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fletchervanhall · 2 months

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Ink & Hearts | Flavier

Featuring: Fletcher Van Hall & Xavier Mitchell; mentions of others here and there Location: The Ink Tank; San Francisco, CA Time Frame: Friday night, March 1, 2024 Notes: Fletcher gives Xavier his first tattoo, during which they have a meaningful conversation about The Oscars, relationships, and future plans. @xaviernottheprofessor

XAVIER

Seb had asked if Henry could stay over to check out a new video game with Leo and Winter had a Sweet 16 to attend. It was the season. After dropping Henry off, Xavier made his way to the Ink Tank. The tattoo he'd be getting was small and he was excited about it. He had others he wanted to consult with Fletcher about. He was also happy to be seeing the tattoo artist and getting some time together. There was a lot to catch up on and there were things on his mind he wanted to talk to him about. Fletcher seemed to be very level-headed and the type that would listen and give good advice. Maybe he could help soothe some of Xavier's concerns regarding the Oscars. When he arrived, he waved at Tanya and smiled at her. "How are you doing, girl?" He leaned in against the display, listening to Fletcher's needle. "I know I'm early so I'll just wait out here with you for a bit."

FLETCHER

Fletcher was at one of the semi-private stations, finishing up the refreshing old ink on a repeat client's shoulder blade. The two were chatting casually on and off throughout the appointment and when Fletcher finished, he cleaned and coated the piece with an antibacterial solution and let the client know he was done. "You wanna see it or..?" The man shook his head, "I'm not worried about you fucking anything up. And if you did, I'll bitch about it later." Fletcher chuckled and dryly replied, "Can't wait." He went ahead and covered the refreshed piece, and then slid back on his rolling stool to take off and throw away his gloves. "Alright, Tanya'll get you squared away. See you next time." His client left Fletcher a tip on the work bed and then headed to the front of the parlor, giving a greeting nod to Xavier before striking up a conversation with Tanya and taking out his wallet to pay. After Fletcher finished cleaning the work station and washed his hands, he headed to the shop front, a crooked smile forming on his lips at the sight of Xavier. "Hey, you," he spoke, gesturing towards the back where the 2 private tattoo stations were. Because Xavier told him he wanted to talk, Fletcher already had one of the rooms reserved for them. He opened and then shut the door once he and Xavier were inside. "How are you?" he asked, twining their fingers together and kissing his palm.

XAVIER

Xavier smiled politely at the client and checked his phone to make sure Winter made it safely to Judith's Sweet 16. He trusted her with driving but on the inside, , he was very much a concerned dad. Be home no later than midnight. Gives you an hour to get home. His daughter texted him a kissing emoji and he rolled his eyes with a smile before pocketing his phone once more. "Hey yourself." He grinned at Fletcher, following him towards the station. His fingers interlaced with Fletcher's and Xavier smiled affectionately at the kiss before taking a few steps forward to embrace him. He rested his head on Fletcher's chest for a few seconds before pulling back and allowing his gaze to settle on the older man's face. "I'm alright. My kid's social calendar is booming so that's nice." He chuckled and then kissed his lover on the lips. "Mm, I believe I owe you a few of those. How's work? Hopefully not too grueling?" Xavier removed his light jacket and folded it before placing it on an empty chair. "Where do you want me, handsome?"

FLETCHER

Fletcher wrapped his arms around Xavier and then met his gaze when he drew back. "Sounds like you'll be busy too then. After all, Winter only just turned sixteen. She's still got a license to get, and the probation period before she can drive anyone around, so that'll still mean you getting them to their activities, yeah?" He assumed Xavier might have had assistance with that or a separate vehicle that could transport the three ofnthem around if need be. He bent his head and met Xavier's lips. "If you say so. I won't turn down a few of those." His shoulders shrugged as he sat on the wheeled stool in the room. "Nah, it's been am easygoing day. A couple of piercings and a re-touched tat." Reaching out to pat the tattoo bed, he smirked, "I thought you already knew I'd want you in bed."

XAVIER

"Maybe more on the domestic front. It's been nice being home a lot longer than usual. I get to see my favorite people." he smiled at Fletcher and nodded. "She has her permit so she's got to go for the provisional license, is that what it's called here? Eliza volunteered to drive with her and teach here a lot for a while if I can't do it. I asked her if I could drive her to the party tonight but ..." He shrugged with a smirk. "Teenagers, I guess. Good thing you have some time before that chaos ensues. ALSO, I should tell you that Winter thinks you're what was the wording? 'He's giving, perfect dating material. if you know, you know, Dad.'" Xavier imitated his daughter, perfect American accent and all. "So she thinks that by 'letting me' come see you here, she's helping in pairing us together. because she thinks I should have you as a backup to the current guy I'm dating that she has no idea is you. Fun, right?" He chuckled and then moved to sit on the tattoo bed. "Ah, right." He grinned. "How can I forget?"

FLETCHER

"I'm happy for you," Fletcher replied in cool earnest. He knew he and Xavier both led busy lives in different ways and even without knowing his kids well, he was sure his kids were especially happy to be seeing more of him these days. He nodded here and there, listening to Xavier as he took his seat and then shuddered a bit at the thought or Phoebe being a teen. "Yeah I'll be ripe for the crotchety old man shtick which should pair nicely with her hormonal teenage self," he dryly joked. But his brows arched a little at hearing Winter's thoughts and he chuckled from Xavier's imitation. "Glad I've got her approval already as your first, unbeknownst to her, and your backup choice for boyfriend. She's a good kid." Wheeling back a bit to grab a folder, he had some mockups of what Xavier said he wanted on the stencil paper but before he opened it to show him, he asked, "Remind me again where you wanna get your ink today? I've drawn up a few ideas but I'm curious where you're getting it."

XAVIER

He chuckled at Fletcher’s words. “It’ll be great.” He knew Fletcher would have teenage Phoebe handled. He was already such an amazing father. “Yeah, she doesn’t like many people so it’s nice she approves. I’ve got good taste. She really is a great kid.” Xavier slid back and made himself comfortable on the bed. “After careful thinking, I was thinking of my chest left side by my heart. What do you think?” Xavier pulled his shirt off to show Fletcher where. He was eager to see what was in the folder and he tried to peek with a small smile. “I’m really excited to see your work. I think you’ll do a beautiful job. Also, after all this, I want to talk to you about another piece I’d like to get after we get back from the Oscar’s.”

FLETCHER

"I can relate to her on that--not liking many people. So I'm honored to be on her short list, especially where you're concerned." He listened intently to Xavier and watched him remove his shirt, letting his eyes linger on his bare chest and abs for a little longer than necessary before returning his gaze to Xavier's eyes. "I think that sounds great for this piece. Now you just have to decide what you wanna do." He opened the folder and handed it over to Xavier so that he could see the four different designs he'd drawn up. "Another piece? Alright. How are you feeling about that by the way? The Oscars, I mean."

XAVIER

He smiled at Fletcher and leaned in to kiss his temple. “I’m glad I’m on your list.” Xavier’s smile widened when he caught Fletcher watching him. He took the folder and placed it on his lap so he could browse through the four pieces. “These are beautiful, love. You’re so talented.” He took his time admiring each piece, letting his fingers run over them but when he saw the date on the breast cancer awareness ribbon that curved as a heart , he knew that was it. “That one. That’s the one. That’s stunning.” He looked up at Fletcher. He knew he could count on him to create something significant. “Yeah. A lot more elaborate.” The question made him pause a moment and Xavier leaned back once again onto the bed assuming he’d have to get into position soon. “Ah, well…I had to pull over on the expressway yesterday. I was listening to this podcast tear me apart and it got me thinking, what if I’m not that good? This crowd, baby…they’re tough.” He chuckled softly and shook his head. “I had an anxiety attack. Couldn’t breathe. Just felt awful, terrible. Like an elephant was stomping on my chest.” He looked up at the ceiling. “My ex, I never told you but he broke up with me during a commercial break while I was hosting. He then went on social media and trashed me and my friends. Mostly me. I had to take a break after I finished hosting. I couldn’t really do interviews. So l, I got a lot of flack. I don’t even know how I got invited back and apparently there are people also questioning the Academy’s decision to bring me back. I don’t care about Jeremy or anything that concerns him. But I care about my work, my art. Ya know? I don’t know. I can’t fuck this up.”

FLETCHER

Fletcher smirked, "I'm glad you are too or else this would be awkward as fuck." He leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees while Xavier looked at the drawings he'd done based on what Xavier described to him. "Thanks," he replied to the compliment and then craned his neck a bit to see which one Xavier had chosen. "You got it, babe." He took hold of the folder so that he could prep the stencil to go on Xavier's left pec, measuring the size with his thumb and index. But as he listened on, he'd gotten intrigued by this more elaborate tattoo. They could talk about it later though, like Xavier had said. For now, he divided his attention between prepping the area on Xavier's chest where he'd be working and listening to Xavier some more. He'd been in the middle of pulling on some black latex gloves but paused upon hearing what Xavier first told him. His brows furrowed sternly while his eyes were full of concern. "Jesus, Xavier," he whispered after hearing what his anxiety attack was like.

His expression hadn't changed at any point when Xavier went on and when he finished, Fletcher had pulled the one glove he'd had on off his hand and set them both aside on the counter behind himself. Facing Xavier completely, he took his hand and closed both of his hands around it. "Your ex is a pile of horse shit and I hope he gets ass fucked with a cactus." He hadn't cracked a smile once as he went on, "I know I've been the hold up on us having a boyfriend label so I don't have any right to make any demands of you, but if your anxiety gets to you again and there's something I can do like talking you through it or something, call me, alright?" He squeezed Xavier's hand with both of his, adding, "No matter what time it is. I mean it." Keeping one hand in the younger man's, Fletcher reached up and cupped Xavier's cheek, "And if I had to guess, The Academy and the network invited you back to host because they like you. Whatever bullshit your ex tried to stir up wasn't enough to distract them from how fucking talented you are. They could've asked a lot of people. Hell, they could've asked some other repeat host back. But they asked you. And you're not going to fuck it up. The doubters aren't the majority--just a loud minority with too much time on their hands." Fletcher leaned in and pressed a kiss to Xavier's forehead. "And who the hell can even vouch for this podcast? Seems like just about everybody has a goddamn podcast these days. Doesn't mean they're good or they're right. So fuck 'em. You're going to have your friends in and outta the industry there. You're gonna have your kids rooting for you. Your family across the pond is always in your corner. And you've got me. If I get stopped by some reporter after the show and they ask me about how you did, you know damn well I'll tell them the truth. I saw you at that school fundraiser. And I've seen what you can do on SNL now." After a tender kiss to Xavier's lips, he murmured, "You're going to be great, X."

XAVIER

He'd never actually shared this vulnerable side of himself with anyone he was seeing or dating. Xavier feared it would be seen as some sort of red flag or a turn-off. While that fear did creep up in the back of his mind, there was no hesitation in telling Fletcher. He had no reservations about being completely honest with him and to have that with anyone was something he'd always wanted. He just didn't realize that until now. Xavier was always the comedian, always making others feel good, always the life of the party. In truth, he had gotten lost in his own words, brown eyes fixed on the lighting in the booth. How would Fletcher respond? And that's when he felt his partner's hands in his. His gaze broke away from the ceiling and he met Fletcher's gaze instead. A small and brief chuckle fell from his lips at the mention of the cactus and Jeremy. "I know. He really is such a piece of shit," Xavier agreed, nodding as Fletcher spoke with no signs of amusement on his face now just a mix of adoration and sadness. His eyes filled up with tears mostly because this felt like some turning point. Even if they had never gone down any sort of romantic path, Xavier would have been lucky just to have someone like Fletcher in his life. "You did come to mind. Admittedly, you were the first that came to mind but I didn't know how you'd react and I didn't want to disturb you. You've never seen me like that and..." He didn't finish his phrase but he figured Fletcher got it. The warmth in his neck rose and he hated how vulnerable he felt in that moment. "Shit..." Xavier whispered and wiped his tears. "I'm sorry..." After Fletcher finished, Xavier closed his eyes and brought the heels of his hands up to hold them there for a few seconds. "Thank you." he sniffled and then removed his hands. When his eyes adjusted and he got a good view of Fletcher's face again, he pulled him in for an embrace, his fingertips massaging the hairs on his nape.

It was a silent realization and it felt like a ton of bricks had fallen on him yet he felt the lightest he's ever felt. He did have massive and fervent feelings for Fletcher after all. It wasn't like he didn't know it but he wasn't taking the time to think on them much. Even now, he'd just bask in them. Xavier didn't need the same in exchange. He promised they'd keep a pace and that was fine for him. "Uh...that means a lot to me. That you'd want me to call you and just...well, everything you just said. I know that you have this way about you that's kept your guard up and that's--, I understand why. I use my comedy for example." He smiled. "You have a beautiful heart, Fletcher. I just want you to know that. I do think that about you. Thank you for hearing me out."

FLETCHER

Fletcher felt a pang in his chest when Xavier began to cry. He would have grabbed a couple of tissues but Xavier had already begun wiping the tears away. "As far as how I'd react... hell, I'd just try to help you through it. I'm not some licensed pro in that but I'd sure as hell try. And as far as disturbing me, don't worry about that anymore. If you call me, I'll answer or I'll call you right back." With a few shakes of his head, he said, "Don't apologize to me, sweetheart. You haven't done anything wrong." And he gladly let Xavier pull him to him. His face nuzzled Xavier's neck and he kissed him sweetly there a few times. And when the 2 drew back and were able to look at each other again, Fletcher listened on. "Listen, the only guard I really keep is where my loved ones are concerned. I don't wear my heart on my sleeve all the time just because it's not how I'm built--it's not my personality. I don't lie whuch you know, but I'm also not gonna open the flood gates of my life to every person I cross paths with, especially if I dont know someone because why do they need that side of my honesty or know every single thing about me right off the bat? But I get what you're saying." He leaned in and kissed Xavier's temple. "And the more I like you, the more I'll share with you as things just naturally come up or if you straight up ask, and the more I'll show up for you. I'll be here for you however you let me be here for you, X, alright? Whether it's as your friend, your lover..." He reached up and ran a thumb beneath Xavier's eye to wipe away a stray tear, "Or your boyfriend."

XAVIER

For whatever reason, hearing Fletcher call him 'sweetheart' made Xavier want to cry all over again but he didn't. It was probably the stress of keeping all of it in. Even if he had hashed out his issues with his relationship with Jeremy followed by the inevitable breakup, there were still a lot that made him feel burned, and having any positive attention made him feel sensitive all over again but in the best way. "Well, I admire you for that and it's a good thing. You're right about not giving away all the intimate details of your life right away especially when some people will take advantage. And I love how fiercely protective you are." Xavier loved a lot of things about Fletcher. He'd have to be careful throwing that word around even if it was genuinely placed. The pacing was dire. Every kiss and touch made him feel better and whole and these were times Xavier excelled at writing things other than comedy. He'd be able to formulate into words exactly how this felt. It'd be more elegant and not some mish-mosh of new feelings. "I appreciate that. The more you like me, the more you'll share. I like learning about you, your family, the things you like or don't like." He closed his eyes when Fletcher wiped away his tears and felt a slight bolt of electricity run through his body as he processed everything Fletcher was saying. "All the things. I want you here as all the things." He kissed Fletcher's lips. "Can't be a good boyfriend if you aren't a good friend or lover." He chuckled onto his lips and kissed him again. "Whenever that brilliant heart of yours is ready for silly ol me." He chuckled again and leaned back. He was starting to realize he'd wait for Fletcher for as long as he had to and that in itself was brand new.

FLETCHER

Fletcher continued listening to Xavier and, hand still holding one of Xavier's, glided his thumb across Xavier's skin. Hearing Xavier say he wanted all the things with him had Fletcher smiling softly. He returned the kiss and then for a moment, gave the younger man a puzzled look, only to smooth out his features and chuckle a little, dropping his head as he did so. "See, this is why subtlety isn't my thing." He lifted his gaze and then clarified, "That was my way of trying to ask you to be my boyfriend, Xavier. I want you, and to be 'all the things' for you and with you."

XAVIER

"Oh." Xavier felt sheepish. This is why his parents encouraged the comedy route. Throughout his adolescent life, he wasn't exactly the most social with his anxiety creeping up at the wrong times. Probably why his cues would be messed up. He couldn't help but laugh at himself and shook his head. "Nope. That one was all me, I promise. Okay, do over." He smiled at Fletcher, the enthusiasm still pretty evident even if it didn't click at first. "so no more secret beau." He grinned. "Except around Rodrigo until the Oscars because I know we're trying to make him squirm." He chuckled and leaned in, cupping Fletcher's face. "I'd love to be your boyfriend. All the things with you and only you." He kissed his boyfriend and pulled back only to offer him the sweetest smile. "It has a nice ring to it, right?"

FLETCHER

"No. Except for Rodrigo because fuckin' with him is too hilarious," Fletcher agreed, loving his best friend and brother, but also loving to mess with him from time to time. He returned Xavier's kiss and when he pulled back, Fletcher smiled crookedly to him. "Sure. I know we're still figuring things out and we're only about a month into being anything to each other, but I'd like us to keep figuring that out and getting to know each other more as boyfriends to one another." He kissed Xavier's lips a few more times and then murmured as he drew back, "And now that I've got you feeling warm and fuzzy, I think it's time we got started on your first ink, yeah?"

XAVIER

Xavier laughed softly at the idea of Fletcher teasing his best friend this much. It was a nice dynamic. Reminded him of true brothers like his relationship with his twin. “We have to plan how we will reveal it to him for ultimate shock then” Xavier grinned. “Yeah, I do like the idea of that.” He enjoyed every kiss and chuckled softly at the words. “Okay.” He sat up and then leaned back onto the tattoo bed. “I’m ready. So how badly does the first time hurt?”(edited)

FLETCHER

"We'll see what comes to mind. Maybe we don't need to plan anything and it'll just spontaneously be revealed. Or I can just walk up to Rodrigo, tell him I'm your boyfriend now, and then walk away like I just told him the sky is blue." Fletcher made the comment so nonchalantly while getting the antibacterial solution and wiping it on Xavier's pec. He then went back to the gloves to put them on while the solution air-dried and only considered Xavier's question for a second before chuckling, "I'll be honest, everybody's different. You're getting inked in a somewhat sensitive spot so it's gonna hurt, mostly when I get to the shading on the ribbon, but it's not the most painful spot to get inked either. And I don't know your tolerance for pain." He picked up his tattoo gun, already prepared with black ink to start, but he leaned over and pecked Xavier's lips once again. "Mm. Listen, we can take as many breaks as you need. Just tell me and I'll stop, okay?" He paused then said, "I'm gonna start with the outline, okay?"

