? I always have something on me, Suga.”
“Ah, yes. Noted,” Suga stutters out, trying to ignore the way his cheeks are getting warm.
Daichi smiles fondly at him. “So, first things first—”
“What are you guys doing?”
The unexpected voice startles them both, and their charge soon lifts his head to blearily stare at the three newcomers behind Daichi. Noya stands closest, hands on his waist and a suspicious gaze sweeping over them, shadowed by Tanaka and Hinata, who peek curiously over his shoulders at the scene—and especially at the toddler in their captain’s arms.
In a flash, Tobio’s sleepy confusion turns to wide-eyed terror. Suga can only watch in horrified confusion as the child flinches so hard at the new faces that he almost falls on his back, but Daichi’s quick reflexes avoid it in time. As it is, the boy starts struggling against the captain’s tight hold in undeniable panic.
“Hey, hey,” Daichi tries to soothe him, fingers running over the boy’s back. “It’s okay, Tobio, they are our friends—”
“Tobio?!” they vaguely register Hinata’s high-pitched squeak in the background.
“Sweetie, please, calm down,” Suga joins Daichi’s pleas, wrapping one hand around the nape of Tobio’s neck in a gentle hold.
“No!” Tobio shrieks, startling all of them. “They are mean! They hurt Tobio!”
Suga and Daichi exchange startled glances before turning in unison to stare at the very confused trio, who are watching the scene unfold with their chins practically on the floor. Tightening his hold, the captain hugs Tobio closer to his chest.
“Tobio, they wouldn’t hurt you—”
“NO!” The little boy is turning into a blubbering mess, big tears slipping down his flushed cheeks. “They do! Hinata and Tanaka hurt Tobio! They don’t like Tobio, and now it hurts!”
Suga’s heart breaks as he finally understands what his kouhai is referring to. “Oh, baby—”
“HEY, HEY, HEY!”
The loud shout slices through the rising ruckus like a knife, plunging the corridor into sudden silence—even quieting a sobbing Tobio. The child curls into himself like an oyster, burying his face against Daichi’s shoulder as if he could somehow vanish into thin air.
“What is all this commotion about, eh? Who hurt this little guy?”
Bokuto is approaching them with a nice enough smile on his face, but the gaze he throws Hinata and Tanaka’s way is chilling for the usually easy-going Fukurodani ace. Suga notices how the pair is turning a worrying shade of pale, while Noya simply looks confused. Akaashi follows right behind him, but unlike his captain, his dark blue eyes are fixed on the little bundle in Daichi’s arms.
“We didn’t hurt anyone, I swear,” Tanaka stutters out, hands raised in a surrender position. Hinata nods in agreement, but he’s looking a bit nauseous.
“Are you saying the kid is lying?” Bokuto halts with an arched eyebrow, staring directly at the pair now, but Akaashi maintains his course, approaching the Karasuno captains with a keen gaze.
“No! It’s just—that’s Kageyama—I didn’t hit a tiny Kageyama, I swear—he was big when we had a fight and Tanaka-san had to step in—I wouldn’t—I would never—” Suga worries that Hinata will end up barfing in the middle of the corridor with the way things are going.
That golden gaze suddenly has Tanaka in its grasp, like a bug under a microscope. The Karasuno outside hitter shrinks into himself, eyes bugging out as he takes a step back.
“You hit your kouhai?” Bokuto rumbles, his voice diving into a threatening pitch that sends chills down their backs. Only Akaashi seems undisturbed, though he has turned to observe the trio now.
“Ah, it… it wasn’t that bad, we—” Hinata tries to help, but his eyes won’t stop flickering in Tobio’s direction, and the stuttering doesn’t quite work in his favor. Daichi sighs, dragging a hand down his face in a tired motion.
“They were fighting, Bokuto,” Noya intervenes with a frown. “Tanaka had to stop them somehow.”
“You don’t stop violence with more violence, shorty. Especially when it involves your own kouhai,” Bokuto fires back, never taking his eyes off Tanaka, who seems about to try and meld with the wall tiles.
“They are fine,” the libero snarls, gritting his teeth.
“That’s not what the little guy was saying when I came in, shorty—”
“Bokuto-san.”
The velvety tone of Akaashi’s voice sweeps over them like a tranquil wave, drawing all eyes to the Fukurodani setter, who calmly stands beside Daichi and Suga. He motions to the child in Daichi’s hold, whose blue eyes peek over the older teen’s shoulder with trepidation, as if awaiting an explosion.
“Now is not the time. He’s scared,” Akaashi chides his captain in a smooth tone that suggests this is a routine occurrence for them.
They all watch in stunned silence as the Fukurodani ace simply nods and steps down without comment or protest, although he sends one last reproachful look Tanaka’s way. He turns on his heel, and Suga witnesses, amazed, as the previously threatening figure of the captain disappears. As he comes closer, Bokuto makes himself look smaller and approachable, a friendly expression taking over his face with ease as he stops before Tobio.
“Hey, hey, lil’ bit. Seems like you got yourself into a bit of a mess, eh?” he asks in a gentle tone, bending forward so he can look at the child eye to eye.
Daichi is tense, probably waiting for another desperate burst of tears, but to their surprise Tobio perks up, staring back at the Fukurodani captain with wide, red-rimmed eyes. One tiny hand slowly comes up, and when Bokuto’s only reaction is a soft, encouraging smile, it eventually lands on the ace’s cheek. There are a few gentle taps, then he moves to the double-colored hair, as if the boy is exploring newfound territory.
