Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The Olympics had come to a close and thus so did the season. Japan had won and took gold and Atsumu, Bokuto, Sakusa, and Hinata had all renewed their contracts for Black Jackals next season.

Atsumu was glad that Hinata had chosen to stay. Hinata had mentioned potentially going back to Brazil but had ultimately decided against it after their Olympic win.

Atsumu couldn’t imagine what the team would have been like without Shoyo. How he would have been like.

No longer being able to see his wing spiker fly in practice. The hug he received after every win. Losing the team member that matched his drive.

Atsumu sighed. Thank fuck that wasn’t happening.
He looked into the kitchen where Hinata was with their other roommates/teamates , Bokuto and Sakusa.

Hinata was laughing at something Bokuto had said.
His right hand was slightly covering his mouth.
His nose was crinkled, his left hand was clutched on his stomach as he laughed. His radiance lighting up their dimly lit kitchen and not even Omi’s scowl at the joke could dim it.

He was absolutely stunning

Atsumu wanted to do nothing but jump off the couch he was currently sitting on, run over there, and kiss Shoyo senseless. Feel nothing but the warmth of the sun in his hands and the flames on his lips.

To be able to cradle the fire that is Hinata Shoyo, to be able to fly close to him and still reach for him even if he falls from the contact.

“ Tsum Tsum!” Bokuto yelled from kitchen, snapping Atsumu out from his fantasy.

“ Hm?” Atsumu hummed as he looked at the three

“ Have you ever been to Miyagi?”
………

And somehow that question led to Atsumu packing his bags for a group trip to Miyagi.

They’d be staying for a month at Shoyo’s childhood home as his sister and mom would be out on a girls trip and wanted someone there to watch the house.

It didn’t take a lot of convincing. After Bokuto had asked, Shoyo looked at him with those starry eyes. Saying how he would love it if Atsumu, and the others but whatever , could see where he grew up.

In all the years Atsumu has been on this planet, he had never nodded his head and agreed to something so quickly.

“ Hey Tsumu.”

Atsumu turned to see Shoyo standing at his doorway, the light in the hallway behind him was illuminating his hair making it look like it was glowing.

“ You excited?” Shoyo smiled

“ Yeah I am. I’m still coping with the fact that omi will be there but I'll manage.” Atsumu joked, seeing Omi flip him off from behind Shoyo in the hallway.

Shoyo laughed as he walked in and partly closed the door behind him.

“ It’s gonna be nice for us to relax. I have so many things I wanna show you.” Hinata said, sitting on atsumu’s bed, next to his suitcase

Atsumu smiled at him and he grabbed another pair of pants from his closet

Atsumu was in love with Shoyo.

Secret to absolutely no one. Only Shoyo himself.
He had known for awhile, well… since he was 17 and he saw Shoyo fly for the first time. When he got his ass handed to him at Spring high Nationals and made his declaration to set for him.

“Can’t wait to see them all Shoyo.” Atsumu said as he put the last few items in his suitcase.

Shoyo was beaming, rambling on about all his plans and how ‘Omi and Bokuto usually sleep in so you and I can go on our morning runs and I can show you the route I used to take to school and-‘

“ And a lot of my old teammates might be there too! You can meet them! Well more formally I mean!” Shoyo said, eyes wide and warm.

“ Speaking of teammates, how do ya think Bokuto is gonna be without his ‘precious Akaashi’” Atsumu commented, the two sharing a look before cracking up.

Their teammate’s relationship with Akaashi was one they all got an earful of.

All the time.

Every. Single. Day

.‘Look the new chapter Akaashi published’ ‘Look how good Akaashi looks in this photo’ ‘blah blah blah’

“ I bet he lasts 2 days before he starts cracking” Shoyo whispered making Atsumu chuckle

Atsumu sat down next to him, Shoyo’s eyes were relaxed, their hands were nearly touching. Atsumu wanted to hold them and from where he was sitting could see the light freckles that were sprawled against Shoyo’s cheeks and nose.

“ I say two hours into the car ride .” Atsumu replied. Hinata laughed again and Atsumu felt his heart swell.

“ It’s cute though, seeing someone love someone like that.” Hinata smiled, and Atsumu felt the brush of Shoyo’s hand against his. “I hope I can find that one day.”

‘If ya’d give me the chance I’d worship and love ya like a god.’ Atsumu thought as he stared at his spiker.

“ What about you Atsumu?”

Atsumu raised his brow at Shoyo's question.
“Whaddya mean Shou?” Atsumu asked, Shoyo’s head was tilted away from him, looking at the ground.

“ You have someone in your mind? Or a type of person you’d want.”

Atsumu stared at the side of Shoyo’s face for a while, from the angle he was at he could see the light fiery lashes that adorned Shoyo’s eyes

“ I guess I want someone who matches my drive. Not just a random scrub who happens to be a little pretty, which is a bonus.” Atsumu said, making Shouyou laugh “I want someone who I’m not trying to always catch up to, or who is always fallin behind, I want an equal. Someone who understands my passions and pushes me and lets me push them.”

“ Is there anyone that you know that fits that description ?” Shouyou asked, turning to Atsumu, his face expressing something Atsumu couldn’t explain. He felt himself swallow the saliva that was forming in his mouth.

“I-“

“ Yo! Hurry up your packing and go to sleep! We leave early tomorrow!” Bokuto exclaimed, swinging open Atsumu’s door making the two men jump apart from each other

“ Yeah! I need to finish packing some stuff! See you guys in the morning!” Shouyou exclaimed, jumping up from his spot and running to his room.

Atsumu watched him leave and let out a small smile.

Maybe he didn’t mind chasing after someone.

“ Ya know yer driving the first 2 hours right?” Atsumu commented to Bokuto who was standing in his doorway.

“ WHAT?!” Bokuto yelled, Atsumu rolling his eyes with a smile smirk as he zipped up his suitcase
“ Have a good night Bokuto.” Atsumu said as he walked to his door and closed it leaving a screaming Bokuto outside.

Atsumu laid his suitcase on the floor as he discarded his shirt and pants, leaving him in his boxers, he threw on a tank top before laying down in his bed and closed his eyes.

His body falling into the void of slumber. Enclosed in his headspace and body nothing more than a still vessel lost in the tranquility of the night.

Atsumu wasn’t a dreamer.

Or at least if he was he never remembered them. Most of his sleep was filled with darkness before he inevitably woke up in the morning. Dreams were a dime a dozen for him but it never bothered him.

Not when he had Shouyou to look forward to in the morning. Who always dreamed. Who would tell Atsumu in full detail about his dreams. Atsumu would just sit back and listen while Shouyou chattered on, falling deeper in love with every coming night and every new dream.

…

“Everyone up! We gotta eat and get goin!” Bokuto yelled making Atsumu jolt up.

Atsumu rubbed his eyes as he stretched his back and looked at the time on his phone.

4:13 AM

Jesus….

Atsumu cursed silently under his breath before getting out of bed. He made his way to the bathroom where he quickly showered and brushed his teeth, going through his morning skin routine and making sure his hair was at least somewhat styled.

Once he was ready he got in bag from his room and carried it to the living room where everyone else’s stuff was already gathered.

Bokuto was up by the coffee machine refilling his coffee cup, Sakusa was slumped over the counter while Shouyou was basically shaking in excitement.

“Mornin’” Atsumu said to Shouyou, ruffling his hair as he passed him to grab some coffee.

Bokuto handed Atsumu a mug and slumped his head onto his shoulder. Atsumu didn’t make any moves to push him off, just sipped his drink and let the heat of the mug warm his hands.

“How are you so energetic at 4 in the morning?” Sakusa grumbled, hair disheveled and eyes droopy.

Shouyou smiled at Sakusa, lucky bastard, and tapped his fingers on the counter. “Because I’m excited to show you guys everything!”

Bokuto groaned into Atsumu’s shoulder “It’s an eleven hour car ride Shou. Plus all the breaks we’re gonna have to take too.”

Shouyou’s face fell a bit and Atsumu immediately elbowed Bokuto off his shoulder earning a yelp in response.

“Stop complanin. I’ll drive first so ya can sleep.” Atsumu said, Shouyou’s eyes lighting up again and mouthing a thank you to Atsumu

Bokuto’s mood immediately changed as well, hugging Atsumu, nearly making him drop his coffee.
“You’re the best Tsum-Tsum!” Bokuto said, Atsumu rolled his eyes and pushed him away.

“ Get off of me ya weirdo.” Atsumu groaned.

Shouyou walked up to Atsumu and set his head on his shoulder like Bokuto did earlier. Atsumu wondered good he could hear the way his heart was pounding, if he felt the way his touch burned into his skin.

“Thank you Tsumu. I can sit in the front with you to keep you company while they sleep.” Shouyou said, looking up at Atsumu with those honey brown eyes. Atsumu’s throat felt all too dry now so he took another sip of his coffee.

“That sounds great Shou.” Atsumu managed to get out. Sakusa groaned from the counter, letting his head fall and hit it.

“I can’t deal with eleven hours of this.” Sakusa grumbled. Shouyou looked at Omi confused while Atsumu’s felt his face burn mouthing a ‘fuck you’ to Omi.

“Lets get goin already, it's 5:00 AM and we need to stop for gas.” Atsumu said, sakusa grumbled as he got up and grabbed his luggage, Bokuto following closely behind.

Shouyou lifted his head off Atsumu’s shoulder and stretched. “Let’s go Tsumu.” Shouyou smiled, walking off and grabbing his stuff.

Atsumu stayed in the kitchen for a second, breathing in and out, the kitchen seeming a little dimmer.

His shoulder sizzling from the heat of Shouyou’s touch. Atsumu’s heart was chained and locked, the key being held by Shouyou who had no idea he had it in the first place.

Atsumu took a last swing of his coffee before setting it in the sink and going over to grab his bags and the car keys.

As he walked out to the car and set his things in the trunk before getting the driver's seat, Shouyou sitting happily in the passenger's seat and Bokuto and Sakusa already knocked out in the back, Atsumu thought about what the trip had in store for them…for him…

And as he started the car and watched Shouyou happily tap his feet he knew this next month was gonna be one he’d never forget.

Chapter Text

“Do you guys think Akaashi is doing okay right now?” Bokuto asked from his place in the driver's seat, a pout could be seen on his face as he drove.

Atsumu looked to his right to look at Shouyou with an ‘I told ya so’ look. Shouyou had to physically look away from him, mouth quivering as he covered his mouth to prevent himself from laughing.

They were an hour away from Shouyou’s house and it was about 5pm. The sun had yet to set and the mountains and trees around them made for a beautiful scene as they drove.

Atsumu had the first three hours of driving, him and Shouyou chatting the entire time while Sakusa and Bokuto slept in the back. Shouyou had put on his music which Atsumu put no fight against, even putting on some music in Portuguese and translating what they were saying to Atsumu.

Everytime Atsumu looked over to Shouyou he looked like he was fighting to stay awake, it made Atsumu’s heart swell in his chest. The way Shouyou was keeping himself up so Atsumu wouldn’t be bored during his part of the drive.

Shouyou told him about the dream he had last night. He was in Brazil and playing beach volleyball against Poseidon. Atsumu had to stop himself from laughing knowing he’d get an earful from Sakusa and Bokuto if he woke them up.