XAVIER

Xavier laughed, relieved for the levity. The thought of it be a spontaneous reveal made him grin. “Poor guy. He really has no idea. Could have sworn we were dead give always at Winter’s birthday party.” Xavier watched Fletcher prepare everything. “Thanks for the honesty.” Xavier had done some research too so he knew about the area being sensitive but he was glad that a professional was telling him too and that he wasn’t about to bullshit him either. “My tolerance isn’t so bad so hopefully it won’t be too excruciating.” He smiled when Fletcher reassured and kissed him. It was kind and gentle and he felt lucky his first tattoo would come from him. He nodded in response and added, “okay, love.” He then smiled, keeping his gaze on Fletcher and trusting him fully. “Go for it.” Xavier waited for Fletcher to begin, enthused by the idea that he was going to get such a meaningful tattoo created by someone he cared for in such little time.

FLETCHER

"He'll live," Fletcher replied casually with a sly smirk. "He's observant as hell but food, especially good food is his kryptonite. Or blind spot. Both, I guess." He waited for Xavier to let him know that he was ready and as soon as he got the go-ahead, Fletcher nodded. He could've ser the stencil on Xavier's skin first but he'd familiarized himself so much with each of the choices he'd drawn that he knew freehanding it wouldn't be an issue. Turning on the machine with a foot pedal, Fletcher spread his left thumb and index across Xavier's pec and said, "Here we go," positioning the tattoo gun like a writing tool and pressing the needle to his skin, starting at the base of the ribbon. His focus was on what he was doing but he spoke up over the non-stop buzzing, "Doing OK there?" all the while continuing with his curved line.

XAVIER

"Oh, good to know if I ever do mystery theater or if I need to bring him down in match of any game." He chuckled. "Rodrigo is a fine lad. He's good friends with my mate, Emma and I adore Jade She's a great girl. It's funny how often we've been in the same room you and I." From that to this was quite a story. Thinking about it, it was better things developed now. "It's just really great that we're all in the same circles like some giant Venn Diagram." He watched Fletcher do what he does best. When the gun was turned on, he did feel some nervousness build up but it wasn't enough to change his mind or hesitate. When the needle touched Xavier's skin, he braced himself for any possible pain and while the start was slightly painful, he was still rather relieved and calm. "Yeah. doing okay." He smiled, looking down at his chest, amazed by Fletcher's ability to freehand. It did feel like such an intimate moment and he smiled thinking about what he was about to say, "I can't believe it took me this long but I guess better late than never."

FLETCHER

"Yeah, he's one of the best people I know. And Jade's a sweetheart. I didn't realize it at first when the two of them got involved but I'd met her before she and Rodrigo met. She made an appointment with a member of my crew to get her first tat." He smiled a little bit thinking about how often he and Xavier were at the same functions but never really talked until recently. " It doesn't hurt that a lot of folks were on Ship-Wrecked and those of us who weren't knew at least one person who was." Fletcher concentrated but was still being mindful that this was Xavier's first tattoo. During a short pause, he plucked some wipes from the nearby tray and wiped the excess ink and bit of blood away. Keeping the used wipes lightly balled in his palm, he repositioned his thumb and index and then pressed the foot pedal to continue on with the outline. "No shame in waiting. Besides you're what, thirty-two?" He smiled a little as he worked, "Some people don't pop their ink cherry until they're in their forties or fifties. The whole midlife crisis, YOLO mentality kicks in."

XAVIER

"Wow, what a small world." He nodded in agreement to the Ship-Wrecked comment. "That's also true. God, that was a dark time in my life," he joked. "If you ever watch it, we'll skip past the cringy scenes, yeah?" A small chuckle fell from his lips. He felt a tiny sting and hissed softly but shook it off shortly after. "Yeah? I've always wanted one especially in high school but I could never figure out what my first one would be so I figured I'd wait until I knew. Next thing I knew, time had passed and it hadn't happened yet. Besides obvious reasons, I'm glad I met you though because it inspired me to go for it." Xavier thought it was nice to have someone he trusted and knew in the artist's chair. He kept his gaze on Fletcher doing his work. He was curious and enjoyed watching the other man's concentration. That and he figured being chatty would be too much of a distraction. It was such an art and Fletcher deserved every bit of praise for his work.

FLETCHER

Fletcher chuckled, "Tell me about it. Especially for a big city like this." He listened to Xacier and jokingly quipped, "So we'll just skip watching the whole show?" And then he smirked, coolly adding, "I don't watch much reality TV, but if there's something you want me to see from it, I can check it out." Hearing the hiss from. Xavier, he paused a d wiped away at his chest. "Need a break?" He asked turning to toss the wipe in the biohazard bin. He plucked a clean wipe and said, "I'm glad to be so inspiring to you." He made sure Xavier was alright before continuing and then finishing the outline of the ribbon with a heart added. Lastly, he added the date to the curve of the heart. After wiping away more of the excess, Fletcher swiveled in the chair to change the needle and clean out the remaining black ink inside the gun. He had the pink ready to go, in two different shades for Xavier's skin and to correctly get the shading right on the ribbon. "Alright, gonna get some color going. I'm gonna do the general pink of it all and then go back to do the shading. That's gonna hurt more but there's not a lot to do, so hang in there, alright?" He tugged a fresh wipe to hang onto and then got started with filling in the ribbon.

XAVIER

“Exactly my thoughts.” Xavier chuckled at Fletcher’s quip all the while watching what he was working on. “Listen I’m okay with that if we don’t watch it ever. There was this one bit where we had to parade around in lingerie though to do a scavenger hunt. I was in these Lacey bootie shorts and leather belts just …lord. You’d have to see it” he laughed thinking back on that time. Even though it was weird with Jeremy being a part of that, it was where he met a lot of his friends. When Fletcher asked him if he needed a break, Xavier shook his head and let him know he can’t continue. He listened intently to Fletcher’s direction and was glad that he was understanding and gentle. “Okay, yeah. Let’s do it.” He braced himself for the pain and while it did hurt more, took a few breaths, bringing his right arm up and behind his head. He was glad to have done the research and for all of Fletcher’s warnings. It definitely made for a smoother experience. Xavier bit down on his lip as Fletcher continued, the pain picking up here and there but nothing he couldn’t really handle.

FLETCHER

Fletcher intentionally slipped his foot off the pedal and stilled, except for his gaze flickering up to Xavier's face when he heard the description of the lingerie that he'd worn on the show. "Okay, I'm backpedaling on what I said about not watching. I wanna see that episode." He smirked and then kept going after Xavier settled from his laugh and then he got to switching the needle and ink. After trying to prepare Xavier for what was to come with the increase in pain due to the color and eventually shading, he nodded and advised, "Just remember to keep breathing, sweetheart," he said and then looked back to what he was doing. He got some of the color impressed upon Xavier's skin and then wiped the blood and excess ink away before continuing on. "Tell me about your day today, before you got here," he said, figuring that getting Xavier talking could help as a distraction. "Also, are you gonna tell your kids about us when you get home?"

XAVIER

Xavier laughed some more at Fletcher’s reaction. “You just wanna see the bootie.” He smirked and then added, “I’ll show you scenes from that episode. I was doing yoga every morning so I was definitely more in shape.” He grinned, letting out a soft sigh. It was nice to have these tiny little breaks. It helped with the pain and it helped keep him settled. Xavier gave Fletcher a silent nod when he was reminded to breathe. It hurt more now and Xavier kept his cool but the stinging was a nice reminder of what he was doing. “Hm?” Once again, Xavier was glad for the distraction. He swallowed the knot that had formed in his throat and placed his attention on the top of Fletcher’s head. “It was a pretty constructive day. I did some work around the house that needed to be done, did a Zoom table reading to make sure my pieces were okay for tomorrow’s show. Even if I’m not in the episode, I wrote four sketches…” Xavier breathed in and out. “ then picked up the kids, took them to this Mediterranean place by the school and signed them up for camp for Spring break. They’ve been begging for it so they’re happy.” Xavier smiled at the last question. “I am. You’ll hear Winter squeal from your house I’m sure. Are you telling Drew and Emiliana?”

FLETCHER

"So?" Fletcher shamelessly replied. "Besides, it's not like I haven't seen that juicy ass of yours before. Now I just wanna see it in this lingerie you brought up.' He smirked and theb continued on with his work, occasionally gathering more ink to dispense in Xavier's skin, and wiping his skin clean. He listened to the day Xavier had had so far and raised both brows when he mentioned writing 4 sketches. "Jesus. 'A pretty constructive day' he says," Fletcher muttered loudly enough to be heard over the buzzing. "What kinda camp are they doing for their Spring Break?" he asked, filling in more of the ribbon. Xavier's response about telling the kids about the two of them being a couple, he chuckled, "After her birthday party and meeting her, I'm having a hard time imagining her squealing. But I'll listen for it. And yeah, I'll tell them. I'm pretty sure they think we're already a couple so I don't think it'll surprise them much. Tanya'll give the biggest reaction, second only to Rodrigo when he finds out."

XAVIER

Xavier chuckled, shaking his head some at Fletcher's response. He'd show him a couple of scenes after their session was over. There was bound to be some sort of snippet on YouTube. The reaction to him writing four sketches, had Xavier chuckling again. "When I get in a mode I can write a good amount and being home has helped with that. Better to write at home than in a hotel, I think." Xavier smiled with his mind off the pain for now. "The school offers some nice camps. Winter wanted to do the arts and drama camp for teens and she enjoys that Ziggy lad who runs it. Henry wanted to do hockey camp with Leo. He hates sports but loves his friends." Xavier laughed softly. "So, they plan on staying busy. Oh and don't be fooled! Winter is still very much a teenager. Very brooding but also loves and will squeal if her father gets a boyfriend. She might even give herself all the credit for us." He grinned, listening to Fletcher speak about his family and friend's reactions. "Drew and Emiliana know what's up." Xavier thought about Tanya and Rodrigo's reaction and smirked. "I like Tanya. Can't wait for their reactions." He looked down at Fletcher with a gentle smile. "Thank you for making this so--for being so--well, tranquil."

FLETCHER

Fletcher nodded, "Makes sense. Home should be a haven so if you're not able to get creative there, then you've got a problem." He then admitted while working, "I've only stayed in a hotel a few times in my life. Once was for a school trip to Disneyland in high school. Once was for some tattoo convention I'll hopefully never do again. And once was a disappointing hook-up." He listened to Xavier talk about the camps that Winter and Henry were going to participate in over their spring break and nodded a little bit. "Those sound like they'll be good times for them both. It'll be nice to meet Henry sometime soon. I feel a little bad asking you about making us official and I've barely met your daughter, haven't met your son and you haven't held Phoebe once yet. And I still would like to take you on a damn date." He gathered a little more ink to finish the lighter shade of pink and then chuckled a little, "Drew and Emiliana are nosy-asses. But I love 'em. And yeah, Tanya's great. Doesn't hurt that she was already a big fan of yours before we got close. The first time you came by here, I thought she might start catching flies with her mouth hanging open at the sight of you." He smirked a bit and then took his foot off the pedal to make adjustments to his needle and the color of ink, preparing the tat gun for a slightly darker shade of pink. "You're welcome. I try to keep that the atmosphere here for the shop and anybody who visits it. Drew had it that way too--inviting and chill."

XAVIER

"Exactly!" Xavier agreed with Fletcher and since being home longer, it's felt like that's where he should focus more. "Those sound ghastly except for the Disneyland trip, maybe? Let me know if I'm wrong. Before all this...T.V. stuff, I didn't either. Well, nothing like what I've experienced recently, I guess. I think you'll like where we'll be staying in Hollywood and I'd like to be spending most of my time there with you once the pomp and circumstance is done with." He grinned but it softened at Fletcher's words. "Well, you're more than welcome to meet Henry and get to know Winter. I cannot wait to hold little Phoebe and spoil her which reminds me, I have something for her two-month non-birthday. It's a thing just go with it." He chuckled. "We can have a family dinner at my place? I'd love to cook for you all or you and I can cook together or we can go to your place and cook together there. And! You've been busy. Me too. We talked about this early on. I know and understand you're a new dad. A lot comes with that title. You can take me out on a date whenever you want and can. I'll be excited and I'll let you wine and dine me and maybe just maybe you might get lucky. Can't make any promises though." Xavier laughed at Fletcher talking about Drew and Emiliana. "Very parental of them to be nosy-asses. Look, you haven't met my parents yet and I assure you, they'd get along great with Drew and Emiliana." He smirked. "So Tanya has no idea, huh?" He watched Fletcher ready the tat gun and then smiled at his words. "Then you're making that man proud."

FLETCHER

Fletcher chuckled, "Yeah, Disneyland was good. The hotel stay for tat convention wasn't the worst but some folks in the industry are shitty." He didn't feel the need to talk about the hookup anymore. As he continued working, he listened to Xavidr talk about where they would be staying while in Southern California for The Oscars. Fletcher hadn't even thought about that--the 2 of them staying together--but it spoke volumes to how easily he found the relationship between Xavier and himself. "I like how that sounds. I can help you unwind from it all." He didn't know what all went into hosting an awards show, especially one as famous as The Oscars but he'd imagine that if Xavier was going to spend time with him afterwards instead of partying, he'd want to relax in some fashion. "I'll have to make the time to do that. And next time I come to your home or you're at mine, I'll make sure you hold Phoebe." He raised his brows questioning a 2-month birthday and Xavier having something, "You're gonna be as bad as Drew, aren't you?" His uncle was constantly ordering things--mostly clothes--to be delivered to the house for Phoebe. "A dinner date sounds nice. My place would be easier for Drew. When it's not business-related he's the embodiment of a creature of habit, which just makes his Parkinsons that much harder for him to deal with." Wiping away the excess again, he lifted his foot off the pedal and added, "And I wouldn't mind cooking for you and your family, especially if you're willing to come over to me."

His foot pressed on the pedal again and he continued with the color shading, nearly finishing with all of the color. He would complete the tattoo with a little of the black to add to the ribbon and heart's curls, giving the curves a little more dimension. Xavier was right about him being busy. Phoebe was only 2 months old but he'd rapidly changed much of his life for her in that time, while also losing a lot of sleep. But he was enamored by Xavier and wanted to keep exploring and growing what was budding between them. "The way you talk about your parents, especially your mom, I've no doubt about that." As he finished off some finer details, he asked, "No idea about what? You and me? She knows. She's gonna help me out while I'm gone to the Oscars with you, so that everything doesn't solely fall on Emiliana." And after taking his foot off the pedal and setting the tattoo gun in its holster, Fletcher wiped the area of the tattoo a final time and slid back on the stool. "Alright, you're done. Take a look," he said, tilting his head in the direction of the full body mirror in the corner of the room. If Xavier liked the outcome, he would protect his tattoo and go through aftercare with him.

XAVIER

“Good! I’ve only gone once but I’d love to take the kids. Are they really shitty? That’s awful.” Xavier smiled, listening to Fletcher telling him he’d help him unwind and then it dawned on him, “you know, it’ll be our first time having an extended period of time together? No one needs to go somewhere. Just us two.” He paused a moment and then added, “that sounds nice.” Xavier chuckled and nodded confidently. “Yep. I’ll definitely going to bed just as bad. Every month, I’ll get her a monthly birthday present and probably little things here and there just because.” He listened to Fletcher talk about what would be easier for them all and also continued watching Fletcher finish up. “If it’s easier for Drew then that’s what we’re doing.” He looked at Fletcher and smiled. “He’s important to me too you know.” Saying that meant something to Xavier. In such a short time he had realized that Fletcher’s circle was going to be a significant part of his life and if things went his way, it would hopefully be that way for a long time. “So um…” Xavier grinned a toothy grin, not wanting to make a big deal out of anything. “What are you doing this Sunday then?” Xavier watched Fletcher completing his work all the while listening to him intently. “I know people say a lot of things just because or because they feel they have to but you going to the Oscar’s with a newborn and all the things you have to take care of means the world to me. I know it’s a big commitment. So thank you. And I’m incredibly grateful and excited to show you off a little. I say a little because like I said our appearance at the after party will definitely be brief.” Xavier waited for Fletchers to finish and checked out his work in the mirror. His smiled grew as he admired the art and he looked over to Fletcher. Tears began to fill his eyes and chuckled as he looked in the mirror again. “I love it. I absolutely love it. My mum is gonna flip. Thanks, baby… it’s perfect.”

FLETCHER

"Some are, but that's probably true in every field and industry out there," he supposed. Without lifting his gaze from what he was doing, he smiled a bit when Xavier pointed out at that the Oscars trip would be their first time truly alone for more than a few hours. "I didn't realize. Guess we'll have to make the most of it, hm?" And he merely shook his head at his boyfriend’s shameless admission that he would be as bad as Drew when it came to spoiling Phoebe. When asked what he was doing on Sunday, Fletcher thought for a moment and then replied, "Grocery shopping. Which I guess is good timing if we're going to all have dinner together." He paused long enough to wink at Xavier and then finished up the new body art. Taking in Xavier's understanding and gratitude, Fletcher told him, "I'm glad I'm able to go. Plus, being your date for the event's an honor." As he watched Xavier go to the mirror and inspect his work, Fletcher peeled the gloves off carefully and disposed them in the biohazard bin. He was about to grab the aftercare materials but paused and stood from the stool to stand behind Xavier, placing his hands on rhe Brit's shoulders and bending to kiss his cheek. "Good. I'm glad you love it." It was what mattered most to Fletcher. "I'll get a picture of it on your phone for you now if you want, or you can take a selfie with it, because I'm gonna need to bandage it and you're gonna wanna keep it covered for a few hours."

XAVIER

"That's true. I could definitely tell you about some not so nice people in Hollywood. More on that later." He chuckled. "Yeah, absolutely. Room service, music, chill environment, completely naked of course." He laughed again and it melted into a smile. "Yeah?" He grinned widely at the idea of his kids meeting Fletcher's family and getting to hold the baby. "I'll make my famous peach cobbler anddddd something else. I'll figure it out tonight." He smiled crookedly at hearing Fletcher say that it would be an honor to be his date. It was already so different than last year where Jeremy behaved as if he was being dragged through all the circles of hell. "I'm really glad you think that. It's nice to hear." At the kiss, Xavier turned his face and smiled at Fletcher's gesture. "Yeah, let me send a photo to Clayton so he can properly yell at the top of his lungs. I'll tell him my boyfriend did it so he can yell some more. And I'll send it to the group chat so mum and dad can see it." Xavier pulled his phone out of his pocket and photographed the art, sending it off to his family with a chuckle. "And now I wait for the millions of notifications." Xavier moved back to the bed, this time he sat, facing the stool so that Fletcher could cover it up. "Okay." He knew Fletcher would give him aftercare instructions. "I'm going to leave the best google review." He smirked and waited. As predicted, his phone went off a few times and he laughed, shaking his head. "Good morning, Brits."

