Chapter 10- The Rise and Fall of Hinata
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."- Lao-Tsu
"Why does Suga have to sit out?" Hinata's look of displeasure was aimed at their captain, though the aforementioned god stepped between the two with a placating smile.
"It's fine, Shouyou. I offered to sit out so you guys could have your practice game with Oikawa. It'll good for everyone, and I don't mind being the scorekeeper. It's just a practice scrimmage."
"I also think it'll benefit you younger players to see Oikawa's style. I watched him practice earlier; his serve is quite troublesome, even for me."
"Maybe Hinata should sit out, as well." Tsukishima's snarky tease made Yamaguchi laugh, Hinata scowling at his neighbor before turning back to his captain.
"Then I want to be on Kageyama's team!"
"The teams are already divided up, though I did keep you and Kageyama together." Daichi's answer made Hinata relax, disliking the idea of being on a team with Oikawa. "You'll have Tanaka, Tsukishima, and Noya on your side as well. I'll be joining Oikawa with Ennoshita, Asahi, and Yamaguchi."
"I get to set to the ace?" Oikawa's grin was playful as he moved closer to Asahi, his hand splaying against the sturdy back of the taller man. "I'll be sure to treat you nice, cutie."
"I-I'm not-" Asahi's face showed his embarrassment at Oikawa's compliment, though the god of lust only moved closer to the ace.
"There's plenty of men who beg to differ. How about if you win me this match, I take you out tonight?" There was a glint of mischief in the brunet's eyes, Oikawa letting his fingers walk up the man's arm. "I know a club named Poison of Eros where we could have a lot of fun."
"I'm not good with clubs," Asahi answered quickly, though a wave from the setter proved he didn't buy the excuse.
"Then this is the perfect kind of club for you. It's made for even the shyest of mortals to let their true desires shine. I wonder what you truly want underneath that nice guy persona?"
"Ah, well...ma-maybe if we win." The nervous laugh from Asahi made Oikawa smile, though Hinata noticed that not everyone was as happy about the ace's relenting statement. The libero, who was trying to keep his distance, popped his head up from his current stretch, a look of shock dropping onto his face. It wasn't hard to guess why; the gentle giant was not the type to step out of his comfort zone. Part of Hinata assumed it had more to do with Oikawa's persuasive pressing than actual desire to go. And yet with the strain between Noya and Asahi, it was obvious that the smaller man felt uncomfortable with the suggestion.
"Well then we have to win; I want to serve first!" Happy with his temporary teammate's acceptance, Oikawa practically skipped to the other side of the court. Daichi shook his head while calling the start of the match, Asahi giving a quiet glance toward the still frozen libero before following suit.
"Best two of three wins. Sugawara is in charge of calling the game. Everyone else, get ready to fight." A loud chant on both sides of the court proved that neither wanted to lose, Hinata feeling a charge of energy run through his body. A quiet glance to Kageyama proved the art student was already looking his way, the two nodding in sync before facing the net again. With everything going on around them, the negative feelings of helplessness and confusion were left outside the court. In this zone, all that mattered was connecting with his setter and making the play.
This was easier said than done with Oikawa serving the ball. When Daichi had spoke of the setter's advanced technique, he wasn't saying it to impress. Assuming that the god had been missing from the apartment all day to perfect his skill, his running serve sought to break the floorboards. The serving beast inside the flirty god was dangerous, and it didn't help that the libero's defence was off. Noya's face was pained when his arms couldn't shovel under one of the serves properly, causing the colorful ball to ricochet into the bleachers. Golden hawk eyes watched the botched ball roll away with a grimace, Noya clenching his teeth before stomping back into his position. His irritation was felt throughout their team, though Kageyama seemed more interested in admiring the older god's serving form than sulking.
"He learned that in one day? How? Nobody can receive that." The awe was palpable in Kageyama's voice, Hinata shoving his elbow hard into his roommate's stomach when seeing Noya wince.
