Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

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Kiyoomi exhales as he turns off the ignition, slumping back and running a hand over his face. He has already pulled into the driveway, they probably heard his car park up, if he backs out now he will look like a coward.

The drive to Amagasaki was full of mentally going back and forth in his head, navigating the narrow roads as the glowing sun set in the distance casting a golden shadow over everything it touched. But he is here now, no turning back.

A final sigh before he sluggishly exits the vehicle. Glancing up at the familiar sand brick house, a swirl of sadness and nostalgia tug at his chest as he drags his feet to the rusty gate and swings it open.

Almost immediately the front door to house is opening and he is being greeted by an older man who beams brightly at him, hands gesturing wildly.

“Kiyoomi-kun! Come in, come in.” Miya Hitoshi, the twin’s father, pulls him in for a firm hug as he gets closer, slapping him on the back. Usually, Kiyoomi would flinch away but today is different. Today he needs it. “It has been too long.”

“Sorry for not visiting sooner, Otousan, I have just been…” In the pits of despair? Swimming in grief? Trying his damn hardest to force himself out of bed in the morning and trudge through the day without crying?

“I know that trainin’ must keep ya busy. Don’t mind.” Kiyoomi smiles gratefully at him, for giving him a way out. They both silently ignore the fact that it’s only a half an hour journey, that it would be the easiest thing to pop by.

“Yeah, something like that.” He nods as he is ushered further into the house, the smell of something cooking wafts around them. It’s familiar – holds the weight of endless memories shared. He approaches the kitchen as Hitoshi gives him a final pat before heading off in the direction of the living room.

Kiyoomi’s smile grows softer as he catches sight of Miya Himari bustling around the kitchen, apron strapped tightly around her figure and hair in absolute disarray.

“Ah Kiyoomi! It’s so good to see ya, dear,” She perks up as soon as she catches sight of him in the doorway. She makes her way over and places a gentle kiss on his cheek which he happily accepts, “Ya shall have’ta live with a basic miso soup fer dinner m’afraid. We only got back from visitin’ Osamu in Tokyo this mornin’, so we haven’t got anythin’ in!”

“If it’s made by you, then I shall be happy.” Kiyoomi bows his head sincerely, he has always enjoyed her cooking, he understands where Osamu learned his skills from.

“Always such a flatterer, aren’tcha?” Kiyoomi can’t help but blush, damn the Miya’s and their weird capability of making him flustered.

He clears his throat, “How is Osamu?”

Himari checks the pot on the stove once more before turning to give him her full attention, leaning back against the marble countertop and crossing her arms, she offers him a sad smile and a shrug.

“As okay as he can be, I suppose. The restaurant distracts him, as does Rintarou, bless him.”

“And how are you and Otousan?” Kiyoomi steps forward and takes a seat on one of the stools surrounding the kitchen island. He absentmindedly drums his fingers against the cool surface, glancing up to see Himari watching him pitifully. For some reason, the look doesn’t annoy him. Maybe it’s because he knows that’s the way he looks at her, they are both in the same boat, just an endless cycle of pity. A pity party, he thinks sullenly.

“We are… okay. It was never gonna be easy, and it certainly hasn’t been, but we lived with the knowledge for longer than anyone. We always knew it was gonna be a possibility, so I suppose we were better prepared. Doesn’t make it hurt any less, but it is the way things are. I won’t bother askin’ how you are, I am sure yer sick of hearing it at this point.”

He is. He is so sick of everyone treating him like a fragile piece of china, like he will just shatter at the slightest provocation. Everyone back in Osaka treads so carefully around him, it’s maddening. He knows they mean well, knows that Bokuto just wants reassurance when he quietly asks if Kiyoomi is doing good, knows that the endless missed calls and multiple texts from Hinata are in good faith. He knows he has people who are concerned for him, he just wishes they wouldn’t be so fucking obvious about it.

He feels selfish, selfish because he knows that they are also grieving, but he also knows they will never be able to understand the depths of agony Kiyoomi is feeling every damn second. They could never get it and he knows he will never be in a place to explain it to them, because words don’t even begin to cover it.

“I am doing better,” He decides to spill his feelings. Her, Hitoshi and Osamu are really the only people he feels comfortable talking to these days, “It’s hard, really hard. Every day I wake up and there are those few seconds where I am halfway between sleep and consciousness and they are my favourite few seconds. Because I forget what reality is, forget what’s happened… I expect to roll over and see… see him lying there but, of course, I never do, and it’s hard.”

Kiyoomi applauds himself for being able to mostly keep himself together, ignores the way his hands tremble against the countertop. He doesn’t register the loving grip on his shoulder, not until Himari gives him a gentle squeeze which slowly brings him from his spiralling thoughts.

“I have something for ya, tell me if I am outta line by givin’ this to ya but I think he would’ve wanted you ta have it.” Kiyoomi watches through bleary eyes as she reaches into the front pocket of her apron and pulls out a piece of paper.

His heart drops, he knows what it is upon first glance, he would recognise it no matter what, no matter how much time has passed.

“It’s Atsumu’s bucket list, all the things he wanted to do before he…” Hirami's voice gets stuck in her throat.

Kiyoomi takes a deep breath, eyes glued to that piece of paper, even when its hurriedly handed to him. The memories this silly bit of material holds, the life it has lived. He grips it hard; he resists the urge to shove his face into it— to try catch maybe just a whiff, an essence of its owner. Swallowing hard, through a quiet and pained voice he manages to force out,

“All the things he wanted to do before he died.”

23. Befriend someone who doesn’t like me.

Practice was gruelling today, Kiyoomi can feel it in the ache of his joints and the sweat that seems to be everywhere. He forces himself to flop to the floor and begin stretching, he doesn’t feel like it at all but knows if he doesn’t now he will be in even more pain later on.

“Hey, Omi-kun, ya need help stretchin’?” Kiyoomi glances up from where his hands are wrapped around the sole of his right foot, stretching out his hamstrings.

He contemplates Atsumu’s request, they haven’t talked alone since Kiyoomi signed his contract with MSBY. Before that the only interactions they have had were at various training camps where Atsumu always attempted to engage with him in conversation and Kiyoomi, being the grumpy teenager he was, always brushed him off.

The image of Atsumu in his head is a brash, cocky, piss-haired asshole, but that was based purely off of other people’s gossip about him and the way he saw Atsumu treat Kageyama during the All-Japan Youth camp in their second year.

But this man in front of him, who had finally discovered toner apparently, wears a welcoming smile on his face. He seems a far cry from Kiyoomi’s previous perception.

“I am almost done, could you just help me with my back?” He says before the silence between them drags out any longer. Atsumu, whose face was looking as though he was beginning to question himself, perks up as he hears Kiyoomi.

“’Course! Happy ta.” The setter moves behind him, waiting until the spiker nods his head before gently pressing on Kiyoomi’s shoulder blades, forcing him towards the ground.

“Yanno, I was kinda surprised ta see you at the try-outs. I always thought ya’d go for the Adlers.”

“Why?” Kiyoomi questions. He had looked at both teams, in end he decided on the Jackals mainly because he was sick of Tokyo and wanted a change in scenery. Not to mention the Adlers already had an outstanding starting line-up, he wouldn’t have got much court time if he had chosen to go with them.

“Arent’tcha datin’ Ushiwaka?” Atsumu presses a little harder on his back, he can feel the stretch throughout his body as he speaks to the floor.

“We dated briefly after high school, but it didn’t work out, though we are still good friends. Plus, I don’t tend to let my personal life affect my professional decisions, MSBY had better facilities to offer, and I wanted to try out a city that wasn’t Tokyo for once.” He has no idea why he was spilling his guts to Atsumu. He hadn’t even told his parents that he was with Wakatoshi at the time, so he is surprising even himself when the words slip past his lips.

“I think that’s the most I’ve ever heard ya talk, Omi!” Atsumu lets out a laugh, it is a nice sound, it even makes Kiyoomi forget to reprimand the setter for that stupid nickname he insisted on, “Either way, I’m glad yer here!”

Atsumu finally pries himself away from his back, Kiyoomi can feel his skin burning under his shirt from the contact. He tells himself it is the ache of the stretch and not because he enjoys the feeling of Atsumu’s hands on him.

“Thank you.” Kiyoomi slowly gets up, shaking out his limbs and turning to face Atsumu properly. He looks good, more than good, Kiyoomi knows the setter is attractive, anyone who denies it is lying. His sharp jawline, smooth skin and pretty honey eyes are nothing to ignore; he stops himself before he gets too distracted, realising Atsumu is talking yet again, the setter does that a lot.

“-wonderin’ if ya wanted to come over this weekend and watch the Adlers vs Red Falcons game, thought we could analyse and talk tactics, I will order us takeout if ya fancy!” Atsumu is inviting him to hangout, him, the world’s most antisocial person. Well, it wasn’t that he didn’t like to do stuff like that, just that he was never really asked. Something about his ‘don’t fucking talk to me’ vibe as Komori so adequately put it to him. “So, ya game?”

“Sure, just clean your apartment properly beforehand otherwise I may have to strangle you.” Kiyoomi deadpans, only half serious, it still causes another one of those addicting laughs to escape Atsumu’s lips, so Kiyoomi takes it as a win.

“I shall bleach every surface thrice just for ya!” Atsumu’s eyes crinkle as he smiles brightly, Kiyoomi swears the setter admits actual rays of light. Too distracted by his features yet again he almost misses Atsumu mumbling, “Twenty-three…”

“Pardon?” Kiyoomi inquires. Atsumu jumps, like he hadn’t meant to actually say that out loud judging by the way his cheeks flush a light crimson.

“Oh.. it’s a bit silly. I… well I have a bucket list fer everything I want ta do before I die, and number twenty-three is to befriend someone who doesn’t like me.” His voice gets quiet, and he becomes visibly more embarrassed as he rambles, Kiyoomi shouldn’t find it endearing.