FLETCHER

"I believe that, easily," Fletcher said. He didn'tactively follow all things celebrity gossip but he also didn't live under a rock. And there was Tanya who did keep herself informed about Hollywood happenings. Smirking a little, he told Xavier, "Don't go nuts. The cobbler should be enough for a few adults and a couple of teens." He would have made more affectionate touches to Xavier but his hands were gloved and he was going to need to bandage the tattoo and clean the tattoo gun first. He chuckled at what Xavier said about his family's reactions about the tattoo and him now having a boyfriend. As Xavier sat back on the bed, Fletcher pulled on fresh gloves and picked up a tube of ointment they used in the shop for tattoo aftercare. As he flipped the cap open and applied a light coat directly across Xavier's raised skin while explaining, "Try to wear some loose-fitting tops for a few days so your skin can breathe and heal. When you're showering, be gentle over your tattoo. Don't scrub there." He then grabbed some gauze big enough to cover the whole tattoo. Using some medical tape, he secured the gauze over Xavier's chest and finished, "Treat it like a wound and moisturize it. Most people just buy some A+D or Aquaphor. I don't recommend either of them because of where your tat is though. It'll get on your shirts. We sell this," he pointed to the tube he'd used, "And some other aftercare products but just stay away from scented soaps and lotions on it until it's fully healed." Hearing Xavier's phone repeatedly ping had Fletcher smirk again and shake his head, "Jesus. Lucky you."

XAVIER

"Okay, got it. Loose fitting tops. Sorry, Fletch no more sex icon fashion for a bit." He chuckled but nodded as he listened intently, taking the instructions seriously. "I won't scrub there but I will buy that." He pointed to the tube. "And whatever else I need to purchase, I'll get it." Xavier made mentl notes to not use scented soaps or lotions around the area unti lits fully healed. He laughed, shaking his head at the notifications. "They can stress about it in the group chat until a little later. They do it to me all the time." He smirked and looked over to his shirt. The Henley wasn't too tight fitting, thankfully. Carefully, put it on and rolled his shoulders back as it fell over him. "Can I hang around a bit until you close up?" He was glad to be Fletcher's last customer. He could spend a few minutes with his now boyfriend before he had to go home. "Let me go pay in the front first."

FLETCHER

Fletcher shrugged, "I've got a good enough imagination and besides. The clothes don't make the man. The man makes the clothes." He winked to Xavier again and then finished telling him the care instructions, trying to keep it simple but informative. When he finished and Xavier repeated the highlights back, Fletcher nodded a couple times. "Okay. Just let Tanya know and she'll hook you up with some. I've gotta clean up in here and then I'll be out. But yeah, stick around. I'm still curious about this other tattoo you want me to do for you, and you know I'm always glad to have a little of your time."

XAVIER

"I like that. Wise words." Xavier pulled his wallet out of his pocket and nodded at Fletcher. He'd tell him about his ideas and see what he thinks. He was glad they'd get to spend some time together especially now that they they were boyfriends. The thought made him feel warm inside and his lips pulled up into a smile as he made his way out ot the front. "Hey Tanya! So, can you hook a guy up with all the necesary after care items? You can ring me up for those and the tattoo. I'll pay those with card but the tip in cash if that's alright?" He figured it'd be easier that way. Xavier pulled out his card, ready to pay and a folded $100 bill for Tanya. He handed it to her and smiled. "For being so kind and all. Thank you for that." He would wait for Fletcher to come out to give him his tip. "Any plans tonight, Tanya?"

FLETCHER

"I wish I could take credit," Fletcher quipped with a smirk. He shamelessly watched Xavier go and then got to work disassembling the machine gun to dispose of the needle and clean all of the ink out. He sanitized the tattoo bed, the stool, disposed the extra ink and sterilized the tray He had everything sitting on. Once he was done cleaning everything and having it all prepped for use in the morning, Fletcher shut the lights off in the room and slipped into his office to use the bathroom and wash his hands. In the front of the shop, one of the other artists had gone home while Fletcher was working on Xavier's tattoo. Tanya had been cleaning around the shop, singing along to song after song playing overhead and checking that all the more open but partitioned stations were all sanitized and ready for a new day. But she paused when she heard the door to one of the 2 private rooms open. It was the only one occupied so Tanya beamed--her pierced dimples glinting--when she saw Xavier. "Heya! Sure can," she happily replied, making her way behind the counter to take down a bottle, tube and cream container from the shelf. As she rang each item and put them in a small, paper bag, Tanya called out, "Hey, Fletch!" "Yeah?" he called back from the depths of his office. "How much is Xavier's tattoo?" There was a long pause before Fletcher replied, "Eighty works," loud enough for Tanya to hear. "Got it!" she replied, more than familiar with the shop minimum. She tapped the amount in on the digital POS system and then swiveled the screen around for Xavier to insert or tap his card at the slot at the top of the screen. Tanya hadn't looked at the folded bill so she hadn't seen the amount. Nevertheless, she beamed all over again as her inner Xavier fangirl bubbled up. "Oh God, thank you so much!" Slipping the bill in her back pocket, she said, "Actually I've got a date tonight! First time so we'll see how it goes. His profile pics are pretty cute and we're going bowling!"

Fletcher emerged from his office, rubbing in lotion on his hands as Tanya gushed about her date, "Why don't you go on and head out, Tanya? I can close up the rest tonight." Tanya smiled to him and then Xavier and then back to him, "If you're sure?" Fletcher waved her off, "I'm sure. What's left to do?" Knowing that Fletcher was immaculate with cleaning and resetting the stations, she hadn't worried about having to go into the previously occupied private room tonight. "Just settling the register, cutting the music, shutting off the lights, locking up and setting the alarm." She was a little more than a foot shorter than Fletcher but it didn't stop her from hugging him around his middle and then she dashed off. But she paused once she had her purse, long enough to say, "You two having a good niiiiiight!" in a sing-song voice and an added wink before hurrying out of the front doors. Fletcher shook his head and then fixed his gaze on Xavier as he made his way around the counter to start settling the drawer and print the POS system report. "Still wondering if she knows about us or not?"

XAVIER

“Thanks, love!” Xavier took the bag from Tanya and waited for Fletchers to call out the amount. For some reason he expected it to be a lot more. He inserted his card chip first and when the tip amount came up, he decided to add it on there in case Fletcher didn’t take his tip or something. “I’m going to actually add Fletcher’s tip here. He punched in a 40% tip and smiled at Tanya. “And you’re welcome ! Oh you’re gonna have to tell me all about him next time I come around. Bowling sounds like the perfect first date actually! Have fun!” Xavier watched as Tanya hugged Fletcher and then made her way out. He couldn’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm and waved at her, laughing at her words. He walked over to the counter, leaning his elbow so that he could support his arm and cup his cheek and looked up at Fletcher. “She’s subtle, huh?” Xavier chuckled, gaze still on the other as he did what he had to do. He felt a twinge here and there at the tattoo site but it wasn’t all too bad. “Did you drive here or are you walking home?”

FLETCHER

"You got it!" Tanya replied while a thrilled feeling shot through her at chatting about her date with Xavier Mitchell. She finished ringing him up and gave him his receipt. After Tanya flounced out of the shop like a teenager with a crush, he chuckled too. "Yeah, as subtle as a lit firework." Fletcher knew Tanya could be discreet but if she didn't have to, then she most certainly wasn't. He removed the money from the register. As he organized the bills, he told Xavier, "I drove. I don't live close enough to walk and if something was wrong with Drew or Phoebe, I wanna be able to get home as soon as I can." As he took out a bag to collect and seal the money in after it was counted, he asked, "Why? Were you gonna give me a ride?"

XAVIER

Xavier really did like Tanya. She was perky and funny and the perfect person for the front desk. He laughed again at Fletcher’s comment. “It’s great.” Xavier shifted his position and just leaned against the counter, looking out the store front as Fletcher did his thing with the register. “That’s smart. I’d do the same thing.” It was probably rough always being on alert for someone else. Xavier felt that when his mother was first diagnosed. He was always on alert and worried that he couldn’t get to her on time. It worried him when he was away for long periods of time and his kids were with Louise. At the end of the day, he’d want to be there for them if they needed him. He looked over his shoulder when Fletcher was not looking and organizing bells and smiled. He was a good man that matched his morals and that meant a lot more than he could put into words. When Fletcher spoke again, Xavier faced him and nodded. “Aye. Well, I was going to ask if you wanted to drive my car.” Xavier pulled away from the counter and made sure he left no marks or prints. “But you can do that Sunday.” He smiled, excited all over again.

FLETCHER

Fletcher nodded. "Yeah, I wouldn't mind taking the bus sometimes and I used to, to save gas and all. But since Drew's diagnosis and now with Phoebe, it's just easier to make sure my car's with me." As he was finishing up with balancing the register and having it ready for the next day, he heard what Xavier said about driving his car and groaned, "Ugh, damn. That would've been great too. Does that bad boy have rear seating?" He'd been too in awe of the car being in his driveway to really take notice before. But Xavier mentioning Sunday had him smiling, and not just because of the car. "Speaking of Sunday, do your kids have any favorites, food-wise, and are they allergic to anything?" Fletcher knew Henry and Winter were from Korea but he figured he would ask and not assume anything.

XAVIER

“See? Told you that you were an environmentalist.” He quipped, thinking back at their first time together. “But that makes a lot of sense to me. I love how much of a hard worker you are and how much you give to the people you love. It’s beautiful.” Xavier chuckled at Fletcher’s reaction. “I got that baby literally right before they approved my house for foster care and I was like damn I need a family car. So that’s my next purchase. It’s a three seater but that newer models will be four seaters. I’ll probably get like a SUV or something.” He shook his head at the question about his kids. “They will eat just about anything. No allergies. So don’t worry about going too crazy. They will love whatever you do. Do you need me to bring anything else besides dessert ? Drinks?”

FLETCHER

Fletcher snorted, "I'm thinking about the cost of gas, not the environment here." Still, he smiled, amused by Xavier's comment. His compliment was met with s simple nod from Fletcher, who'd begun counting the money that wasn't going to be left in the register. And as he recorded each denomination, he said, "An SUV, huh? So you mean to tell you're not an environmentalist?" Jokingly, he clicked his tongue and shook his head. And as he sealed the money bag, he smirked, knowing that hybrid and electric family cars were becoming more popular than before. Deciding to close the shop a little early, he held the money bag while coming from around the counter to shut off the 'open' sign and lock the front doors. The music was still playing but Fletcher didn't mind it. "A couple kids after my own heart," he commented with an easy smile, leading them to his office to drop the money in the safe. "Nah, the dessert and your appetite's enough to bring." Leaning against his desk, he asked, "How's your chest feeling?"

XAVIER

He chuckled, digging his hands into his pocket as he walked around the space and checking everything out while Fletcher closed out the register. "yeah, no fuck this planet." He laughed and shook his head. "Kidding. I'm sure I'll find something that won't destroy us." Xavier smiled at the comment about his kids and nodded. "Yeah, they're pretty easy and just grateful, good children. You might have competition with Winter. That girl can eat! " He followed Fletcher into the office. "Alright, I think you'll be a little floored with my baking abilities. Not to toot my own horn or anything." He playfully plucked his shirt and grinned. Xavier walked up to Fletcher and then looked down at his chest. "I mean, it's always a little accelarated when I'm around you because I want to kiss you all of the time so..." He paused, biting his bottom lip and then laughed softly. "Ohhh you mean my tattoo?" He feigned innocense and then shrugged, laughing again. "I'm doing okay so far. Strange little twinges of...I wouldn't call it pain. Just a reminder that it's there and new." He reached up to push some strands of Fletcher's hair back. "Tired?" His gaze met his boyfriend's eyes and smiled. "I'm sure you're glad your day's over, hm?"

FLETCHER

Fletcher shook his head with a small smirk and then said, "Shouldn't be hard to find something you like and checks all the boxes you need checked." His smirk lingered hearing more similarities between him and Winter. And when Xavier talked about his baking skills, he replied, "I'm sure you're talented and I'm looking forward to trying your goodies. Again." And Xavier's flirtatious joke about his chest made Fletcher roll his eyes, smiling. "You are so damn cheesy." He tenderly kissed Xavier on the lips and then hummed, "I'm always tired these days but I'm fine." It was the truth and Fletcher knew if he'd been too exhausted to work, he would have rescheduled his earlier appointments and stayed home with Drew and Phoebe the full day. He reached out and ran a thumb just along the seam of Xavier's bottom lip, "I didn't mind the work day. Did a few piercings before touching up a regular's tattoo, and then I got to give you your first tat, after making things official with you. So, no complaints about the day."

XAVIER

"Again, he says." He chuckled softly, enjoying the easy banter. Xavier stayed close, his gaze on Fletcher as the other spoke. "Hey, listen you like it and just asked me to be your boyfriend so what does that say about you?" He kept his smile even after the kiss but it slowly turned into a tiny frown learning that Fletcher was always tired. "I'm sorry, love... I know it's easier said than done but try to take it easy whenever you can. As Phoebe gets older, she'll start getting into a routine and it may help. And don't let me be too much of a distraction, either." He smiled genuinely and leaned in to kiss Fletcher's neck before looking up at him again. He enjoyed any time he got with the older man and all of his touches. "That does sound like a pretty good day." He grinned and let out a soft sigh. "Don't forget to take a mental health day if you need one and if there's anything I can do to help in relaxing you, let me know...ok?" Xavier's voice remained soft and calm.

FLETCHER

"Yes, he does say," Fletcher replied with no shame in his double entendre about Xavier's 'goodies'. His smile was crooked as he replied, "It says I'm a glutton or some kind of magnet for cheesy, charming, lovable goofs." His thumb stayed close to Xavier's lower lips while listening to his concern. "Yeah, Drew and Emiliana have been telling me a lot about keeping to routines and how much that'll help Phoebe. Don't worry about me though. I might not've had the hands-on experience much before Phoebe, but I've been around enough parent friends to know sleepless nights were part of the newborn parenting gig." His hand slid down to the column of Xavier's neck, and then he moved it to around his waist. "I appreciate the concern but I'm fine, X. Really. I'd actually been considering getting a support dog for Drew. You know, one of those dogs that's been trained to be helpful if he drops something or knows to get help if he's hurt or something. I think it'd help Drew feel a little independence from Emiliana and me from time to time. I'd talked to him about it before late last year, and he didn't seem to care one way or the other." His other hand came up to the back of Xavier's head, fingertips brushing along the short buzzed part of his hair. "But I haven't gone ahead with it yet because it'd be someone else to take care of."

XAVIER

Xavier smirked, thinking about their Valentine’s Day and how he had missed being with Fletcher in that fashion since then. “Mmm gotta balance things out, right? I’m glad you think I’m all those things. And you can be my dark, witty, brooding, and also very charming man. Which I happen to be a magnet for. Didn’t stand a chance.” He enjoyed the brush of Fletcher’s fingers against his lower lip. The slight twinges of pain on his chest were long forgotten and replaced with the fluttering inside of it. “Yeah routines are super important and you’re right about the sleepless nights but you’re doing great. Xavier felt the jolt of electricity running through him As Fletcher’s hands slid down his neck. His knuckles caressed Fletcher’s arms and he closed any gap between them, locked in the other’s embrace. “I love the idea of a support dog for Drew. It really would help him and he will love them once they’re in the house. I say do it.” He closed how eyes at the gentle touch against his head and smiled. “I mean I can help you. Look into applications, print all that out for you. And I just know Winter would be down to help walk them here and there. ” He reopened his eyes and smiled. “We’ll figure it out.” He loved this. Loved having someone to talk to about their days, their lives, their kids. It felt so real and so natural. Unlike anything he’s ever had before.

FLETCHER

"Eh, I guess so," Fletcher replied before his easygoing smile returned to let Xavier know he'd been joking. "Damn, brooding? I'll have to see what I can do to replace that one with angsty or intimidating. Blunt dick even." He listened to his boyfriend and mumbled a low, "Thanks," at his compliment and encouragement, still awkward about taking compliments but working on it. He was enjoying the closeness with Xavier and being able to take in the perfumes from him--whether it was cologne, aftershave, lotion or something else, Fletcher couldn't get enough of smelling it from Xavier's skin. "Yeah, it wouldn't be a bad idea but I'd put it on hold. Winter helping out would be great, but if she's sick or has a lot of homework, or just wants to spend time with friends, then I don't want her to feel like she can't do those things because of the dog. And I don't wanna put another thing on Emiliana's plate. She's got her food truck and she's already been helping me a lot more than I could've asked for." Tipping his head down, he kissed the top of Xavier's head and said, "Your support's nice though. Thank you."

XAVIER

“Oh angsty is a good one. My emo boyfriend” he chuckled, looking up at Fletcher and then wrapping his arms around the other’s neck. He knew Fletcher didn’t do well with compliments and understood that so he wouldn’t linger for too long or make him more uncomfortable than he needed to be. “I can understand the apprehension but if you do want to revisit the idea, I can absolutely help with a schedule for the doggo. I’ll even pitch in, come help change his food or water whenever I’m here. And I do plan being home more so.” He smiled. “You can add us to your village. If that’s okay?” Xavier smiled at the kiss. “Of course. Always.” He slid his hands down to cup Fletcher’s cheeks and kissed him on the lips for a couple of minutes before nuzzling his nose. “Missed this.”

FLETCHER

Fletcher sighed, "Alright I walked into the emo label by throwing 'angsty' out there. Goddammit." After cursing himself, he shook his head but softly smiled at Xavier. "I'll keep that in mind. I know you're planning to be home more, and I hope you're able to enjoy it without feeling like you've got more obligations." He met Xavier's lips and returned very second of his boyfriend's kisses.--the occasional, brief moan passing through his lips. He shut his yes and rested his forehead to Xavier's. "Me too. This is... I like getting these moments with you." He stole another brief kiss and then said, "I think I'm officially addicted to your lips."