"Stop kissing his ass," Hinata hissed out, Kageyama scoffing at the remark.
"I wasn't! His serve is just deadly-"
"If you like it so much, why don't you go be on his team?"
"Then who would be your setter, dumbass?"
"Anyone but you, Bakayama!" The duo sent glares at each other before Tsukishima coughed, catching both of their attentions with a pointed sneer.
"Can you two have your lover's spat when we're not losing?" It was weird to hear the blocker attempting to focus the two, though it was justified. Unfortunately, staying focused on the game didn't make much of a difference. The other team took the final point with little contest, the score reading 25-19 after a strong spike from Asahi. The sweat pooling from the losing team proved that they hadn't gave up once. Still, despite their hard work, they had come up short. It was hard for Hinata to be handed a loss from Oikawa, but his own disappointment was pushed to the backburner when seeing Noya slam his hand into the ground.
"Damnit!" There was frustration on the libero's face as he closed his eyes, taking the loss to heart. It was obvious to the short man why his team had failed; he hadn't been able to stop Oikawa. His main job was key to keeping the points off the board. Everyone else could take their battle to the sky; Noya fought his on the ground. But today, he knew his mind wasn't focused on being the guardian his teammates relied on. Whenever he lifted his eyes to try and focus on the game, Asahi was in his vision. Asahi, his ace, getting complimented by Oikawa and blushing in a way that left a rock in Noya's chest. And it reminded him of the question refusing to leave his head; if their team won, would the gentle giant really go out with his newly formed teammate? It wasn't like he had plans with Asahi, though he was tempted to make some when hearing Oikawa's suggestion. But when the ace didn't turn down the offer, Noya's tongue refused to move.
"Daichi said we should take a break before our next match. With how Kageyama and Tsukishima are bickering, we probably need it. I can't wait to see what the captain does when he sees the two of them fighting. I bet they run laps for hours!" The libero didn't lift his head at Hinata's chatter, pushing up to his feet and heading toward the bench. "Noya-senpai?"
"Sorry." The word felt heavy on his tongue, not used to having to apologize for his performance. The libero sulked over to his water bottle, snagging it and a towel before dropping his butt onto the metal seat. Trying to hide the frustration blurring his vision, Noya yanked the towel over his head after chugging half his water down. The cold beverage did nothing to quench his heartache. Dropping the bottle from his hand, the small man rested his elbows on his thighs and lowered his head completely. He wasn't sure what he was more upset about; his crappy performance, or Oikawa's flirting with Asahi. Neither felt good, but one he knew was temporary. Even if Oikawa left, there would be others. Women, men, it didn't matter. Asahi was an attractive person, inside and out. It was only a matter of time before the gentle giant fell in love.
Then Noya would lose him for good.
"Noya?" The concern in the ace's voice was something Noya was used to, though he hated when it was directed at him. Knowing he wouldn't be able to fool the man with a well placed smile or laugh, Noya kept his head down.
"Break over?"
"No, I just came over to check in on you."
"I'm not hurt or anything," Noya muttered, his shame rolling over his tongue. "I'm just having a bad day on the court."
"But you've received the most of Oikawa's serves; Daichi's stunned you've hit so many back."
"Even the captain's doubting me?" It was painful to think the others had noticed his struggle. He was supposed to be their rock, wasn't he? Yet compared to Oikawa, he looked like a rookie.
"No, nothing like that! You've done fantastic, we're very proud of you." He heard shuffling in front of him before the deep brown gaze of the tall man was in his view, Asahi kneeling in front of the bench. Showing his apologetic look, Asahi rushed to continue. "You're the best libero I've ever seen; he only targets you because your skill is known all over the country."
"Maybe," Noya relented, feeling his spirits raise at the strong nod of the ace.
"Just keep your focus on Oikawa-san's feet. Where he points them before he jumps is where he's aiming the serve."
