Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

What does sake smell like? Some would describe it as floral or similar to tropical ripe fruits, depending on the preparation and the alcohol degree. If you were to believe that Kenma's room might be comparable to a flower shop in the middle of a fruit plantation with such a strong aroma wafting out of it.

Ah, but what's inside, might you be wondering?

It really isn't clear by the first look, nor the second or third. There are six human bodies sprawled on the floor, and they must be alive —if barely— going by the grunts they're producing while they struggle to wake up with the greatest hungover of their lives.

Hinata's head feels like it could explode as he opens his eyes, the thin rays of sunlight coming from the window enough to make him squint in pain. He hurries to shut down the curtains as fast as possible avoiding to step on anyone, and then he spins around to see the extent of last night's catastrophe — Kenma's closet has been raided and his 'private' items lie all over the room; a photo album, magazines, adult toys, cosplays...some are still being worn at this very moment. Nothing too worrisome, but when Hinata fumbles to pick an empty sake bottle from the floor he notices something in his left hand that really shouldn't be there. Silver, shiny, a perfect fit for his ring finger. He gulps.

"...Oh no."

- - -

( 24 hours left until the tragedy. )

Karasuno school neighborhood. Nothing like a late evening sprint to whet your appetite before dinner, a nice routine that keeps both Hinata and Kageyama in shape even though they're supposedly on a short break from volleyball tournaments this week. Old habits die hard and these competitions are more of a fun pastime than real training for professional, fit players such as them.

"I won, I got to the gym first!!" the redhead pants tapping his hand on the door.

Kageyama reaches it just a split second later, "Dammit, you got lucky I crashed into that old man!"

"Bahaha, it's your fault for running over people. You're a sore loser baka- gwah!"

The gym door creaks open by a teen girl, "Excuse me, is something the matter? We heard yelling outside..."

Hinata bows down apologetically. "Sorry, we were having a race around our old school and got a bit loud, hehe," he tugs at Kageyama's t-shirt to do the same.

"Sorry," the setter sulks making the girl flinch.

"Huh, y-you two..." she stares at them wide-eyed, "Guys, come fast, it's Kageyama-san from the Schweiden Adlers and Ninja Shouyou in person!!"

At her call the junior team that was training inside runs behind her crowding the door, nudging one another aside to see if she's telling the truth. Their uniform is the same as it was years ago, dark blue and orange bringing back all these good memories.

"Please, it'd be an honor if you oversee our training if you don't mind staying for a while!"

The teenagers create a joint sparkling aura they can't refuse, so they step into their old gym once again immediately hit with nostalgia. The basketball net they used to measure their jumps, the benches, mats on the floor for exercises, and of course the volleyball court. Sure, the important international games are held on fancy facilities, but they'll always remember the simple floor made of wooden plank. A throwback to their humble beginnings in Karasuno.

"Wanna show them our quick attack?" Hinata grabs a stray ball looking excitedly at Kageyama.

"Sure, you better not flunk it though," he smirks.

That's nigh impossible, he knows. When Kageyama sets Hinata will be there for him, that's how it's always been and now the only difference is that their technique is much better than it used to be in high school. A refined toss followed by a high jump as the ball drifts in slow motion to its target. Perfect. Their young audience applauds their coordination.

"Get on the other side boke, let's see if you can receive my serve."

"Hell yeah, I'm getting fired up!"

Kageyama spins the ball in his hands, his blue gaze sharp as ever once he's become fully focused. He throws it flying upwards, and just as he's about to hit it he eavesdrops some whispering from the sidelines.

"They're super synchronized, I'm so jealous."

"That's normal isn't it? Since they're boyfriends."

BOMP.

"..."

The ball lands comically on his head and everyone else stares in silence. Well, everyone minus Hinata.

"Pff-fuh-HAHAHA!!" he bursts out laughing, hunched over and clutching at his belly, "Nice kill Kageyama!"

"You're dead," Kageyama approaches him armed with another ball shooting with all his strength. Their competition has quickly spiraled into a dodgeball match with the volleyball team acting as improvised cheerleaders watching from the stands; the game goes on until the gym must be closed at night time, promising that they'll return for a proper training session soon.

"That was hilarious," the redhead chuckles as they walk on their way home sporting some new bruises.

"Shut up, I got distracted."

"By what?"

"They were saying things about us."

Hinata watches him blush lightly, "You gotta learn to get used to praise already, you know."

"That's not it, they said we're boyfriends."

"Oh...so?"

"Boke, we've decided to keep it a secret from everyone, isn't it weird they know this stuff?!"

"You don't keep up with the gossip huh."

Kageyama's confused frown easily answers that.

"Nobody knows the truth. There are many rumors that pair me with different people and none are ever confirmed, so they're hardly believable in the end."

"Different people."

"Yeah, you can imagine the main suspects."

"In that case you should be more careful."

Hinata hugs him from behind making them tumble on their feet, "What, you don't like when I do this?"

"No! I mean y-yes, it's just we can't-"

"Hehe, I was joking."

One of their neighbors walks past with a weird expression, as if she were doing her best to ignore Hinata clinging to his very embarrassed boyfriend.

"See, that's exactly what I'm talking about."

"It's normal to be affectionate, I do it with everyone."

"Yes, which brings us to the current issue. We've already talked about this...and the repercussions if people find out you're dating five guys. Have you thought of what our families would say, or Natsu?"

"Geez, don't be so cold."

Kageyama sighs untangling his arms from his waist to hold his left hand instead, "I worry about us, that's all."

Hinata can't stop smiling as they lace their fingers, although only for a few minutes until they reach their street not to be caught. "It'll be fine so long we're not too obvious, we've done super well since high school!"

The thing is they've never been subtle like they thought they were, specially not in the past with their hormones going absolutely wild. Spending their days together at school, then training for hours was difficult for two teenagers keen to touch, kiss, and overall sticking to each other like bees to honey. They used every opportunity to be alone no matter where; the volleyball changing room served as hideout on occasion, so did the school bathrooms, and eventually the whole team figured out why they stayed in the gym overtime so often — it wasn't for training as they'd believed. Daichi had to kick them out sometimes, being their captain and the most responsible figure in the team. The day he gave them a talk about 'protection' was the most enlightening yet embarrassing of their lives. Hinata had never seen Kageyama's face so red before.

"Right, so behave yourself," the setter kisses Hinata's cheek before he lets go of his hand.

"...Bakageyama, don't make it harder."

A camera snaps capturing the moment from behind a corner. The girl they met at the gym rushes off with her precious trophy, but whatever is it for?

- - -

"Oi 'Samu, bring that onigiri already, we're starvin'!"

Meanwhile in Hyogo a work meeting is undergoing at Onigiri Miya's restaurant, now closed for privacy after its regular dinner service.

"Please, there's no rush," Akaashi shakes his head.

"Really? I swear ya were droolin' like a rabid dog while 'Samu served the tables around us."

"Ah... It's the smell in here, it's delicious."

"Heh, I recall Shouyou-kun said you love onigiri."

Akaashi takes out a notepad and a pen from his coat, "Indeed, although I'm here for work, not pleasure."

"Here's yer dinner, hope you like it," Osamu arrives with a steaming plate of onigiri balls and despite his words Akaashi is, without doubt, drooling rivers. He wipes the corner of his mouth with his sleeve.

"Thank you Osamu-san, I'm eagerly waiting for your restaurant's expansion to Tokyo someday."

"I see Fukurodani's setter is polite as ever."

"Yummy, shankyou 'Shamu!" Atsumu smiles gobbling on a tuna rice ball, his favorite flavor.

Osamu hits the back of his head nearly making him choke on his bite, "Forgive my stupid brother in advance, he's got no manners."

"Tch, whatever... Why did ya want to interview me?" the blonde hikes a brow at Akaashi, "I thought yer favorite players were Bokkun and Shouyou-kun."

"That might be true, however I have to be impartial in my job. It occurred to me I'd get some reference material for my publisher from a different source."

"Ya sure it's got nothin' to do with yer roarin' stomach?"

"Of course not! I just thought we'd be more comfortable here than in my office."

Osamu shouts from the kitchen, "Shut the fuck up 'Tsumu, he's givin' me free publicity in Tokyo!"

Akaashi's voice tone drops considerably, "...And I'd like to have a word with you about Hinata, too."

"Oho, so that's the real deal here, you pervert."

"Excuse me?"

"You don't have to dilly-dally around it. Just ask away, I'll tell you everythin' Shouyou-kun likes in bed."

"W-what?! You're wrong, that isn't-" For the briefest moment Akaashi hesitates on asking since he willfully offered, but that's not why he's come tonight.

"For example when I suck his cock..."

"I'm telling you that's not the reason!!"

Atsumu laughs at how easy it is to tease him, "Alright, alright, just get to the point before our dinner gets cold, 'Samu hates microwavin' rice."

Akaashi leaves his glasses on the table looking him straight in the eyes, "It's your thoughtless behavior I'm concerned about. You're causing Hinata's partners trouble —myself included— whether you realize it or not, and I suspect it's the former."

"Huh, what's yer problem?"

"We'd all love to be open about our feelings, but we can't, at least not the way you're flaunting it."

The blonde casts away his gaze, "Whaddaya mean?"

"Please. You're feeding the rumors whenever you hug him after scoring a point, put your arm on his shoulders during an interview or kiss him in public."

"Sounds like yer keepin' tabs on us," he snorts.

"We can't afford to show that type of behavior."

"Damn, yer a full blown hypocrite, aren'tcha?"

"What are you saying? I've been extremely careful with-"

Atsumu's grin becomes a shunning crescent, "Don't think Shouyou-kun hasn't told me yer naughty exploits! Seriously, you've got balls of steel callin' me out when you've fucked in an onsen where anyone could've seen it."

"You're wrong, we didn't do it there," he mumbles blushing prominently red, "...We waited until we were in a hotel room, it would've been risky otherwise."

"Then I guess you couldn't wait when you fucked in a car. An outdoors cinema, wasn't it?"

"I made sure to park somewhere dark!"

"There's that time in yer office, once in a public bathroom, a karaoke, and I heard you also-"

"Fine, that's enough, I admit to all of it!" Akaashi bites his lip mortified by the exposure.

"See Akaashi-kun, you shouldn't feel bad. So long we don't get caught we should enjoy ourselves," the blonde raises his glass and after some reflection Akaashi clinks it with his own.

"Point being Atsumu-san...stop being reckless."

"Will do if you start followin' yer own advice."

They frown as they take a gulp of their drinks at once, coughing from the intensity of the sake. Akaashi grabs an onigiri ball to wash the alcoholic aftertaste.

"It's really good," he points out untensing the mood.

Atsumu's brows soften, "Only the best rice in Japan."

"Shall we start the interview?"

"Wasn't it an excuse to slap my wrist?"

"Partly. As I said I'm here for work."

Before Akaashi can pick his pen his phone dings, and coincidentally Atsumu's too at the same time.

[ Group chat: Shouyou's Setter Squad ]

-Kenma: emergency talk tomorrow

-Kenma: we've got a problem to solve ASAP

( 20 hours left until the tragedy. )

Chapter Text

"Tobio, we've ran out of milk for breakfast! Go to the store for your beloved sister, will you?"

"Stop wasting milk for your hair treatments, Miwa."

"It's great natural straightener. Wanna try it?"

"No, thanks. I'm going to buy a carton and you aren't allowed to touch it unless it's for drinking."

"Humph!"

Some mornings it feels like nothing goes right. Waking up with sore muscles, stumping your toe on a corner, and to make matters worse no milk. An exemplary case of how to get up on the wrong foot. What else could happen first hour in the morning?

