#brain full of iwaoi as usual

[pridewon]

@deepsets​ said:  just grabs iwaizumis hand and holds it, even interlacing their fingers. homework should be done but oikawas bored ): pay attention to me iwa-chan

His attention snaps from his English homework, his hand snatched from the table upon which it had been resting, fingers quietly drumming aganst the wood as he tried to commit those irregular verbs to memory. English is one of his most important subjects, if he is to sustain any hope of attending Nippon Taiiku Daigaku come the next academic year - if he doesn’t ace this upcoming exam, he might be in trouble. Hajime has never really been much of an academic, but his grades are good, when he puts in the work. And for this one goal of his: hell yeah, he’ll put in the work.

Until Oikawa decides to distract him, of course.

His attention snaps away from his English homework, and to the nuisance/diva/perpetual concern sitting on the chair opposite his - half slouched over his own homework, boredom painted all over the delicate features that make all the girls at school swoon (a mystery, really), and fingers now entwined with his, keeping them hostage and prisoners, probably until he relents and gives them the attention they want. 

It’s how the music goes since they were kids. Whatever Iwaizumi is up to, whatever he’s doing; there is always a part of his attention and consciousness tethered to what/how Oikawa is doing; and alertedness Oikawa can claim as solely theirs and does so under the guise of attention craving/bad jokes/teasing. Sometimes, Iwaizumi can tell it is genuine; other times, he wonders if Oikawa doesn’t do things just to test if that constant attention to them still holds up. Despite the years, despite the arguments, the conflicts - are you still paying attention, Iwa-chan? 

And the answer is Of course he is.

Matsukawa and Hanamaki have taken to calling it the Iwaizumi paradox. The Iwaizumi paradox is threefold: 1. Iwaizumi claims Oikawa annoys him. 2. Iwaizumi constantly threatens to abandon/ditch Oikawa somewhere or ignores their whining. 3. Iwaizumi always answers Oikawa’s calls for him/his time/his attention. 

Yeah. It’s a whole thing. Matsukawa and Hanamaki point out it doesn’t make sense. Iwaizumi knows it doesn’t make sense, and doesn’t think it has to make sense for anyone but him and Oikawa. 

Oikawa keeps looking at him, and Iwaizumi looks back. Oikawa keeps playing with his fingers, and Hajime wonders if there is an unspoken question there that he’s supposed to decipher, in this loud (yet comfortable) silence they both drape themselves in. Iwaizumi looks back... and pokes a finger into Oikawa’s cheek. “What do you want, Shittykawa? I’m trying to work here.” 

#deepsets #(iwaizumi; interactions) #i don't know where i want with this but i went with this #brain full of iwaoi as usual

[thelittlebirdthattoldyou]

how iwaoi refer to each other

my brain is dead and if i try to write fic rn i just know it won’t be coherent so have these dumb headcanons instead.

what iwaizumi calls oikawa

oikawa

when they're in front of other people, he just calls oiks by his last name

iwa isn't huge on pda (though he puts up with it from oikawa because he's sOFT for him) so he doesn't feel the need to stake a claim on oikawa in public with cutesy nicknames or whatever

he's not gonna admit it but he already knows oikawa belongs to him & vice versa so,, what's the point?

also he doesn't need to be mocked by hanamaki or matsukawa for being a sap, thanks.

shittykawa/trashykawa/crappykawa/loserkawa/assikawa/dumbass...yeah

ok i feel like iwaizumi doesn't use these insults super often, especially when they get older and more settled in their relationship

it mostly happens when he gets mad that oiks is being negative or self-deprecating or overworking himself again

sometimes he uses them teasingly when oikawa's being a brat on purpose, but he always sounds so affectionate that oikawa can't even bring himself to be offended

doesn't really use them in front of other people just because he'll fight anyone who dares to laugh when he says them. he's the only one who can insult oiks and get away with it!!

tooru

saved for intimate domestic moments, when it's just the two of them

oikawa LOVES it when they're staying home and cooking breakfast or something and iwaizumi calls him tooru without thinking twice about it (”tooru, can you pass me the salt?” or “hey, tooru, wanna go see that new movie that’s in theaters today?”)

he just says it so casually but it feels so right and oikawa melts every time

iwa loves saying it because it sounds so sweet and full on his tongue, and he thinks it suits oikawa so well

((iwaizumi loves oikawa, but he has to share him with the rest of the world. he loves that he gets tooru all to himself.))

babe/baby

similar deal. i like to think that iwa alternates between this & tooru.

happens more often when iwa isn’t fully awake

iwa likes to wrap his arms around oikawa and bury his face into his neck and mumble “g’morning, baby” with his voice still hoarse from sleep

oikawa literally can’t handle it. he combusts. it’s his favorite part of the day even though he refuses to admit it

once it slipped out in the middle of practice (iwa may have been distracted by oikawa’s smile after landing a perfect jump-serve, shut up) and matsuhana would not let it go for DAYS.

every time they saw oikawa they would be like “hey captain - oh wait, i mean babe” until iwa threatened to hurt them if they didn’t stop

pretty boy

shhhhhh let me have this

the first time it happened was on accident because iwa was just trying to make fun of oikawa

he wasn’t expecting oiks to go bright red and speechless when he said it, but it was SO funny

now he says it to tease oikawa whenever he needs to be taken down a peg. he’ll never get tired of seeing his usually polished, in-control boyfriend become a flushed, stuttering mess

oiks has no idea why it has such a big effect on him?? he knows he’s attractive & he hears it all the time from his admirers, but it’s so different to hear iwa-chan, of all people, calling him pretty.

what oikawa calls iwaizumi

iwa-chan

i couldn’t think of as many things for oiks to call iwa because iwa-chan basically covers it all??

no one else is allowed to call iwaizumi “iwa-chan,” just like no one else is allowed to call oikawa “shittykawa.”

tbh iwaizumi isn’t even sure oikawa remembers what his actual last name is at this point

whenever he hears it, iwaizumi is reminded of humid august nights catching fireflies & failed volleyball tosses in the park & sharing futons until they grew too big to fit.

it makes him think of their childhood, of growing up together, of each being the other’s first love, first everything.

they learned to love together & oikawa has changed so much, but at the same time he hasn’t, and when iwaizumi lets himself think about it he gets emotional

so he usually doesn’t think about it and just lobs a ball at oikawa’s head and tells him to shut up LMAO

hajime

oikawa probably uses iwa’s first name less often than iwa uses his

not because he doesn’t want to or because he’s uncomfortable with it, he just thinks it’s special (iwa-chan never let me call him by his first name when we were kids!) and he wants to make it special whenever he says it

iwa makes fun of him for being sentimental, but he adores the thought oiks puts into it, and he falls HARD whenever oikawa does say it.

again, it usually happens in private

oikawa will whisper it into the space between their bodies when they’re curled up together, ready for bed

he’ll say it like a prayer, hushed and reverential, because he can’t believe iwaizumi has stayed by his side, has chosen him and chosen him over and over again, all this time.

and then iwa kisses him, as if to say of course, you idiot, i’ll always choose you, and oikawa murmurs hajime, hajime, hajime into the kiss.

oh also he knows how much iwa likes when he says it & he’ll definitely use that to his advantage when he wants attention

manga spoilers under the cut!

mi cariño/mi corazón/mi amor/etc.

listen, oikawa speaking spanish to iwaizumi makes me hyperventilate

as soon as this boy knew he was moving to argentina, he went and looked up all the spanish pet names he could because he wanted to fluster iwa as much as iwa flustered him

for a solid month he was walking around san juan not knowing how to ask for directions when he got lost, but at least he knew how to say “you’re the light of my life and i love you.”

he’s also 10000000x flirtier in spanish than he is in japanese which was a surprise to everyone, including iwa, because no one really thought he could get any worse.

iwa has no idea what oiks is saying half the time, but he likes the way he says it

oiks, on the other hand, is glad iwa can’t understand him because it gives him an excuse to say as much sappy shit as he wants

picture him,, like,, kissing iwa's hand and putting it over his heart and calling him mi corazón

some linguistic liberties taken <//3 i don't speak japanese

k i'm gonna go cry over them for the next hour or two so that's all for now ♡♡

#iwaoi #iwaizumi hajime x oikawa tooru #iwaoi headcanon #haikyuu!! #oikawa tooru #iwaizumi hajime #iwaizumi x oikawa #haikyuu headcanons #iwaoi fluff #hq headcanons #haikyuu character x character #haikyuu ships

[washymylifeaway]

KyouHaba Fanfic recs

Hiya! How much do I love KyouHaba? Yes. This is one of my favorite ships and one of my comfort ships <3 KyouHaba has got some amazing fics, so even if they aren’t really your thing, you should still read this :D Anyway, onto the recs!

As always, pls check WARNINGS, TAGS, and SUMMARIES for fics before reading (esp since KyouHaba usually deals with darker topics and not all of them tag/warn for it!) and make sure you’re taking care of yourselves (since mental health is key!) Stay healthy loves <3

CP:

Close to the Chest by darkmagicalgirl (T) 61.1k // THIS ONE man anyway I just love the progression of their relationship and the way this fic is written! The way we really go into who Yahaba is really what makes this fic great! Also there's some slightly ~angsty~ IWAOI so look out for that hehe.

Police Dog by surveycorpsjean (E) 34.9k // if you’re super against like any *furry* implications, pass this one LOL. But TBH I don’t like furries, but this one was pretty great (hence why it’s here LOL) and they make me laugh. Also I really like some of the head cannons for Kyoutani in this one and the writing style is super freakin’ good, so it’s definitely worth the read~~~ Pls CHECK TAGS AND WARNINGS cause there are a couple REAL spicy scenes in this one ;)

Team Mom by All_My_Characters_Are_Dead (T) 2.7k // so as I was going through this tag (because that’s what I do LOL), I remembered this fic and I love it. Like yes Yahaba is the fear factor and yes Kyoutani is the DAD. I really like the team dynamics in this one, and the first years make me laugh pls.

Camellias by kiyala (T) 1.9k // I love this fic and when I starting looking for this ship, it was the first one I thought of hehe. I really love magic and their interactions are so cute and the PLANTS ARE DOING THE MOST. Pls read both in the series, cause domestic KyouHaba is best KyouHaba ngl LOL. I love the plants, and if you read the second one, someone tell the trees to stop bullying Yahaba.

Sixth Time’s the Charm by tsumekakusu (T) 2k // ok THIS was SO FREAKING funny, please Yahaba how dumb can you get LOL. The number thing made me facepalm so hard, but the ending was cute and that’s all that matters, right?

Sleep by GangstaCrow (T) 5.5k // the plot twist…. omg…. I had to pause and take a moment of silence for the people suffering because of LL… Poor Kyoutani….. But this is a really funny but cute fic at the same time :D

a little bit funny, this feeling inside by postcanons (G) 5.4k // PLEASE THIS ONE omg crow matchmaker ftw. Like I said, I really love magic and this one is just so freaking funny. Also, very informational curtesy of one Kyoutani Kentarou.

meet me at the fucking pit (and let me hold your hand) by anyadisee (T) 5.4k // IF THE TITLE ISN’T MAKING YOU LAUGH ALREADY WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING????? (JK but am I really?) This was SO funny and it KILLED me,,, like all the conspiracies and how everyone was so seriously invested in it. Yes, CHAOS.

if not, winter by knightswatch (M) 54k // YES THIS FIC. THIS ONE RIGHT HERE. I love the development of their relationship,,, IT’S SO GOOD. Like when our boy Yahaba goes on that really friendly field trip and Kyoutani takes matters into his own hands? UGH YES. And when they visit? CUTE OMG. Yes this fic is it.

Isolated Parts by darkmagicalgirl (T) 3.3k // I love this fic cause old men KyouHaba are funny (fight those refs) and I love the nonlinear plot. It really adds another layer to the fic itself, and slowly unraveling the plot through the different years was SO IUAHFJF. I really loved it and piecing everything together :’)

Magicked by HoneyBeeez (T) 8.4k // CHECK TAGS, I love KyouHaba Hogwarts fics, and this one is SO good! We do love some slightly oblivious Yahaba and fake delinquent Kyoutani LOL. Though there is some violence and homophobia so if that puts you off, steer clear of this fic :)

stardust by InkCaviness (G) 1.4k // like I said, in love with KyouHaba and hogwarts fics, anyway,, this one was so short and sweet! It’s full of fluff, and honestly, if you like KyouHaba, read this entire series cause I really love these KyouHaba works :’)))))

New:

knightswatch // GREAT writer, but most of their KyouHaba works are explicit/mature, so be careful as you go through their works! My fav T one? all you have is your fire by knightswatch (T) 6.4k, but they’ve written some of the best KyouHaba I’ve read (they’re just mostly M)!

kiyala // another amazing writer and their works usually alternate between G and E LOL. But, all of their Gs are amazing, and rn my favorite was between Room To Grow by kiyala (G) 50k or Cost by kiyala (G) 1.1k cause it was either secret doggy relationship or magic LOL. But all of their fics are worth reading, and there’s a large variety of AUs!

snoqualmie // I love this writer, but they don’t have much KyouHaba (enough that I would put them here though LOL) My favorite? Mixed Signals by snoqualmie (T) 7.8k // it’s a really cute fic and I love the hc that Kyoutani has the good family! It has like a semi continuation (I think it’s in the same verse as it), but Jan. 6 features the sisters again! (Also yes for veggie fiend Kyoutani,)

tale as old as time by crossbelladonna (series) 30.2k // AHH this series is fully of such good KyouHaba fic!!!! I really love all of them but my favorite is through open doors by crossbelladonna (T) 4.3k // I love soulmate AUs and salty Yahaba is best Yahaba. Also at the end when the coffee incident happens, I love Kyoutani :’)

Words Not Spoken by Dogsocks (series) 51.5k // this is a continuous fic series (meaning all the fics are in the same verse and related to one another), but it’s so FREAKING good and I love reading it!!! It’s got some mentions of ABUSE, and things like that so please read the tags carefully!!!

kyouhaba week by InkCaviness (series) 6.7k // I loved KyouHaba week (all of them are just such AMAZING fics and tropes) and my favorite from this list was stardust by InkCaviness (G) 1.4k // I mentioned what I loved from it above, but it truly is a great fic :D

Kyouhaba Trash Week 2016 by HoneyBeeez (series) 28.9k // all three of these fics are SO good. I literally cannot choose a favorite because I loved all of them :’) Like no joke, just go read all of them because singing Kyoutani? Yes please. And also like the tattoo one was SO ajksdhfkjshdfjkln I LOVED IT AND DON’T GET ME STARTED ON THE HOSPITAL ONE. I loved loved loved the ending, and her going to the school? UGH ADORABLE. These fics were some of my absolute favorite KyouHaba fics!

Venom and Vulnerability by darkmagicalgirl (E) 48.3k // OAAJKSFNKJ I LOVE THIS ONE YES. The concept? AMAZING. Execution? FLAWLESS. This is a GREAT fic and it’s done SO WELL,,,, I realllllly loved the plot in this and their teamwork is making the dream work! WARNING check the tags and warnings cause there’s smut, (non kinky) bondage, and death!

it's tradition. by hicsvntdracones (T) 5.5k // this fic made me want to die from second hand embarrassment. GOD, the awkwardness and really the way they went HARD on those dares PLEASE. If you don’t mind feeling embarrassed (and even if you do) go read this fic cause it’s V funny and the comedy factor cancels out the embarrassment LOL (does it? That’s what I’m tellin myself LOL).

An Equivalent Exchange by Chibs (E) 14.5k // PLEASE THIS WAS FUNNY,,,, like chill Kyoutani, Yahaba is trying his hardest okay? BUT NOT HARD ENOUGH anyway it’s a happy ending in the long run and no one dies :D how nice is that <3 (but the baby agenda? yessssir.)

The Wall Thing by rideahorse (M) 6.8k // THE TENSION :0,,, but I love how many fics go based on that one KyouHaba wall slam in the middle of the Karasuno match LOL. Also, I love the dynamics they have in this one and the way fighting ~is their communication~ Some smut is here so WARNING and they do something about the tension LOL obviously :))) Constantly curing KyouHaba is good, happy Kyouhaba.

Sixteen by surveycorpsjean (E) 13.4k // Yahaba is a basic btch and Kyoutani does football LOL. Honestly, I think that’s a pretty good summary (jk) but what’s a fic without some good tension ;) Also, cheerleader Yahaba lives in my brain rent free and I would like to propose it live in your head as well :D Aren’t I such a kind soul~

Safe in Your Hands by shions_heart (T) 8.9k // um soft KyouHaba? I think yes,,,, this also do be a common trope in the KyouHaba realm, but I’m not complaining,,,, it’s a good trope :) There IS ABUSE in this fic so big warning here! Check the tags and warnings! But the real mvp is the girl on the bus and points to Yahaba for playing spot the difference unintentionally.

The Sweetest Smile by FindingSchmomo (T) 6.6k // cake making! Yes! Bakery! Yes! It’s a great time and think about it, Kyoutani, our baby, working in a bakery making cakes? UGH my heart :’D Yes Oikawa is right, a cute grumpy puppy making flowers (CUTE VERY CUTE) and it doesn’t help that Kyoutani looks like a total bad boy in this fic too :DDDDDD

wear your love like it's made of hate by parenthetic (renaissance) (T) 3.3k // we are starting this off with the alt title totally worked and I would’ve read it either way LOL. Also, the ending was funny and thinking about why everyone was wearing it would’ve been so confusing to the other teams (also shout out to Yahabas line and Kyoutani calling his eyeliner a whore). But yes to random sexual tension, this is KyouHaba nation.

captain's orders by whitemiists (G) 3.7k // okay we love Watari in KyouHaba nation (surprised I haven’t talked about loving Watari yet but better now than never right?), but also Yahaba being messenger for Kyoutani (baby first years are ajhsajdfh). I love this trope and also I love rooftop lunch crew is yes :D

Running In Place by cleiioo (T) 33.3k // GUYS OMG THIS FIC. CAUTION ABUSE AND RUNNING AWAY AND BAD PARENTS SELF DEPRECATION I COULD GO ON BUT BOTTOM LINE IS BE CAREFUL READ TAGS! This fic is UGHHH YES. First, twenty questions make another appearance, and DUCKS. Yes, ducks. But this fic is just written really well, and honestly Kyoutani might be a tad bit ooc, but it’s okay, you don’t even notice. Distracted by the amazing writing :)

Something About Fate by patteh (T) 4.6k // SOULMATES! And then they were soulmates :D I love a good soulmate denial AU, and this is no exception. I loved Yahana’s backstory in this, and I think it set up a great framework for the plots progression! Also, the ending was really cute (and we all know, I’m a sucker for a cute ending :D)

toeing the line by masi (T) 2.7k // the mcDonalds cause WE’RE LOVING IT! But this was a fun read cause a. it goes pretty fast and b. communication exists? ANyway, I like the ending cause Yahaba is one smooooooth btch! It’s just a lot of banter (playful and not), and I’d read tags jic for this fic :)

bumblebee by shizuoh (T) 1.5k // he got sht on by a bumblebee. Points for creativity Yahaba, points. But this is just a fun, random AU where pepperoni on pizza is a universal aggrievance (esp the infused on cheese kind,,, I feel you Yahaba), we disown furries (for good reason), and you confront people staring at you! This IS a flirting 101 textbook. (also yes Yahaba, murder Mattsun!)

The art of fighting in heels by boxofwonder (T) 8.7k // yeah don’t question this fic. It’s like,,, you just kinda,,,, well,,,,,, I mean who doesn’t want to read about Iwa fighting in heels? Like you’re not thinking about magical guy Iwa? Maybe you should. (the way the summary has nothing to do with KyouHaba, I swear they’re a main component, but no thoughts just Iwa in sailor moon cosplay.)

yahaba vs. the miyagi captains by blessings (T) 3.7k // I love this hc and I wish there was more of it because Yahaba picking fights with everyone is fun and I like the chaos :D Like honestly, the creativity of some of the burns? Just amazing, it filled me with serotonin. I’m not kidding :0 But like, Kyoutani having to make sure that he doesn’t go overboard was askfkahf.

Love the One You Hold by shions_heart (T) 3k // f tough KyouHaba, I’m here for the soft, loving KyouHaba. Like mushy feelings KyouHaba, the kind which makes me feel singler than I already am single. Reassuring of feelings and ajsfdhla KyouHaba. The ending is KYAAA!!! Caution for implied bad parents!

a thousand and one roses by rorarot (T) 3.4k // I love florist Kyoutani and it’s honestly a crime I didn’t recommend more florist Kyoutani fics :( Points for the pun, Yahaba, points. Also, the progression of their relationship was YES, and this fic was SUPER cute :D

It Takes Two by Poteto (G) 24.1k // IT’S COHESIVE KYOUHABA WEEK! I really loved this fic and I enjoyed how they incorporated each prompt into each day! There is homophobia and running away so be careful when reading this fic, and check the tags!

So I Like Your Dog by helloyesIamtrash (G) 4.8k // FIRST, this is within a series of soulmate AU fics (all in the same verse) and SECOND, this was really good! I loved the way Yahaba’s family are a bunch of late bloomers and how YAHABA DIDN’T LET THE MF RUN AWAY. Yes communication, WE LOVE AND STAN.

but tonight i'll need you to stay by InkCaviness (G) 2.2k // the feels were strong with this one :’( Pushing my SOFT KyouHaba agenda. But I LOVE this one for the feels and also because they don’t dance around it. Just straight forward, random a confessions. It’s a great time. But also, I can’t believe he slipped LOL.

Down River Road by carafin (G) 4.4k // I love list fics, I think they’re great and I think I might just have a thing for lists in general (LOL). But also, I love the growth both of them undergo over time and the interactions with Oikawa in KyouHaba fics are always fun :)

I (Heart) You by darkmagicalgirl (T) 3.6k // I really like this fic. Like REALLY like/love. Maybe it’s the ending where Yahaba goes ham on that one guy. Or maybe it’s the magic. I think it’s just cause it’s written spectacularly. But no seriously, it’s a great fic and I really loved the AU :D

Five Times Kyoutani Failed to Say 'I love You' (And One Time He Didn't) by patteh (T) 3k // a 5+1! Yes! TBH I don’t understand the importance of saying ily to your significant others (maybe it’s just because I don’t understand romance very well LOL someone explain it to me), but if it’s important to them, IT’S IMPORTANT TO ME. Also, Kyoutani is dog agenda, full force ahead.

Baby steps (or 'Yahaba's guide to applying eyeliner on a grumpy puppy') by ghostsgf (G) 1.5k // more Yahaba and eyeliner fics! Of course :D If you can’t tell, KyouHaba nation and I really love Kyoutani + eyeliner, so yes. Eyeliner. But also, fractured arms and toilet adventures!

baby don't hurt me by orphan_account (M) 4k // LET ME BEGIN THIS WITH THE A/N AT THE END. YES I AGREEEE. Also SMUT alert but like nothing really happens? And again, while I don’t 100% get the ily thing, this one makes more sense to me and I can see why Yahaba got angry. We love crying boys though ahaha.

Retrograde by dreyars (T) 19.5k // AJFJLSFJLASD ANGST THE ANGST AND I- I love amnesia fics, they have such GREAT angst potential (which was totally used in this fic YES!) and UGH this fic. The feels you go through while reading this but ALSO THE ENDING! YES I LOVE. IN LOVE. THEY’RE IN LOVE YOUR HONOR.

restless by Crawlingthroughashes (T) 2.4k // PLEASE the petty Yahaba agenda is back and the way I ajfhdjkadshlf when he started his plan. BRB CRYING (of laughter ofc). Also the CONFRONTATION. Smooth Yahaba, oh so very mf smoooooth (very much so nailed it). Sugar high trick-or-treater in bunny slippers.

The Time Yahaba gained a boyfriend by sammysosa157 (T) 3.8k // PLEASE I saw the post for this fic and it was SO funny! I really loved this prompt, and the execution of it was done really well. Boo for weird food combinations, though ig if you’re in college and you’re broke, you gotta do what you gotta do :/

wanna give you a kiss by Slumber (T) 2.8k // kith give kithes muah muah (omg I’m so sorry you had to read that no regrets tho ahaha only shame). But this fic is SO cute and boyfriend chicken is fun :D Like the fluff in this fics is just so AJKKJAF and like Watari knows best.

