The bell for lunch rings and Yamaguchi almost slumps down on top of the books open on his desk. As he's grown more and more enthusiastic about volleyball he's come to understand Hinata and Kageyama's reluctance for school work. It's a hassle that gets in the way of training in a sport he now loves more than pretty much anything, except Kageyama.
The extreme way his priorities have changed over his years in high school sometimes scare him. Yamaguchi used to be a gangly nerdy kid who loved to study, especially maths and Japanese, and played sport for fun, for something to do in his spare time. Now, he's the complete opposite, study gets in the way of his sport. He's just lucky that all those good habits he created after years of studying eagerly are keeping up his good grades.
Yamaguchi's not an arrogant person – in fact he's used to be terribly passive and shy, though he's long grown out of that – but it's difficult to ignore all the love confessions. They started coming in slowly, for the first time, late last year and then in droves this year. Girls mumbling sweet words of love to him while he turns them down with an apologetic smile.
It frustrates him that he can't be more open about his relationship with Kageyama, that it's 'frowned upon'. What makes a relationship with any one of those girls – who he's fairly certain don't even understand the meaning of 'love' – any better than his loving relationship with Kageyama? Though it might be difficult to discern Kageyama truly adores Yamaguchi, every part of him, and they make each other happy. Beyond happy.
"Are you going to eat lunch with Kageyama?" Tsukishima asks from the desk next to him as if reading his love giddy mind. Though it's always a good bet, he thinks about his boyfriend almost eighty percent of the time.
"No, we decided we needed to spend time with our best friends," Yamaguchi says with a beaming smile that his childhood friend barely blinks at. "Come on, let's go outside to eat, it's nicer out there."
Tsukishima rises from his seat and quietly follows after Yamaguchi. Their friendship has been the only unwavering constant in Yamaguchi's life over the years but even it's had its subtle changes. He used to follow his taller friend around everywhere, like a lost puppy, but somewhere along the way Tsukishima started following Yamaguchi's lead. The blond had become so quiet and calm that Yamaguchi didn't even notice until it was happening all the time. Not that he minded.
Bento box – that Yamaguchi makes two of every morning and had already given Kageyama his – in hand they make their way outside to their usual spot, a grassed area by the oval. Yamaguchi loves revelling in the sun, his freckle covered face, shoulders and chest is a clear indicator of this and Tsukishima's tanned skin is a result of being dragged out into the sun day after day alongside him.
"How's it going with Shouyou, Tsukki?" Yamaguchi asks as he plonks down on the well-manicured green lawn.
Tsukishima clicks his tongue in annoyance, sitting with a lot more grace, folding long legs underneath him. "Of course you want to talk 'boys'."
"Correction, boy, singular. Yours to be specific."
"He is not mine."
Ignoring his discomfort with the topic Yamaguchi asks, "Have you fucked yet?"
With a mouthful of food most people would be spraying rice everywhere at the surprise of the question but Tsukishima merely side-eyes his friend and swallows slowly. The fun in teasing his best friend is that it's quite difficult to provoke a response from him, Yamaguchi likes the challenge.
"No," the blond boy answers indifferently. "We only recently started to have a physical relationship at all."
"I did notice Shouyou jumping on you more this week. It's probably a good thing. Tobio and I got physical really quickly, too quickly in hindsight, and it could've had a bad effect on our relationship but we got lucky. We haven't really slowed down since."
"There's an image of the King I didn't need," Tsukishima mumbles.
"Also Shouyou is really small."
The blond raises a single eyebrow at his best friend. "Oh really? I hadn't noticed."
"I mean, that's going to be really difficult, considering your sizable endowment," Yamaguchi bulldozes on, winking suggestively but merely receiving an eye roll. "You're going to have to do a lot of preparing. Unless you want him to do you. It might be easier."
"Is this all you think about?"
"You doing Shouyou? Definitely not! Me doing Tobio on the other hand…"
Tsukishima huffs. "What position do you recommend oh great all-knowing Master of Sex?"
Grinning at the title Yamaguchi tilts his head and thinks about the question seriously. "If you do intend to have Hinata on the receiving end then I suggest missionary, put a pillow under his arse and make sure you listen to him. Stretch him, a lot, and use so much lube you're swimming in it. Be careful with him please Tsukki."