"Man, I'm really craving some milk bread... Mooom, is there any in the kitchen?"

"Gosh Tooru, get up from bed and buy some."

"You're supposed to spoil me while I'm home!"

"Pardon mister I'mgoingtoArgentinaandyoucan'tstopme, I thought you were an independent adult so quit slacking off!"

"Grrr, alright, I'll go..."

What else other than waking up with an awful bedhead, listening to your mother's sarcastic tone, and having to leave your warm futon to act like a proper grown up in spite of the chilly morning breeze. Oikawa is starting to miss Argentina's mild temperatures. Luckily there's a small convenience store on their neighborhood where most people go for emergencies such as sweet cravings or an alarming lack of dairy products. On the negative side that makes it very busy and crowded all day long since everyone flocks to the same place when the need arises. Today, not-so-luckily, that includes...

"Oikawa-san?!"

"Geh!!" he flinches at Kageyama's voice. "What are you doing here, have you been stalking me?"

"Why would I do that."

"You tell me, why do you want to play in Italy?"

"I don't follow...besides, how do you know that?"

"Shouyou told me that's the team you're going for after the Olympics. What a coincidence that was always the one I'd planned to join until I finally went to Argentina, you must have quite a fixation with me, going as far as to copy my ideas!" he grins smugly.

Kageyama scowls, "You're one to talk about suddenly taking interest for other people's ideas, namely going out with Hinata. You wouldn't even look at him until you knew he was my partner in Karasuno."

"Hah, sorry to break it out to you but I always thought chibi-chan was a cute oddball, he'd caught my eye since that time at training camp. You aren't the center of the universe just because you're a half-decent setter, Tobio-chan."

"I can't believe you're saying that with a straight face."

"I'm more than decent though, I'm the best. Remember when you sought my help in the past, hm?" Oikawa quickly grabs his phone from his pocket, "Because I sure do," he puffs his chest showing the picture his nephew took years ago with Kageyama bowing down to his greatness.

"Urgh... Why do you still have that?"

"Because it's a nice memory with my dear kouhai," he pokes out his tongue while pulling on his eyelid reveling in Kageyama's furious expression.

"I can't even tell who's in the picture, it's all blurred."

Oikawa snickers deviously, "Doesn't change you bowed, and so reverently too, I felt like a real king!"

"You damn asshole, I was just-"

"Excuse me, will you be buying anything?" the clerk cuts in glancing at the growing line behind them.

"I am!" they reply in unison slamming their two items on the counter. And then they see it — the latest Monthly Volleyball magazine available between other newspapers. They share a glance instantly rushing to get it, each of them gripping at one corner of the paper with an iron grip.

"Let go Oikawa-san, I always buy it here."

"I doubt you'd want to read it, after all Atsumu-chan is featured on the cover. Looks like you aren't number one in the setter rank this month, too bad."

"Shut up, guess who isn't relevant in the rankings anymore... You!"

"Dumbass, I'm popular worldwide!!"

They yank towards opposite sides, yank again even harder, and once more until the magazine gets torn off in half and its ripped pages flutter in the air in front of several shocked customers as they stare blankly at one another. The clerk doesn't utter a word —he's rather unperturbed by the ridiculousness, which makes you wonder what's his daily routine— but his thumb points to a big sign just behind him.

[ YOU BREAK IT, YOU BUY IT ]

After an embarrassing walk among gossiping ladies they leave the store with a bag of bread and a carton of fresh milk, glaring ahead in absolute quietness.

"Admit it," Kageyama grumbles.

"What."

"You got close to him to make me jealous."

Did he? Perhaps initially that was Oikawa's intention knowing how much Kageyama cared for the redhead. 'What face would he make if I stole chibi-chan from him? Would he break into tears, or beg me to leave them alone?' These questions popped in his mind merely out of curiosity and burrowed pettiness. He'd matured considerably since high school, yes, but he secretly yearned to prove that he was still better somehow; and then Hinata magically appeared in Rio granting him the opportunity. He didn't expect to enjoy their short time together so much, nor that Hinata would be so receptive to flirting. Apparently he was in an open relationship with other men already, a surprising —and most convenient— development. Night dates, beach volleyball, alcohol, homesickness... One thing led to another and soon he found himself wanting more than the casual fuck in a hotel room. It was love after a drought that lasted too many years.

"Only at first."

"I knew it."

"My feelings are totally sincere though, deal with it!" Oikawa fakes an irritatingly wide smile making a peace sign.

"If he's happy, I'm happy." Kageyama's words don't sound entirely honest due to his dead serious look, but still. "Just don't do anything stupid or it'll be over for all of us."

"Don't worry, once I take Shouyou to Argentina with me the Japanese press won't be a problem, hehe."

Kageyama snaps his head, "Out of the question."

"We'll see about that!"

As they part ways to their homes a similar thought gnaws at them, "What else could happen today?"

( 10 hours left until the tragedy. ) 

- - -

"Here's your weekly report Kuroo-san, is there anything else you need?"

"A cup of coffee please," the man grins from behind his desk, full of folders and sports related magazines.

"Yes sir, right away!"

Work at Japan volleyball sports association can be terribly dull; boredom aside Kuroo is determined to make the best out of it, or at least the numbers in his bank account suggest so. Being in charge of sports promotion is a comfortable and profitable job, the main reason he chose that career plus the personal satisfaction of supporting his best friends. Bokuto and Hinata owe him a great deal for the amount of sponsorship offers they get, and even Kageyama is indebted to him for his mediation with Power Curry. The only downside is the long hours he must spend in his office doing player research, although nothing stops him from indulging on some slacking when it's quiet.

"Let's see what's new," he thinks as he checks the usual sports magazines he buys to stay informed both for amusement and finding promising players — always on the lookout for a good deal, as he'd say. There's nothing extraordinary on the cover pages: 'Japan's Olympic Roster' which he already knows about, 'V-league Setter Special' starring Kageyama, and...his eyes shoot to Monthly Volleyball. 'The Monster Couple Strikes Again!' along a picture of Atsumu with his fist lifted, his trademark gesture.

"I've got a bad feeling about this."

Thinking back it's for the best that Kageyama and Oikawa didn't get to read the article in question. It wasn't about the rankings as they thought, but a spotlight on the most feared couple in the V-league with an emphasis on the couple aspect, edging the limits of sports information and drifting into risky gossip. The interviewer was smart enough to start off with some unconspicuous sports questions before the topic shifted to their personal life and how close they seem to be outside of the volleyball court.

"Miya-san, you must have heard the rumors that you're actually in a relationship with Hinata-san. What is your opinion on the topic, can you confirm or deny it?"

Both Atsumu and Hinata turned pale as a sheet sharing an anxious glance. They had rehearsed an answer in advance for prickly situations like this —due to how common they've become— so the blonde breathed out all his tension and firmly said:

"What does it matter, even if we were?"

Hinata nodded by his side, "Yeah, we're professional volleyball players, that's what counts, not our love life!"

It wasn't an explicit admission by any means, sufficiently vague to allow these doubts to keep lingering suggesting they might be boyfriends. Or not. Up to the reader's interpretation. Of course Hinata wouldn't straight out lie, and Atsumu doesn't give a shit about what others think, as always.

Kuroo facepalms, "You dorks, can't you stay quiet?"

An extra perk of being in close contact to most figureheads in the sports industry is that you can ask for certain levities, or make people turn a blind eye to some rumors as Kuroo has been doing from the shadows. Everything within a reasonable limit, that is. A harem of popular volleyball players would definitely cause a scandal of immeasurable scale and he's just another accomplice to their bed activities. Things are getting out of hand even for his scope of influence, meaning he has to use his trump card to keep these circumstances under control — the blood and the brain must spring into action, just as old times.

-Kuroo: the press is onto us

-Kuroo: it's your time to shine

-Kenma: I'm ready for countermeasures

-Kuroo: didn't expect any less from you

- - -

Social media can serve as a source of information, a handy tool for publicity or a double-edged weapon if they aren't managed correctly. Nobody knows this better than people who make a living from it, and among them there's Kodzuken —aka Kenma Kozume— one of the most influential videogame streamers as of late. The man didn't seek to become so popular at first, but his incredible gaming skills on top of being friends with Japan's best volleyball players truly worked on his favor. Thousands of viewers every week net him hefty gains from advertising while promoting his own Bouncing Ball sports products, all without leaving his bedroom. Could it get any better? Probably not, though everything could go downhill pretty fast unless he's careful about his internet persona, which is why on a daily basis he checks his social media, his YouTube channel and any relevant news regarding Ninja Shouyou. By pure coincidence as he browsed the net last night he came across a comment on the Black Jackals' website, one that compelled him to send his 'emergency' text.

[ MSBY Black Jackals - Fan's Shoutbox ]

> You guys, look who I met today!!!

> [ karasunorules.jpg ]

The linked picture showed Kageyama giving Hinata a kiss on the cheek, nothing more. It drove the fans crazy as innocent as it looked, and in less than an hour said picture had spread like a fire on most fan forums. Kenma can forgive a small mistake like that —even he'd done some things in public he'd later regret— but waking up to Atsumu and Hinata's interview in Monthly Volleyball cemented his idea that he should do something before people find out about their relationship; everything falls on his hands now. After much thinking he's got a good idea of how to fix the whole gossiping problem, even if he's forced to wield that double-edged sword he's so afraid of.

Kenma takes his phone and starts tapping, "...Desperate times require drastic measures."

[ Group chat: Shouyou's Setter Squad ]

-Kenma: don't make plans tonight

-Kenma: we're meeting at my house

-Kenma: and before you try, no excuses

-Shouyou: what's going on?  (*°▽°*)

-Kenma: sorry Shouyou, it can't be helped

-Kenma: I call upon my rights to summon the Council of Setters

-Oikawa: you don't have to be so dramatic

-Akaashi: look who's talking

-Atsumu: you gonna pay for dinner?

-Kageyama: we could practice volleyball too

-Kenma: TAKE THIS A BIT MORE SERIOUSLY!!!! (°ㅂ°╬)

The Council of Setters. A reunion to discuss matters of utmost importance, only to be exercised on the face of a direct threat to their secret relationship.

-Shouyou: I guess tonight... we dine in hell

( 7 hours left until the tragedy. ) 

Chapter Text

8:00 PM. Tokyo, a general store near Kenma's home.

Here we find Shouyou Hinata, carrying an empty shopping basket after realizing —way too late, after leaving the train station— it'd be bad manners to join such a crucial meeting empty-handed. He's gotten so excited about the prospect of having dinner together with everyone he completely forgot that detail, and apparently the whole point of the Council as well.

"I should bring snacks, I bet Kenma doesn't have enough for all of us, it's not like he gets many visits," he nods to himself grabbing five bags of deluxe chips in different flavors, walking the desserts aisle next searching for a very specific type. "A-HA, got it!!" he proclaims as if he'd found the solution to all his problems — a small-sized apple pie, Kenma's favorite. The woman attending the counter chuckles at his pose, hand held up high holding the precious 'key item'. Hinata takes out his wallet, but before he can pay his gaze points to the side where something gets his attention. Several condom boxes conveniently placed close to the cash register for a quick purchase.

"Nah...not tonight," he thinks handing over the money. And just then a buzz from his pocket jump-scares him.

-Kenma: please hurry

-Kenma: I'm too afraid to open the door

Hinata's brows wiggle equally shocked and worried.

-Shouyou: what's wrong, is anyone bothering you?