Kiyoomi is not entirely surprised that Atsumu thought he disliked him; he tends to give off that impression to everyone he meets, so he doesn’t deny it because Atsumu would just think he is lying for his sake. Atsumu must mistake Kiyoomi’s silence for confusion so words keep spilling out of his mouth,

“Yeah it’s kinda dumb but it gives me purpose, yanno? It’s pretty long and a lot of it is very outlandish but there’s some things I think I will be able to do. Stuff like… beat ‘Samu at Mario Kart or be in two places at once or kiss someone underwater for as long as we can hold our breaths…” He trails off with a shrug, looking away in an abashed manner, scratching the back of his neck.

“What’s number one?” Kiyoomi asks in a gentle voice he didn’t know he possessed; he can see surprise written on Atsumu’s face as he jerks to look at him again. The flush on his face an even darker shade than before despite the large grin that spreads across his lips,

“You’d have ta come over to my apartment at least another twenty times before I told ya that!”

“Fair enough,” He hums. Atsumu cocks his head curiously at him, Kiyoomi just stares back at him with what he hopes to be an unbothered demeanour. A minute or so goes by before their staring contest is broken by a certain ginger haired spiker.

“Omi-san, Atsumu-san!” Hinata runs over to them, full of energy and radiating pure happiness, “Are you going to come out for dinner with us?” Kiyoomi realises just then how long the two of them had been stood there talking,

“Maybe another time, I need to go shower.”

“Yah, sorry Shouyou-kun, but I promised I would go see ‘Samu today.” Hinata visibly deflates, but only for a moment.

“Another time! See you guys tomorrow!” He bounds off, Kiyoomi watches with slight concern as Hinata jumps on the back of an unsuspecting Bokuto, but the spiker just laughs and takes the small man’s weight easily.

Atsumu turns to him then, smiling easily and rubbing at his cheek.

“So, I’ll see ya at the weekend?”

“You will see me tomorrow and also the day after that, but yes, the weekend also.” Atsumu just lets out an amused huff and shakes his head before swivelling on his heels and walking in the direction of the locker room, calling out over his shoulder,

“I’ll look forward ta it, Omi-kun.”

Kiyoomi thinks that he will as well.

39. Learn a handshake with someone who isn’t stupid Samu.

The whole team seemed surprised to watch the friendship between himself and Atsumu form. It was a slow process, but Kiyoomi found himself enjoying the setter’s company more than he thought and by this point they hang out nearly every weekend. Whether that includes going to each other’s apartments or coming into the gym for extra practice, Atsumu seems to always have something for them to do.

This weekend, it was more practice.

Kiyoomi will never admit it out loud but hitting Atsumu’s sets compares to nothing like he had experienced before. Iizuna was an amazing setter, and he would always be grateful to him for pulling Itachiyama together so well. But he just didn’t live up to the rush of adrenaline Kiyoomi experiences whenever he hears the ball slam into the opposite court because of a set Atsumu has sent flying his way.

Maybe that’s what provokes him to ask Atsumu to work on a new pipe attack with him, something he has always wanted to try but never felt he could pull off. Until now at least.

“A new attack? Damn Omi, I am honoured! ‘Course we can.” Atsumu has one hand placed on his hip, the other intermittently squirting water in his mouth from his bottle, “Ya gotta promise me one thing though, ‘kay?”

“What?” Kiyoomi watches a small smile form on his lips.

“Ya have ta promise ta not fall in love with me.”

Kiyoomi almost gapes at him, where in the world had that come from? Atsumu is such a mystery to him, he has no idea how his brain works. Had Kiyoomi been too obvious in his staring? Surely not, he is always discreet about that kind of thing because the fear of rejection overrules anything he may feel.

Sometimes it is just best to oblige Atsumu.

“That won't be an issue, Miya.” Kiyoomi levels him with an indifferent stare, but Atsumu just grins and gives him a thumbs up.

“Good ta hear!” He throws his water bottle on the ground and strolls over to the basket of volleyballs, “Oh! If we are doing a quick then we have ta have a handshake!” The setter says excitedly.

“A handshake?” Kiyoomi deadpans.

“Yah! Me and ‘Samu had one for whenever we would score a point! Please Omi, it’s something on my bucket list! ” Atsumu pouts, his eyes widen, and it shouldn’t have as much of an effect on Kiyoomi as it does.

“Why not Hinata?”

“Hinata doesn’t know ‘bout my list. Plus I would rather show off ta everyone how close we are, just ta see the surprised look on their faces when the untouchable Sakusa Kiyoomi actually touches me!” Atsumu puffs his chest out and prods his thumb to the centre.

Kiyoomi sighs.

It came as a slight surprise to both of them when they accidently brushed fingers exchanging snacks one Saturday when they were watching a game, even more of a surprise was how Kiyoomi didn’t flinch or retract his hand instantly, Atsumu on the other hand.

“I’m sorry, Omi-kun!” Atsumu pulls his hand back as though he had gotten an electric shock, “Are ya okay? Do ya want me to get some hand sanitiser? I didn’t mean ta, I swear!”

Kiyoomi had just stared at him, his hand still hovering in place, the bag of crisps dropped onto the couch between them. It was… new. Never before had he become so comfortable with someone so quickly, comfortable enough that they didn’t make his skin crawl, comfortable enough that he didn’t mind the contact at all.

If anything, the slight brush made a shiver run down his spine, a nice kind of shiver.

“Miya, it’s okay. You… can touch me.” Atsumu’s eyes just widened in response, his mouth hung open.

“Are ya sure? Completely sure? Ya not just sayin’ that are ya, cause if ya are- “

“I said, it’s fine. Can we continue watching the game?” Kiyoomi tried to act like his mind wasn’t going haywire, what in the hell did this mean?

Kiyoomi pinches the bridge of his nose, the thought of that moment bringing tension to his temples, even after a few weeks he still doesn’t want to think about the reasoning behind it.

“Fine, nothing stupid though. Keep it simple.” Atsumu jumps around, he looks like a dog who has just been told he can go out for a walk.

Atsumu ducks under the net, tapping at his chin as though he is in serious thought over this handshake. In all honesty he probably is.

“How ‘bout we do a back-and-forth slap of our hands, an up and down fist bump and then a high five.” Atsumu sticks out his arm as soon as he finishes his sentence, Kiyoomi just lets out a pained huff before extending his own arm.

Slap. Slap. Bump. Bump. High five.

Atsumu looks positively giddy once they finish, the way his eyes shine, and the tug of lips have Kiyoomi shutting up with any protests he may have.

They work on the attack, they perfect it, they use it and after every single point they score together it is always the same,

Slap. Slap. Bump. Bump. High five.

16. Drink ten beers in one minute.

They win the season. Not only that, but they win the season because of Kiyoomi and Atsumu’s attack, the resounding slam of the ball in the Adlers court confirming their victory.

The two of them had hugged, Kiyoomi couldn’t even berate the setter for it, too hyped up on adrenaline and happiness. He had even laughed, which earned him the questioning stares of his cheering teammates. He never laughed, but with Atsumu’s arm wrapped around his shoulder he felt content, he felt loose and relaxed and he wanted to enjoy himself.

The feeling must have carried over when he accepted an invitation to go to a local Izakaya in order to celebrate.

That is how Kiyoomi finds himself squished in a booth, nestled between the wall and Atsumu. The low thrum of music fills the air, and everyone is chatting loudly, the occasional whooping can be heard as they all down a concerning amount of alcohol. Even Kiyoomi allows himself to drink more than normal, a warm buzz spreading through his body as he turns to watch Atsumu animatedly chat with Inunaki across the table.

Atsumu looks ethereal, the warm glow of the lamps hanging above them gives his skin a golden glimmer, his hair is dropping onto his forehead in a way that makes him seem so soft, so open. Atsumu catches his eye as he speaks and smiles affectionately, before turning back to their libero and continuing their conversation.

Kiyoomi blames the fact he is stuffed into a booth with over ten grown athletes, most of whom are sweaty and radiating body heat, for the way his cheeks grow hot, and he blames the alcohol for the way his heartrate spikes.

Averting his gaze, he settles on staring at the beverage grasped in his hand, focusing entirely on diverting his thoughts from the setter sitting next to him. He tries not to think about the way their thighs are pressed together, tries not to think about the way Atsumu’s hand rests inches from his own, what good would it do him to think about it? No good at all, he firmly tells himself.

Kiyoomi is doing a rather good job of not thinking about Atsumu right up until the man himself stands up, wobbling the table in front of him in the process.

“Who is up for a challenge?” The setter receives a rumble of cheers in response, Kiyoomi looks up in time to see a grin spread across his lips, “I have always wanted ta be able to down ten beers in one minute, and I am feelin’ good ‘bout it today. Who’s gonna try with me?”

Kiyoomi just ducks his head to hide his amused smile. He should really tell everyone what a bad idea that would be but Atsumu looks good and Kiyoomi is tipsy, and he wants to just let go for once.

Bokuto, Hinata, Inunaki and Adriah all agree to give it a go. 50 beers are ordered to their table, barely fitting but somehow they manage it.

Atsumu, being the dramatic idiot he is, insists on going last. The big finale he explains.

Kiyoomi offers to time them, mainly because he is the most sober but also because he is the most honest out of them all. Bokuto and Inunaki manage it so well it should be concerning. Hinata and Adriah are just a few seconds off but they take it in their stride.

Once it gets to Atsumu’s turn, he has his tongue stuck out in concentration, his sleeves are rolled up and he has a look of such determination on his face Kiyoomi has to stop himself from genuinely swooning.

He starts the time.

59 seconds in and Atsumu slams down the last glass, a line of froth on his top lip along with a big grin.

“I did it, didn’t I? Tell me I did it, Omi-kun.”

“Unfortunately, yes you did,” Kiyoomi watches fondly as Atsumu practically beams, whipping round and boasting to Inunaki in such a way that the rest of the team chuckle at his antics.

As the setter rambles, his voice gets more and more slurred. Kiyoomi has to grip his upper arm in order to steady him before he ushers him back into their seats.

“Proud of me, Omi-Omi?” Atsumu mumbles, instantly leaning his head against Kiyoomi’s shoulder as soon as they sit down. He curls himself around Kiyoomi’s arm, humming contently. 