"You telling me about this is basically ruining your chances of Oikawa taking you out tonight," Noya said, Asahi's blush starting to spread over his cheeks when he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Winning the game doesn't really matter if it ends up breaking your confidence. You're worth more than that. Plus, I'm not exactly the type to go to a club. I'd rather go watch a movie at your apartment or something."
"Really?" Noya asked, stunned at the answer. When Asahi gave an instant nod, Noya's heart warmed. "Why?"
"Uh, well...i-it's not important-" Interrupting his panicking friend, Noya leaned forward to press his hands onto the red cheeks of the ace. Asahi's spine tensed, yet Noya refused to back down.
"I want to hear it." The anxious expression tilted toward sadness when the ace dropped his gaze, keeping his fingers balled over his bent knees.
"I like hanging out with you, maybe more than I should. And I know you're not interested in dating someone like me, but I-I just enjoy being with you, even if we're not...you know."
"Wait, hold up." Unable to fully process what the older man was admitting to, Noya felt his throat dry. Asahi was desperately trying to look anywhere but the libero, his face bordering on pain. He looked ready to bolt, and if not for Noya's hand firmly holding his face in place, the guardian was sure Asahi would run. How many times had Noya seen this same face on the giant before he rushed away with a half-baked excuse? Normally Noya just assumed the man was panicking about something pointless and let it go. He hated pushing subjects that overwhelmed Asahi, knowing of his anxiety. But was this what the older man had been trying to say all those times before? His mind whirling through the previous conversations with a nosy short spiker, Noya felt his fingertips tingle as he finally opened his mouth. "Do you love me?"
"Y-Yuu!" The mortified tone in Asahi's voice didn't deter him, keeping golden eyes focused on his target. In his mind, he knew that his friend's nerves were frayed. They hardly used first names outside of the bedroom. It felt too intimate for simple sex buddies. The only time Asahi went to the name was when he was feeling overwhelmed. Normally, Noya would adhere his friend's panic and back away with a laugh and a playful jab. But the libero knew it was too important to ignore this time.
"Do you?" He pressed the topic, watching the man in front of him struggle to respond. His eyes held pure worry, his body still stiff from the first question. This was fear that Noya knew well, as it had circulated his heart when Hinata had questioned him before. But something that the libero refused to listen to that night came rolling back into his mind.
He loves you, Noya-senpai. I can't tell you how I know. But Asahi only wants to be with you; you've just got to give him the chance to prove it.
If there was a time to do that, it was now.
"Because I do." Noya's heart skipped at the widening of Asahi's eyes, though he knew he couldn't stop now. If he was going to do this, he wasn't going to stop until he got everything off his chest. "I want to do mushy-gross shit with you for as long as I can. I want to steal your super large shirts even if they eat me alive cause I love your smell. The sex is great, and I don't think it's just cause you're hot. Sleeping in your bed is the best; sometimes I offer to pick up early shifts so I can sleep over. Everything about you is amazing. There's like, a hundred other things I could say right now to prove I'm pretty into you, but the whole point is...I love you. Like, a lot."
"Noya," Asahi mumbled softly, the libero giving two strong shakes of his head.
"But I want you to know that no matter what, you're my friend." It wasn't often that Noya felt embarrassed; he was best friends with Tanaka, after all. That took skill. But here, he could feel the tips of his ears starting to pinken as he took a slow breath. "So if we're going to be a thing, you've got to know that I don't want to lose our friendship."
"Me either!" The open response caught Noya off guard, Asahi's face reflecting his shy nature despite his loud outburst. Seeming to understand the volume change, the ace coughed before returning to his normal tone. "I love you, so I don't want anything to change between us. E-except our status; that I wouldn't mind changing a little. If you agree, I mean."
"You can just say you want to be my boyfriend, you know." Noya's blunt statement made the other flush.