-Kenma: you could say that, yes

-Shouyou: I'll be right there!! (⊙_⊙)

( 3 hours left until the tragedy. )

- - -

"Pfft, so what if you're kinda popular, you haven't won any gold medal yet, right Tobio-chan?"

"Wait until the next Olympic games and you'll see how I get one from the first row."

"Feelin' threatened by our team, aren'tcha?"

"Oooh if it isn't the ranking runner-up! Who would be afraid of you, who can't even beat my lil' kouhai."

"Ya lost to him before reachin' nationals."

"Shut up bushy brows!!"

"Please, let's behave like adults."

"It's okay Akaashi-san, just ignore them."

"And you can quit yer Mr. Perfect act Keiji-kun."

"What he said, don't think you're better than us because you're mildly attractive, asshole!"

"I never implied that, it's you who believes it."

"...I hate your guts."

Their quarrel resounds in front of Kenma's house, where its owner is peeking from behind his room curtains praying for Hinata to arrive before the bloodbath begins, which going by their agitated voices can be pretty soon. Even his neighbor —an old lady— walking her dog decides to go the opposite direction seeing these tall, loud and threatening men in the way. Fortunately before she can inform the police of an ongoing turf war Hinata turns the corner to Kenma's street, listening to them from a long distance. He rushes over waving his hand ignoring the danger.

"Guuuuys, sorry for being late!!"

They look to the ground, the sky, a light post — everywhere but Hinata's eyes humming as if they hadn't been at each other's throats just a minute ago. Akaashi sighs at their silly theatrics.

"Hey, have you seen anyone shady around?" the redhead squints scanning the street.

Kageyama crosses his arms, "It's only us here."

"Kenma said he was scared of opening the door, are you sure...?"

"Boke, we obviously would have noticed."

Hinata turns to the other three, "What about you guys?"

"Nope, nothin' at all!" Atsumu winks as he leans an arm on Oikawa's shoulder, "He must have been seein' things with the darkness 'n all. Right Tooru-kun?"

"Huh? ...Ah, yeah, he's probably been playing too many survival horror games," he smirks catching up rapidly.

Akaashi stifles a snort. "Are you sure it wasn't your yelling that scared-" his mouth is instantly shut from both sides by both Oikawa and Atsumu's hands.

"It's getting cold outside, shall we ring the door?"

"Yer right, Keiji-kun is lookin' a bit blue."

"Hggrmmff!!"

"Then you might wanna let him breathe," Kageyama grunts smacking their arms away.

Meanwhile Hinata goes to ring the doorbell, however Kenma swings the door open in advance.

"Gwah, Kenma! How did you know we were here?"

The man glares at the source of his annoyance right behind Hinata, "The question is how could I not know."

"Eh?"

"Nevermind... Come in, but don't be noisy," he warns more to the rest of setters than the redhead.

They remove their shoes and follow after him; those who still didn't know the place are amazed by how luxurious the inside is despite its old-fashioned exterior, from the living room with a cinema-sized tv and speakers —where Kenma watches volleyball— to the brand new gaming room, without forgetting the backyard with a fish pond that fits with the Japanese style decor. An odd blend of traditional and modern.

"The fuck, this guy's swimmin' in cash," Atsumu mutters boiling with jealousy.

Oikawa elbows him, "It's not that impressive, my house in Argentina is way fancier than this ancient building. It's close to the beach too, you know?"

"Yeah, well, I doubt buying a property there costs as much as it does in Tokyo city," Akaashi retorts.

Kageyama halts for a moment to appreciate the spacious backyard, "Wow, if only it had a volleyball net it'd be perfect."

"This way," Kenma says opening the sliding door to his room. Usually he wouldn't invite anyone in besides Hinata or Kuroo being the ones he's closest to; still, he's willing to unseal his gaming shrine and most private spot so long his plan is successful. For that he needs to create a relaxed atmosphere, so he's put aside his futon and placed a wide kotatsu plus cushions for all of them in the middle. On top of that the time his guests wasted arguing was wisely spent on brewing tea and to prepare the finishing touches for the meeting. The drink is still hot when they enter.

"Please take a seat." Kenma waits until everyone has occupied a cushion around the table, signaling for Hinata to sit close to him instead. "Very well, I hereby inaugurate the Council of Setters. First and foremost here are a few documents I'd like to share with you." He slides a folder per person containing some kind of valuable information, judging by their heaviness.

"Kozume-san, what's this about?" The first one to see what's inside is Akaashi making his normally impervious face turn completely pale. His jaw drops in a shocked gesture urging the others to check too.

"Are ya shittin' me?" Atsumu scowls.

The folders hold a collection of magazine pages, photos taken from the internet or the press, captures of online articles and gossip who involve all of them with Hinata. Most damaging evidence, truth be told.

"Fuckin' bastard... Yer tryin' to blackmail us."

Oikawa's eyes almost pop out in a cartoonish way, "Is this how you really make your fortune, nerd-chan?"

In comparison Kageyama's folder looks the thinnest, mostly because his dates with Hinata are honestly quite innocent; either to practice volleyball together or dates that don't get too heated up until they sneak back to their homes, and maybe the bedroom while everyone else is asleep. Nothing public if they can help it, they're used to hide in this manner since they were teens so they've gotten better at laying low.

Kageyama leaves his folder on the table, "So why are we here? I see nothing wrong with these pictures, unless a kiss on the cheek fits your definition of lewd."

"Do any of you deny these incidents?"

The redhead tugs at Kenma's hoodie sleeve, "W-wait, it's my fault, I shouldn't have-"

"It ain't like I gave him a blowjob in public," Atsumu denies when in fact, he has. In several occasions. Akaashi and Oikawa fall suspiciously silent not wanting to shoot themselves on the foot.

Kenma rolls his eyes, "Right, thanks for your restraint. However what you've been doing is plenty incriminating, we were supposed to stay out of the spotlight focus in case you have forgotten."

"It's not that we don't try, but it's difficult being with Hinata," Akaashi droops his head dejectedly.

"H-hey, don't put the blame on me now!"

"Yeah, you should apologize Shouyou-kun...it's yer fault for ownin' such a nice cock." Atsumu's last words wane in his mouth as he receives a group glare.

Oikawa lets out an irked huff, "Are we supposed not to get close to him or what? Don't be ridiculous, I refuse to hide as though we were doing something wrong."

"I think Oikawa-san is right, as much as it hurts to admit it," Kageyama nods. "We've got this far risking our careers to be together with the person we love, it's unreasonable that we bottle up our feelings forever."

Hinata gasps loudly, "Kageyama, you've matured!"

"Sh-shut it boke, that's just how I- all of us feel."

Akaashi shoots a stern gaze towards Kenma, "We've complied to your requests the best we can, I'm sure nobody here regrets what they've done. Whatever happens from now we'll deal with the consequences."

"Hell yeah Keiji-kun, ya tell him!"

"I see, I guess I can't ask you to change the way you act anymore," Kenma weaves his fingers under his chin, "Then you leave me no options, I must rescind our current pact since you won't follow it accordingly."

"K-Kenma?"

"Don't worry Shouyou, I was prepared for this." He gets up to pick a laptop from his desk placing it before himself and Hinata, confusion written all over the redhead as he starts frantically typing on it.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm simply adapting our terms of agreement."

"I won't sign anythin' without my lawyer," jokes Atsumu.

"Oh, I will take your word that you'll cooperate without complaints," Kenma turns the laptop around for everyone to see, "Because tonight we're dissipating the rumors once and for all," he grins mischievously.

[ Kodzuken's All-Stars Stream: 60 minutes left ]

The setters stare at the screen quite cluelessly. Thankfully Akaashi's brain clicks in half a second, "You don't mean..."

Kenma's eyes glint, "We'll hide in plain sight."

"I don't get it," Kageyama and Hinata speak at once.

"The fans want to know if these rumors are true, so why not clear up things by ourselves?"

"T-tonight?!"

"No better time, we're together in this."

"You planned it would go this way, didn't you?"

Kenma's smile is a big 'obviously' — and so the Council of Setters has suddenly become a limited event for their volleyball fans from Argentina, Japan, and possibly a worldwide audience counting Kodzuken's followers. Everything comes down to a risky bet. Win or lose.

Oikawa gets up in a hurry, "Let me fix my hair first!"  

- - -

[ Kodzuken's All-Stars Stream: 5 minutes left ]

[ Welcome to the Live Chat, type now! ]

> omgomgomg I'm super excited!!! o(≧▽≦)o

> me too, I can't believe this wasn't scheduled

> do you think Hinata's finally going to say...?

> say what?

> these special guests can't be coincidental

> Adlers and MSBY players together~ ♡ ♡ ♡

> dale Tooru carajooo eres el mejor!!

> enséñale a esos boludos quién manda, ánimo desde Buenos Aires!

> old Fukurodani fan here \( ^ o ^ )/

> wow, am I the only one who wants to watch Kodzuken play videogames?

> where are all these new accounts coming from

> idk but I'm here for the love gossip lolol

The number of viewers keeps going up hitting a record for Kenma's channel. Sports fans, curious people, and not only strangers;  Kuroo, Osamu, even Iwaizumi who's got the news from his former classmates are watching right now. On the other side of the globe Argentina's national team is cheering fervently for their setter as if a match were about to begin.

"Are you ready Shouyou?"

The redhead breathes in, then exhales a long sigh.

"Yes, I am."

[ Kodzuken's All-Stars Stream: LIVE ]

Chapter Text

Of all the dangerous scenarios that could have taken place tonight this would be a one in a million chance. What was meant to be a talk among Hinata and his boyfriends followed by dinner has turned into a public conference of sorts, and he's taken the spokesman role to clear up any misconceptions about their relationship. Everyone agreed on supporting whatever he decides to say whether it's the full truth or not. The problem is that he has no idea of how to get out of this conundrum without damaging their reputation unless he covers up some facts. As much as he'd like to be completely honest —and he really does— he wouldn't risk ruining their careers after years of sweat and blood for his own satisfaction. A hundred thoughts spiral in his head: How a traditional society would react, the press, all their fans, but most importantly their families and close friends.

"I can't admit we're dating, it'd be hard to understand... But I don't want to lie and say we're only friends, that'd be unfair to all of them," Hinata muses from his new seat on Kenma's lap as the setter begins the live stream, typing with his arms wrapped around his waist and his chin resting ever lazily on his shoulder.

Kenma notices his worried expression. "Hey, it's okay. Say only what you feel confident with and we'll follow along," he whispers on Hinata's ear, "When things get difficult we can act like a team, trust us like we've placed our trust in you. It'll work."

"Geez, I feel as though the fate of the world depends on me or something, I'm shaking."

"Sorry for causing you trouble, but if we don't stop the rumors soon odds are we'll be exposed under less advantageous circumstances. We have to be fast."

"Damage control huh? You really are a smart guy."

"I was Nekoma's strategist for a reason."

The redhead chuckles reminiscing of the chills he used to get when he faced Kenma on the volleyball court, he was like a crow whose feathers were slowly plucked out by a playful cat. In the end he always set flight before getting swallowed by his predator, and he can only hope this time he can escape safely as well.

"Do you need to use the toilet?" Kageyama grins seeing how jittery he is.

"High school was ages ago, bakageyama!!"

"Good, then don't mess it up," he ruffles Hinata's hair in what must be a rough way to cheer for him.

"I won't, I'm not alone," Hinata glances to the right where Oikawa and Atsumu are, and to his left he's got Kageyama and Akaashi. There's seriousness and a hint of fear on their faces, despite that their eyes are fixed ahead armed with a firm resolution to end this. The laptop camera focuses in the middle of them. Kenma presses the enter key and the chat receives a flood of messages as they finally show on screen; they're so fast and so many it's impossible to read what they say, so Hinata focuses on his own speech.