Touch by tetskuroo (T) 2.4k // aihdjk PLEASE. This is SOFT! KYOUTANI! and non a hole but pushy! YAHABA! There is HUGGING cause WHY NOT! But the soft Kyoutani agenda is getting pushed hard today LOL. I mean the mans starts to turns the waters works ons. What more could you possibly need? (other than a cuddle session cause why tf not >:( and me to write normally LOL)

what the night does to the day by deathbyglamour (G) 9.9k // AHH HOGWARTS! I realized I forgot to add this fic to the Hogwarts list and I was so angry at myself. The potion version of our get along shirt :) I loved this fic and their relationship development was lovely :DDDD

Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back by Asimi_Shadowborn (T) 30.6k // I love magic AUs and this was ahdjsjjfjs. The trope was amazing, the execution was flawless, and the communication? Nearly nonexistent just how we like it :’) it’s a great read and you’ll regret nothing.

Baby, I bought a dragon by tetsuskitten (T) 1.1k // AJKSFHKJ WITCHES. I love them being witches/warlocks cause IT’S AN AMAZING TROPE DUH. But like the dragon made me laugh, the conman Kuroo is KJAFN. But yes, THERE’S ANOTHER FIC AND IT’S AJSHKJASF YES READ <33333 (why didn’t I just put it as a series, cause I forgot and then I got lazy, leave me be.)

Thorne-blessed by fish_wifey (T) 19.4k // (again, another that HAS ANOTHER FIC but then I was too lazy to transport it up to the series section deal with it.) But THIS YES. First tattoo artist Kyoutani is a sight to see. But also, Yahaba is baby. And like the ending of how it all got resolved was so satisfying and the conflict execution was really creative :D CAUTION FOR THIS ONE, some bullying and violence-ish!

what a wonderful kind of day by qingting (G) 1.2k // PLEASE. I love it when Kyoutani talks to animals, it fills me with joy. But also, ofc points to Yahaba for the new nickname, dog whisperer. Cute and I like it more than Mad Dog chan. Also, Kyoutani’s thoughts on Yahaba were funny and are worth the read LOL. I like pats too, Shiromaru.

what becomes of broken hearts by plumtrees (T) 8.1k // OOOOF some angst right here. Like I’m in paiiiiiiin. But you should read it so we can be in pain together :’D Like the way we had to witness the falling out AND the break up to be happy again. UGH. Just don’t think too much and jump in.

we both know what we know by Slumber (E) 4.7k // UHH EXPLICIT FOR A REASON LIKE WITHIN THE FIRST SECTION I THINK BUT THEN IT CONTINUES AHHAHA. But also, riling Kyoutani up and just teasing him in general? Fun times (at least Yahaba thinks so LOL). But like also, random thought but the comments on the (fake) IwaOi divorce made me laugh LOL.

new constellations by thealmostviki (G) 4.3k // reincarnation AU, but it’s like non linearish! It’s really good and the writing is very eloquent :D I really loved this fic and the ending was UGH adorable! I love references and the way they still feel things in the next lives :’) Milk and honey guys, milk and HONEY.

FINALLY DONE. WHEW. I hope you all enjoyed these fics, and ik my commentary got/was super bad but pls just pretend like you’re not seeing it. I swear once upon a time it was informational but now it’s just me writing random sht down LOL. Again, I love KyouHaba so this honestly was a lot of fun to make (even if I kept complaining about it) and I ended up not splitting the list hence why it’s so long! I hope I made all of you into KyouHaba lovers cause it’s one of my favorite ships :D

#kyouhaba #kyouhaba fic recs #haikyuu fanfic rec #haikyuu fic recs #hq fic rec #haikyuu #haikyuu!! #anime #manga #all of these were really good #i hope you went through the whole list #cause there are so many I loved #haahah #oops #maybe i need to get pickier about my fics #or maybe i won't #it's not like any of them were bad though #so i was like #why not? #right? #LOL HAHAHA #me digging my own grave #this list long #so freaking long #omg

[marveloussupernerd]

Drunk Confessions - IwaOi

Warnings: swearing, drinking, this is cute asf

Summary: Oikawa can’t have Iwaizumi, so he gets drunk off his ass to try and forget. The only problem is, Iwa comes to take care of him in his drunk state. Thank goodness Iwa likes him too

Oikawa Tooru was LONELY.

Having an insufferable crush on your best friend for the past five years made it hard to not feel lonely.

His heart felt so full when he was with Iwa, but at the same time so empty.

If he didn’t have a crush on his best friend, wow how things would be different. He had plenty of fangirls (and some fanboys even) who wanted to date him. He wouldn’t sit alone on a Friday night and scroll through his best friend’s snapchat stories and feel his heart break every time he hung out with people and Oikawa wasn’t invited.

Yeah, this sucked.

Well, his parents were away for the weekend, so what else could he do to fill the empty hole in his heart? He’d play a game: how many shots does it take until I forget his name?

He couldn’t even be positive Iwa was attracted to boys. He had never told him explicitly. Shot.

He knew everything about Oikawa, even the small things that would make him cringe. He knew how to cheer him up. Was that just a friend thing? Who would he even ask? Shot.

“Yamaguchi!” He cheered over the phone, facetiming the first year.

“I, how did you get my number?” The boy asked awkwardly.

“You and the glasses kid are childhood friends, right?”

The boy smiled. “We’re boyfriends now actually!”

“Fuck my life.” He hung up. Shot.

The radio was playing Ed Sheeran. Dammit. Although he’d never admit it, Iwa listened to Ed Sheeran a lot, usually while he studied as background music. Perfect by Ed Sheeran. That would be their song.

Shot.

Everything was Iwaizumi Hajime. The blanket he always stole when he came over. The blue cup he used and dubbed his own. The dent in the wall from the one time he tripped and fell down the stairs. The spiderweb cracks in the back window from when he threw a baseball a little too hard when they were kids—his parents never got to fixing it. Dammit.

Shot after shot for everything that reminded him of Iwa. But it only made it worse. He didn’t fill up the spot in his mind that Iwa occupied with the alcohol, but instead filled up his mind until Iwa occupied it all.

His fingers were tapping on his crush’s contact before he even comprehended what he was doing.

“Oi, Oikawa, what is it? It’s almost midnight.” It was dark wherever Iwa was, his face hardly lit up by the screen.

“Iwa-chan,” Oikawa slurred excitedly. “Just wanted to seee what was up!”

There was silence for a brief moment.

“Did you drink?” His eyes were serious.

“Mhmmmm.”

He sighed, shaking his head. “Your parents are out of town, aren’t they?”

“Mhmmmmmm. Don’t worry about me Iwa, I’ll be okay! Just wanted to see your handsome face before bed,” he chuckled. The words brought a ping of pain to his heart, but he ignored it, pouring himself another drink with one hand.

“Hey! Cut it out. I’ll be over in a few. No more drinks til then, alright?”

“Okayyy. You know I can’t say no to you.”

“You know what? I’m staying on the phone with you til I get there,” Iwa decided. He held the phone in his hand and it shook slightly as he walked, his face being illuminated with streetlights every few seconds.

“Awwww so protective of me.”

“Fuck off,” he grumbled. Then a pause. “How much did you drink tonight?”

“Seven? Eight? I dunno.”

“You shouldn’t be drinking alone. It’s not healthy or safe,” he scolded Oikawa gently.

Oikawa frowned. “I know. But you seemed to be having fun on your story so I didn’t wanna bother you.”

“Idiot. You’re never bothering me,” he said under his breath.

“Awww, Iwa Chan, you’re so sweet! You’re making me blush.” Oikawa moved haphazardously to the couch, collapsing onto it.

“You’re ridiculous. I’ll be there in just one minute, alright?”

“Okay. The door’s-“

Why was the line silent? Iwa clutched his phone tighter. Did he lose service? No, the picture was still there. Did this idiot really pass out? God. He should have been there for him. If anything happened to Oikawa he’d- well, he’d be pissed with himself. He ended the call and sprinted to his friend’s house.

He pushed the front door open urgently, shutting it behind him in one quick motion, and made his way to the living room. “Shittykawa!” He called, plopping on the couch next to the sleeping man.

“Oi,” he flicked Oikawa’s forehead, causing the boy to jump awake, startled. “Don’t scare me like that.”

“Iwa!” Tooru exclaimed, pulling the man in tight for a hug, keeping him locked in his grip. “Missed youu.”

“Missed you too. But you can’t freak me out like that. I thought you died or something.”

“I knew you had a soft spot for me!” Oikawa exclaimed, poking his chest playfully.

“I always have,” Iwa smiled, shaking his head. “But I’m only telling you this because you won’t remember in the morning.”

He forced his way out of Oikawa’s grip and started cleaning up the spilled alcohol on the table. “Wanna tell me why you were drinking to make such a mess?”

“The guy I like doesn’t like me back,” Oikawa pouted.

Iwaizumi paused, then quickly picked up where he left off. “I didn’t realize you were gay.”

“Duhhh. I don’t just swoon over your muscles for nothing.”

“Sh-shut up,” Iwa stuttered, feeling a blush creep onto his cheeks. “Sorry about the guy though. I thought everyone liked you.”

“I know. I’m as shocked as you are. Hey! You know the kid with the glasses from Karasano? He’s been friends with their pinch server since they were kids. They’re dating now. What bullshit.”

Iwaizumi had no clue who Oikawa was talking about but nodded. “Uh huh, bullshit.”

“It sucks to see someone living out the life you want to live,” Oikawa groaned, flopping dramatically on the couch.

“You like glasses guy?” Iwaizumi felt himself stiffen.

Oikawa started cackling. Not the response he was expecting. “No.”

“Pinch server? When did you even hang out with these Karasano guys to know them well enough to form a crush?” He shouldn’t have felt so offended by Oikawa liking someone, but Oikawa never told Iwaizumi his feelings. Girls would always swoon over him, but he didn’t seem to care. He never told Iwa about his crushes, and so hearing it now made him even more uncomfortable.

He had always hoped that Oikawa never talked about crushes because he liked him back.

“Hey, you’re not even listening to me!” Oikawa pouted. Iwaizumi turned his attention to him and smiled, putting his hands up defensively.

“I don’t know them well enough to form a crush.” Oikawa repeated himself.

“Okay? Who do you like then?” Was it probably bad to be working this information out of a drunk Oikawa? Yes. But he needed to know so he could move on.

“Iwa-Chan.” His voice was gravely serious.

“Yes?”

Oikawa shook his head. “No, like that’s who I like. You won’t tell him, right?”

“Are you stupid? I’m literally Iwa-Chan.” He almost cringed at calling himself by the nickname, but he knew it was the best way to get the information to Oikawa’s brain.

Oikawa looked sick very suddenly, his face paling. He stood up and stumbled to the bathroom, Iwaizumi following quickly behind him, getting there just in time to see the intoxicated man throwing up. He rubbed his back gently, trying to get his stomach to calm down. They sat like this for a few minutes until Oikawa felt okay enough to break the silence.

“Iwa,” he grumbled. “Please forget I said that. Literally pretend I said nothing. Please. I don’t want to lose you as my friend because something so stupid slipped out.” His eyes were teary as he looked up at his friend, face still pale as a sheet and sweaty.

“No, I-“

“Please!” He called out, tears falling now. “Please. Please try and forget. I can’t wake up tomorrow morning and have no memory of tonight and all of a sudden you’re gone and-“

“Tooru,” Iwaizumi said firmly, hands reaching to cup his face to make him look up at him. “You never were good at letting me get a word out.” He joked, a small smile on his face. He used his thumb to gently wipe away the tears that fall down Oikawa’s cheeks. “I love you too, Oikawa.”

“You don’t have to say that ‘cause you feel bad.”

Iwaizumi leaned forward and kissed his forehead. “I’m not. I’m in love with you.”

Oikawa tackled him into a tight hug, almost knocking them both over. He then began to pepper kisses all over his crush’s face, while Iwa tried to pull him off. “Stop!” He laughed. “You just threw up. I don’t want kisses right now.”

“Booooo. You’re no fun.”

“I’ll kiss you tomorrow, ‘Kay?” Iwa said softly, brushing some of Oikawa’s hair out of his face. “We need to get you to bed.”

“Stairs plus me is not gonna work.” Oikawa said matter-of-factly

Iwaizumi grumbled. He was still as stubborn and annoying as ever when he was drunk. He stood up and knelt down, back to Oikawa. “Fine, get on, but only this once.”

“Awwww, is my Iwa Chan giving me a piggyback ride?”

“Better than you falling up the stairs.”

Oikawa leapt onto his back, causing Iwa to sway a little bit at first, but he quickly steadied himself and began slowly walking towards Oikawa’s bedroom.

“Wow, look at those muscles!” Oikawa swooned, poking around at Iwaizumi’s biceps. “What a man.”

“You’re such a pain in the ass,” Iwa chuckled, letting the man poke and prod up his body.

Finally he got to Oikawa’s bed, letting him go to collapse onto the piles of pillows and blankets. Oikawa squealed as he landed, letting out a few giggles.

“You’re too adorable,” Iwa commented, looking at the man in front of him fondly. He then also collapsed on the bed, joining Oikawa. They had shared a bed plenty of times before, but this time was different. They weren’t just best friends. Maybe they were boyfriends? Iwaizumi would ask in the morning. His heart was racing thinking about it.

Oikawa tore him out of his thoughts, readjusting and flipping face first onto Iwaizumi, head nestled in his neck.

“You comfy?” Iwaizumi teased.

“Asshole. Yes I am.”

“Okay. Good night Oikawa.” He wrapped his arms around the boy, pulling him closer.

“Your heart is racing. Is that because of me?”

“Shut up and go to bed before I knock you out myself.”

Oikawa’s brain felt like putty in the morning. What the hell had even gone on last night? Bad decisions, that was what. He kept his eyes shut tightly, not ready to wake up to the blinding sun quite yet, and reached his hand around to feel for water on the nightstand.

And then he accidentally smacked someone in the face.

“Asshole.” They grumbled. That was... definitely Iwa Chan’s voice. And... did he have his arms wrapped around Oikawa? What happened last night?

He forced his eyes open to figure out what position exactly he had put himself in, and was shocked to see himself buried into Iwaizumi’s chest, laying on top of him, with the man’s arms wrapped around him.

His heart told him to stay cuddled up in his embrace, but his brain told him WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING.

“You’re up,” Iwa grumbled sleepily. “Feeling okay?”

“What in the fuck did I miss?”

Iwaizumi chuckled. “You got really drunk last night.”

“Well, duh.”

“And uh...” Iwaizumi couldn’t meet Oikawa’s eyes as he spoke.

“Uh what?”

“You might have drunkenly confessed to me.”

“Oh, fuck.” Oikawa hid his face, unable to meet his friend’s eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“Tooru. I’m in love with you too.”

Oikawa sat up quickly, shocked, straddling the man beneath him now. “You what!?” His hand rushed to his head to hold it, the quick motion causing his head to pound.

“I love you too.”

“For real?”

Iwaizumi sat up, face only inches away from Oikawa’s. His eyes softened, and he reached out to touch Oikawa’s cheek gently. “For real,” he whispered.

Oikawa’s eyes were trained on Iwaizumi’s lips. He was going to kiss him. He was going to kiss his best friend, his crush, the man who he loved and who loved him back.

“Oh, hell no.” Iwa held his face back, palm of his hand squishing against the boy’s cheek, refusing to let him get closer. “You threw up last night and never brushed your teeth.”

“Okay!” Oikawa stumbled out of bed, almost falling flat on his face as his head spun from getting up. “Mhm, going to go brush my teeth. Wait for me okay?”

“I’m waiting. Make sure you get your tongue too!”

“I love you Iwa Chan!” He called. Iwaizumi could hear the faucet running.

“I love you too.”

#haikyuu #iwaoi #iwaizumi hajime #Oikawa tooru

[plainsight6578]

A Soulmate Who Wasn’t Meant To Be

The title is the song by Jess Benko (which this fic was also based off of).

Pairing: IwaOi.

Genre: angst + smut a little bit in the middle.

A/N: Slight manga spoilers OwO; italicized means its a flashback.

Word count: 2600-ish.

‘You’re over-working yourself, Shitty-kawa!’ A distant voice came from somewhere in the back of Oikawa’s memory. It had been a while since he’d heard that voice. If it didn’t hurt so much, Oikawa would smile fondly back at the memories.

He kicked up his pace at the thought of the other man, as if to run away from the memories that plagued him. Ever since Oikawa could remember, that man was always there for him. And although Oikawa grew irritated of his constant scolding, it kept him in check. Iwaizumi... His name was painfully seared into his his brain, his face was burned into his eyelids. He couldn’t get rid of him, he couldn’t forget. How could he expect to, though? When he’d spent most of his life with him, when he felt like he was there with him forever, like he’d still been a part of him, even now. 

“Iwa-chan, have you figured out where you’re going after we graduate?” A younger version of him asked. “Oh... I’m staying here,” the shorter man replied. “You going to continue with volleyball?” “Nah, I think I’ve had it with that sport,” Oikawa had looked almost offended by that statement. “After everything we’ve been through?!” He’d asked, “you’re breaking my heart, Iwa-chan!” Oikawa made a show of clutching his heart as if he’d been in great pain. Iwaizumi sighed, completely used to his antics, “it’s not like I’m dying, just... Trying something new.” He said optimistically. “Whatever it is that you do, I’ll support you, Iwa-chan!” Oikawa smiled. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t a little disappointed, but he wasn’t going to take that out on his boyfriend. He didn’t want to fight about volleyball. Not again.

‘No no no no no nonono-’ Oikawa thought, shaking the memories away, almost sprinting now, trying desperately to outrun them. Eventually, he ran out of steam, he stopped and bent over, panting heavily. “Argh...!” He let out a groan of frustration, startling the few pedestrians nearby.

‘Damn it...’ He thought. ‘Damn you, Hajime...” He grabbed his phone, switching from his usual up-beat running playlist to a much angrier heavy metal one. This’ll keep him going. He kept running with angry men screaming in his headphones and thoughts of ‘damn you, Hajime!’ on repeat in his head.

“Hajime!” Oikawa let out a whine. “Calm down, I haven't even started moving yet. I’ve prepped you plenty!” Iwaizumi said, his tone seemed angry but he didn’t move, even though Oikawa knew he desperately wanted to. He was going to give Oikawa all the time he needed to adjust to his length.

“H-Hajime...” Oikawa called out, reaching his hand to Iwaizumi’s face, pulling him down to give him sloppy, passionate kisses. Tears picked at the corners of his eyes; he wasn’t sure if it was from the pain or the overwhelming feeling of love that engulfed his chest - which was the only reason he’d agreed to bottom.

Oikawa could feel how impatient Iwaizumi was getting, he couldn’t hide how his cock twitched and throbbed inside him. “Y-you can move now,” Oikawa mumbled when they’d pulled away for oxygen. But he kept his grip in Iwaizumi’s hair, his other hand digging into the other man’s back. 

Both of their moans and groans melted together to form a melody; with Oikawa forgetting everything except his lover’s name, “Hajime!” He called out as he went faster and harder.

“Ngh... Tooru-” Iwaizumi’s voice was almost drowned out by his groans. Hearing Oikawa’s own moans seemed to fuel his own sensations of pleasure. They were both lost in this feeling, the feeling of being connected. It drove Iwaizumi mad knowing that he would be the only one to see Oikawa like this. He could feel Oikawa clenching around him harder now, he was close. And damn, so was Iwaizumi. His thrusts grew sloppy, but they never lost their power and speed. “H-Hajime! I love you! I love you, Hajime,” Oikawa cried into his shoulder. He brushed Oikawa’s disheveled hair out of his face, and he had the most tender look in his eyes, ,”I love you,” Iwaizumi had whispered into Oikawa’s mouth, just as the both of them climaxed.

Those words seemed so foreign now. It’s been so long since he’d last heard it said to him in a genuine, unconditional way, the same way Iwaizumi would say it to him. What Oikawa wouldn’t give just to hear his voice again.

‘I’m really pathetic,’ he laughed to himself as he walked the steps up to his apartment, having been done with his daily jog (it was more of a run today, really). He looked through his contacts, Iwaizumi’s name still saved as ‘Iwa-chan~ ;)!!!’ and let himself wonder what it would be like to call him, after all this time. He wondered if he even still had the same phone number. He wondered a lot of things about his former lover. What was he up to nowadays? Did he still have an obsession with Godzilla? What was his routine like? Who was he walking to school every day, now that Oikawa wasn’t there to keep him company? 

Oikawa was almost surprised at the lack of jealousy he felt at that thought. It almost felt natural. Iwaizumi would move on and find someone new. Someone far better than himself. It was normal. Inevitable.

______________________________________________________

Hours had passed, and Oikawa still never got rid of that guilty pang of regret in his heart. He never could. Not since the day he yelled at the only man he ever truly loved, and pushed him away forever.

He was at his local gym, practicing volleyball with his new teammates. Playing setter always came naturally for him, he never really needed to put that much thought into it. He could control the ball as easily as his fingers or toes. 

Ideally, his mind would be clear while they played, focusing solely on his game. Today was, evidently, not ideal. His mind consumed by thoughts of his messy breakup. The ball was making its way towards him, after a slightly off receive by their wing spiker. He positioned himself right underneath it and jumped up to throw a toss. For a split second, he was back in high school, and Iwaizumi was in the air, his spiking form in the perfect place, calling for a toss. 

Oikawa froze. His body dropped back to the floor and the ball hit his head with a light thud. Everyone stared at him with bewilderment. 

“Yo, Oikawa, what the hell was that?” Asked one of his teammates, snapping him back to reality.

“Ah- Sorry...” Oikawa scratched the back of his neck, “I spaced out for a second, my bad!” 

Luckily, everyone seemed to laugh it off, some offering remarks like “keep your head in the game,” and other joking about him getting distracted by a girl. That latter part wasn’t too far off, though he’d never admit that.

He reminisced on those first few days when he’d just moved into his new home in Argentina. How, instead of the bubbling in his chest at all the new things he’d see and people he’d meet, there had been a heavy weight on his chest, something he never quite could rid of. Back then, the memories of his argument with Iwaizumi were freshly burnt into his mind, and every time he spoke all he could hear was the sound of his own voice when he had yelled and shouted at him.

He thought about the days when he would accompany Iwaizumi on their way to school, how familiar everything had felt. He knew the streets like the back of his hand, he knew the people there, he knew Iwaizumi. And Iwaizumi had known him. Inside and out. He could never hide anything from the man, his emotions on full display for him to read - not that he minded, it was nice having someone to rely on like that.

His life seemed so empty now. Although he was pursuing his passion and had a wonderous future ahead of him, that spark that he once carried stayed behind in Japan. Maybe it had been completely blown out by now.

Everyone could tell he was off today. So, when Oikawa made his way home he was thankful when none of his teammates gave him too much shit. ‘Iwa-chan would have scolded me,’ he thought, remembering the caring yet stern gaze that had drawn him to his lover in the first place.

He was doing an awful lot of remembering as of late, and he wished he could stop. But he knew that he belonged to Iwaizumi. They’d spent their entire childhoods together, and promised to spend their futures together, too. He wondered if Iwaizumi felt the same. For a small, hopeful moment, he thought about Iwaizumi wallowing around in his sadness, unable to focus in class and thrown completely off just because Oikawa wasn’t there. A dry chuckle escaped his lips, Iwaizumi wasn’t the type to hang on like that. He’d been the one to end it in the first place. Clearly, Iwaizumi was sick of him. Oikawa was a bit sick of himself too.

________________________________________________________________

Oikawa had come back to Japan for a family visit. The once familiar streets had seemed so foreign to him now. He was babysitting his nephew, who insisted that he was too old now to need babysitting but still needed to be watched over, which gave him a welcome distraction from his own thoughts. His nephew was a lot taller than the last time Oikawa had seen him. He didn't realize it had been that long since then. Everyone was changing without him realizing. He felt a slight pang in his heart because he hadn't been there to watch his nephew grow up. It was only when he came back for this visit that he realized how much he'd been pulling away from his own family. He was determined to make sure that changed.

Okay, so, maybe he was over-compensating a little bit now. He'd taken his beloved nephew to the nearby grocery store and promised to let him buy as many snacks as he'd want. Of course, the damn kid would take advantage of this. Now Oikawa had to carry around a basket heavy with all sorts of junk food and dread the bill he would have to pay. 

As the pair approached the cashier, Oikawa caught the faintest hint of an all too familiar voice. The voice chuckled, and Oikawa had a vivid image of the way the man's chest would rise, he could see every wrinkle in his smile. He hadn't heard that laugh in so long. Familiar brown eyes met Oikawa's, and that chuckle died down immediately. Oikawa's eyes widened as he realized who he was looking at: Iwaizumi. But it wasn't the Iwaizumi he knew. He had an undercut and piercings, and Oikawa had never seen the people that he was with. 