Soon they switched so Sakusa was behind the wheel and Bokuto was the passenger. Atsumu had let Shouyou sleep on his shoulder as a thank you for staying up with him. And it most definitely did not make Atsumu’s entire body catch on fire with how warm Shouyou was against him and the way he could smell his vanilla shampoo from how close he was.

Nope! No sir! Not at all!

They had made a stop In Tokyo about 7 hours in, grabbing some lunch and refilling on gas before Shouyou took over driving. Then 3 hours later bokuto switching with him.

Omi was currently in the passengers seat reading off directions to Bokuto because apparently he couldn’t look at directions on his phone and drive at the same time. That being evident in the 5 near missed turns and 2 actual missed turns.

“Okay in about 1 mile you’re gonna turn right Bokuto.” Omi read from his phone.

“ How long is a mile?!” Bokuto asked, exasperated. Omi looked at him in disbelief. “You’re joking right?” Omi asked, eyes widening when he saw Bokuto’s awkward smile that he always did when he knew he had fucked up.

“ How do you have your license and not know how long a mile is??!” Omi yelled, Shouyou and Atsumu holding on to each other to keep the other from laughing

“ WHAT DO YOU MEAN?! IT DOESNT SAY ON YOUR DRIVERS TEST ‘OH SHOW ME HOW LONG A MILE IS’” Bokuto yelled back. Eyes now off the road making Omi yell.

“ Look at the road! Bokuto the turn. The turn! THE TURN! MAKE THE TURN!” Sakusa screamed, resulting in bokuto making the sharpest turn in history, Shouyou and Atsumu being thrown against the side of the car before hysterically laughing.

Shouyou grabbed onto Atsumu’s shirt, laughing so hard tears came out, Atsumu’s head was thrown back against the seat, hand covering his watering eyes as he laughed.

“Shou, this was the best idea ever” Atsumu said as he caught his breath. Shouyou calmed his laughter, smiling at Atsumu as he wiped a tear from his eye.

“ I know and we haven’t even got there yet.” Shouyou said with a wide smile.

Sakusa grumbled at the two of them, continuing to read off directions as Bokuto continued the rest of the drive until finally pulling into the Hinata residence.

Shouyou practically ran out the car as he headed to the door, grabbing the key that was hidden under the doormat. Atsumu grabbed his and Shouyou’s, luggage from the trunk.

“ Hey can you grab my stuff too Tsum-Tsum my hands hurt from driving.” Bokuto asked, clasping his gaffs together with puppy dog eyes. Atsumu looked at him and thought long and hard for two seconds before looking at him with a smile.

“Nope.” Atsumu answered, walking off to the house hearing Bokuto’s curses as he stepped inside.

Atsumu kicked off his shoes next to where Shouyou had already set his before walking into the living room where Shouyou was and setting their luggage down.

“ My mom left a note for us saying there’s food in the fridge and it should last us atleast 2 weeks until we need to buy more.” Shouyou said, atsumu hummed in response. Footsteps and groaning could be heard as well as the front doors closing.

Sakusa set his things down before stretching, Bokuto following right behind him and immediately crashing on the couch.

“ Does anyone wanna cook right now?” Atsumu asked , earning groans from the group. So that was a no.

Shouyou hummed before perking up. “There’s a convenience store not too far from here! They sell onigiri and meat buns! I used to get food from there all the time after school! We can go walk there and pick some up.” Shouyou smiled. Bokuto looked at him like he was insane.

“ Shou we just drove for over 11 hours and you wanna walk to a convenience store?” Bokuto asked. Shouyou shrugged.

“ It’s only like a 20 minute walk.” Shouyou said, Omi shook his head and bokuto sagged further into the couch.“I can go by myself and bring you guys back the food!” Shouyou offered.

“ Are ya sure shou? The suns gonna set soon and by the time ya get back it’s gonna be dark.” Atsumu asked. Shouyou dismissed Atsumu with a wave of the hand.

“ I’ll be fine! You can come with me if you want, but I’ll be fine on my own.” Shouyou said.

Atsumu paused to think. Think long and hard. Would he rather stay and wait for Shouyou with Bokuto and Sakusa for over half an hour or go with Shouyou.

It was a tough call. Truly.

“ I’m going with ya then.” Atsumu said as he quickly opened his bag for his jacket, swinging it and double checked that his wallet was in his jeans.

Shouyou smiled softly. God Atsumu loved that smile. You would think after seeing it as often as he did he wouldn’t be phased by it as much. But no. Everytime Shouyou smiled it worked almost as a drug to Atsumu, making his shoulders untense, his breathing feel light, and his mind clear.

“ We’ll be back soon!” Shouyou said to Omi and Bokuto before signing to Atsumu to follow him, which he did.

The moment the two stepped outside they were met with a gentle summer breeze, the two walked side by side, Atsumu looking around and taking in the area in which Shouyou grew up.

“It’s crazy how much time has passed.” Shouyou spoke as the two walked. Atsumu looked at him, Shouyou’s eyes were looking straight as he walked the familiar path.

“It feels like it was just yesterday. I was in my 1st year in Karasuno, playing volleyball in an actual team for the first time, but it’s been 7 years…” Shouyou said. Atsumu hummed in agreement.

“ Yer tellin me. Sometimes I forget that I’m closer to bein 30 then 17 again.” Atsumu said, laughing lightly. “Gettin fuckin old.”

“Do you ever wish that you knew some people earlier on?” Shouyou asked, zipping up his sweater when a particularly cold breeze past them.

“Whaddya mean?” Atsumu asked back.

“ Like, do you wish we knew each other earlier on?” Shouyou asked, which made Atsumu nearly trip on his own feet. Shouyou laughed lightly before continuing.

“Imagine if we met as kids or even middle schoolers. Or if we went to the same highschool.” Shouyou said. Atsumu felt his cheeks heat up as he let himself imagine it. Creating memories that don't exist of this fake scenario.

“ It would’ve been nice… but I’m happy I met ya when I did.” Atsumu said, eyes meeting Shouyou’s, as he smiled down at him.

The sun had begun to set as they approached the corner store, but Atsumu didn’t notice. Not when the street lights were illuminating over them, shining on Shouyou making him glow brighter then any fucking star he’s seen.

A ring was heard as the two entered the small store, Shouyou leading him over to where the meat buns and onigiri were. Atsumu had grabbed a basket and grabbed about ten of each and a few packs of ramen for them. Shouyou walked over to where the drinks were and dropped a couple in the basket as well.

They walked over to the cashier to check out all their food, Atsumu stopping Shouyou when he began to get his wallet out.

“ I got it, Shou.” Atsumu said, taking out his own wallet. Shouyou shot a glare at him, but it held no malice,

“I can pay, it’s no big deal.” Shouyou said back, Atsumu shooting him with his own glare.

“ No, I got it. Yer lettin us stay in yer family home and ya stayed up with me while I was drivin. Let me pay.” Atsumu said, not letting Shouyou retort before swiping his card when the amount came up.

Shouyou groaned as he put his wallet back in his jeans. Atsumu shot him his usual toothy smile as he grabbed the bags and thanked the cashier before the two headed out the store.

“You can atleast let me hold the bags.” Shouyou grumbled. Atsumu sighed and handed one to him. Shouyou smiled as he grabbed it and tapped Atsumu’s shoulder with his head

“Yknow you’re super sweet Atsumu.” Shouyou said making Atsumu laugh.

“Yeah? Well ya would be the only one to think that.” Atsumu said back. It wasn’t common knowledge that most people thought he was a fuckin asshole that was full of himself. He’s always been told that he was unlikeable ever since he was young.

Shouyou shook his head at that. “ Well then everyone else is dumb. It’s obvious how much of a sweetheart you are.”

“Oh yeah?” Atsumu asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yup! You took the first few hours of the drive here because bokuto was tired, you helped bring my things in, walked with me here and paid for all our food and that’s JUST from today.” Shouyou listed off making Atsumu blush and look away.

The two continued to walk in a peaceful silence. Shouyou humming as he swung the bag in his arms and Atsumu thought about what Shouyou said.

Atsumu didn’t consider himself insecure, but hearing Shouyou call him sweet after a lifetime of being called an asshole, arrogant, and a list of other names…. Felt healing in a way. It also felt good to know that Shouyou saw him in such a positive light and didn’t see him the way everyone else did.

The Hinata residence finally came into view again after awhile, the two wiping their shoes on the mat before stepping inside and kicking them off at the entry way

“ We’re back!” Shouyou yelled as they walked into the living room where Sakusa was watching some Doctor show and Bokuto was passed out.

Shouyou walked over and set the bags on the coffee table bringing out the meat buns and onigiri while Atsumu set out the drinks and grabbed the ramen packs.

“Do ya have a pantry I can put these in?” Atsumu asked, Shouyou grabbing them from Atsumu’s hand.

“ I got it you all can start eating while I put these away.” Shouyou said and almost as if he had been resurrected Bokuto shot up fully awake making Atsumu and Sakusa jump.

“ Jesus Christ Bokuto!”

“ Of course you wake up when it’s time to eat.”

Bokuto ignored the two and immediately grabbed and meat bun and took a huge bite, sighing as stuffed his mouth.

“ Tis is sho good!” Bokuto said with a mouth full of food making Sakusa grimace.

“ Please don’t talk with food in your mouth.” Sakusa grumbled. Atsumu nodded in agreement as he took a sip of his drink. Shouyou came back soon after and the group ate in silence, letting themselves enjoy their meal after a long trip.

After the group finished eating a wave of sleepiness passed the four athletes.

“ Okay, there’s a guest room where two of us can sleep and my room where another two can sleep. I have futons I can bring out and everything.” Shouyou said.

“Tsum-Tsum wanna room with me?” Bokuto asked, leaning his head on Atsumu’s shoulder. Atsumu wanted to shove him onto the ground and tell him he was rooming with Shouyou….. but he didn’t because he’s sweet, apparently.

“Why me and not your darling disciple.” Atsumu asked

“Because then you’ll be stuck with Omi.” Bokuto said, making Atsumu grimace. Sakusa glared at the two “like I’d share a room with either of you.” Sakusa scoffed.

Shouyou laughed as he got his stuff “Cmon Omi I’ll show you to our room.”

“Thank you Shouyou.” Sakusa said with a smile smile before turning to glare at Atsumu and Bokuto
“ I hope Bokuto’s snoring keeps you up all night.” Sakusa said before grabbing his own things.

“ The guest room is at the end of the hall!” Shouyou said before he and Sakusa left to the room.

Atsumu and Bokuto didn’t waste much time before grabbing their things and heading to the guest room where there was a queen sized bed.

Bokuto and Atsumu looked at each other before Atsumu spoke.

“ I’m doing the pillow divide.” Atsumu said, making Bokuto gasp in offense.

“WOW you’re not gonna cuddle with me?” Bokuto asked, a hand over his chest in a dramatic fashion.

“ I’m not Akaashi.” Atsumu said, making Bokuto blush and sputter.

“Well i bet you’d do it if it were Shou-“ Bokuto spoke before being met with a pillow to the face.

“Shut up!” Atsumu yelled, face flushed as well. Bokuto sighed as he flopped onto the bed.

Atsumu felt his heart pound, his cheeks tinted pink as he set up the barrier in the bed before getting under the covers.

Atsumu felt his eyes close as a long silence filled the room.

..

…

“What if I touched your ankle with my toes.”