"Yes, Mamaguchi," he drawls but Yamaguchi can tell he's internally taking note.
"Volleyball is very important to Shouyou, especially this year, so-"
"Y-Yamaguchi-senpai," a small female voice stutters from behind him and he holds back the urge to roll his eyes, turning to face her with a friendly smile instead. "I-I… C-Can I t-talk to you Y-Yamaguchi-senpai."
This makes it every day this week. A confession a day keeps the doctor… No, if it continues like this he'll go mad and have to see a psychologist. It's annoying, they're annoying, but mostly what he hates about it is the guilt he feels, the guilt they make him feel. They cry or give self-effacing apologies and it just makes him feel like a bad person. Why can't he just wear a sign around his neck that says 'taken' in big bold letters? Hell, he can't even tell them that, he has to give some lame excuse about focussing on school and sport to avoid the 'who is she?'
You mean 'he'. He's a beautiful pouting boy with fathomless dark blue eyes and I'm in love with him! Yamaguchi feels like screaming in their faces. Of course he doesn't. He can't.
"Y-Yamaguchi-senpai?" She asks again when he doesn't respond.
Yamaguchi sucks in a deep breath and is ready to rise from his seat on the comfortable grass where he is enjoying the sunshine when a large hand rests on his shoulder, holding him in place.
"His answer is 'no' because he already has a partner," Tsukishima says casually, refusing to look at her. "So I would appreciate it if you didn't so rudely interrupt us."
The girl looks crushed and Yamaguchi is about to reprimand his friend when she sobs loudly. Now he simply wants to slap her. He doesn't even know her name and yet she's this upset about being rejected by him? Does she even know him?
"W-Who is s-she?"
Great. The one question he wants to avoid. Yamaguchi's such a terrible liar, she'd recognise it straight away if he said his 'girlfriend' goes to another school and gives a random girls name. That's if he can even think of one. What even are girl's names…? Let's see, there's Yachi Hitoka, but I can't give her name because then she'll get questioned. Or what about—
"He is Kageyama Tobio," Tsukishima answers on his behalf again. "And a puny first year like you would crumble under the weight of his ugly scowl so just let it go before you piss yourself with fear and leave."
The girl is staring at the blond bespectacled boy with wide tear filled eyes. She doesn't even need to get to Kageyama to be afraid, she's already terrified. With a loud yelp she runs away crying.
Kageyama is an intimidating person to be sure but he mostly staggers into it accidently when he's annoyed. Tsukishima on the other hand can expertly wield it like a weapon. It doesn't necessarily intimidate Yamaguchi but it sometimes scares him how adeptly cleverly his friend can utilise it.
"Tsukki! Why did you do that? You scared and upset her! Also she'll go tell her friends and the whole school will find out!"
"Shut up, Yamaguchi," he scoffs and there is absolutely no venom in it, in fact his voice is gentle. "You shouldn't care what they think, you shouldn't care that they know. Besides, you were practically sucking the King's face off yesterday in front of the whole team."
Yamaguchi sighs. "Yeah but I trust my team. All the second years already knew, all of last year, and no one outside the club found out."
"Like I said, you shouldn't care and if anyone's mean to you I'm sure your King will protect you. Or I will," Tsukishima says the last part under his breath as he checks his wristwatch. "We should head back, bell's about to ring."
"Tsukki, thank you," Yamaguchi beams a smile at his best friend as they stand.
Tsukishima's expression doesn't change as he side-eyes him, gives a single nod and turns to leave. The minor interaction between them probably seems incredibly emotionless to any outsider but to Yamaguchi he just received his best friend's wholehearted love and support.
Training this evening is harsher as they kick it up a notch before training camp. The first years struggle and whine a lot but Captain Kageyama keeps them in line with his passion and intensity. It stretches a fond smile across Yamaguchi's face that Tsukishima immediately mocks – something about a wife being proud of her husband. He can't bring himself to care as he simply stares at Kageyama lecturing the younger boys with a stupid smile.
Diving, spiking, serving and receiving, new bruises and bumps later training wraps up and the second years offer to pack up. The third years watch them bicker and pack the equipment away as they catch their breath and rehydrate.