Iwaizumi quickly looked away, and he was absorbed with his friends again. He turned around and didn't look back, and Oikawa could hear his booming voice again, only it was a little more distant this time. Iwaizumi seemed to move on so fast, and Oikawa was left barely keeping himself together, his heart forgot how to beat, and he had completely halted his walk. The ache in his chest spread to his whole body. Oikawa thought he was doing better. Apparently not.

He didn't even hear his nephew calling out to him until he pulled on his sleeve, "Oikawa-san? Are you okay?" Oikawa swiftly collected himself, "oh! Sorry!" He offered a clearly forced, sheepish grin, before hastily making his way to the cashier. All he wanted to do now was get out of that damned store. He could feel his tears creeping up on him; if his nephew noticed anything off, he didn't say it. Oikawa had somehow kept it together on the way back to his sister's, but as soon as he entered the privacy of his own room he couldn't hold back anymore. He flopped onto his bed and cried (like he would when he was still in high school after getting into petty arguments with his former lover). 

Rage bubbled inside him. A part of him wished he had the courage to go up to Iwaizumi and talk to him, tell him he was sorry, and kiss his perfect lips. The other part of him wished he hadn't seem him at all. Most of all, he hated how well Iwaizumi was doing. While Oikawa was busy wallowing in his misery over the breakup, Iwaizumi was working on himself, making new friends, he was happier. Oikawa hated that Iwaizumi wasn't as miserable as him. Did he really mean that little to the man? 

He spent the rest of the day moping about in his room. He could hear his nephew yelling into a headset - likely playing video games with his friends - so he wasn't worried about that. This visit was supposed to be a break, a distraction, from Iwaizumi. But now the pain was fresh as it was at the very start, and he had that image of the new Iwaizumi seared into his brain. 

'HAH?! Piercings totally suck! I would never get something as silly as those!' He remembered Iwaizumi yelling. 'Look at you now...' he thought. Iwaizumi looked so... attractive with them. And that undercut? Oikawa wished he could run his hands through Iwaizumi's hair, tell him how hot he was. He wondered what it would feel like to tug on those piercings with his teeth.

For a single, crazy second, Oikawa wondered if he should call Iwaizumi. That thought quickly died, however, when Oikawa remembered how quickly Iwaizumi had looked away from him. Like he barely recognized him. Like he had just made eye contact with a stranger.

________________________________________________________________

"Have a safe flight, Tooru. I'll be watching your next game!" Oikawa's sister said as they pulled away from a hug. "I'll totally kick their asses, just you wait!" He returned, then offered one final goodbye as he made his way to check in.

Thoughts of his former lover completely gone from his mind. He saw how good Iwaizumi was doing, he decided it was time for him to get himself together, too.

Of course, Oikawa had picked the window seat. He'd always been mesmerized by the view of the city from a plane. He always felt like an alien, visiting planet earth for the first time. He couldn't help but be filled with a child-like wonder as he gazed upon the small buildings. 

'That's so stupid Oikawa, you know aliens aren't real!' Iwaizumi yelled, after Oikawa said that planes were kind of like spaceships.

A pang.

'No, no, no, no, no!' Oikawa shook his head, as if to shake away the painful memories. He was going to move on. He wasn't going to be thinking about the past. He wasn't going to think about a possible future where him and Iwaizumi stayed together. He wasn't going to do that.

Oikawa chewed his lip, biting back his tears. As he looked out the city, slowly getting further and further away, he whispered a final "goodbye." To his past self, to his memories, and to his old lover, whom he was never going to see again. Oikawa felt a little more okay with that now.

Stranger, 

Who knows all my secrets

Can pull me apart and break my heart

A soulmate who wasn't meant to be

________________________________________________________________

A/N: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE that ending reminded me of the banana fish ending i swear its fully unintentional. this took so long cuz i kept getting swarmed with school stuff so i procrastinated instead. sorry for the lack of a happy ending uwu.

if you read this far, thank you. like always, i made sure to proof read to hell and back but do lmk if i missed anything! feedback is appreciated!

#haikyuu #iwaoi #iwaoi angst #haikyuu angst

[samotchkaficrecs]

Haikyuu!! Fic Recs #1

Hola! 

I have wanted to make this post for ages (and the reason this blog was created) and am really excited to share some of my favourite Haikyuu fics with everyone!

I will be putting a ‘★’ next to the ones that i highly recommend and love with my heart and soul.

Lets get started!

KageHina

In Transit - by Mysecretfanmoments

Hinata finds that he likes standing close to Kageyama on buses and trains. It doesn't mean anything--probably. Maybe. 

(complete)

baby, i can give you wings - by Metis_Ink

In which there are superpowers, cats, rainstorms, realizations, split-second jealousy, embarrassing volleyparents, killer whales, electric Kuroos, unstable emotions, bad romance movie mentions, some angst, some fluff, but mostly a lot of awkward high schoolers.

The minute Kageyama walks into the gym and sees Hinata hovering eight feet over the nets he knows he’s screwed.

(complete)

★ fake it, make it - by zadderlee

"Because Kageyama is already dating someone!"

"Really? Who?"

“Me!” Hinata shouts suddenly, grabbing Kageyama’s hand as an afterthought and grinning triumphantly, like he’s somehow missed the implications of what he’s just done. Kageyama is going to kill him.

(ongoing)

Oblivious To Love - by Karumasa

Yellow filled Hinata’s vision. The inside of his bag was stuffed full with bananas.

Hinata was terrified.

(complete)

DaiSuga

★ Fake Wedding March - by tsukkkiii (becauseitisbitter)

Minutes before Daichi is going to introduce his fiance to his parents, he gets dumped via text. So while he sits in front of his parents, trying to figure out what to say, an angel appears next to him.

or: Suga pretends to be Daichi's fiance to save his ass.

(complete)

forever is a long time but i wouldn't mind spending it with you - by  Interconnected_3 

“What else?” Daichi blinks. “What else is there? Do you want me to tell you how you like your coffee?” He grins teasingly. “I don’t know, how do I like my coffee? By the way, you’re missing something.” “Cream and two and a half sugars- wait, I’m missing something?” “Yup,” Suga says. “You forgot to mention that we’re dating.” “Well, god, Suga, judging from how we’ve been kissing and holding hands for three years and in this bed for the past nine hours since last night, I couldn’t possibly tell.”

in which daichi finally gets the day off and teaches a romantically-frustrated suga how to be honest with himself. extreme fluff

(complete)

★ Black and Blue - by MTrash (Makaria)

Daichi's new (temporary) neighbor is not only stunningly beautiful but also funny, friendly, with just a touch of mysterious.

Naturally, Daichi freaks the fuck out.

(AU where everyone lives in the same building and everyone is gay)

(complete)

i do (cherish you) - by gabstar

The first time Daichi suggests it, it’s a joke.

“Sugawara Koushi,” he says solemnly. He’s bent on one knee, the floor is still sticky with sweat post-practice. He offers up the lost ring, found while mopping off gym floors. “Will you marry me?”

((Five times Daichi asks Suga to marry him, plus once where he finally, finally says yes.))

(complete)

TsukkiYama

The Great Yamaguchi-Tsukishima Split (Capitalization Necessary) - by WyYeuw

"But no, the current situation isn’t normal. This situation requires the full attention of the team. No, what’s really concerning this time around, is that Yamaguchi is the one ignoring Tsukishima.” Yamaguchi confesses. Tsukishima fucks up—like, really fucks up. The volleyball club notices and loses a week’s worth of practice.

(complete)

★ Do you see what I see? - by superpapershark   

Three times Tsukishima wonders what colour Yamaguchi's eyes are, and the one time he finds out.

(complete)

★ Try This On For Size - by CloudMonsta 

A lot changed for Yamaguchi Tadashi over the course of high school. He started trying on dresses, for one.

(complete)

Blood - by darkbluebox 

Words like "Muggle-born" and "Pure-blood" don't mean a lot when you're still a child, but everyone has to grow up sooner or later.

(complete)

AsaNoya

Setting Aside Your Pride and Your Prejudice - by sugamama_crowshi

“Oh, Pride and Prejudice?” an unfamiliar voice asked. Noya was pulled from his search as the man before him spoke. He blinked up at him a few times. Then he stared. Nishinoya’s mouth was probably hanging open slightly. He couldn’t help it. Before him stood the single most gorgeous man Nishinoya Yuu had every laid eyes on.

Nishinoya Yuu experiences love at first sight at the library. Azumane Asahi is excited to think that another Japanese person has heard of Jane Austen. Through a series of lies and café meetups the two begin to learn more about each other. And fall for each other too.

(complete)

★ I’d Like You Anyway - by KuriKuri 

Yū believes in soulmates, but that doesn’t mean he believes in them.

(Or: An AU in which any permanent marking you get on your body - like a tattoo - also appears on your soulmate. And Yū gets a lot of tattoos.)

(complete)

★ come and take a walk on the wild side - by Authoress 

There’s a bloodcurdling scream of terror, and then Noya remembers that, right, there’s a new person moving into the apartment next to him. Oops.

(in which Noya is accidentally the Worst Neighbor Ever, Asahi loses twenty years of his life to stress, and Rolling Thunder is the star of the show.)

(complete)

Under the Radar - by lilien passe (lilienpasse)  

Two weeks after Asahi rejoins the team, Noya finds himself starting to slip during practice. Missed receives, floor burns, the whole nine yards. But when Tanaka points out the possible cause, Noya's hard-pressed to believe him. There's no way someone as dopey yet implausibly-competent as Asahi could be the cause of all his distress. After all, Noya doesn't worry about much beyond the court, and he certainly doesn't hold grudges. Right? (Semi-AU)

(complete)

KuroKen

★ Saltwater Room - by hipster-yams (madamedicelia)

Kenma had been perfectly happy just attending class half-asleep, secretly practicing cello, and occasionally getting his hand stuck in the vending machine but certain people refuse to let his quiet bliss go on and force him to think about everything he's been trying to hide away in the depths of his mind for years.

(complete)

★ Water and Brimstone - by  aetherdrive 

Kuroo and Kenma are assigned to go undercover as a result of Bokuto’s awkward attempt at playing matchmaker... but their simple case turns out to be a lot more dangerous than they expected.

(complete)

[A/N: this one is a sequel to another fic Crisis Converted (which is also amazing), i will also link the whole series which features BokuAka, KuroKen and IwaOi here]

Show A Little Faith - by minijhi

“Why are you sending me a singing Valentine telegram?" Kenma asks, mouth flattened. "It’s six months until Valentine’s Day.”

“I bought a dwarf over the summer to use as cupid.” Kuroo says. “I figured he could use some practice.”

-

Presenting Kenma as the Boy-Who-Lived, whose living becomes a lot more interesting when Ravenclaw Prince Kuroo Tetsurou starts sending him singing telegrams about defeating the Dark Lord.

(complete)

In The Dark Of The Night - by dgalerab  

The Tokyo training camp has to use an older sports center while their usual one is renovated. Kenma is used to paying attention to the minor details, and the minor details in this place don't seem very friendly.

(Or: Kenma notices an angry ghost before anyone else does, and it's not a very good thing for Kenma.)

(complete)

IwaOi

the truth is out there - by shizuoh  

"I work at NASA," Hajime said, setting down his coffee.

Oikawa immediately jumped up and slammed his palms against the table. "I'll suck your dick if you tell me about the aliens."

(complete)

★ love me like you do - by crossbelladonna  

Iwaizumi’s family line is cursed to die a year after they fall in love. Admittedly, he knows falling for his childhood friend may be a mistake. But he did and he passed and Death got what he wants that is until Oikawa makes a trade—his memories for Iwaizumi’s life.

(complete)

The PDA jar - by Poteto

“What is that thing for?”

“I’m glad you asked, captain. This… is the Public Display of Affection jar. Or PDA jar for short.”

“Now whenever you do something that may hurt our children’s innocence, you’ll have to put money in the jar as a punishment."

(complete)

★ equilibrium - by laconicGhost \

Hajime sighs, leaning against the stove as he turns to face Tooru, who’s still peeking up at him from under his arm. He purses his lips and ignores the heat in his cheeks as he rolls a stiff shoulder.

“What?”

Tooru hides his face when he realizes he’s been caught, laughing a little bit to cover up his embarrassment. “I’m happy, Iwa-chan,” he says cheerfully.

(complete)

Multi/Misc.

★ Sincerely Yours - by quinnlocke [Multi.]

Saturday detention isn’t normally a place you go in order to find the answers to your problems

It’s where you go when you’ve fucked up bad enough you have to lose an entire Saturday to make up for what you’ve done.

The Prince and The Criminal were caught cutting class. The Outsider cursed out his Shakespeare professor. The Jock and The Brain got into a fist fight.

And the Birthday Boy, he’s not even supposed to be here...

(complete)

★ call me maybe - by totooru [MatsuMaki]

Hanamaki texts the wrong number when trying to extort tips out of Oikawa in order to defeat Iwaizumi in arm wrestling, and then continues to text the witty stranger who had answered.

(complete)

[A/N: this fic is freakin’ hilarious] 

Love It If We Made It - by mangetsu_san [KyouHaba]

Yahaba locks himself up in his room after their loss to Karasuno, so Kyoutani decides to take him on a little adventure.

(complete)

Mixed Signals - by snoqualmie [KyouHaba]

Feelings are definitely a thing he’s having. Kyoutani is really sweet. He’s family oriented and he prefers novels with female leads and he’s in all honors classes. He kind of has a big head, totally has a big smile, definitely has a big heart. His eyes are nice, he’s got that dimple. Yahaba groans and rubs his fists into his eyes.

(complete)

The Lost & the Found - by AJ (anna_panda) [Multi]

"Being lost is worth the being found."

Hinata thinks he finally knows his way around the castle, Kenma knows he definitely doesn't and it's a miracle Iwaizumi hasn't thrown Oikawa off the Astronomy Tower yet. Just another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry.

(ongoing)

it's easier for you to let me go - by burritosong [YakuLev]

the one with the proposal

(complete)

1800-GET-REKT - by doggoneit [KuroTsukki]

“I see you like it Between the Sheets.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Your drink. It’s good stuff but I’m more of a Blowjob kinda guy.”

(complete)

★ Crumbling Foundations - by Captain_Hughes_ZU, ToshiChan [Gen]

Things like this didn't happen in Karasuno. It was just a school. Learning, making friends, taking exams and playing volleyball. Lots of volleyball. So it was really nothing out of the ordinary for the team to be in the gym on a simple Monday morning, training away. But two men walking into the gym with guns, one demanding to take his son? That wasn't ordinary, not at all...

(complete)

And that’s a wrap, i really enjoyed putting this together! Got a bit of nostalgia from when i first started getting into Haikyuu.

I hope you enjoy reading the fics i recommended, i still have heaps more so look out for a second part!

Anyways,

Au revoir!

#haikyuu #fic recs #haikyuu fic recs #kagehina #daisuga #asanoya #tsukkiyama #kuroken #iwaoi #matsumakki #kyouhaba #yakulev #kurotsukki #hinata shouyou #kageyama tobio #sugawara koushi #sawamura daichi #asahi azumane #nishinoya yuu #tsukishima kei #yamaguchi tadashi #kuroo tetsurou #kozume kenma #iwaizumi hajime #oikawa tooru #matsukawa issei #hanamaki takahiro #kyoutani kentarou #yahaba shigeru #yaku morisuke

[redroseinsanity]

Your Voice is a Glass Slipper - IwaOi Day

GUESS WHO IS LATE AGAIN anyway! I know I did IwaOi day back in Jan (4/1) with Summer Heat but there can never be too many IwaOi days amirite? Here goes!

Iwaizumi Hajime doesn't scare easily. Sure, he's scared of the usual things like loss and disappointing people he loves and all that, but most of the time, he's unshakable. Which is why, when the elevator jerks to a sudden halt in between floors and he sucks in a sharp breath, he's surprised.

The lift will start moving again, he tells himself as he stands patiently, gripping the handles of his briefcase and wishing that the one time he decided not to work overtime at the office the universe would just let him go.

The lift does not start moving again. In fact, it gives another horrific shudder before going completely still, like the death rattle of a giant steel beast.

Suddenly a lot warmer than when he first stepped into the elevator, Iwaizumi loosens his tie and presses the call button on the gleaming panel. A rational part of his brain vaguely notes that his hand is trembling, claustrophobia, huh?

With a flicker of static, the intercom bursts into life but the voice that comes over doesn't speak to him.

"Shit, another one! Oikawa, can you take it, this one is- Yes, ma'am I understand, we're doing all we can right now- Can you just-"

"Hello!" An overly bright voice chirps over the intercom, far louder than the voice before so that it startles Iwaizumi into nearly dropping his briefcase.

"Hello," he replies, trying to keep his voice steady, "My lift is stuck just after the fourth floor?"

"Yes!" The voice exclaims, "Uh, I mean, right. Lift uh... C, correct? Well, there's been a technical error so all the lifts are down at the moment. We'll try to get them up and running as soon as possible and a maintenance team is on the way."

"Alright," Iwaizumi thinks that the person speaking is probably a newbie because he doesn't sound too sure about what he's saying which doesn't exactly inspire confidence, "Any idea how long that'll take?"

"Ummmm... That- Hang on. Makki! How long??" There's a muffled discussion before the voice returns, bright as ever.

"May I ask how many people are in your lift?"

"It's just me," Iwaizumi sighs, ignoring the bead of sweat trailing down his neck.

"Oh, then it might take about fifteen minutes or so because the maintenance team will be heading to lift A first as it has eight people and one ah, elderly lady."

Iwaizumi sees the walls around him dilate and ripple as the air seems to get thinner. He sucks in breath after breath, alternating between trying to calm down and spinning in cycles of trappedtrappedcantbreathenoair.

"Excuse me? Hello? Are you still there?" The voice calls from the speaker.

"Yeah," Iwaizumi gasps out, gripping the lift railing, "I think I don't like closed spaces that's all."

A pause.

"You think?" The voice crackles over, "You sounded like you were dying, I thought you were having a heart attack!"

The sarcasm filters through all the panic and Iwaizumi gets a better handle on his breathing.

"I don't think that's what a heart attack sounds like, " he says faintly, leaning most of his weight on the cool metal wall.

"Hey, don't worry okay? I'll stay here until they get there," the voice soothes, "It's going to be fine."

Iwaizumi finds it in him to grunt in response but finds the floor spinning. His fingers go slack and his briefcase hits the floor in a dull thump.

"Oh my god, are you okay? Hello? I was joking about the heart attack, please don't have collapsed!" The voice creeps into worry and edges into shrill.

Iwaizumi would respond if he wasn't hyperventilating so hard and the other person must hear it because the next time they speak, their voice is low and oddly compelling.

"Hey, listen, you're okay. Take deep breaths, come on, breathe with me okay? Breathe in, two, three, four, hold, two, three, four, five, six, and out, two, three, four."

It takes a couple of tries but Iwaizumi slowly syncs his breaths with the beats and for a good minute or so, he's just breathing in time with a complete stranger.

"Thanks," he tells the little speaker next to the call button when the panic has subsided into tingles rather than a full blown sense of numbness.

"No problem!" The voice chirps back, "What's your name?"

"Iwaizumi."

"Well then, Iwa-chan, what's your favourite colour? When's your birthday? Any evening plans?"

He focuses so hard on answering the questions that he doesn't register the way he's being addressed until much later. But he answers the questions somewhat on autopilot and clings to the distraction offered.

The voice coming through over the intercom, he notes, is surprisingly pleasant. It's light and warm, honey on an autumn afternoon, and at some point, Iwaizumi closes his eyes and lets the rising and falling of a stranger's voice keep him afloat.

With a series of questions, Iwaizumi allows himself to be tugged into distraction until they're holding a more or less fully engaged conversation about horoscopes and their legitimacy.

The stranger laughs, a sparkling sound somewhat distorted by the static and Iwaizumi is surprised yet again in the span of twenty minutes, to find that he's smiling.

"Iwa-chan?" The voice sounds a tad reluctant, "The glitch has been fixed so the lifts are going to start moving in a bit. You'll be okay?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine," Iwaizumi quickly discards the confusing sense of disappointment and hurries to add, "Thank you. Thank you for staying to talk to me, it really helped."

He's rewarded with another laugh, one that will haunt his dreams that night and every night for the next week straight.

"Goodbye, Iwa-chan."

. . .

Two weeks later, Iwaizumi doesn't really think much about the time the brief trip from the fourth to the first floor took nearly half an hour.

He does, however, think about the owner of the warm laugh and smiling voice. He's considered going up to the elevator maintenance unit but even then, what would he say? Hey, one of you talked me through a panic attack two weeks ago and I'm weirdly obsessed with his voice?

He shakes his head and heads for the lobby doors, trying to figure out what to eat for dinner when he hears it.

Turning so sharply he nearly rams into someone and gets whacked by the half open glass door, he surges back into the open lobby and whirls, trying to find the source of the sound.

He's in the centre of a building full of people thronging to the exit to go home and yet, he spins, searching wildly, his heart pounding as he desperately looks for the person who sounded exactly like his lift intercom guy.

"Wow, Makki, rude!"

He makes a half turn to bump into the speaker who turns out to be right next to him and much nearer than he expected. His mouth opens to apologise but then his eyes widen as his gaze rakes over a tall, handsome man.

He's beautiful, his brain helpfully supplies as his eyes flick over soft brown hair, warm eyes, perfect skin and features that belong in a magazine.

A lazy smirk crosses those very features as Iwaizumi blushes when he finds that those light chocolate eyes are taking him in with sharp interest.

"I can-"

"It's you, isn't it?" Iwaizumi asks urgently.

At first there's nothing but surprised bewilderment on the man's immaculately sculpted face. Iwaizumi sees the exact moment he places him and he sees a spark flare in chocolate eyes before a joyous grin spreads across the other man's face.

He's never met this man before but that smile alone is enough to set Iwaizumi aflame. He thinks that maybe he doesn't mind having been stuck in that godforsaken lift after all. Not if he got to meet him.

"Iwa-chan?"

. . .

- Oikawa doesn't really work in the lift technician unit, he works in the law company four floors above Iwaizumi and was only there that day to visit a friend.

- Unlike Iwaizumi, he wanted to find his Lift C guy by checking the CCTV footage of that day but was refused by security.

- Makki and Mattsun are so relieved that managed to find each other because they are Done with Oikawa whining about how sexy his lift guy sounded.

- They date for a year before Oikawa proposes in an empty lift which causes Iwaizumi to simultaneously want to punch him and kiss him.

- He goes for the latter and Oikawa's laugh is still the best thing he's heard even ten years down the road.

- Even in a crowded party, they can both locate each other if they listen hard enough.

#haikyuu!! #iwaoi #iwaizumi hajime #oikawa tooru #iwaoi fanfiction #iwaoi day #redwrites #haikyuufanfics

[kirishwima]

“It’s what you gathered from our talk, but you were wrong.”

di haven’t written about them in forever sooo, im making this into some angsty iwaoi :3c

*****

“So I guess it-” he stuttered, his tongue refusing to let his words form right, “it means that I’m in love with you.”

Oikawa held his breath, the tightness in his stomach turning into a gordian knot. He clenched and unclenched his hands, staying limp by his sides as he awaited a response.

Iwaizumi was sitting on his bed across him, the volleyball he’d been twirling in his hands now perfectly still between his palms, resting simply on his lap.

How did they end up here?

It didn’t really matter. Oikawa knew this time would come eventually. He knew it from the first moment he’d laid his eyes on Iwaizumi’s toothy grin across the playground all those years ago. Knew it when he let Iwaizumi take his hand in his, when he’d accepted all the bugs and dirt ‘presents’ Iwaizumi would give him, how he’d fluster at the pleased look in Iwaizumi’s eyes.

Knew it when years after, he’d feel his heartbeat shake and rush at the mere sight of his childhood friend, his best friend, when the guilt pooled in his stomach at the thoughts his head would conjure.

So the moment had come.

The time to confess his guilt to Iwaizumi.

“So I’m in love with-with you”, he breathed, “and if you want to-to pretend this never happened, or if you want to talk about it then-then we can do that.”

Iwaizumi never met his gaze.

He kept staring down at the volleyball, tracing it’s lines with his hand.

“We should talk about it”, he said after a drawn-out silence, “if we don’t it’d just make things awkward.”

It’d just make things awkard.

Awkward.

Oh. Oh. 