XAVIER

“Okay Dashboard Confessional” Xavier teased Fletcher and chuckled. “I’m sorry, love to see your eyes roll…” he nodded when Fletcher said he’d keep his offer in mind. “I don’t care. I’ll see you more and the baby and Winter gets a chore she will thank me a hundred times over.” He laughed softly, not wanting to get rid of this closeness anytime soon. After a few pecks, Xavier closed his eyes too. “I spending time with you. Making out, the sex is… incredible but this is…I like feeling close to you. Hate seeing you go.” His lips linger closed to Fletcher’s almost as if they possessed a gravitational pull. “Good. They’re yours and only yours. Do with them as you please.” Maybe it was having small, short intervals of time together that makes the desire stronger. What was that saying about distance? Or maybe there was a pull that Xavier couldn’t resist. All he knew was that Fletcher was always literally taking his breath away.

FLETCHER

Fletcher deadpanned and then relaxed his features. "You're lucky I like you." He smiled a bit and chuckled, "Seeing Phoebe's a good plus. And if I go ahead with it, I'll be sure to let you know and see how things can get worked out. I know Drew's not completely helpless but I also know that him being left alone for long isn't good." He'd make a decision about a service dog and he would talk with everyone who'd be involved before filling any applications out. For now though, he was enjoying his time with Xavier. He smiled a little as he listened to him. "I like this too. I know we've texted a lot but getting to spend time together is the best." Fletcher knew he'd have to lock up and set the alarm still, but he was savoring all the time he would have with Xavier until then. At his boyfriend's invitation, he tilted Xavier's chin up and kissed him some more, acting a little more fervently than before.

XAVIER

“I am lucky. That’s a true statement if I ever heard one.” He winked at Fletcher. Seeing his family more would be good for the both of them. Xavier not only wanted to be helpful but he had learned quickly that Fletcher’s heart belonged to them and that meant they were important to him too. Xavier listened with adoration. Fletcher was better than all the kids Drew had. And he knew Drew had done so much for him. “I agree. We don’t want him to be alone. Drew is phenomenal. I don’t need to know him long to know that. A dog will only provide some companionship and an extra layer of support.” Xavier smiled softly. “The real thing is always better. The best.” He felt that flutter again. Xavier knew it would be time to go soon and he already didn’t want to say his goodbyes but he was glad for this. Hungrily, Xavier glided his lips against Fletcher’s, letting his tongue swipe against them, begging for an entrance. He’d be careful not to start anything they couldn’t finish but for now, he’d be more than content with tasting Fletcher’s tongue before he had to leave.

FLETCHER

Fletcher chuckled a little and shook his head at Xavier. "Yeah, he's a good man. And I agree, with all of that." But as much as he loved his uncle, he didn't want to spend time thinking about the man while making out with Xavier. He lingered Xavier's tiny curls while parting his lips and letting their tongues dance together. He moaned a little and held some of Xavier hair before parting for air. "Ugh. I hate having to leave like this." He kissed Xavier's lips a few times and then muttered, "Damn time constraints."

XAVIER

His hands remained guarding Fletcher's pulse, fingertips caressing his neck. Every single time, Xavier felt as if he could never get enough of the other. Everything about Fletcher made him want to pause time. He was drunk on his scent, his caresses and the taste of him. Xavier pulled him closer every chance he could get and felt himself getting lost in their kisses. He reluctantly let Fletcher pull away, trying to muster up a single thought. "Me too." Xavier crashed onto Fletcher's lips, gently nibbling on his bottom lip before kissing him on that spot. "Damn time constraints is right. We'll figure something out. I'll come here more, spend a night if you want me to here and there. You come to me. ... you say I'm addictive. I think we both have a problem here..." Xavier's gaze flickered upwards. It really was nice. The perfect end to their evening, getting to come down from the day. As the music played in the background and Xavier kept his closeness, he was unable to speak. He just wanted to take Fletcher in. So he did. He loved this song. "When do you have to go?"

FLETCHER

"We're like some reckless teens, I swear," Fletcher chuckled and then paused, hoping he didn't start Xavier worrying that he'd have to deal with this with Winter anytime soon. He kissed his temple and then was going to kiss his nose but Xavier snatched his bottom lip between his teeth and Fletcher lightly gasped, followed quickly by a groan. "I like how that sounds," he started to say in between catching his breath. "We'll figure something out," he echoed. He hadn't argued with Xavier saying they had a problem; rather, he encouraged said problem by beginning a trail of kisses down the column of Xavier's neck, fingers curling slightly into both hips. "Mmm..." He hummed thoughtfully and then mumbled against his skin, "Ten." The shop normally closed then but he'd been closing early so he technically wouldn't need to leave to head home until then. There was still the matter of locking the doors and shutting off the "open" sign so no walk-ins entered the shop at this point but he currently wasn't sure what time it was, or how much time that'd mean they had.

XAVIER

"I wasn't even this reckless as a teen." Xavier laughed but his mind did go to teenager and preteen in his life. Winter had shown interest in two people already so he knew it was coming. With Henry staying at Seb's and Winter out with Eliza until midnight today, it was starting so quickly. He was glad for the distraction from his boyfriend. Xavier would want to make the most of their time. That was always his goal. "Figure something out..." He repeated in a whisper as Fletcher kissed one of his most sensitive spots. He sighed softly, a smile forming on his face. "I like that..." Meaning the kisses on his neck He lolled his head to the side, finding comfort in all of it. "Ten..." Xavier moaned. He had no clue what time it was just that this felt so good. Maybe they had a few minutes left. His fingers reached to get lost in Fletcher's dark hair but not before caressing his ear. "Where've you been all my life, hm?"

FLETCHER

"Making up for it now then," Fletcher quipped with a smile. He certainly didn't mind being a part of this bit of reckless indulgence with Xavier. He continued leaving languid kisses down his boyfriend’s jaw and neck despite not knowing how much time they still had. And hearing Xavier tell him he liked what he was doing had Fletcher begin grazing his skin and occasionally letting his tongue brush his smooth flesh. His fingers kept Xavier close and for a moment, he opened his eyes and tilted his head slightly, searching for the clock on his wall after hearing the tome he'd need to leave echoed in an alluring British lilt. "Half an hour," he mumbled. There was a lot they could do in that amount of time, yet it still wasn't enough but he'd take it. He smiled against his beau's neck where he replied, the movement of his lips along his skin. "Right here, sweetheart. Right here." As he increased his nips and grazing, and started adding some intentional pulls with his kisses, Fletcher was sure he'd end up leaving a hicky somewhere on Xavier before they parted ways tonight.

XAVIER

"I think that's exactly what's happening." A throaty chuckle fell from his lips. He'd never be the one to fall fast, even going to the island, Xavier never thought he'd fall at all. He was being reckless. Reckless with his heart, his words, and his approach. He had easily found himself wanting to be around this man more, wanting to learn everything about him, and wanting him. That was reckless. He'd never felt such a pull toward anyone. Ever. The uncontrollable desire coursed through his veins as Fletcher kissed, sucked, and nipped his neck. The more he revealed his weaknesses, the more it was used for his pleasure and Xavier was consumed by it all. Eyes closed, he allowed himself to get lost in the moment, soft moans falling from his lips as his fingers remained lost in Fletcher's hair. Hearing they had thirty minutes, filled him with the excitement of making them as fulfilling as possible. Right here How he wished he'd known that before. Groaning at the bites against his neck, he smiled soon after realizing there'd be a mark there. It would be a little reminder of Fletcher. Xavier personally loved those. "let's make the best of these --" he breathed steadily as Fletcher continued. "thirty. I--don't know what I'm saying."

FLETCHER

Fletcher continued kissing and loving on the column and groove of Xavier's neck. As he listened to Xavier trail off and admit to not knowing what he was saying, Fletcher grinned and lowered a hand to cop a feel on the younger man's ass. "Let me go lock up really quick and then I'm all yours." He nipped and tugged on Xavier's bottom lip, gave his ass a quick smack and then slipped away to and out of the office door. After finishing his keys out, he locked the front doors from the inside and tugged the pull switch on the neon "OPEN" sign. On his way back to the office he decided to leave the music on so the two of them weren't in complete silence and to remind himself to also set the alarm before leaving. He returned to his office and Xavier, "Now where were we?"

XAVIER

He had practically turned into putty and Xavier didn't mind it one bit. "Okay...like the sound of that." He took a deep breath and attempted to keep his feet grounded. The ass smack made him chuckle and he groaned the moment Fletcher's teeth released his bottom lip. He leaned against Fletcher's desk, trying to pull himself together as his hand roamed over his neck, smiling at the idea of there being marks he'd have to conceal later. When his boyfriend appeared, Xavier looked up, letting his hands grip the desk. "You were having your way with me." His mischievous smirk danced against his lips and for a moment, his mind went back to the last time he was in the office with Fletcher. "Turning me on, marking your territory, you know the usual."

FLETCHER

"Oh, right, right, how could I forget?" he jokingly asked, closing the door with his foot. By the time he finished thoroughly loving on Xavier--making out some more, leaving a couple of love marks on his neck and moving south for a little more oral affection--it was 5 minutes to 10pm. Fletcher had just kissed Xavier deeply, letting him taste a bit of himself in the process and when he drew back, he gave a devious smile. "It’s too bad we have to wait until Sunday to spend together again and wont get to continue this then, but hopefully you've got plenty of nice thoughts to think about." He kissed Xavier's lips again and then hummed thoughtfully, "Can I walk you to your car?"

XAVIER

Time had gone by so quickly yet slowed down at the right moments. Xavier kissed Fletcher back with deep affection and desire, cupping his face to keep him close enough or as close as 2 minutes allowed him to. When Fletcher pulled back, Xavier took a deep breath and let out a breathy chuckle. "Definitely a lot of thoughts to play around with." He smiled at the last kiss and quickly straightened himself out and fixed his disheveled attire. Looping his belt back properly, he nodded at the question. "Yeah, I'd love that. "

FLETCHER

Fletcher really did find Xavier's lips and kisses addicting. He could spend an afternoon laying in bed, giving Xavier lazy kisses and having occasional makeout sessions and be content if time allowed it. While Xavier adjusted his belt, Fletcher gently fixed the younger man's shirt collar and held Xavier's jacket and bag of purchases for him. Once Xavier was ready, Fletcher stepped around his desk and lifted his own jacket from the back of his chair. He threaded his arms inside and stuck a hand in one of the pockets where his car and house keys were. He opened the office door for Xavier and then went to shut off the shop music. When he punched in the alarm code, he knew there were thirty seconds before it was actually activated. He unlocked the front doors, held one open for Xavier, and then fished out his shop keys from his pocket to lock up behind them. "Did you have to park far down the street, or- nevermind. I see your baby." He smirked and walked beside Xavier. "What've you got going on tomorrow?"

XAVIER

“Thank you. For well, everything.” He smiled at Fletcher and took his things, sliding his arms into his jacket. He followed Fletcher out to the shop and exited the store. Xavier looked over his shoulder to the where his car was parked and chuckled at Fletcher’s question. “Looks like you got lucky too.” He gestured toward his boyfriend’s and kept his pace walking a few cars down to where Xavier had parked. “Tomorrow? Have to get Henry from Sebastian’s and they both have art and violin. Then bumming around before I start baking.” Xavier stopped at his car and pulled his keys from his pocket. “You?”

FLETCHER

"My pleasure. You coming by was a nice way to end the night. And it was an honor not only giving you your first ink, but what it is and means to you." He chuckled a little, "I usually park around back when I'm here earlier since it's where the shop owners around here can park. But there was space up here this afternoon, so," he finished with a shrug. After listening to what Xavier had to do tomorrow, he commented, "Sounds like it'll be a good day. I'll be home with Phoebe and Drew, and if it doesn't rain, I told Drew I'd help him out in his garden before I come back here for the evening. Got two appointments--a piercing and an ink one--and then I'll be around for any walk-ins." His head shook, "I'm not one to judge on the piercings people want, but I hate when people end up wanting Prince Albert or Christina piercings. You know what they are?"

XAVIER

"I'm glad I came and I'm really happy with your work by the way. I'm not saying that just because I happen to be biased now." He smiled at Fletcher. " Oh, that's nice that there are designated spots. Parking can be such a nightmare." He opened the doors to his car and tossed his bag to the passenger seat before giving Fletcher his undivided. "That really sounds like a nice day. The garden and spending time with the baby and Drew. When Fletcher mentioned the piercings, his expression changed as he said, "oh yikes. I definitely doknow what those are. I'm not one to judge either but I'm assuming they're a bit complicated, definitely painful and maybe clients haven't thought it all the way through among other reasons why they may not be a favorite of yours to do." he answered empathetically, leaning against the street sign post. "is your piercing appointment one of those?" The night was absolutely blissful. "I'll text you some ideas for the ink I want next. Looks like you've made an addict out of me." He chuckled. "I'm not stopping at one more so I'll come by a lot more. And just to see your face, bring you something to eat, fill up your Reece's bowl." Xavier sighed, already missing Fletcher. "I should let you go though. I know you've got the most beautiful girl in California waiting for you."'

FLETCHER

"Thanks," Fletcher smiled a bit, "Glad you're not just saying that out of a bias." He figured by now that Xavier had seen his work on his Instagram or the shop's page and he'd had an idea of what Fletcher was capable of. But he'd agreed about his plans for the next day. It wasn't one of his busier days and for that, he was grateful. But the piercing appointment was what he looked forward to the least. "Yeah, a Prince Albert. I hate them mostly because the majority of the people who get them think that I'm somehow suddenly interested in their sex lives or how high they think their pain tolerance is when I really couldn't give two squirts of duck shit about either." He'd seen enough of people's most intimate body parts not to be fazed but the babbling on while trying to flex or, in some cases, flirt with Fletcher was uninteresting to him. "I'm looking forward to seeing what you're gonna text me though." He then chuckled, "You've been bitten by the ink bug. Congratulations, bae." And then he paused and shook his head, "Alright I dunno how I like that one. Bae? I thought I'd try it out but it makes me feel like someone old trying to sound young." He shook his head again and then stepped to Xavier, Bending his head to kiss him. "Hey don't sigh and pout. Knowing us, we'll end up texting a shit ton until we see each other again. Tomorrow will go by quick." He stole another couple of pecks and then said, "Get your ass home safely, yeah?"

XAVIER

"Nope, never," he replied genuinely. Xavier had seen a lot of Fletcher's work on the shop's Instagram and when he had visited the store last. Also the glimpse of his sketches was enough proof that Fletcher was more than capable. He was incredibly talented. "Oh God. A Prince Albert. I'm sorry. That sounds exhausting when you're just trying to do your work like ma'am this is a Wendy's." He repeated the old vine knowing Fletcher would get it. He shook his head and sighed. "Look, I've already seen a client flirt with you so I just KNOW that shit happens often." He wasn't super jealous especially when he trusted Fletcher but there was a small, tiny part of him that hated the idea." He did smile thinking about telling Fletcher about his future tattoos. Arching a brow with a smirk at the new pet name, Xavier grinned. "Bae. yeah, I don't know either." He laughed at his boyfriend's reasoning for not liking it to much. "You sir are definitely not old." he welcomed the kiss and looked up at the other. "I'm looking forward to all of that. Tomorrow will go by quick," he echoed and chuckled at the pecks before pressing his lips against Fletcher's a little longer. "You too. Text me when you get there just to make sure you're okay. yeah?" Xavier climbed into his car and looked over his shoulder. "Behave!"

FLETCHER

Fletcher chuckled a little at Xavier's Vine reference and then said, "Yeah, if I had to take a guess the person who booked this appointment is getting it purely to peacock in the bedroom. He sounded the type when he made the appointment. So I guess this is me judging. But not feeling bad about it." He listened to Xavier and then admitted, "It does, but I'm with you now. And even before we became official tonight, I haven't been fazed by flirtatious clients in a while." It was true, thanks largely to Xavier consuming much of his thoughts on the romantic front. Ever since that kiss at the school fundraiser. Before that, his focus had been on his daughter and his new adjustments but the fundraiser happened. Their unexpected first kisses happened. When talking about the 'bae' pet name he said, "I guess it wouldn't bother me in writing or text but out loud it just sounds weird coming outta my mouth." He then quickly argued, "I am old and I can accept being your old man." He watched Xavier head to the driver's side of his car while saying, "Will do," and then he stepped away from the curb and turned to leave. But when he heard Xavier's last comment, Fletcher chuckled once. "Not likely to happen!" He called back while walking up the sidewalk towards his own car, pressing the 'unlock' button on the fob.

#Xavier #Ink and Hearts para

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shih-coulda-had-it · 1 year

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FEBUWHUMP DAY TWENTY-SIX | FORCED TO CHOOSE | wc: 603

a/n: ok i couldn’t finish out the month, but i DID want to fill this one because this one’s the one that made me want to start the event. it’s dfohiko verse w/ toshinori and rikiya! except this snippet is purely (okay) Dad Sorahiko & (severely insecure) Son Rikiya, almost immediately post-Nana’s death

“You’re smart,” his dad says, feverish in his praise. Rikiya is startled to feel the quick press of dry lips to his forehead. The unasked-for blessing is followed by more unasked-for compliments. “You’ve always been clever, Rikiya. I know you’ll survive. You haven’t needed me to cover for you in years.”

“Tou-san?” He gawks at the sight of the tall and bulky frame trembling. It’s unprecedented for his dad to behave like this, even in the privacy of the family apartment, because his father excels at exploiting emotional vulnerabilities--but his father isn’t at home either.

Rikiya had returned to a darkened apartment, three different notes explaining their absences, and a saran-wrapped plate in the microwave (courtesy of his dad).

From his dad: ‘Out for the night. Toshinori’s with me.’

From Toshi: ‘Out with dad! :D’

And from his father: ‘Family dinner will be late. Keep a light on.’

“Tou-san,” says Rikiya through a dry throat, “where’s Toshi?”

His dad shudders, but pulls back. He rolls his wrists and flexes his fingers, popping the joints in a nervous tic that Rikiya recognizes as his own. “He… needs time to cool off. Your father--” here, his dad’s voice goes venomous, viscerally so, “--has been persuaded to leave him alone for tonight.”

“But where is he?” A beat. “You’re not going to tell me.”

“Smart,” his dad repeats. Exhaustion bleeds through like calligraphy-grade ink on printer paper, but sympathy is hard to muster. Rikiya wants to question what the hell happened to his twin brother. He thinks about reaching for his phone and texting Toshinori, but if his dad is refusing to spill the beans, then Toshinori (easily-cowed, people-pleaser Toshi) certainly won’t reveal his location.

“And… Otou-san?”

“On his way. I wanted to get here first.” He studies Rikiya as though he’s committing him to memory, and Rikiya clenches his fists at the scrutiny. At the pieces of the puzzle he’s putting together in his head. He doesn’t like the implications, and the resentment he’s always felt over Toshinori simmers in the pit of his stomach.