Yamaguchi's eyes catch on a short figure standing by the door pretending to read from his clipboard. He's a second year, Hayashi Itsuki, and the manager Yachi recruited last year. It didn't take Yamaguchi long to deduce the reason the boy wanted to join the Volleyball club as a manager; Hayashi has a very obvious crush on Kageyama and is currently ogling the sweaty third year.
"Hayashi's been staring at you a lot more today, Tobio," Yamaguchi says, his tone a strange combination of humour and resentment.
"He does like Volleyball a lot so that makes sense," Kageyama responds nonchalantly and the three of them turn to him with questioning gazes wondering what about that 'makes sense'. "Hayashi likes to watch me play because I'm a very good setter."
Tsukishima and Yamaguchi snicker at the naively sincere expression on their oblivious Captain's face while Hinata's left frowning, just as oblivious. Yamaguchi has never brought up Hayashi's crush on his boyfriend, not wanting to come across as jealous when he certainly isn't.
"What?" Kageyama questions, his voice sharp with annoyance and his brow furrowed characteristically.
"Hayashi's not watching you for your Volleyball, Tobes," Yamaguchi explains as his laughter dies down. "He's watching you for the curve of your fine arse and shape of your muscular thighs. Not that I can blame him for having a crush on you, I commend his taste."
Kageyama simply stares at his boyfriend with dumbfounded disbelief while Tsukishima scoffs a laugh at the freckle faced boys flattery. Hinata still seems incredibly confused, brow knit tightly.
"Why would he like Kageyama?"
Tsukishima sighs dramatically. "I've been asking Yamaguchi the same thing for the better part of a year."
"Oi," Kageyama growls, scowl firmly in place.
"You want to know why I like Tobio, Tsukki?" Yamaguchi asks but it sounds like he's enthusiastically meeting a challenge. "He's hard working, kind and caring, he is always willing to help me in any way. He's an amazing athlete, ambitious, dedicated and determined. The curve of his dick always hits me in the best of places. His hands are pure magic and sometimes with that voice he can simply talk me into-"
"What are you guys talking about?"
Yachi wanders over to her fellow third years who seem to be in various states of shock or… Something. Hinata's eyes are blown wide in alarm and his face is a shade darker than his red hair. Kageyama is kneeling on the ground with his face buried in his hands and Tsukishima, while averting his gaze, is blushing. Yamaguchi seems the only one unaffected and he's beaming a victorious smile.
"How perfect Tobio is," Yamaguchi answers.
She tucks stands of her long blonde hair behind her ear as her brown eyes glance between the others before she looks back up at Yamaguchi, meeting his smile with her own. Yachi's such a spirited and warm person, it's almost impossible to not adore her. Especially since she the best possible manager they could have ever asked for. She handles everything with such poise and her passion for Volleyball has grown almost as quickly as Yamaguchi's. Yachi's now an expert and they're all so proud of her.
"Coach Ukai wanted me to talk to you about your assignment for the weekend," Yachi says, her voice steady and professional.
"Assignment?" Hinata gasps and whines. "I already get enough homework that I can barely finish!"
"Ah, no, it's not work per se," she soothes, waving her hands in front of her. "Coach wants you to consider the team's on court structure."
Kageyama stands quickly, making Yachi flinch. "What? Why us? Isn't that his decision? And where the hell is Coach anyway? Why isn't he telling us this?"
"Calm down Tobio," she says, knowing how to handle the overly intense boy expertly. "Coach said he needed to get back to the shop. He said that he's worried about the four of you working coherently on the court while leading and wants you to decide the team structure to test your abilities to lead."
The Captain glances back at Yamaguchi and he instantly knows what his boyfriend is thinking: 'we're never going to be able to agree on anything'. Huffing a sigh Kageyama agrees and suggests that the four of them go back to his place to do work on it.
Locking up and bidding Yachi farewell they make their way to the club room. After showering and getting dressed in their uniforms they make their way to Kageyama's. Along the way Hinata jumps up on Tsukishima's back – jumping the 198cms with ease – and orders his 'ride' onward; despite the annoyed expression on the blond's face he doesn't complain.
Yamaguchi's hand tightens in Kageyama's as he watches them with a broad grin. He's happy for them. He almost gave up on the thought of them being happy together after months of Tsukishima's obsession with the excitable redhead and Hinata's obliviousness to both his own obvious feelings and Tsukishima's. No, Yamaguchi was never going to give up on them, he simply would have smashed their heads together with annoyance.