“Bokuto-san,” Tobio eventually whispers, his voice hoarse and conspiratorial, “are you an owl?”
Everyone who hears the soft question bites on their lips, but Bokuto doesn’t show the same restraint—his laughter is loud and bombastic as always, and although it startles the child at first, Tobio is soon giggling with him. Suga lets out a relieved gust of air, while Daichi just looks on fondly.
“Oh, ‘Kaashi, this is a smart one!” Bokuto exclaims in joy, although he doesn’t take his eyes off the boy. “Yes, I am, lil’ bit! You like owls?”
Tobio nods with excitement, still patting Bokuto’s head with surprising gentleness for a small child.
Bokuto’s smile suddenly turns mischievous. “They are much cooler than crows, aren’t they?”
“Oy!”
“Bokuto-san,” Akaashi scolds him again, though there’s undeniable fondness in his tone and smile this time.
The Fukurodani setter suddenly becomes the sole focus of Tobio’s attention. At the sound of Akaashi’s serene voice, the boy turns to Bokuto’s companion, and they both freeze. Similar shades of blue meet, blinking at each other as if spellbound—Tobio’s inquisitive gaze locking with Akaashi’s calm one in a long, unbroken stretch of silence.
“‘Kaashi-san,” Tobio ends up murmuring, as if testing the nickname.
Akaashi’s lips quirk up into a soft smile. “Hello, Tobio.”
“You’re pretty,” the child decrees, expression open and soft with wonder.
Suga hides his smile behind his hand, while Bokuto bursts out in laughter again, amidst a series of ‘so smart!’ and ‘I love him!’ exclamations. Daichi’s shoulders shake with mirth, while Akaashi blinks in surprise before his expression turns even warmer with genuine fondness.
“Thank you, Tobio. But not as pretty as you.”
The little boy suddenly extends both arms to the other setter, making grabby hands at him. Akaashi doesn’t hesitate, gently taking the toddler when Daichi hands him over, and letting him cuddle into his arms, blanket and all. By the time he’s settled and properly covered, Tobio is blinking drowsily with his head on Akaashi’s shoulder, letting out a cute yawn.
“It’s true. You’re both pretty,” Bokuto hums, winking at his friend, who hides his face against the top of Tobio’s head.
“I think someone needs a little bit of food and medicine, then a nap. What do you think, sweetheart?” Suga asks quietly, ruffling dark hair with gentle fingers.
“Want milk, Suga-san,” the boy mumbles.
Suga chuckles. “I can arrange that.”
“Alright,” Daichi nods at all of them. “I’ll see if I can find Takeda and Ukai and then I’ll come back to you. Suga, you can look through my duffel bag, the medicine should be easy to find.”
With an agreeing nod, the silver-haired teenager turns to his fellow setter.
“Akaashi, I don’t want to bother you and Bokuto-san. I can take Tobio, if you’d like to head to practice now.”
Akaashi contemplates the little boy in his arms for a few seconds, then nuzzles his forehead. In response, Tobio cuddles closer, letting out a tiny, pleased croon that makes all of them smile. Bokuto seems to be on the verge of squishing the life out of both of them, but thankfully holds back.
“If you don’t mind, I’d rather stay with you, Sugawara-san.”
“The more the merrier,” is Suga’s answer, followed by a wink.
“I’ll help Daichi herd those guys over to the gym,” Bokuto says, throwing a thumb over his shoulder to indicate the silent trio behind them. “Then I’ll talk to coach about your absence. I’ll see you later, ‘Kaashi.”
“Thank you, Bokuto-san.”
And with that, they part ways, each wondering what the next few hours hold for them and the little, magical child in their care.
The last hour has been quiet.
Since returning to Karasuno’s designated dorm, things have settled down a bit. Suga and Akaashi had given their charge milk and some toast, which the little boy accepted without much fuss—not the most nutritious, but at least it filled his empty stomach. Administering the medicine had been trickier, but after some gentle coaxing and a lot of hugs, they had eventually managed.
After that, Tobio had promptly conked out in Akaashi’s arms, much to the amusement of both teens—and Suga had made sure to snap plenty of pictures, which triggered the younger setter's self-consciousness, judging by the rising blush on his cheeks. Since then, they have kept up a quiet conversation while the child snuffles in his sleep, occasionally updating Daichi and Bokuto with text messages.
On learning that Tobio had fallen into an exhausted nap, both captains agreed to wait until the end of the first practice game to inform Takeda and Ukai of their current situation. They also made Hinata, Tanaka, and Nishinoya promise to keep everything under wraps. Suga could already imagine the pandemonium that would ensue if students from other schools got wind of what was happening.
And so, the Karasuno and Fukurodani setters have become the official keepers of the training camp’s little miracle—currently out cold, with a volleyball keychain tightly clutched in one tiny fist, already covered in drool. Suga winced when Tobio shoved it into his mouth but let the boy be, making a mental note to clean it up before returning it to Daichi’s bag.
“I wonder…” Akaashi murmurs distractedly during a lull in their conversation, looking down at the child now sprawled between them.
They had pulled Suga’s and Daichi’s futons closer to Kageyama’s, improvising a larger and more comfortable space for the three of them to rest on. Tobio now has his head on Akaashi’s lap, while Sugawara has been gently caressing the boy’s naked feet for the last twenty minutes.
“Hm?” Suga looks up from Daichi’s latest message. “What is it?”
“Does Kageyama-kun… ever talk about his family? Or friends outside of the team?”
That stops Suga in his tracks, and his hand drops to his lap in surprise.
“Why do you ask?”