"H-hello everybody, I'm Sh-Shouyou Hinata!!" he shouts much too rapidly tripping over his words, "I'm glad to make your acquaintance. As you can see Ken- er, Kodzuken has gathered a lot of amazing people for today's live stream!"

Kenma laughs as he types on the chat.

> (Admin) Ninja Shouyou is a bit nervous with such a big audience, please excuse his loud voice and keep your volume low if you're using headphones ; )

Hinata pouts blushing like a cherry, "Anyways, I'm sure you know them well, since they're popular volleyball players." He briefly introduces them from right to left. "Atsumu is my partner in the Black Jackals. He's a master of tri-wielding serves."

"I'm Shouyou-kun's favorite, by the way," he smirks.

"Oikawa-san and I were rivals in high school. He's Argentina's national team setter, pretty cool huh!"

Oikawa makes a double peace sign, "Yahoo, any fans from overseas wanna say hi? I get heaps of love letters every week in different languages!"

"This guy with the forced smile is Kageyama. He's awkward in front of the camera, though he's always been awful at expressing himself since high- GWAH!!"

Kageyama pokes his ribs viciously and repeatedly telling him to shut up. "Enough boke," he mutters.

"And the handsome, quiet one over there is Akaashi-san, he was my volleyball teacher for a while. He played in Fukurodani, one of Tokyo's top teams."

"Pleased to meet you," he bows, "I'm merely a magazine editor now, but I played setter in the past."

Kenma nudges his head on Hinata's. "Oops, I almost forgot our host, Kodzuken himself! He's hiding behind me, or I guess you can say I've stolen his main spot..."

"That's because this once Shouyou and company are the stars of the show," Kenma continues, "So, does anyone want to ask them a question? Shoot away."

Fortunately his eyes have been trained with years of experience in fast-paced videogames to be able to read most of the messages. There are some questions that keep repeating over and over again, but he'll leave the toughest ones for later, that'll keep their viewers stuck to the screen for as long as he wants. After all if they're going to risk so much might as well get some revenue from advertisements. Even under stress Kenma remains calm when it comes to money.

"First question from Sendai Simp. In your opinion, which one was the best setter back in high school?"

Hinata flinches at the compromising question whispering to Kenma, "W-why did you pick that one?"

"We have to entertain our audience too, right?"

"Well, um," the redhead gulps feeling the tense aura coming from around him, "Each of them had their strengths and weaknesses, the truth is I didn't think any of them were better than the other at the time."

> aaaww, you're so nice Hinata-san

> then tell us what you thought of them!

> yeah, yeah, we want to know the details ψ( ` ∇ ´ )ψ

That aura is now akin to a wall with sharp, deadly daggers slowly closing into Hinata from both sides. He doesn't dare look one inch away from the laptop screen while he speaks his mind.

"Kageyama wasn't great at communication with our team but he always tried the hardest, and that pushed me to improve on my own. I didn't want to lose to him even if we were teammates...yet deep down I respected his commitment. I- I think I never told him before, playing together in Karasuno was very fun."

> what about his senpai?

"Ah, Oikawa-san? He was super scary, there was one time we met outside the public bathrooms and he said he'd bury me before I could become a threat!"

"AHEM!!!" Oikawa fakes a cough. First warning.

"H-he was joking, of course. He didn't have any reason to be afraid of a newbie, compared to me he was like a member of the volleyball royalty whenever he stepped on the court, so dazzling and confident."

> le gustas a ese pibe Tooru (>‿◕)

> how did you become friends with Miya-san?

"Hehe, now that's a fun story. Guess what he said when his team lost to Karasuno? He said he wanted to set for me! Noone had ever told me something like that, considering I had to beg Kageyama daily for a toss. So, after the interhigh games we talked again. He's a bit moody but also a nicer guy than he lets on."

> no way, he's an asshole

> he should be friendlier to his fans, like Oikawa-san

"Tsk." Atsumu sulks while Oikawa giggles at his expense, earning a punch on the arm.

"Ouch, don't take it out on me!!"

> I didn't know Akaashi-san was your teacher

> Fukurodani is quite far from Miyagi town

"I was lucky Karasuno got invited to a training camp in Tokyo, otherwise I couldn't have learnt from him and Bokuto-san. They were among the top players that year," Hinata smiles over to a rather shy Akaashi, "I was surprised to see he was the total opposite of Bokuto-san, but he seems to do fine around hyperactive people. He taught me a lot of new things! ...and he still does."

His subtle tone change —naughty, barely short of suggestive— doesn't go unnoticed by the setters.

"I suppose you'll ask about Kodzuken next. We became acquainted even before I knew he played for Nekoma. I found him playing videogames by himself on the street, so now that I think about it I probably bothered him a little...but anyways, that we were in rival teams didn't mean we couldn't be friends, right Kenma?"

"No, of course not. I'm glad you approached me that day, it made volleyball much more interesting," he kisses Hinata's cheek almost on reflex. The subsequent question is only natural. "Cat Lord asks why you're sitting on top of me Shouyou, mind explaining yourself?" he giggles slyly.

It wasn't a point of concern until somebody pointed it out, he's so used to body contact it never occurred to him it'd look weird. It must be giving a wrong impression —or the right one, rather— which is exactly what he was trying to avoid.

"It's so we could all fit on camera," he admits. No need to lie when it makes sense.

Kenma hums reading the next question, "Suna-Tuna asks if you'd rather sit on anyone else's lap."

"Eh? That's, uh, I have no preference," the redhead looks away feeling his cheeks warming up.

> kyaah, he's blushing!

> Hinata-san is so cute~~

> come on, stop ignoring the best questions

> we demand answers now!!

> yeah, let's talk about L O V E <3

Hinata fiddles with his fingers under the kotatsu reading the fan uproar. He can't escape forever.

"S-sure, I'll answer the best I can."

> there are so many pictures of you together

> ikr, it doesn't look like you're just friends!

> I wouldn't sit on my friend's lap (~_~;;)

> some pictures show you holding hands

Suna-Tuna pops in again encouraging the gossip in the chat.

> what's your relationship with them?

That nearly makes Hinata's heart shoot out of his chest. "Relax Shouyou, this is what you expected," he tells himself as he takes a sip of the now cold tea Kenma served ages ago. His clock is ticking and the seconds he takes to meditate a reply feel like hours.

"...They're obviously very important to me. What's wrong with being affectionate with another guy, why should I excuse myself? Just because people don't like what they see?" The camera isn't close enough to show it, but he's trembling so much Kenma is considering if they should quit the stream already. His finger is about to hit the close button when Oikawa steps in.

"Man, Japanese people are so stupidly rigid."

"O-Oikawa-san?"

"Not you Shouyou, it's these guys pointing fingers who are wrong. I mean, in Brazil and Argentina people greet by kissing and hugging, and body contact isn't frowned upon as it is in Japan. For example, in Argentina I could perfectly say hello..." he leans forward pecking Hinata's lips nonchalantly, "Like this."

The others stare wide-eyed at his boldness, however as Kenma said they soon follow suit. Their reaction catches Hinata completely off guard starting with Kageyama's kiss on his left cheek. Akaashi takes his hand to kiss it like a gentleman, while Atsumu pushes Oikawa away to get his turn. Kenma smooches his left cheek as he mumbles, "See? That's what I call teamwork. Don't be scared, I'm right behind you."

"Awawa-w-wait a moment, you-!!"

Kageyama smirks teasingly, "You were in Brazil for two years, shouldn't you be used to this?"

"It's not the same as greeting a stranger!"

> oooh, so this is normal for Hinata-san?

> it makes sense since he's lived overseas

> wow, I didn't know foreigners were so touchy

"This is my chance," Hinata takes a gulp of air hoping his next words sound believable, "Being comfortable around someone you care about is normal regardless of their gender. I wish Japanese people were more open-minded, like Brazilians are! I still remember how fun their carnival was and how free they felt, noone's embarrassed of dancing with half-nude strangers, y'know!"

Akaashi chuckles, "Either way Hinata is an excellent volleyball player, whoever he hangs out with is irrelevant to his sports performance. Isn't that right?"

"Actually we rapport much better on the court since we've grown closer," Atsumu shrugs his shoulders as if playing down the matter, "If any fans have somethin' against us they're free to say it directly to my face."

> you guys are awesome!!

> the Black Jackals are the best~~

Kageyama glares at the blonde, "Yeah, I had a taste of their quick attacks on the last match we had. Sadly."

> these rumors are dumb anyways

> maybe Hinata-san is just very affectionate...

> who cares ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

> I'll cheer for my favorite team no matter what

Kenma smiles looking at the redhead, his gaze sparkling as he reads the amount of positive feedback.

"Look Shouyou, it seems your fans fully support you."

Hinata wipes away a stray tear, "Thanks guys, Ninja Shouyou won't let you down, wait for the Olympics!"

Finally they divert the attention from the love topic to harmless questions such as favorite food, blood type, volleyball, ideal person —which basically consisted of describing Hinata's traits— and so forth until Kenma gets utterly bored, settling for a first person survival horror game they can stream until dinner time. After countless screams and jump-scares that help unload the adrenaline boost from earlier they leave Kenma alone to his Bouncing Ball advertising before the stream ends.

"Huh, did you guys bring these bags?" Hinata points to a corner where they must have unloaded their things.

Atsumu hikes a brow, "Didn'tcha see when we came in together? We've all brought a lil' present for Kenma-kun."

"I was probably too distracted to notice at the time."

"Yer lucky babe, I've got just the thing we need to let loose," he says as he takes something from a bag.

"Isn't that 'Samu's most expensive sake bottle?"

The blonde grins, "Nabbed it from his restaurant."

"I'm getting a bad feeling about this, 'Tsumu."

Kenma shuts his laptop and Hinata's heart skips a beat.

( 1 hour left until the tragedy. )

Chapter Text

Junmai Daiginjo.

Hinata isn't an expert in alcoholic drinks by any means, all that he understands when he sees this bottle is that the black label indicates it's a very high quality. Osamu taught him a quick lesson on different types a long time ago while they had dinner in his restaurant, he can still remember the main attributes:

Made of highly polished fermented rice and pure water without any additives. Light, fruity and fragant; perfect to be enjoyed at the onigiri counter whether you drink it chilled or at room temperature, a great choice for Osamu's restaurant. Considered the peak of traditional Japanese sake and the most delicious.

And now such a jewel is being pried open as though it were a common, cheap bottle you'd find in any store. Hinata's conscience is yelling at him to do something but he's too slow to stop the setter's eager hands.

"Thank goodness 'Samu can't see this."

Atsumu has a carefree smile as he uncorks it by brute force, "Think of it as a special occasion Shouyou-kun. How often do we gather together like this, hmm?"

"He's going to kill you."

"The more reason to savor it until the last drop!"

"Fine, but we'll apologize to him later."

While he places six plastic cups that will further defile the sacred ritual of serving sake the others bring their bags to the kotatsu carrying some personal peace offerings. Akaashi makes use of his diplomatic skills pulling out a sports magazine from the famous publisher he works at, with a little extra on the cover.

"It just so happens I interviewed a couple of Olympic players this morning. I thought you'd like to know they've watched your streams and they offered to join your videos in the future, it's a nice opportunity to promote your business. They also signed an autograph here," he hands Kenma this week's 'Olympics Special' edition with their names on it, "A collector's item, I'd say."