Atsumu shot up out of bed and grabbed a pillow at Bokuto’s words.

“ Shou! Where’s the futon?!” Atsumu yelled

Now it was the dead of night, Atsumu was resting on his futon next to the bed where Bokuto was spread out eagle style. Son of a bitch.

Everyone was fast asleep. Atsumu was floating in his usual blankness before his body stirred awake, hearing the guest room door quietly creek open.

Atsumu sat up and rubbed his eyes as he looked at the figure at the door.

“Shou?” Atsumu asked sleepily. His voice raspier and deeper then usual. Shouyou jumped a bit before quietly stepping in and going over to where Atsumu was.

“Sorry… I know it’s late but…” Shouyou whispered, fiddling with his fingers, “I wanted to show you something.”

Atsumu blinked tiredly as he stretched. “And this thing ya wanted to show me couldn’t wait til mornin?”

Shouyou shook his head and Atsumu sighed before pulling his blanket off him. “Alright. Lemme get my jacket.”

Atsumu got up and quietly got his jacket and the two left the room making sure not to wake bokuto. Atsumu followed Shouyou as he opened the front door and led Atsumu out.

“Okay hold onto my wrist and close your eyes.” Shouyou instructed. Atsumu blinked tiredly.

“Am I dreamin?” He asked ,making Shouyou snicker and pinch his bicep, Atsumu hissing in pain.

“See, not dreaming! Now do it.” Shouyou said. Atsumu rubbed his bicep before grabbing onto Shouyou’s wrist and closing his eyes.

“Ya better not lead me to a ditch or somethin Shou.” Atsumu said as he felt Shouyou start walking.

“I won’t! Maybe…” Shouyou said. And by his tone Atsumu already knew he had that stupid little smirk on his face.

The two walked for a while, Atsumu feeling the ground shift from the firmness of concrete to the soft feeling of grass. And before long the two stopped and Atsumu let go of Shouyou’s wrist.

“Am I allowed to open my eyes now?” Atsumu asked.

“Yeah… you can.” Shouyou answered. Atsumu slowly opened his eyes looking to see Shouyou smiling at him.

Atsumu looked around him, they were on a small hill, a few trees surrounding them and small flowers coming from the grass.
“So ya dragged me to this place for?” Atsumu asked, making Shouyou roll his eyes.

“I used to come here a lot in highschool when I was super stressed or needed time for myself.” Shouyou said, taking off his sweater to set it on the ground to sit on. Atsumu smiled and copied the action, sitting down next to him.

“Ya like to look at the trees in the middle of the night?” Atsumu joked, Shouyou shoved him playfully before lying down and looking up at the sky.

“I came to look at this.”

Atsumu looked at Shouyou confused before he looked up and eyes widened as he saw the amount of stars casted amongst the sky.

“ Jesus…” atsumu said breathlessly as he let his body collapse next to Shouyou’s. His eyes staring at all the stars, each one engraving itself in Atsumu’s mind.

“ Pretty right?” Shouyou asked. Atsumu looked to his side as he watched Shouyou look into the sky with a glimmer in his eyes.

“Gorgeous.” Atsumu breathed as he looked at Shouyou before coughing and looking back at the sky.

“I’ve never seen so many…” Atsumu muttered.

“You grew up in the city right? That’s probably why.” Shouyou said, Atsumu nodding in response.

“Ya bring a lot of people here?” Atsumu asked, Shouyou made a choked noise beside him making Atsumu recenter his gaze to Shouyou again.

“ I- No… the only other person I’ve brought was my sister.” Shouyou said.

And honest to god Atsumu could have sworn everyone in the world heard the way Atsumu’s heart soared at that.

“Oh.” Atsumu said dumbly, his face flushing before looking back at the sky. A brief silence passing between the two only filled by the sounds of nature around them.

“I'm glad I could be the first friend ya brought here then.” Atsumu said softly. Shouyou looked over to him and smiled.

The two laid there, Atsumu trying to recognize different constellations that he read about. Easily finding the big and small dipper amongst the stars before Shouyou yawned, breaking him out of his trance.

“ Ya wanna head back?” Atsumu asked. Shouyou rubbed his eyes tiredly.

“ Yeah, sorry..” Shouyou mumbled tiredly. Atsumu shook his head at the apology.

“It’s fine Shou. It’s late, plus we can always come back.” Atsumu said, standing up and patting the grass of his jacket before putting it back on.

Atsumu looked down and extended his hand to Shouyou who grabbed it and allowed himself to be pulled up.

“Hope yer not too tired though cause yer the only one who knows the way back.” Atsumu teased. Shouyou laughed in response as he dusted off his own sweater before putting it on as well.

“Cmon let’s go.” Shouyou said, leading the two back to the house. Atsumu sighed as he looked down at Shouyou’s hand as they walked, his own nearly brushing against it. A part of his wanted to intertwine their fingers together, to see how Atsumu’s hand completely enveloped Shouyou’s. But the rational side of him made him shove his hand in his pocket as the two continued towards the house.

When they got back they made sure to open and close the door as quietly as they could. Both heading to their rooms to sleep.

“Good night Shou. Thank ya for showing me yer little hideaway.” Atsumu whispered. Shouyou smiled at him, brushing some hair out of his face.

“ Of course. You’re the only one I really wanted to see it…” Shouyou whispered back. Atsumu was currently eternally grateful for the darkness of the hallway so Shouyou couldn’t see the way Atsumu’s whole face turned pink at those words.

Shouyou yawned before speaking again “Good night Tsumu.” Shouyou said sleepily before opening his bedroom door and walking in, closing it silently behind him leaving Atsumu in the hallway.

Atsumu let out a breath, his heart pounding in his chest as he turned to the guest room. He made his way to his futon and pulled the covers over himself as he laid back down. His mind was swimming with the events of the last hour.

His mind flashing to orange hair, and millions of stars amongst the sky before he finally succumbed back to sleep.

Chapter Text

Atsumu woke up to the sounds of crickets and sun cascading in through the curtains. A yawn escaped him as he sat up and stretched his back, he stood up and folded his blankets and put them on top of the futon before looking to Bokuto who was sprawled out on the bed.

Atsumu rolled his eyes and grabbed the blanket that had fallen from the bed and placed it back on top of his teammate. Bokuto, in return, had snuggled into the sheets.

Atsumu quickly looked over and checked his phone and saw it was 6:00 AM. He grabbed a pair of sweats and a t-shirt from his bag before stepping out the room. The bathroom was down the hall and he quickly changed into his workout clothes and stepped back out and headed to the kitchen where Shoyo was filling a water bottle.

“Tsumu! Good morning.” Shoyo said with a small smile. He was dressed in workout shorts and a regular shirt.

“Mornin Shou.” Atsumu said back, walking over to him and grabbing a water bottle from the fridge.

The two had a routine of going on morning runs together, since the two of them usually woke up before the rest of their teammates. Honestly it made for a good way to start the day and definitely had nothing to do with Atsumu spending time with Shoyo one on one for an hour while watching the early sun rays cast upon Shoyo making him look like an angel ascended from the heavens themselves. Absolutely not.

What Atsumu felt was close to worship. As that was the closest thing he could do with his love for Shoyo from a distance.

Even though they were near each other, Shoyo would forever be out of his reach. Even if he could hug him, throw an arm over his shoulder, or even lay beside him there would always be a barrier there. One that speaks of platonic and unreturned feelings. And Atsumu could yearn and beg and pray to some unhearing god or entity for a chance to cascade his love onto Shoyo for a singular second with hopes of it being returned to him but know that each one of those prayers would go unheard.

Shoyo was a force of nature, one that shook Atsumu’s entire world by storm. And Atsumu didn’t know whether he was blessed or cursed with the close proximity he held with Shoyo. Was he blessed because he was able to bask in his presence everyday? Be able to bathe in his warmth, channeled through his laughter, his smiles, his stories, his mere existence? Or was he cursed with the constant danglement of everything he wanted right in front of him with the knowledge that it could never be his.

Love.

An old fashioned and timeless word.

Beautiful and intimate.
To keep it hidden and buried deep within his flesh, having it build day after day, minute after minute, second after second. Growing. Festering. Burning for escape. Slipping out of his body in gentle glances, changing routines, endless devotion, and small touches.

Even mundane things like how Shoyo was leaning against the kitchen counter, picking at his nails, a lazy smile on his face. It made Atsumu’s mind fuzzy and body tingle.

“Are you ready Tsumu?” Shoyo asked with a soft tone. Atsumu snapped out of his thoughts and nodded. “Yeah.... I’m ready.”

The two stepped out of the house and Atsumu followed Shoyo as the two jogged through Shoyo’s neighborhood.

After a while the two stopped at a nearby bench to sit and catch their breath. Shoyo took a swing of his water while Atsumu checked the time. 7:35 AM. Atsumu sighed and cracked open his water as well and took a large swing.

“Did you sleep well last night?” Shoyo asked. Atsumu hummed.

“Yeah I did. Especially after our little walk, it was pretty easy to fall asleep.” Atsumu said softly, pushing some of his hair away from his forehead where it was sticking.

Shoyo smiled, toothy and full and rested his head on Atsumu's shoulder. Atsumu rested his head against Shoyo’s in response.

“Did you have any dreams last night?” Shoyo asked. Atsumu let out a small laugh as he felt an early breeze pass upon them.

“Yknow I don’t dream, Shou.” Atsumu said with a small smile “But I know ya do, so are ya gonna tell me what happened in yours?”

Shoyo’s eyes lit up, “I dreamt about the Olympics. Ever since we won I’ve been dreaming about it a lot. And when you set to me, I literally grew wings and flew! They were huge! And then Omi and Bokuto were like-“ Shoyo started rambling on and on about his dream, Atsumu gazing down on him with soft eyes, his arm daring to wrap around Shoyo’s shoulders and fingers massaging his upper arm as he spoke. Shoyo clearly didn’t seem to pay it any mind, still rambling on about his dream.

“But yeah! That was it! I woke up all energized and ready for the day!” Shoyo said. Atsumu hummed, shooting him another smile, trying to distract from the fact he totally just blanked out on half of his dream.

The two sat in silence for a little bit, just letting the cool summer wind pass them by.

Soon Shoyo stretched a bit before standing up, Atsumu’s arm reluctantly slipping from its place around Shoyo. “We should head back now. Omi and Bokuto are probably awake by now.” Shoyo said.

Atsumu looked at the time again. 8:03 AM.
“Omi awake? Probably. Bokuto? Definitely not.” Atsumu said before standing up as well and stretching his back. Shoyo laughed bubbly and vibrant.

“Cmon Tsumu let’s go.” Shoyo said, the sun shining upon those beautiful honey eyes, and who was Atsumu to deny him.

How could he when Shou was looking at him like that.

So Atsumu got up as well and walked with Shoyo back to the house. When they opened the door they were met with the smell of eggs, bacon, and toast. They walked into the kitchen to see Omi cooking and Bokuto slumped on the counter watching him half awake.

“Omi! You’re making breakfast?” Shoyo asked, making Sakusa turn his head towards the pair.

“I am. Just as a thank you for letting us come with you to your home for a month.” Sakusa said softly before returning his attention back to the food.

“ Aw. Omi, who knew ya were so soft.” Atsumu teased, sitting next to Bokuto who leaned against him. Sakusa rolled his eyes, usual scowl coming back on his face.