Akaashi’s eyes abruptly jolt up, as if coming out of a trance, and there’s a slight flush along his cheekbones.
“I’m sorry if I’m being nosy, Sugawara-san,” he immediately backtracks.
Suga waves one hand dismissively, a small smile playing on his lips.
“Just Suga or Koushi is fine. And don’t worry, Akaashi—I don’t mind. I’m honestly curious why you’re asking.”
The Fukurodani player doesn’t show any immediate reaction, but Suga notices how his shoulders relax a tiny smidge as his keen gaze returns to a sleeping Tobio.
“I just… these last few days, I couldn’t help but notice. Kageyama-kun tends to… sort of stay on the margins, doesn’t he?” One elegant finger starts gently curling around Tobio’s dark locks. “I didn’t see him practicing or interacting with anyone outside of our games. But the way he looks at the others when he thinks no one’s watching… I don’t think he’s isolating himself on purpose, Suga-san.”
Suga puts his phone aside, then carefully wraps his hands around little feet, hoping to warm them up.
“Can I ask why you think that?” he asks, head tilted to the side.
Akaashi sighs, but it’s a small, almost inaudible thing.
“He reminds me of another quiet boy I used to know very well.”
When he looks up again, the self-deprecating smile on his face is heartbreaking, revealing far more than Suga ever expected to see from the usually aloof setter.
"My family is… not the best, you could say. Because of that, I learned early on how to handle everything on my own. I also learned the hard way that it’s difficult to break certain habits when you’ve relied on them for so long just to get by."
Akaashi’s finger gently presses into one plump cheek, and they both watch fondly as Tobio’s lips pucker into a soft pout with each gentle prod.
“It’s hard to accept help when you don’t even know how to ask for it, Suga-san. In that sense, I owe a lot to Bokuto-san.”
Suga smiles softly, even if a hard knot is currently taking shape inside his throat. “You do look like you’ve been through a lot together.”
“I guess you could say that.” There’s a tint of sadness to Akaashi’s soft smile as he contemplates the little boy resting on his lap. “So, I was wondering… if Kageyama-kun ever asks for help.”
Sugawara swallows with some difficulty and, to buy himself a moment, leans down to press a kiss to the sole of one tiny foot. The gesture earns a small wiggle from Tobio before he settles down again, still fast asleep.
“You’re right, he is a very quiet boy,” he murmurs, as his mind replays a reel of the last few days, in particular—of a mute Kageyama covered in bruises and band-aids, leaving practice without speaking to anyone; of a sullen, dark-haired setter who had kept his silence throughout the entire trip to training camp, avoiding everyone’s gaze, but especially Hinata’s and Tanaka’s.
Suddenly, he feels so tired.
“I suppose you’ve heard something about Kageyama’s last game in middle school?” Akaashi offers a hesitant nod, blue eyes shining with sympathy. “After that… I don’t think he’s made any friendships outside of Karasuno. Now that you’ve mentioned, I’ve never even heard him mention his family.”
Suga’s lips quiver, and it’s only when he lifts a hand to push his hair back that he realizes his fingers are shaking.
“I guess we’ve been failing him as a team, huh?” the older setter eventually whispers, shoulders sagging.
When another hand settles over his where it covers Tobio’s feet, he looks up in surprise to find Akaashi smiling gently at him.
“Karasuno is a young team, Suga-san, and you’re all still learning. There’s time. Don’t give up yet.” His gaze flickers down, and he ruffles Tobio’s dark locks. “Don’t give up on him yet. Maybe all of this happened today for a reason.”
Silence settles between them after that, but it’s a comfortable one. When Suga closes his eyes, an unexpected tear slips down his cheek—but before he can wipe it away, much smaller fingers are already doing it for him. Startled, his eyes snap open to find a familiar pair of blue ones gazing up at him.
“No sad, Suga-san.”
Suga stares down at the child, mouth slightly agape, as Akaashi chuckles—setting Tobio off into a fit of cute giggles.
“I thought you were sleeping, mister!” Suga exclaims, suddenly grabbing the toddler and blowing raspberries against his belly. Tobio’s giggles quickly turn into shrieks of laughter.
When Suga finally stops and lets his charge catch his breath, Tobio is still clutching Daichi’s keychain like it’s something precious. His blue eyes glitter with elation, and with a pang, the silver-haired setter realizes he’s never seen the older version of Kageyama look this happy. He smiles at the boy, brushing away a few dark bangs that have fallen over his slanted eyes.
“I guess it’s time to call your parents, eh, little guy?” he asks softly.
Tobio blinks up at him, lips once again twisted into a pout.
“No parents, Suga-san. Just grandpa and Miwa-nee.”
What?
Suga and Akaashi exchange startled glances, but before they can say anything, a new voice invades their quiet bubble.
“I’m afraid that’s true, Sugawara-kun.”
“So, Miwa is… his older sister? And that’s the only family he has, since his grandfather is…”
Suga doesn’t dare say it aloud, even though Tobio is currently distracted. If his child version doesn’t remember that painful fact, then Suga won’t be the one to make his kouhai relive it unnecessarily.
It takes Takeda-san a few moments to answer, as their teacher has been watching the little boy currently seated on his lap with wide, startled eyes since the moment he stepped into the room—not that Suga can blame him. Still, Suga’s lips quirk up at the way the older man watches Tobio. One might think Takeda has a tiny dinosaur on his lap, not a toddler.
“Takeda-san?” Akaashi prompts in a smooth tone, although his eyes glint with humor.