He feels dark eyes on him and pecks Kageyama on the cheek, offering his boyfriend a piggyback ride and only getting grumbling in response. Yamaguchi knows that the raven haired boy dislikes the fact that he's shorter but Yamaguchi doesn't think it makes a difference. Especially considering how much stronger Kageyama is than him. But then Kageyama is very competitive about silly things. It's oddly endearing.
Kageyama's parents aren't home, yet again. Yamaguchi met them once and they seem friendly enough but their absence in their son's life leaves a bad taste in his mouth. They're both inoffensive – as people – and incredibly annoying all at once.
"The four of us obviously have our places on the court," Hinata says as soon as they get comfortable in the large western style living room. "I don't think there is anyone better at our roles."
Kageyama nods along as he retrieves his Volleyball notebook that contains numerous structures, strategies and theories. It's the one thing he actually likes – loves – to study.
"I don't know, Matsuda is well on his way to being a better Ace than you," Tsukishima smirks at his boyfriend who in turn glares at him. "And the King of course cannot be felled from his throne."
"Matsuda's a good choice to fill Tanaka-san's role," Kageyama states as he draws up a diagram of a court, ignoring – or possibly not even hearing – the snide comment. "Also Ishikawa in Nishinoya-san's role as Libero."
"The new first year, Harada is a skilled Libero," Yamaguchi adds, making himself at home and folding his long legs underneath him on the couch.
"Nishinoya-senpai trained Ishikawa himself!" Hinata practically gasps like he's blasphemed.
"Oh, I know. I'm not saying Ishikawa isn't our ideal Libero, he certainly is. I'm just saying that Harada has more natural talent and will likely quickly surpass Ishikawa. It's just something we should keep an eye on."
"What so just because he has natural ability he'll definitely surpass Ishikawa who's been training so hard to be his best?"
"Hinata we aren't having an argument about natural talent versus hard work," Kageyama sighs deeply, as if he's had this argument a hundred times before, and likely has. "Not again."
Tsukishima pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose and speaks up before Hinata gets too deeply entrenched in the argument. "There is no such thing as 'natural talent versus hard work', even those with natural ability must train hard to be the best that they can. In the end the person who gets the position on the court is the best to play that role and nothing else matters."
Hinata's amber brown eyes widen on his boyfriend in awe of his intelligent words. Yamaguchi doesn't understand why everyone gets so stupefied when Tsukishima says something intelligent, he's a very clever person. His sharpness of wit is the greatest indicator of this and his level of perception on court is almost supernatural. Hinata especially should not be surprised, but then he is overly excitable, as illustrated by the high pitched 'uwah' noise he makes in response. Yamaguchi swears he sees Tsukishima's lip curl affectionately.
"So Matsuda as Wing Spiker and Ishikawa as Libero, agreed?" Kageyama – ignoring the exchange to focus on the work at hand – glances between Hinata and Tsukishima who both nod in polarised degrees of enthusiasm. "That leaves one position, a flexible position…"
"Definitely Saito, his spikes are amazing for a first year! He can almost fly like me, whoosh! And then bam!"
"Idiot, we need another defender," Kageyama snaps. "Sano's receives are reliable like Ennoshita-san's."
"No, we need more attack power, Bakageyama! We have enough defence with Kei, Ishikawa and Tadashi! Right Kei?"
Tsukishima narrows his golden brown eyes in thought. "I actually agree with Kageyama. Along with the Libero we need another solid receiver. Yamaguchi's the best of the four of us – and Matsuda – and he's nowhere near Sawamura or Ennoshita's level. Sano is and he'll round out the team's defence well."
"Oh come on! We don't need more defence, we need offence. Scoring is the most important thing!"
Kageyama sighs. "No, it's not. The team that doesn't allow the ball to hit the floor wins. You're outnumbered Hinata, so we-"
"You're assuming I agree with you?" Yamaguchi questions of his boyfriend. "I don't. I agree with Shouyou. We already have a solid defence. Are you doubting my ability to receive Tobio?"
"Well, well, this is interesting," Tsukishima mutters with a smirk. "Perhaps we should swap boyfriends."