"I want...that." The libero laughed at Asahi's avoidance, then cut himself off when he leaned forward to kiss the ace. His hands slid from the tan cheeks he had captured to sift through brown hair, feeling the tension in the older man waver within seconds. It was sort of nice to have the height advantage for once, Asahi still kneeling in front of him. But the softness that Asahi used returning the kiss felt like magic. He knew that the ace's body could strike fear in anyone he wanted to. Yet the large hand which had killed many spikes throughout the years was feather light when sliding against Noya's jaw. He treated the libero as something precious, and the short man felt stupid for overlooking this for so many years.
The two deepened the kiss to the pleasure of the crowd now cheering for them. Hinata's cheers rivalled Tanaka's in loudness, the god of love unable to stop himself from jumping in joy. As his two teammates continued their overdue kiss, the glow of Hinata's gaze captured the magic lighting up around them. Pulses of pink were quick to seep through the broken and discolored parts of their thread, chasing any trace of red to an inevitable demise. The thread that Hinata was sure would never sway his way finally finished its transformation. Overwhelmed by the feeling of excitement, Hinata tore his gaze off the romantic moment to search out a specific pair of blue eyes. His grin only widened when realizing Kageyama was already heading his way, the spastic god running forward with both hands in the air.
"We did it!" Kageyama's eyes widened when Hinata rushed into his personal space, the smaller hands latching onto Kageyama's to yank them over his head. The setter managed to wiggle one of his hands out of the death grip Hinata held, though it didn't drop back to his side. Instead, it moved to the god's head, ruffling the orange hair with a grin that didn't struggle to look friendly.
"N-Nice job." The warm tone that swept under the words dazed Hinata, the smaller spiker gazing up at the man in front of him. In reflex his hand squeezed around Kageyama's, and the god of love felt his heartbeat flutter when he received a softer squeeze back.
"I wouldn't have been able to do it without you," Hinata admitted, the setter's look of subtle discomfort proving he still wasn't used to praise. His free hand moved from the soft resting spot on Hinata's head to press the back of it over his lips. The move did little to hide the higher flush on his cheeks, the embarrassed look making Hinata's grin only widen.
"Idiot." Yet the insult didn't sound mean, and the spiker simply laughed at the reply. Not wanting to stay in the spotlight, Kageyama swept his eyes over the court and pulled his hand away once he was scowling again. "Where did Oikawa go?"
"Huh?" When taking in his surroundings, it was clear who was missing. The god of lust was nowhere to be seen. If Hinata didn't know the god like he did, then he could have passed the disappearance off as Oikawa being a sore loser. It was no secret that the brunet did not lose as well as he won. But even in the face of defeat, Oikawa normally stuck around to explain his "fluke" of defeat. In this case he could have simply said the Takeda stacked the cards against him and sent Hinata to fix a relationship destined to have a pink string anyways. Yet there was no trace the man was even there.
"Alright, that's enough of a break. We've still got another set to play, and none of us are getting better by watching these two lovebirds." Laughing when seeing Asahi pull away from Noya with a blush, Daichi moved over to Suga and dropped his hand to the god's shoulder. "Though with Oikawa having some business to take care of, you'll have to take over for him."
"Business?" Hinata asked in confusion.
"Oikawa said he had gotten a text from a friend in an emergency, and he had to go take care of things." Suga shrugged before he gave a look that showed he wasn't believing the words coming from his mouth. "He said something about making it up to us later."
"Hopefully he'll be able to come to another practice before he goes back home." Noya's face no longer held a look of dismay when jogging back to the court, his eyes shining with a familiar determination. "Now that I've got my head on straight, I want to try receiving his serve again."
"That's the spirit." Giving an approving nod, Daichi moved back toward his side of the court with Suga in tow. Hinata let his mind wander when trying to think of where Oikawa went, though a hesitant voice from behind him was quick to grab his attention.
"Hinata, um…" It wasn't until the shorter man's eyes fell on Yamaguchi that the pinch server spoke. "Maybe you should let go of Kageyama's hand now?"