Was it-Was that it?

Was this Iwaizumi’s way of rejecting him?

“Yeah...yeah, I understand-” Oikawa started, doing his best to steady his breathing, before Iwaizumi interrupted him.

“But do you mind if we don’t discuss it right now?”

Oikawa looked down to the floor, nodded and hoped the earth would split open and engulf him whole, hide him in her core and burn this day out of his mind.

“I’ll see you tomorrow at practice, and in class, and we can talk about it after school.”

He nodded again.

With a sigh, Iwaizumi let the ball drop from his hands, rolling on the floor and stopping at Oikawa’s feet.

He felt Iwaizumi get up, felt a hand reach for his shoulder before it stopped, falling back to Iwaizumi’s side.

“I’ll see you tomorrow”, he heard, followed by the gentle click of his bedroom door closing shut.

Breathe in.

Out.

He reached down, picked the ball up, his fingers clenching into the plastic until his knuckles turned white.

“Argh!”

He threw it on the wall with a flurry of rage, ignored it as it connected to it with a loud thud and fell back down, bouncing once, twice, and rolled out of sight and beneath the bed.

Only then he let himself unclench his chattering teeth, let his fists unfurl and reach up to his face where wetness already seeped out of his eyes, salty and painful as he fell onto his knees, as the heel of his palms pushed against his eyelids.

“Let me disappear”, he muttered, “let me disappear into the bottom of the earth and never be seen again”

But the earth didn’t open up, didn’t swallow him down into nothingness. 

And so he remained there, until his tears ran dry and his head throbbed.

****

The next morning, Iwaizumi didn’t come meet him outside his door like usual.

He didn’t walk with Oikawa, didn’t chastisize him for staying up until late watching volleyball matches on youtube.

Oikawa clenched his fists, rubbed at his reddened eyes, and walked to school.

He went through the motions of morning practice, didn’t let his eyes wander in the locker room, didn’t let his mouth open and ask if anyone’d seen Iwaizumi.

And from the looks of it, no one dared ask him why he didn’t come to school with him either.

He pushed himself to focus only on the training, on the burn of his feet as he ran, faster than he ever thought he could, until the emptiness of his stomach threatened to spill from his throat in exertion.

He took his position on the court, picked up volleyball after volleyball and hit it with full force, ignoring the confused gasps of his teammates.

His concentration only broke when, 30 minutes into their hourly practice, the door to the gym slammed open and shut, a heaving figure running through and coming to a halt at the edge of the court.

“I-I overslept.”

Iwaizumi stood there, sweat dripping on his brow, his hands resting on his knees.

He had an expression of disbelief on his fae, eyes wide, mouth slack.

Oikawa knew he’d have to be the one to tell him what to do, where to go. He knew he had to step up as the leader of this team, even if his heart ached at the mere sound of his best friend’s voice.

“We’re doing tossed and returns. Go to across the net to receive tosses.”

He saw Iwaizumi nod from the corner of his eye, and with that, everything that’d stilled returned back to motion, a shared breath exhaled from their teammates.

Oikawa kept hitting ball after ball until his palms oozed with blood.

****

Classes came and went.

Oikawa, usually the ideal student, let his head lean down and as close to his books as he could let it without getting scolded by their teachers, let each word become a blur beneath his glasses.

Girls in his class came up to him, put their hands on his shoulder and asked what’s wrong.

But how could he tell them?

How could he tell anyone that the one person he ever fell in love with was going to reject his feelings as soon as the last bell rang? That he already knew, that this prolonged silence was killing him, that he’d regretted ever letting that damn confession slip through his lips?

He just smiled half-heartedly, gave an excuse of being up all night and let the girls coo over his reddened eyes, their words blendign into nothingness in his ears.

He didn’t know how he’d make it through that finall bell.

*****

As soon as the last bell rang and the teacher bid them goodbye, he gathered his things, sluggishly, as if there was no strength in any cell of his body. He slung his backpack over his back and trudged towards the door and out into the hallway, merely nodding at the chorus of greetings and goodbyes around him.

He made it out the school gates and into the quiet residential streets, the setting sun beaming pink tints on him, when a pair of footsteps joined his, hurrying to his side before slowing to match his pace.

“I must’ve yelled your name out a million times and you didn’t so much as flinsh”, Iwaizumi exclaimed, standing straight and preening down to Oikawa’s hunched form with an unreadable expression.

Oikawa shrugged. “I must’ve zoned out.”

Neither boy spoke for a while, until they reached the empty park merely a block away from their neighbering houses. 

Oikawa kept walking, when he noticed the ever-bearing presence beside him disappeared.

He turned his head, noticing Iwaizumi stopped a few feet behind, his head tilted down before he exhaled loudly and looked back up, matching Oikawa’s gaze with his dark eyes.

“We should talk before going home.”

Here it was.

Oikawa turned to face Iwaizumi, yet his head remained tilted to the side, trying to avoid the rejection in his best friend’s eyes, to shield himself as much as possible from the hurt that was about to erupt in his chest.

“I think I already know what you want to say” he said, trying to keep his voice as steady as he could.

Iwaizumi raised an eyebrow.

“I gathered it from what you said last night, that you don’t feel the same way so we could just-let’s just skip the awkwardness yeah?”

“I don’t feel the same way?”

Iwaizumi’s voice sounded so innocent, a naive curiosity that tasted putrid in Oikawa’s ears.

Oikawa huffed a heartless laugh, the familiar tint of pain behind his eyes slowly seeping in.

“You said we’d talk the next day and then left. I’m not an idiot, I can read between the lines Iwa-chan.”

“So you think I’m rejecting you?”

“That’s what I figured, yeah.”

“It’s what you gathered from our talk, but you were wrong.”

Oikawa looked up at that, and held his breath as he realised how much closer Iwaizumi had gotten whilst he wasn’t looking.

In the setting sun, with pink tinting at the edges of Iwaizumi’s face, his eyes clear, clearer than Oikawa had ever seen, a soft smile, the sort that Oikawa could’ve sworn he never saw his best friend sport before, greeting him as he looked up to meet his eye.

“I’m..wrong?”

Iwaizumi hummed in agreement.

“I just...I needed a while to think about it. About how to tell you that I love you too but without making it...creepy?”

Oikwawa simply stared. His brain had stopped working. Or he died? Maybe he was stuck in limbo? He could see the blue screen of death of computer monitors glazing over his eyes.

“I’ve wanted to confess to you for so long and you just beat me to it and-I guess I’ve loved you since we first met, when you smiled that stupid smile and told me to come look for UFOs with you-I guess that was it for me.”

Oikawa blinked, slow, owlishly.

Was Iwaizumi flustered? Was that reddened colour on his face a blush or was it the setting sun playing tricks on his eyes?

“I love you too. I-uh, I’m sorry I made you wait a day before I could tell it back to you.”

“You. You. You love me?”

Iwaizumi nodded.

“You and I”, Oikawa pointed to them both, “we’re in love.”

There’s a smile forming in the corners of Iwaizumi’s lips and Oikawa has to rub his eyes to believe the sight in front of him.

“We’ve been in love for hell knows how long and we. We love. each other.”

He kept at it for a while, babbling mainly to himself, trying to convince his brain that this wasn’t a hallucination, or a dream because-how could this be real?!

“Should I like, kiss you now or something so you can shut up, or is that rude?”

Oikawa’s mouth flapped open and close, his eyes widened comically.

Iwaizumi shrugged.

“Yeah okay, I don’t care if it’s rude I’ll just kiss you now so.”

He put a hand over Oikawa’s wide eyes, a gentle warmth engulfing his lips in the dark.

When he regained vision again, Iwaizumi’s hand moved away from his eyes in favor of cradling his jaw, a shit-eating smirk ebbed on his best friends face.

Oikwawa blinked once more, before he muttered the first coherent phrase his mind could conjure.

“You are so gonna treat me to ice cream for letting me cry all night thinking you don’t want me.”

Iwaizumi kissed him again, and again, until his pout turned to a huffed laugh.

“It’s a date then.”

*****

#I MISSED!! IWAOI!! SO MUCH!!! #sorry if this is bad orz im not gonna edit it rn so if there's anything to fix ill do so later #iwaoi #oikawa tooru #iwaizumi hajime #hq!! #iwaoi fic #iwaoi angst #iwaoi fluff #iwaoi fanfic #hq!! fanfic #haikyuu!! #haikyuu iwaoi fanfic #prompts #fanfics #lily #im sorry im answering all ur prompts so late uuuuuu #redlilyart

[mllebabushkat]

CH 322!!!

HOLY SHIT I MIGHT AS WELL COPY THE WHOLE CHAPTER HERE THIS WAS AMAZING AAAHHH

prepare for a ton of incoherent screaming.

FULL COLOUR SPREAD!!!! BEAUTIFUL!!! MY BOYS!!

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH look at this spectacular shot ik it’s only supposed to be symbolic but daaamnnn

aaaaahhh hinata vs inuoka!!! battle of the excited puppies!! look how far they’ve both come!

teshiro!! can’t wait to see him in the anime! also yes kenma is usually a lazy cat but NOT TODAY

FUKUNAGAAA YEAAAAA so epic!!! and here we see a fraction of what’s going on in kenma’s head during the game. frankly? terrifying!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’M GETTING CHILLS I LOVE THEM (what do you do when you’re pushed into a corner? turn to your most trusted and oldest partner *ahem* iwaoi)

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH LOOK AT THEM!!!!!! WHAT AN ICONIC DUO!!! THOSE MATCHING SMILES. man i’m so hyped this is only in a manga (which, thank you very much and bless you furudate sensei) imagine if it happened irl omg aLSO NOYAAA WHAT A LEGEND

O.O KENMA kenma kenma full of surprises and plenty of fight wowww (does anyone else get reminded of krsn vs seijoh last point? opposing team’s setter/brain fails to catch hinata’s spike?)

GUYS Y U SO INTENSE. Y’ALL SCARY AF. but seriously these kids? they’re true RIVALS now. pushing each other past their limits. amazing. i love them so much.

awwww hahahahahhaa mama kuroo’s back. yeah kenma’s fine his batteries ran out for a mo

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yep that’s us, also wth furudate thank you for making these beautiful panels

HINATAAAA i haven’t gushed enough about his last spike!!!!!!! WHAT A DAMN LEGEND. completely physically and mentally in control, managed to trick KENMA (and both teams) despite everything!!! i’m proud he’s grown so much aahh,,, and kuroo!! badass as usual but you can tell he’s thriving here and finally living the dream of nekoma(ta)

aNYWAY AAAHHH I’M SO FRIGGIN EXCITED!!!!!!!!! SO HYPED!!! I CAN’T WAIT also i still can’t tell who’s gonna win - either way rest assured my heart’s going to be broken into a million pieces but that’s FINE

#babushkat rambles #long LONG post #haikyuu #manga #thank you furudate #ch 322 #frick #i love this so much #cats vs crows #nekoma vs karasuno

[codename-bewareofthefangirl]

Hmm, KiKasa and IwaOi double date, maybe Ki-chan and Shittykawa cooperate and tease our poor hotheaded boys? You write fluff and humor just on point *-* Iwa-chan and Kasamatsu just complain each other about their annoying bfs!! And both couples kiss in the end please *blushes* If it was over detailed you can shut off the teasing detail :3 *hugs back tight and purrs to your pat* Thank you, love you ^^

Hi dear! Sorry, it took my years to write this! However, I finally didit! I needed a stressed Oikawa who wanted to enjoy himself and some Iwaoi’FLUFF so be ready, it’s all sweet and heartwarming.

My head canon is that Kise and Oikawa met during a sport magazine’sinterview and went from bitching rival to best friends. Here, Kasamatsu is auni first year, Oikawa and Iwaizumi are high school third years and Kise is asecond year.

IWAOI, KIKASA,FLUFF AND SWEETNESS

 Double datewith the Bubblegum Duo

 Near a bus stopin front of small park full of children, two boys were waiting chattingquietly. Oikawa, dressed all nicely, was rocking on his heels humming happily;Iwaizumi instead, was looking around lazily. They had been invited invited tohang out by the new Oikawa’s “Bubblegum Friend” and now they were searching forhim. It was exam period, but they absolutely needed to take a break; Oikawalately was stressing more than usual and Iwaizumi had to literally move to hishouse so he could check on him and make him sleep for more than three hours pernight. While Iwaizumi tended to become more grumpy and nervous to the point hehad problem focusing or relate with other human beings, sign he had absolutelyto relax at least for an afternoon.

“A date!”Oikawa bubbled happily, giving his boyfriend an excited look. “A double date!”added stretching and swinging back and forth on his feet.

“No need to beso excited.” He observed deadpanned, but truth to be told he had missed thiscarefree Oikawa, so he was excited too. Well, actually he was also starting toregret the idea to have to share him with the other guys but…he could endure itfor an afternoon.

 “OIKAWA-SENPAIIII!” a high-pitched voice cutthe air of that quiet afternoon, interrupting them. They bothturned and saw a blonde guy running full speed towards them, somehow surroundedby a shining aura that made some girls turn their heads.

Iwaizumisighed and raised his hands as a greeting, while Kise Ryouta jumped into hisboyfriend’s arms.

“Ki-chan!”Oikawa laughed, hugging him happily. “How are you?” then asked, letting him goand staring at the, annoyingly, tall boy. Not only tall, but athletic and goodlooking; another gifted boy.

“I’m fine!It’s been a bit from the last time we hanged out!” he pouted crossing his arms,sending the brunette an offended glance. Oikawa had already turned him down twotimes before that afternoon.

“I’m sorry, wewere very busy preparing the exams!” Oikawa justified himself with puppy eyes, andit was the truth. He had barely left his room before then and every timebecause Iwaizumi dragged him out.

“Is it true,Iwa-chan?” Kise asked doubtful to the other boys, who scoffed.

Iwaizumirolled his eyes. Actually, Kise was a goody guy; in some ways he resembled Oikawa,both childish and fearsome at the same time. However, he could barely bear withOikawa’s cheerfulness and childishness, so when those two were together he feltdying inside. It was too much for him.

There was onlyone reason he still hanged out with those two. (Not mentioning Oikawa’s persuasivetricks.)

“Oi Kise!” arough voice interrupted and another boy, reaching them, punched the blonde onthe head, “How many times I’ve said to call him properly?” reprimanded himharshly.

KasamatsuYukio that was the name of the reason.

Another victimof the Bubblegum Duo, another poor boyfriend who sometimes needed to interactwith someone else who was normal and could understand his problems at the sametime.

And, finallysomeone shorter than Iwaizumi.

“ButKasamatsu-senpai!” Kise whined holding his head between the hands, but theother glared.

Oikawa andIwaizumi chuckled at the familiar scene.

“No but.” Hegrowled crossing his arms.

“Hi, Iwaizumi-senpai.”Kise then repeated pouting, gazing at the ground unwillingly.

“HeyKasamatsu.” Iwaizumi artfully ignored the blond and greeted the older boy witha nod. “Is everything alright?” Actually, it has been Kasamatsu himself the onewho gave Oikawa and Iwaizumi the permission to not use honorifics with him.Kise was still offended by that.

“Yeah, examsare coming soon and they are giving us a hard time, but it’s okay.” The universitystudent answered with a shrug and a small smile.

“Exams uh?Last year we’ll be like him too.” Oikawa whined, leaning against Iwaizumi’sshoulder with a thoughtful look. “I feel already tired, Iwa-chan!”

“That’sbecause we’re already like him.” Iwaizumi shoved him off with a scoff, thinkingat their room transformed in a fort of books, caffeine and notes.

“I bet you’renot going to have any problem, Oikawa.” Kasamatsu reassured the brunette firmly,knowing well how brilliant he was, “Not like some basketball idiot I know!” headded with an exasperate huff. He had surrendered with Kise.

“That’s mean!”Kise grimace offended, especially because Oikawa burst into laughter too. “I’mnot that stupid!” tried to defend himself, but Kasamatsu was looking straightat Iwaizumi with void in his eyes.

“I even triedto help him…everything was useless…” whispered so incredulous that Iwaizumisnorted, covering his mouth with a hand.

“You’rehorrible!” Kise cried stomping a foot and, before they could react, he grabbedOikawa by the wrist, “I’ll just talk to Oikawa-senpai then!” he announced,before rushing ahead with the brunette.

“Oi Kise!”Kasamatsu tried to call him back, but they were already far.

“Let them go,Oikawa wanted to chat with him alone too.” Iwaizumi assured him with a fist onhis shoulder, “We know where they want to go, let’s just follow them slowly.”Offered without rushing. He wasn’t worried about those two and was used totheir antics, he also liked talking with Kasamatsu, so he was okay with it.

The older boygroaned, but nodded in the end.

 “…And it wasactually his fault! He’s the one who attacked me in the middle of our studyingsession!” Kise lamented gesturing animatedly, blush staining his cheeks.

“Attackedyou?” Oikawa glanced at him surprise. It didn’t seem something Kasamatsu woulddo. “I thought you would be pestering one, Ki-chan!”

“Well he gaveme a kiss, as a reward for guessing finally an answer.” Kise reluctantly correctedhimself, “But it was sudden and unexpected! So, it counts as an attack! He’salways so stiff and cold in public! I couldn’t let occasion go to waste!” Hetried to explain to the brunette, searching for understanding. “So I jumpedhim.” Concluded with on part of his brain that high-fived himself at the memoryand the other who slapped himself seeing the consequences.

“And that’show you ended up failing the test?” But the other was more sly he rememberedand rubbed salt on the wound.

“Oikawaaaaa!”he cried covering his eyes and the brunette chuckled patting his head.

“Sorry, sorry.It’s just too funny.” Apologized amused, shaking his head. “But I do understandyou! Iwa-chan lately is always grumpy because he’s worried about the exams anddoesn’t give me enough love. I’ve to beg for kisses!” Complained raising hishands to the sky.

“Why theymistreat us?” Kise added shaking his head, “Can’t they how much we care?” hedramatically brought a hand to his heart.

“He’s always“Not now, Shittykawa!” or “When we are home, Trashykawa” or even “I’ll punchyou!”” Oikawa mimicked his own boyfriend perfectly, showing a scowlingexpression.

Kise giggledat it and nodded repeatedly.

“Yes, yes!Kasamatsu-senpai always says the same! But he prefers to kick me. They are likenagging mothers.” Kise sighed exasperated.

“Iwa-chantreats me like a child too.” Oikawa laughed glancing behind his shoulder,watching his boy talking quietly with the other boyfriend. He seemed to enjoythe conversation and his sharp features were relaxed; he was even showing asmall smile.

 “But in the end, it’s okay with me.” Oikawahummed with a sudden bittersweet smile.

“Ah?” Kiseblinked and tilted his head perplexed, “It doesn’t annoy you sometimes?” askedtrying to understand what the brunette was thinking. Lately, he was doing hisbest so that Kasamatsu would recognize him as his proper equal, but didn’t seeany progress.

Oikawa blushedslightly and resumed watching the street in front of him, full of life in thatsunny afternoon. Children with their mothers, groups of high schoolers chattingloudly, old ladies doing grocery shopping…

“Iwa-chanthinks that I would never survive without him and this means he’s never goingto abandon me.” He explained softly, gazing sweetly at a future only he couldsee.

Kise remainedspeechless and felt a little envious of their relationship. If there was somethinghe couldn’t not notice every time, was the absolute confidence Oikawa andIwaizumi had that, whatever may happen in the future, they would be still therefor each other. Kise instead, most of the time felt unsure about his boyfriend’sfeeling and felt the age gap weighting on their relationship. Especially now thatKasamatsu was attending university.

“Aaaaah!”Oikawa suddenly groaned covering his face with the hands and throwing back thehead, “I can’t wait for the next year! It’s going to be the best!” mewledcupping his own cheeks with shining eyes and a bright grin. He was overflowingwith happiness.

“Weren’t youworried?” Kise frowned, having lost the thread of thoughts of the other boy.The last time he had called Oikawa, he was gloomy because he and Iwaizumi haddecided to go to different universities.

“Ah!” Oikawasuddenly exclaimed turning to look at him with big eyes, “If forgot to tellyou!” remembered guiltily. “Me and Iwa-chan will share an apartment, halfwaybetween our universities!”

“Eh?” Kisegasped, widening his eyes. “How could you forget to tell me?” Accused himoffended. It was something important!

“Sorry Ki-chan!It happened a few weeks ago and we were busy with all the planning andorganizing! Forgive me!” he pleaded the blond, bringing his hands together in aprayer.

“I can’tbelieve it.” He pouted, but a small grin betrayed him “You lucky bastards!”laughed, playfully jostling his shoulder and the other let out a happylaughter.

“I know, Iknow!” he chanted merrily. “I can’t wait!”

“I’m a bitjealous.” Kise admitted with a smile and Oikawa toned down a bit.

“Come on! Youjust have to endure it for another year!” Tried to cheer him up, ruffling hisblonde hair, “I can’t stand such an annoying big guy like you be gloomy.”Joked, hoping to bring back a smile on his friend’s lips.

“Not big, tallOikawa-senpai.” Kise smirked slyly, “Model-like tall.” Claimed lifting his chinproudly and Oikawa rolled his eyes.

“My height isperfect, as everything else.” Replied puffing out his cheeks.

“Average.”Kise shrugged, jokingly.

“Don’t provokeme. I could accept all those modeling offers just to wipe that grin out of youface, Miracle Blondie.” Threatened, crossing his arms and sharpening his gaze.

“Oh? I wouldlike to see you try, Grand King.” Kise stopped walking and loomed over him,with a confident smile.

 “And honestly,he’s always whining about something and getting on my nerves in the most inappropriatemoments because I don’t pay him attention. As if I didn’t want to do it! But IfI have to submit an assignment in three days, I can’t do miracles.” Kasamatsuwas venting his exasperation out and Iwaizumi nodded in understanding. “And healways thinks I’m being cold or I don’t want him when we’re in public. Why hecan’t understand it’s embarrassing for me?” he muttered with flushed cheeks.

“Yeah, Oikawais spoiled like that too.” Iwaizumi agreed, shutting up the thought that he wasthe first one to spoil him. “He has learnt to annoy me in every possible waywhen he wants something. Really, it’s a sort of talent.” Huffed tiredly.

“You seem tohandle him better anyway.” Kasamatsu commented, arching an eyebrow to highlightan implicit question.

Iwaizumiblinked and couldn’t help himself smiling a bit.

“Nineteenyears together teach you a lot.” Replied glancing at the brunette walking infront of him. He was chatting leisurely with the blond and seemed at his ease,such a rare sight lately. When Oikawa smiled like that, Iwaizumi felt bettertoo.

“Could youhelp me out then?” Kasamatsu groaned defeated. “The more I try to make himhappy, the more I fail.” Admitted bitterly.

“I don’t thinkhe’s unhappy.” Iwaizumi comforted him bluntly, “You two have just to find yourbalance. You need time.” He tried to explain him. He couldn’t tell heunderstood perfectly Kasamatsu; he and Oikawa had always been together, so forthem it had been natural. They had a lot of years to learn and adjust to eachother. They were lucky and he knew it.

“Yeah, I know.It’s just a bit hard sometimes.” Kasamatsu mumbled narrowing his eyes. He wasjust being impatience, he was conscious of it, but sometimes he just hadproblems keeping up with Kise.

“Talk to himmore. Even if it sucks.” Iwaizumi offered as his only suggestion, hands in hispockets.

“Yeah, itsucks.” Kasamatsu agreed with a smirk. They both weren’t much for words andvocal expressions of their love.

Sudden,excited shrieks broke their eardrums, followed by numerous giggling andshrilling voices chattering excited. Iwaizumi and Kasamatsu instinctivelylooked for the source of that disturbance and found their boyfriends surroundedbit a group of squealing girls. They were chattering politely and smilingkindly at their fans, who probably had recognized them from some sports orfashion magazine.

“And this isanother thing I damn hate.” Kasamatsu gritted his teeth nervously. He could seethat Kise was wearing his cold and courteous mask, yet it was annoying thesame.

“I agree.”Iwaizumi growled, arching an eyebrow at a girl who rested her hand on Oikawa’shoulder. Obviously, the brunette gently brushed it away, however that switchedIwaizumi on.

“And the worstis, I can’t speak to girls. At all. I froze like an idiot when I try. So I cannever do anything.”Kasamatsu added in a grunt. Couldn’t all those girls leavethem alone? Sometimes it happened even when they were on a date, nerve-wrackingfor him, but he wasn’t good at marking the territory.

Iwaizumilooked at him thoughtfully, then a playful light flashed in his eyes.