“So what were you two love birds up to?” Sakusa asked, turning back to his cooking. Atsumu coughed and Shoyo laughed.

“We went for a run, since yer lazy asses were still sleeping.” Atsumu said, a faint blush still on his cheeks. Sakusa scoffed, handing bokuto and Atsumu both a plate of food.

“Maybe because me and Bokuto aren’t crazy like you and Shoyo are to get up at the ass crack of dawn.” Sakusa said with a scowl. Atsumu took the food and put a lazy smirk on his face

“Maybe ya should try it, and ya wouldn’t be so prickly in the mornings like ya usually are.” Atsumu said back, Sakusa snorted and rolled his eyes.

“And intrude on you and Shoyo’s private runs? I think I’ll pass.” Sakusa said, Atsumu flipped him off before he began to eat. Shoyo sat to the right of Atsumu and began to eat as well.

“Hey Shoyo, is there anything to do here? Like out in town?” Bokuto asked in between bites of his eggs.

Shoyo hummed and rested his chin on his hand.
“There’s a bar nearby if you guys are interested.” Shoyo suggested. Omi blinked at him slowly.

“It’s 9:30 in the morning….” Omi said, making Shoyo laugh and wave his hands.

“ No! I don’t mean right now! I meant later tonight.” Shoyo clarified. Bokuto shrugged

“It’s 8pm somewhere! Let’s go!” Bokuto said, the other three looking at him with exasperated looks.

“Hell no”

“You’re insane”

Bokuto laughed and the group finished breakfast. Sakusa and Atsumu washing dishes while Bokuto and Shoyo lounged on the couch.

Sakusa was scrubbing while Atsumu was in charge of drying. He held the now dampening paper towel in his hands as he dried off a plate before looking over at the sound of Shoyo’s laughter.

A smile naturally formed on his face, his body relaxing. Sakusa elbowed him, making Atsumu look back to see Sakusa holding out a dish for him.

“My bad.” Atsumu said grabbing it and beginning to dry it off.

“You’re obvious Yknow.” Sakusa said, loud enough for only Atsumu to hear.

“He doesn’t seem to notice.” Atsumu said, placing the now dry dish on the rack. Sakusa let out a dry laugh.

“ Well maybe that’s your hint to grow up and just tell him.” Sakusa said. Atsumu rolled his eyes.

“Easier said then done.” Atsumu said back before a smirk formed on his face “but I’m flattered you care so much about me, you’re such a good friend.”

“I’m not your friend.” Sakusa bit back.

Atsumu paused for a second before continuing to dry off dishes. No retort and sass. Just silence. They finished up fairly quickly and Atsumu quickly joined bokuto and Shoyo on the couch.

The day flew by relatively quickly. Soon it was 7:00 pm and everyone was getting ready for the bar. Atsumu stepped in the shower and turned on the shower, letting himself melt under the warm water.

Atsumu always took longer showers, not only because he actually look time into washing himself and his hair, but because showers were where he was alone to decompress.

It washed away all his discomfort and stress gained through the day. It made it feel warm and comforted in some strange sense.

Bars weren’t really Atsumu’s scene. He only ever went for team events and whatnot. He never went just to hang out or relax. He certainly never went on his own either.

The concept of drinking to a point of not being in control of yourself, even a little was unnerving. Atsumu was always in control of himself. To be able to drop his walls, not by choice but because of intoxication…. it was scary.

Atsumu scrubbed his body clean, trying to wash away his worries as well. He turned off the shower hesitantly, knowing once he did everything would continue.

He dried himself off and got dressed in a casual black T-shirt and some jeans, looping them with a black belt. He styled his hair as he always did, taking note that his roots were starting to show and he’d need to bleach them.

He stepped out the bathroom and walked to the living room where Shoyo and Bokuto were waiting.

“Tsum-Tsum!” Bokuto beamed, clapping a hand on his back “Lookin good! Gonna have everyone staring.”

Atsumu rolled his eyes and shoved Bokuto away. He didn’t care about people staring at him. Not when he would be looking at Shoyo the entire time.

“Just lettin ya know now, if ya get stupid drunk I’m not gonna be the one takin care of ya when ya throw up.” Atsumu said, Bokuto gasping in offense.

Omi finally stepped out of the room fully dressed and the group headed out to the bar.

Shoyo tried to persuade them to walk, which Atsumu quickly shot down, because even though he would love to walk in the cool summer weather with Shoyo, he knew that the walk back when at least one of them would be drunk would be awful.

Sakusa opted himself as the designated driver and the set off. The drive wasn’t long, only around 20 minutes before they got to the bar. They walked inside and were met by the warm lights and the cozy atmosphere. Shoyo said this one was more of a local spot so it wasn’t as crowded as the ones they usually went to in Osaka.

They sat down at a small booth, Sakusa and Shoyo sat one end and Atsumu and Bokuto at the other. Shoyo was across from Atsumu, looking at the list of drinks they served.

“Yer lookin real hard there.” Atsumu said with a soft smile”

Shoyo lifted his head and let out a small sigh.
“I wanted to see if they served this drink here but it looks like they don’t.” Shoyo said.

“What drink is it? I’m sure if the bar has the ingredients they can do it.” Atsumu said

“It’s a Caipirinha. It’s a Brazilian drink. I used to order it when I went out with my roommate.” Shoyo said, resting his jaw on his hand.

Before Atsumu could respond, their server came up and asked what they’d want. Bokuto and Atsumu both ordered a beer and Sakusa a coke. Atsumu looked to Shoyo who was still looking through the menu and spoke up.

“I’m sorry, is there anyway you guys can make a Caipirinha?” Atsumu asked.

“I can check with the bar and if we have everything I’m sure they can.” The server said. Shoyo perked up at that “That would be great! Thank you!” Shoyo smiled.

The server gave a polite smile and headed back to the bar.

After a few moments he returned with the two beers and Coke.

“I checked with the bar and unfortunately we don’t have the alcohol that the usually make the drink with. However the bartender told me to say that there’s another drink called a Caipisake which is the same thing but instead of being made with cachaça it’s made with sake.” The server explained.

Shoyo hummed before giving a smile. “I’ll have that then! Thank you so much!”

The server nodded and headed back to the bar.

It wasn’t a long wait until Shoyo had his drink and the group began sipping on their drinks. Except for bokuto of course who immediately started taking the biggest gulps known to man of his beer.

“So how’s yer drink taste Shoyo?” Atsumu asked, sipping his own beer. Shoyo hummed happily as he took a sip of his drink.

“It’s really good! Wanna try some?” Shoyo asked sliding it over to Atsumu.

Atsumu set down his beer and took a small sip of Shoyo’s drink. “Wow. It’s really sweet.” Atsumu said. “I can hardly even tell there’s alcohol in this.”

Shoyo laughed and grabbed the drink. “You don’t like it?”

Atsumu shook his head. “No, it’s good. Really refreshing, just not what I would usually order.”

Bokuto whipped his head over “Can I try?” He asked with a smile. Sakusa shook his head.
“Hell no bokuto you already finished a beer.”

“Pft. So what it’s one beer.” Bokuto laughed

“It’s been five minutes.”

Shoyo laughed softly and pulled his drink closer to himself. “Sorry Bokuto, maybe in like 20 minutes.”

An hour past and the group was relatively buzzed except for Sakusa who was sober. Bokuto’s cheeks were flushed and he was currently moping about how he missed Akaashi. Shoyo was laughing with Sakusa who was making fun of Bokuto’s current state, not nearly as intoxicated as the other. Atsumu was a good buzz. Not too much where he wasn’t in control of himself but just enough to where his mind was clear and his body was relaxed.

“Oh! How about this? When was the first time you ever got drunk?” Shoyo asked.

“Training camp, 2nd year.” Bokuto answered instantly.

“Training camp? Really?” Shoyo asked surprised.

Bokuto laughed and nodded. “Yeah! Nekoma’s captain that year snuck in like two packs of soju and a few of us snuck into his room and got shitfaced.”

Sakusa rolled his eyes before speaking “Mine was during my third year. All the third years had a small graduation party and I ended up drinking too much.” Sakusa said with a light blush.

“No way! Mine was the same! When I graduated me, Tobio, Tsukki, Yamaguchi, and Yachi all went to Yamaguichi’s place and ended up drinking. God I remember falling over so much! I think Yachi has a video of me from that night falling over.” Shoyo laughed.

Bokuto turned his attention to Atsumu who was on his second beer, still sipping on it.

“What about you Tsum-tsum?” Bokuto asked in a sing-song voice

Atsumu set down his beer and hummed.

“When I moved to Osaka. I had just moved into our place and Aran and Osamu took me out to a bar to celebrate and I got super wasted.” Atsumu said.

“Yknow what’s crazy. I don’t think I’ve actually ever seen ya drunk tsuummm- tsummm.” Bokuto slurred.

Shoyo and Sakusa shared a look and looked back to Atsumu.

“That’s true actually… I don’t remember a time when I ever saw you anything other than a little buzzed.” Shoyo said.

Atsumu shrugged slightly. “Just don’t see the purpose of getting super shitfaced. The hangover after is terrible. Plus I hate throwing up.” Atsumu said. Sakusa nodded in agreement.

The group went back to chatting and Atsumu sipped on his drink again. Pausing when he was about halfway done. After awhile Shoyo had gone up to use the bathroom and Sakusa had gone with him leaving only Bokuto and Atsumu at the table.

“Tsum- tsummmm.” Bokuto slurred, leaning into Atsumu’s side.

Atsumu sighed and looked over at Bokuto “What is it?”

Bokuto sighed heavily “Do ya think Akaashi is thinking of me right now?”

Atsumu exhaled “Probably. Guy loves ya so I don’t see why he wouldn’t be.” Atsumu said, grabbing Bokuto’s beer (his 5th beer of the night) and dragging it away from him.

Bokuto smiled happily and closed his eyes against Atsumu’s shoulder. “Do you ever think you were born just to meet certain people?” Bokuto asked suddenly

Atsumu looked at Bokuto surprised. The question throwing him off guard, especially coming from him. But he knew the answer.

“Yeah…. I do.” Atsumu answered, an image of orange hair filling his head.

“I’m really happy that I met Akaashi. I can’t imagine my life without him.” Bokuto said happily. “And I’m happy I met you, Shoyo and Omi too… you guys are the best teammates ever..” Bokuto said, words slurring off a bit. Atsumu couldn’t stop the small smile that formed on his face.

“And I hope you can find someone….who makes you as happy as Akaashi makes me…. ” bokuto said before dozing off. Atsumu sighed softly, watching as Shoyo and Omi returned from the bathroom. Eyes meeting Shoyo’s for brief moment before Sakusa spoke up

“I think it’s time to go.” Sakusa said, observing Bokuto’s state.

“Yeah.. I think so too.” Atsumu said, handing Sakusa his card and grabbing the keys.
“Just go pay the tab and I’ll get bokuto in the car.”

Sakusa nodded and headed over to go pay as Atsumu scooted out the booth and pulled Bokuto up, putting bokuto’s arm around his shoulder and putting his own arm on Bokuto’s shoulder and walking him to the car. More so dragging him actually.