“Ah, yes. S—sorry,” the man stutters out, adjusting his glasses. “Yes, Kageyama-kun has an older sister who actually lives here in Tokyo, but it seems she travels around a lot, so it’s not that easy to reach her. That’s why she has arranged for Ukai-kun and I to be Tobio’s guardians in her absence.”
“So… there’s no one we can call?” Suga asks, voice becoming faint with quiet despair for his kouhai. There’s no one who cares?
“I will certainly try and talk to his sister, Sugawara-kun, but I’m afraid that, until then… well, it’s all in our hands,” the teacher offers with a sad smile, one hand gently patting Tobio’s dark head while the boy continues to chew on the keychain.
Suga and Akaashi share a despondent look.
“What do we do now?”
Akaashi’s question echoes their apprehensive thoughts, and the three of them stare at each other at a complete loss.
“Tobio wants to play!”
The exclamation is sudden, turning into a high-pitched squeak. They all blink in startlement at their small charge, who stares back at them with a no-nonsense frown. Soon, all three of them are chuckling.
“Well, I believe that, at least, can be easily arranged.”
Daichi already looks like he has had three years shaved off his life by the time they see each other again.
Takeda-san has secured a smaller, mostly abandoned gym on the outskirts of Shinzen High for them to use without drawing attention to the fact that there’s now a mysterious toddler on campus. It’s dusty and obviously unused, but Akaashi and Suga manage to make it more presentable and minimally functional in no time, while Tobio happily rolls around with a deflated ball on some mats they have pulled from storage.
The teacher has gone off to possibly wrangle some more appropriately-sized clothes for Tobio from one of the local coaches—and Suga is just relieved he doesn’t have to be part of that conversation.
When he gets a glimpse of his boyfriend’s somber expression, Suga frowns. But then, Daichi is followed through the door by an obviously contrite Bokuto, and—
“Oh, no,” he moans, face falling into his open palm. The sounds of Akaashi trying to untangle the net come to an abrupt halt behind him.
“Bokuto-san.”
The other setter’s reproachful tone is undeniable, and there’s not even a hint of fondness in it this time.
“‘Kaashi! Suga! I’m sorry!” the Fukurodani ace wails as he rushes in their direction, immediately bowing to both of them. “I swear I didn’t invite him, it’s just—”
“—he has no poker face whatsoever,” Daichi grumbles darkly as he comes into view right behind Bokuto, who winces with a self-deprecating smile.
“Daichi-san!”
It’s unfairly adorable, the way Daichi’s grim demeanor melts into a pool of golden tenderness as soon as that squeaked call reaches his ears. He’s already bending down and sweeping Tobio off the floor before the boy even manages to toddle all the way into his arms. Little hands settle on the Karasuno captain’s cheeks, and Daichi easily kisses each one before leaning in and blowing a raspberry against Tobio’s neck, drawing more delighted giggles from him.
“Hey there, little man,” Daichi murmurs gently, accepting the boy’s answering kisses.
“Fuuuuuuck—so it’s true! There is a tiny crow!”
“Kuroo-san…” Akaashi sighs.
“Language,” Daichi admonishes immediately, with a dark glare at the Nekoma captain that could strip paint.
“Kuroo-kun, don’t make me regret letting you come with us,” Bokuto grumbles, sending his friend a somber look which goes entirely ignored.
With a shake of his head, Suga resumes his task of gathering the cleaning supplies. “I somehow doubt you had any choice in the matter, Bokuto.”
“Don’t blame Bokuto, my deductive skills are just too good,” Kuroo gloats with his hands on his waist, although the effect is somewhat ruined by the fact that his wide eyes haven’t strayed from the little boy currently playing with Daichi’s nose.
“Or you’re just too much of a nuisance to stay away,” Daichi retorts, ignoring Kuroo’s answering scowl in favor of bouncing Tobio in his arms.
“I guess we should all be glad he didn’t bring Kenma along, at least,” Akaashi remarks drily as he goes back to setting up the net, and Bokuto promptly starts helping.
“Or the entire Nekoma team,” Suga adds, biting on a grin.
Kuroo rolls his eyes at them, then waves one hand in the air dismissively, as if batting away an annoying fly. Tobio’s eyes follow the movement with interest, little pout firmly in place.
“Yeah, yeah, I get it, no one wants me here. Don’t worry, your precious secret is safe with me.” The Nekoma captain suddenly extends his arms in Tobio’s direction, making exaggerated grabby hands that startle all of them, including the child. “Now gimme, gimme!”
“What? No!” Daichi exclaims in indignation, pulling the boy closer to his chest in a protective motion.
“Come on, Daichi! I have got to play some ball with the little monster! I just know the kid is already amazing even bite-sized like this!”
To everyone’s surprise, instead of being startled back into his shell, the toddler blinks inquisitive blue eyes at the newcomer, then raises his own arms with some hesitation, accepting to be lifted from Daichi’s hold. Kuroo does so with a wide, mischievous smile and a lot of crowing, taking immense pleasure in pissing off the Karasuno captain.
And, of course, it turns out the Nekoma player is annoyingly right. Despite his sometimes-tottering walk and much smaller hands, Tobio already displays amazing coordination with a regular volleyball, bouncing it around with ease—even accounting for how Kuroo adapts his own movements to accommodate the little boy’s limitations. Once the net is appropriately set up, Bokuto doesn’t hesitate to jump into the fray, and Suga struggles to decide which of the three is acting the most childish.