Kenma stares at it like he's been gifted a gold bar, "Wow, thank you so much Akaashi-san, this is incredibly kind of you. How did you know...?"

"It's pretty easy to guess looking at those glass cases," he looks around where Kenma keeps his limited edition figurines, vintage consoles and other valuables under a tight lock. "You're a rare item hoarder in games and in real life," he grins amicably.

"Damn it," Oikawa, Atsumu and Kageyama curse at once. It's hard to surpass a present of that caliber, then again Akaashi and Kenma get along better than the rest, share common interests and even hang out around Tokyo along Bokuto and Kuroo sometimes. They're actually friends so that's clearly an advantage.

"Whatever, that's just a piece of paper," Oikawa huffs, "I own a bunch of autographs from international players I've met playing in Argentina, nothing to make a fuss about. Now let me show you something real unique that I assure you guys haven't seen before!"

A plate is ceremoniously served on the kotatsu and as though Oikawa were performing a magic trick he removes the white napkin covering his surprise.

"Ta-dah!"

Kageyama has a blank expression, that of a kid who expected a magnificent show but is presented with disappointment. "Cookies? You've brought cookies?"

"They aren't cookies you dumbass!"

"Macaroons?" Akaashi asks equally stumped.

"Lemme try one of these-"

Oikawa swats Atsumu's greedy paws away. "I suppose only I'm versed enough in South American treats," he smirks holding a small round pastry with his thumb and index, "Unless chibi-chan still remembers when we bought them in a bakery...?"

"Oooh, they're alfajores!! I tried them in Brazil for the first time, they're filled with- ah, dulce de leche and a layer of shredded coconut on the outside. It's a sweet mini-sandwich, suuuuper yummy!"

"Basically a fancy cookie," Kageyama deadpans.

"Or a variety of macaroons," Akaashi insists.

"For fuck's sake, shut up and eat one."

Atsumu sniffs it hesitantly, "Did ya make these?"

"Even I can bake such a simple recipe."

Kenma squints picking a suspicious scent, "Why does it smell so strongly of alcohol?"

"Oh, brandy is a secondary ingredient, I don't recommend mixing it with sake right away."

"You can make the honors just in case."

"They aren't poisonous or anything, I've made them with the best of intentions! ...oi, what's with that face?"

His words seem to double the setters' doubts, but then Hinata gobbles one down without a second thought, then another and a third stuffing his mouth now full of crumbles. "You betta' eat fasht or 'm gettin' all of 'em," he laughs urging them to join the feast.

"Then it's my turn," Kageyama sends his table partners a creepy smirk as whenever he attempts a smile, coming off as if he were plotting something dangerous. He shoves his hands in his sports bag —probably because he was training even though it's a free day— taking out an object that honestly doesn't surprise them in the slightest. A Mikasa volley ball.

"Pfff- bahaha, and you suggested my alfajores were lame! You suuuck at social events Tobio-chan."

"Yer a total volleyball freak, could that be the only thing in that hard skull of yours?" Atsumu sneers.

"Don't be mean 'Tsumu, you're just like him."

Kageyama pouts rolling it between his hands, "I mulled it over and over again and I always came to the same conclusion in the end. I'm sure this is the best gift I could have got for us tonight."

Akaashi tilts his head totally bewildered, "I don't understand, Kageyama-san. Mind sharing why a regular volley ball would be that important?"

"It might sound dumb, but...besides Hinata this is the only bond between us, and it's quite a strong one, isn't it? Despite these years we're still linked thanks to our passion for volleyball, so I imagined nothing else could bring us closer than playing a match together."

The redhead blinks. Maybe he's dreaming so he pinches Kageyama's thigh; his yelp sounds real.

"Ow, what the heck boke!!" he bonks Hinata's head.

"Are you a body double?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Wait, it could be alien brainwashing!"

"Quit it you-"

"D-don't tell me you're dying, is this your last will?"

"I'm doing it for you, stupid tangerine!!"

Kenma snorts a laugh, "Heh, so he's really whipped for him even if it doesn't act like it."

"Alright, I'll give it to ya Tobio-kun, that sounds like a decent plan buuut for the time bein' let's eat and drink to our heart's content!" Atsumu cheers carelessly pouring the expensive sake in their plastic cups.

"Hold on, I almost forgot my little contribution." Hinata fumbles within his shopping bag leaving the deluxe chips he bought on the table along an appetizing apple pie. "Sorry Kenma, I kinda improvised these before coming here... At least I got your favorite dessert, hehe."

"It's okay, I should've prepared snacks before our live stream. In fact I'll order pizza right now, by the time it arrives we'll be done with this stuff," he glances at the speed at which the others are drinking and eating, "I said I'd pay for dinner, right? I can handle this much."

Alfajores, sake, chips and silly conversations —but mostly the sake— manage to release the high-strung tension among them until they're so relaxed nobody would be able to tell they're still rivals in many aspects. Even the most reserved —Kenma and Akaashi— are laughing out loud at Hinata's impromptu samba class dancing and shaking atop of his scenario, Kenma's kotatsu. Oikawa tries joining him, sadly the wood below starts creaking limiting it to a one-man show.

"Fuck yeah, those years in Rio sure have paid off," Atsumu bites his lower lip eyeing his jiggly buttocks covered by his comfy sports shorts. A single piece of clothing has never earned so much hatred, if glares could kill these shorts would be vaporized from existence already.

"Y-yeah, definitely. No wonder he's built muscle if he's been exercising like that," Akaashi nods his head energetically and Oikawa wishes he could, if only for a moment, return to the past to relive the carnival in Rio de Janeiro's streets once more with his boyfriend.

"You're good chibi-chan...then again you've been practicing with us how to move your hips, though there's still room for improvement." He compliments his performance with dirty thoughts in mind, however he can't help jealousy from gnawing at him seeing the other's matching lecherous gazes. They're likely thinking the same as him while enjoying the spectacle.

Hinata slowly drops his hips in a sensual motion; his leg muscles flex effortlessly and the sneak-peak at his black underwear plus the lighter skin color beneath his shorts makes these men sweat more than they ever did playing volleyball. He kneels in front of Kenma picking an alfajor and taking a bite holding it with his teeth. Someone's going to be fed mouth to mouth and the closest target is the man guilty of organizing this council, fan event, or drinking party. Who cares about the details?

"N-no need to do that Shouyou, I-"

"If you don't take it, I will," Kageyama whispers.

Kenma makes up his mind faster than anyone else can claim that privilege, stealing the treat from Hinata's mouth with a chomp that cuts the alfajor in half. The redhead chuckles munching on his chunk, however he can't ignore the envious glares he's guilty of for too long. Unfortunately at this point there aren't enough sweets left for everyone so he grabs Kageyama's volley ball and hops off the kotatsu.

"Come on, let's play a three versus three in the backyard!"

When Hinata takes off his socks to step on the recently cut grass dampened by the night dew he smiles so brightly the stars lack luster in comparison, leaving the group of setters absolutely hypnotized by the sight. There's a pleasant scent of soil, sounds of singing cicadas and the steady 'thunk' of a sozu filled with water — a Japanese style fountain which consists of a swinging wooden trunk hitting a solid surface. It's beautiful, specially with the fish pond reflecting on the moonlight, although the darkness makes it less than ideal for a volleyball game. By a twist of fate Kenma kept the ancient adornments of his old house and its even older garden, two stone lanterns that once lit give a warm, orange glow.

"Geh, I forgot to bring in the laundry!" Kenma sulks as he notices the clothes he left earlier on the drying rack in the middle of the yard. His underwear and bedding are spread on a long pole for everyone to see, which is quite embarrassing as it is, but Hinata decides to make it worse by walking to it with the ball in hand.

"Perfect, we can use this as an imaginary net."

"No way, I just washed these!"

"We're pro volleyball players, we won't graze it."

Atsumu snickers glancing at it, "Yeah, we wouldn't wanna spoil those cute Hello Kitty boxers."

"That was a birthday gift from Kuroo, I swear!!"

Oikawa joins the teasing, "Really now? You're the type to wear this kind of stuff, I mean you have cat headphones, a big black cat plushie in your room... I wonder what else might be hidden in your closet, hm?"

"Maybe he'll let us have a look," Hinata grins.

"Hell no."

"Let's not forget we're Kozume-san's guests, it would be rude to poke around his belongings," Akaashi explains rather reasonably. His words fall on deaf ears as per usual when he's the sole voice of moderation.

Kageyama frowns, "Can we quit talking and start playing? Who cares about his underwear anyways?"

The teams are split according to their stance on the matter. Team 'closet defense' made of Kenma, Akaashi and Kageyama and team 'closet raid' made of Hinata, Atsumu and Oikawa. They walk off to opposite sides of the drying rack and the sozu fountain noise marks the beginning of their drunken volleyball match.

"Eat this!!" Oikawa shouts doing a jump serve.

In spite of the alcohol effects their skills are mostly unscathed besides for some added sluggishness. Each team handles the game in their own style, while Hinata's is aggressive and impetuous Kageyama's is coolheaded and balanced. A frantic exchange that's incredibly exciting for both sides, or at least until the dizziness wins over their will to keep playing.

"Oh crap!"

A less than graceful spike from Hinata gets blocked straight away, accidentally rebounding on Kenma's laundry as a result leaving a nasty ball mark on his —no more— pristine bed sheets.

Kenma sighs, "What did I tell you earlier?"

"It's his fault for stopping me!"

"Because you play like a scrub when you drink," Kageyama taunts.

"Are you pickin' a fight with my man, Tobio-kun?" Atsumu steps forward with an irritated look.

"He picked a fight with me."

Akaashi scrunches his nose, a hint of annoyance. "Don't talk like Hinata belongs to you alone."

Oikawa is tempted to join the fray just for giggles when Kenma interrupts them in a timely fashion. "I'm hungry after moving so much. Let's go back to my room, the pizza should be here soon."

They return to the bedroom while Hinata stays in the hallway waiting for the pizzas to arrive. Now that the redhead isn't around they can fight and misbehave as much as they please; pretending to get along just so their boyfriend is happy can be exhausting after all.

"Take your grubby hands off my figurines."

Atsumu jolts dropping the pricy item, which luckily is made of plastic suffering no damage from the fall.

"Yer rich, you can always buy a new one."

"They're limited editions!"

"Oho, check this out, nerd-chan has a pervy side!" Oikawa smirks pointing at a pair of cute black stockings seemingly forgotten on the floor.  

"That's nothing compared to his collection of-"

"Akaashi-san, don't."

But Akaashi is suffering from unstoppable verbal diarrhea from the ungodly amount of sake he's drank. "What? We know the stuff you use in bed with Hinata, he's told us every small detail."

"Huh?!"

Kageyama takes another sip, "There are no secrets between us, that's part of our sharing agreement. You think we don't notice the expensive stuff you give him? Every week he has something new, like games, sports clothes and equipment. The fancy brand clothes are even more obvious, he'd never waste money like that."

Oikawa strokes his chin, "Well I for one appreciate these gifts, he looks pretty hot with a formal suit, not to mention the joy of removing sexy stuff underneath."

"Tch, damn sugar daddy," Atsumu mutters.

"Guh- shut up, you'd also spoil him if you could!"

"Yes, of course," Oikawa's eyes spell a threat, "As Tobio-chan mentioned we have nothing to hide, and that includes any and all secret closet contents!"

Kenma immediately jumps in front of it, "Stay away! This is an invasion of privacy, t-tell them Akaashi-san!"

"I'm afraid I'd like to play devil's advocate for once, Kozume-san," he hums stirring his dry plastic cup, "...since I'm quite curious as well."