Shoyo followed him, opening the backseat car door for Atsumu and helping him sit down bokuto and buckle him up. Atsumu sat in the middle next to him and Shoyo sat upfront in the passenger's seat. Sakusa didn’t take long until he was back in the drivers seat, handing Atsumu back his card and driving back to Shoyo’s house.

The car ride was relatively silent the entire time, except the small humming of the radio. When they got back to the house Atsumu dragged bokuto to bed, making sure to lay him on his side and taking off both of their shoes. He grabbed a small trash can and placed it at near the edge of the bed, though Bokuto seemed relatively knocked out at the moment.

“I really hope he doesn’t throw up.” Omi grimaced.

“I’ll watch him Omi. Ya can go to sleep, wear some headphones just incase he does throw up.” Atsumu said. It wasn’t a secret that Omi wasn’t the most fond of germs, his distaste of them lessening in severity over the years, but throw up was something he couldn’t stand. Just the sound of it was enough to make Omi queasy.

Sakusa gave Atsumu a small nod.
“Thank you.” He said before retreating to the room he shared with Shoyo.

Atsumu sat on the floor monitoring bokuto when Shoyo walked in with a blanket and pillow.

“Mind if I keep you company?” Shoyo asked.

Atsumu smiled and patted the place beside him.
“Not at all.”

Shoyo sat next to him, placing his pillow on the floor and draping the blanket over him and Atsumu

“You sure you wanna be here? Bokuto is sure to throw up.” Atsumu said. Shoyo laughed and leaned his head on his shoulder.

“It’s fine. I just wanna talk to you.” Shoyo smiled. Atsumu felt his cheeks flush, hoping Shoyo would just think it was because of the alcohol.

“I appreciate it Shou.” Atsumu said softly.

“You said you weren’t gonna take care of him if he got super drunk.” Shoyo commented, reminding him of his earlier statement.

“Hm. Guess I had a change of heart.” Atsumu said, feigning indifference. But he knew Shoyo could see through it.

The two sat in silence until Atsumu broke it.

“Yknow Bokuto said somethin to me. That he thinks we’re born to meet certain people.” Atsumu said,Shoyo looked up at him.

“What do you think?” He asked.

“I agree…” Atsumu said. Shoyo hummed.

“ Why do you think so.” Shoyo asked

Atsumu laid his back against the wall, shoyo shifting so he was pressed to Atsumu’s side, head still resting on his shoulder.

“I don’t really think there’s such thing as coincidences. I like to think everyone we meet impacts our life in some way, in a big way or small. I think we all kinda gravitate towards certain people almost like planets.” Atsumu said, shoyo looked like he was thinking about what Atsumu was saying.

“So if I was a planet which would I be?” Shoyo asked. Atsumu snorted, letting out a small laugh.

“Thats- I was using an example I wasn’t bein literal Shoyo.” Atsumu laughed. Shoyo shoved his arm softly

“ I know that. But you said planets and I got curious about what planet you think I’d be.” Shoyo said back.

“I don’t think you’re a planet.” Atsumu said, making Shoyo raise a brow.

“ Then what am I an asteroid?” Shoyo asked, a snarky tone in his voice

“I think you’re the sun.” Atsumu said before he could stop it. Shoyo blinked in suprise, cheeks blushing a bit. But Atsumu couldn’t tell if it was from the buzz or not.

Shoyo let out a small cough before speaking.

“Why do you say that?” He asked

Atsumu’s heart raced in his chest. “I…I think people just naturally gravitate towards ya. You bring out the life in everyone.” Atsumu said softly. Not adding how Shoyo brightened up his life, how just his gaze made him feel warm.

Shoyo nodded. “I think… I get what you were saying now.” Shoyo trailed. Atsumu looking down at him. “I think I agree that we’re born to meet certain people.” Shoyo spoke softly

Atsumu swallowed. Shoyo looked up at him and smiled.

“I think we’re all like solar systems. We’re all the sun in our own lives and each planet would be someone close to us in our life.” Shoyo trailed.

“Would I be a planet?” Atsumu asked, blushing and looking away “In your solar system I mean…”

Shoyo laughed softly “Obviously you would.” Shoyo answered easily, “Would I be one in yours.”

Atsumu smiled "Obviously." Atsumu answered back.

Shoyo closed his eyes, a smile plastered on his face. “I’m glad.”

Atsumu let the silence kick in, it wasn’t an awkward one or a tense one. It was just calm. Nothing more needed to be said.

A gagging sound was heard next to them, Bokuto grabbing at the trashcan and throwing up. Atsumu sighing and standing up rubbing his back.

“Can ya get me a glass of water and paper towels?” Atsumu asked Shoyo who nodded, making his way out of the room.

The night continued, Atsumu laying out the futon for Shoyo who quickly fell asleep. By 5:00 AM bokuto was finally fast asleep, going through 5 bags of puke and two bottles of water. Atsumu sat down, and laid against the wall, finally closing his eyes

The sun was already beginning to rise but Atsumu had a feeling that they’d be sleeping in today. Atsumu looked to his side to see Shoyo sprawled out on the futon, blanket wrapped around him tightly and mouth slightly parted. Atsumu took a deep breath and slid down to lay on the wood floor, looking up at the ceiling before falling asleep.

When he woke up he would wake to a soft pillow under his head and a blanket draped over him, and when he looked back over to where Shoyo was sleeping to see the folded up futon he knew who did it.

Chapter Text

When Atsumu woke up it was 10:45 AM, much later than his usual wake up time. He looked to the bed and saw bokuto was still knocked out cold, drool running down the side of his mouth.

Atsumu got up and folded his blanket and blacked the pillow and blanket on top of the folded up futon before stepping out to the living room. He saw Shoyo spread out on a yoga mat, stretching quietly, not noticing Atsumu even walking into the room.

Atsumu gave a playful whistle that made Shoyo jump a bit before letting out a soft laugh.

“Good morning Atsumu.” Shoyo said, never breaking his pose or focus.

“Mornin Shou.” Atsumu said back, walking over to the kitchen. “Do ya want coffee?” He asked

Shoyo sat on his mat and looked back at him
“Yes please, put two sugars.”

“I know how ya like it.” Atsumu said, turning on the coffee maker and waiting for the mug to fill. “Thanks for the blanket and pillow.”

Shoyo looked back at him and waved him off. “You watched bokuto all last night and fell asleep on the ground. It was the least I could do….especially since i couldn’t even stay up with you like I said”

Atsumu rolled his eyes, adding two sugars into Shoyo’s coffee before walking over and sitting on the ground with him, handing him his mug.

“Ya didn’t say ya were gonna stay up with me. Ya said ya were gonna keep me company. And ya did.” Atsumu retorted, Shoyo smiled and sipped on his coffee.

“I still feel bad.” Shoyo muttered against the mug, steam still rising from the liquid.

“Well don’t. Ya have nothin to feel bad for.” Atsumu said. Shoyo smiled and leaned his head on Atsumu’s shoulder.

The two sat in silence, Shoyo sipping in his coffee, occasionally burning his tongue which made Atsumu laugh which earned an elbow to his side, and Atsumu scrolling in his phone.

“Hey Tsumu.”

Atsumu turned his head to Shoyo who had set his coffee down. “Yeah? What’s up?”

Shoyo brushed his fingers against Atsumu’s hair, trailing his undercut and moving upwards, Atsumu’s breath hitched at the action, heart pounding as he sat still and let Shoyo play with his hair

“Your undercut is growing out and so are your roots.” Shoyo stated as he continued to trace his fingers through Atsumu’s hair.

“Ah- yeah I need to touch up my hair” atsumu said, mentally slapping himself at his stutter. Shoyo didn’t seem to notice, seemingly entranced by the feeling of his hair on his fingers.

“Have you ever thought of going natural again?” Shoyo asked

“Why? Don't you think I look good blonde?” Atsumu teased. Shoyo laughed and shook his head.

“Oh you definitely do. I was just wondering whether you ever missed brown hair.” Shoyo stated. ‘Oh you definitely do?’ Shoyo thought he looked good blonde. It’s not like he seen him any other way but he liked it? Holy shit Atsumu was totally telling Aran about this later.

“I don’t miss it, I just look like samu with brown hair. We’re already identical. I don't need matching hair ontop of that.” Atsumu stated. Shoyo laughed

“So are you gonna get it done or do it yourself?” Shoyo asked.

“If ya don’t mind me making yer bathroom smell like bleach I can do it myself. Shaving the back of my undercut and bleaching the roots in the back of my head is a bit hard though.” Atsumu stated, shoyo immediately perked up and gave Atsumu a wide smile.

“I can help!” Shoyo beamed.

Atsumu blinked, a small blush forming on his face. “You don’t have to Shou…I can’t figure it out don’t worry.” Atsumu tried to reassure him. Shoyo shook his head and gave Atsumu a small nudge on the shoulder.

“I wanna help. It can be my way to make up not staying up with you.” Shoyo said. Atsumu was gonna retort but the idea of Shoyo helping bleach his hair, his fingers running through his hair, was too good of an opportunity to pass.

“If yer sure then I’m fine with it.” Atsumu said, Shoyo smiled happily and got up.

“We can head to the store now. We also can pick up some ginger ale for bokuto to help with his hang over.” Shoyo said as he grabbed a small piece of paper and began writing down what they’d be getting.

Atsumu quickly got changed and made sure he was somewhat presentable before coming back ti the living room where Shoyo was all ready and waiting.

“Are you okay with driving? I can give you directions.” Shoyo asked. Atsumu smiled and nodded.

“I’m fine with drivin. Can’t believe ya dint have a license.” Atsumu said grabbing the keys from Shoyo who gasped and walked after him to the car.

“I usually bike everywhere and in Osaka we take the train everywhere. There’s no need for me to get a license!” Shoyo exclaimed. Atsumu unlocked the car and got in the drivers seat, watching Shoyo get in the passengers.

“Sounds to me like yer makin excuses for the fact that ya have no idea how to drive.” Atsumu teased, smiling teasing the pout that formed on Shoyo’s mouth.

Atsumu put his arm behind Shoyo’s seat as he backed up the car from the driveway and headed to the grocery store, shoyo reading off the directions as he did so.

It wasn’t a long car ride and the two didn’t speak apart from Shoyo reading off the directions but it wasn’t an awkward or deafening silence. No, it was a comfortable one. When they got to the grocery store Atsumu grabbed a cart ,which Shoyo got in, and went through the store grabbing everything they’d need.

Atsumu set the ginger ale in Shoyo’s lap before heading to the hair care aisle and picking up some bleach,some toner, a black bowl, a brush to apply it, and some gloves. Shoyo looked at all the items with a nervous expression, Atsumu not noticing until they checked out and saw Shoyo playing with the bag of supplies in the car.

“You okay Shou?” Atsumu asked. Shoyo twiddled with his thumbs, a small thing he always did when he was nervous. Atsumu grabbed Shoyo’s hands and caressed them softly, seeing as Shoyo’s body relaxed at the touch.
“I’m just scared I’m gonna ruin your hair.” Shoyo said softly which Atsumu paused at before laughing

“That’s what’s got ya all anxious Shou? Yer not gonna ruin my hair, I’m gonna walk ya through it and Ill know if it’s going bad. Plus in the worst case scenario I’ll go to a salon to fix it up.” Atsumu explained, Shoyo sighed and looked at Atsumu with a small pout

“But what if your hair falls out or something.” Shoyo asked. Atsumu paused before shrugging
. “I think I’m hot enough to pull off being bald.” Atsumu said which made Shoyo pause before bursting out laughing.