But it’s fine. He doesn’t have to be chosen--he’s better than that. He seizes the opportunities and builds his own ways forward. He’s smart. Clever.

“How long will you be gone?” he asks.

“... Long. I can’t tell you more than that.”

“So are you divorcing otou-san, or just running away?”

His dad winces, and his mouth seals shut into a tight line before he bites out, “He’ll find out soon enough. Anyways. Are you gonna help me ransack Toshinori’s room for his homework, or are you heading to sleep?”

“Sleep,” Rikiya lies shamelessly. If his dad and Toshi are slipping from the apartment now, then Rikiya needs to pack his own bags. There’s a safehouse of his dad’s in Aichi Prefecture--a region too far from U.A. for Toshi’s taste, but close enough to his father’s network that Rikiya won’t trigger an immediate reflex to be retrieved.

He just needs to finish out the school year. Rikiya can play his cards right, as long as his father considers him the unimportant son. The indebted son, now that Rikiya has Stress under control.

Toshinori--willful, Quirkless, rebellious--and loved all the more for it.

“Alright,” his dad says, after giving Rikiya a look that said, ‘I know you’re bullshitting me, but it’s been a long night, so I won’t push it.’ For a wild moment, Rikiya wishes that his dad would push back and do something more than just pay attention.

Say something! he yells internally. Stress bubbles discontentedly, but Rikiya white-knuckles it, unwilling to show his hand.

“Good night, Rikiya.”

“Night, tou-san.”

#bnha #dfohiko verse #gran torino #torino sorahiko #yotsubashi rikiya #redestro #shih's art #shih.txt #febuwhump 23 #in retrospect rikiya should be around the same height as toshinori #but this is very last minute so pls excuse how small he appears #sidenote: everyone in this family is either just a Little unhinged or COMPLETELY SO #toshinori made it out with his morals Intact;#sorahiko had to rehabilitate his ethical code;#rikiya... well he's better off than afo but he did straight up murk miyashita

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quartzelaii · 2 years

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Perfectly Aligned

CHAPTER II

— L/N Y/N, best friend to Kageyama Tobio since age 6. L/N Y/N, the object of all Tsukishima Kei's desires since age 15.

Masterlist

CHAPTER I ➛ CHAPTER II ➛ CHAPTER III

word count: 11k

"How's that poster design coming along? Good, I'm hoping?" Nakano Miyaka, the Arts Club president, hovers over the table like a bespectacled hawk. Her thick glasses almost make her eyes look comically huge with the way she surveys the club room like some sort of cliché cranky supervisor from an office sitcom.

The Arts Club room is small and dingy, probably the smallest and dingiest room in prestigious Shiratorizawa. The four walls perpetually smell of acrylic paint and marker ink from paintings and other artwork that take too long to dry. The desks and chairs are stained with various pigments, courtesy of those hard-headed club members who always forget to put down newspaper before working on their projects.

Upon enrolling in high school, you had trouble finding a new club to pledge yourself to since you've said good bye to volleyball. When you were a kid, one of your favorite way to pass the time aside from playing volleyball is messing around with whatever coloring materials you could find in your pencil case— crayons, watercolors, those small pots of poster color that smell like expired medicine. You'd take your time creating your own masterpiece. More often than not, it would actually turn out good and your Dad would display it by the fridge or frame it to hang in the living room. You enjoyed making art for him, that was until he and your mother divorced. Suddenly, it didn't make sense to continue doing art anymore.

However, on your first day of school at Shiratorizawa, you were handed a flyer for the Arts Club by Miyaka herself who was scouting new recruits at the time. Perhaps it was her overly-enthusiastic persona, or maybe it was because the prospect of making art again made you feel nostalgic— either way, it only took three minutes of convincing before you were signing up.

Miyaka instantly took a liking to you. You're an efficient and productive member of the club, adamant on creating a good first impression on your clubmates. Not long after that, Miyaka has appointed you as the club's Secretary even though you're still a first year. You accepted the honor with much eagerness.

"Just tweaking a few things and then it's ready to be printed." Came the monotonous reply of the club's vice president, currently hunched back over his laptop.

"A few things, huh?" Miyaka gives a pointed look at him then at the laptop's screen. "Seems to me like you still have a lot to tweak considering the page is still freakin' blank."

Aoki Raiden groans and leans back against his chair, pulling the strings on his hoodie so the fabric engulfs his face.

"Please get off my back, Miyaka-san. I literally can't work with you watching me all the damn time."

Miyaka yanks the hood off his head. "I gave you a week to finish the poster design, Rai. We're already behind schedule as it is."

"You do know the festival isn't until October, right? It's still the middle of August, not to mention it's summer break. Stop being such a worrywart. We have plenty of time." Raiden drawls as his fingers clack on his laptop's keyboard. From where you're sitting, you can see the interface of Twitter on the screen, the poster design's editing page has been minimized and is now completely abandoned.

"I dedicated the whole summer break to work on our booth so we don't have to worry about it once school starts." Miyaka puts her hand on her hips in an attempt to assert authority. "Us third years are gonna be super busy by September and I won't have time to supervise this club by then. You really have to be more considerate, you know."

"Ugh, fine. Give me three days and I'll send you the final design."

"No, are you kidding me? You have until tomorrow to finish that."

Raiden glares at the club president but doesn't complain any more. Reluctantly, he pulls out the editing software again and begins working, but not without complaining all the way.

Miyaka then turns to you who are currently writing on your notepad at the corner of the room, a calculator sitting on your lap. "How about our budget plan, Y/N-chan? Has it been taken care of yet?"

"Yep, I've added both what we've spent so far and the estimation of how much we'll be spending once we build the booth itself." You say, tapping your pen on the notepad. "I made a table for it, too, Miyaka-san, so there won't be any confusion. I'll give the printed copy to you tomorrow."

You rummage through your notepad, checking your various notes from the days before. "I've also checked in with Ryo-san and the other second-years earlier. They're about 50% done with the mural but they ran out of paint so they had to order more. Their expenses are already accounted for, by the way."

"See? That's what a responsible club member looks like. You should really learn a thing or two from your kouhai. Seriously, I should have fired you as vice president and appointed her instead."

Raiden can only sneer in response, both at you and Miyaka. His typing becomes more aggravated by the second.

"And what about the piece you'll be showcasing at the silent auction?" The bespectacled third-year asks you again.

"Also done but it's still drying. I used oil paint."

"Great! I'm thinking of making that our centerpiece."

"What?" Raiden almost jumps from his seat. "How about my clay sculpture of Bourgeois' Spider? You told me it's gonna be the centerpiece!"

"Well, we can't actually showcase something you haven't even started on yet, can we? Tell you what, show me the finished product and I might actually change my mind."

"I'm getting on it! Just stop pestering me about it! God!"

Miyaka says something snarky in retaliation but you don't hear it. You're busy looking at the clock mounted on the wall to hear about the bickering of your two upperclassmen. The clock reads 2:28 PM. Tobio texted you an hour ago saying that they've defeated their first opponent and were currently waiting for their next match. You're almost buzzing in your seat in worry that you won't be able to catch it.

"Miyaka-san, I was wondering if I could leave early today? I'm supposed to watch the boys volleyball at the Sendai City Gymnasium."

"Eh? But I was told Shiratorizawa isn't playing today. Something about them being too good?"

"Oh, yeah, they won the Inter High so they're already seeded in the Qualifiers." You nod. "I'm actually gonna watch Karasuno."

"Why? Is your boyfriend in there?" Miyaka wiggles her eyebrows. You know it's just a playful teasing but you can't help getting flustered. Your cheeks heat up almost immediately. You hate how you always have this reaction.

"No, just my best friend."

"Yeah, right." Miyaka rolls her eyes with a sly smirk on her lips. "Everybody knows best friend is, like, code for boyfriend"

You reiterate rather defensively that Tobio is just a friend despite Miyaka clearly not believing you. It always entertains you whenever she teases and badgers Raiden but when you're on the receiving end of it, you don't think it's amusing anymore. Only when your face is about the shade of a ripe tomato did Miyaka stop her teasing, but not without giggling about how agitated you look about the whole thing.

Eventually, she grows tired of joking around and agrees to your request.

"No fair! How come she gets to go?" Raiden whines. The way he pouts and crosses his arms like that reminds you of one of those spoiled kids who throw temper tantrums in malls. He's a few months older than you but you forget that with how childish he acts sometimes.

"For one, she's actually been very productive today and she deserves an early out."

"What, just because she's the Darling Setter of Miyagi, she's free to watch volleyball anytime?"

Miyaka cocks her head to the side. "Darling what of Miyagi?"

"Setter. It's just a nickname I got when I used to play volleyball back in middle school." You wave it off as if it's no big deal— though you'd be lying if you said you didn't feel the warm swell of pride in your chest upon hearing that nickname again after so long.

"Which is cringe and tacky, by the way." Raiden rolls his eyes, something you're now accustomed to seeing. You stick your tongue to him which he responds by sticking his tongue back to you. You don't take offense whenever Raiden eggs on you like that because you know he doesn't really mean it— it's just the way he is. To be honest, you have grown quite fond of his salty remarks, and sometimes, you even participate whenever he initiates a lighthearted squabble.

"I knew you used to play volleyball but I didn't know you were famous. Should I ask for your autograph?" Miyaka leans against your desk with an impressed look on her face.

"As much as I want to sign stuff for you, Miyaka-san, I don't think my autograph is worth anything anymore." You hope your response is buoyant enough to hide the fact this is a sore topic for you. You still haven't fully come into terms that you're not a volleyball player anymore.

"You really sure it's okay that I leave early?" You hastily add as an attempt to steer the conversation.

The bespectacled third-year taps her chin in thought as she looks at Raiden who is brooding in the corner. "You know what? I'm actually in the mood to watch some volleyball, too. Can I go with you, Y/N?"

"Of course, you can. I never pegged you as a volleyball fan, though."

"Oh, I'm not." She chuckles as she tidies up her desk. "But my boyfriend is such a nerd for it so I figured I should try to appreciate it more."

"Oh? You have a boyfriend?." Your brows shot up in surprise at this fact.

"You don't have to look so surprised about it, but yes. We made it official two weeks ago. We're keeping it lowkey. Not many people know yet."

"Oh my god," You hear Raiden's trademark exasperated sigh before he closes his laptop with a muddled thud. "A lot of people know you're dating Tendou-san. You can't say it's lowkey if it's all over your Twitter. Also, that whole will-you-be-my-girlfriend shenaniganhe did by the congregating area? Yeah, thatwasn't as cute as you think it was. He littered so much confetti that day, it looked like a unicorn threw up all over the place. Our class had to clean that up while you and your boyfriend made out behind the gym. You thought we didn't see that, huh? Well, we did!"

"Jesus, Raiden, that's not your story to tell!" shrieks Miyaka. The sound of it has you flinching.

Miyaka and Raiden commence yet another wrangle with the former chastising the latter for exposing her love life like that. Whenever something like this happens, you always give the two of them a couple of minutes before both of them cool down and continue on normally as if nothing happened. On your first few weeks with this club, you did think that this constant spat between the president and vice president was a bit too much for your liking— but then you learned soon enough that Miyaka and Raiden have been friends since middle school, and them fighting is a common occurrence, almost always not personal. They are actually really solid friends when both of them are in a good mood.

Your two upperclassmen finally reach an impasse. You haven't been listening to their argument so you don't exactly know how they went from Miyaka getting mad at Raiden for disclosing info about her love life, to Miyaka inviting Raiden to watch volleyball with you. You were busy putting away the papers and stationaries into their respective drawers when you heard Miyaka ask if Raiden wanted to come to the Sendai Gymnasium instead of being a whiny little bitch (the exact phrase she used). The way she worded the invite was a bit unorthodox but you know well enough that she just invited him so Raiden wouldn't feel left out when the two of you leave. She really cares for him in that way.

Their friendship is weird, you think to yourself as Raiden sassily agrees to go. You didn't plan on having company at Tobio's game, but your two senpai are alright companions— there are worse people to be stuck with.

"Maybe after the game, the three of us could go for some yakiniku." Miyaka has locked the club room and is now bouncing on the balls of her feet at her suggestion.

"As long as you're paying, then it's fine by me." Raiden lags behind you and Miyaka as the three of you set off.

"If you had given me the poster design today, maybe I'd have considered treating you— but you didn't, so no yakiniku for you."

"I have money. I can pay for my own yakiniku, thank you very much."

Your phone buzzes in your pocket. Tobio's name pops up on the screen with a text that has you widening your eyes.

"Guys, the game is starting in fifteen minutes! We have to hurry!"

You clutch your bag tight as you begin to sprint towards the gates. Miyaka and Raiden follow suit staggeringly. The former is shouting for you to slow down while the latter grumbled annoyedly to himself about regretting his decision to come.

The bus ride from Shiratorizawa to the Sendai City Gymnasium was fortunately quick. Though the game has probably already started, you still drag Miyaka and Raiden into a convenience store so you can get some snacks to give to Tobio after the game. Miyaka doesn't miss this opportunity to tease you further about being head-over-heels in love with your best friend, which you tried to ignore but couldn't help getting defensive over.

After paying for your stuff, you practically yank the two of them by their shirts into the stadium.

By the time you've arrived at the stands, the whole place is already buzzing with cheers from the crowd. There aren't many supporters because it's only the preliminaries but the air is still thick with excitement and anticipation.

It takes you three seconds to locate Karasuno's black and orange uniform in the court. The first set of their game against Kakugawa has already started. The scoreboard tells you that Kakugawa is leading at 2-0, though years of playing volleyball has taught you that it's still too early to gauge the trajectory of the game.

"That's Karasuno." You tell your companions, pointing at the court in front of you.

"Uh-huh, and which one's your boyfriend?" Miyaka cranes her neck and squints her near-sighted eyes to see the players better.

"Not a boyfriend." You remind her. "He's. No. 9."

"So tall!" You hear Miyaka emit a yelp. You follow her gaze and realize she's not looking at Tobio— she's looking at the opposing team's No. 9, who is probably the tallest high schooler you've ever laid your eyes on. He could be about two-meters tall, maybe even more. For a moment, you wonder what this would mean for Karasuno— a two-meter giant like that is surely a pain to play against. You'd hate to see Tobio's team lose just because of the overwhelming advantage Kakugawa has.

"I meant the black team's No. 9." You nudge her by the shoulder and point at Tobio in the other side of the court who is currently conversing with his teammates about what to do during the next rally. During his years at Kitagawa Daichi, he used to despise communicating with his team, but now you can see that he has changed so drastically. He looks more confident now, more open. You smile at this realization.

Miyaka nods approvingly upon seeing Tobio, commenting that he's tall and cute. She even goes as far as to say that he suits you perfectly and that you look good together, which elicits a flustered squeak from you.

You remain silent after that. You follow Tobio's form as he expertly maneuvers the ball across the court. You cheer whenever Karasuno scores and gasps in dejection whenever the other team does. You don't think Tobio knows you're here yet— not once has he looked at your direction since you arrived, not that you're expecting him to look for you. You understand completely well that the only thing that has his undistracted attention during the game is the ball itself.

Raiden grumbles about you being too loud, but you beg to differ— you're just getting fired up. Little does he know that your loudest cheer is yet to come.

The first time you see Tobio and Hinata's new quick attack is when you lose your mind, screaming and applauding until both your throat and palms felt sore. It's just so thrilling to see it firsthand, especially as a former setter yourself. Normal people may see it and think it's just a flashy move, but you know how much precision and concentration a setter has to master before executing such a technique.

Your best friend really is a genius.

"Nice toss, Tobio!" You shout. You doubt he heard you among the collective astonishment of the crowd. You're so fired up that Raiden has to poke you on your ribs to bring you to reality.

After that first quick attack, your focus is now entirely on the game, occasionally turning to Miyaka whenever she has some technical questions about what's going on in the court. Even though you learned that she's dating Tendou Satori, she doesn't seem to be all that informed about volleyball yet. Raiden remains quiet as he leans against the hand rail, observing the game with a bored countenance— though there's this one instance when he groans disappointedly when Karasuno's ace botched his jump serve. You find it amusing that this Shiratorizawa student has started rooting for Karasuno as well.

You're here to support Karasuno as a whole but you still can't help being biased. You can't seem to tear your gaze away from Tobio— so much so that the other members of the team seem like faceless characters in the background. You see them all moving and you're aware of each member's efforts but you're bewitched by Tobio. You can't not look at him.

All that changed, however, when he steals the crowd's attention with a monster kill block.

For the first time that day, your focus settles on Tsukishima.

Honestly speaking, you kind of forgot he was even in the team. If it weren't for that superb kill block he did, you would have went along the entire game not acknowledging his existence. All of a sudden, though, the attention you're giving Tobio isn't undivided anymore— Tsukishima has half of it now.

"Whoa, he stopped that ball all by himself like what Satori does." You hear Miyaka observe beside you in awe.

Tsukishima doesn't seem unfazed nor thrilled after winning that mid-air battle. He maintains his cool mien even as his team surround him joyously. He goes back to position, adjusts his glasses, and prepares for the next rally as if he didn't just effectively shut down the opponent's spiker all on his own. If you were playing against him, you'd be extremely annoyed at how calm he is.

Still, despite alternating your focus on Tobio and Tsukishima, the former still has your unrelenting support. When he and Hinata ended the first set with yet another freak quick, you didn't know your scream was the loudest. Only when Miyaka laughed at you about it did you mellow down and opted for clapping your hands instead.

The second set is just as gripping as the first, maybe even more. You got to see for the first time Karasuno do a synchronous attack and whenever they do, your eyes unknowingly follow Tsukishima run up to the net and jump with the intent of spiking. The blonde is a great blocker but he's also an effective spiker with his height and ball control. You find yourself cheering and clapping whenever he scores.

Miyaka notices by the second set that your loudest applause are reserved for Tobio and Tsukishima, and sometimes the occasional gasp of astonishment for Hinata's amazing reflexes. The other Karasuno members are amazing players in their own right but you seem more ardently supporting the aforementioned two.

After Tsukishima scores with a block-out, you bring your hands to your mouth and shout a rather impressed "nice kill". By this, Miyaka taps your shoulder to get your attention, and she wastes no time asking forthrightly if you know the blonde. You respond by saying that you have met him before but choose not to elaborate further. Fortunately for you, Miyaka doesn't press any more. You can only imagine how excruciating her teasing would be if she knew the nature of how you met Tsukishima.