“Yes, very proud of you, Atsumu.” That causes the setter to gasp, turning his head to look up at Kiyoomi with a glazed look in his eyes.

“First time ya ‘ave called m’Atsumu.” Kiyoomi hadn’t even realised, maybe he is a bit drunker than he initially thought. He internally panics for a solid 5 seconds before being snapped out of it when he hears Atsumu murmur, “S’nice, call me that from now on, ‘kay?”

He doesn’t even have time to reply before Atsumu promptly collapses back onto his shoulder and closes his eyes.

He hopes Atsumu feels it when he nods.

Shit.

8. Be in two places at once.

Off season brings an abundance of free time, aside from the odd ad campaigns they were talked into and the occasional interview or photoshoot, the MSBY members are left to entertain themselves.

Kiyoomi has mixed feelings about the seemingly endless stretch of empty days, usually he can find something to occupy himself with, whether that be reading or puzzles or traveling to different places. Those days are good, he can deal with the days which are full of activities.

However, he is prone to bad days.

He can instantly tell it’s one when he wakes up on a bleak Tuesday morning. There is an uneasiness unfurling in his chest, his mind already whirring with a jumble of thoughts, his body thrums with anxiety.

Sighing, he allows himself to lay in bed for longer than usual, staring up at his white ceiling and trying to will this overwhelming feeling away.

It doesn’t help, it never does.

Logistically, he knows he will be okay, he knows he will be back to normal at some point in the near future, but as he drags himself out of bed all he can think about is how his bones feel as though they weigh a ton.

Routine is the only thing that stops him from crumbling into a heap on the floor.

Brush teeth. Shower. Skin care. Pick an outfit. Make breakfast.

Kiyoomi pats himself on the back for even making it this far as he sits at his kitchen island, slowly forcing spoonsful of oatmeal into his mouth and trying to distract himself with his phone.

His attempt is a bit too successful because when he reaches for his glass of apple juice, he knocks the back of his hand into it instead and it spills everywhere.

The countertop, the floor, his jeans.

Kiyoomi cries, he bunches his hands into fists and bangs them against the island, his shoulders heave with the effort to stop himself from breaking down but it is to no avail. He can’t stop the tears from racing down his cheeks, can’t stop his fingers from threading through his hair and tugging harshly at the strands.

Without thinking, he snatches his phone from where he had dropped it and blearily calls the first person who drifts into his subconscious mind.

Two rings.

“Hey, Omi! What’cha up ta?”

Kiyoomi just breathes shakily, Atsumu? Why is Atsumu talking? Did he call him? Oh, this is embarrassing. It makes him want to cry harder.

“… Omi?”

“S-sorry… I didn’t- fuck. I didn’t mean to call, I- “

“Hey, hey, I’m comin’ round, just breathe for me, yeah?” Surprisingly, Kiyoomi’s body complies, and he can feel himself inhaling and exhaling. Faintly he can hear Atsumu swing his own door open, the tapping of his feet against the stairs and rustling as if he is switching the phone from one ear to the other. “I’m just down the hall, ‘kay? Can you open ya door fer me?”

Kiyoomi limbs are like jelly, but somehow he finds the will power to stumble over to his front door, he feels sluggish as he fiddles with the locks and opens it to a concerned looking Atsumu.

Without saying anything, Atsumu steps in and bundles Kiyoomi into his arms, holding him tightly and stroking his curls in a soothing manner. Kiyoomi just cries again, clutching tightly onto the back of Atsumu’s shirt and burrowing his face into the crook of his neck.

They must stand there for hours, or that’s how long it feels before Kiyoomi can feel the mist in his head start to clear and for his blood to stop thumping loudly in his ears. Even when he becomes aware of the arms around him, of whose arms are around him, he stays there and basks in the welcomed contact.

Pulling away is probably the most difficult thing to do but he does eventually.

“Sorry.” Kiyoomi manages to mumble, his voice croaky due to the crying. He can’t even meet Atsumu’s eyes, just stares at the floor. He rubs at his face, berating himself for the way he is still sniffling.

“Kiyoomi,” That causes him to jerk his head up in surprise. Atsumu’s eyes lock onto his immediately and his gaze is so full of affection and concern, he feels like he might pass out, or maybe that’s just because he is dehydrated, “You never ever have ta apologise for calling me, I am glad you did, do ya wanna talk?”

Kiyoomi swallows harshly, he can’t get over the way his name sounded on Atsumu’s lips.

“Not much to say. Just a bad day.” He says plainly, before remembering his wet trousers and wincing at the way they cling to his skin, “I just woke up knowing today was going to be… shit. I spilt my juice and started crying and it’s so stupid- “

“Don’t ya dare say that. Don’t invalidate yer feelings like that, otherwise I may just have ta whack ya round the head.” Kiyoomi can’t help but give a small smile, looking off to the side as he nods before sighing. “You go have a shower, I will clean up the mess and we can watch something together, ‘kay? Off ya pop.”

And he does just that, he stands under the hot spray of water for at least half an hour and when he emerges it’s to the sight of Atsumu with a blanket thrown over him. The curtains are drawn so the light of the tv casts a soft glow over his cheekbones and he looks so much like he belongs there, in Kiyoomi’s home.

It is so startling that Kiyoomi stands in the hallway leading to the living room for a whole five minutes, trying to process the completely different tug in his chest compared to what he was feeling this morning. He doesn’t allow himself to spiral, forces himself to pad over to the couch where he unceremoniously drops onto the cushions with a huff.

“Feelin’ better?” Kiyoomi nods, “Good, what do ya wanna watch?”

“Atsumu, I- “ He turns to face the setter who is staring at him with that look again, Kiyoomi falters, a lump forming in his throat, “Thank you.”

Atsumu smiles warmly, he reaches over and carefully grips Kiyoomi’s hand in order to tug the spiker closer to him, only stopping when Kiyoomi has his head resting on his shoulder and Atsumu has one arm tightly wrapped around him.

“Anytime.”

Kiyoomi doesn’t remember falling asleep, but he must have judging by the way his eyes are blinking open and his body finally feels relaxed and rested. It takes a while for him to register the way his head is moving up and down, it takes a bit longer to realise it’s because he is lying on a strong chest, it doesn’t take long at all for him to remember whose beneath him.

Atsumu had stayed over the entire day, they had watched random movies, Kiyoomi had the pleasure of laughing at Atsumu when they had watched a horror movie and the setter got himself scared. Atsumu got to coo at all the romantic films with joyful glee.

Kiyoomi does remember Atsumu laying down and pulling Kiyoomi with him, Kiyoomi remembers going happily with no protest and he remembers humming in content when he had felt fingers stroke through his curls.

Carefully, he sits up. He can feel how matted his hair is, knows there is probably a fabric impression on his cheek, but he can’t find it in himself to care.

He wants to pass off the overwhelming happiness and warmth in his chest as something else, but he can’t, he knows he shouldn’t. He knows he needs to face the facts.

The facts being that he is completely in love with Miya Atsumu, he has known it for a while he has just refused to acknowledge it.

Atsumu had wormed his way into his life, into his soul and made a home there. Kiyoomi can’t remember the time before his everyday was filled with a certain smile and the happiness that comes with being in the presence of the other. Atsumu makes him happy, inexplicably so. He has so much love to give to everyone around him and Kiyoomi was helpless to fall.

Turning towards the blonde, he feels like he is going to throw up due to the amount of affection building up inside him. Atsumu’s mouth is hanging open, his cheek is squished against the arm of the sofa and his eyes are twitching about like he is in the midst of a dream.

Kiyoomi wonders if his dreams includes a certain wing spiker.

He wants it to be truth, so badly that he finds himself shaking at Atsumu’s shoulder and whispering his name until the setter’s eyes flutter open. It is extremely endearing observing Atsumu coming back online, watching him take in his surroundings, watching him yawn before focusing his gaze on Kiyoomi, he gets to witness the fond smile take over his lips.

“Heya, Omi, what time is it?” He mumbles, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

“Around 2 am. I…” He trails off, gnawing at his bottom lip, uncharacteristically shy, he takes a deep breath, “I want to take you somewhere.”

“What, right now?” Atsumu tilts his head to the side, his eyes sparking in interest and Kiyoomi simply nods, “Sure, where?”

“It is a surprise.” Kiyoomi says it a teasing tone, dragging himself into a standing position before wandering into the hallway to grab his coat and shoes. Throwing a look over his shoulder, “Don’t get slow on me, Miya.”

Atsumu just lets out a carefree laugh before joining him in getting ready.

The drive to Kiyoomi’s secret location is spent in comfortable silence, the soft hum from the radio travelling through the confines of the vehicle and Kiyoomi is more than happy to quietly steal glances at Atsumu who gazes out the window.

He ignores him when that gaze turns to him questioningly as he pulls up to a toll booth and pays.

“Amagasaki.” Atsumu acknowledges to which Kiyoomi hums in response, not giving anything away and continuing to drive without saying a word.

Not too long after, he is pulling into a car park and stopping the car. Atsumu looks curiously out the window at the building in front of them, proudly saying FamilyMart on the front of it.

“Ya took me to a convenience store? Ya know we have those in Osaka, right? Ya didn’t have to drive me twenty minut- “

“Shut up and get out the car.” Kiyoomi says, unbuckling and slipping outside. He wraps his coat around himself as a chill glides over his exposed skin, he hears Atsumu join him, the gravel crunching under his shoes.

Kiyoomi still doesn’t speak as he begins walking, trailing down the quiet street and revelling in the cool breeze that surrounds them. Atsumu, for once in his life, is quiet.

It doesn’t take them long at all before a bridge comes into view. Kiyoomi trudges on until they are slap bang in the middle of it, only then does he turned to Atsumu who looks completely confused.

“Moslin Bridge.”

“Yah… a bridge, I can see that Omi. Are you feeling okay?” Kiyoomi just shakes his head, taking Atsumu by the upper arm and moving him around,

“Stand here.”

“Ya not gonna push me in are ya? What did I do?” Kiyoomi just gives him a suffering sigh.

“If you don’t shut up I will.” Once he has Atsumu where he wants, he looks up, locking their gazes and forces himself not to smile.