“Would youlike to see one of my trick to deal with this?” Offered, straightening his back.The other nodded, curiously. Who knew, maybe it could work for him too.

Iwaizumididn’t do anything, he didn’t move either.

He fixed hisgaze on the brunette and took a deep breath.

“Tooru.” Hecalled loud enough to be heard, and Kasamatsu was already asking him if he wasjoking, when Oikawa reacted.

The exactmoment he heard his name being called, he whipped his head toward Iwaizumi. Heblushed hard and, stuttering some words to excuse himself, he shoved the girlsout of his way and rushed towards them with widened eyes.

Panting, he stoppedin front of his boyfriend, who hid a smile.

“W-what do youneed, Iwa-chan?” he blurted embarrassed and giddy at the same time.

“Nothing.” Theboy replied with a shrug, “Didn’t you want an ice-cream?” asked stretching tohim an open hand.

Oikawaliterally beamed as a child in front of his favorite candy, grabbing itimmediately and interlacing their fingers. He wasn’t going to waste thatoccasion for all the gold in world.

“Yes, let’sgo!” agreed with a bright smile, “The bar is just there!” added nodding at acute café on the other side of the street.

“Come on,Ki-chan! Kasamatsu!” called, dragging his satisfied boyfriend to buy ice cream.

Beforefollowing Oikawa, Iwaizumi winked quickly at Kasamatsu, who was looking at themjaw dropped.

While theywere walking, Oikawa leaned his head against Iwaizumi’ shoulder.

“That wasreally unfair.” Pouted all flustered.

“I don’t knowwhat you are talking about.” Iwaizumi hummed angelically, but the brunette smirked.

Catching himby surprise, Oikawa pulled his hand suddenly and planted a kiss on his lips.

“Oikawa!” heexclaimed blushing furiously and covering his lips with a hand, but the otherboy laughed swinging their hand.

“Now we’reeven!” he mused cheerfully and Iwaizumi couldn’t even insult him, too busyswallowing down the bubble of warm joy inside his chest and the need to kisshim some more.

 Kise, in themeanwhile, reached his own boyfriend, left behind to wait him.

“I’m sorrysenpai! They didn’t want to let me go!” complained looking disheveled, slightlyworried to having made him made, “But Oikawa-senpai bolted away whenIwaizumi-senpai called him and left me alone!” added grimacing. Girls could bescary.

Kasamatsualternated glances between him and the other two guys, thoughtfully.

“The power ofa name, uh?” mumbled more to himself than to the blonde.

“Well,Oikawa-senpai always says it’s special for him.” He explained tilting his head,so that the bangs of his hair covered the eyes. His eyes fell on his friends’linked hands and felt a pang of bitter jealousy. They could it so easily andnaturally.

“Would youreact the same if I called you by your name?” Kasamatsu suddenly asked, soblunt and unexpected that he made Kise get all red.

Kise fixed hisgaze on the floor, feeling strangely embarrassed and mumbled somethingintelligible before managing to form a proper answer. Damn, usually he was thesmooth one.

“I-I suppose.”Murmured with a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of his neck. It wassomething he wanted, but he knew that Kasamatsu wasn’t going t-

“Ah, I’ll takenote.” Kasamatsu smirked, surprising him, and stretched out his hand too.

The blondelook at it as if he was offering him gold or something similar.

“For real?”asked excitedly, while his eyes filled with stars.

“Caught youstaring at them.” Kasamatsu explained deadpanned, gesturing at the othercouple, “You were thinking you wanted to do it too.”

Kise was nowready to dig his own grave.

“And,”Kasamatsu added, averting his gaze, “W-we are in a –r-relationship too…s-so it’s…okay.”Muttered with red cheeks.

That gave Kisethe final blow. That was too much cuteness and fluff in a day.

He grabbed hisboyfriend’s hand and leaned to kiss him excitedly on the lips. Just a peck, butenough to froze the boy’s mind.

“I love you somuch, senpai!” he chirped enthusiastically, with a warm laughter.

“Kise youbastard!” he replied shoving him away roughly, but not letting go of his hand.He was covering his mouth with the arm and glaring daggers at him, yet a smallsmile was painted on his lips.

#haikyuu!! #haikyuu #Haikyu!! #iwaoi #kuroko no basket #kuroko no basu #knb #kikasa #haikyuu x knb #iwaoi and kikasa #Iwaizumi Hajime #Iwaizumi #oikawa x iwaizumi #oikawa tooru #Oikawa-senpai #oikawa #kasamatsu yukio #kasamatsu #kise ryouta #kise ryōta #kise x kasamatsu #fluff #double date #Bubblegum Duo #Kise&Oikawa #Oikawa&Kise #they would get along so well #Iwaizumi&Kasamatsu #the exasperated boyfriends #date

[hinatassmile]

bokuaka for the ship thing would be great!!!

BokuAka is great!!!!!

who hogs the duvetAkaashi, he likes bundling himself up in it and Bokuto’s naturally really warm so he doesn’t mind~  when it’s really cold during the winter, they’ll become a deluxe blanket burrito since Bokuto + duvet = maximum warm and Akaashi loves it

who texts/rings to check how their day is goingBokuto! Sometimes he texts during class, but Akaashi is diligent and won’t respond until afterwards; it’s usually just things like “what are you having for lunch today?!” “i hate math, it makes my brain hurt...” but sometimes Bokuto will text “i miss you 3″ and during break time Akaashi will quickly text back “I miss you too” 

who’s the most creative when it comes to giftsBokuto! He’s actually pretty observant about knowing what Akaashi likes, and often gives gifts that surprise him~ 

who gets up first in the morningThey’re both pretty heavy sleepers and can honestly sleep like 11 hours straight; it takes 5 alarms with the ringer on full blast to get them out of bed in the mornings, but once they shower they’re fully awake and ready to go! 

who suggests new things in bedBokuto, Akaashi’s a bit more reserved about these sorts of things, but Bokuto wants to learn all the different ways of making Akaashi feel good~ 

who cries at moviesBokuto, Akaashi doesn’t cry easily when it comes to movies but Bokuto gets caught up in all the emotions 

who gives unprompted massagesBokuto! He likes helping Akaashi relax and his fingers are strong but gentle; he usually peppers Akaashi with kisses at the same time 

who fusses over the other when they’re sickThey both fuss over each other, but Bokuto’s way more intense about it and becomes a nervous chatterbox because he’s so worried; Akaashi ends up having to calm him down and he can sound exasperated but he knows this is one of the ways Bokuto expresses his love 

who gets jealous easiestAkaashi, Bokuto makes friends with anyone willing to be friends with him and Akaashi knows how easy it is to be wooed by his passion, power, and good looks, so he gets in the habit of observing people who act close with Bokuto and mentally file them as a threat or not; but at the same time, Akaashi knows that Bokuto can be really troublesome and usually reassures himself with the knowledge that he’s the only one who can truly deal with the whole Bokuto package 

who has the most embarrassing taste in musicUhh I feel like Bokuto listens to hip hop, alternative rock, pop, and dubstep, while Akaashi listens to classical music, jazz, and electropop

who collects something unusualAkaashi collects owl-related things (plushies, keychains, he even has an owl onesie) since he thinks owls are cute (I wonder why...)

who takes the longest to get readyBokuto because he has to spend time spiking his hair~

who is the most tidy and organisedAkaashi, although he still makes small messes sometimes; Bokuto’s a little bit more of a whirlwind and leaves some clothes on the floor, some dishes by the sink, but when it’s time to clean he does his fair share

who gets most excited about the holidaysBokuto gets more outwardly excited, but Akaashi gets excited internally! They love being able to spend time doing things they don’t usually have time for amidst school and volleyball, like marathoning TV, going to the beach, sleeping in, going to hot springs 

who is the big spoon/little spoonBokuto is the big spoon, Akaash is the little spoon~

who gets most competitive when playing games and/or sportsThey both get competitive, although it takes some egging on to get Akaashi to participate

who starts the most argumentsHe doesn’t start it purposefully, but Bokuto’s fluctuating mood can happen at the wrong times and Akaashi doesn’t always have the patience to deal with it, so he’ll usually go do his own thing and leave Bokuto to stew, and once he comes back Bokuto’s either snapped out of it or Akaashi will talk him through it 

who suggests that they buy a petAkaashi! He likes cats and Bokuto thinks they’re cute so they end up getting two~ one of them is named “Val” and the other “Libra” 

what couple traditions they haveMassaging each other’s hands after a game; Wednesdays are Chinese food nights; matching ugly Christmas sweaters; making nachos with the works when marathoning a TV show; going to festivals and winning prizes for each other; going to the countryside for a week in the summer to get away from the city and enjoy nature; Akaashi bakes heart shaped cookies for Bokuto on Valentine’s day, while Bokuto buys him chocolate candy; marathoning Marvel films during winter break

what tv shows they watch togetherSense 8, The Flash, Black Mirror, Bob’s Burgers

what other couple they hang out withKuroTsukki, Konoha/Komi, KenHina

how they spend time together as a coupleDiscussing volleyball; practicing plays; study sessions; buying snacks after school; watching Pacific Rim when Bokuto randomly gets in the mood for it; Bokuto warming Akaashi up when they’re outside and even with three layers and a scarf he still feels cold; Akaashi making their lunches for the next day and Bokuto hugging him from behind as he does so; Akaashi kissing Bokuto’s fingertips and Bokuto kissing Akaashi’s forehead, cheeks, nose, and mouth; going for picnics and lying on the grass and holding hands as they gaze at the clouds; wiping away tears, hugging each other fiercely, murmuring “I love you forever and always” 

who made the first moveBokuto, he just got to the point where he couldn’t hide it any longer and blurted “Akaash I like you so much would you pretty please go out with me?!” Akaashi responded “Bokuto we’re still having practice” and Bokuto went into dejected mode until Akaashi added “that wasn’t a no” 

who brings flowers homeBokuto! He likes placing them behind Akaashi’s ear because they look good on him~ 

who is the best cookAkaashi, especially when it comes to cooking meat; Bokuto can make basic dishes like pasta 

Send me a ship  no more please!

IwaOi  TsukkiYama  KageHIna  KenHina  KiyoYachi  AkaKage  EnnoTana  TanaNoya  DaiSuga 

#bokuaka #bokuto koutarou #akaashi keiji #haikyuu headcanons #my post #get it? cause val+libra is close to 'volleyball' #but akaashi didn't want them to literally be 'volley and 'ball' #also i feel like i've read a fic or something where bokuto confesses to akaashi that way idk #Anonymous #asks #thank you for asking!! <3

[brites]

i saw one of your hcs and read that oikawa binge eating on milk break leaves him with a crampy belly that he has to pokerface for the whole day? if its not a problem could you write a fic for that please?

#Anonymous #stuffing #stuffed #stomachache #cramps #oikawa tooru

[hweiro]

Sunday morning rain is falling  (Haikyuu, Iwaizumi/Oikawa, R:PG-13)

Me: I should edit the next chapter of ‘Could be the one’. My brain: No, you need to write the thing. Me: What thing. My brain: The thing. *shoves a thing* Me: No. My brain: Yes. Me: *screaming internally*

So, uh, here’s another short fic-bit I dashed off in the Iwaoi established husbands!AU. Un-betaed, so please forgive any mistakes I might have made.

In other notes, I should probably figure out how to format my fic title details across my stuff.

Iwaizumi yawned, stumbling out of their bedroom with heavy eyelids and even heavier feet. Of the two of them, Oikawa had always been the early riser; a habit written into his system by early team practices and even earlier warm-ups. 

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Oikawa seated at what they had dubbed the ‘kitchen island’ - the bar-top table attached to their apartment’s tiny kitchen unit, with barely enough space for a single man’s elbows, much less two. Stacked neatly in a basket on his left was a sizable amount of fan-mail; judging from the pile of unfolded papers building up on the brunet’s right, Oikawa was already halfway through them, eyes skimming over the carefully-neat writing and cute sticker-hearts from behind over-sized glasses. 

It was a part of their usual Sunday ritual - Iwaizumi would sleep in, enjoying the liberty of doing so once a week, while Oikawa would wake up and read through the mail the team manager regularly passed to him. Even now, his hair was tousled, sticking up in all directions as he snuffled, pulling the blanket around his shoulders more snugly around him, long legs tucked in close on the stool he was seated on. Sunlight pooled in the crook of his neck where the overstretched collar of his sleeping-shirt had drooped a little too low, fanned shadows that darted down sharp cheekbones as Oikawa looked up, blinking owlishly at his husband.

“Oh, you’re up earlier today.”

“Mmm.” Iwaizumi’s feet did not pause in their shuffle towards the coffee machine, where he knew a full pot of coffee was already waiting for him. It had taken Oikawa a while to figure out how to work the coffee maker - one of the few things Iwaizumi had brought along with him when he had first moved in - and the right amount of beans to use, but he had stubbornly insisted on mastering it.

“I refuse to be bested by a machine, Hajime,” he had huffed, glaring at the coffee-maker balefully as he slammed the pot of freshly brewed coffee onto the counter. “So sit down, drink up, and tell me if this batch is acceptable. And don’t you even think about lying to me, I will know.”

It wasn’t; neither were the ten or so tries after it. But one of Oikawa’s best characteristics was his bull-headed tenacity, and these days, Iwaizumi would be the first to admit that his husband probably knew how to use his coffee machine better than he did.

The caffeine in his system woke up his words; mug clutched firmly in hand, he moved over to the kitchen island, dropping himself onto the seat beside Oikawa’s. Oikawa had already moved the already-read mail away to make space for Iwaizumi, waiting until Iwaizumi was firmly ensconced on his seat before he leant on the other man’s shoulder, wriggling around until he was comfortable. A tuft of soft hair tickled Iwaizumi’s cheek; lifting a hand, he brushed it off his face, careful not to obstruct Oikawa’s reading.

“Any funny ones this round?”

Oikawa hummed, a short, dipped sound that indicated the negative. In his older age, the setter had gotten more conscientious about the things his fans sent him. He insisted on at least looking at the letters sent to him, and was careful to not dispose of gifts, even the more shoddy ones. 

“They’ve put in a lot of effort into getting these things to me,” he had explained to Iwaizumi once - needlessly, really, but Iwaizumi had humored him, allowing him to voice his justification out loud. “And some of these take courage to write and send in - the least I can do is ensure their hard work doesn’t go to waste.”

Iwaizumi had kissed the guilt off his face that night, caught the silent apology with his lips and swallowed it with the sounds Oikawa had made as Iwaizumi pressed him backwards against the blankets, fingers already tugging at the drawstrings of Oikawa’s pants. Even now, he idly started scrolling through the notifications of his phone as Oikawa read portions of the letters aloud, adding random commentary on some of the more eloquent bits. 

“Apparently, my eyes are 'the most beautiful shade of hazel on this earth’, Hajime.”

“Huh - this person was our schoolmate back in Seijou. I wonder if she came to our games then?”

“Ooh, this one wrote a haiku!…oh. Oh.” Oikawa’s voice was golden with repressed laughter; Iwaizumi could feel the tiny trembles of amusement that shook the brunet’s body along his side. “It’s a racy haiku. She’s very…it’s very…wow, is this even possible?”

Iwaizumi looked up from where he was tapping out a quick reply to his colleague to glance at the sheet Oikawa waved in front of him. “…well, I suppose if she were really flexible.”

“Do you feel flexible, Ha-ji-me?” Oikawa’s purr was ruined by a giggle. “Flexible enough to-”

“No,” Iwaizumi told him bluntly, tugging on Oikawa’s hair in warning. “Not even if you bribe me with agedashi tofu.”

“Awww, no fun.” Mouth curved into an exaggerated pout, Oikawa nevertheless went back to his reading, putting the suggestive letter aside as easily as he had done the others. Iwaizumi dropped a lazy kiss to the crown of Oikawa’s head before he went back to his phone. 

Was there ever a time that Oikawa’s guilt would have been justified, that Iwaizumi had hated the amount of attention Oikawa gave to fans of his volleyball skills and public personality? Iwaizumi didn’t think so; the brunet’s general appeal wasn’t something that had bloomed overnight. Oikawa had always been popular, even when they had merely been best friends, before Iwaizumi had fallen in love with him.

Still, younger-Iwaizumi might have felt a little more insecure, been a little less sure of his place in Oikawa’s affections when there were so many other options laid out before the setter, a veritable buffet of eligible partners for Oikawa to select from. Older-wiser-Iwaizumi though…

“Oh, this one’s looks like a nice one,” Oikawa mused. “'Oikawa-san, I’ve been a fan of yours for years, ever since we used to-”…“ His voice trailed off, but Iwaizumi knew full well what the rest of the letter said.

Oikawa-san,

I’ve been a fan of yours for years, ever since we used to play on the same volleyball team together. Even now, I still watch you - it’s hard not to. On the court and off it, you always demand my attention, and I can’t help but give it to you. I tried to stop once, but we both know that didn’t turn out particularly well. So these days, I allow myself to look at you whenever I want. 

I’m not very good with words, but you already know that, right? Sometimes, I wonder if you know me better than I know myself. Maybe you do. But it goes both ways - maybe I know you better than you know you. 

I don’t know when Saisaki-san will pass this to you - probably with the latest set of letters, since I sent this by post properly. I’ll keep this short, since you have other letters to read as well, but since this is a fan letter, I’ll list some of the things I love about you.

I love your commitment - to volleyball, to your fans, to us.

I love your smile. I love your ugly tears too. 

I love when you insist on spooning with me, even on the humid nights.

I love how you call my name.

I love that you love me.

I love you.

Your fan, Iwaizumi Hajime

"Hajime.” Hands caught his face and turned it towards Oikawa’s, his eyes bright in the shards of sun that fell across his face. “Hajime.”

Iwaizumi wordlessly leant down as Oikawa tilted his face upwards, sealing the seams of their lips together as the blanket fell from Oikawa’s shoulders to the floor. Oikawa tasted like the coffee he had perfected for Iwaizumi, and Iwaizumi curled around him, his hands already reaching for the frayed hems of Oikawa’s sleeping-shirt even as Oikawa tangled his in Iwaizumi’s short hair, moaning into Iwaizumi’s mouth.

“We should stop at Tokyu Hands tonight. I want to buy a nice frame for that letter, maybe hang it above our bed,” Oikawa would say later, idly tracing circles along Iwaizumi’s naked side as they lay on their bed, bodies cooling atop the rucked blankets.

“Oi,” Iwaizumi would mutter, turning to face Oikawa, “you don’t have to do that." 

"No,” Oikawa would agree, “But I want to. Hey, Hajime, since we’re here and all, how do you feel about trying the position that haiku earlier suggested?”

Iwaizumi would groan but roll over, pliant under Oikawa’s prodding fingers. “I’m going to regret this.”

Oikawa would laugh, smile brilliant in the dim bedroom. “Maybe, but we’ll never know unless we try, right?”

#fanfic #haikyuu #iwaoi #iwaizumi hajime #oikawa tooru #fluff #established relationship

[codename-bewareofthefangirl]

Can I request AoKawa? Where Ahomine uhm shows his bf to the rest of the gom for the first time? Fluff and comedy please, especially their reactions and faces? Also, totally off topic but I think Kasamatsu and Iwaizumi would get along well, whadaya think? Thank you!!!

YES DEAR! YESYOU CAN ASK IT! THANK YOU FOR IT! *composed herself again* I’ve had a lot offun writing this! Just a few things in case you haven’t read my hc: Kagami goesto the same university as Oikawa and Aomine, but he’s in a different room; he’sthe main reason they didn’t starved to death the first months. Kise is the onewho introduced Aomine and Oikawa to each other; the rest doesn’t know him.

About theKasamatsu thing: YES! I have this absolute love for the idea of a double dateIwaOi + KiKasa (IwaOi is my Canon OTP, AoKawa my Crossover OTP) where Iwaizumiand Kasamatsu bond over how childish and annoying their boyfriends can be,exchanging tips and suggestion to how tame them. (Kasamatsu is still shockedIwaizumi has survived Oikawa from childhood)

Oikawa and The Rainbow Guys

Oikawa and Aomine were strolling in a park not too far from their apartment, bashing in the afternoon sun and comforted by the laughter of children around them. Oikawa was fully covered with different layers of clothes even if it was only October, while the second only wore a light blue jacket over his black hoodie with short sleeves.

“Aren’t you happy we are on a date?” Aomine rolled his eyes, huffing and giving a side-glance to his boyfriend.

Oikawa blinked, wrapped in his warm scarf, and tilted his head confused since he hadn’t complained yet. He was truly happy about the date. Usually, it was always him the one who dragged Aomine outside, after hours of pouting and whining; so, when that early afternoon, the boy had asked him to go out together, Oikawa had risked exploding from the excitement. Yet, that day there was something strange about Aomine’s behavior, but he couldn’t exactly spot what.

“We’re going to play basketball,” Oikawa decided to tease him a bit, with a grin.

“The best kind of date,” Aomine argued, smirking and flicking his forehead.

“I play volleyball,” Oikawa pointed out and the other rolled his eyes again. As if he didn’t know: he humbly thought that there was nothing hotter than his boyfriend setting or serving, but he wasn’t going to say it out loud.

“Still a good date.”

“Well…” Oikawa purred, brushing casually with the head against his shoulder, “It doesn’t feel really date-y like right now…” he alluded childishly, showing him the best puppy eyes he had.

“Yeah, yeah I know,” Aomine growled trying to be annoyed, but his grin betrayed him. Without Oikawa adding anything else, he just grabbed the brunette’s hand and interlaced their fingers.

“Better?” he hummed quietly, looking ahead with the tan skin of his cheeks slightly reddish.

Oikawa giggled, hiding till the nose in the muffler.

“Better,” he agreed satisfied, giving him a fond glance.

Ah, that was it. Aomine was strangely more kind and compliant than usual. Not that he had ever treated Oikawa poorly, but he had rough manners and a blunt personality. And he was like a cat: lazy, unpredictable and spoiled in his own way.

Without Oikawa realizing it, they had arrived at the street basketball court. And, thinking back about it, maybe he should have paid more attention. Because what he was expecting was an afternoon spent goofing around with Aomine, trying to learn how to play, and then end up kissing his boyfriend laying on the court. Well, he was mistaking.

The court was already occupied and, with his great horror, he recognized a giant with flaming red hair and another well-known sparkling blond head. He tried to stop on the spot, his brain quickly realizing what was going to happen, but Aomine mercilessly dragged him inside.

“Dai-chan wai-“ he whispered terrified. He wasn’t ready at all. That coward of a…

“Oi guys!” Aomine shouted to have the attention of the group of rainbow guys there reunited, “Here's my boyfriend. We’re going to play with you,” he announced, raising their linked hands.

… idiot boyfriend.

Oikawa observed horrified the reactions of that group.

Kagami slammed a hand against his forehead, sighing deeply and shaking his head. He really couldn’t believe Aomine had just done something like that.

A green-haired boy froze in the middle of a shoot, goggling at them dumbfounded, and the ball comically bounced on his head.

The violet-haired one with the arms full of food stopped eating, with a candy popping out from his mouth, and blinked at them, caught by surprise.

A redhead stumbled to his feet and looked up at Oikawa with creepy, inquiring eyes.

A cute girl with pink hair started crying, covering her mouth with both hands.

Fuck.

And in the middle of everything, Kise burst into a loud laughter.

“Ki-chan!”  Oikawa yelled at him, on the verge of a hysterical crisis, and the blonde ran towards him with his arms wide open.

“Oikawacchi!” he greeted the brunette cheerfully, jumping on him for a wild hug. Oikawa left Aomine’s hand and caught him, staggering a bit. “How are you?” he asked, bubbling.

“My idiot boyfriend has just introduced me to his former teammates, practically his second family, in the worst way possible. How do you think I am?” he replied in a hiss with a stifled, nervous smile; he was doing his best to not cause a scene or panic publicly.

Kise laughed again, letting him go but still keeping an arm around his shoulder.

“Sorry Oikawacchi!” he chirped grinning, “I didn’t manage to stop him!” he explained giggling, but Oikawa’s glare froze his blood.

“You knew it?” he asked with a dangerously sweet tone, and Kise gulped realizing his mistake, “You’re going to pay for this, Ki-chan, you're going to pay” Oikawa added with a sugarcoated smile that promised hell.

Before that the terrified blonde, he had recently discovered how dangerous Oikawa could be, could answer, Aomine, annoyed, shoved Kise away with a small kick in the back.