While Suga and Akaashi settle down on the mats to rest and watch, the others launch into a bizarre three-on-one game. Daichi and Kuroo team up with a giggling Tobio, lifting him into the air to block a slowed-down version of Bokuto’s bombastic spikes. There’s plenty of laughter and chaotic, improvised moves that would never pass in an official game, but the child among them doesn’t seem to mind, judging by his delighted shrieks and cheers.
Because of all the commotion, it takes them some time to realize another person has silently slipped into the gym. Suga’s heart rate spikes up for a brief moment—until he recognizes their coach, who stands close to the door with a hand covering his mouth, wide eyes following the improvised game with a weird mix of stunned amusement.
“Daichi,” Suga calls out as he stands up.
Surprisingly, Kuroo comes along when Daichi leaves the game—likely unwilling to let go of Tobio, who sits on one of his arms facing forward, properly secured by Kuroo’s hand on his belly. He’s flushed with sweat from all the activity and currently chewing on one of his tiny fists, so Suga makes a mental note to start figuring out lunch for all of them.
“Well, would you look at that. Aren’t you cute, kid?” Ukai remarks softly, lips curled in a good-humored smile. He bends forward so they are on the same level, and the coach doesn’t even flinch when drooled fingers pat his cheek in greeting. “Ittetsu warned me, but I’ll be damned.”
“Didn’t know crows could be so adorable,” Kuroo agrees, looking down at Tobio and gently bouncing him in his arms, making the child snicker and kick his legs in the air with vigor.
“I’ll remember you said that,” Daichi quips out of the corner of his mouth, which instantly turns Kuroo’s fond smile into a scowl.
Ukai huffs in laughter as he straightens up. “I have something for you.”
Suga accepts the proffered piece of cloth, and his eyes sparkle when he unfolds it to reveal a black onesie.
“Oh my God,” he gasps, then immediately calls over his shoulder: “Akaashi, come see this!”
The Fukurodani setter calmly approaches them, followed by a curious Bokuto, but his dark blue eyes glint with eagerness as soon as they land on Suga’s hands and what they are holding. Without missing a beat, he turns to Kuroo and snatches Tobio from his arms before the Nekoma captain—or anyone else—can react.
“Please excuse us for a minute, Kuroo-san.”
Without any explanation except for a mischievous wink from Suga, both setters disappear behind a rusty door with their small charge, leaving the others behind blinking owlishly at their retreating backs. Tobio actually throws a tiny wave in their direction over Akaashi’s shoulder before he’s taken from view.
They don’t need to wait long for an explanation—Suga and Akaashi soon are back, though they return at a much slower pace, since Tobio is now on the floor between them, holding on to their hands as he walks. Suga and Akaashi are careful to adapt to his smaller steps.
“Lil’ bit, look at you! You really are a baby crow now!” Bokuto exclaims, almost vibrating where he stands with unrestrained excitement.
Having exchanged the too-big shirt for the all-black onesie, the child now has more freedom to move, which means he doesn’t hesitate to take off in Bokuto’s direction with a wide smile. Atop the little hood that covers his dark locks, pointy ears bounce in tandem with his quick steps. When he’s close enough, Bokuto immediately sweeps him off the floor and, in the same motion, throws Tobio in the air, making him squeal.
“Spike him to me, Bo!” Kuroo calls, arms already poised to receive.
Bokuto does it with practiced but careful movements, and a giggling Tobio safely lands back in Kuroo’s arms. Still, Suga comes to a halt beside Daichi with a dark glare in their direction.
“My kouhai is not a ball, guys,” the silver-haired teen grits out, putting an immediate stop to that game.
“Sorry, Suga-san,” both boys chorus in unison, looking genuinely contrite. Tobio is too preoccupied trying to scale Kuroo’s neck to reach his spiked hair.
Ukai’s bark of laughter draws everyone’s attention back to the coach.
“Although this is fun, I need to go back and oversee those other idiots while Ittetsu tries to contact Kageyama’s sister.” He throws a thumb over his shoulder, pointing to the gym’s entrance. “I just have one more delivery for you guys before I go.”
When nothing happens except for frowns of confusion and a squawk from Kuroo as Tobio accidently pulls on one of his ears, Ukai rolls his eyes before glaring at the doors.
“Would you two idiots stop dawdling and just come in already? We don’t have all day here.”
Tanaka and Hinata cut a pitiful figure as they approach the group with hesitant steps, hands clasped behind their backs and eyes darting nervously between everyone’s faces, as though expecting a scolding for being there. They flinch hard when Ukai’s hands suddenly land on their shoulders, holding them in place.
“I heard there was a bit of a misunderstanding earlier, and I’m tired of these two looking like someone shot their puppy and ruining practice, so please, just sort this out already.” The way he claps both boys on the back makes everyone watching wince in sympathy. “Now there, please behave. I’ll be back.”
As the brusque coach takes his leave, there’s a brief moment of awkward silence during which all teenagers stare at each other, not knowing how to proceed. Suga breaks it with a humorous huff that attracts their attention, but he ignores them in favor of approaching the scared child in their care. Tobio has become quiet and still in Kuroo’s arms, turning to hide his face against the older boy’s shoulder.
“Come here, baby,” Suga croons softly, extending his hands in silent invitation.
To his relief, the boy comes without protest, though he keeps his face hidden, and his tiny arms tighten around Suga’s neck like a vice. Suga murmurs soft reassurances into his ear as he approaches Tanaka and Hinata, stopping to kneel on the ground. The two boys follow his lead, kneeling so they are all on the same level.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. Shouyou and Ryuu want to tell you something. I promise it’s nothing bad, alright?”