“As I was saying, Moslin Bridge, over the Kanzaki river. On that side,”

 He points in the direction they just came from, where the car is currently parked,

“is Hyogo, and over on that side,”

He points in the opposite direction,

“is Osaka.”

Kiyoomi turns back, looking at Atsumu expectantly who still looks like he is lost. The spiker huffs in annoyance, rolling his eyes before pointing at the ground.

“This is the exact border between the two.”

Atsumu’s face doesn’t change one bit.

“Atsumu, you are in two places at once.”

Kiyoomi watches in glee as the realisation dawns on the setter’s face, can’t help but laugh at the way Atsumu looks between the ground and Kiyoomi as if he is witnessing some kind of insane magic trick. It takes a while for him to stop opening and shutting his mouth in wonder.

“You… you remembered.” Atsumu whispers in amazement, he takes one final look at the floor before gazing at Kiyoomi with a look that causes his stomach to swoop. He takes a deep breath.

“I remember a lot about you, I can’t help it, I can never stop myself from looking at you, from clinging onto every word. Even if half of what comes out of your mouth is pure idiocy.”

“Omi…”

“I can’t… stop thinking about you. The way you laugh, the way you care so deeply, the way you look when you eat Osamu’s fatty tuna onigiri, the way you flush when you’ve had too much to drink, the way you make jokes that are so stupid they become funny, the way… the way you are you. I can’t stop thinking about every little thing that makes you Miya Atsumu. I can’t stop thinking about… about how fucking in love with you I am.”

Kiyoomi inhales deeply, he refuses to break eye contact, refuses to give into the overwhelming need to step back. He needs Atsumu to know he is sincere, that this isn’t some joke and no matter the answer he will accept it and move on. He chooses to be brave.

Atsumu takes a step forward, his eyes give away nothing but the way his hands reach up and gently rest against both of Kiyoomi’s cheeks tell him everything.

“I thought we promised not to fall in love,” Atsumu teases softly, before turning serious, his grip on Kiyoomi’s cheeks tighten before he murmurs out a simple,

“Kiyoomi, I love you too.”

Kiyoomi almost chokes, he doesn’t think he has smiled this widely in his entire life, he doesn’t think he has ever been this happy. Atsumu has worked his way completely into his mind and heart, he doesn’t think he will ever be able to let this feeling go. He feels so full, so content, he feels like he has finally come home.

The kiss is chaste, barely a brush of their lips, but Kiyoomi doesn’t need anything more, he would be perfectly fine with time freezing right there and then.

The way Atsumu looks at him once they pull back, the look of utter adoration makes Kiyoomi’s heart jump into his throat, he almost cries for the second time that day but for an entirely different reason.

Atsumu loves him. He loves him.

On the border of Hyogo and Osaka, where two places meet, Kiyoomi knows he has found his forever.

13. Beat Osamu at Mario Kart once.

Kiyoomi huffs nervously as he walks hand in hand with Atsumu down the quiet street, the streetlamps above shower them in a soft ambiance as they pass underneath, the sun sets calmly behind the looming buildings.

“You don’t have ta worry, Omi, it’s just ‘Samu.” Atsumu squeezes his hand firmly as he says it.

“I am not worrying.” Kiyoomi mutters as he looks off to the side, feeling his cheeks going red at his obvious display of emotion.

“’Course ya aren’t.” Atsumu laughs softly, bumping their shoulders together in a way that makes Kiyoomi’s heart clench.

Three weeks it’s been since that night on the bridge, and the happiness hasn’t dimmed a bit. Kiyoomi can feel a constant warm buzz under his skin, and he is smiling almost all the time, he reckons he even does it in his sleep. How embarrassing.

He is so in love; it should be embarrassing. Maybe it is, Kiyoomi doesn’t care, he knows he would go through the worst humiliation if it meant coming out the other side to a blinding smile and the familiar touch of one Miya Atsumu.

The chime of a bell as a door is swung open snaps him back to reality and only then does he realise they have arrived at Onigiri Miya. Kiyoomi panics internally, he hasn’t had time to school his features into their normal indifferent state.

He knows he doesn’t have to panic, he has met Miya Osamu many times, whether that be for after game dinners at his restaurant or when the other drops food off for Atsumu during practice. But, during those times, he wasn’t dating Osamu’s twin and Osamu, despite what he may say, is very protective of his brother.

Atsumu had told Kiyoomi that he wanted to surprise his twin with their relationship, leaving Kiyoomi to go into this absolutely blind, he prays to whatever god that his sharp tongue doesn’t fail him for once.

“Oi ‘Samu! Getcha ass outta kitchen and come take our orders!” Atsumu tugs him to the stools lining the countertop, the setter rests their hands on the cool marble as a clear message.

Kiyoomi swallows hard, he really hopes Osamu won’t beat him up too badly, they have a game in a few days.

“Ya pig, how ‘bout ya stop bossin’ me ‘bout and come make the food yerself, ya lazy sh-“ Osamu wanders out from the back, wiping his hands down with a towel but stops short when he sees that Atsumu has company. It doesn’t take long before his gaze trails down to their linked hands.

Kiyoomi doesn’t think he is breathing, that’s not good, maybe he should see the doctor, maybe he just shouldn’t have come, damn Atsumu and his stupid puppy eyes and pouty lips and-

“What’s this?” Osamu asks warily, it doesn’t help Kiyoomi’s anxiety one bit, his arm is a dead weight when Atsumu raises their hands and waves them about.

“Surprise! Me and Omi are finally together!” There is a tone in Atsumu’s voice which confuses Kiyoomi, he can’t quite place it. But he puts it down to a sibling thing, he wouldn’t really know as he was never that close with his.

“Right.” Osamu says bluntly, Kiyoomi is burning holes into the countertop, he can feel a wordless exchange going on between the twins, but he can’t bring himself to look up and see what’s occurring. “Well, what would my idiot brother’s better half like to eat?”

Kiyoomi glances up, catches a flash of concern in Osamu’s eyes before it’s gone completely and replaced with an easy smile. Kiyoomi just relaxes into his seat, his entire body feels like jelly and he doesn’t even notice how clammy his hands have gotten.

“Umeboshi, please.”

“Make sure ya wash ya hands before makin’ it and also wipe down all the surfaces!” Atsumu chimes in, smiling fondly and scooping some hand sanitiser out of his pocket. He takes both of Kiyoomi’s hands and thoroughly coats them, Kiyoomi blushes and stares at the way Atsumu bites his lower lip in concentration.

“Thank you.” Kiyoomi mumbles quietly as Atsumu pulls away – seemingly happy with his handiwork. He gets a soft grin in response and it helps to relax him further. Everything will be okay, Atsumu wouldn’t let anything happen to them, he was so stupid to worry beforehand.

Osamu brings out their food and the atmosphere becomes friendly. They all chat about random stuff as Kiyoomi and Atsumu eat, Kiyoomi having to scold Atsumu for talking with his mouth full whilst Atsumu leans forward and swipes a stray piece of rice from the edge of Kiyoomi’s mouth.

Kiyoomi chooses to ignore the way Osamu looks between them both with a sad look in his eye, he chooses to ignore the way the twin tries to catch Atsumu’s gaze on multiple occasions, he chooses to ignore the concern tugging at his chest.

He barely refrains from clinging onto Atsumu or at least following him when the other says he needs to use the bathroom, Kiyoomi just grips his glass of water and tries to sink into the floor the best he can.

“I hope the food was good,” Osamu says softly, leaning forward to take the now empty plates before sliding them into the sink to soak.

“Yes, very good. You really should think about expanding.” Kiyoomi forces himself to make eye contact, he is met with a sympathetic gaze and a lopsided smile.

He braces himself as he hears Osamu inhale deeply.

“Listen… I just. I just want ta make sure that you are sure ‘bout this.” Kiyoomi gives him a questioning tilt of his head but the other continues before he can open his mouth, “’Tsumu is… a handful. He is a slob, he doesn’t know when to shut his mouth, he has the weirdest habits that have put loads of people off him in the past…”

Kiyoomi just huffs in amusement, shaking his head, “Aren’t you the one who’s supposed to tell me how great he is so that I am the one who has to put up with him until I am 80 and not you?”

Osamu doesn’t answer. Kiyoomi notices that same flash of concern in his eyes and the sudden unease that drips from the other is practically tangible. However, it is all gone in a blink of the eye as Osamu just laughs lightly and grabs a towel to start cleaning up.

“Good luck Sakusa , ya gonna need it.” Kiyoomi senses there is supposed to be a double meaning behind the sentence, but he just takes it at face value. His head is starting to hurt, and he just wants to go home and cuddle with Atsumu.

Speaking of whom, Kiyoomi can’t help the sigh of relief that he releases as he spots the blonde striding back over to where he is sat. Atsumu takes one look at his face before leaning over the counter in order to shout to Osamu who has gone into the back.

“We’ll be off ya scrub!”

“Shut yer mouth, but hey, season has ended, right? Why don’t’cha come round fer a proper dinner with me and Rin as a celebration?” Osamu peaks his head round the corner and smirks playfully, Kiyoomi can’t help but smile as he hears his words.

“Sounds good, ya up for it Omi?” Atsumu turns to him with eyes that wouldn’t allow him to say no even if he wanted to. Kiyoomi nods and they are saying their final farewells before ambling back out into the cold evening air, their hands linked and bellies full.

Kiyoomi is yet again lost in thought and he barely registers that Atsumu has stopped walking until he is flung backwards. He stops himself from tripping over and turns to face his boyfriend.

Atsumu is staring at him, his honey eyes are brimming with tears and Kiyoomi instantly floods with concern, stepping forward he takes Atsumu’s face into his hands and wipes underneath his eyes.

“Atsu, what's wrong?” Atsumu just laughs wetly, shaking his head and leaning into the spikers touch.

“Nothin’ Omi, I promise. Can ya just kiss me?” Kiyoomi spends a few moments trying not to let his anxiety overwhelm him. He leans in and presses their lips together, tries to put his emotions into the action, to show Atsumu that he is here for him.