After Hinata scores the final point in favor of Karasuno, you and Miyaka find yourselves hugging each other in glee. You have probably rubbed off your enthusiasm on her because she asks if you'd accompany her to watch Shiratorizawa's game at the qualifiers to which you happily agree. Even Raiden who looked disinterested throughout the whole game is joining in on the applause, evidently enjoying the match more than what he expected.

"We still on for barbecue?"

"I am kinda hungry so I guess I'll go with you." Raiden shrugs. The three of you make your way down the stairs as the crowd starts dispersing.

"I'm coming, too. I'll just congratulate Tobio and give him the snacks I bought. I won't be long."

"You're hopeless." You see Raiden shake his head mockingly.

"I think it's cute." Miyaka simpers. "You don't understand these things yet because you're single since birth, Rai."

You almost remind her that you are also single since birth and Tobio is not your boyfriend, but you feel like you've reiterated that fact enough that it's getting annoyingly redundant.

"You go on ahead, Y/N. We're gonna go to the rest rooms because I'm gonna freshen up and Rai has to splash cold water to his face to wipe off that hideous scowl. Just meet us there?"

"Okay! Be back in a jiffy!" With this, you're off speed walking to the direction of the corridor where you remember players keep their baggage in. You've been in this stadium a lot when you were in middle school that you still have the whole place memorized.

It takes you two minutes to see Tobio. He's still in his uniform so you locate him right away among the other players that are coming and going. He has his back turned on you, head downcast as he adjusts his bag that is slung over his shoulder.

You tiptoe to where he is. The surrounding chatter of other boys in the vicinity makes your arrival all the more unnoticeable.

"So, that's your new quick attack, huh?"

Tobio wheels around upon hearing your voice. His default scowl is replaced by a smirk once he sees that it's you who has spoken.

"Impressed?" You can see his ego radiating off of him like an aura.

"It's alright." You shrug in faux nonchalance.

"Liar. I heard you screaming louder than everyone earlier."

You blush profusely at that. You knew you were loud (Raiden wasted no opportunity calling you out on it), but you didn't know Tobio heard you all the way down the court. His other teammates must have heard you too and thought you were crazy. The mere thought of it is enough to make you cringe in embarrassment.

"Okay, fine. It was pretty neat." You finally admit, rolling your eyes. "Congrats on getting through the preliminaries. You guys deserved it."

Tobio grins, the kind that is laced with a dangerous amount of smugness. If you didn't know him at all, you would be offended rather than pleased when he says his thanks.

"Here, I got you this." You rummage through your bag and give him a paper bag from the convenience store you went into earlier. Inside are a bottle of sports drink and three protein bars— all his favorite brand and flavor, you made sure of that.

Tobio thanks you as he rips open a protein bar with his teeth before biting into it. He demolishes the bar in two enormous bites which prompts you to berate him for eating too quickly lest he wants to choke to death. You threaten to take back the remaining two protein bars if he doesn't slow down. He argues with you with his mouth full, spewing unintelligible protests and half-chewed oats alike as he raises the paper bag out of your reach.

That scene may have been a little too loud because from behind Tobio, a mop of orange hair pops out to investigate the small commotion.

"What's happening here— Kageyama! You went to buy snacks without me?" Hinata seems to be more offended upon seeing Kageyama's stuffed face.

Tobio shakes his head and juts his thumb at your direction, trying to say without words that it's you who gave the snacks to him. Hinata blinks as he registers your presence for the first time.

"Shiratorizawa?" His gaze lingers for a second on the shirt you're wearing which is purple with the academy's emblem printed on the front— the same shirt Miyaka and Raiden are wearing today. Since it's summer break, you don't have to wear your school uniform while doing club work inside campus but every once in a while, Miyaka still orders the club to wear the purple shirt, probably only for aesthetic reasons.

"Hey, is she your girlfriend?" Hinata tiptoes so he can whisper to Tobio's ear. It's not really a whisper because you can still hear it, and probably other people in the vicinity heard it too.

"She's just a friend, dumbass." Tobio barks at the small middle blocker.

"Hi. I'm Y/N." You take it upon you to introduce yourself with a bow.

The middle blocker visibly stiffens when you speak, his entire face erupting into a shade of scarlet that has you worrying if he's okay.

"Hinata Shoyo! N-n-nice to meet you, too!" He squeaks.

"What's that I hear? Kageyama has a girlfriend?" Tobio's other teammate with the No. 2 jersey enters the scene from the benches you didn't realize he was sitting on, almost hopping to where you are to take a closer look at you. Either Hinata's voice was too loud or No. 2 just has superhuman hearing.

"She's not my girlfriend, Sugawara-san." Tobio says a-matter-of-factly.

It kind of annoys you how Tobio never shows emotion whenever he denies being your girlfriend— something he does more often than you would have realized. It's always robotic, as if he's reciting from a user manual for a build-your-own furniture. It's annoying to you because you're the exact opposite— when someone insinuates that you and Tobio are a couple, you're always reduced to a blushing mess. It's just so unfair, you think. How come he's not bothered by it at all?

"Y/N, is it? I'm Sugawara, Kageyama's senpai." He grins proudly as he puts his arm over Tobio's shoulder, making the latter stiffen uncomfortably.

"Nice to meet you." You bow to the silver-haired boy.

"Oh? You're from Shiratorizawa." He parrots the observation Hinata had earlier.

"Yes, I'm a first year student there."

"I bet you guys are bummed out that your volleyball team didn't get Kageyama-kun here." Sugawara looks smug in a way that is lighthearted.

"I don't think they're bummed out, Sugawara-san. They're the ones who rejected me." Tobio's reply has you snorting. How did he manage to say that as seriously as he did?

"And they're definitely regretting that now, no?" Sugawara gave Tobio's back a rather loud smack which is supposed to be an encouraging pat.

"Where are the rest of your team?" You ask out of curiosity. It seems like Tobio, Hinata, and Sugawara are the only Karasuno players around. The absence of a certain blonde doesn't go unnoticed by you.

"Rest room, probably, or watching the remaining games.", came Tobio's curt reply.

"I think Asahi and Daichi are getting drinks from the vending machines." Sugawara quips in, looking at his wristwatch. "Now that I think of it, I've been waiting for my soda for twenty minutes now. Where the hell are those guys?"

Suddenly, as if on cue, a boisterous and rather obnoxious laughter rings from the other side of the hallway. Karasuno's No. 5 and No. 4 are loudly joshing around with the rest of Karasuno in tow.

It's hard not to spot him among his teammates. He stands out with his towering height and striking blonde hair. Tsukishima currently has his headphones on, scrolling on his phone with his hand tucked inside his pants pocket. He has already changed out of his uniform and into a plain white shirt and black trousers.

You're having a hard time registering the fact that the two of you are gonna see each other again— not that you're entirely opposed to it. The boy has definitely earned a considerable percentage of your trust after he had walked you home last night. Maybe you could thank him again for that. You just don't know how you're gonna open up that conversation. Even thinking about how awkward it would be already has you cringing already.

You debate with yourself whether or not you should get away now. You are not necessarily avoiding Tsukishima. It's just that after the events of last night, you feel like meeting him again would be a painful kind of awkward. You'd hoped that the interaction you two had wouldn't have a sequel. You're grateful for what he did for you but you were already so embarrassed about it, and having to interact with him again would just relive that in your memory.

By the time you've made your decision to scram, the incoming group is already a few feet away. Tsukishima peels his gaze away from his phone once the group has stopped in front of Sugawara who is giddy to get his soda he's been waiting on for twenty minutes. You instinctively let Tobio's body cover your own, not wanting to let your presence known just yet. Meeting new people, especially a lot of them, is particularly overwhelming for you.

At first, Tsukishima doesn't see you as he takes his headphones off and let it hang on his neck. A tall freckled boy is currently talking to him, stealing his attention. You don't realize you've been staring at Tsukishima. It is only when he felt the ghost prickle of a pair of eyes trained on him did he look at your direction. When he meets your gaze, it is you who is the more shocked. Hazel eyes fix on yours. If he is the least bit surprised to see you, he doesn't let it show. His expression doesn't change as his gaze lingers on you for a second before turning back to the boy whom we was conversing with.

Immediately, you cower even further behind Tobio.

"I should probably go now." You say, careful not to let your presence more known than it already is.

Your voice is soft, barely above whisper. By the looks of things, it is only Kageyama, Sugawara, Hinata, and Tsukishima who know that you're there. You're hiding behind Tobio (Sugawara and Hinata are stood beside him so their figures unknowingly conceal you too). The rest of the boys are oblivious of you— you're thankful for the loud No. 4 and No. 5 duo for diverting the team's attention with a most likely exaggerated story about a heated altercation with a rival team they bumped into at the rest rooms.

"Where are you going?" It's Kageyama's voice that catches the attention of the group. You could have slipped quietly without anyone noticing if he hasn't spoken. Curse him and his megaphone voice.

You're suddenly aware of a dozen or so pairs of eyes trained on you.

"Who's this?" It is No. 4, the libero, who pops the question. He's elbowing No. 5 whose eyes look like they've seen stars once they lay on you.

"Uh, sorry... I'm L/N Y/N. It's nice to meet you all." You really should have gotten away while you had the chance

"L/N? As in L/N Hotaru's daughter?" No. 5 has his eyes widened, his finger pointing at you. "You're the Darling Setter! I knew you looked familiar!"

"Right! L/N Y/N, I remember now. You were on Volleyball Monthly!", points out Sugawara. "Your hair was so much shorter back then. I almost didn't recognize you."

A part of you wished that they didn't. You're not at all accustomed anymore to people recognizing you as the Darling Setter. All you can do is smile awkwardly as the boys seem to renew their interest on you. You can see Tobio silently laughing, amused at how you looked uncomfortable at the spotlight.

Hinata is probably the most impressed. He's practically jumping up and down in front of you, his eyes twinkling as if he is star struck.

"You're the L/N Y/N? My sister saw you on the television last year. She thought you were very pretty and wanted to be like you!"

"R-really?" You stammer out, both flattered and disbelieving.

"Yeah! Her name's Natsu. She's only 9 years old but she's already interested in volleyball, and she wants to—"

"Oi, can't you see she's uncomfortable?" Tobio butts in, glaring at Hinata's enthusiasm.

You're not really uncomfortable, per se. You're just not used to the attention anymore. Back when you were in middle school, you absolutely adored being in the center of it, not so much now that you're in high school.

"It's fine." You assure your best friend.

"I appreciate that, Hinata. Please tell Natsu I say hi." Hinata beams at your response.

No. 4 and No. 5 are nudging each other on the ribs, wordlessly working out which of them gets to talk to you first. You watch, amused, how they try to muster the courage to step forward and talk to you. They must really have no experience talking with girls, judging by how they're struggling right now.

"Don't you two try anything funny. She's Kageyama's girlfriend." Sugawara wags a finger at the two of them and they exclaim both their surprise and what could only be disappointment.

"She's not." Tobio denies as nonchalantly as ever before tipping his head back to drink from the sports drink you gave him.

"Kageyama, you lucky bastard!"

"Way to go, Kageyama!"

The two have apparently ignored his denial.

Your eyes are casted down to your shoes so you don't see the way Tsukishima raises his eyebrow a millimeter upon hearing what Sugawara said. Not only that— he narrows his eyes ever so slightly when he sees your dejected reaction at Tobio's response.

"Wait, so are you or are you not his girlfriend?" It's No. 4 who speaks this time.

Before you could open your mouth to speak, two fists smack on top of No. 4 and No.5's heads. The fists belong to whom you recognize is the team's captain.

"Nishinoya, Tanaka," He growls warningly. "Stop harassing her or else I'll have the two of you run laps on our next training."

Nishinoya and Tanaka mutter their apology with a bow and you wave them off, saying that it's really no problem. For some reason, they also turn to apologize to Tobio who just stared at them in utter confusion, biting on his protein bar without saying a word.

Some of Tobio's teammates start conversing with you, too— nothing much, just questions that are more for the sake of either being polite or genuine curiosity than anything else.

"H-hello. You've mastered the jump floater serve, right? What's the technique so it doesn't end up doing a topspin, if you don't mind me asking?" The tall boy Tsukishima was talking to earlier approaches you. You'll soon learn that his name is Yamaguchi. He still seems shy. You can very clearly see his cheeks dusted in pink and he stutters out the majority of words in his sentences, but he makes an effort to talk to you nevertheless. Ironically enough, seeing that he's more nervous than you melts away your own uneasiness.

By this time, all your nerves and apprehension about meeting Tobio's team has dissipated. It's easy to talk with them because they're nice people, treating you with respect and friendliness. You're thankful for them for not asking too many questions about your ex-Olympian father— you're proud of him but talking about him is taxing and quite repetitive sometimes.

Yamaguchi and Hinata are specifically the two who kept the conversation going. You've built a rapport with them maybe because they're first-years such as yourself. Yamaguchi is now asking you if the entrance exam to Shiratorizawa was really as hard as everyone said it was. He visibly blanched when you said that the exam gave you a headache that lasted for days. Hinata, however, is more curious about your volleyball career. When you told the orange-haired middle blocker that you're not part of any volleyball club right now, his eyes widened to the size of saucers. He voices out that it's such a waste of talent. He has a way with wording out his compliments that you feel yourself blushing pathetically. Tobio just stands beside you through it all, munching on his protein bar as he listens to you talk with his teammates and occasionally adding to the conversation if his input is needed.

It doesn't take long before you're laughing quite freely with them.

Through the whole ordeal, Tsukishima has backed away from the group unnoticed. He is currently leaning against the wall a few feet away, his headphones fit snuggly on his ears but the music is turned off. Scrolling aimlessly on his phone has lost its appeal by now and he wishes he'd brought his PSP with him to pass time.

Every couple of minutes or so, you steal a glance at Tsukishima. He's the only one from the team who hasn't said a word to you, not even a polite greeting. You were a bit anxious at the prospect of talking to him again, but now that he clearly has no plan to even spare you a minute of his time, you feel quite annoyed. The two of you are not friends, probably not even acquaintances— but still, after the events of last night, you expect him to at least not treat you like a stranger.

It's not like you want him to approach you and be all chummy. You just want him to acknowledge you, maybe with a nod of recognition or even a small wave of his hand wouldn't hurt. Heck, you even cheered for him at their game earlier. You weren't being subtle with it, too. You were screaming until your throat was raw— he definitely heard you supporting him. The only explanation is he just doesn't care and he just doesn't know how to behave like a decent human being.

Maybe you were wrong when you thought he wasn't half as bad last night. Maybe you were too lenient on your judgment when he is utterly and very clearly just a jerk.

You look away from him with a huff. If he doesn't want to be your friend (or at the very least, an acquaintance), then it's most definitely his loss and not yours.

From the corner of your eyes, you see two purple figures standing at the hall's entrance. The Shiratorizawa shirt that Miyaka and Raiden are wearing are hard to miss. Miyaka waves at you once you make eye contact with her. They must have been waiting by the rest rooms for quite some time for them to come looking for you. This is as good a cue as any to say leave.

"I really have to go, Tobio. Some club officers and I made plans to get barbecue."

"You won't come over for dinner?" He asks, his head tilted to the side. You're vaguely aware of Hinata and Sugawara suddenly whispering among themselves upon hearing that.

"No, sorry. They're already waiting for me. It'd be rude if I cancelled now." You nod at the direction of your two senpai standing a few feet away, emphasizing your point.

"Mom is expecting you for tonight. " He shrugs but you don't miss the small pout he makes. "But whatever, it's your call."

"I suppose I could swing by later if we finish at the yakiniku place early?" It came off more like a bargain than a suggestion.

"But you'd be full by then."

"I'll save room, don't worry." You cheekily respond with a light chuckle. "I guess I'll see you later?"

Tobio ends the conversation with a nod and a short "okay".

With this, you turn to the rest of the group. They're not looking at either you or Tobio but you know that they heard your conversation. They must feel like they've being privy to something intimate, which you can assure them that they're not. Hinata is biting his bottom lip, clearly stopping himself from commenting anything. Sugawara is whistling as his eyes flit to the toe cap of his shoes. Nishinoya and Tanaka are having a hard time closing their mouths as they continue to gape at Tobio. All of them a clearly still under the impression that you are his girlfriend.

"It's nice meeting you all." You say to the group and you're met with a chorus of pleasantries.

"Bye, Hinata, Yamaguchi!" You wave specifically at the two freshmen whom you've bonded with the most.

You bow at the rest before turning on your heels and walking away. You don't see the way Tsukishima's eyes follow your retreating figure.

You're at least twenty feet away when Sugawara's hand finds the crown of Tobio's head, ruffling his hair roughly. "You dog! She's definitely your girlfriend. You're inviting her over for dinner!"

"I really envy you right now, Kageyama!"

"I wish I had a girlfriend too."

"Teach us your ways!"

The pandemonium that ensues after you left could be something out of a comedy skit. They're simply refusing to believe Tobio when he says over and over, almost pleadingly, that you are just his best friend. Tobio isn't the type to raise his voice at his upperclassmen so Hinata took the brunt of his fury when the setter reached his breaking point.

You would have found it hilarious how your best friend chased Hinata around, kicking the poor boy on the shin when he finally caught up to him.

You would also definitely appreciate the way Tobio blushed uncontrollably as his teammates continued to jeer and tease, if only you had seen it.

You apologize profusely to your two upperclassmen when you finally reach them, saying that you lost track of time talking to the Karasuno players. However, they don't seem at all angry about your tardiness. In contrary, they have a glint in their eyes that tell you they're amused about something.

"For a non-girlfriend, you sure looked a lot like a girlfriend back there." Raiden says with a roll of his eyes . You didn't realize they've been watching the whole ordeal all this time.

"Huh?"

"He's right, Y/N. I mean, think about it— not only did you watch his game, you also bought him after-game snacks. Not to mention he introduced you to his teammates." Miyaka links her arm to yours as the three of you start making your way to the stadium's exit. "It's like this unspoken rule among athletes' girlfriends, and you should trust me on this because I'm an athlete's girlfriend."

You manage to let out an incredulous scoff. "You guys are being ridiculous. It's no big deal, really. I've been doing it for him since we were in middle school."

"Woof, that's rough." Raiden whistles. "So, you've been doing girlfriend duties since middle school but he hasn't asked you to be his girlfriend yet?"

"It's not that simple." You groan, both exasperatedly and bashfully.

"How is that not simple? You like him and by the looks of things, he likes you, too." It's Miyaka who speaks this time.

"He likes me?" It's really cringe and embarrassing that that's what you took away from her statement.

"It's really obvious," She says without hesitation. "I have a good eye on this kind of stuff. Trust me, he likes you."