With some gentle coaxing, Tobio eventually lets go of Suga, allowing himself to be put down. He turns to face the two teenagers with clear hesitation, though he doesn’t flinch when Tanaka and Hinata scoot a little closer to him.
“Hey, kid,” Tanaka starts, his tone low and careful, a contrast to his usually energetic disposition. “We just wanted to apologize. I’m really sorry I hurt you and Shouyou, alright?”
“Me too,” Hinata intones hoarsely, gaze fixed on Kageyama’s little shape as if afraid the boy will suddenly disappear right before his eyes. “I really don’t want to fight with you, and I definitely don’t want to hurt you again.”
“We brought you two gifts to show you that we’re really sorry, and that it won’t happen again,” Tanaka continues, lips turning up at the corners with hopeful excitement.
Riveted blue eyes dart between the two boys as they speak, widening at the mention of gifts, but Tobio remains quiet. However, his frown smooths out when Tanaka extends a very familiar carton toward him—by now, everyone at Karasuno easily recognizes Kageyama’s favorite brand of milk. Still, he turns to Suga, waiting for an encouraging nod before accepting Tanaka’s offer.
“Thank you, Tanaka-san,” he murmurs softly, little fingers sliding over the colorful cartoon on the packet with silent appreciation.
“It’s not much, but… I’m so sorry I scared you, kid,” Tanaka chokes out, and Suga privately suspects that, whenever they get him back, big Tobio will also be receiving an apology from their outside hitter.
To everyone’s surprise, Tobio steps closer to the older boy and stands on tiptoes to gently pat the highest point he can reach—which turns out to be Tanaka’s nose.
“It’s okay, Tanaka-san. Tobio likes you more than milk.”
While they all pretend not to notice Ryuu’s watery eyes, Daichi scolds Kuroo for his not-so-quiet ‘fuck, so cute’ and Bokuto squeals as he shakes a serene Akaashi by the shoulders. Tobio contemplates all of them like they are weird creatures in a zoo, but obediently turns around when Hinata softly calls his name.
“Listen, Kageyama-kun,” the redhead looks down at his hands, which are twisting around what looks like a stuffed toy, “I don’t know if you remember, but I have a little sister—”
“Natsu-chan,” Tobio says without missing a beat.
Hinata’s face opens up like the rising sun. “Yes! So, Natsu-chan doesn’t like it when I’m away from home since she misses me a lot, and she doesn’t want me to feel alone and scared. Because of that, we have a deal: I give her something of mine while I’m away, and she gives me something of hers, y’know?”
Tobio nods, eyes fixed on Hinata without blinking, as if not to miss a word.
“Natsu-chan is nice.”
Hinata smiles softly, and his shoulders seem to relax for the first time since entering the gym.
“Yeah, she is. So… I know we scared you a bit, and I don’t want you to feel alone while you’re… well, I don’t want you to feel alone, y’know? So I wanted to give you this.” He nervously extends the toy is his hands like an offering. “I’m sure Natsu would be happy to know you have it. She really likes you too, and she wouldn’t want to see you sad.”
When blue eyes land of the red-and-white fluffy thing in Hinata’s arms, they go impossibly wide and glittery, and tiny hands snatch the toy in the blink of an eye.
“Vabo-chan!” Tobio gasps, sinking his face into the familiar character as he hugs it with all his might.
“Yeah, I had a feeling it would make you happy,” Hinata murmurs, expression turning soft with affection. “Keep him for as long as you need, okay?”
Tobio peeks up at him shyly.
“Hinata likes Tobio too?”
The redhead has to clear his throat before he answers, hesitant fingers coming up to pat his friend’s head right between the hood’s tiny ears.
“Yes, I do, Kageyama-kun. Very much,” he assures hoarsely.
The group goes quiet as they watch their little charge hug and pet his new stuffed friend, cooing over it without a care.
“ALRIGHT!” Bokuto’s sudden and loud exclamation shatters the contemplative silence, making all of them flinch. “Now that that’s settled, who wants to play?!”
Suga shouldn’t be surprised that all of Karasuno eventually shows up after that—expecting Tanaka and Hinata to keep a secret from the rest of the team had been, frankly, too unrealistic. He’s just grateful that the entirety of Nekoma hasn’t invaded the gym yet. The mere thought of dealing with Lev around their tiny crow makes him shudder.
Even less surprisingly, the first to arrive are Yamaguchi and Tsukishima—both far too perceptive for their own good, especially when it comes to the team’s volleyball idiots. They likely would have guessed something was up anyway. The pair is followed by a confused Yachi and a long-suffering Shimizu, who is probably just keeping tabs on everyone at Takeda’s request.
Tobio—who’s been running around like a little ball of lightning with his trusted Vabo-chan is hand—comes to an abrupt halt before them, eyes shining with curiosity. There’s a short lapse of silence as they all stare at each other in confusion, and then Yamaguchi and Yachi actually squeal. In unison. Suga winces even from where he stands on the other side of the court.
Meanwhile, Shimizu and Tobio blink at each other in equal bewilderment, although for very different reasons.
“Shimizu-san is an angel,” is the conclusion the little boy eventually reaches in a reverent whisper, drawing ‘aws’ from those standing by while their manager blushes to the roots of her hair.
It’s all downhill from there.
Tsukishima has never looked more disgruntled—and that’s saying something—but he still doesn’t miss the chance to slip in a few jabs.
“Oh, look, Hinata. Even a two-year-old King plays better than you ever will,” is the first full sentence the blond says since stepping into the gym. He’s been watching Suga and Akaashi alternate setting practice with Tobio—which mostly involves holding the boy up in the air and letting him toss the ball wherever he pleases. His accuracy, though not as honed as his older self’s, is still impressive—everyone notices.