Atsumu responds by grasping tightly onto the lapels of Kiyoomi’s jacket to bring them closer together. Their lips move against one another lazily and Kiyoomi yet again feels the need to freeze time, he wishes he could stay here forever.

The love inside him is so overwhelming, he never thought he would have the privilege of feeling so happy and full, not just full of food but full of emotion. Three weeks isn’t a long time, but it has been enough time to solidify the fact that Kiyoomi wants nothing else, wants no one else, nobody has ever made him feel as strongly as Atsumu does every single day.

Atsumu hums happily and pulls away, sniffing but smiling brightly.

“Sorry ‘bout that.”

“Someone once told me to never apologise for emotions.” Atsumu just laughs, moving one of his hands and linking theirs together yet again.

“Let’s go home.”

Home. Kiyoomi could cry himself, but allows Atsumu to lead him down the path, he follows, gazing at the other in wonder, questioning how he got so lucky.

“Hey… what’s number one on your list?” He asks quietly, not sure if he will even get an answer.

“To get married. Cheesy, I know. And I know it ain’t possible fer us, cause of laws or whatever. But that’s okay, I am happy with ya, I don’t need ta get married.”

Kiyoomi just nods and brings them closer together.

Two weeks later Kiyoomi finds himself lounging about on a comfy sofa, beer in hand, an old Falcons vs EJP game playing on the TV. Atsumu sits to his right with his head resting on the Kiyoomi’s shoulder and Suna is to his left leaning against the arm of the couch, staring unbothered at the game.

Osamu can be heard humming from the kitchen, the smell of dinner wafting around them. It makes Kiyoomi’s stomach growl quietly which causes Atsumu to giggle into his shoulder.

“Hungry, babe?” Atsumu coos teasingly, Kiyoomi shoots him a glare and then promptly pouts. Suna makes a retching noise.

“Shut it Sunarin, like you and ‘Samu are any better!” At that, Suna sticks his tongue out and gets up to drag himself into the kitchen, leaving Atsumu to smirk and cuddle further into Kiyoomi’s side.

Dinner is nice, to Kiyoomi’s genuine surprise, they all sit round the table and talk about anything and everything, mainly volleyball. He catches himself laughing and relaxing, the alcohol giving him a buzz and he even joins in when Osamu and Suna decide to gang up on Atsumu, the three of them teasing the setter who just huffs and makes jabs back.

He enjoys listening to the stories the two have to share about his boyfriend, especially the ones Osamu has to tell involving Atsumu’s embarrassing childhood moments, he is even treated to some pictures which have him grinning widely.

“And here’s him havin’ a tantrum ‘bout losing to me on Mario Kart for the hundredth time.” They have migrated to the living room, Kiyoomi sits shoulder to shoulder with Osamu with Atsumu sulking on the floor between his legs, Suna watches in amusement from the single sofa.

Atsumu slaps his hand against the floor angrily, “Let’s go right now ya scrub! I bet I could beat ya, I have Omi-kun as my lucky charm.”

Osamu just rolled his eyes, Kiyoomi grins, running a hand through the blonde locks in front of him before giving him an encouraging pat.

“Fine, but don’t cry if ya lose.” Osamu hops up and takes the few steps to the television, switching on the Wii and loading up the game. Atsumu sits up straighter on the floor and catches the control that gets thrown his way.

Atsumu loses the first nine rounds, his lips are bitten red and Kiyoomi hates to admit that he looks extremely alluring in this state, riled up and spewing insults at the TV and attempting to kick Osamu every few minutes in an attempt to throw his twin off.

His boyfriend looks ready to give up after he comes in close second in the ninth round. Kiyoomi frowns, he remembers that beating Osamu was one of the items on the others list, so he leans forward so his mouth is brushing the shell of Atsumu’s ear.

“10 is my lucky number. Don’t give up just yet, love.” He gives the space above Atsumu’s ear a soft kiss and that spurs Atsumu into life.

“Ok, another!” His boyfriend states excitedly, Kiyoomi just sits back and takes a small sip from his can, feeling happy.

The game seems to drag on for longer than the rest, Atsumu has a zone of concentration surrounding him and Kiyoomi doesn’t think he could reach his partner no matter what he tried.

The final lap approaches and everyone is on the edge of their seats, even Suna seems more interested than he usually is. They all watch Atsumu take the lead on the last stretch of road, Osamu closes in but Atsumu suddenly throws a shell at him and Kiyoomi watches in glee as Osamu is completely thrown off course and Atsumu crosses the finish line.

He won.

There is a moment of stunned silence.

“Oh my god… I won.” Atsumu’s mouth is opening and closing in disbelief. Osamu just groans and runs a hand over his face as he comes to the realisation that he will never hear the end of this.

“Omi, I won!” Atsumu spins round, the look of pure joy on his face makes a smile break loose on Kiyoomi’s lips and he welcomes Atsumu into his lap happily, wrapping his arms firmly around his boyfriend whilst whispering words of praise.

“Told ya Omi was my lucky charm!” The setter says proudly, he currently has Kiyoomi’s face squished between his hands. Suna just shakes his head and turns the television back over to the sports channel and Osamu stands up to stretch and yawn.

“That makes the score a thousand to one, ya idiot, now get outta here so I can finally have some peace.”

Kiyoomi smirks softly, standing up and bringing Atsumu with him before lowering the setter down on his feet.

“Thank you for dinner, Osamu-san, it was lovely. Good to see you, Suna-san.” Kiyoomi says politely, bowing slightly, he gets a smile from Osamu and a wave from Suna before he heads to the front door so Atsumu can say his goodbyes.

Atsumu reappears with a big grin still on his face, after he has put his shoes on he wraps his entire body around Kiyoomi’s arm and places a kiss on his cheek.

“I love ya.”

“You just love that I helped tick another thing off of your list.”

Atsumu laughs freely, Kiyoomi is in love.

26. Have a 24-hour movie marathon in bed.

Moving in together seemed like the logical next step to Kiyoomi. So after three months of dating, he proposed the idea to Atsumu who enthusiastically agreed, well that was after he sat in utter shock for five minutes straight and had Kiyoomi wondering if he was having a stroke.

They chose Kiyoomi’s apartment, partly because it was a tad bit bigger but mainly because it was where they spent most of their time anyway, there was a layer of dust covering all of Atsumu’s surfaces when they went to go pick up his stuff and Kiyoomi nearly had a heart attack.

Osamu came over to help them during the move in. Suna would have but he couldn’t find the time outside of practice, however Osamu spent most of the time filming everything anyway, giggling at his phone intermittently whilst sending videos of Atsumu doing all the manual labour to Suna. It wasn’t that much hard work in the end, they only had to go from one floor down to another.

It was a good day, Kiyoomi felt settled, ready to spend the rest of his days with Atsumu.

A week or so after they moved in they are rewarded with a few rare days off from practice. Atsumu tugs his list out from his bedside drawer and waves it in Kiyoomi’s face excitedly.

“Omi, Omi, Omiiiii, we gotta do a 24-hour movie marathon so I can tick it off my list!” Atsumu is bouncing around and Kiyoomi smiles affectionately as he is reminded of a puppy. He pretends to think before faking a sigh and nodding which has Atsumu leaning forward and kissing him all over his face.

“We have to stay in bed, we can’t move at all! I will go get us snacks and drinks, you just say there and look pretty… oh! Also chose a film to start with, thanks babe!” Atsumu babbles before he jumps out of bed and almost sprints from their room and into the kitchen, Kiyoomi just shakes his head fondly before choosing a film at random.

Eight hours in and the film that graces their screen is showing some beautiful landscape shots of Italy, the camera pans smoothly into the city of Florence, showcasing the breath-taking architecture.

“Ya know, I got an offer from an Italian team,” Atsumu mumbles from where his head rests on Kiyoomi’s chest. Kiyoomi looks down in surprise.

“You did? When?” He can’t help asking, his curiosity piquing.

“Few weeks ago,” Atsumu still seems detached from the conversation, his eyes glued to the action scene which paints their room a canvas of bright colours. Kiyoomi sits up.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Atsumu stirs, staring up at him with a cocked head, eyebrows furrowed.

“Because it didn’t matter, I said no anyway.”

Kiyoomi becomes slightly exasperated, “Why? This… this could be a really big step in your career, Atsumu. You aren’t staying because of me, are you? You shouldn’t. You need to put volleyball first.”

As he rambles, Kiyoomi takes notice of the way Atsumu is becoming more and more distressed, it just confuses Kiyoomi further and he reaches over to grab the remote and pause the television, giving the topic his full attention.

“It’s not that.” Atsumu whispers it so quietly, Kiyoomi has to strain his ears to catch it.

“Well, what is it then?” Panic begins to bubble in his chest as he watches tears form in Atsumu’s eyes, he is lost, he doesn’t understand what’s going on and he wants to reach out, but he’s frozen in place, watching his boyfriend break down before him.

“I… I’m sick.”

“Do you want to stop watching the movie? I can make you some tea- “

“No, Omi. I’m real sick, like dying sick… Leukaemia sick.”

Kiyoomi hears the words, he watches them spill straight from Atsumu’s lips, yet they don’t process in his brain, because why would Atsumu even say something like that? He just wouldn’t, it’s not in the realm of things that his boyfriend should ever say.

“What.” His voice comes out hoarse, he doesn’t even know how much time has passed since Atsumu spoke.

“Leukaemia. I had it when I was a kid, it went away, Doc said it would most likely go into remission. But cancer is a bitch, Leukaemia can stay dormant for over two decades and that’s exactly what it did. Found out just over a year ago, before you and Shouyou-kun joined the team, that I wasn’t responding to treatment,” Atsumu’s face remains neutral, his voice indifferent, as if Kiyoomi’s entire world isn’t collapsing around him with every word that gets spoken into the air between them, “Irony is, ‘Samu always told me he was gonna have a happier life, guess he was right in the end.”

No.

No.

Kiyoomi is completely numb, this isn’t happening. He isn’t living this; he can’t be living this.