“Hands off,” he muttered narrowing his eyes and, on any other occasion Oikawa would have beamed, loving to see his boyfriend getting protective of him, but not now. Now he only wanted to punch Aomine square in the face.

“Hands off, my ass!” he hissed, staring angrily at him, “You didn’t even say my name, you stupid basketball head! Brute! That’s not how you introduce your boyfriend!” he protested with red cheeks, crossing his arms.

Aomine scratched his nape, averting his eyes embarrassed. Damn, he knew Oikawa was going to complain, but it hadn’t been easy for him either. However, he had wanted them to see the real Oikawa, the one he fell for. He knew that if he had told Oikawa about the meeting, he would have prepared himself and built again his charming, polite, composed and perfect façade for the occasion; he would have probably studied them beforehand to be sure to give what he thought it was his best impression. And Aomine couldn’t stand his fake smiles anymore, especially after they had started officially dating. His childish or excited ones were far better.

“Ah yes…” the tanned boy mumbled, noticing how all his friends had started to gather around them, “He’s-”

“Oikawa Tooru, volleyball player. Setter and captain. He had played with Kitagawa Daichi and then Aoba Jousai. Considered the best setter of the Miyagi Prefecture. Currently playing in his university team and training for the Japan Youth Team. Nicknamed The Grand King,” Akashi interrupted him, giving an extremely detailed explanation of who he was.

Oikawa paralyzed, looking at the redhead stunned. Was he a stalker or what?

“Is it normal?” he whispered worriedly at Aomine.

The boy sighed, rubbing his temples. That was exactly why he didn’t want to bring Oikawa with him. Obviously, his former captain didn’t give a damn about that.

“I’m Akashi Seijuurou, former captain of the Generation of Miracles. The Emperor. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” Akashi introduced himself, stretching his hand to Oikawa with a polite smile, “I usually keep track of my friends’ life, however, I had unfortunately missed the most recent…even,” he added, far too interested in the boy.

Something in his tone or his choice of words, ticked off Oikawa’s pride. Straightening a bit and showing his intimidating, captain’ smile, he shook it confidently.

“The pleasure is mine,” he replied smoothly with matching politeness, their eyes both shined dangerously in a way Aomine definitely didn’t like. Emperor and King? Not the best match. Well, at least Oikawa beamed realizing he was taller than Akashi: he was up to the (undefined) challenge.

“Tooru-kun!” the girl who he had seen crying, suddenly throw himself onto Oikawa, who let himself be hugged, without knowing how to react, “I’m so happy to finally know you! Dai-chan always talked on and on about you, but refused to let me meet you! He didn’t send me a photo either! To think he had conquered a good-looking and talented guy like you! Thank you for putting up with him, I know he’s a bother but he’s kind. Deep down,” she complained with an adorable pout, dividing himself from him and showing a bright smile.

“I’m Momoi Satsuki, Dai-chan’s childhood friend.” At her words, finally Oikawa relaxed a bit. Alright, she knew her name and Aomine had talked about her too, so some pieces of the puzzle started getting in their place. A childhood friend, currently living in another city and frequenting an elite university, former manager with freaking skills about analyzing and predicting players’ development, the strategist of the team. Everything was under control. For a moment, Oikawa had feared she was some ex-girlfriend or something similar.

“It’s a pleasure, Momoi-chan!” he chirped happily, glad to finally know a person who held such a special place in his boyfriend’s heart. To be honest, he had wanted to meet all of them from the start, but not like that, okay? Not unprepared, not without having organized what to say and how to introduce himself in the best way, not while wearing his alien t-shirt. What if they didn’t like him and persuaded Aomine he wasn’t worthy? He loved being a drama queen, but he would have liked to avoid Romeo and Juliet’s kind of love story.  

“Talked on and on?” Oikawa then mused at Aomine, raising an eyebrow, and the boy coughed embarrassed, “So sappy!” the brunet mocked him playfully, but feeling a sparkly bubble in his chest. Well, Aomine wasn’t the gossiping or talkative guy: knowing he had talked about him with Momoi was important for Oikawa.

“I didn’t know you were this sappy too, Aomine-kun.” A quiet, sudden voice rose from beside Oikawa, scaring the hell out him.

He screeched, practically jumping into his boyfriend’s arms and Aomine chuckled amusedly at his exaggerated reaction. He was waiting for that from the start.

“Ah, sorry. I’m Kuroko Tetsuya,” The faint, calm guy who had appeared literally from nowhere introduced himself politely, “I’m happy to meet you in person.”

When did he arrive? Was he already there? What the hell?

Oikawa, embarrassed, elbowed Aomine, who was still laughing, and composed himself, shaking Kuroko’s hand with a polite smile. While he was doing that, a sudden thought crossed his mind and he turned to look at Kagami, dumbfounded.

“Tiger-chan! Is he your boyfriend? The ghost player?” he asked excitedly, with starry eyes. Finally!

Aomine scoffed, Kise laughed at hearing “Tiger-chan” and even Kuroko arched his eyebrow with a glint of amusement.

“Yeah, yeah,” Kagami huffed scratching his head, “Happy to see you Oikawa. Again,” he greeted him without enthusiasm. He had seen him only five hours ago when the brunette had busted into his room asking again how to cook curry rice because Aomine was outside and he was hungry. No need to add that, in the end, Kagami had cooked for him.

The guy ignored his exasperation and looked curiously at Kuroko, who returned the stare with the same interest. They only knew each other thanks to the respective boyfriend and friend and wanted to confirm with their own eyes if the other was as amazing as they described it.

“I’m happy that you seem normal, at least,” Oikawa exhaled gladly after some seconds, “Except for the ghost thing.”

“Sorry, they can be overwhelming,” Kuroko nodded, understanding where he came from. As if he wasn’t as crazy as them.

“Ehm, ehm,” the green-haired guy coughed to have Oikawa’s attention and offered his hand, “Midorima Shintarou,” he introduced himself briefly.

“Ah, Oikawa Tooru,” The brunette repeated, tilting slightly his head to the right; if he wasn’t mistaken, Midorima was something like a perfect shooter or…

“I’ve happened to see you playing on TV,” Midorima added, fixing his glass, “You’ve really an amazing aim to serve like that,” he complimented him, stiff and awkward.

Yes, he was definitely the shooter.

“Thank you, Midorima-kun,” Oikawa replied smiling, more relaxed when talking or even just mentioning volleyball.

“So this is Mine-chin’s boyfriend?” the violet giant towered over Oikawa, who shifted uncomfortably. Why they had to be that tall? He really felt like hiding behind Aomine in that moment. He was surrounded by giants.

“Yes. Oikawa Tooru,” he replied stretching out his hand.

The boy ignored it and patted his head.

“So tiny,” he commented before placing in the brunette’s hand a packet of gummy bears, “Eat them. I’m Murasakibara Atsushi,” he said expressionlessly.

Oikawa gritted his teeth, clenching his fist around the gift and with a vein popping on his forehead, and smirked surrounded by a menacing aura.

“Dai-chan, is your friend picking a fight? Is he?” he hissed with a dangerous glint in his eyes and Aomine hurried to wrap an arm around his waist to keep him calm.

“H-he isn’t. Calm down,” he huffed, trying to conceal his amusement, but Oikawa knew him too well.

“I’m not short, it is you guys who are monsters!” he pouted at him, puffing out his cheeks.

“Yeah, yeah,” Aomine smirked, proud of being taller than him, “Sure.”

Murasakibara just gave him a pitying glance.

Midorima, Kagami and Kise exchanged a guilty look. Well, he was shorter than them…

“I agree with Oikawa-kun,” Kuroko commented coldly, shooting what Oikawa thought it was a glare at Kagami, who shivered.

 “Same,” Akashi sighed, crossing his arms, and Oikawa beamed up.

“See?” The brunet taunted his boyfriend, lifting the chin, “Listen to your Captain, Dai-chan,” he singsonged mischievously.

Aomine grinned, tightening the hold around his waist and pulling him closer.

“Now you team up with him?” he purred in his low, deep voice; his hungry eyes lingered on Oikawa’s lips a second too much.

“Please, guys! Take a room!” Kise howled at them, smirking, and Kagami snorted.

Aomine rolled his eyes letting Oikawa distance himself a bit, with flushed cheeks. The brunette still managed to glare at the blonde. Oh, Kise was gonna pay for everything. However, seeing Midorima’s embarrassed expression and Momoi, Kuroko and Akashi’s definitely too curious and interested ones, he decided to postpone the kiss. It would have been like doing it in front of your cousins or brothers, no? And to be honest, those three seemed ready to take photos of the two of them like some sort of scary aunts.

“Okay, okay,” Aomine grumbled annoyed, deciding he had enough for that day, “The show is finished. You’ve met him and embarrassed us, happy? We can move on,” he growled, letting the boy go and taking off his jacket. Oikawa instinctively stared at the defined muscles of his tanned arm, blessing that black hoodie, but quickly averted his eyes when he heard Kise chuckling.

“Eh?” Momoi whined disappointed, “But I wanted to ask him a lot of things! The first encounter! How did you met, the first kiss…” she listed with heart-shaped eyes, but Aomine snorted pushing, gently, her way.

“Not now Satsuki,” he interrupted her, “We’re here to play," he reminded all of them, a sort of hunger in his tone. At his words, all the guys brightened up and returned on the court, joking with each other and discussing the teams with flames in their eyes.

“Ready?” then Aomine asked Oikawa, ignoring the pouting Momoi who went to sit on the border.

The brunette blinked and pointed a finger at himself.

“Me?”

“Yes,” Aomine stated firmly, before unzipping his boyfriend’s jacket and taking it off for him since he didn’t seem inclined to do it by himself; he also took off the scarf and the gummy bears from his hands, throwing everything on the ground beside Momoi. That got Oikawa glaring at him, but briefly, since he had a more compelling problem.

“Basketball. With the Generation of Miracles,” Oikawa articulated slowly, his brown eyes wide with surprise, “A group of monstrously talented players, half of them a whole head taller than me.”

“Yes,” His boyfriend repeated in a grunt, pinching his nose.

“I play volleyball. Setter, remember?” He shook his head, incredulous, gesturing at his body, “I can’t keep up with you guys,” he sighed dismissing his offer with a hand.

“We’ve already played together. You’re not bad for an amateur.” Aomine shrugged, without any intention to surrender. Even if he wasn’t going to admit it aloud, he liked playing with Oikawa. A different type of “like” from when he played matches or against Kagami or Kise, but still “like”. A bubbling, warm “like”.

“I know,” Oikawa scoffed proudly, aware that being complimented by Aomine regarding basketball was more worthy than any other praise, “I’m better than you playing volleyball, at least," he grinned, making him roll his eyes. He couldn’t argue with that.

“Come on! Oikawa!” Kagami yelled from the court, already a ball in his hands, but the brunette stuck out his tongue at him.

“Next time, we’re going to play volleyball,” Aomine conceded to bribe him, knowing how much Oikawa wanted it, “Or are you too scared of losing?” he challenged, lifting Oikawa’s chin with a finger. He grimaced averting his eyes.

“I don’t like don’t being good,” he admitted proudly and Aomine chuckled. Yeah, he knew Oikawa hated not being perfect at everything he did, but they we working on it. He needed to relax and enjoy himself more: dorky, clumsy Oikawa was the best. Except for volleyball player Oikawa.

“Don’t worry, idiot!” Aomine reassured him, flashing him a rare, bright and excited smile, “You’re playing with me. The only one who can beat me is me,” he reminded him playfully, before grabbing his wrist and dragging him towards the other rainbow guys.

“We’re going to win for sure!”

And damn, Oikawa could only follow him love-struck. He really couldn’t resist that smile at all.

#Aomine Daiki #aomine #Oikawa Tooru #oikawa #aomine x oikawa #AoKawa #kagami taiga #shintarou midorima #kise ryouta #murasakibara atsushi #akashi seijūrō #kuroko tetsuya #momoi satsuki #kiseki no sedai #MiraGen #Oikawa and The Rainbow Guys #oikawa x MiraGen #fluff #romantic #comedy #First Meetings #meeting the family #funny #aomine is sly #oikawa is flustered #kagami needs a break #akashi is competutive #bubblegum duo #Kise&Oikawa

[its-love-u-asshole]

I Search Through the Crowd [fic]

Pairing: Oikawa Tooru/Iwaizumi Hajime

Rating: T

Summary: It wasn't uncommon to believe in reincarnation, most people did, but it wasn't some flippant thing. Only people with the strongest of bonds were reincarnated, or so legend put it. Hajime could be dense sometimes, but he didn't miss the meaning Tooru was trying to convey. "I'll find you."

Ao3 Version

My first iwaoi fic and it’s reincarnated lovers lol why did I do this? I’m really happy and excited to post this though, I love these two! Thanks to @emeraldwaves for reading this over and being supportive while I was writing it <3 Comments are always appreciated, enjoy!

The sounds of the fountain were peaceful, the outdoor atmosphere a welcome change. It was too bad Tooru always felt the need to ruin such moments. "Do you think in our next life, you'll still be this bossy?"

Hajime kicked him.

Tooru winced dramatically, trying to conceal a smirk and failing miserably. Hajime kicked him again. "Ow! Iwa-chan! I'm going to report you!"

"Yeah, yeah, I've heard it all before. No one else is willing to look after you, so good luck finding a new guard."

Tooru gasped in mock hurt, a bejeweled hand flying to his chest. "How could you say such lies, you love me!"

Hajime knew it was the truth, but like hell he was going to say that. At least, not in their current situation.

It was night time, but the palace was still glowing and lively, and Hajime could hear boisterous laughter and music raining down from the many balconies above them. Parties were common, and all members of the royal family were expected to attend.

Hajime's eye twitched, and he directed another glare over to his aloof companion, and questioned why the love of his life had to be so stupid.

Oikawa Tooru was the crown prince, only a few months away from his nineteenth year, and yet he still insisted on behaving like a child.

It was cute sometimes, even a bit endearing, how Tooru preferred to stargaze and stroll about the vast castle gardens instead of entertaining foreign ambassadors and potential wives. Yet, from a professional standpoint...it was a huge pain in his ass.

Iwaizumi Hajime was the designated royal guard to the prince, and the prince alone. It was his job to keep Tooru safe, and he was the obvious first choice. He was the strongest of his class, his skills and strength renowned throughout the kingdom. That's what everyone's logic was, but if Hajime was being truthful, he knew the only reason he'd been picked instantly was due to his close friendship with the prince himself. His mother had been the queen's seamstress, and he'd gotten to play with Tooru as a child every day. They were best friends, Hajime didn't need a share of coins to want to look after him.

But right now...

"Hey! We should really go back, your father is going to be furious if he knows you skipped out...and that I went along with it!" Hajime was pacing, tensing whenever people wandered drunkenly out to the balcony, praying they wouldn't be seen. All the while, Tooru kicked his legs in the fountain, having the time of his damn life. "You're the worst..."

"Come on Iwa-chan, live a little! We sneak out all the time for worse stuff than walks..." The indecent leer spoke volumes, and Hajime short circuited for just a minute with pleasant memories, before his servile brain kicked back in.

"Not in the middle of a ball Tooru."

"Details."

Hajime sighed, because deep down, he knew he couldn’t win. It wasn’t even from an occupational standpoint. It was true, he couldn’t disobey or force the prince to do anything, only had to follow him wherever he went, but that was whatever, since Hajime would gladly do that regardless. No, it was because he knew he'd give in to Tooru, like he always did, and man, love was messed up.

The other must've sensed his own victory, because he started to splash his feet a bit louder, grinning openly as Hajime sat next him in defeat.

Hajime hated how much he loved him, yet he wouldn't give it away for anything. The moonlight was hitting Tooru's face just right, illuminating his peachy skin and drawing Hajime's attention to the darkness of his brown eyes, soft and alluring, giving away emotions only Hajime was allowed to see.

Love. Fondness. Devotion.

He loved how Tooru looked at him. His fingers itched to reach up, tuck the soft curls back from Tooru's face, feel the soft skin and kiss his cheeks.

But the laughter from above stopped him, and he sat back, putting a measurable distance between them. It still may not have been safe enough.

He put a hand up to stop Tooru from leaning in to chase him, and the other pouted. Baby.

Hajime's amusement subsided quickly though, replaced by his usual seriousness. It was unheard of, scandalous even, for a servant to be caught acting inappropriately with the prince. It was grounds for exile, maybe even death. He couldn't be careless. Especially not with Tooru's matchmaking ceremony coming up so soon...

The thought made his gut twist, but he reminded himself that nothing was guaranteed. Tooru would be forced to socialize with some potential princesses for a few hours, and then he'd simply decline them all, and he'd be back in Hajime's arms by supper.

Hajime had long since let go of any insecurity about the subject, Tooru had stomped on them all years ago.

"You're the only one I want."

His fingers itched again, and he scooted back further.

The air between them was calm, the sounds of crickets and rustling of leaves the only backdrop to the atmosphere around them, with the occasional voice from above. They really should've been heading back...

"You didn't answer my question."

Tooru's soft tone startled him more than it should've, considering he'd fought in legitimate battles and participated in royal hunts, but at least no one was there to see him flinch.

"Huh?"

"My question...about our next life." Tooru brought his knees up to cover the bright smile on his face, and Hajime could see the giddiness, could feel it himself.

Really...

The words still did something funny to his stomach though, despite how ridiculous it was. Our next life.

It wasn't uncommon to believe in reincarnation, most people did, but it wasn't some flippant thing. Only people with the strongest of bonds were reincarnated, or so legend put it. Hajime could be dense sometimes, but he didn't miss the meaning Tooru was trying to convey. But then again, Tooru was known for messing with him.

"You...you shouldn't take those things so lightly..." It was like Tooru to play around, and Hajime gave a strained laugh as looked away for a while, eventually returning his eyes to his prince.

Hajime froze when he saw Tooru's expression. His face was set, like stone, as if he were in a strategy meeting or discussing life threatening situations. Serious, sure. "I would never."

Oh no...

Those eyes could've swallowed him whole.

It was such a Tooru phrase really, 'I would never,' but it was all business this time, heavy and certain. He wasn't joking. Hajime moved back more, lest he tackle the other from the random desire which surged through him. "You have no way of know--"

"Yes I do." Hajime didn't miss the tremble in Tooru's normally confident tone. Hajime would love to argue, he really would, but Gods, Tooru spoke with such conviction sometimes, it was hard. "I love you. I'm going to be with you again."

He said it like it was a fact. There was no room for dispute, and Hajime's hands gripped the stone of the fountain, keeping himself still. What was he going to argue again? Right, nothing, because part of him felt the same. In a way, it made him laugh, and he snorted into his palm. "Of course one life wouldn't be enough for you..."

It didn't have the desired effect, but what he got was pleasing all the same. Tooru smiled, smug and affectionate all at once. "As if you wouldn't want unlimited lives with me either, I'm a gem."

Hajime snorted louder.

"Mean!"

"Well, you don't exactly get to decide how many lives you get my dea--my prince." Fuck, almost slipped up.

"Yeah, yeah, all that full name crap. You know what I mean!" Tooru's eyes were way too bright, too believing in a system he'd just openly mocked.

"How is it crap? It's just how it goes, you're the one who brought it up all cheery and shit," Hajime scolded, laughter subsiding. In most legends, people could be reincarnated as many as a hundred times, and in as little as three, assuming a new identity and new life each time. The only indication of someone's last cycle, was if they were born with their first life's full name once more. Simple.

"You don't believe?"

The question caught Hajime a bit off guard. Did he? Most people did, and there wasn't exactly evidence against it. He'd never been one to think about that stuff though, never had a reason to...

"I love you. I'm going to be with you again."

Ah, but there was that. Hajime looked back at Tooru, and the smile he got destroyed him. He thought of how he wanted to reach forward and hold him forever, talk to him all day, how he always felt the need to protect him and hear his voice. On their days off, the sunlight faded fast, but their conversations would never get shorter. He'd go as far as to sneak into Tooru's chambers at night, steal kisses and hushed sighs of pleasure, or sometimes simply exchange stories and jokes, trying to soak the other up as much as he could. Would there ever be enough time with Tooru?

It certainly didn't feel like it.

The party above them seemed to be dying down, and Hajime looked up to watch as a few hall lanterns were extinguished, signaling the retiring of older members of the family. It was his queue to escort Tooru back.

Tooru seemed to realize it too, standing up with a whine of displeasure, the silky embroidered robes falling perfectly around him. His crown was lopsided, but Hajime made no move to fix it. He couldn't touch Tooru right now, not when he felt such a surge of adoration.

"I should take you back." Hajime's voice had lost the usual gruffness, barely a whisper now.

"Will you stay with me?" Tooru strode towards him, letting their palms brush together ever so subtly, and Hajime couldn't resist.

Already, the thought of Tooru's soft sheets and warm body wrapped around him sounded all too amazing.

"Always."

--

Smoke is ugly. That was all Tooru could manage to think. He didn’t have anything profound to say about why or how the thick cloud enveloped everything, poisoned everything, making his eyes water and burn as he ran from the plumes. Smoke was hideous, the fire which came with it would spread with intent to destroy, and it was currently reaching success.

All this for what? Because he loved someone who was his servant, and the kingdom of his betrothed didn’t take it well. Tooru might’ve laughed bitterly, if he had it in him. All the destruction and violence, just because he loved Hajime.

He didn’t know if his flood of tears down his face were from the smoke or his own emotions, the pain of it all crashing down on him like strikes from a whip, but it didn’t matter. He ran, ran as fast as his long, bruised legs could carry him, clutching the hand which was leading him through the chaos for dear life. He coughed loudly, jostled several times by people running past him in a frenzy to escape the palace, his home.

Except it didn’t feel like his home anymore. The usual serenity was replaced with the screams and cries of servants and aristocrats, with the sound of heirlooms and treasured items being flung to the floor as fire crackled in the distance. His home was gone. He’d watched the surrounding gardens burn before the mob had broken through, his eyes unable to tear away from the sickening sight while the vibrant trees and foliage turned to a crisp. The array of bright colors, the fruits and flowers which grew on the very edges of the kingdom and beyond…the fountains where he’d pretend he could catch fish…it was all gone.

He hadn’t wanted to leave, hadn’t wanted to submit and be chased out of the place he was raised, the place he’d learned and loved. He didn’t want to die here.

He tripped, falling onto all fours on the blood and dirt stained floor, and vaguely he could hear screams from somewhere behind him. The intruders had broken through the last door.

He was crying more, begging his body to stand. He didn’t want this, he wanted to live. He wanted to be with—

Two, strong hands cupped his face, and soon his love was kneeling in front of him hastily, and the world around him was drowned out a little. Tooru blinked, the tears making everything blurry as Hajime’s voice faded in and out of his ears. It was too loud around them, too much. He wanted it to be just the two of them, back in bed just as they had been this morning. Maybe this was all one big nightmare. The sounds of swords clashing and more cries reminded him that they were not so fortunate. Tooru couldn’t fight the voice in his head which told him it was all his fault, he’d failed to protect them, he and Hajime. Tooru had failed to keep his partner safe, regardless of his princely status. He wanted to protect Hajime too, and he'd been unsuccessful. It was almost more sickening than the smoke.

Hajime spoke again, more forcefully, and Tooru listened like his life depended on it. It probably did.

“Tooru! D-dearest, you…” Hajime’s control was slipping, his emotions giving into desperation. Tooru could always tell when the other was crumbling, because it was rare, and it was terrifying this time. Hajime only defaulted to such intimate terms when he couldn’t handle something anymore, when he needed him, but Tooru didn’t know if he’d be able to reach out and help. Not this time. Hajime was always the strong stoic one, the one who was calm and put together when times called for it. Seeing him like this made Tooru’s heart sink.

More sobs wracked his frame, and he wasn’t used to feeling this pathetic and powerless. He hated it, hated being stripped of his whole being. His usual strategic, intimidating nature was gone, leaving him as a husk on the ground of his burning palace. His prestige, his name, his status…it was being reduced to nothing but rubble.

I don’t care anymore. I just want…

“I only want to be with you.”

He’d told Hajime that on the eve of his fifteenth year, and it rang true now more than ever.

Right, despite his world falling apart around him, he hadn’t lost everything. Tooru focused on Hajime’s face, staring into the gray eyes, the only smokiness which he’d gladly be consumed by, and realized how much they truly encompassed all the amazing parts of Tooru’s life. In those eyes he could see playing in the foyer as a child, catching bugs in the garden, first kisses as a teenager…

All of his fondest moments began with the other, it wasn’t possible to search for a memory, and not bump into his best friend. Hajime had been with him through it all, the other’s love and presence would be ingrained in Tooru’s bones until he met his end, and probably until his body turned to dust and he was nothing more than one of history’s casualties.