“Tobio is three!” is the grumpy response Tsukishima gets from their smallest player, even before Hinata can start cursing and railing at him.
While Tanaka and Hinata laugh uproariously and point at Tsukishima from the other side of the net, Tobio squirms in Akaashi’s arms until he’s set back on the floor. With his signature pout-and-frown combo, he grabs a startled Daichi by the hand and quickly makes his way over to a very miffed-looking Tsukishima.
“Daichi-san?”
“Yes?” the captain asks apprehensively, as he and Tsukishima gaze down at the little boy with some confusion.
“Why is Tsu… Tsukis… Sukish…”
“Just call him Kei, Tobio. He won’t mind,” Yamaguchi interjects gently, meeting Tsukishima’s smoldering glare with a playful wink.
The child doesn’t miss a beat. “Why is Kei a meanie?”
Not everyone manages to suppress their laughter—some clearly don’t even try, as is the case with Kuroo and Bokuto. Suga secretly admires his boyfriend’s poker face, but it doesn’t escape notice how Daichi never takes his eyes off the toddler, clearly avoiding Tsukishima’s glower.
“Well…”
“Is it because he’s so tall?” Tobio insists, still analyzing the teenager before him with disconcerting intensity.
Daichi’s shoulders are shaking now. “That’s… very smart, Tobio. Kei is not a meanie, he’s just afraid all the time because he’s so far away from the ground.”
Even Suga has to duck his head and cover his face with one hand, eyes becoming watery with mirth.
“Kei has really long legs,” Tobio remarks with complete honesty, blinking up at the blond in awe. And then promptly starts trying to climb them, to everyone’s absolute delight except the tall teenager in question, of course. However, under Daichi’s covert glare, Tsukishima bends down and takes the child into his arms.
Once they are eye to eye, Tobio blinks owlishly at him before petting Tsukishima’s blond hair with surprising tenderness.
“It’s okay. Daichi-san and Bokuto-san can protect you, Kei.”
“Don’t forget me, tiny crow!” Kuroo’s needling echoes around the gym.
“Kuroo-san too,” Tobio dutifully amends, with a decisive nod that draws giggles from everyone and a tired sigh from the teenager currently holding him.
“Sure, Little King.”
Next, Ennoshita, Kinoshita, and Narita arrive, sent by their coach to retrieve Hinata and Tanaka—whose loud whining earns them a resounding ‘shut up!’ from Daichi—and to bring lunch to those who can’t leave the gym.
Suga finds himself newly admiring Ennoshita’s unshakeable composure, which doesn’t waver even when a mysteriously tiny Kageyama Tobio, on a mad dash to greet the newly arrived trio, slips and nearly hits his chin on the floor—only to be saved by Chikara’s quick reflexes. With a long-suffering sigh, the second-year effortlessly scoops the little boy under one arm, securing him around the belly, and walks toward Suga as if it’s just another ordinary day of practice.
Kinoshita and Narita, meanwhile, have plastered themselves against a wall, refusing to budge, as if Tobio might suddenly reveal himself as a disguised assassin and come after them. Suga doesn’t understand it, nor does he want to—those two are Daichi’s problem, thank you very much.
It’s not much different when Asahi shows up later, trailing behind a still-clearly-pissed-off Nishinoya. While the libero greets a flushed Tobio with a fond pat on the head—glaring daggers at a distracted Bokuto all the while—the Karasuno ace hangs back. Wide-eyed, he regards their shrunken setter as if Tobio might be carrying some kind of contagious affliction, earning him a deadpan, ‘You really are a wimp, huh?’ from a thoroughly unimpressed Daichi.
Thankfully, they don’t receive any surprise visitors from outside Karasuno for the rest of the afternoon, allowing the day to pass in a flurry of activity. A tireless Tobio finds his match in the equally energetic Bokuto and Kuroo. Under the watchful eyes of Daichi, Suga, and Akaashi, the group tumbles around the unused gym, screeching, laughing, and crowing raucously until everyone joins in.
After finishing the lunch provided by their coach and teacher, the five teenagers and their toddler charge all crash out on the spread-out mats, utterly oblivious to the world outside. Tobio remains latched onto Bokuto’s neck like a baby koala the entire time, and Suga has to pacify his jealous boyfriend with a kiss when they wake up to the adorable sight.
It’s all for naught, of course—once they are all up and back to business, Tobio is soon trailing after Daichi like a lost duckling. His peals of laughter ring out as the Karasuno captain hoists him into his arms and turns him upside down. Just like his older self, Tobio seems to have an endless supply of energy, but they are quickly learning that the little boy also has a deep well of love he’s eager to share. He’s remarkably generous with his kisses, hugs, and radiant smiles.
As the time to say goodbye for the day arrives, Tobio ensures he hugs each one of them. When it’s Akaashi’s turn, the child lingers a bit longer, leaning in to whisper something into the older boy’s ear. Whatever he says makes dark blue eyes shimmer before Akaashi hides his face against raven-dark hair. The moment remains private, shared only with Bokuto, who stands behind them with a soft smile and a steady hand on his setter’s lower back.
Tobio is nearly asleep in Daichi’s arms when Takeda finds them to deliver the unfortunate news: they’ve still been unable to reach Kageyama Miwa. Despite the setback, the teacher remains optimistic about the day ahead, and Suga decides not to let himself dwell on the negative. After a quick rundown of the day’s events and what tomorrow holds, the group exchanges whispered ‘goodnights,’ and the pair takes the little boy through the darkened corridors toward the Karasuno dorm room.