Atsumu is fine, he is healthy, he is an athlete, an amazing setter who can do anything he puts his mind to. He isn’t one of those people who just dies because of some stupid illness, he is outside of that, he is untouchable, like some kind of angel.

Kiyoomi’s angel.

Someone who has blessed his life in so many ways, who has cockily stridden into his very heart, being and soul. He has made a place in every corner of Kiyoomi’s existence, he is home, he is who he wants to be entwined with forever, until the world itself ends.

This isn’t happening.

“Omi?”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” He didn’t even realise how violently he is shaking; he doesn’t register the way his voice cracks, can barely begin to feel how tightly his heart is clenched.

“They told me to just live a normal life, I was, am in good shape, yanno? They predicted I would have a good amount of time left in me. The only people who know are my parents, ‘Samu and Coach. I didn’t wanna tell anyone else cause… I didn’t wanna be treated differently by anyone.”

“What about me?” Kiyoomi knows he is crying, but he refuses to acknowledge it, what would be the point? Why is he the one crying? He’s not the one with a fucking fatal illness.

“I was goin’ ta, I swear. But every time I went to do it, I’d look at you and you’d just look so happy and I didn’t wanna do that to ya, didn’t want to put ya through that kinda pain and I know it was wrong of me, it was fuckin’ selfish but I wanted so badly to pretend everythin’ was okay and – Where are you goin’?” Atsumu’s voice is full of pain, he watches with slight horror as Kiyoomi stands up with his fists clenched and face wet.

“I…” He doesn’t understand why he stood up but all he knows is, “I can’t be here right now.”

“Kiyoomi, please…”

Kiyoomi barely takes notice of his boyfriend’s pleas, too intent on shoving his shoes on and fleeing the suffocating apartment.

He ends up in the park a block away from their apartment. He has nowhere else to go, he walks and walks and walks, around in circles, his mind empty yet so loud at the same time.

The next thing he registers is a dial tone in his ear, a few rings, and a chirpy voice.

“Hey, Kiyo! Been a while since we talked,” Kiyoomi just sobs, he collapses onto a bench that stands next to him and he clutches his hair tightly, “Kiyoomi?”

“He’s dying, Motoya.” He can barely get the words out, his chest feels like it’s about to burst, the only thing coursing through him at that moment is pain, it’s taking control of his entire body. Angry and unforgiving, relentless.

“Dying? Whose dying? What do you mean? Atsumu?” Komori is clearly panicking himself; he has never dealt with Kiyoomi like this, mainly because Kiyoomi has never been like this.

“Yes, he… he has cancer and, and…Oh my god, I can’t lose him. I can’t. Please…”

Nothing will ever compare to this, the way his body feels as though it is ripping in half, grief pours everywhere, he can’t cling onto anything, he feels empty, he feels like he is about to throw up.

It takes a very long time, but eventually Komori gets him to a place where he can finally feel the tips of his fingers, he is still crying but he doesn’t think that’ll stop, maybe it won’t ever stop.

“Listen to me Kiyo, listen. You love him, right?” Kiyoomi just makes a noise, “I know you do. So be there for him. It will hurt, I can’t say it will be easy, but be there. You know Atsumu, he will never admit he needs help, but he is going to need you more than ever. You have to be the strong one, you have to give him your strength. I won’t say it will be okay for you, but you can make it okay for him up until the end, you hear me?”

Kiyoomi thinks about how happy he has been these past few months, hell, how happy he has been since joining the Jackals and meeting Atsumu. Atsumu has offered him nothing but positivity, he has made Kiyoomi realise how much more to life there is, shown him how to love and how to be happy. Kiyoomi would do anything for him, he knew that from the very start, and he knows he has to be there for him, no matter what, anything it takes.

“I hear you,” Kiyoomi glances up suddenly, as though pulled by some cosmic magnet, eyes latching onto a familiar figure standing a few metres away from him, “Thanks, Motoya, I… have to go.”

Komori seems to understand and wishes him well, after the phone is put down, Kiyoomi just stares at Atsumu for what feels like eternity.

He wishes it could be eternity.

Kiyoomi is the one who breaks the moment, he stands up before crashing himself into his Atsumu’s arms. It feels like home, he doesn’t want to imagine his life without it.

“I am so sorry Atsu, I’m sorry… I… I’m sorry.” Kiyoomi squeezes him so tightly, inhales so deeply from where he has his face pressed into Atsumu’s neck, he doesn’t want to leave.

He, yet again, wants to freeze time.

“No, I’m sorry fer not telling ya sooner.”

Kiyoomi shakes his head adamantly, “Don’t apologise, ever. Just. Don’t.”

He leans back so he can push their foreheads together, he clutches desperately at Atsumu’s face, gripping probably a bit too tightly but Atsumu doesn’t complain, just holds onto Kiyoomi’s forearms.

“I am so terrified of losing you.”

“I know it’s selfish of me ta ask, but please, don’t leave me.”

Kiyoomi has to force himself to not break down again. Atsumu sounds so small, that isn’t right.

“I am not going anywhere. Nothing will make me leave, nothing. You’re stuck with me, how sad for you.”

Atsumu laughs, Kiyoomi didn’t even notice the tear tracks on his face, fresh guilt courses through his veins but it’s stopped when chapped lips press against his own.

“You’re the only person I wanna be stuck with, Kiyoomi.”

Back in the apartment, Kiyoomi gently presses Atsumu up against the wall next to the door, their tongues slide together in tandem. Kiyoomi wraps his hands under firm thighs and hikes Atsumu further up, Atsumu diligently wraps his legs around Kiyoomi’s waist. They fit together so snugly, like they were made for each other, Kiyoomi knows that they were.

“I just… I need to feel you.” Atsumu nods frantically in agreement.

They move together slowly, savouring every sensation, every touch, and every moan.

Kiyoomi barely notices how hard he is, he is too intent on consuming everything that is Atsumu, he mouths at his boyfriends’ neck, sucking and leaving marks he hopes will stay forever.

“Omi,” Atsumu gasps, his back arches off the wall before he grinds his hips down, aligning them perfectly and causing in sync groans to spill from their lips, “Omi, please.”

Anything. That’s what Kiyoomi promised Atsumu.

He grazes his fingers along the skin of Atsumu’s hips, before raising his hands and slipping the setters t-shirt off and discarding it behind him. He doesn’t care about the mess; he only cares about Atsumu.

His fingers find a hardened nipple, he flicks and tugs at the bud until Atsumu is writhing beneath him. Only then does he carry him into the bedroom.

Kiyoomi lowers Atsumu gently onto the bed, with such care and delicacy that he watches Atsumu tear up at the loving way Kiyoomi treats him.

“I am going to take care of you, alright? You just lay there… look pretty.” Kiyoomi smirks as he echoes his boyfriend’s words from before, Atsumu realises as well if his wet chuckle is anything to go by.

In no hurry, Kiyoomi strips them both down. As he removes each article of clothing from Atsumu, he litters the exposed skin with kisses and bites, sighing happily at the quiet moans he hears coming from above him.

Leaning over, he retrieves a bottle of half empty lube and a condom from their bedside drawer, leaving them on the bed next to him and returning his attention back to his boyfriend. He noses at Atsumu’s nape which causes fingers to thread through his curls, he feels a soft tug.

“Omi… want you. Please. Need you.” Atsumu babbles, he has been steadily crying for the entire time but Kiyoomi knows he isn’t sad, just overwhelmed. Kiyoomi is as well.

Reaching over, he pops the cap of the bottle and liberally coats his fingers before trailing them down to Atsumu’s entrance. He circles his index finger before pushing inside his tight hole, watching intently as Atsumu moans and tips his head backwards.

“Feel so good Atsu, like you always do. I won’t ever forget this feeling, the way you fit so perfectly around me. Like you were made for me.” Kiyoomi slowly pumps his finger, twisting it and hooking it until Atsumu cries out loudly, he then adds a second and continues his languid pace.

Atsumu is trembling beneath him, Kiyoomi just watches from in between his legs. He mentally stores every single thing he can, the way Atsumu’s neck strains, the way his back curls, the way he thrusts down onto Kiyoomi’s fingers because he is so desperate for more.

After a while Kiyoomi slips in a third finger, hissing at the tightness before cooing gently at Atsumu who is close to panting.

“Oh, God – Omi … Omi - Please, inside me, you.. can you?” Kiyoomi’s dick jumps at how out of it Atsumu sounds already, he gets up onto his knees and stares at the condom.

They have always used one, mainly at Kiyoomi’s insistence but right now it feels wrong. He wants to feel Atsumu, everywhere. He brushes the condom away, so it lands on the floor, shuffling forward, he lines his length up with Atsumu’s dripping entrance.

Pushing in seems to take hours, Kiyoomi savours it as much as he can, he wants to remember every single spark of pleasure that courses throughout him. Atsumu snaps his head up when he realises there is no barrier between them, before garbling out a string of random words and Kiyoomi’s name.

Kiyoomi leans forward, plants his forearms on either side of Atsumu’s head and presses into the hilt, their bodies are pressed so closely together Kiyoomi can barely tell where one of them finishes and the other begins. He stares into Atsumu’s teary eyes, can’t help his own from wetting as he begins thrusting slowly.

He feels so surrounded, Atsumu loops his arms around his neck and pushes their mouths together, tongues dancing together and groans mixing in the pocket of air between them. Nothing will ever top the feeling of being inside of Atsumu, or of Atsumu being inside of him. To be connected to Atsumu in such an intimate way, he can think of no better place to be.

He can taste salt as their kiss becomes more passionate, tears stream down both of their faces and Kiyoomi can’t help but quicken his pace, needing to feel more, he wants to be consumed.

“You mean so much to me, you will never understand,” He whispers it quietly, staring straight into Atsumu’s beautiful eyes, “You make me so happy, you have brought so much joy into my life, you have made me such a better person, Atsumu. God… Atsumu.” Kiyoomi chokes up and rests their foreheads together, he feels idle fingers brushing against his cheek.

“I love ya, Kiyoomi, so- ah much. Thank ya, for stayin’ by me… I dunno what I’d do without ya.” Kiyoomi just presses their mouths back together and turns his thrusts from quick to slow and deep, it causes Atsumu to keen and scrape his nails down the expanse of Kiyoomi’s back.