You stay silent for a few seconds to ponder on her words. You'd be lying if you said that you haven't been fantasizing about Tobio liking you back. The idea just seems farfetched, especially since it's Tobio of all people. He has the emotional capacity of a grain of rice.

You try your best to think nothing of it. You will just end up getting hurt if you believe what they're saying. You don't want to feed yourself blind hope, especially if there's nothing to back up their claim.

"He doesn't." You mumble, feeling your heart sink. It is with a painful acceptance do you realize that you believe that sentence wholeheartedly.

Miyaka and Raiden look at each other, communicating silently. They're one of the closest friends you have in school. All those times you spent in the club room slaving away projects upon projects really strengthened your bond with them. They are probably the next people who know you best after Tobio.

"Why do you seem so sure? You haven't even confessed yet." Raiden says with a scoff.

"I'm not gonna confess because I know he'll just reject me. It'll ruin everything and I don't want that to happen. It's too risky." You're now past denying that you do like Tobio. It's actually quite refreshing for you to talk about your feelings for him this openly. You feel as if a weight has been lifted off your shoulders after years of hopeless pining.

"Wow. You really are stupid."

"Rai-san!" You cry out, clearly offended.

"You have a mirror, don't you? You're fully aware that you're pretty and if you disagree with that, either you have brain damage or just really dense. You're smart, you're hella good at volleyball— you're also, like, his number one fan. Tell me, what more could he want?" Raiden taps his finger on your temple. "Think, Y/N. If he had any ideal girl, it would be you."

You're always so surprised whenever Raiden shows his supportive side, albeit the way he delivered it could have been nicer and less abrasive. He always seems so negative and snarky, but when he does say something nice, you know it's genuine. Miyaka can only nod her head vigorously in agreement.

"Aw, Rai-san!" You throw yourself at him and engulf him in an embrace. You hear him grumble in protest but he allows you to hug him nevertheless.

"Rai has never said anything nice like that to me. I'm actually really jealous" Miyaka says with a soft pout. "What he said is true, though. You're the perfect girl for Tobio and I'm sure he already knows that. You should confess and see how it goes."

"I-I don't know." You bite your bottom lip. "I need time to think about it."

"You'll have plenty of time to think about it while we eat barbecue. I'm absolutely starving. How about you two slowpokes hurry up before all the good tables are taken, yeah?" With this, Miyaka tugs you by the arm as she speed walks. You don't protest because the grumbling in your stomach tells you that you're getting quite hungry too.

Your trio reach the exit of the stadium and you're fortunate enough to catch a bus immediately. The topic of Tobio is momentarily set aside as Raiden shows you a video he took of Miyaka napping in the club room, a steady stream of drool coming out of her open mouth. Raiden even threatens that he'd send the video to Tendou, which obviously rattles Miyaka. Her face turns into a bright shade of red, demanding Raiden to delete that video or she would make sure he regretted it.

You and Raiden laugh hysterically, so much so that the other passengers on the bus give you the side-eye. Miyaka looks like she's gonna exolode with embarrassment as she tries to pry Raiden's phone from his hands.

It's moments like these that allow you to breathe without anxiety. You don't even realize that today, you have completely forgotten about the fact that you're gonna move to Tokyo soon. You're glad that you have Miyaka and Raiden to distract you from that.

Dinner with your two upperclassmen was great. You talked about various stuff, though you notice that they didn't bring up Tobio anymore— they must have sensed that you weren't comfortable talking about him so they let it be. However, Miyaka did say that if ever you need help confessing to your best friend, she'd be glad to help. You thank her for her offer but you're not quite sure if you're even gonna go about doing it. You still have to be sure about what to do next before making a move.

You didn't fill up on yakiniku despite your stomach protesting because you promised Tobio you'd still come over for dinner at his house. Miyaka and Raiden didn't hold back, though. They ordered so many meat and side dishes that you had to try your best not to look so envious.

Once the three of you are done, you take a bus home. You plan on showering first before going to Tobio's house so you don't look so haggard, at least.

You see your Mom's car in the driveway once you arrive home. She's home early, you think to yourself. She usually goes home at 8 PM or later.

Your Mom pops out of the kitchen once she hears you're back home. She's bobbing a tea bag up and down her steaming cup while her face is covered in a seaweed mask that's part of her weekly skincare routine.

"How's that yakiniku place? Is it any good?"

You texted her a few hours ago that you'd get yakiniku with your club mates so she doesn't have to wait for you at dinner.

"A bit pricey but worth it, I guess. We should go there sometime, Mom."

"How about lunch on Sunday? We could go shopping at the mall after. What do you think?"

"Sounds good." You smile. There's a voice in your head that says she's only trying to compensate for the whole moving to Tokyo thing. Quite frankly, you're still mad at her about that, but you also know she only has your best interest at heart. You try to understand her position.

"I'm gonna go shower and go to Tobio's. He invited me for dinner." You say as you make your way to your room.

"Do you really have to go? You've already eaten and you were just at his house last night." She follows you until she's leaning against your room's doorframe.

"I could still eat. Besides, I think it's a special dinner since Tobio's team got through the preliminaries. He told me his mother was expecting me. I couldn't say no, could I?"

Your mother takes a sip from her tea. "Well, as long as he invited you and you're not imposing."

You don't respond after that. You're rummaging through your closet in search for specific articles of clothing you want to be wearing tonight.

"Hey, Mom? Have you seen my beige shirt? The long-sleeved one? Oh, no, wait— I forgot I haven't washed it yet."

You hear your Mom click her tongue. "It's in the laundry room. I added everything in your hamper to the load when I washed my coats last night. If I didn't, you wouldn't have anything to wear for this week. Sometimes I wonder what you would do without me."

The relief that courses through you is overwhelming. "Thanks, Mom! You're the best!"

You practically sprint to the laundry room to retrieve your shirt. Your Mom yells after you to take all your folded laundry to your room so you wouldn't have to return for them later. You come back to your room with a basket of your now clean laundry, the smell of vanilla fabric conditioner wafting through the room.

"Who's Kei?"

You cock your head to the side in confusion. "Kei?"

"There was a handkerchief in your hamper with the name Kei embroidered on it. It should be in there somewhere." She motions to the laundry basket. "Why do you have it in the first place?"

It takes you a couple of seconds to find said handkerchief. When Tsukishima gave it to you last night, you didn't know it was embroidered with his name— you can only assume that Kei is his first name from context. You're just realizing that you didn't ask him for his first name. You just knew him as Tsukishima.

"So, who's Kei and why do you have his handkerchief?" Your Mom repeats the question.

You tell her with a shrug that it's the boy who walked you home last night. You also tell her what happened in the café but deliberately omit the part about him giving you the handkerchief because you'd been crying, replacing it with a lie that you'd spilled water on yourself instead.

You examine the handkerchief for the first time since it was given to you. You didn't get to take a good look at it last night. The word Kei is embroidered in forest green thread at the bottom right corner. You wonder how you managed to miss it.

"I thought it was Tobio-kun who walked you home?"

"No, Mom. It was this other boy. He's Tobio's teammate, actually."

"I see. It was very dark. I just thought Tobio-kun grew a lot taller since I last saw him." She muses. "So, is this Kei boy a suitor?"

You bite back an incredulous laugh. "No way."

"A special friend, then?" You don't even know what she means by that.

"Definitely not."

You see your mother shrug from where she is leaning on your doorway. "Still, seems like he likes you enough to let you keep something that expensive."

You frown, confused. "Huh?"

"That's CLASSICS the Small Luxury." She points at the square fabric you're holding. "That's, what, ¥2000 a piece, give or take? The embroidery definitely cost extra, too. He probably paid around ¥3000 for that one."

"Who would pay ¥3000 for one friggin' handkerchief?" You almost shriek in disbelief.

"It's really good quality, you know. It's probably 100% cotton, too. Back when I was in med school, these handkerchiefs were all the hype. All my girl friends had one. I didn't. I was broke and could only afford those 6-in-1 packs you could buy at convenience stores." She laughed at the memory, her hand covering her mouth ever so daintily.

Tsukishima's voice rings inside your head.

"A single slice of cake is nowhere near the value of that handkerchief."

You just thought he was either lying or exaggerating.

Your phone buzzes on your bedside table, taking your attention away from the conversation. You catch a glimpse of Tobio's consecutive texts on the notification bar.

tobio: you still coming?

tobio: mom made tiramisu for dessert

You fold the handkerchief neatly and set it inside your drawer. The brand name CLASSICS The Small Luxury is printed right below the embroidery, another detail you've missed. You're definitely gonna be returning it to Tsukishima. As much as you appreciate him letting you keep it, you can't, not when it's worth ¥3000 with his own name embroidered on it.

How you're gonna return it to him, you still have no idea. You'll have to think of ways to get in contact with him again. You could very easily ask Tobio to give Tsukishima the handkerchief the next time they see each other, but it would be quite rude and offending to the owner if you didn't return the handkerchief personally. It's the least you can do after he let you use it when you needed it last night.

You make a mental note to ask Tobio for Tsukishima's number or home address. You'll worry about it later. For now, you really must hurry up if you still want to catch dinner at the Kageyama's.

You shower and get changed. Before leaving the house, you inform your mother that you'd be home before 9 PM— you're feeling quite guilty for storming out last night and getting home late so you give yourself an early curfew tonight as compensation. Your mother is still a little worried that you're taking advantage of the Kageyamas' hospitality, but you reassure her that it's fine and Tobio's family won't call child services on her.

You leave the house after Tobio sends you another text saying that his mother asks what time you'll be arriving. There's extra spring in your steps as you take the familiar route to his house— probably because you're excited to eat Mrs. Kageyama's cooking, or perhaps it's because you're giddy at the prospect of having dinner again with the boy you have a hopeless crush on. It's probably one or the other. It also could be both.

Tobio's Mom is preparing a feast, judging by the mingling scents of various dishes wafting throughout the whole house. She went overboard this time that you kind of regret having yakiniku earlier.

You offer to help Tobio's Mom and Miwa in the kitchen but the two women just wave you off, telling you to go relax and have some refreshments that they've prepared in the living room. Tobio's Dad is sitting on the couch, watching a baseball game on the television. He's so captivated by the game, shouting at the screen whenever his favorite team scores, that you feel like it would be rude if you sat down beside him and ruined the moment.

Tobio opens and closes his mouth, thinking of how to tell his father to scoot on the sofa. Even Tobio himself is scared of his father, it seems, because he remains quiet and accepts defeat instead.

"Let's go to my room?" He says beside you once he sees that his father won't be making room in the sofa for the two of you any time soon.

You follow him up the stairs and into his room which you've been in countless times before. Unlike those other times, however, you're now feeling a bit queasy as you enter. You hate the fact that going into your best friend's room is putting non-innocent thoughts inside your head now, something that you didn't worry about a year ago.

Tobio plops down on his swivel chair as you make your way to his bed. The door is left wide open— you don't have to be told to do that, it's just courtesy and muscle memory from all the times Tobio has invited you to his room.

You unceremoniously collapse onto his bed, taking last month's issue of Shonen Jump from his bedside table with you. You don't particularly enjoy the way your stomach does a back flip when you smell a faint trace of his cologne on his bed sheets. You try to ignore it by flipping through the Jump's pages, trying to find any new manga to distract yourself with.

Tobio must have seen you so engrossed in reading that he felt like reading too. You hear the rustling of paper as he takes out an issue of Volleyball Monthly from his bookshelf. You immediately recognize it as the issue where you were featured in.

A sly smirk appears on your lips. "Turn to page 17. You'll see a very pretty girl there."

Kageyama already knows what you're talking about before he even turned to said page. "What girl? I only see a hobgoblin holding a volleyball."

"Jerk." You chuck a throw pillow at him which would have landed square on his face had he not ducked to avoid it.

There was a couple of minutes of silence disturbed only by you turning pages and Tobio playing on his Nintendo DSi— he quickly grew bored of looking at Volleyball Monthly and fished the console from his drawer. His attention span is comparable to that of a chicken, you think to yourself as you watch him play with the handheld device. Compared to when he was reading the magazine, Tobio looks a lot more entertained playing Bomberman Blitz.

"We've improved, haven't we? My team, I mean." Tobio suddenly says while his brows are furrowed in concentration at his game.

You look up from what you're reading. "Yep, it's scary how much you guys evolved. I should probably warn our volleyball team about you. I'm sure Ushijima-san would want to know what kind of techniques you have under your sleeves."

He gives you a glare that could have killed a weak-willed soul.

"I'm kidding! They'll just have to find out how much stronger you've gotten when they face you in the finals."

Tobio snorts. "We'll beat them for sure."

"You always say that but what's your plan, though? Do you have any tactics to beat Ushijima-san?" You inquire curiously.

Tobio presses pause on his Nintendo, cradling his chin in thought. "Well, none of us can beat him one-on-one so we'll have to work on our three-man block more, but aside from that, our floor defense is pretty solid. Nishinoya-san and Daichi-san could definitely receive some of his spikes, so I'm not too worried about that."

"You really don't think anyone on your team could block him?" You ask and he just shakes his head. "Don't you have faith in your middle blockers?"

He stares at you as if you've just asked a very stupid question. "Have you seen our middle blockers?"

"Hinata does good when it comes to offense but he's absolutely worthless when it comes to blocking and receiving. He's fast and jumps high but that's about all he can do.

And then there's Tsukishima"

Your attention is snatched when you hear the blonde's name. "What about him?"

"He just... doesn't try." Tobio simply says. "He has the height for it, he has good game sense too, but he gives up way too easily. If only he's pushing himself a little harder, we could strengthen our defense a lot more."

"I see."

"Don't even get me started on his rotten attitude. He's a sarcastic dick, thinking he's smarter than everyone. You would hate him too if you'd met him."

You almost tell Tobio that you have indeed met him, but judging by the way his face contorts in disgust when talking about the blonde, it won't be such a good idea.

You've seen Tsukishima play today. You're not saying that Tobio is wrong, but you definitely do not see the blonde 'giving up way too easily'. On their match against Kakugawa, Tsukishima looked focused and motivated— granted, he didn't look as enthusiastic as Tobio or Hinata, but he still seemed like he was enjoying the game. Though, you can't disagree about what Tobio said about Tsukishima being a sarcastic dick— that one was definitely correct.

But maybe, Tobio is not entirely wrong. He obviously knows Tsukishima better than you. The only instance you ever see him play is during official matches. You have no idea how he is like during practice.

"Hey, Tobio? When's your training gonna start again?"

"We have one on Saturday. Why do you ask?"

"Can I come and watch?" You try to make your shrug look as casually as it can when in reality, you're starting to get nervous about your bold request.

Tobio thinks about it for a second before nodding. "Sure."

You have no idea what your end game is when you asked to come to their practice.

You do know one thing, though— you're gonna see Tsukishima again and it's gonna be the best opportunity to give him back his handkerchief.

The Nintendo DSi narrowly misses your thigh as Tobio chucks it on the bed. A second later, the impact of his body weight hitting the mattress causes you to almost fall off. He's spread-eagled on the bed with his face turned up to the ceiling. He's so close that you can feel the warmth of his body on your own skin.

"Wanna have a go?" He jabs the Nintendo blindingly at you, his eyes still fixated upward.

You take the console out of his hand and starts a new game. It's harder than you remember it being, or maybe you just haven't played it in a while. This old Nintendo model's buttons are difficult to press, you tell yourself as the character dies yet again— not your fault but the console's. You restart only to die at the same spot.

"You're horrible at this." Tobio snickers. You've been glued to the game for the past minute that you didn't notice that he has wiggled closer to you so he could watch you play.

You turn your head to look at him with the most hateful glare you could muster. You hope that he doesn't detect the look of yearning in your eyes because God knows there is. His dark blue eyes are just so beautiful, you could drown in them. The shape of his nose, the curve of his lips, the soft dusting of color on his cheeks— they all make him unbelievably gorgeous that it's a miracle you haven't melted on the spot considering his face is only a few inches away from yours.

You feel like you've mastered by now the look of indifference whenever he's around, and yet you wonder if Tobio would have guessed by now that you have a crush on him if only he has the perception of an average teenage boy. Surely, you're not hiding it that well. Miyaka and Raiden did say it was very obvious.

"You died again." He points out as the DSi emits the telltale sound that signals the gruesome death of the pixelated bomber.

You all but shove the device to his chest in frustration. You feel the vibration of his laughter as your hand makes contact with him as you feel your heart quicken instantaneously.

"Why do you want to watch our practice?" He asks after he has turned off the Nintendo and tossed it haphazardly somewhere on the mattress.

You shrug. "I wanna see you train."

Not exactly a lie but not the full truth either. The real reason you're going to their training is to give Tsukishima the handkerchief. Watching your crush practice volleyball is just a bonus.

"Why? Do you miss me that much when I'm not around?"

It's meant to be a joke. You're not meant to take it seriously. He's smirking in a way that tells you he's just having a laugh... but you're only human, and humans can only hide their feelings so much before some of it leaks.

"Yes, I do."

Tobio laughs.

You frown at this reaction.

"Stop it. That's gross." His shoulders shake as he tries to suppress his laughter. You blink back stupidly, both in surprise and mind-numbing hurt. No way he just said 'that's gross'.

He turns on the Nintendo again, unaware of your ragged breathing and how clammy your hands have gotten. You force out a laugh that you hope mirrors his.

For the rest of the night, none of your smiles or laughter seem to be genuine. Not even during dinner which is exquisite with all of Tobio's favorite food crammed in the too-small dining table. Not even as you say your good night to them by the front door as you prepare for your leave. Not even as you refuse Tobio when he offered to walk you home, right after his mother has chastised him into being a 'proper gentleman'.

This must be what a heartbreak feels like, you muse as you lay awake on your bed.

It hurts, and what's worse — it's because of Tobio.

I haven't updated in so long and felt guilty that's why this chapter has 11k words omg sorry not sorry

tag list: @sktvienna @thechaosoflonging @kenryug

#tsukishima x reader #kageyama x reader #tsukishima angst #kageyama angst #mutual pining #friends to lovers #tsukishima fanfic #kageyama fanfic #haikyuu x reader

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nelapanela94 · 2 years

Text

Hello! Today I'm dropping this new drabble following this fic.

Levi knows he's messed up for good with reader and is afraid to reach out and apologize because he believes he doesn't deserve it. The three had moved in together and fallen into their routine; however, Vi notices the frictions in the relationship between Levi and Reader, and somehow a tinge of guilt creeps through her. Hurt and not fully aware of what happened between her parents, one late night, she confronts Levi and listens to him as he unravels the mesh of feelings and thoughts that's been haunting him. Maybe, it is the kick on the butt he needs to move on.