"You traitor! Then, Kageyama, you surely-"

"Like I said I don't really care what's in there, don't drag me into this," he says as he eats a chip completely unaffected by Kenma's plea.

Atsumu, Akaashi and Oikawa slowly corner their victim against the closet door towering over him like three cats bullying a defenseless, scared mouse.

"Gwaaahh!!"

( 20 minutes left until the tragedy. )

Chapter Text

"Was that a yell I heard?" Hinata wonders from his guard post on the hallway.

Just as he turns to check what's happened the doorbell rings, so he opens it in a hurry and his taste buds begin salivating at the delicious smell coming from the cardboard box. He can almost taste these cheesy pizzas, yet to his misfortune when he searches his pocket he remembers he didn't get the money from Kenma in the first place. Hopefully he has enough in his wallet.

"One moment, I forgot something!"

He zooms to Kenma's room sliding the door open without any warning witness to a most bizarre scene. He stands there staring blankly at Atsumu holding a leopard print speedo, Akaashi in a school uniform skirt as he attempts to hook his pink bra, and Oikawa stretching a pair of white laced panties within his hands. The door is closed again with Hinata opting to not ask any questions — he'd rather handle the pizza cost by himself with the emergency yen he keeps in his shoes.

"Uh, sir, are you feeling alright?" asks the deliverer seeing his discombobulated facial expression.

"I...pray I will be..." he utters accepting the food.

- - -

"Grrr, you damn bunch of thieves!"

Kenma glares from the kotatsu where he's resigned to watch his closet being inspected top to bottom. Not only that, it's been nearly turned upside down with the setters taking out his most intimate possessions for appraisal, including the adult cosplays and spicy underwear he wears exclusively for Kuroo and Hinata. He's blushing beet red while they try on his stuff as though it were their own, choosing the most ridiculous costumes and accessories as if mocking him for owning these — because he can't comprehend they're truly interested in wearing them. Their tastes are like black, white and neon yellow, he'd laugh if he weren't so terribly embarrassed of having bought all that.

"I was crazy to believe dinner would be over without anyone doing dumb shit," he sighs in defeat.

Kageyama pats his back seated alongside him, "You've brought this upon yourself."

"I was trying to fix the mess you guys created!!"

Akaashi turns around after putting on the full high-schooler outfit; baby blue sweater, ribboned white shirt below and a dark grey plaid skirt making it suspiciously similar to Fukurodani's. The alcohol must be blurring his rational judgment to go as far as to wear a really feminine pink bra underneath. Then again he's the least outstanding looking at the others, he's chosen a rather normal set in comparison.

"Pardon? We always stick to your instructions Kozume-san," he scowls crossing his arms, "Perhaps you should empathize a bit more with all of us, we're doing our best to control ourselves for Hinata's sake."

"You haven't, that's why I summoned you here."

Atsumu frowns at his admonishing tone, "Who's given you the right to scold us, puddin' head? You think yer better than us 'cause you've got cash to waste, huh?"

"I don't want to hear anything from a guy who looks like a male stripper or a gigolo."

"Jealousy is a disease fucker, get well soon." Atsumu flips the bird at him without a trace of shame in spite of his leopard print speedo, black cat-shaped hairband to match the animal theme and a pre-tied bow tie with a fake collar. Kenma's description is honestly spot on given his attire, all he's missing is a dancing pole.

"Oh my, it sounds like nerd-chan doesn't understand his current position, does he?" Oikawa puts on the last item to complete his set of choice, a facsimile of a diamond tiara in absence of a king's crown. The rest is just as gaudy, an elegant choker made of three strings of pearls and a blue jewel in the middle, pure white full arm gloves and a pair of silky laced panties in the same color. A decent attempt at a royal cosplay, or so it seems by his extremely proud pose and the way he vainly flicks his hair.

"At least I have my pants on," Kenma snickers.

"Hmph...you're gonna regret that superior attitude," Akaashi adjusts his glasses stepping near the kotatsu, "Let's kick him down a notch, shall we?" he glances at the setters getting a synchronized nod in return.

Within a second Kenma's wrists are held forcefully as he gets dragged face down onto the kotatsu. He flails around to break free, but Oikawa and Atsumu are physically stronger so he finds himself easily overpowered — if only he kept exercising as Kuroo always adviced him not to lose muscle. Too late now.

"Wha- what are you doing?!"

"Kageyama-san, please go to the closet and bring the black box hidden under a bunch of sports magazines."

"N-no, don't-"

"How did you know where this was?" Kageyama asks incredulously.

"That's a story for another day, for now let's focus on Kozume-san's punishment."

The box reveals a secret sex toy collection that would put any porno movie star to shame. There are shapes, sizes and colors to fit every taste, however Akaashi grabs a specific toy out of the pile. Pink, thick, long... Kenma's favorite dildo and his preferred substitute —not counting Kuroo's cock— whenever Hinata isn't available for too long. A shudder travels up across Kenma's back expecting the worst; Akaashi slaps the jiggly toy on his palm grinning with mischief.

"If cat's got your tongue this should help you talk."

- - -

Meanwhile the redhead merrily makes his way to the bedroom carrying four pepperoni pizzas with double cheese and so much meat it's obvious Kenma catered to his carnivorous tastes rather than his own, regrettably he wound up paying for dinner in the end. Avoiding an awkward moment was worth the price if it meant he wouldn't have to hear excuses of why they were stealing lingerie from Kenma's closet. Only that something more shocking awaits behind the door.

"Meaty meat, meaty meaty meat, hooray for meat!" Hinata sing-songs sliding the door with his foot. "Good news everyone, dinner is..."

"Nn-ngh, ah, s-stop tha- agh!"

"...here?"

What he sees is so surreal he decides to do a double take, closing and opening the door once more to be absolutely certain he isn't having a vivid hallucination, however the view doesn't change. Kenma is bent over the kotatsu with his sweatpants dangling around his knees, restrained by the wrists over his head by Atsumu and Oikawa while Akaashi thrusts a dildo —which he recognizes— in his ass at a harsh fast-paced rhythm. His moans don't express discomfort, he can tell, but he's struggling nonetheless. Amidst this chaos he pinpoints Kageyama calmly eating chips as if nobody were getting rammed in front of him, too busy rummaging further within the toy box to care.

"Um, what's going on?"

Kenma whimpers looking at redhead, "He-help me Shouyou..."

"You guys, quit it right now!!" he puts down the pizzas first, then stomps his foot towards the kotatsu driving these men away with the sheer power of his sulky face.

"Haah...my savior..." Kenma sighs with relief when Hinata rids him of the dildo, ignoring the hard-on between his legs that he doesn't want to explain.

"That might be Kenma's favorite toy, but you were using it wrong Akaashi-san."

"Eh?" Kenma glances over his shoulder at the sound of a bottle cap, watching as his boyfriend coats his fingers with a transparent yet thick liquid.

Oikawa and Atsumu resume their drinking sitting opposite to them, but they keep a close eye having surmised Hinata's intentions. Akaashi hugs Hinata's waist from behind whispering on his ear, "Kozume-san was being difficult, maybe he'll behave if you do it?"

As much as Kenma wants to argue that point his brain draws a blank once Hinata's fingers start going inside. The dildo has made a fine job stretching his hole, so they slide all the way forward without any trouble until he's able to feel the heat of a whole palm on his skin. It feels so amazing he almost forgets he's being observed. Almost. His cock throbs at the thought.

"Guh- Shouyou, that's not what I meant."

The redhead tilts his head, "You said you needed help."

"Not in that wa- ah, ahh, fuh!" he purses his lips shut putting Hinata's skills to the test. His fingers form a hook rubbing the spot that makes him squirm from pleasure, and suddenly he's grateful to have his knees on the floor because his legs are quivering too hard to stand otherwise. A few sneering giggles are heard from the men in front, not that he cares anymore.

"See? Sometimes your hands are the best tool."

On the sidelines Kageyama continues his personal research. He pulls out a discordant item from the box —even among the infinite sex oddities— hidden at the bottom and never to be found by anyone except its owner.

"Why is a book here?" he ponders out loud.

"STOP!"

His negative only makes it all the more interesting so Kageyama opens it without remorse with Oikawa and Atsumu peeking curiously as well. Their faces reflect the unexpected of the book contents — or more like a photo album, seeing the collection of pictures inside. There are many completed pages which must've been filled over a long time span, as the first ones show Kenma and Hinata in their respective volleyball uniforms, later in their last year of high school going by Hinata's longer hair, and then there's a gap where there are only pictures of the redhead in Rio until the most recent ones where they're reunited again. Some more risqué than the others, it's definitely a private album.

"Wow, is this yer fappin' material? Kinda old-fashioned aren'tcha?"

"It's not fapping material, dumbass!!"

"These sports magazines feature lots of Shouyou pictures too, that's kinda creepy," Oikawa chuckles.

Hinata marvels at his collection, "You saved all of these, Kenma? Even the ones I sent from Brazil?"

"O-of course, I had to keep track of you. I said I'd drop my sponsorship if you weren't interesting," he blushes burrowing his face within crossed arms on the table.

"Ah, is that why?" the redhead smiles as he pushes his fingers in and out of his lover's body, nice and easy —insufficient for Kenma's needs— waiting for a different answer. One that's actually sincere.

"Please..."

A smack on Kenma's left ass cheek makes him whine, though the hit gets him harder, it's more arousing knowing other people are watching the manhandling.

"They're memories I've treasured, happy?"

"Good boy," coos Hinata seizing his cock as a reward, jerking him off fiercely in time with his other hand reaching deftly at his prostate. Kenma bites on his hoodie's sleeves garbling groans that can only mean he's coming soon, if the amount of slick within Hinata's fist wasn't enough of a sign. A gentle yet precise nudge of his fingertips followed by a few vigorous pumps make Kenma's eyes flutter in delight.

"Shouyou!!" he cries out spilling cum all over the kotatsu as he scrapes his nails on the surface, plummeting afterwards deprived of strength on his lower body. His hips won't stop twitching from the overbearing stimulus while Hinata removes his fingers.

"Wow," Akaashi gulps having witnessed everything from behind, arms still hooked tightly around Hinata's waist.

"Welp, now that's a mess."

"It's okay, at least he had his hoodie on."

Hinata pouts turning around, "Akaashi-san, explain yourself!"

"What do you mean?"

"Don't feign ignorance, why were you using this?" he asks pointing at the dildo in an accusing manner.

Oikawa gets up from the kotatsu keen to annoy a rival, "He totally betrayed his friend, told us where to find this stuff and then ordered us to restrain him!"

"I didn't order it, you gladly accepted," Akaashi squints.

"Devil is in the details, you're a traitor regardless," Oikawa smirks leaning an arm on Hinata's shoulder, "Who needs enemies with friends like that?"

"Is that true, Akaashi-san?" Hinata's dreaded sulky face appears once again. The setter has no option but confess to his crimes, fiddling with his fingers while he sends his boyfriend a regretful downcast look.

"I apologize, I don't know what got into me. Kozume-san and I are friends, it's just the way he talks like it's always our fault everything goes wrong...it irked me."

"Aha, so you wanted revenge!"

"It- it's the alcohol, I wasn't thinking clearly."

"Is that enough for you, Shouyou?" Oikawa speaks walking around Akaashi to stand behind him. "If it were me I wouldn't believe such a farfetched apology, specially looking at...this!" he yanks up Akaashi's skirt exposing his erection before he hurriedly pulls it down.