“But I love your hair! I dont want it all gone!” Shoyo said as his laughter died down. Atsumu blushed, fingers subconsciously going to touch his hair.

“W-well then we’ll just be extra careful, don’t worry Shoyo it’s gonna be fine.” Atsumu said, cursing in his head at his stutter. This was the second time today.

Atsumu was about to start the car before he paused and groaned. “Shit I need to buy a tshirt. I didn’t bring any of my shitty ones because I didn’t think I was gonna bleach my hair.”
Shoyo looked at him with a confused expression. “Why do you need a shirt?”

“It’s to make sure that if any bleach falls on my shirt and it stains it won’t be a shirt I actually like.” Atsumu explained. Shoyo hummed and pulled up the navigator on his phone.

“There’s another store like a block away that I know sells clothes. We can stop by there.” Shoyo said pulling up the directions.

Like Shoyo said the market was nearby, hardly even five minutes, and Atsumu and Shoyo quickly went in and Atsumu grabbed the first plain shirt he found before turning to Shoyo only to see an empty spot.

“Shoyo?” Atsumu called out, he looked around before seeing his spiker a few aisles away and went up to him. “How’d ya wander all the way over here so quickly.” Atsumu asked. Shoyo turned around and held up a small Polaroid camera.

“Look how cute it is, Tsumu!” Shoyo said with a smile.
Atsumu tilted his head , “How’d ya even spot it?” He asked.

“I saw someone walk out the aisle with one and went to see if they had more.” Shoyo answered with a smile.

“Does it come with film?” Atsumu asked.

Shoyo shook his head but held up a small packet of film with a beam. Atsumu hummed softly before speaking ,” Why do ya want one anyways. We have phones that we can for pictures.” Atsumu stated. Shoyo rolled his eyes like the answer was the most obvious thing in the world.

“I want physical photos. I can hang them in my room or put them in my locker. It’s way more personal than having a picture on your phone.” Shoyo explained

Atsumu shrugged and the two walked to checkout, Atsumu swiping the Polaroid and paying for it before Shoyo could stop him. Shoyo groaned “Tsumu! Cmon you couldn’t pay for the film, it's cheaper.” Shoyo said with a pout.

Atsumu laughed and messed with his hair "You can pay for the film. Just make sure I’m the first photo ya take on this okay?” Atsumu said, his heart pounding as he said it.

Shoyo looked at him with a soft gaze, Atsumu wanted to be the only person Shoyo ever looked at like this. Eyes peering into Atsumu’s, looking straight to his soul. Atsumu wondered if he could feel the way it yearned for it, the way it tied and soared to him. Constantly getting closer and closer, not caring for the way it melted under Shoyo’s presence. Shoyo gave a small laugh, brushing some hair behind his ear as he paid for the film. “I wouldn’t dream of it being anyone else.” Shoyo said as he put the film in the bag Atsumu was carrying.

“Now let’s get going, we have to bleach your roots and I’m pretty sure bokuto and Omi are up by now.” Shoyo said. Atsumu nodded and headed back to the car. When they arrived back to Shoyo’s, Bokuto was awake on the couch while Omi was in the kitchen eating cereal.

“Yo bokuto. Got some ginger ale for ya, get yer ass over here.” Atsumu called out, seeing how bokuto winced at the noise.

“Don’t shout.. feels like my head is splitting open.” Bokuto whined, laying further down into the couch. Atsumu rolled his eyes and opened the box and grabbed some ginger ale and set it on the coffee table information of Bokuto.

“What were you two out for?” Omi asked as he finished up his food.

“I’m helping Tsumu bleach his roots so we needed to go pick up some stuff.” Shoyo answered. Omi gave Atsumu a knowing look before speaking

“Just make sure to ventilate the bathroom so the fumes don’t get to your head.”

“So we don’t faint?” Shoyo asked, causing Sakusa to shake his head.

“Worse, you start thinking Atsumu is fun to hang out with.”

Atsumu gasped and began yelling a string of curses out at Sakusa as Shoyo laughed. Atsumu huffed at Shoyo’s laughter and grabbed his wrist and dragged him to the bathroom with the supplies, Shoyo not fighting and following Atsumu along.

Atsumu started by opening all the windows in the bathroom and making sure the door was cracked open, but only a bit. Then he got out all the supplies and began mixing the bleach into the bowl.

“Hey Shoyo can ya hand me the shirt?” Atsumu asked. Shoyo hummed and tossed it over, Atsumu catching it and setting it on the counter before stripping off the shirt he was currently wearing and putting on the cheap one.

“Alright now we can get sta-“ Atsumu said before stopping “You okay Shou? Yer face is pretty red.” Atsumu stated, walking closer to him and putting his hand to his forehead.

Shoyo shook his head and swallowed “It’s just a little hot in here sorry. We can get started.” Shoyo said

Atsumu looked at him with a hint of concern but nodded. “Alright I’m gonna do the front to show you how to do it and then you can do the back alright?” Atsumu stated. Shoyo nodded and watched as Atsumu put on the gloves and began to coat his roots in the pasty substance, parting his hair to make sure he didn’t miss anything and making sure the paste wasn’t chunky and was evenly applied.

Once he was done with the front he turned to Shoyo. “I can sit on the toilet and you can do the back. Do you think you got it?” Atsumu asked

Shoyo nodded and Atsumu smiled softly and sat down, back facing Shoyo. His breath hitched slightly as he felt Shoyo’s fingers brush against his scalp. The feeling of him applying the paste to his roots gently and brushing through his hair to make sure he didn’t miss a single spot. It sent goosebumps down his neck.

“Okay….I think I got it…” Shoyo said softly, hands disappearing from his hair.

Atsumu turned around and smiled, “Thanks Shou. Now I just gotta leave it in for around 20 minutes before rinsing it off.” Atsumu said, adjusting his seating. Shoyo sat up on the sink and grabbed his Polaroid camera out of the bag and unboxed it, putting in the film before turning over and snapping a photo of Atsumu who blinked in surprise.

“Wh- Shou cmon I wasn’t ready!” Atsumu exclaimed, standing up and trying to grab the film from Shoyo’s hand who laughed and fanned it trying to see the image.

“You said that you had to be the first photo I took!” Shoyo laughed out, Atsumu grabbed the photo, it was half developed and Atsumu’s expression was wide and confused. Shoyo snatched it back and gave a soft laugh. “I’m keeping this forever” Shoyo said

“No. No you’re not, you're burning that.” Atsumu said, which made Shoyo laugh harder and slip the picture in his pocket. “Nope!”.

Atsumu sighed at Shoyo’s response, “yer killin me Shou. Truly.” He said before sitting back down.

Shoyo smiled in triumph before feeling his phone buzz and taking a Quick Look. Atsumu hummed, “who’s that?” He asked.

“Oh it’s Tooru.” Shoyo stated with a small smile before writing a quick response and setting his phone down.

“How did you two become friends?” Atsumu asked, leaning back against the toilet seat.

Shoyo blushed a bit and smiled. “Back when I was in Brazil I ran into him. He was down for a while and we spent a lot of….time together…” Shoyo said, heat rushing to his cheeks.

“Oh like hanging out on the beach?” Atsumu asked dumbly.

“We hooked up.” Shoyo blurted out. Atsumu paused, looking at Shoyo whose face was bright red.

“Oh.” Atsumu stated, “Are you still-“ he was asking before quickly being cut off by Shoyo.

“No! No Im not… it was just a small thing that happened between us. We’re just friends now. ” Shoyo explained. Atsumu nodded, shoulders relaxing.

Atsumu’s timer went off and he got up from the toilet. “Alright time to rinse this bleach out.” Atsumu said as he turned on the shower.

“Are you mad at me?” Shoyo blurted out. Atsumu paused and turned to him.

“Why would I be mad at ya Shou?” Atsumu asked softly. Shoyo looked at his knees, thumbs fiddling together.

Atsumu sighed and gave him a soft smile. “Who ya have been with and what ya did doesn’t make me think any different about ya.” Atsumu explained making Shoyo give him a smile.

“Thank you. Now sit on the edge of the bathtub I’ll rinse you.” Shoyo said, hopping off the sink and watching Atsumu sit down on the floor and tilt his head back into the tub. Shoyo grabbed the shower head and began rinsing the bleach out of Atsumu’s scalp. Seeing the blonde that replaced the dark roots.

“Is it all gone?” Atsumu asked, opening his eyes only to be met with Shoyo spraying his face with the shower head making him shriek and Shoyo cackling out. “Ya- oh I’m gettin ya for that!” Atsumu said shooting up and grabbing the shower head from him and shooting it on Shoyo who shrieked, laughter filled the small bathroom. Uncaring of who heard of if the water shot all over the walls and floor. By the time Shoyo managed to turn off the water the two were both soaked.

The two panted softly, coming down from their intense laughter. Shoyo stepped back before slipping on some water, quickly being caught by Atsumu who held him tightly.

“Ya okay?!” Atsumu asked. Shoyo nodded, standing upright, noticing the close proximity of the two, Atsumu’s arm still wrapped around his waist and nearly pressed against his chest.

“Yeah I’m okay….” Shoyo said before Atsumu let him go.

“We should…dry off..” Atsumu muttered out. Shoyo laughed before grabbing his Polaroid and snapping a quick picture of the two. This one came out a bit more clear, still some parts that were a bit undeveloped but he could still make out Atsumu’s small smile and his own soft expression.

“I like that one a lot.” Atsumu stated, looking over Shoyo’s shoulder. Shoyo smiled and handed it to Atsumu.

“You can keep it.” Shoyo said. Atsumu blinked before smiling and grabbing the small photo.

“Thank ya Shou.” Atsumu said gently.

Once they were dried off Atsumu blow dried his hair, looking to see any missed spots. “Alright. How do I look?” Atsumu asked. Shoyo smiled as he took in his look.

“You look like yourself.” Shoyo said. Atsumu quirked an eyebrow up in that stupid way he always did.

“Is that a good thing?” Atsumu asked, arms crossed over his chest with a stupid smirk.

Shoyo looked him up and down and looked up at him with a wide smile. “It’s perfect.”

Perfect. The words echoed in Atsumu’s head, Shoyo said that he looked perfect. If only he knew the way his words made his heart feel like it would explode. The way that smile made him feel like he was the only man alive. That all he would ever need was to see that perfect smile to make himself get through the day.

“Thank you Shoyo.” Atsumu replied before he began to clean up the bleach and trash from the bathroom.

When Atsumu finished up he and Shoyo headed back outside to the livingroom. Bokuto and Sakusa were watching a movie called maze runners that Bokuto wouldn’t stop talking about. He and Shoyo sat with them, listening as Bokuto talked through the entire movie.

During a part where the main character was running through the maze with some other characters Atsumu’s phone started ringing making the others groan, Bokuto yelling at him to turn it off. Atsumu checked the caller ID and immediately stood up and walked outside to the front yard.

“Hey Aran what’s up?” Atsumu asked as he answered the call. He could hear the small laugh of his friend on the other side of the line.

“I’m doing good! Heard yer in Miyagi with Hinata.” Aran teased making Atsumu blush and laugh.