"Didn't I say to leave relationships out of this conversation, Tsukki?"
"I'm not doubting your ability at all Tadashi," Kageyama affirms, his dark blue eyes smouldering at the accusation. "All I'm saying is that defence in the most important part of Volleyball and an unwavering receiver will ensure that we won't drop the ball."
"All our receives are solid, we've been working so hard on them the last year and they're well above average-"
"But they're not an impenetrable barricade like Sano's."
"And this has nothing to do with the fact that Sano's a second year and Saito's a first year?"
"Why would it? Sano would definitely play next year anyway because apart from Tsukishima he's our best defender."
"Did the King just call little old peasant me the best defender?" Tsukishima gasps theatrically. "I'm flattered!"
Hinata groans, resting his head in his hands and mumbling into them. "We should have invited Hitoka-chan to be our tie breaker."
"No, idiot, we shouldn't have, because this is exactly why Coach wants us to do this exercise," Kageyama asserts, rubbing his temples. "Tsukishima's correct, Sano is our best option. We have enough attack with Hinata and Matsuda. Sano is a decent spiker and with Tadashi and Tsukishima on hand we have more than enough offence. I can tell you're wavering Tadashi and Hinata's an idiot so as Captain I'm overruling this and deciding on Sano. Everyone understand?"
Yamaguchi must admit, he is wavering in the face of Kageyama and Tsukishima's reasoning. With Kageyama's immense understanding of the sport and Tsukishima's flawless analysis of any given situation they're really quiet daunting and formidable in an argument. If only they would get along like this more often.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"That's bullshit," Hinata whines.
"Do you not trust my ability to create scoring shots?" Kageyama questions, eyes intensely scrutinising the redhead to the point that he looks nervous. "Do you not trust you're your own ability to score, Ace?"
"I-I do…"
"Good, then score," Kageyama says, glancing up at the clock on the wall. "I assume you're all staying the night and everyone's hungry. Tadashi, help me in the kitchen."
With a bright smile Yamaguchi rises and stretches out his muscles. "Yes, my love."
Tsukishima clicks his tongue. "While you idiots go be all gross and domestic I'll attempt to help the shrimp with his homework."
"Stop calling me that, Kei!" Hinata protests with a pout. "And I'm not doing homework, it's Friday!"
Yamaguchi and Kageyama make their way into the kitchen and leave Tsukishima with the impossible task of getting Hinata to study. Opening the cupboard Kageyama stands for a while simply staring inside with that adorable pensive pout. Sauntering over quietly Yamaguchi envelops his boyfriend in a hug and nuzzles the back of his neck.
"Stop that, I'm hungry and we need to cook."
"I have something you can put in your mouth," Yamaguchi whispers into his ear.
"Tadashi," Kageyama's voice is curt but he can hear the desire in it.
He chuckles. "Sorry, sorry, just returning the teasing favour. You know I love it when you go all dominate Captain."
Focussing on the task at hand Yamaguchi unwinds himself from Kageyama and they start cooking together as they've done on numerous occasions with his parents absent often. Though they have the option of having Yamaguchi's mother's cooking they like the time they get to spend alone together.
After eating the four of them start playing Mario Kart at Hinata's tenacious insistence. Subsequently the redhead complains at Yamaguchi and Tsukishima's skill with the game and is adamant they're cheating. Kageyama gets sullenly fed up with loosing and turns the gaming machine off with Yamaguchi and Tsukishima snickering at his scowl. Yamaguchi suggests they watch a movie in an attempt to smooth everything over. Which turns into an argument about what movie to watch.
By the time they decide on something it's late and Hinata and Tsukishima fall asleep partway through. Yamaguchi glances up at them from his position on the floor leaning back against the couch in front of his boyfriend who ceaselessly plays with his long brown hair. Tsukishima's long legs are up on the couch – hence why there's no room for Yamaguchi – and Hinata's curled up in front of him like a cat with Tsukishima's arm wrapped around him protectively.
In his peripheral he notices Kageyama glance at them and then rise from the couch. Yamaguchi's only mildly surprised when Kageyama sits in front of him, legs wrapping around Yamaguchi's waist.