"B-bastard, how dare you-" he blushes red as burning coals struggling against Oikawa's persistent abuse.

"You don't have to hide Akaashi-san, I could feel that on my butt when I was taking care of Kenma."

His brain panics and his lips blurt out a pitiful excuse, "It's not what it looks like."

Hinata grins, "Like you've got a huge boner watching how I made Kenma come, maybe?"

"Yes. I mean no, that's not-" Akaashi tries to cover his nether region and the source of his shame with his hands, but Oikawa acts faster grabbing them behind his back. These years of office work have put him at disadvantage when it comes to physical strength.

Click.

Akaashi flinches at the sound.

"Thanks for sharing that box with us Akaashi-san, I found fun things to play with, such as these cute padded handcuffs. Are they comfortable?" Oikawa's voice boils with mischief on his flushed ear.

"Hmph, I didn't expect this from you, Keiji," Hinata drops on his knees eyeing the tent under his skirt up close, "...I think you might need to be reprimanded."

Shivers roam Akaashi's skin in a mix of fear and desire. A quick glance at the men by the kotatsu tells him he won't get any help from any of them; Atsumu is having a great time seeing him flustered, Kageyama seems disinterested besides for his chips, and Kenma is glaring daggers at him likely supporting Hinata's idea. Oikawa clasps his arms around his chest locking him where he stands — there's no way out.

"Before anything else, there's one thing that doesn't suit this school uniform."

"I'm wearing the whole thing," Akaashi says clueless of what he might be referring to.

"I got a peek at it just a moment ago," Hinata's hands travel from his knees to his thighs, where he halts to massage the taut muscle before moving upwards. He maintains direct eye contact with Akaashi as he inserts his fingers inside the waistband of his navy boxers, sliding them down slowly to make him suffer knowing how shy he is. A giggle flees him as Akaashi's cock sways up after leaving its cage — the so-called mismatching part. "See, these aren't cute as the rest of your clothes. Let's get rid of them."

There's no fighting against it, his lover obeys kicking them out of the way. "I didn't want to steal Kozume-san's underwear unlike some other people I know."

"Oho, you still got bite left pretty boy? Then how about we let Shouyou see the upper side too, hm?" Oikawa lifts the top of the uniform revealing his pale pink bra. See-through at that, a design made to show, not cover.

Hinata's gaze sparkles as two crystal beads, "That's so sexy, you wore it for me?"

A coy nod is all the answer he needed, shoving his head under Akaashi's skirt to begin the real fun.

"Hina- ugh, Shouyou, don't do tha- a-ah, fuuh..." Akaashi gnaws painfully on his lower lip to keep quiet, screwing his eyes to evade the other's lewd stares. It's hard to keep himself from making a sound, more so enduring Hinata's playful touch and his mouth being so close he can feel his breath blowing softly on his cock.

"I can do anything I want here." The redhead grins giving his boyfriend little licks that only increase his impatience, happy to hear faint sounds that he knows he can produce when he's fully enjoying sex. Right now they're far too scarce and inhibited; Hinata won't permit that sort of restraint for long, mouthing at his balls while he strokes his shaft in unison earning some dulcet whimpers. Akaashi throbs begging with his body instead of an embarrassing verbal admission.

"Got anything to say?" Hinata comes out to ask.

"I think he does," Oikawa pinches at Akaashi's nipples through the thin bra fabric spurring him to speak.

"...uck."

"Hum, could you repeat that?"

Akaashi's entire face turns a crimson hue, "Suck."

What comes next remains a secret beneath the adorable sailor uniform, though it's quite easy to guess judging by Hinata's hasty head bobs and the slurping noises that leave nothing to imagination.

"Mmnn, hah...yes, just a bit more love..."

Hinata fumbles blindly around the floor in search of the pink dildo he abandoned earlier. Kenma hands it to him in a helpful gesture which should fulfill his short-lived vendetta for Akaashi's betrayal.

"Tobio-chan, get my phone," Oikawa instructs.

"Huh?"

"Record this."

And so a wonderful porn clip is born. The moment Hinata puts that dildo within the skirt leading Akaashi to his orgasm. His wanton moans are noisier than usual, bunching his fists on his back while he spurts in his lover's mouth, rocking his hips lazily with each spasm of overflowing euphoria until he's fully exhausted his load.

"Yummy," the redhead chuckles licking the stickiness off his lips. The fruits of his labor are worthwhile; his boyfriend's hazy eyes behind skewed glasses, his wrecked facial expression with his mouth hung loose, and the sheen of sweat on his forehead make him look incredibly attractive. Raw, relaxed. His favorite version of Keiji Akaashi, when he isn't prim nor proper.

Oikawa frees his victim who instantly slumps onto the floor lying sideways. His flipped skirt allows them to see how snug the sex toy is; only the handle is visible, which roughly translates into a very stuffed asshole.

"Damn Shouyou-kun, look what you did to the guy, yer merciless," a tipsy Atsumu laughs.

"Really shouldn't have brought that sake, this is your fault too." Hinata hiccups returning to the kotatsu, taking the free seat near the blonde for another refill.

"Whaddaya mean babe, I'm havin' the time of my life!"

The redhead scans his choice of clothes, "I had no idea you were into this stuff, 'Tsumu."

"What's with that silly smile, I'm totally irresistible."

"Um, how do I say this, it's...very flashy."

Oikawa cackles a laugh, "Should have said horrible. It's as if you read the dress code for a cheap stripper and followed it step by step. Were you expecting nerd-chan to slip a note in that leopard speedo of yours?"

"Shut yer trap princess!" Atsumu stands up and stomps a foot on the kotatsu growling at him, "Ya think yer hot shit wearin' girly stuff but you look fuckin' dumb with a tiara. This ain't a kid's beauty pageant."

"Maybe I feel confident about my good looks," Oikawa stomps his foot just as violently.

"Yeah, whatever you say... Too bad yer masculinity must be cryin' for help under these panties."

"Bfft- because a cat hairband looks sooo manly."

Their bickering startles Kenma from his short nap, who has to slap a hand on his mouth not to laugh at their ridiculous pose as they try to intimidate each other. These 'sexy' cosplays make it difficult, though.

"I can rock anythin' I wear thanks to my muscles."

"Oh, I'm sorry to have underestimated your massive ego. You must be really confident in yourself if you aren't even slightly embarrassed dressed like that!"

"I'm gonna punch the sass outta you, bitch."

"Guys, don't!" the redhead taps on the feet they've placed on the kotatsu gaining their attention. "Y-you both look great, I swear, there's no need to fight!"

The setters trade a glance, then look at Hinata with a rather worrisome grin that feels dangerous beneath. Oikawa wiggles a brow in his usual seductive manner, "Is that so, chibi-chan? Then why don't you tell this poor attempt at a furry who looks best of the two?"

"Furry, me?"

"You like that Jackasuke mascot suit, admit it."

Atsumu pouts, "I only wore it once! Shouyou-kun, I'm much more attractive than this jerk, don'tcha think?"

"Ah, well..." Hinata's instincts tingle. His position isn't advantageous either; sat rigid as a stick between them, eyes level with Oikawa's laced panties to the right and Atsumu's speedo to the left. A trail of sweat falls across his temple while his brain struggles to find a solution, however under so much pressure his perceptive ability goes beyond normal, as it does during a volleyball game where every detail counts.

"I can't say they're similar or they'll kill me," he muses cleverly, "Even if that's the truth."

It's a fact that they're always vying for attention, albeit in different ways. Atsumu would rather give a strong impression than go unnoticed, no matter if it's good or bad since he doesn't care for other people's opinion outside of sports. He's been like that since high school. On the contrary Oikawa is an attention seeker who adores his popularity, being flawless is his top priority and that reflects on his meticulously planned appearance and superficial personality. His best friend, Iwaizumi, often said he tried too hard.

Tonight their need to stand out pushed them to choose these clothes, and now they demand some kind of retribution in exchange for their efforts. That's the conclusion Hinata has come to, still, that doesn't give him a clue on how to do it peacefully.

"Yer shakin' a whole lot for someone who's proud of their looks Tooru-kun. Scared of rejection?"

"It's wobbling, not shaking. And it's because of your damned sake, you kept pouring in my cup!"

"Yer such a wimp. Shouyou-kun deserves a real man, like me," the blonde smirks as he puffs his chest.

"You can't hold a candle to my skills or my beauty, there's nothing you can beat me at."

"I'd beat you at this," he objects grabbing his bulge.

"Bahaha, I bet you can't get it hard you drunkard!"

"Wanna find out?"

"Ew, no thanks, I don't want to see you fapping. Besides, you wouldn't last a minute."

"What, you think you can outlast me? You can barely stand as it is, can't imagine yer cock doin' better."

Hinata doesn't want to partake in this conversation, yet their quarrel has given him a good idea. "They're weakened by the alcohol, if I can create a distraction so they stop fighting... Oooh!" he claps his hands struck by inspiration, glad for the years he's spent in Brazil building booze tolerance to stay in control today.

"Uh-oh, there he goes again," Kenma giggles from the opposite side of the kotatsu.

A confused Kageyama frowns, "What is it?"

"That's one of the most amusing things about Shouyou, he always turns the tables in the end."

"You mean the most annoying."

"Hehe, I'm not talking about volleyball. Give me a few chips, this should be fun to watch."

Kageyama reaches the bag bottom, pulling out a small box that would be able to fit a marble at its maximum capacity. Now that he thinks of it the bag reads something like, 'Special prizes inside, limited time only' — who would have thought it wasn't a marketing scam? Or that he'd win the big prize?

Kenma shrugs his shoulders, "It's probably a kid's toy."

It would have been in everyone's best interest if it had been a toy, indeed. Once Kageyama opens the box he appears disinterested, nonetheless he saves the item in his pocket waiting for the right moment to use it.

"Let's play a little game!"

Atsumu and Oikawa flinch at Hinata's words.

"I can't decide which one looks more handsome, so let's solve it with a friendly competition. The winner gains the title of best setter tonight, up to it?"

"Damn right I am."

"I like that title chibi-chan. What's the game?"

"First I'll need you to sit on the kotatsu."

The setters follow his cue, suspicious, but they do.

"Ahem, then let's begin trial number one! Let's see who can get it up faster!"

Oikawa gasps, "You mean...?"An unpredictable request; and yet when he side-glances towards Atsumu he's already got his hand in his underwear.

"Gah! You bastard, I won't let you get ahead!"

Some urgent and excessively dry tugs later they've managed to get completely stiff, which could be attributed to the lack of inhibitions caused by the sake, that is if they had any shame to begin with. Either way Hinata seems impressed by such a feat, they're going to pop out of their skimpy bottoms any second now.

"See, told ya I could do it," Atsumu pants.

"I was faster."

"That ain't somethin' to brag about, y'know."

"Mad 'cause you lost again?" Oikawa bleps his tongue.

"Grrr- Shouyou-kun, I want a rematch!!"

Hinata chuckles, "That's impossible once you're hard 'Tsumu, but you can even the score if you win next."

"Bring it on."

The redhead grins thrilled by a challenge, "Kenma, may I ask for your assistance?"

His boyfriend-sponsor perks up, "What do you need?"

"Tools, please."

Oh no, that sultry tone and his naughty narrowed gaze say trouble is coming. Kenma understands what he's asking for bringing the toy box to him without further ado. Hinata hums checking the endless possibilities he's presented with; should he use a blindfold? No, he likes to see their eyes at times like this, he can read what they want by looking into them. What about a ball gag? Though he prefers when they moan until their throats are sore. And Akaashi kept the handcuffs.