That was enough for him, having Hajime for as long as he could. But…

He tried to stand, his knee quaking under the stress, and he collapsed again, peering into Hajime’s eyes helplessly. Coupled with the exhaustion, he’d managed to bump his knee pretty badly amidst all the turmoil.

No. No, no! Get up!

His body fought him, but he kept fighting, seething in helpless frustration when his limbs wouldn’t obey.

“H-Hajime…I’m so tired, I-I don’t know…” Tooru’s words came out in a hopeless gasp, but nonetheless he was letting Hajime hoist him up and back onto his feet. The other’s hands combed through his hair, and Tooru relished in it, taking in the feel of those rough hands performing such a gentle action, because he knew it would be the last time. The metallic smell from working with iron weapons, the stench of armor polish and bathing oils…Hajime’s scent, it was his only comfort, and he breathed in greedily, afraid that soon the smoke would return to clog his lungs and sinuses.

Tooru reached up to grasp the hand on his cheek, trying to push forward finally, anything to get them away from here.

“I know, but you have to keep going, you have to stay with me okay? I-if you don’t keep up I’ll kick you…” Tooru could almost laugh. In the midst of it all, Hajime’s childish threats still prevailed. Tooru wished he had the capacity to whine and complain like usual, as if it was all okay again.

Hajime tightened his grip on Tooru’s hand as he pushed them through the halls, trying to get away from the sounds of panic from a few rooms down.

They’re so close…

The thought filled him with dread. Still, he pressed on, as fast as he could, allowing Hajime to lead him, just like when they were kids. If Tooru imagined hard enough, he could picture all the days on the shore, whining as Hajime dragged him by the hand into the ocean to play, the screams of pain around him replaced with their carefree laughter.

What a useless attempt.

He could smell it again, the ash, and soon there was a cloud of blackness which began to fill the halls.

Tooru knew then, in that moment, that the fear of smoke and fire would never leave him. It had taken all he cared about, and now he could only desperately hang onto the most important person he had, the last one left.

He fought the tears as they rounded a corner, eventually leading them to a dead end hallway. Or, so it seemed. In a rush, Hajime flung the tapestry on the wall to the side, revealing the cellar door. Hajime looked at him then, pain and frustration evident in his eyes.

The cellar wasn’t a secret. Anyone with plans of the palace would know it was there, any servant could be bribed to give up the location. This was their only choice, not even a hope. If they went in there, they would die, if they stayed out in the palace or tried to escape the same way they’d come, they’d die.

The one thing which compelled him into the dark, damp space, which pushed him to keep going in the face of inevitable death, was the fact that he’d get to live just a few more moments with Hajime. It would never be enough though, he realized. Cruel.

“I want to be with you forever though!”

He’d said it when he was nothing more than a child, but his feelings hadn’t changed.

Shutting the door quickly, Hajime led them down the stairs into a small pocket of earth, a hole which had either eroded away or had been neglected by the constructors of the cellar. It didn’t matter anymore. They huddled there, their long limbs cramped and barely fitting into the space.

Tooru’s breathing was harsh and rapid, and all he could do was wrap his arms around Hajime’s chest and let out all the emotions, all the panic and anxiety which was welling up inside him. The other held him tightly, and it didn’t take long for Tooru to realize that he wasn’t the only one shaking.

That’s where they waited. They didn’t talk, only drank in the smell and feel of the other in their arms, never wanting it to end. Hajime would tense every now and again, a warrior until the end as he glared in the direction of the cellar door, poised to attack. He was afraid though, Tooru could tell from the heavy sweat on his brow, the subtle tremble to his lips.

“You swore to protect me right?” Tooru said frivolously one afternoon as they strolled about the gardens. “That’s what the royal bodyguard is for! Right?”

Hajime hadn’t looked at him, fixing a scowl at the ground as he elbowed Tooru in the side. “Hey--!”

“Idiot, I don’t need a title or an oath to want to protect you.”

Tooru’s grip tightened around Hajime, and the other looked at him again, confused and…lost. They stared at each other, too many words unspoken between them, but Tooru could feel his own reflected back in that gaze, and he was more terrified than ever in that one moment.

“Hajime…I don’t want—” Tooru flinched when his head was jerked upwards, held by Hajime’s warm palms as the other glared.

“Shut up! You’re not going to die here—”

Tooru felt the last vestiges of rage inside him flare up, and damn all the intruders, the mob which was surely looking for him, he’d yell if he had to. “Don’t lie to me! You said you’d never lie to me!”

You know what’s going to happen!

Hajime froze, stunned, but Tooru didn’t back down, his voice dropping to a pathetic whisper as the final crash of reality trapped him in his early grave when the sounds of footsteps increased above them. “I don’t care about dying…I…I care about not seeing you again!”

Hajime’s face contorted in a way Tooru had never seen before. The other was rarely emotional, and by Gods, Tooru wished more than anything that he’d gotten to see such a display in a different context. He would’ve grinned, or maybe teased, but now he felt like doing neither. He dove back into the circle of Hajime’s arms, pulling the other closer, and waited.

It had felt like hours, listening to the slams and crashes from above, but really, it must’ve only been about ten minutes before there were shouts at the cellar door. Tooru flinched at the first hit to the weak iron.

Hajime practically growled in response, body ready to spring into action, like he wouldn’t go down without some sort of fight. Tooru sobbed in anguish and panic, backing up until his back hit the wall of the crevice, and then it dawned on him that this was it.

He could fight back just the same, but it would be for nothing.

His eye’s caught Hajime’s one last time, and then the door was broken down in a deafening crash of metal and stone.

In the blink of an eye, Hajime pulled Tooru until they were face to face, foreheads brushing together as the sound of footsteps trampled down the stairs and right towards them.

“Tooru—”

“I love you.” They said it at the same time, for the last time, and Tooru pulled Hajime close, crushing him with all the strength he had.

Hajime kissed the side of his face desperately, before leaving Tooru with his final words.

“I’m always going to find you. Tooru, don’t forget that! Okay? I’ll find you.”

And then there was the smoke again, and Tooru felt nothing but the sting.

--

The first cycle was far too short for his tastes.

Like, way too short, and looking back, it might not have been worth it to most people, putting in all that energy and effort for a measly few hours, if that.

Still...

Tooru's feet pounded against the dirt of the shoddy path, his knee aching in complaint as he ran with as much speed as he could, not caring one bit as the world blurred past him. In that moment, he would've ran forever if that's what it took. Who cared if he couldn't walk anymore after this? Or if he'd be labeled as a burden? None of it mattered. The fresh late afternoon air filled his lungs as he ran towards the outskirts of the village, narrowly avoiding trees and some of the village workers who were tending to crops. He muttered half-assed apologies to the people he bumped and swerved past, his eyes homed in on one thing and one thing only; the house on the edge of the fields.

He was in his twentieth year in this cycle.

His feet were aching now, begging for him to stop, but the door was so close...

Tooru had spent a good few years traveling throughout the country once he became of age, searching every settlement, sending messages and leaving carvings and evidence that he existed every chance he could. He sailed when he could, walked when he had to, ran when he thought he was close. All that for the singular desire for Hajime. Hajime, I'm here. Find me.

That had been in his mind ever since he'd been born into this new time, learning new things, speaking a new language and having a completely different life. Hajime. That's who he wanted to see. No matter where they were or how different things were, if he could find Hajime it didn't matter.

With that in mind, like hell was Tooru going to just wait to be found. Not in a million years.

So, he'd looked.

And looked.

And looked some more. Tooru had checked everywhere, asked local rulers, hell, he'd even tried getting information out of clans who weren't so keen on helping. He didn't care what it took, he was finding the other. The area...the world in which they existed in now was a lot different from before, and he had a whole new set of memories, of lessons and family members, but Hajime was constant. Hajime, he remembered him so clearly it was impossible to ignore. As if he'd want to. So, he kept searching.

And then it had happened, he'd been on the verge of losing hope, trying to hold in his frustrated tears as he traded away some goods for warmer clothes as winter approached, and he'd heard it.

"...Hajime from the eastern fields, quite the legend. Supposedly quite strong and..."

Tooru hadn't waited to hear the rest, he'd cut them off, asking on the fastest route to the eastern plains from the trading post, and he'd set off.

It was far. He'd had to take some risks, travel tough terrain by himself, but he was never one to give up. There had been a lot of close calls, and he'd be sure to whine Hajime's ear off about every single one later. Not to mention, next time they'd definitely need a better plan than this. What was Hajime even thinking? "I'll find you," he'd said. Ha.

Tooru grinned brightly, he couldn't wait to brag about how he'd found Hajime first, he definitely would owe him something.

Like kisses. And a hug. Like...an eternal hug.

Tooru could feel the tears prickling in his eyes as he threw the wooden door open, not bothering to announce himself or follow customs. This was where Hajime lived, this was where--

Tooru froze as he noticed the old cot in the corner of the room, his heart doing the amazing thing where it drops and twists all at once. His breathing was probably louder than the wind outside, but he couldn't hear anything.

Those surprised, beautiful gray eyes met his, and it was instantaneous. Tooru wouldn't have called it a spark, but it was just as exhilarating. The relief which swept over his soul was immense, as if it had finally found what had been pulling at it all his life. A promise finally fulfilled.

The happiness though, no matter how consuming, was mixed with a painful realization, and Tooru hadn't even realized he'd fallen to his knees until the tears from his eyes hit the skin there.

Hajime's face softened, the wrinkles on his forehead fading a bit as he smiled fondly, no, apologetically, and it broke Tooru's heart even more.

"Tooru...there you are," Hajime breathed out, his voice deep and worn, but the nature of it was the same, rough but sure, and most of all loving. Tooru surged up with newfound energy, falling to the floor by the cot and grabbing Hajime's wrinkled hand so tight he was worried it would break. Hajime didn't pull away.

It was here that Tooru realized that the universe was indifferent to him. He's wasn't royalty like before, the world didn't work for him and certainly wouldn't accommodate him. The universe would give him his second chances, he was born again, and maybe he'd be born again next time too, living in a new place in a new time. But even with that chance, he realized Hajime wasn't always going to be a guarantee.

Tooru clutched the old man's hand even harder, the angry tears falling without care. Hajime always said he was the ugliest crier. His snot would drain from his nose and the tears wouldn't stop, and the rough sobs would shake his whole body.

Tooru looked up at the other desperately, because for once, he didn't have the answer. He didn't know what to do. What was there to do? Hajime's eyes glistened sadly, probably realizing the same thing, but he held his composure for Tooru's sake.

I'm sorry.

Tooru could see the apology in Hajime's expression, even though none of this was either of their faults. Regardless, Tooru felt like yelling.

They couldn't control how this worked, they could only hope for the best. Tooru hated when he couldn't manipulate things for himself, hated feeling hopeless. It wasn't like he could do much though. Tooru just buried his face in the other's chest, finally noticing that the other was shaking too.

Tooru wasn't used to feeling this lost, and he wept without care, the struggle between being pathetic and relieved waging a war inside him. After all, Hajime was here. After all the years and yearning, he'd found him, and yet they couldn't be together.

Cruel.

After an agonizingly long string of moments, their sobs and labored breathing calmed a bit, and Tooru dared to pull back and steal a glance at Hajime's face.

His skin was sagging a bit, his hair thinning and gray. He looked toil worn, his fingers a bit twisted from an obviously high amount of labor in his youth, and Tooru vaguely remembered the men from the trading post calling him a 'legend.'

Huh, so that's what they meant. How unfair.

He sniffed again, trying to maintain eye contact while he held back the emotions, but Hajime could see right through him, it was both annoying and heartwarming. The other met the stare, chuckling sadly as he brushed a stray piece of hair out of Tooru's swollen eyes. "I guess...this is why I could never find you. So young..."

Tooru shook his head, smiling ruefully. This was all so messed up. "To think I missed your rise to fame...you're such a tiny old man Hajime. Well, you were always shorter than me but..." His voice cracked on the word 'old,' and he cursed himself.

He received a surprisingly strong smack on the head for the comment, and it almost felt like everything was normal. Tooru knew he'd be waiting a long time before they actually were.

"We've been reincarnated once and you think you're going to be taller every time? Ch' don't get cocky." Hajime's voice was scolding, but his face his kind, and Tooru kept crying.

"I can't help it with you, you brute."

Hajime looked like he was about to reply, but a violent cough rocked him, and Tooru stood quickly to help him sit up, worry coursing through him. It was then that he noticed Hajime's many bandages and healing oils by the bed, and he finally thought that his love looked a bit pale and sickly, even for an old man.

Tooru understood at once, why Hajime was secluded outside of town, why he was in a house alone on a bed with the door open. Tooru understood, but it felt like a slap nonetheless.

"Don't...don't look at me like that..." Hajime said between wheezes, and Tooru glared. All at once he felt enraged, enraged because he'd wasted so much time. If he'd found Hajime sooner, they could've talked more, reminisced more, and Tooru wouldn't be standing here watching him practically wither away. He grit his teeth.

"You sound terrible...if I had gotten here sooner--"

"Then what?" Hajime's tone was surprisingly sharp for how weak the man actually was, and Tooru startled. He was instantly reminded of his first life, of him messing around in the ballroom and Hajime yelling at him for being ill-mannered or reckless. It's all too familiar, and it stung. "I'm dying either way! I've lived my life, it's over! What could you have done? What use would there have been for you to--"

"Shut up! I would've been able to be here with you! Talking to you...I don't care for how long..." Tooru wanted to yell more, because well, he was as angry as the Gods. How could Hajime say that? Tooru didn't care that the other was practically on his deathbed waiting for people to come pick him up and bury him for good, Tooru had traveled and starved and wandered just to see him, for no matter how long that would be. "You really don't know anything!"

It was Hajime's turn to gape, and Tooru didn't feel the least bit triumphant. It was the worst.

They were quiet for a long time, and Tooru finally sat down on the edge of the cot, eyes hidden and face set in a grimace. Really, he shouldn't have been arguing...

The universe had dealt him a cruel hand this time, but he'd gotten to see Hajime at least. He shouldn't have been wasting that time, since they seemed to never have enough.

Hajime's hand covered his in the next moment, as if to mirror the thought, and Tooru glanced up desperately. There was an apology in those eyes again, but it didn't feel rewarding.

"Tooru...I'm sorr--"

"I am too, but it's not exactly our fault is it?" Tooru blurted it out, trying to rush the tenseness of the moment along because at this point, it wasn't worth it. Tooru closed his eyes, mentally keeping track of it all. In their first life, they'd gotten to be beside each other for thirteen years, and now in the second...

Tooru tried not to grimace coldly, and he was pretty sure it turned into a pout. "So stupid. I never get to live a full life with Hajime..." He said it mostly to himself, but the grip on his arm tightened, and Tooru's gaze flew up to the other's instinctively. Ah, and there it was again, his soul's recognition of its other half.

Hajime blinked, his face seemingly fighting between looking hopeless and amused at Tooru's expression, and then he was laughing again, small and comforting before it turned into another coughing fit. It was an ugly sound, and Tooru didn't know how to cope with it. He winced and clutched tighter, because it was all he could do. Useless.

Tooru wasn't used to it really, seeing Hajime so weak. He bit back a sob, going back to his previous thoughts. He'd never lived a full life with Hajime, but they were only two in, and when he looked at it that way, it softened the vice grip on his heart.

Or, that's what he told himself.

It quieted down again as Hajime's coughs died off, and they sat there, processing it all. The sun was setting outside Tooru realized, and it was more ominous than it should've been. Never before had he hated the sunset so much. He realized it was nearing the end, and he still had so much to go over with the other, he almost didn't know where to begin, that was, until Hajime handed him something. Tooru looked down, puzzled as the wrinkled fingertips wrapped around his own, placing the object there shakily. Tooru's breath caught, and never mind what he'd said, the vice hadn't let up in the least bit.

Hajime watched him as he clutched the necklace, unspoken words of affection floating in the air between them.

It was a river stone, a nice one, sparkling and astonishingly similar to Hajime's eye color. It didn't beat the real thing of course, but it would stay with Tooru for the rest of this life, keeping him grounded since Hajime couldn't. He held it like a lifeline. When Tooru raised his head up, Hajime's gaze was terrifyingly determined, and Tooru's heart was racing once again.

"This isn't the last time. Not by a long shot." Tooru's hands were white around the stone as Hajime shifted, lying back down with a groan as his body sagged against the cot from exhaustion. "I'm going to--"

"You're going to find me. I know," Tooru replied with a teasing smile, but his voice was barely above a whisper. "Hm, unless I find you first. I did this time you know." The tears were prickling again when Hajime grinned at him, and Tooru didn't resist the urge to lay down in the cot as well, being mindful to not crush the other.

When he felt a familiar hand curl in his hair, he closed his eyes and thought of a past time, one where they were both young and spry and together.

"Well, you're on then."

They talked for a few hours about the past, about this life and the experiences they'd had and about how much they missed each other. They theorized about what it would be like next time, and Tooru tried not to cry while he pictured the rest of this time alone.

After a while, Hajime's voice became weaker at first. Then, it began to trail off slowly, and Tooru's being felt like it was being strangled, robbed of life as Hajime was.

All the while Tooru held the stone, and tried to beg the universe to take pity on him next time.

Hajime passed away by nightfall, and Tooru was gone before daybreak.

--

Lives came and went, but a few managed to stick out from time to time, for better or worse. Tooru was not pleased when in the second cycle, they both found each other at the same age again, but they were now both old and wrinkly. Tooru whined all day, and Hajime never let go of his hand as they lived out the rest of their days in a healing wing.

Next time, they'd said.

Then Tooru was forced to be a goddamn flower arranger for the ruling class, and while he got to travel around a lot, he'd never found Hajime. It was lonely, and he'd never chosen to romantically involve himself with anyone else in either life. What was the point? It would be unfair. His heart had been claimed, there was no use. He'd died alone that life, but it hadn't been all bad. He'd managed to plant large amounts of Epiphyllum oxypetalum everywhere he went. It was nerdy of him, calling them by such a technical name, but it was his job at the time. When he'd been but a young child prince, he'd called them lunar bloomers, much to the amusement of his best friend. It didn't matter what they were called in the end, they were important, and they were a comfort he greatly needed, being able to look at the flowers Hajime had helped him tend to as children in the sprawling palace garden from a time long forgotten.

--

The cycles had gone by pretty fast after the first, but Hajime still felt as if he was constantly restless. Every time he became old enough to make sense of his memories and remember Tooru, he was thirteen or so, and he was stuck waiting for the day when he could begin searching.

No way was he going to let his smug lover have the privilege of winning again.

It didn't go according to plan most times, and it pissed him off more than anything. For example, one cycle, Hajime couldn't seem to find the other anywhere, and his family was strict and rooted in rules, basically making it impossible to venture outside of the country. Tooru could've been halfway across the globe or two hours away, he never knew. It was more painful than anything, not being able to find him, to slowly reach his seventies and eighties without the other by his side. Another cycle, failed.

And those were the ones where Hajime was reincarnated in the first place.

The drink he was nursing tasted more bitter than usual at the thought. Hajime swallowed thickly as he remembered the third cycle, floating in limbo while he had to watch Tooru live out his life, searching for someone who he'd never find, succumbing to loneliness. That cycle had changed Hajime. Never before had he felt so hopeless. He longed for Tooru every moment he was without him, and not being able to remedy that, or much less attempt it, had been soul crushing. Watching Tooru cry by himself, thrive by himself, and die alone with those flowers by his bedside...Hajime had never felt so cross about something. He should've been there to catch the tears, to cheer him on, to love him until his last breath. He would never complain about being an old man again, that was for sure.

When he came back the cycle after that, he begged for Tooru to be there too.

Luckily, Tooru wasn't the hardest to find in most cases. Regardless of how his appearance changed, he was never ugly. Quite the opposite. He was annoyingly attractive across timelines, and Hajime couldn't help but wish to the universe that once, just once, Tooru would look at least average. If the other boy was there, he'd probably tease about how Hajime would never find him ugly regardless, way too in love for such shallow things, but he wasn't, so Hajime imagined the whiny voice himself.

The worst part was, imaginary Tooru was right.

Hajime's eyebrow twitched for the hundredth time as he reevaluated his current situation, because as much as Tooru's godlike beauty was a welcome beacon most lifetimes, it was now a thorn right in Hajime's ass.

It was the fifth cycle, and Hajime was the sibling of a prominent businessman, living the high life at the young age of twenty five. Whatever. People drank way too much and never wanted to go running or exploring, and his source of entertainment had sadly become books. Books. Either that, or he had to tag along with other uppity businessmen who only talked about women and money, and that didn't appeal to him in the slightest.

Except tonight, he'd been more or less forced to go, and he was pretty sure he was now the only sober one in the group, all seated on plush pillows in a private show room. At some point, his older brother had called for dancers, which Hajime knew was what the place was known for. It was annoying, but each time he'd simply zone out as the scantily clad men and women danced around the men in the room, occasionally being whisked off for more. He'd have to turn down a few, and then they'd take the hint, flaunting in front of others instead of him. That was how it usually went.

Usually, being the key word.

This time however, he was in the middle of a crisis, because apparently, sometime in the last few months since they'd come, the business had hired new dancers. Attractive new dancers. A very attractive new dancer in particular, and one whose movements were entirely too familiar.

He had danced into the room along with the others, moving gracefully with his face hidden at first as his hips swayed and his jewelry bounced. His body was toned, and he was taller than most of the other dancers, but Hajime wasn't keen on paying too much attention to any of them anyways, ready to zone out as usual when the dancers raised their veils and waltzed over to the men to begin their wooing.

Hajime looked off somewhere in space, setting his drink down, ready to spend the night in his own thoughts, when suddenly there was pressure in his lap.

He startled instantly, gasping as his hands came up instinctively to shove the dancer off him in distaste and refuse him, but then he gazed into those wide eyes, and something in the world became brighter, his body exhaling in relief as his vision was consumed by the other, and then it was there, the spark of triumph. Found you.

Hajime's breathing stalled completely, and Tooru's chocolate brown eyes, which never changed across lifetimes, wavered a little, like he was barely caging in all the emotions begging to pour out. The other was never good at holding back tears, but he was somehow managing. The memories came rushing back as they always did, of their first meeting, of the subsequent lifetimes spent together and apart, and Hajime wanted to wrap him up and never let go, his whole existence taking shape in those eyes. Hajime couldn't think, and the hands on his shoulders tightened, and it felt like it was just the two of them again, and he was determined to make it a reality. But shit, there were other things to consider here...

It was scary, how torn he was, because Tooru looked young, probably no more than a few years younger than Hajime himself, and the thought was exhilarating. The rational part of him told him to not look suspicious, to carry on the charade and keep Tooru in his lap all night so no one else would touch him, and they could talk and reunite properly later. The emotional side of him though, the part which had gone through hundreds of years and five lives with nothing but yearning for the other in each, never finding him soon enough and always parting too fast, just wanted to kiss the living daylights out of him, cry for days and never let him go, he didn't care who witnessed it.

And then Tooru shifted in his lap unconsciously...and Hajime was also reminded of the physical side of him which joined the mix. He cursed himself, but he couldn't exactly help it. They were both young this time, both able bodied, and he was in his prime. Not to mention, he hadn't seen Tooru in ages, and now the other was in front of him, wearing loose pants and bare chested, and yeah...Hajime wasn't too ashamed.

"Oi Hajime, when you're done with that one send him this way," one of the men in his party slurred the words out, grin smug and maybe a little hungry, and Hajime felt that protective instinct surge in him something fierce. "I haven't seen him before, bet he dances good."

Tooru tensed in his lap, fingers digging into the fabric of Hajime's tunic, and like hell was anyone touching him. Hajime rubbed comforting circles into the bare skin of Tooru's hip, trying his best to keep his tone and expression neutral despite his anger. "Sorry, I think I'll be keeping this one for tonight." The words were so sleazy, not at all him, and he almost felt like apologizing to Tooru for treating him like property, the old servant instinct in him from his first life rearing its ugly head.

Needless to say, everyone in the room apart from the other dancers gaped at him, proud and confused all at once. It wasn't expected, Hajime never flirted or even watched the dancers, and he certainly never took them home. Hajime had never shown romantic interest in anyone in their eyes, and Hajime coughed awkwardly when the stares got to be too much.

A few claps on the back and an a few yells of 'about time!' later, and they were all preoccupied again, leaving Hajime some privacy in the corner of the room, Tooru still stuck in his lap.