“Bokuto and Omi came along too, Y'know." Atsumu said. Aran scoffed on the other side of the line “Yeah, but ya didn’t agree to go for Omi or bokuto did ya?” Aran said, making Atsumu sigh.

“So, how’s it been?.” Aran teased.

Atsumu hummed as he paced around the yard. “It’s been good….really good. He’s been showin me things, we’ve been doing things together-“ Atsumu said being cut off by a gag from Aran.

“Ew! Dude I don’t need to know about that!” Aran exclaimed, making Atsumu pause before blushing in realization and stammering out a response. “T-that’s not what I meant! I meant just small things like…he helped bleach my roots today.” Atsumu said softly.

“You’re so gone.” Aran laughed and this time Atsumu laughed with him. “A surprise to no one.” Atsumu joked

“Are ya ever gonna tell him?” Aran asked. Atsumu sighed, “I don’t know….” Atsumu said softly

“Is there a reason?” Aran asked. Atsumu swallowed “I don’t wanna ruin what I have.” Atsumu said making Aran scoff

“Don’t bull shit with me man. I’ve known you too long to know when yer lying, so tell me what’s up.” Aran said before Atsumu sighed, walking a bit further from the house before speaking

“I’m scared…” Atsumu choked out. “I’ve never…felt this strongly about someone. I’ve always thought that people who got into relationships and obsessed over them were crazy. That volleyball would be the only thing that would ever take over my mind and everything else would come after but… I can’t stop thinking about him. Everything, the way he smiles, the way he fidgets with his thumbs, everything. And it’s terrifying. I don’t want my feelings to change the way he acts with me. I…I don’t want him to not be in my life. Even if he’s only a friend.” Atsumu choked out.

Aran was quiet for a bit before finally speaking up. “Atsumu, you know this is more than just a simple crush right?” Aran said. Atsumu choked out a laugh

“I thought that was obvious.” Atsumu said

“I think Shoyo’s a good guy. Even if he doesn’t feel the same way I don’t think he’d just disappear from your life or stop being friends with ya.” Aran explained. Atsumu shook his head as he whispered into the phone.

“But it'd change everything.” Atsumu muttered, “I don’t want things to change.”

Aran sighed on the other line before speaking, voice gentle “Atsumu, everything changes. Whether we want it to or not. And I know you don’t like it but honestly man, seeing you change and grow has been one of the best things to see. With volleyball it was something you'd never think about doing without Osamu and now here you are, playing in a D1 team and in the Olympics. Back in highschool ya used to avoid any types of romantic advances cause ya thought it was a waste of time, now yer chasin someone who has the same drive as ya. Change is scary but it ain’t always bad. Who knows, ya can tell Shoyo and it can make ya really happy and the two of ya can be something really good. And if he says no then ya can move on. But if you don’t do anything, things will keep changing, ya just won’t have any control over it.” Aran said. Atsumu stood silent as he took in his words

Aran sighed on the other side of the line , “Just promise me you’ll think about it.” Aran said. Atsumu sighed and nodded, “Okay…I’ll think about it.” Atsumu said lightly.

“I love you, take care okay? And don’t get stuck in your head.” Aran said. Atsumu laughed “Love you too. And I will. See ya.” Atsumu said before hanging up.

He stayed outside for a bit and let the cool air hit him before hearing the door crack open. He turned to see Shoyo with a confused look as he made his way over.

“Is everything okay? You’ve been out here for a bit.” Shoyo asked, his hand going to Atsumu’s arm. Atsumu smiled and shook his head

“It’s nothing. Aran was just calling to check up.” Atsumu said

“Aran? He was on the national team with us right?” Shoyo asked. Atsumu nodded with a smile

“Yeah, he was also on the inarizaki team. We’ve been friends since we were kids.” Atsumu said with a soft expression. Shoyo furrowed his brows and tilted his head.

“Oh. You two are super close?” Shoyo questioned. Atsumu looked at him, the tone in Shoyo’s voice was a bit off, it was something he didn’t really recognize.

“I mean yeah. He’s kinda like an older brother to me and Osamu. I love the guy.” Atsumu explained with a gentle expression. Shoyo’s face lifted at that and nodded, smiling lightly as well.

“Oh! That’s really cool.” Shoyo said before grabbing Atsumu’s wrist. “Let’s get back inside, the movie is about to end and Omi is making food.” Shoyo smiled as he dragged Atsumu back inside. Atsumu smiled as he let Shoyo pull him back to the house.

When night finally came Atsumu went back to the room, having the bed to himself because bokuto had passed out on the couch. He sprawled out on the bed and took out the small Polaroid Shoyo had given him, the two soaked and smiling. He caressed the film with his thumb before grabbing his wallet and slipping it in one of the pockets.

He would fall asleep with Aran’s words repeating in his head. Confess to Shoyo. Let him know how he felt..

….

Maybe one day….not tonight. And not tomorrow.

But he would.

For now he’d wrap himself in the blanket and let it imitate the warmth that Shoyo would give him and let himself try to dream of sunshine hair and smiles.

Chapter Text

It was currently a week and a half since the group got to Miyagi, Sakusa was sitting on the couch with Shoyo who was recording an arm wrestle battle between bokuto and Atsumu who had been at a stalemate for 3 minutes now.

Shoyo was laughing, as the two glared each other down, finally it was a slight slip of bokuto’s elbow, that was definitely not caused by Atsumu kicking him under the table, that made Atsumu slam the others arm down on the table and jump up in victory.

“HA! I told ya bokuto! I’m the strongest here!” Atsumu beamed, bokuto glaring and standing up.

“That doesn’t count my elbow slipped! You guys saw, right Shoyo?!” Bokuto yelled, looking at Shoyo who was still recording with an exasperated expression.

Shoyo hummed with a sly grin, looking at Atsumu before looking to Bokuto. “I don’t know…that sounds like something a loser would say ,Bokuto.” Shoyo said with a grin. Atsumu bursted out in laughter as Bokuto gawked in shock.

“Shoyo?! My protege?! After all I’ve done for you. You BETRAY me?!” Bokuto said dramatically before looking at Sakusa. “Omi! You were watching right?!? Tell them they’re wrong and that it doesn’t count!”

Sakusa hummed before speaking “Just do a rematch. Atsumu go easy on him so he can win this time.” Sakusa said, lip curled slightly upward. Shoyo and Atsumu bursted out laughing again as bokuto glared at the three of them.

“ You guys are the worst! I wish Akaashi was here, he’d side with me!” Bokuto whined.

“That hardly counts! Akaashi is your boyfriend!” Shoyo retorted. Atsumu smiled and placed a hand on Bokuto’s shoulder.

“It’s okay Bokuto…not everyone can be as strong and handsome and perfect as me.” Atsumu said with a smug look which had Bokuto tackling him to the floor, the two roughhousing as Sakusa watched in amusement and Shoyo continued to record.

“Go easy on him Tsumu! Remember he’s not as strong as you are.” Shoyo teased. Atsumu shot him a smirk and wink from his position on the floor.

Atsumu and Bokuto roughhoused until he got Bokuto into a headlock, Shoyo running to his room to retrieve his Polaroid and snapping a shot, Atsumu gave the camera his signature opened mouth smile with his tongue out before releasing Bokuto.

“How are-“ Bokuto stopped for a quick breath, “How are you so good at that?” Bokuto asked. Atsumu stood up, panting slightly.

“Yer an only child and I'm a twin. Ya were doomed from the start.” Atsumu said slyly. Bokuto pouted and sat back down, crossing his arms.

Atsumu took a seat on the floor where Shoyo happily plopped down next to him, head resting on his lap. Atsumu let out a breathy laugh and leaned back “Comfy?” Atsumu asked

Shoyo looked up at him. Close. They were so close.
“Very.” Shoyo said.

Atsumu died. Someone shot Atsumu and he was in heaven right now. Shoyo nuzzled his cheek against his thigh and Atsumu felt the touch burn through his sweats into his veins. He had to look away and recall some of his most embarrassing memories to prevent himself from getting hard because Shoyo was killing him right now…

Shoyo fanned the film and handed Atsumu the photo. “You look good…”

Atsumu grabbed the photo and smiled. “Now that’s an amazin’ photo Shou. Shows off my effortless charm.”

Shoyo laughed and snatched the photo back. “I like it but I like my other photo of you better.” Shoyo said with a sly smirk on his face. Atsumu glared and pinched his thigh making the ginger yelp.

“I thought I told ya to burn that photo.” Atsumu grumbled. Shoyo giggled and sat up.

“Hell no. I’m keeping it in my wallet. I'm gonna stare at it like I’m a husband away at war looking at a photo of his wife back home.” Shoyo teased. Atsumu rolled his eyes and shoved him away.

“So are we still going to Sendai for the day? I know you said we could stop by the beach there and the city had more to do.” Sakusa asked. Atsumu directed his attention back to the conversation being had as Shoyo nodded happily.

“Yeah! It’s gonna be super fun! We can eat breakfast before heading out if that sounds good to everyone?” Shoyo said. The group agreed and Atsumu headed to the room to quickly change into his clothes for the day and grab a bag to put his swim trunks in.

When he came back out he helped Shoyo prepare breakfast as Sakusa set the table and kept Bokuto from eating the food before it was served.

After they ate they loaded up the car and Atsumu took the wheel as Shoyo read off directions.

Shoyo looked out the window, a longing and soft look on his face as he watched the world around them pass as they got closer and closer to their destination.

Shoyo was always so curious and so fond of the world. Every new place or even familiar place he saw he saw with new eyes. With curiosity, what did he know, what was new, what stood out. Shoyo saw the beauty in everything and everywhere he went.

Atsumu fought to keep his focus on the road. Try to engross himself in the scenery like Shoyo was….but how could he? How could he try to pretend to be captivated by the scenery when the only thing he was captivated by was sitting right next to him?

Atsumu thinks back to Bokuto, how he and the other guys often laughed at how he doted on Akaashi. How he could never seem to go a second without bringing him up or thinking about him but Atsumu thinks he understands. When you love someone….when you’re in love with someone they consume you.

Just like the way volleyball has consumed him, Shoyo has as well. The flame was different….volleyball was hot, comforting, and safe. He knew volleyball, it was something he was used to. Shoyo’s flame was scorching, passionate, and Atsumu couldn’t resist it.

After 20 minutes they reached the beach. Atsumu barely had time to park before Shoyo jumped out of the car and ran to the sand.

Atsumu and Bokuto got the drinks and towels from the trunk while Omi got the umbrellas. They set up and Shoyo had already stripped down to his swim trunks, the sun kissing his tanned skin. Muscle built from his intense training in Brazil. Atsumu swallowed and forced himself to look away before stripping to his swim trunks as well.

Bokuto was already running into the water, his screeching echoing through the air when he realized how cold it was. Atsumu laid under the umbrella with Sakusa, both watching their friends play around like children.

“Shoyo! Bokuto! Get yer asses back here ya haven’t put sunblock on!” Atsumu yelled. Sakusa rolled his eyes, already with a thick layer of sunscreen on.

“They’re gonna get burnt and make it our problem for the rest of the week.” Omi groaned.

Atsumu looked over at Omi and laughed. Sakusa gave him a look and lowered his sunglasses.

“What’s so funny?”

Atsumu laughed and shook him off
“I’m sorry- Omi ya look like a fuckin vampire.”