“Gonna make me come, please.. please, Omi.” Atsumu pushes his hips back to meet with his thrusts, he can feel his stomach coiling and pleasure building. God, he feels so full. Full of sadness. Full of love. He can’t even fathom not having this, he doesn’t know what he will do without the feeling of being completely engulfed in Miya Atsumu.

He sobs silently, burrowing his face into the crook of his boyfriends’ neck and thrusts harder, Atsumu’s threads his fingers through his hair and tugs, his back lifting off the bed as he shakes, come spurting out from his tip and reaching all the way up to his chest.

Kiyoomi raises his head and crashes their lips together desperately, his pace becomes sloppy but it’s not long before he comes with a cry, trembling with the force of pleasure that washes over him.

“I love you,” He mutters out helplessly, closing his eyes as he finally slumps down, exhausted both physically and emotionally, coming down from his high and revelling in the warmth that surrounds him, “I am sorry for ruining our movie marathon.” He hides his face in Atsumu’s shoulder, his boyfriend only laughs.

“It’s ‘kay, we can do it another day. We have time.”

They haven't got enough.

25. Take my significant other to a shrine on New Year’s with my entire family.

“That’s a pretty specific one,” Kiyoomi comments as he rests his chin on Atsumu’s shoulder, peering at the list as they stand together in the Miya’s kitchen two days before New Year’s Eve.

Atsumu hums, “We’ve been visiting shrines on New Year’s since before I can remember, I suppose I thought it would be a nice experience to share with everyone I love the most.”

Kiyoomi flushes at the comment, he will never tire of knowing that he is counted among Atsumu’s loved ones. It’s just a heady feeling, to have the attention of someone so great. He places a kiss against the side of Atsumu’s neck before they are interrupted by Himari bustling inside the kitchen, grocery bags lining her arms.

“Ma, ya could’ve told us you were back we would’ve help!” Atsumu, being the golden child he is, rushes over in order to alleviate his mother of the heavier bags, Kiyoomi aids in slowly unpacking all the items.

Himari dismisses him with a wave of her hand, “Are ya doubting my strength? Where do you think ya got all those muscles from, eh?” She proceeds to poke at Atsumu’s biceps, causing the blonde so squeal and hop away. Kiyoomi chuckles and gets a glare sent his way.

“If this is like last year, I swear I’ll leave, I ain’t havin’ my entire family gangin’ up on me again, it’s not fair.”

Kiyoomi lets a smirk settle on his lips, this will be his second New Year’s spent with the Miya’s as his own family never really indulges in tradition. He would rather spend this time with Atsumu anyway, anytime spent apart feels like a waste. The only reason they couldn’t tick off the item on Atsumu’s list last year was because Hitoshi, the twin’s father, was away for work and Atsumu insisted that it wouldn’t feel right.

“Maybe if you didn’t make it so easy to pick on you, it wouldn’t be an issue,” The lazy drawl comes from the doorway, where one Suna Rintarou stands in his pyjamas, bed hair in full effect. It doesn’t take long for a stretching Osamu to appear by his side.

“Shut it, Sunarin, I don’t listen ta people who deign noon as an acceptable time to wake up!” Atsumu shoves a finger in Suna’s face to which Osamu smacks it away.

“Stop bein’ a scrub, it’s the holidays,” Osamu accepts a quick kiss on the cheek from his mother before he heads into the living room, Suna flips Atsumu off before trailing after him.

“Omi, ya should be protectin’ me from them, not standin’ around like you are enjoyin’ it!” Atsumu whines, walking over and forcing Kiyoomi’s arms around him, he buries his head underneath Kiyoomi’s chin and sticks out his bottom lip.

“But I am enjoying it,” He lets out an oof as a fist collides with his chest.

“Oi, don’tcha be hurtin’ my favourite son!” Himari smacks Atsumu’s arm, who just yelps and burrows further into Kiyoomi.

“Ma, ya not supposed to have a favourite! And if ya do, it’s supposed to be me!”

Kiyoomi can’t help but blush, always so susceptible to the charms of the Miya’s. To be counted as family is something that makes his chest tighten, in a good way.

The backdoor swings open, revealing a dirt covered Hitoshi, clearly just finished with his gardenwork, “You know ya mother, ‘Tsumu, she’s always had a thing for dark curly hair,” He gestures to the far wall, which holds a younger photo of himself, showcasing his vibrant curls which rivel Kiyoomi’s own. The twins clearly did not get their hair from him.

“Well, tough shit, he’s my boyfriend,” He squeezes Kiyoomi, suffocating him whilst he’s at it.

“Language, Miya Atsumu!”

Kiyoomi remains quiet, but the smile on his face speaks volume to how at home he feels, amongst all the bickering and teasing, with Atsumu in his arms, he wouldn’t be anywhere else.

New Year’s Eve is spent playing various board games up until the twins get into an actual fist fight and they decide to just relax and watch movies instead.

30 seconds before 2019 drips into 2020, they all chant the countdown in unison. Atsumu has a tight grip on Kiyoomi’s upper arm and as soon as the clock strikes 12:00 Kiyoomi is turning his head, he comes face to face with a vibrant smile, taking a mental photo of the sight in front of him before he leans in and seals the New Year with a kiss.

Grateful that he has been able to spend a whole year with the man who clings to him. Hopeful that there will be more to come.

The air has a January nip to it, every gust of wind sending shivers down everyone’s spines, but they persevere, trudging up the stairs to the shrine, talking amongst one another in quiet respectful voices.

Once they have prayed and made their wishes, Atsumu insists on gathering them all for a group photo, extending his phone to a nearby stranger who happily agrees to snap the shot for them.

Atsumu slings one of his arms around Osamu’s shoulder whilst his other slinks around Kiyoomi’s waist, tugging him close and whispering a threat about how if Kiyoomi doesn’t smile for the camera then Atsumu won’t blow him later that night. Kiyoomi complies, of course, and puts his best grin on for the camera.

The day is full of family, laughter, and love. Kiyoomi is happy, as he gazes over to watch Atsumu kiss his mother on the top of her head before spinning round and tackling Osamu in a head lock, he lives in the moment, because every moment counts.

14. Kiss someone under water.

Hinata leaps in front of them, arms waving in the air, he is trailed by Bokuto, both of them yelling and jumping around like absolute idiots.

Kiyoomi sighs, every day he is confused as to why he loves them all so much.

“Stop being grumpy, we are here to have fun!” Atsumu clings to his arm, resting his chin on Kiyoomi’s shoulder, his sunglasses are halfway down his nose and he looks stupid but Kiyoomi loves him.

“Getting sun burn and sand everywhere is not my idea of fun,” Kiyoomi dumps all of their stuff on an empty spot. The beach is relatively empty, and he wastes no time setting up an umbrella and grabbing the sunscreen from his backpack.

“My Omi, always so careful,” Atsumu teases as he wordlessly takes the sunscreen and starts lathering up Kiyoomi, they move in sync, so used to each other that their exchanges are practically telepathic.

“Don’t come crying to me later tonight when you want me to rub aloe vera onto your back because it’s burnt,” Kiyoomi mumbles, Atsumu just laughs and presses a firm kiss to his exposed shoulder.

V. league had ended a few weeks ago, MSBY Black Jackals had taken home the win, much to everyone’s delight but especially to Atsumu and Kiyoomi’s. Due to the fact that it was Atsumu’s last time playing with them, as a team at least, they still had the Olympics. Kiyoomi is thankful for that.

It was also when Atsumu informed their friends about the situation.

Tears, grief, a lot of consoling back slaps occurred and Kiyoomi had to watch them all go through the same process he went through, it was painful, extremely so, of course it was. As much as Kiyoomi likes to say he hates his teammates, over the last few years, they had become his family and he knows Atsumu shares the same sentiment, as do the team.

Despite Atsumu’s fears, nobody treated him differently, he never expresses it but Kiyoomi can tell how much it means to him.

Hinata runs back up to them. He had left after his first year but never ceased contact with them, Kiyoomi thinks of him as one of his closest friends. He is visiting Japan to see family and had arranged for them to play some beach volleyball, Atsumu had jumped at the opportunity, Kiyoomi wasn’t bothered but whatever made Atsumu happy. Plus he had missed all of them being together.

“Oi!” A shout from his right has the three of them turning, Kiyoomi smiles slightly as his eyes land on Meian, Inunaki and Adriah who are all strolling towards them with bright grins on their faces.

“Meian-san, Inunaki-san, Adriah-san!” Hinata screams out in a single breath, bounding over to them.

“Hey hey hey!” Bokuto pops back out of nowhere causing Atsumu to jump violently, which obviously has Kiyoomi clutching his stomach with laughter.

“I am so glad you guys could make it!” Hinata is practically vibrating, he can’t seem to keep still, even when Meian attempts to anchor him down with a hand on his shoulder.

“Yeah! The teams back together!” Bokuto’s smile is contagious and Kiyoomi feels his heart elate, he is surrounded by his family, today is going to be a another good day.

It’s spent alternating between playing volleyball and playing in the ocean. Kiyoomi gets to laugh at Atsumu falling on his face, Atsumu gets to laugh at Kiyoomi falling on his face. To nobody’s surprise Hinata is really the only one who is any good at it, the rest of them fumble and trip but it’s enjoyable.

They stop for lunch, which consists of Atsumu theatrically pulling out a mountain’s worth of onigiri from Onigiri Miya, smirking at the gasps of awe which come from the members of the group with less braincells. Hinata tells them all about his team in Brazil, what it’s like living there and the different adventures he gets up to. Bokuto can’t stop gushing about his wedding, which is only annoying because they were all there, but that doesn’t halt him from rambling on about Akaashi, it’s never stopped him before.

Meian talks about how he is retiring after the next season, he mentions how he is thinking of training to become a coach and Kiyoomi encourages him, because he knows he will be great. Inunaki mentions about international offers, which he has declined because he wants to stay in Japan to look after his grandmother who is ill. Adriah discusses about moving back to England which prompts Inunaki to cling onto him and start fake crying, all of them laugh at the display.