They didn't know what to say at first, didn't need to say much as they took each other in, grips tightening as if the other would dematerialize out of nowhere (at this point, Hajime wouldn't put it past the universe).

Hajime figured indulging himself was completely in his right. He poked at Tooru's soft spots, lightly pinched his thighs and hips, tracking up his arms until both his hands were cupping the other's face softly, and they both tried to keep in their laughter as Tooru did the same. They were still in public after all.

"Hajime..."

Hearing Tooru finally speak sent his nerves ablaze, and damn, self-control was so difficult. Tooru sounded the same to him in each cycle, and Hajime wondered if he sounded different to everyone else. But no, Tooru's voice was the same as when he was a prince, when he was a florist, when he was young and at older Hajime's deathbed. That voice was Hajime's alone to covet, for all of time. Now though, it was threatening to cause issues...

Tooru's voice was a seductive whisper, the strong tone of longing laced between the words, and Hajime leaned in, eager for more.

But oh right, he'd forgotten (stupidly) that Tooru ruined everything. "You're even shorter this time."

Hajime pinched him, hard.

Tooru yelped, drawing the attention of a few stares from a ways away, but luckily most of them probably thought it was a pleasured sound, and resumed their business. Ha.

Tooru glared at him, socking him in the arm with minimal force. "So cruel! You finally see me again and this is how I'm treated." Tooru actually had the nerve to sniff in fake hurt, and Hajime's eye twitched. Another aspect of Tooru's voice which never changed: it was whiny as all fuck.

Hajime voiced this actually, and was met with another less than kind smack to the arm. Again though, it was all so familiar, no real malice behind any of it, they fell back into their pattern so easily. The air between them was charged and euphoric despite their annoyed expressions, because fuck, they did miss each other.

Hajime smirked lazily, a faint blush ruining its effect as his arms wrapped around Tooru's waist. "Cruel? You're the one in my lap wearing only pants..." It's true he thought, and after everything he shouldn't have been this embarrassed, but yet here they were.

He realized his error--if it could be called that--a little too late.

Tooru blinked at him in shock, which lasted for a grand total of two seconds before his eyes went lidded and predacious, his stupid smirk curling up as he shifted his hips again, none too accidentally. "Oh Iwa-chan...you only just found me and you're already having dirty thoughts?"

It was at this moment that Hajime finally took a closer look at Tooru's skin, the light sheen of sweat from his dance coupled with the heat of the room making him glisten, his exposed abdomen and upper arms looking particularly sleek due to the body oils they had been cleaned with beforehand. Usually, Hajime would've protested the indecency in public, but seeing as how he hadn't seen Tooru in so long...

Screw it.

He ran a hand down Tooru's thigh, lightly pinching at the soft spots, and Tooru's legs widened by instinct.

Way too long...

Hajime's eyes ran up and down Tooru's chest, watching as his nipples hardened from the air around them, as if inviting Hajime to tease. So, he did, partly for his own benefit, but mostly because he liked getting the best of Tooru when he could. He licked his lips as Tooru watched him curiously, then leaned forward to circle his tongue around the sensitive bud, flicking it lightly in a way he knew drove Tooru mad. The heels of Tooru's feet dug into the plush carpet beneath them, sliding from the lack of leverage, and his body arching towards Hajime like it was his soul's calling. In a way, it was.

Hajime pulled away with a smug air to him, catching Tooru's challenging gaze. It felt so amazingly familiar, this unspoken provocation between them, and his shoulders tensed when Tooru began to grind in his lap in a slow, agonizing manner. The bells from his sash jingled with every rotation, the fabric jostling softly and doing nothing to block out the heat emanating from Tooru.

Fuck.

Tooru kept his gaze neutral, if not a bit coy through the whole ordeal, not relenting just yet. Hajime felt air leave his body when the other spoke again. “You’re being so bold Hajime. That's not very obedient of you." Tooru leaned forward, tongue flicking out to graze Hajime's bottom lip, always trying to be the leader. Not this time. "How unlike my royal guard..."

Hajime growled, hoisting Tooru up by the hips in some spontaneous need to show off his strength, robbing the other of the friction as Tooru's hips squirmed downward against his grip.

It was very gratifying to say the least, seeing how Tooru's face twisted into one of hopeless desperation and being robbed of the touch.

Focus.

"H-hey--"

"Stop whining." Hajime's voice was anything but scolding, a weird mix of lust and fondness, and Tooru shut up almost immediately. It made Hajime chuckle, how easily they could pull reactions out of each other. Tooru was biting his lip, trying to rile up Hajime in an attempt to get him to cave, running his hands teasingly over the shorter's abdomen. Hajime lifted him higher, watching the sway of the sash against Tooru's stomach as the bells jingled, delighted with the small moan he got out of it. He was tempted to take him right then and there, but luckily, he had some brain cells left. "Knock it off! Besides...I doubt you want me to do you in a room full of people."

Tooru seemed to squint at that, looking over to the other group as if he'd completely forgotten about them.

Really...

Although, Hajime couldn't say he'd gotten lost himself for a while. Tooru just had that effect on him. It was when Tooru smirked again, leaning down to nip at Hajime's ear lobe, that he decided he'd had enough of being there. It was getting increasingly difficult to keep himself under control, especially with desire messing with his brain and Tooru's body still way too close to his own.

It was about time he took his leave.

Bringing Tooru up with him as he stood, Hajime coughed in order to get his companions' attention. "I think I'll be taking this one tonight, I'll return to work tomorrow." Ugh, again, so gross.

Tooru pouted beside him, but his hand tightened in his regardless.

After a few whistles and other crude remarks Hajime chose to block out, he practically rushed Tooru into one of the private rooms the establishment had, and had his fill.

Tooru's body responded to every touch, every kiss and nip, back bowing enticingly against the bed as Hajime rid him of all articles of clothing except the sash (Tooru called him a pervert, he chose to ignore the comment).

Tooru didn't keep in his voice, letting it bounce off the walls with each thrust of Hajime's hips as the shorter drove into him, the slapping of skin against skin mixing with the bells on Tooru's waist. Hajime's mind was a storm of lewdness and adoration, because Tooru looked absolutely beautiful and filthy all at once, face flushed and drooling.

It was never enough, once a prince always a prince. Tooru was insatiable, locking his legs around Hajime's waist, ankles knocking against his lower back in an attempt to urge him deeper, harder, and Hajime was too all too happy to comply.

"More..."

"I missed you so mu-ah!"

"Yes...please..."

"Tooru...I'm--"

Anyone standing outside the door had probably gotten an earful, but Hajime didn't care enough to be embarrassed, all he could focus on was Tooru beneath him, coming undone.

The hours passed like that, until eventually they were both too weak limbed and spent to continue. Hajime stayed though, stayed as long as he was permitted, wrapped up in Tooru and getting updated on what his life had been like, who he was, what he'd been doing.

Just hearing the other's voice made Hajime feel at home, like he'd finally found peace once again.

It had been the perfect setup for a happy cycle, and Hajime could almost let himself imagine the rest of their lives together as they laid in the large bed, hands tracing over every line and curve of each other. Tooru was ticklish in the same spots, was as talkative as always, and Hajime wanted to keep him there forever, at least until the next life.

Unfortunately, it was wishful thinking.

The months passed, happily at first, with Hajime visiting Tooru every chance he got.

He should've known better.

--

"What do you mean you're engaged?" The silence was thick between them, the night air congested and Hajime wished more than anything for it to be a nightmare. Tooru's heartbroken tone ripped Hajime to shreds, the sob he was holding in barely restrained as he visited the dancer's home.

Tooru was already close to crying, the flashes of denial and anger alternating every now and again in those brown eyes.

'I'm sorry. Why does this keep happening? Why can't we be together?'

All those questions and more were unspoken, hanging dreadfully in the air.

Hajime's voice was cracked and pathetic when he managed to find it. "It's an arranged marriage for uniting my brother's company, I have no choice. If I say no..." He didn't have to say it. The punishment would be steep. He and Tooru had lived through many a times, but laws were still harsh, penalties still grave. Running away was out of the question too, in the country they were in. They'd be found, and Hajime would spare Tooru as much pain as he could, loyal to the end.

Maybe this pain was worse though, it certainly felt like it.

They spent their last few nights together locked up in Tooru's room, holding each other and cursing the universe, and Hajime was getting so tired of the words 'next time.' What was the point of getting reincarnated if it was going to be this torturous? He didn't ask for much out of his life, out of any of them. Sure, he had new ambitions, new goals each time, but what stood out above it all was Tooru. He wanted to be with his love, with the other half of his bond, the one the universe had dubbed worthy in the first place.

It was bullshit.

Maybe the universe really wasn't just indifferent like Tooru had theorized, maybe it was as sadistic as he feared.

Tooru sniffed in his arms, the tears having barely stopped, and Hajime pulled him closer.

"Promise you'll visit me?"

Hajime breathed in shakily, trying to keep it together for both of their sakes, but the setting sun outside made him feel nauseous and torn up. He had to leave soon. "An...affair would be dangerous."

Tooru stiffened, laughing ruefully even as he kissed Hajime's neck. "You're right. It wouldn't be worth it, if you got in trouble."

Hajime hated when Tooru sounded so lost, it wasn't like him. He wanted the confident, headstrong prince back, and he'd do whatever it took to make Tooru happy again.

"Idiot, it's always worth it with you."

Hajime's bride was nice, but she didn't love him any more than he loved her. The rest of his life passed by uneventfully, lacking the love and passion expected of a marriage, a business transaction until the end. With all the new duties and events he had to manage, he didn't have time to go out anymore, his body stuck at a desk or beside his wife for the next few decades. All the while, his mind was filled with the jingle of sashes and the music of dancers, the promise of 'next time' always too far away.

Once in the middle of it all, he pondered running away, fed up with not having Tooru by his side.

He was beaten to it. His brother, unhappy with his own marriage, had attempted to flee with a lower class girl from town, but it had ended as ugly as Hajime had feared. They were found. There wasn't even a funeral.

Hajime slept alone every night, all hopes of being with Tooru in this lifetime crushed to bits after the incident. His dreams reminded him of more pleasant times, of sneaking out of royal parties and picking flowers in the palace courtyard, and his first thought each time he woke up was 'next time.' Always 'next time.'

--

The mild cycles were probably the hardest, the ones which promised everything but then denied them last minute.

The life where Tooru was a prisoner and Hajime was a dungeon overseer, or the one where Hajime was Tooru's terminally ill patient.

It was increasingly painful, each failed attempt, each cycle where something went wrong, and Hajime couldn't take it anymore.

Still, despite all the frustration and heartbreak, the moments he did get with Tooru, no matter how brief or painful, were ones he wouldn't trade for anything.

Whether it be for only five minutes or five months, he searched through the crowds, traveled as far as he could. It was all worth it for those precious seconds and fleeting exchanges.

He couldn't say he had bad memories when it came to Tooru after all. Some cycles, no matter how brief, ended up leaving him with some of his most cherished memories.

A few lives later, Hajime had lost count as to which, maybe the twentieth or so, he and Tooru rode bikes by the coast. Or at least, that was the moment which stuck out the most. The wind blowing in Tooru's hair and the open air of the shoreline.

Hajime was a scientist barely beginning to catalog marine life, and Tooru was simply someone who crossed by the sea to get to his job. It was a humble profession, and it came with a measly income. However, it benefited Hajime greatly. He got to travel, got to sail up and down the coasts of the world, always looking.

The day had been overcast and windy, the harsh coastal breeze chilling him to the bone and threatening to tear the loose pages of his notebook away. He'd begun to scribble the notes on the local sea plants, sketching them messily on the next page, when his mind began to wander, and the soft tendrils turned into perfect curls and curves. He had Tooru's face engraved in his brain. He knew it like the back of his hand, the lines which formed when Tooru smiled, the wrinkles in his forehead when he was thinking, the roundness of his eyes...

Before Hajime knew it, he'd wasted a good hour of daylight sketching his beloved, and feeling colder than before.

When he decided to go purchase water at a stand less than a mile up the shore, he wondered if he was being delusional, because right there, tugging a shitty bike behind him, was Tooru.

There was the usual moment of alignment, where Hajime's breath stopped and his body felt cleansed, telling him finally.

Hajime hadn't known then whether or not the cycle would work out, was incredibly fearful about how it would be ruined, like it always was...but he didn't mind. Not when Tooru was reaching for him, abandoning his bike to fall into the sand while he rushed forward.

Regardless of how it ended, it had been one of his favorite lives.

"So...you're a nerd in this life Hajime?" Tooru's taunts didn't have much strength, considering how he was giving Hajime the fondest look imaginable. Tooru was gripping the other's wrists harshly, as if still not believing he was real even after catching up for the past hour. Hajime had to control himself, had to keep his breathing steady, because when Tooru was looking at him so affectionately...

He wanted to drown in it.

So, he did what he knew would distract him. Hajime fired back.

"Yeah. I finally know what it's like being you."

"How dare!"

They spent time together like that for a few months after finding each other at a shoddy beach shack in the middle of the summer, isolating themselves from the world and dropping everything. They swam in the ocean and curled up together every night, Tooru asking him questions about ocean creatures and whether or not sea monsters existed, and it was times like those that made Hajime the happiest, just existing with Tooru, as it was always meant to be. It was times like those which made Hajime believe the universe was doing them a solid, finally backing off, though he felt deep down it wasn't the case.

"Do you remember when we used to sneak out of the palace at night?" Tooru said sleepily as he curled up to Hajime under their thick blanket. The material was a bit itchy, not completely free of sand, but Hajime wasn't complaining at all. He was over the moon. Tooru's body was bare and warm, and Hajime's fingers drifted across the sun kissed skin, stopping teasingly at his lower back.

"Yeah, you were so damn loud we almost got caught each time."

"It was your fault!" Tooru sat up, a pout on his face, and Hajime kissed him because why not? It was never enough with Tooru. The other's eyes widened, and then he pouted further, muttering a half-hearted 'unfair.'

Hajime snorted, it was too easy to tease the other, no matter how long he'd been at it. Still, he remembered what Tooru was talking about. Hajime had been a royal bodyguard for the prince of course, but his quarters were in the lower levels of the palace. Yet, he'd still risk his whole welfare to sneak up to the high rooms, finding Tooru's door unlocked because the prince was waiting for him all along. Hajime tightened his hold around Tooru's shoulders as the events replayed in his mind, Tooru and him sneaking into the kitchen to steal bread and then sitting on the balcony for long hours into the night, retiring to the prince's room for rushed kisses and muffled moans.

Yeah, this was nice. Being on the beach, having Tooru in his arms with no need to head back anytime soon. But...Hajime's favorite lifetime was definitely the first, but not for any reason other than it was the longest he'd gotten to be with the other, the life where he'd fallen in love.

Tooru's pout was gone, his eyes just watching Hajime now, and the air of adoration consumed the small space of their tent. It was late, but he didn't want to sleep. There was never enough time, and if he was being honest he was afraid. He was afraid because it felt like Tooru could disappear at any moment. There was still so much to say, so much he wanted to do and share with the other.

Tooru ran a hand through his hair, a genuine and knowing grin spreading out on his face. It was terrifying sometimes, how easily Tooru could read people.

"Hajime, let's go stargazing huh?"

And Hajime thought, yeah, who needs sleep?

Out of all the cycles they'd lived through so far, it was one of the most peaceful.

Tooru loved the sea and the unpolluted sky near the beach, watching in awe as the stars came out at night, and Hajime kissed his neck and pulled him close in their tent, relishing in the half-hearted shoves and laughter he got in return.

He wished it was like that every lifetime, for the whole time. He and Tooru, together. But of course, Hajime had hoped too soon. He didn't know why it was a surprise anymore, but it hurt all the same.

The universe decided that it wasn't quite their time yet, their lives called them back to work and their studies, to responsibilities, and after those few months of paradise, all able bodied men were drafted for a foreign war, and Hajime never saw Tooru again.

--

By the end of the next few heaps of cycles, Tooru was pretty fucking done. Also, the world had packaged bread, and this magical thing called cereal, and he was so happy he was reincarnated this time (if Hajime hadn't been, he was going to be double pissed though).

The cool thing about reincarnating, though it was mostly a bitch, was that he got to see the world change and evolve around him. He never knew what to expect next, and his mind drank it all in, all the new knowledge and innovation. Still, nothing was really the same without Hajime there. It got agonizing to wait, to live through so many lives with the torturous uncertainty that he wouldn't be seeing the other at all, but Tooru still felt he had luck on his side.

His name was still different, wasn't the same as his first life, not yet, so he still had some cycles to go.

He ignored the feeling in his gut that wondered if the universe would be so cruel as to give Hajime the surname Iwaizumi before giving Tooru that of Oikawa once again.

He pushed the feeling down in favor of the article he was reading.

It was a bit easier to search for Hajime at least, because there were newspapers and radio ads he could put out and disguise as labor searches, but Tooru was poor in this life, and it was difficult to constantly scrape together money in order to call out to his love, and forget travelling.

The cycle was proving to be rather difficult, and Tooru came close to giving up when he turned twenty six and still hadn't found him (maybe he's not in this life...).

It was a terrible thought, but once Tooru considered the possibility, it was hard to let it go. It wasn't the first time it had happened in their thirty...thirty five cycles? Whatever. It sucked no matter what, being denied the chance to meet the other at all.

Life went on regardless.

Tooru took the train to work every morning, mood sour until he had to put on a happy face for his co-workers. If Hajime was there, he'd probably scold him, make fun of him for being worried about wrinkles yet frowning like an old man. He'd had experience of course.

Tooru laughed to himself. That cycle, one of the earlier ones, with them both being old and crotchety had been fun. But...Tooru wished they been able to grow into that, instead of finding each other too late.

He sighed, and then made his way onto the train.

That's how his days went for months, and honestly, Tooru had pathetically resigned himself to believing he would be alone this time, no trace of Hajime or word of him anywhere. He could've been dead, old, young, hell he could've been a fucking dog, and Tooru had no way of knowing. By the time he turned twenty seven, he'd lost any hope for a sign.

So when he caught the other's eyes at the train station despite that on one fateful summer day, he allowed himself to foolishly think the universe was finally being kind. This is it. This time for sure.

Idiot.

Tooru had rushed to him, pushing past people without a care until he'd collided with the other with a crushing force. It had been okay though, Hajime knew how to catch him. Tooru started crying, as he usually did, peppering the other's face with kisses to the displeasure of some of the passing crowd, but he wasn't concerned. Hajime was holding him, his world made sense once more, and now they could live out the rest of the cycle together, Tooru wouldn't let it slip away again.

Hajime seemed to share the sentiment, staring at him fondly, and Tooru was invincible in that moment. This was everything he'd ever wanted. It was amazing for but five seconds before Tooru felt as if ice water had been dumped down his back.

"Hajime! I'm so happy you're--"

"I found y--!"

Tooru blinked stupidly, his body going stiff as he stared into Hajime's eyes, and they both seemed to think the same thing. His stomach twisted in annoyance, the dread manifesting before Tooru knew what was going on himself. No way. No fair. I heard wrong.

Clearing his throat, Tooru spoke again, voice hesitant and probably menacing. He didn't know when he started imagining the universe as some evil twelve year old girl, but it seemed pretty accurate seeing what was going on. Oh please no... "Hajime...say something..."

Hajime's brow furrowed, and then his eyes flashed in fear, and oh man that's not good.

"What did you say?" Tooru didn't understand a word of it. The syllables and pronunciations were too quick and foreign, like nothing he'd ever remotely studied in school. They stood frozen, and people were beginning to eye them suspiciously since they were still in the middle of the damn station lobby. Tooru didn't have the mental capacity to worry about that right now though, because...

Fuck.

Hajime wasn't any better. He looked ready to burst, and the realization cemented itself fully for both of them when they glanced down to the luggage Hajime was carrying. There was a sticker of a flag from another country, along with the words 'University Exchange Program."

There was a beat of strained air, in which they both made a pathetic croaking sound, and then they both proceeded to lose their shit.

Tooru spun away, pacing a few feet before coming back with his hands fisted painfully in his hair. Hajime was barely standing. "Are you freaking kidding me right now? You're joking right?"

Hajime licked his lips, resting his hands on his knees in an effort to balance himself as Tooru freaked out a few feet away. "T-Tooru calm down...obviously we speak totally separate languages...but it could be worse...um..."

"Oh my god, I don't even know what you just said oh my--"

"Shut up for a sec!" Hajime growled, looking momentarily satisfied when Tooru halted. Good, at least the language of 'shut the hell up' was universal. Then again, momentarily, was the key word.

After a split second, Tooru's face was twisting into a petulant scowl, and Hajime almost knew the words without understanding them. "Did...did you just tell me to shut up? In a foreign tongue?!" For good measure, Tooru brought a hand up to his chest in dramatic offense, other hand laid out as if expecting an apology.

Don't get him wrong, he was overjoyed that Hajime existed and was there in front of him, but this was downright stupid. Of all the rotten tricks...

Hajime raised a brow at him, as if to say 'really?' and Tooru didn't know whether to kiss him senseless or hit him.

Two could play at this game though, language barrier or not.

"Rude Iwa-chan!" Tooru said, lips tilting up into a smug grin as he gestured to the sticker on his suitcase. "Can't believe they even let you into such a fancy program, what kind of exchange student doesn't speak a word of the host tongue? I'm so disappointed in you..."

Tooru felt chills go through him when Hajime's eyes snapped to meet his, squinting and trying to process the tone and expression Tooru gave off.

Then, it seemed to kick in.

Ha.

Hajime smacked him with his luggage, pretty hard, but Tooru laughed in between his cries of pain. Worth it. "I don't know what the hell you just said but I know it was something shitty."

"I love you too Hajime."

The shorter paused, eyes widening to the size of dinner plates, and Tooru felt his face flush a bright red. Ah, so Hajime did know some phrases in Tooru's language. Seriously? It's not the first time I've said it...so why...after all this time...

Hajime bit his lip, dropping his luggage carelessly in favor of cupping Tooru's jaw, hands gentle despite the previous bickering. Tooru knew the answer to his own question, he knew why. I missed you. I can never say it enough.

 The panicked atmosphere melted away, and Tooru got lost in those bluish gray eyes, his body exhaling all the stress and longing it had built up over the years.

"I love you," Hajime said, brushing a stray tear which was beginning to form away from Tooru's eye. The taller didn't know what it meant, but judging from the fondness in Hajime's voice, he had a pretty good idea.

Clumsily, Tooru repeated it back, the string of foreign words butchered by his mouth, and he laughed when Hajime snorted, pulling him in close and not letting him go.

--

That cycle was more bittersweet than anything else, after all, eventually Hajime had to go back to his home country, and their separation was prolonged once again. Still, the countless years of writing letters and sending emails in poorly translated script which took too long to decipher wasn't exactly unpleasant (if only to see the mass amount of effort Tooru put into it).

During Hajime's initial stay, he sat cooped up with Tooru in his apartment or at the school lounge, rifling through books and trying to learn a full language in the span of a semester. It worked about as well as one would think, but boy, did Hajime try. He tried so hard, read up on basic, cheesy phrases and grammar rules, made flashcards for new words, did anything to sharpen his speech. He wanted to talk to Tooru, needed to.

In the end, he could only manage some broken sentences here and there, but Tooru hadn't seemed to mind at all, happily curling up with Hajime on the bed or eating dinner together quietly, and it wasn't at all uncomfortable (maybe sad at times though). It didn't matter, because Hajime knew how to catch Tooru's tears and Tooru knew how to do the same for him. They knew each other so well, understood every look and tick, and it was almost as if they were having a conversation in the silence of the room, every smile and touch engrossing Hajime fully.

--

It didn't matter how many cycles passed after that, Tooru was antsy in each one. He'd be relieved, finding that his last name wasn't Oikawa, because it meant he had another chance. Sadly, it also meant the universe had another opportunity to ruin his life, since he still had time left.

It didn't much affect his outlook on things. Regardless of if he was Oikawa Tooru or not, he searched for Hajime just as tirelessly, letting his love guide him through every obstacle. He wouldn't give up.

It didn't completely dull the sting though, whenever he passed away, without Hajime by his side. But he couldn't dwell on it.

As the edges of the world faded around him, his body succumbing to old age, Tooru repeated it to himself over and over.

As long as I'm not Oikawa Tooru, it's not my last chance.

I’ll find you, Hajime.

Then the world was swallowed up by darkness.

#iwaoi #adri writing #haikyuu #hq!! #haikyuu!!