"I had the strangest thing happen to me today after class," Kageyama starts, his voice quiet as not to wake the others but nose to nose Yamaguchi can hear him perfectly. "A blubbering first year girl called me a 'homosexual demon' and a 'boyfriend stealer'."
An amused smile curls Yamaguchi's mouth unwarranted as he imagines the humorous situation. "I'm so sorry, Tobio. She shouldn't have done that."
"That's the sixth one this week. Did you finally get frustrated and tell her?"
"N-No Tsukki did. You're not mad are you?"
Kageyama's indigo eyes move slowly, admiringly down Yamaguchi's face and neck until they stop at the collar of his shirt. "Not for the reason you might think."
"Then why?"
Closing the distance between them Kageyama peppers soft kisses over Yamaguchi's nose, cheeks and forehead. He smiles at the affection, knowing that Kageyama likes to kiss his freckles, and rests his hands on Kageyama's strong chest.
"No one else is allowed to have you," he affirms in a gruff voice as he kisses his way down the freckles on Yamauchi's neck, fingers deftly undoing his shirt to gain access to the freckles across his shoulders and chest. "You're mine."
As teeth bite down around his collarbone Yamaguchi whimpers, hands moving around the back of Kageyama to grip at his shirt. Fingers roam indulgently over the now exposed skin of Yamaguchi's stomach and back. His muscles tense, legs pushing Kageyama in closer to him as his boyfriend sucks bruisingly at his freckled skin. It feels unbelievably good. Kageyama's possessiveness is something Yamaguchi covets and relishes. It's not a common occurrence, nor overbearing, simply enjoyable… Pleasurable.
Yamaguchi feels the couch move behind him and hears Tsukishima huff a sigh. "Would you two get a room?"
"S-Sorry Tsukki."
Turning his head Yamaguchi sees his blond best friend rising carefully from the couch. Kageyama, refusing to stop nipping and kissing his skin, simply gives Tsukishima the finger. The heavy sleeping Hinata is lifted off the couch and into Tsukishima's arms. They leave for the spare bedroom in Kageyama's large house that they've slept in on previous occasions after the four of them spent far too much time together over break – and over the whole last year really.
As soon as they're gone Yamaguchi allows himself to enjoy his boyfriend's touch and mouth once more, humming approving noises shamelessly. His fingers thread through Kageyama's ink black hair; it's short, silky and smooth, the complete opposite of his own long, thick and messy hair.
"Mm, Tobio…"
Kageyama lifts his head back up and Yamaguchi thinks he's going to kiss him but he draws up short, noses touching temptingly and breathing heavily into his mouth. His eyes are so amazingly blue and so incredibly earnest as he gazes lovingly into Yamaguchi's eyes.
"I'm being serious, Tadashi," Kageyama states with unquestionable sincerity, strong fingers gently tracing lines across his face. "I'm not going to give you up, I can't… I love you too damn much."
Yamaguchi's breath catches in his throat and his heart leaps almost painfully against his ribcage. It isn't the first time either of them have said 'I love you' but they speak the words rarely. Not for any specific reason, they simply spend a lot of time with each other and show their affection in other ways. They both know, they've never been insecure about the depth of their feelings.
Slowly Yamaguchi smiles and feels the – foolish – need to cry with happiness. He angles his head and kisses Kageyama softly on the mouth, never breaking eye contact.
"I love you too, Tobio."
Author's Note: Okay, I'll admit, Yamaguchi is probably OOC but it's on purpose. He's the character I see having the most personal development, I mean we can already see the start of it. I think under the influence of his co first years he'll well and truly blossom into… Well, this beautiful butterfly.
Is the naming confusing? I hope not. They all refer to each other in varying degrees of friendliness. Tsukki obviously calls everyone by their family name (except Hinata when their alone) and Yamaguchi calls his fellow third years by their given names. Kageyama refers to everyone bar Yamaguchi by their family name and Hinata calls everyone but Kageyama by their given name. That is inside their group of four (five including Yachi). Outside that they use family names. I don't even know if it matters but if you want reasons as to why I'd probably be here all day lol. In short it's just because of how I see their third year personalities.
It's so weird for me to write like this, without a solid storyline but I'm liking the freedom. I've decided to rotate perspectives per chapter. Kage, Tsuki, Yama, Hina, Yachi and repeat. Hopefully.