Kiyoomi complains about how he is dreading being stuck with Bokuto, to which Bokuto whines in protest, stating that Kiyoomi can’t be mean about his best friend like that.

They discuss their excitement for the Olympics, but never does the topic drift to Atsumu and what his plans are, and Atsumu seems grateful for that, Kiyoomi knows he is. Just getting to a place where he was accepted into the Olympics was tough, he is still in peak condition, but people like to worry too much, and nobody wants to see their beloved setter collapsing mid-way through a game. It angered Kiyoomi, Atsumu isn’t weak, he can still perform flawlessly, but people will always hear the word cancer and automatically assume that the person suffering is frail.

Kiyoomi will never not see Atsumu as strong, because that’s all he is and ever will be, no matter what.

“Come on, Omi! It’s on my list and if it’s on my list ya gotta do it!”

Kiyoomi sighs, a long-suffering thing that drags out before he allows himself to be tugged towards the ocean which he had been avoiding all day, mostly watching from the side-lines.

“Stupid list,” He mumbles quietly.

“Oi! I heard that, ya little shit.” Atsumu deftly pushes Kiyoomi into the water, laughing at the way Kiyoomi screeches at the cool temperature, “Stop bein’ a baby!” He ushers him further in until they the water reaches their hips.

Don’t think about how many things pee in here, don’t think about how many things pee in here, don’t think about-

Atsumu places a hand on his waist, dragging him from his thoughts.

Kiyoomi pouts before turning to face him, eyebrows furrowed in a scowl which Atsumu smooths over with his thumb.

“My big baby, just a peck a promise.”

“Whatever, get on with it,” Kiyoomi pulls them out a bit further before fully turning towards Atsumu, who is just grinning widely at him and looking stupidly beautiful with the sun beating down on his skin.

“Ok, ready?” Kiyoomi nods, squatting slightly, “Go!”

The two of them slowly sink beneath the water, clambering for a moment before finding one another, the water swirling between them as they bring their mouths together in a quick underwater kiss.

Kiyoomi opens his eyes whilst down there and gets to see how pretty Atsumu looks with the reflected light shimmering across his features, his hair looks all soft and wavy and his cheeks are all puffed out adorably.

When they both resurface, Kiyoomi rubs at his eyes irritably, Atsumu snorts and reaches up to grab his wrists to tug them down.

“That’ll just make it worse, don’t they teach you anything at university or has three years away made ya forget everythin’?”

Kiyoomi splashes water at him and gets a bright laugh in response, “You’re the one who wanted to kiss underwater, who willingly does that?”

Atsumu hums, stepping closer and entwining their hands, “Twelve-year-old me had some big ambitions.”

“You wrote that list when you were twelve?” Kiyoomi asks incredulously, wrapping his arms around Atsumu’s shoulders and pulling them together even more.

“Not all of it, I added a few things on over the years, but mostly, yeah.” Atsumu rests his hands on Kiyoomi’s hips, rubbing circles into his wet skin.

“Cute,” Kiyoomi smiles, he fiddles with the damp hair at the back of Atsumu’s neck before resting his head against Atsumu’s shoulder, turning to face the direction of the setting sun.

Atsumu plants his chin on top of Kiyoomi’s head, Kiyoomi can hear the smile in his voice, “Yer cute.”

They stay like that for what feels like hours, the sun setting slowly, painting them orange.

He feels Atsumu sigh above him, “I love this, Kiyoomi.”

Kiyoomi turns his face so his lips are pressed against Atsumu’s shoulder, closing his eyes to stop the onslaught of emotions that threaten to spill out, he doesn’t trust his voice, so he just nods because he understands.

Atsumu presses a kiss to the side of Kiyoomi’s head, “I love ya.” His voice is a whisper, easily drowned out by the distant crash of the waves on the shore, Kiyoomi wraps his arms around him like a vice, not wanting to let go.

Kiyoomi knows his voice is shaking when he responds, “I love you too.”

Atsumu doesn’t bring it up, because they both understand, the pain shared between two souls.

2. Win a medal at the Olympics.

Smack.

The resounding sound of the volleyball hitting the court echoes loudly in the tense stadium. The ball had travelled from Kiyoomi’s palm to the far end of the oppositions court, whooshing past their libero before landing firmly in the line. A set, a beautiful perfect amazing set, that had come directly from Atsumu.

They had won.

Silver.

Second in the world.

Not the best, not the top, but it is good enough. It is fucking fantastic.

Kiyoomi and Atsumu turn to each other in almost slow motion, mouths hanging open comically before taking a step forward.

Slap. Slap. Bump. Bump. Hit five.

Atsumu cries out, throwing himself into Kiyoomi’s arms, Kiyoomi holds him easily and he can’t stop himself from laughing loudly, he feels ecstatic. They have done it.

The world stage, the final hurdle, the one he has been striving for since he first stepped onto that volleyball court with Komori by his side. He made it. He and Atsumu, they made it. Together.

Just that small fact, the knowledge that Kiyoomi has been allowed to share this victory with the man he loves the most, is so overwhelming that even when Atsumu attempts to pull away, Kiyoomi clings on.

“I am so proud of you.”

Atsumu smiles in understanding, it had been a tough road getting here, they both knew that. “I am proud of us,” Atsumu says, squishing Kiyoomi’s cheeks together and smiling, a hint of sadness in his eyes.

Kiyoomi knows. As much as he is enjoying this moment, as much as he wants to cherish it, he knows what this ultimately means.

This game, this wonderful game which they have won, was Atsumu’s last.

The last time he will ever professionally set, the last time Kiyoomi will ever properly play with him, the last time the world gets to see how fucking breath-taking he is on court.

“Hey,” Atsumu laces their fingers together, no care in the world for the buzz of people around them, only focusing on Kiyoomi, “We still have time.”

Kiyoomi forces a smile onto his lips, “Yeah, I know.”

Atsumu looks stunning, ethereal, with the stadium lights illuminating him, sweat dripping down his face, his hair a complete mess, Kiyoomi feels so sick with affection.

The smile morphs from fake to real as he simply states, “Marry me.”

Atsumu’s eyes widen, he blinks owlishly a few times and Kiyoomi can’t hold back his snort, “Eh?”

Kiyoomi tugs him closer, “Marry me, Atsumu.”

He doesn’t care about the logistics, he doesn’t care what it means, he just wants to be tied to Atsumu, he wants him to know how much he means to him, no matter what.

Atsumu’s eyes flitter around his face for a few moments before he seems to find what he’s looking for, the grin that spreads across his face is stunning, “Okay, Kiyoomi, I’ll marry ya.”

“Good, if you would’ve said no I would’ve pulled your pants down right here.”

Atsumu barks out a laugh, he wiggles his eyebrows, “Ya just wanna show ‘em what they can’t have, right Omi-kun?”

Kiyoomi hums, pulling him fully into his arms, “Damn right.”

He kisses him and doesn’t care about anything else.

1. Get married.

Logistics came back to bite him in the ass because Kiyoomi seriously underestimated how painful planning a wedding, an abroad wedding at that, could be.

Not just that but after the Olympics Atsumu’s condition began to deteriorate, as though his body had been holding out until after he conquered the world before slowly giving in to the disease festering inside of him. It was nothing major, just a few slips and hiccups but it was definitely noticeable and Kiyoomi had to insist many times that they could just sign the documents here and not bother travelling.

But Atsumu is stubborn, Kiyoomi knows he is stubborn, waving him off and reassuring him that he will break up with Kiyoomi if he mentions such a ridiculous idea again. Kiyoomi doesn’t doubt him, the asshole would. 

It takes a few agonizingly long months, but they do end up marrying one another.

They marry in Brazil of all places, and Hinata is the one who officiates the wedding, because somewhere along the line he had gotten the license to do that. A very small affair, consisting of family and close friends. Osamu wept from his position next to Atsumu and Komori even had a few tears spring to his eyes from where he was stood next to Kiyoomi.

Atsumu was crying the entire time, but he assures everyone that it was only happy tears, Kiyoomi will admit to losing himself halfway through Atsumu’s vows.

They change until death do us part to for the rest of my days.

Sakusa Kiyoomi becomes Miya Kiyoomi.

He is forever tied to the love of his life, and he smiles with the knowledge as he gazes into his husband’s eyes after they seal the deal with a kiss.

Mine, he thinks. No matter what.

The same eyes he stares into as they dance their first dance as husbands, everyone around them is whooping and cheering but they only have eyes for each other. Swiftly, they glide across the floor, the ocean breeze blowing through their hair as they simply revel in each other’s company. Moves complimenting each other perfectly, they become one.

Those eyes burn into him as Atsumu enters him for the first time as entwined souls, he’s splayed out on their hotel bed, the curtains to their balcony flowing in the wind as Atsumu murmurs sweet words into his skin, as Kiyoomi cries out and allows himself to be completely consume by the man above him. He clings to him, panting into his ear as Atsumu thrusts into him with a pace that’s filled to the brim with passion and love. Both of them let the others name slip from their mouths without care, both whisper I love you’s against one another lip’s just to feel the vibrations. Kiyoomi comes with a sound he isn’t sure he has ever made before; he feels so full and warm and surrounded by Atsumu, he feels him everywhere and it’s overwhelming but good. When Atsumu finishes with a quiet grunt, all Kiyoomi can do is cling to him for dear life, unwilling to let him go.

Atsumu’s eyes, a raging ember, goldened honey glazed over with tears as he stares down at Kiyoomi, bringing a hand up to brush his curls away, “My husband.” He sounds so broken, but Kiyoomi smiles up at him, because he has to be strong, for Atsumu.

Give him your strength.

“That’s what happens when you marry someone, they become your husband, dumbass.” Atsumu breaks out into a chuckle, leaning forward to press a firm and long kiss to Kiyoomi’s forehead, his tears dripping down.

“Hey,” Kiyoomi brushes his fingers across Atsumu’s cheeks and urges him to look at him, “We still have time.”

Atsumu nods, “Yeah, we do, Omi.”

It’s still not enough.

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