Thank you to the beautiful San @notgoodforlife for feeding my angst soul and giving me great ideas for this one. I owe you!!

The windows are firmly bolted, standing against the squalling snowflakes, the mild rattling entwines with the distant rustling of naked trees swishing outside. The crackling flames of the hearth lick the living room, spewing fire chips that swirl and vanish in the air. Ten bells chime dull from the tower that watches the whole town.

“What flavor would you like for your birthday cake?” Violet’s voice scratches the silence as she scoops out the pinpricking marshmallows from the froth and shoves them into her mouth, letting the sugar melt and sink down her throat. She hums in delight, licking the spoon.

Levi from across the table watches her, a spiraling thread of steam oozes from his mug. He cracks a snort, and hops on the time machine that takes him to the day you asked him the same question. Wistfully, he recreates the scene. It was one of those queries that took him aback. Picking a flavor for a cake? He'd never thought about that. He’d never had a cake for his birthday, in fact.

So, he’ll dust off the same answer this time.

“Let it be a surprise. I know you have good options in mind.”

“It’s your birthday, you choose.” She insists.

“Vanilla, with pomegranate filling.”

“You’re lucky that’s mom best recipe.”

“What a coincidence is my favorite.” He smirks. his finger pads perch around the rim of his cup and bring it to his mouth. His breath casts waves on the surface as his lips clamp in the ceramic. The warmth rolls down his throat, contrasting against the iron cold of the room, and slams like a heat wave in his stomach. The cup clatters against the saucer.

A piece of bread wicks hot chocolate, and Violet waits, years of experience had taught her how long she should leave her bread soaking, so it gets that soggy texture without breaking and sinking to the bottom; the dregs are not yummy. She tows it to her mouth and cups a hand under her chin so the drops don’t splash on the table, and nabs. She repeats the same process until there’s only crumbs of bread skittered on the plate. Her eyes drift to her father whose cheeks are gilded by the candle glow. He’s there and he isn’t at the same time. His eyes are riveted on the wall across the living room where the light doesn’t skim, his chin roosting on the heel of his hand, his fingertips rapping on his cheek. The flicking glow from the guttering candle intensifies the dark circles under his eyes and spreads its warm yellow highlights over his cheekbones and eyelids and the creases on his forehead.

Something blemishes his thoughts. Like a drop of ink between the lines that bothers the eye, a subtle distraction you can’t stand, and you try to wipe off with your thumb; however, the more you rub, the more letters the smudge gobbles up.

Violet knows something pricks Dad’s conscience. It’s been three months since she’s moved in with mom and dad, and even though they’ve tried hard to make up for the time she was snatched from them, she can read the hints they left behind.

The way he retrieves his hand when he tries to reach out. He wants mom close, he longs for her, he wants to touch her and caress her hair, but when he's near to bridge the gap, he stops and holds his breath, closes his hand into a fist and draws it back.

They never kiss, they never hold hands, they don’t sleep in the same bed—dad barely sleeps—they don’t snuggle in the sofa before the hearth on a cold day. No sneaky glances or sneaky touches, no ‘how was your day?’.

For the unmindful, Levi stares vacantly through the darkness, but for the keen eye, like Violet’s, Levi is drilling through the guilt conveyed on the lighter spot on the wall. It was filled up and smoothed down, but it will never blend with the rest of the paint. He looks calm, unwavering, but his clenched fist resting on the table is holding up the remorse. Sometimes you block a thing that hurts. You pretend it isn’t there, but the whole time you know it is. It’s like a piece of metal stuck in your throat. It bothers you, but you’ve gotten used to it. He’s been pretending for so long the corners of the chunk have begun to scrape raw.

Happiness was so fragile, too fragile that if you were careless, you could smash it down and blight it.

How do you fix a broken heart? He wonders and rummages through for an answer. You can’t. A broken heart is like a shattered vase. You can glue the pieces back together, but it will never work the same way. Water will seep out through the little gaps.

Caught in the waves of his thoughts and feelings, he doesn’t feel those shiny steel gray orbs boring through him.

There’s a chasm between each member of this family, and each day the earth quakes and splinters a little bit more. All the things they never say to each other, all the things she can’t dredge from the bottom of her memories that keep them apart. Pretending is not healthy. Bottling up is carcinogenic, those tucked up feelings twist into a tumor that never stops growing and eventually metastasizes, rotting your insides. And when you scan yourself, it is too late.

But how can you convince someone to open up when he’s spent a great part of his life pretending?

Dad thinks mom’s is afraid of him, that she’ll never forgive him for whatever he’s done, that he doesn’t deserve to be near her, to touch her. He misreads her silence and skips the hints: mom craves for him.

Then, why doesn’t mom take the first step? Violet doesn’t have an answer yet. When she asked you, you replied that you’d already done your part.

But what does it exactly mean?

She wants to ask, yet she’s afraid to pick up at the scab and make the wound bleed again.

Guilt churns inside her as cuts of the last three months flash before her eyes. She tilts the mug a bit and stares at the naked chocolaty foam. Maybe it’s too much sugar for the night. She still thinks that you and Levi endure the martyrdom of walking barefoot on the shards of your relationship because of her. Because of her, her parents suffer, because of her they stick together even if they repel each other. That’s what she used to think when she first stepped into the house and sensed the heaviness suspended between those walls, a shivering fog. It didn’t feel like the home she longed for years. In fact, she had taken glimpses of your staggering relationship when she signed in for the Survey Corps. You didn’t need to be too observant to grasp the ice shavings belch from every glance you and Levi exchanged instead of the sparks that burst in the air when lovers’ eyes stumble.

As she walked into her new room, fresh lavender tickled her nostrils. She craned her head over her shoulder and forced a smile, holding back her tears. A family of teddy bears watched her from the shelf, a white cravat cinched around papa bear neck, the other two had white bows pinned in one side of their heads. Then, she caught her stunned reflection on the vanity mirror and sucked in her bewilderment before dropping her ragged slinging sack on the pale blue duvet, two downy pillows matched in color. She didn’t own too much, a few color-faded dresses, worn-out shirts, and a pair of high waisted pant she fixed for her figure. When you spent two years moving from foster home to foster home it is convenient not to put too much weight on your shoulders. The mattress sagged under her knees as she shifted to the window, it was soft unlike her bed in the barracks, and drew the curtains open. People sauntered on the street from one end to the other. She glanced around and a blush crept across her cheeks when she spotted the boy offloading sacks of flour from the wagon, a little girl with curls like his fed apples to the horse. Then her eyes drifted back to the boy and shut the windows before he caught her gawking.

“If you don’t like it, we can rearrange it.” You said, fiddling with your necklace, and she turned around on her knees.

“You kidding? I love it.” She heaped of the bed, scooted to the closet, and flapped it open. “I don’t remember what is like to have my own room.”

A rack full of puffed sleeve dresses, some high-neck, others buttoned-front. Her hands pampered with the different textures: silk, linen, cotton, chiffon; marveled with the colors and hand-painted flower patterns. An astonished ‘no way’ wriggled on her lips. “They are all yours.” The closet doors thudded close, and she looked your way.

“This is too much. I… thank you.” She sniffed and blinked away her tears. “Where is��uh…dad?” She glanced away, scratching an itch on her nape.

Leaning against the door frame, you crossed your legs at your ankles, and your sad eyes wrinkled in a smile. You shrugged. “I guess he’s got a lot of work to do.”

“Are you ok?”

“Yeah.”

“Can I hug you?”

“Come here.” You opened your arms, and she pounced on you in an embrace. Gulping sobs raked through her as you stroked her hair. Your tear-soaked t-shirt–that once belonged to Levi–stuck to your shoulder. “You still like cheese and strawberries?” You asked in a velvety tone.

She nods and wipes her dampened face with her sleeve. “With tons of honey.”

You were right, a stack of paper was waiting for Levi’s right slanted signature. Although that day, paperwork was the least of his worries. Levi battled against himself, staring blankly at the bottom drawer of his desk. His face was sheen in sweat, his heart jackhammered in his chest. He drew in a long, shuddering breath and a healthy color roamed back to his knuckles, yet his fingers were still anchored to the armrest. He gulps.

Five years.

Five years ago, he locked it there and never dared look at it. He couldn’t let go, yet he couldn’t face it. It was too painful. It was all she’d left behind. A remnant that she was real. That she existed. He hoped that moths hadn’t feast on it.

A click wrung out at the twist of the key, the drawer creaked, and he pulled it out by the long ears.

“Long time no see, Mr. Whiskers.” He quipped, bringing it to his nose, and sniffed, the faint smell of roses, peonies and jasmine, the scent that lingered in her clothes he holds up against his palate as the bouquet of fine wine. He thumbed away his tears at the reminiscent of those lost years. “It’s time to get you back to your owner.”

Its flabby body plumped back to life. Levi pulled the thread that trussed the wound on its belly and sheared it with his teeth. He washed it, dredging all the grime and scrubbing off the stains, wrung it, and by the ears, he hung it on the clothesline to let the sun do its part.

The slice of sun that cut through his window tilted with the clangs that proclaim every hour, the light stretching on the floor and over his shoulders, casting his elongated silhouette on the burnished mahogany surface. When four struck, three knocks rapped on his door. You came in, a pensive smile curved on your lips. “I’m going home, Levi. I’m taking Violet.”

His eyes drifted to you; the quill vacillated on his forefinger.

You clear your throat. “Do I make dinner for three?”

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

“See you then.” You nibbled on your lip, tapping a palm on your thigh. The knob twisted halfway when his voice strained from his desk. “You ok?”

“Yeah.” You replied, gazing down, with a pursed smile. “Don’t overwork yourself.”

Recklessly, his foot was drumming on the floor as he crushed the urge to get up and take you in an embrace. Yeah. Bullshit, you were not ok. Your skin had lost that glow, the dark circles under your eyes had deepened, you’d lost weight, and your smile, shit, that smile he himself turned off. Why couldn’t he squeeze those words out? Each time he tried to say, ‘I’m sorry’, bright red charcoal incinerated his throat.

The door close behind you.

Sighing, he pressed his hands on his eyes, a crimson smear. Leather screeched under him as he shifted straight on the seat and tilted his head back, closing his eyes, silky locks slithered through his fingers.

After six bells, Levi put the quill on the holder and stretched his arms over his head, his spine cracked, relieving the pressure.

He closed the windows, latched the bolt, wriggled off his jacket and left it on the backrest of his seat. One more glance over his shoulder, and he stepped out and locked the door. Levi headed the laundry drying yard, grabbed the lemongrass smelling rabbit and put it inside a leather bag. Crossed the mainyard to the stables and spurred his horse toward home. Orange stripes severed the amethyst sky.

“Mr. Whiskers!!!” Violet slapped a hand over her mouth and looked at Levi. She was trembling, tears soaked her lower lash line. He wasn’t sure how she’d take it, but when her fumbling arms tightened around him, all the tension oozed out from him.

Violet’s pink tipped fingers peek out from the hem of her taupe brown sweater and curl around the steamy mug. She brings it to her mouth and blows off the foam before taking a sip. A soft moan seeps from her at the fondling sweetness stretching in her mouth.

Her hair, shiny onyx waves that she spent forty minutes brushing, drips out from under the wool cap that you had woven for her in your first knitting class.

The flowery cup thuds on the table, and she wipes off her thin frothy mustache with the tongue.

“Dad.” The word still tickles in her mouth.

“Uh?” Levi’s eyes land on her as he pours his second serving of black tea.

“You and mom…” she dithers, sucking on her lip, averting her eyes. “Don’t you love each other anymore?"

Frozen, Levi stares back at Violet with bulged out eyes as the string of translucent reddish-brown plunges into his mug. The hot liquid spills over the table, and when he finally scoops the bullet out, he sets the teapot back on the potholder, cursing under his breath.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean—” Her voice teeters with panic as she dodges out of her seat and hustles to the kitchen to fetch a cleaning rag.

In seconds, she’s back to the dining table. She lifts papa’s mug and wipes the wood while he stills chews the question. Her hand fumbles, but a puzzled Levi doesn’t notice.

Maybe her approach tilted to the harsh side.

The tea-soaked cloth hangs from the rim of the sink; drops unzip from the ragged threads, converging into a long cord that dive into the drain. Plink. Plink. Plink. A vague noise that disturbs their silence.

Again, they are clustered at the table, afraid to meet each other’s eyes. Both gaze down at the good grain. Levi sees a giant fingertip; Violet reads a map that locates a treasure, mindlessly running a finger along the rim of her mug.

“I fucked up real bad.” Levi mutters, more for himself than for Violet. Those words sound strange aloud. “That day… we thought we’d lost you” he sniffed, rubbing his nose with the back of his hand. “I was a total dick, I said the shittiest things, I…” He swallows the tears. “I never apologized.”

Puzzled gray eyes jerk to him. “Why?”

The last drop of tea swirls at the bottom. “Don’t know where to start.”

“Dad!” Violet frowned, refraining from slamming a hand on the table. “How can you ruin your marriage out of cowardice?”

“Your mother and I are not married.” He snorts.

“But–“

He raises his left hand and splays it in the air. “We got these at the market on sale.”

“Mom wants you.”

“And I want her.”

“It doesn’t seem to.”

“Don't meddle in adult things.”

“I will if those two adults concern me.” She nudges. “You’re acting like kids.”

“Oi!”

“Oi! Oi! Oi!” She mirrors him.

His eyebrows plunge. “Go to bed.”

“Only if you do.”

“Tch.” He wishes she were the little girl who played tea parties with him. He reels back and folds his arms over his chest.

“Tell me your story. I want to know.”

Levi sighs in defeat and fetches a new candle, the glow of the worn out one is dimming in a pool of molten wax. Levi lights the fresh one up with the dying flame and sticks it on the holder. Meanwhile, Violet grabs the empty teapot and, wrapped up in a thick blanket, she toddles to the hearth, the fieriness stinging her eyes. She rucks up her face and leans warily, tipping the kettle from the crane by the idleback to fill Levi’s fine china piece. Then, with the pit stoker, she lifts the lid of the large three-leg pot and takes a glimpse. The water hasn’t boiled yet.

Levi steeps the tea as she ducks back in her chair.

“Do you know what your mother’s favorite food is?”

“Chitterlings,” she sticks her tongue out in a gag. “But why is it relevant?”

“Shut up and listen.”

She nods attentively.

Three hours later, the candled has consumed in two thirds. Levi fiddles with his ring, chewing the inside of his cheek, waiting for Violet to condemn him. He deserves it, anyway.

Take her to a date. It’s everything she says before taking her leave. Don’t sleep on it before it’s too late.

She trudges back and presses a peck on his cheek. “Have a good night.”

“You too.” His voice trails. She clutches the duvet on her chest, dragging a tail that sweeps the floor. Levi rolls his eyes and shakes his head. He gobbles down the last swig and goes to his room. Your room. Cocooned in layers you lie on your side, rebel locks of hair it’s all he can see of you. Levi flings the blankets and burrows in, one hand tucked under his pillow.

“Levi…” A weak moan. Teeth chattering. You stir, flipping onto the other side to face him and tug down the covers, enough to peek out. Flustered face, harsh breaths, droopy eyes. “is that you?”

Levi alerts, frowning, and reaches out a hand to your forehead. His eyes snap wide at the incalescence; you’ve been burning in fever.

“Fuck!” Levi kicks his sheets off and rushes to the living room to get the boiling water. He warms the tub and whisks the surface with his hand, checking the temperature. Then, back in the room, he crouches at your side, beginning to peel the layers. The shivers intensify. “Don’t. It’s freezing.” You squeeze your eyes and hiss.

“I know, I know.” He whispers softly, sweeping off your hair clogged on the sweat of your forehead. “But I need to bring down your temperature.”

“But–“

His hands slip under your body, and he scoops you up swiftly. “I’m not leaving you.”

In the bathroom, he strips you down. His delicate fingers feel like ice claws on your skin as he slips the gown over your head, your ribcage poke through your skin. his hands saunter down, anchoring at your hips where his thumbs caressed the beautiful pattern of waves that stretch over your tummy. Seeking warmth, you drape your arms around him, teetering against his frame. His fingers slide under the hem of your panties, pulling down your underwear. You wish he was undressing you in another setting. How bad you missed his hands on your flesh.

“Join me.” You purr in his ear, pleading.

His clothes pile on the floor too, and patiently, he helps you swing your legs over the rim. Then he steps in too.

Your back melts against his chest, your head resting on his shoulder; his knees snoop out of the surface.

“Thanks.” You find his hand under the water and thread it with yours. “I missed us like this.”

“Close your eyes.” He croons, ladling water in his palm, and smothering it on your face.

“You know I love you.”

“I love you too.” His hand squeezes yours. “I hope you’re not raving, cause I fucking love you.”

“My sweet boy.” You wriggle, and strew a hand over his chest, your forehead molds to the curve of his neck. “Can we stay like this until the sun comes out?”

“I don’t want my ass to look like a raising.”

“We can be raisings together.”

“Levi… look at me.” You trace a heart on his cheek, then swaddle him in your palm. “Look at me.” The candle beam slivers across his face, his eyes glint in the tears he’s holding up. “Cry if you need to, Levi. It’s ok.” You soothe him. where do you get all that strength? He should be the one heartening you not otherwise. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry…” He spools out through gulping sobs, his nose prodding your cheek.

A brawny arm winds around you. “I’m sorry.” He closes his eyes. “I’m so sorry, Y/N. For so long, I was a selfish jerk to you.” You cling to him; his hand fondles your tickling skin. “The grief blinded me… and, shit, all those things I said… you were grieving too. You lost your mother and… and I didn’t let you mourn properly, and…” His voice cracks like dry leather.

You say nothing for a while, only your heavy breathing is dank in the bathroom. The soft wintry whisper.

“I forgive you Levi. I do.” You smile. "I needed to hear it."

The gnarls of trepidation ease off. He breathes and feels his lungs exhaling for the first time in years. He has almost forgotten what it felt like to touch you. To be forgiven even just this much. That unfamiliar saltiness engulfs his mouth; he sniffles, but doesn’t wipe off his tears. He lets them run.

Lingering kisses trail from the crown of your head along your jawline. A giggle bubbles out, and another and another, weaving in that pretty melody he longed for so long. You try to reel away but he traps you in his unyielding arms, dousing you in kisses overwhelmed with gratitude at having one more day. Spalshes of water. Violet was right. He had been an idiot for letting time dribble away through his fingers.

He tucks your hair behind your ear and coos, “would you go on a date with me?”

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