With mostly silent glances and a few whispered words, Suga agrees to give the tired child a bath while Daichi handles their sleeping arrangements. Making quick work of it, since Tobio is practically knocked out already, the silver-haired teenager still takes a few quiet minutes to soak in the warm water, washing away the sweat of the day with gentle caresses as the boy snuffles against his shoulder.
They are already dry and dressed in their pajamas—or, in Tobio’s case, in the largest t-shirt Daichi had in his bag—when Tobio stirs in his hold, little arms coming up to hug Suga’s neck. The tip of his nose leaves a warm imprint against the older boy’s collarbone, and Tobio emits a content croon when Suga kisses the crown of his head.
“Sleep, sweetheart,” Suga murmurs softly, just as they step into the dark room. Most everyone is already asleep, though he notices the glow of one or two cellphones still on.
Daichi has managed to create a comfortable nest out of their joined futons, and Suga kisses him in gratitude as he settles down with their charge still in his arms. Tobio lets go without a fuss, burrowing into the small space left between his captain and vice-captain with a satisfied sigh, fingers clutching the soft Vabo-chan close to his face. When Daichi leaves for a quick shower of his own, Suga wraps himself around the boy, who happily sinks into his hold without a sound.
His boyfriend returns on quiet feet, making no noise as he lies down and pulls both Suga and Tobio close. Instead of saying goodnight, he presses a silent kiss to Suga’s forehead, careful not to disturb the sleeping boy. However, both are caught by surprise when they hear Tobio’s quiet voice.
“Daichi-san? Suga-san?”
Their captain hums, already sounding half-asleep, but his hand settles on the nape of Tobio’s neck to show he’s listening.
“Yes, baby?” Suga murmurs, heavy eyelids struggling to stay open.
“I love you.”
Those words are a soft, almost intangible thing, but they settle and weigh over them like a warm blanket. Suga has to blink a few times in the darkness before he gazes down at the child-sized version of his kouhai, currently burrowing his face between Suga’s chest and his stuffed toy. His breath catches in his throat, but the honest answer eventually finds its way out of his dry mouth.
“We love you too, Tobio.”
Blue eyes come out of hiding to look up at him in awe. “You do?”
Even in semidarkness, it’s easy to notice how Daichi’s fingers tighten their hold on the child.
“Very much,” comes the confirmation in the deep baritone of their captain’s voice. “Now rest, okay?”
“Okay.”
And, just like that, the boy is out like a light, leaving his captain and vice-captain to stare at each other in wonder for some time—until sleep also takes them into its arms.
Suga has no idea how much time has passed, but when he comes to, he becomes aware of two things: the room is still dark, with only moonlight seeping through the half-open curtains, and the weight on his chest has grown heavier, though no less comforting. He blinks sluggishly at the ceiling, trying to regain his bearings, before finally looking down—
—to meet wide, terrified blue eyes staring up at him from a familiar, older face.
Suga gasps, barely managing to stay still and keep his teenager-sized kouhai from slipping off his perch. Instead, he wraps his arms around Tobio's tense shoulders, pulling him closer as he buries his face in dark hair. The scent of his own shampoo on the silky strands reassures him—it wasn’t some crazy dream conjured by his overtired subconscious.
“Tobio! Oh, thank God,” Suga exclaims in a hoarse whisper, trying not to wake up the entire room.
“S—Suga-san, I—” the boy stutters, but doesn’t pull away from Suga’s touch, and the silver-haired teenager is immensely grateful for that.
“I was so worried,” Suga almost moans, his nose pressed into the other boy’s temple. “Don’t get me wrong, you make an adorable child, but I really wanted normal-you back—”
“I… I’m sorry, Suga-san, I didn’t mean—”
Suga smacks the back Tobio’s head, but immediately soothes it with a gentle touch. “Don’t you dare apologize! Just don’t scare me like that again, I’m too young to have a heart attack—”
“You’re not mad?” his kouhai interrupts in a small voice, sinking further into Suga’s arms as if his strength has suddenly left him.
Sugawara hugs him even tighter, making the younger boy wheeze.
“Of course I’m not mad, you idiot! What—”
“Would you two shut up and go back to sleep, please? It’s too late for this—or too early, whatever.”
The sudden rumble of Daichi’s raspy voice makes both of them freeze, and they slowly turn to stare at the other teenager with wide eyes. Their captain looks unimpressed, even in the semidarkness. However, immediately sensing his kouhai’s apprehension, he takes the time to run his rough fingers through raven-dark hair, gently tousling the downy strands.
“No one’s mad, and you have nothing to worry about. We’ll talk in the morning, alright? But you need to rest now. All of us do.” He throws a wry glance at his boyfriend, who answers it with an eye roll.
“Fine,” Suga grumbles, but his lips are twitching.
Kageyama’s eyes dart between both of them, but when Suga and Daichi simply settle back into a comfortable position, he follows their lead with ease. Despite his hesitation, the younger boy doesn’t protest when their arms enclose him in a warm embrace, eventually melting back into Suga’s chest with a quiet sigh, long fingers still clutching Hinata’s stuffed toy.
The silence is comfortable and stretches warmly over them like a heavy quilt, until—
“Did I really call Akaashi-san pretty?”
Before they can control it, both Daichi and Koushi snort in laughter—though the captain makes a valiant effort to hide it.
“If it’s any consolation, he said you’re pretty too.”
Tobio groans.
“Both of you—sleep. Now.”