Sakusa glared at him, swiping some sand in his direction making him screech. The two bickered until a small cough broke them out.

They looked up to see two women, cheeks flushed and looking nervously.

“Ah sorry to bother you both but we were wondering if it was fine if we set up next to you?” One of them asked nervously. Atsumu and Omi looked at each other then shrugged.

“Go ahead.” Atsumu responded. The women giggled and began to set up next to the athletes. Omi rolled his eyes and laid his chair back while Atsumu looked back to where Shoyo and Bokuto were still playing in the water. Jesus those two were gonna get burnt.

“Excuse me sir?”

Atsumu blinked at one of the women, long brown hair cascaded down her shoulders and a green bikini that was definitely on the revealing side. Not that Atsumu was trying to judge her, but he’d much rather go back to ogling the tanned glory that was Shoyo Hinata.

“Can you help me with my sunscreen? My friend went off to get the snacks from the car and I need to get my back covered.” She asked, batting her lashes. For any other man they would have recognized and swooned over the obvious flirting. However Atsumu wasn’t like most men. He just shrugged and nodded.

“Sure I guess.” Atsumu said flatly. The woman didn’t seem to mind. Blushing and rolling to her stomach.

Atsumu reached for the sunscreen when he felt a hand grab his. Atsumu looked up to see Shoyo, his face had a smile but it was…wrong. It wasn’t the smile he knew, this one felt sharp, daggered. The grip Shoyo had on his hand only served to accentuate the facade of the smile.

“Tsumu! Sorry I didn’t hear you when you called us for sunscreen.” Shoyo said in a sickeningly sweet voice, thick and overbearing. Atsumu swallowed.

“Ah. It’s fine Shou. I was just helpin out this girl here.” Atsumu said. Shoyo looked at the girl, and Atsumu saw her face morph into a still and embarrassed one.

“Oh-OH! I’m so sorry I had no idea!” She stammered out, looking between the two, as she sat up. Atsumu raised a brow in confusion while Shoyo smiled and waved her off.

“Don’t worry about it. Oh looks like your friend is back, looks like you won’t be needing Tsumu’s help after all.” Shoyo said back, his grip never letting go of Atsumu’s hand. The girl nodded and she and her friend quickly moved spots. Atsumu blinked in surprise and looked back at Omi whose eyes were wide in shock.

Shoyo turned back to Atsumu, eyes back to that gentle gaze. His smile soft and hand now resting on top of Atsumu’s.

“I think I’m already getting burnt. Can you check for me Tsumu?” Shoyo asked. Atsumu quickly forgot about the earlier predicament, a blush forming on his face as he nodded.

“Ah- yeah I can check…” Atsumu stammered out. Shoyo smiled and leaned closer to him.

Atsumu looked over Shoyo’s face, boldly seeking a hand out to run over his shoulders and arms. Shoyo swallowed a bit, maybe he was thirsty? He didn’t drink anything before running out into the water.

“Got a bit of burn on yer shoulders.” Atsumu said, rubbing his thumb over the pinkness forming. Shoyo groaned and looked up at Atsumu through his lashes.

“Can you hand me the sunscreen?” Shoyo asked. Atsumu nodded and took his hand off Shoyo and grabbed the sunscreen.

Shoyo applied it all over himself and looked at Atsumu with a shy smile. “Can you get my back? I can’t reach it.”

“Yeah- yeah I can…just..turn around for me.” Atsumu said, Shoyo obeyed and turned so his back was facing Atsumu.

Atsumu shakily applied the cream to his hands. Rubbing them to warm it up before gently rubbing it on the back of Shoyo’s neck and shoulders and slowly going down his back.

Shoyo sighed softly as Atsumu’s hands went lower, arching slightly into his touch. Atsumu’s mind immediately went into a place where it should not be. Images of Shoyo pressed down on the bed, whining and gasping as Atsumu trailed and worshipped every inch of him-

Atsumu quickly finished up and tore his hands away, wiping the remaining sunscreen on his shorts.

“That should be good.” Atsumu said, voice a bit lower than usual. Shoyo turned back around and grabbed Atsumu’s hand and began urging him to stand up.

“Cmon get up. I wanna play volleyball, they have some nets set up.” Shoyo said as he finally pulled Atsumu up.

“Omi ya comin’?” Atsumu asked. Sakusa stretched before standing up.

“Alright. Atsumu, do you mind grabbing Bokuto while me and Shoyo claim a net?” Sakusa asked.

Sakusa gave Shoyo a look, the ginger becoming red in the face. Atsumu looked between the two, what was that?

“Uh…sure yeah…” Atsumu said, turning away and going to grab Bokuto who was still in the water.

When Atsumu got to him he saw his teammates skin with pinkish sunburns already forming on his shoulders and nose.

“Bokuto, cmon we’re gonna play some beach volleyball and ya need to get some sunscreen on ya.” Atsumu said to Bokuto. The other male shook his hair like a dog getting out of the bath as he got out of the water.

Atsumu looked over to Omi and Shoyo who were chatting while occupying a volleyball net.

“Hey Bokuto, Shoyo and Omi have been gettin’ closer, yeah?” Atsumu asked. Bokuto looked forward at the two and nodded.

“Yeah ever since we went to the bar they’ve seemed closer. Why? You think there’s something going on there?” Bokuto asked, voice dropping to a hushed tone during the last part. Atsumu’s eyes widened and he immediately shook his head.

“NO! I mean- no that’s not-“ Atsumu took a breath to stop stuttering over his words. He didn’t think there was something there. No way. He knew Sakusa had no romantic feelings for Shoyo and vice versa. He kept reminding himself that while trying to keep down that ugly prickly feeling in his gut that kept threatening to rise.

Bokuto laughed and shoved his shoulder

“I’m just messing with you. Why? Jealous?” Bokuto asked with a teasing smirk. Atsumu’s face flushed and he shoved him away.

“Shut up!”

Bokuto laughed
“Calm down dude. Don’t tell me you’re actually jealous.”

Atsumu sighed and just dragged bokuto to the net where Shoyo and Omi were waiting. He wasn’t jealous. There was nothing to be jealous of. They were just friends, nothing more.

Once they got to the net, Shoyo and Omi said they were on a team while Bokuto and Atsumu were the other. Normal. Totally didn’t make Atsumu wanna run into the water and scream into the ocean.

They played 5 games. Bokuto slipped into the sand at least 8 times, Atsumu and Bokuto ran into each other trying to spike the ball, Omi got sand in his eyes and Shoyo was the only one still standing.

“Cmon guys! One more game!” Shoyo laughed, bouncing up and down. The other three groaned, Omi still trying to rub sand out of his eyes and Bokuto laying flat on the sand. Atsumu was sitting and trying to get sand out his hair.

“Tsumu come on one more game?” Shoyo pleaded, looking at Atsumu with soft eyes, like a dog begging for treats.

“Shou this is hardly fair ya played beach volleyball for two years.” Atsumu said, Shoyo sighed and ducked under the net and flopped down next to Atsumu.

“But I wanna go one more round. Cmon Tsumu, you have great stamina.” Shoyo whined. Holy Jesus, there must be some higher being out there that kept Atsumu from choking and pitching a tent.

“I-I” Before Atsumu could get another word out a voice rang out.

“SHOYO!”

The group turned to where the voice was coming from. Shoyo’s eyes widened and he got up and dashed over to a girl with blond hair, and two boys one with green hair and freckled and the other with blond hair and glasses.

Shoyo grabbed the three into a tight hug, the girl and green haired boy hugging him back while the other male scoffed but made no move to pull away.

Bokuto’s eyes lit up as he saw the group.
“HOLY SHIT! TSUKKI!” Bokuto shouted.

Oh. That’s who it was. Atsumu recognized the tall glasses wearing guy from the Sendai frogs. A team they had beat early this past season. The other male he recognized from karasuno’s team back in high school which meant the blond girl was one of their managers. He remembered many of the guys, some on his team and some on other teams, having crushes on Karasuno's team managers. He never saw the appeal.

Atsumu could basically see the happiness radiating off of Shoyo as he dragged them over to the net. Bokuto got up and greeted the green haired guy and the girl before hugging Tsukishima who tried to shove him off.

“Guys! These are my old teammates from karasuno! Remember! I told you how we went to Yamaguchi’s place and got totally shit faced!” Shoyo exclaimed. The green haired boy blushed, he was probably Yamaguchi, and shoved Shoyo.

“You told them that?!” Yamaguchi blushed. Yachi giggled as she recalled the memory.

“I still have the video of you falling down the stairs, Shoyo.” Yachi laughed. Tsukishima chuckled at that.

“Still don’t know how shrimpy didn’t break anything.” Tsukki said. Atsumu laughed and wrapped an arm around Shoyo’s shoulders.

“Well that’s our Shoyo. Sturdy as hell.” Atsumu laughed. Shoyo leaned into him and a feeling of pride filled his chest.

Yachi looked between them with a weird look before her eyes landed on Shoyo with a smile.

“Yknow what! Since you’re in town we should have a karasuno get together at your place!” Yachi said with a sweet smile. “It’ll be fun! Your new and old teammates together!”

Atsumu looked at her, he could understand why she and Shoyo were friends. He could see the sincerity behind her, no malicious intentions in sight. She seemed like a kind hearted and genuine person.

Tsukishima hummed as he looked between Shoyo and Atsumu before a smirk formed on his face.

“That sounds like a great idea. Too bad Kageyama couldn’t be here, then we could’ve had a battle between Shoyo’s favorite setter and current setter” Tsukki said. Atsumu stiffened as bokuto laughed at the comment, clearly finding it funny while Shoyo waved him off and Yamaguchi scolded him for starting trouble even though he had a slight smile on his face.

Atsumu felt pins under his skin. The nasty feeling of envy shooting up his spine and clawing at his throat. Was this funny? Was being second some kind of humorous joke? Was he even second? Why was this just decided for him?

Atsumu’s grip tightened around Shoyo unconsciously making Shoyo look up at him with big eyes and kick some sand over at Tsukishima.

“Stop being mean!” Shoyo said.

Atsumu looked up at tsukishima and met his smirk.
“Yknow what having all of you guys over sounds like a great idea. Friday sounds good right?” Atsumu asked. Tsukishima clicked his tongue and smiled.

“Great. Looking forward to it.” Tsukishima said back.

Atsumu let go of Shoyo and the group divided into individual chats. Bokuto was talking with Tsukishima while Omi and Shoyo talked with Yamaguchi leaving Atsumu and Yachi.

The sun was already setting leaving an orange glow across the sky, the water calm and twinkling under a faint glow.

Yachi sat next to him and let her hands sink into the sand.

“It’s nice to meet you. Well more formally I mean.” Yachi said as she looked at the water. Atsumu hummed and looked out as well.

“Yeah…..Shou talks about ya guys a lot. So it’s nice to formally meet ya as well.” Atsumu said, though a twinge of bitterness could still be heard in his tone. Yachi sighed as she looked to her feet buried beneath the sand.

“Sorry about Tsukki. It’s just the way he is….and for what it’s worth….Shoyo talks about you a lot too.” She said. Atsumu’s eyes sparkled as his cheeks tinted pink.

“It’s worth a lot…thank you…” Atsumu said as the sun finally set. The waves crashing softly against the shore, his heart bumping a steady beat as he fell back against the sand awaiting for what was to come on Friday.