"If I want to wear them out fast I should use..."

Oikawa and Atsumu choke on spit seeing his choice. Two wand vibrators, armed with one in each hand. The blonde stutters, "Sh-Shouyou-kun, that's a bit-"

"I thought you wanted a second chance?"

"Hah, coward, are you a quick shot?" Oikawa taunts clearly nervous himself.

"I'll show you who's the quick shot here!!" he sulks pulling on his speedo so his hard-on springs out, and his rival soon follows suit not to be overtaken.

A steady buzz resounds in the room as Hinata slides the toys up and down, coupled by the stifled groans of pleasure they're trying to drown. A rather difficult endeavor with the manner Hinata traces the underside of their shafts deliberately slow, sneaking the shaky tip below their underwear to tease their balls before going back up, repeating these motions over and over again until they can't hold in their voices any longer.

"You're really hot," he praises. Their bad taste in cosplay doesn't matter; animal prints and fake jewelry be damned, they'd be handsome no matter what. More so as they adorably scrunch their faces while Hinata rubs their leaking slits with the vibrator.

"Nngh, is that...all you've got?" Oikawa looks down arrogantly despite his cock's constant twitching.

Atsumu smirks too pretending he's unaffected, "Yeah, this is nothin' Shouyou-kun, you'll hafta do better."

"Hmm, Kenma, pass me the next one!"

His lover acts akin to a nurse handing a doctor the scalpel, picking something a bit more intense.

"Oh shit," Atsumu mutters. Neither him or Oikawa have a chance to object against the cock sleeves suddenly wrapped around their shafts. No reason to complain other than its pervy see-through design, really. The softness and tightness are perfect and Hinata's energetic pumping is quickly pushing them to the limit, although they're putting up a decent fight to emerge victorious. Atsumu is nipping at his lower lip hoping the sting is enough to delay his climax, while Oikawa bites one of his white gloves dampening it with a stain of saliva throwing a glare at the redhead.

"Mmff- chibi-chan, you- you don't play fair."

"How come?"

"You punished Akaashi-san and now you're using the same dirty tactics, how rude."

"He's right Shouyou-kun, didn'tcha mention how proud you were of these lil' hands of yours, hmm?"

"Ah, so that's what they want." Hinata smiles removing both of the sleeves finding their cocks swollen, oozing and glistening covered in their own precum. He kneels in the middle of them curling his fingers, tracing the curve and shape of their veins bulging under his touch earning the loudest moans tonight. They're so eager for more they dart for Hinata's lips at the same time, spoiling him with open-mouthed passionate kisses and licking him thoroughly when they can't settle for whose tongue goes in where first.

"Babe, I can't wait," Atsumu breathes out.

"God I love your hands, I- I love you," Oikawa mumbles.

Thanks to such a sweet, indulging handjob their will to fight vanishes without a trace, the redhead only needs to chant one last magic spell to end their struggle, and to find out who's the winner.

"Let me see you come."

"Ugh!"

Oikawa: 1.

Atsumu: 1.

A tie, yet the men involved don't care. They flop backwards on the kotatsu as cum streaks land on their chests swimming in the high of the moment.

"That worked out well. Nothing beats these bad boys, hehe!" he smiles extending his tacky fingers.

"I wouldn't be so sure," Kageyama snorts.

"Bah, you have no idea how difficult it is to deal with you guys."

"Likewise, you're a troublemaker."

"Shaddap and gimme some chips, I'm hungry."

"Kozume-san ate them."

"Liar, he doesn't eat half as much as you do."

Sadly Kenma has fallen asleep atop of his futon after taking the liberty of freeing Akaashi's hands —he'll forgive his treason— so he can't defend himself.

"Guess what, I've got something better," Kageyama says taking out the small prize box from his pocket.

"Did you secretly keep an alfajor for yourself?"

"It's not food."

( 3 seconds left until the tragedy. )

"Quit being mysterious and show me!"

( 2 seconds. )

"Alright then, give me your hand."

( 1 second. )

"Wait, isn't that a-"

"Come here, boke."

In a blink Hinata is straddling his boyfriend's lap; next thing he knows is he's got a very shiny band around his ring finger. His eyes widen in shock.

( Time of impact: 10 pm. )

"Kageyama, this is a ring."

"Yeah, I know what it is."

"A-are you proposing to me?"

"I found it in a chips bag."

"Huh?"

The more he speaks the weirder it gets.

"How does it feel, forced to wear something embarrassing like the others?" the setter grins.

"I never forced anyone! Geez, you're twisted."

There's an awkward silence that goes on for too long, but Kageyama swiftly amends his mistake holding Hinata's hand, "I'm glad you didn't wear any clothes from Kozume-san tonight, actually."

"They're cooler than my plain shorts and hoodie."

"No, I don't think so," Kageyama rebukes gazing into his eyes with intensity, "You wearing your everyday stuff turns me on more than anything in that closet."

Hinata's cheeks become flushed, "What the heck bakageyama, where did that come from?"

"It's strange, somehow I like this ring on you."

"...How many sake refills did you have?"

"Four?"

"Okay, you're definitely drunk right now, phew!"

"Why do you sound relieved?"

"I'll blame what you've done on the sake," the redhead glances away fiddling with the ring compulsively.

"Dumbass."

Kageyama loops his arms around his waist urging their chests against each other. Their hearts are dancing in nigh perfect synchrony, it's borderline dangerous how rapidly they're beating showing their excitement. It's always blood-pumping when Kageyama goes for the offensive since he's normally not one to open up, or display his feelings unless it's volleyball related. Hinata is the only one who easily gets a reaction out of him, and in this very position that reaction can be acutely felt poking at his rear.

"Gwah! Kageyama, you horny bastard!"

The setter places Hinata's palm on his cheek, basking in his touch and the contrast of the cold ring on his scalding hot skin due to the alcohol going to his head.

"These costumes are stupid if you ask me. I'd rather you wear this," he sucks on his lover's ring finger while his hands roam to fondle at his luscious buttocks.

"Mm-mmhh," Hinata shivers feeling a pleasant jolt within his crotch.

"Let's play pretend, Shouyou."

First names mean serious business. Hinata gulps, "And what are our roles?"

His blue eyes glint, "Let's pretend it's just us. That I'm the only one for you. This ring proves it."

"Kageyama, I-"

"Tsk tsk, wrong name," he warns as he pinches the redhead's irresistibly pert rear making him yelp.

"Eep! Fine, T-Tobio!"

"Yeah, that's more like it." Kageyama smiles leaning his head on his boyfriend's — no, his 'rental' husband's beautiful neck smooching all over it, leaving his imprint as though his body belonged to him alone.

"Just like old times," Hinata mumbles crossing his arms over the other's shoulders, enjoying his skilful ministrations that keep getting lewder underneath his shorts until Kageyama deems them too bothersome. They're tugged lower and lower along his boxers giving his cock enough space to bounce upwards.

"Fuck Shouyou, you're incredible."

"Bad words and praise, hell must have frozen over!"

If Kageyama wasn't so aroused he'd counter his teasing, however his priority is to get rid of his own jeans and underwear seeking desperately some skin on skin contact. He yanks them too abruptly ripping a few seams; on the bright side his erection nudges freely against his loose hoodie much to his comfort.

"Touch it," he demands in a rough tone.

Except Hinata doesn't just follow orders, he isn't precisely a pliant man when drunk, but a wolf in sheep's clothes. He seizes their shafts in his small hands stroking them both at once. Their moans turn high-pitched as they exchange filthy wet kisses twisting their tongues. The sensation burns, it sparks and bubbles from every pore of their skin as if their bodies were on fire, yet one thing remains cold, the ring in Hinata's finger which Kageyama is very aware of with every hand jerk.

"I won't let you outdo me," his hazy brain says compelling his hands to return to Hinata's backside. One squeezes and kneads, another sets on sliding along his ass cleft prodding at his entrance with his middle finger. The redhead whines encouraging him to go further, so he does gently breaching the tight rim.

"Tobio, Tobio, ah- I'm coming."

"Yeah, let's do it together."

That's it. Kageyama's fingers plunge deeper and Hinata's fists speed up pushing them to the verge of release. Another kiss seals the deal as they squirt and dribble buckets onto their clothes. The exhaustion combined with drunkness knocks them out as soon as they're done, but Hinata has a second of clarity before losing consciousness staring at the cardboard boxes forgotten on the floor. His stomach rumbles.

"Pi...zza.......zZZz..."

- - -

"I remember now."

In the morning Hinata blinks to wakefulness.

Several images come back to him in slow motion — the sake, his samba dancing, their volleyball game and that step into Kenma's room; that which triggered the events from last night and unbeknownst to him the repercussions about to unfold very, very soon.

"Uughh...shit, I'm gonna puke," Atsumu grunts grabbing an empty chips bag.

The rest of setters rise like zombies from a graveyard. Bloodshot eyes, scruffed hair, dizziness and ridiculous clothes aside this is a hellish hungover they'll want to forget. Specially once they find out what happened.

Akaashi grabs his glasses from the floor, and then his sharp eyes point to Hinata's hand guided by something oddly bright that wasn't there yesterday.

"A ring?"

At that word everyone turns towards the redhead, or almost everyone, Kageyama is still blissfully asleep.

"Shouyou, don't tell us..."

Hinata waves his hands in a panic, "No no no, this is, um, a temporary arrangement! Yeah, that's all!"

"Who did it?" Oikawa gets up visibly agitated.

"Doesn't matter, I can take it off now, so..."

Atsumu feels like puking again, "You accepted a fuckin' ring from one of us, Shouyou-kun?!"

"It was just a silly game, I promise!"

"Hold on, don't take it off if it's mine."

Oikawa and Akaashi speak in unison, "You wish."

While the three of them glare at one another Kenma's brain runs a simulation of yesterday's scenario. "None of you brought a ring, in fact these gifts were all for me, so that means someone either kept it a secret or..." his brows hike up, "They didn't know it existed!"

"That's impossible, nerd-chan."

"It is if the ring was, by chance, in a chip bag."

Now everything is coming together. The evidence points to the most glutton that night — Tobio Kageyama, who casually gained a random prize from the bags that night, one that nobody got to see. Their eyes shoot to the man asleep face up on the floor, snoring and drooling unaware of his dire situation.

"Let's get rid of him while he's weak," Oikawa cracks his knuckles.

"Poor Tobio-kun, yer a threat we can't ignore."

"Wait, I have a proposal!" Hinata stands between them and their potential murder victim. "Wouldn't you like to play pretend for a while? That's what we did, so it's fair if you want to do it too, I guess," he grins coyly.

That certainly rouses his lovers' interest. Akaashi voices their shared thought, "What exactly does that entail for us? We need a proper explanation."

The redhead fidgets as his face turns an endearing shade of pink, "You know, I can keep this ring and wear it whenever you want me to... It'd be like we're- well, engaged for a limited time, maybe?"

They freeze on the spot. Only Kenma has enough mental capacity with the hungover to continue the conversation, "How limited are we talking about?"

"Kageyama got a night, so that's my offer."

"Deal," Kenma agrees instantly.

"Sounds reasonable, wearing that for a few hours shouldn't be too risky," Akaashi nods.

"I might need an extension chibi-chan, is that allowed?"

Atsumu elbows Oikawa in the ribs, "Where do I gotta sign babe?"

A metaphorical yet tangible rope tightens around Hinata's neck much to his own free will.

Now then, this is how Shouyou Hinata's 'rental' husband adventures have begun. Will this tale end in tragedy, or will it become a comedy? Only time will tell.

- - -

FIN ♥️