"Oh." It took a full five seconds for Hinata's brain to catch up to Yamaguchi's words, the god quick to yank his hand back from the now blushing setter. Feeling his own cheeks scald in color, the spiker ignored the chuckling from Tanaka and Tsukishima to face the net, hoping the first serve would smash into his face. At least then he'd have a reason to be embarrassed. Kageyama said nothing about the event, though his side glare toward the two men still laughing behind them implied he understood why they were in such good spirits. The spiker glanced down at the hand once held in Kageyama's grasp, wondering why his fingers still tingled in warmth.
But what was even more concerning was the smile that came with it.
"That restaurant was so good!" Hinata's cheerful tone puffed into the crisp air as he hopped around Suga, the older god letting out a laugh at the spiker's energy.
"You deserved a good dinner after helping Asahi and Noya find their way."
"I thought you said it was because I stayed back to help clean up the gym?" Hinata asked, tilting his head when his friend gave a soft smile.
"I can't treat you for both?" In the god of love's opinion, it sounded more like a bribe than a present. Because the practice ran longer than expected, Daichi was unable to stay and lock up the gym. Suga offered to take on the task, then drafted Hinata's help with the seduction of food afterwards. If the spiker had known part of the task meant dry mopping the entire floor, he may have went home with Kageyama. But the thought of tangy orange chicken made the young man's mouth salivate, and he agreed without hesitation. By the time the two finished the task and went out for dinner, the street lights had flickered on. Dark was settled like a heavy blanket on the quiet street, the two men being the only people walking down it.
"Just think of how much you've helped Daichi out. I'm sure he appreciates it." The mention of the dark haired receiver made Hinata sigh, his hands shoving into his jacket's pockets.
"What did he have to do that was so important, anyways?"
"I think he was going to meet his employee's baby for the first time. He's been really worried about her all week, so it'll be nice to see him relax once seeing the mother is doing okay." Suga's words held a warmth to them that caught Hinata's attention, the god peeking up to the setter quietly. Suga's eyes were filled with a pleasant gleam, as if remembering something fond. It was obvious to the spiker just what Suga's focus was on, so he took a step closer to him as they rounded the corner of the street.
"Suga, have you changed your mind about your bond with Daichi?"
"No, I haven't." Though there was no force or aggression in Sugawara's tone, it was obvious that his mind was set. "It's been nice to catch up with my old friend, but I plan to keep it at a platonic level."
"But soulmates don't work that way when they're true lovers," Hinata argued, rushing to keep his pace with the silent god. "If Daichi is meant to fall in love with you, then he'll never be truly happy without you by his side. He'll always feel incomplete."
"Daichi has a flourishing business and lots of friends and co-workers who adore him. I wouldn't want to come in and take the chance of burdening his life with my complications. He's got lots of people who can help him feel loved without someone like me there."
"And what about your heart?" Rushing to stand in front of his friend, Hinata tried to meet the hazel gaze with his own while he spoke. "Don't you want to be happy, too?"
"I have no reason not to be happy. I have friends who worry about me, and two bosses who make sure I never go without. With all that Ukai and Takeda have given to me, I have no reason to complain about my life."
Yet even as Suga gave a smile, it was obvious that the pain was just lurking beneath the surface. Why was Suga trying so hard to pretend he was happy without Daichi? Did he really think Ukai and Takeda would punish him for being with his soulmate? Takeda was the one who chose Daichi for Suga! If anyone would be happy about their relationship, it would be the god of fate. Yet here Suga stood, refusing to even think of a future with Daichi. For Tanaka, it had been his fear of not living up to Ennoshita's expectations. Yachi had just never met Kiyoko, and Noya was too scared to lose his friendship to chance a real try at love. So what was it that held Suga back?
"Now enough of that." The fertility god reached forward to ruffle Hinata's hair before turning him back to face the apartments they were standing in front of. "Let's get inside so we can talk to Kageyama about a gameplan for Yamaguchi and Tsukishima."
"Alright," Hinata caved, knowing he had some time to work on Suga and Daichi. If he kept pressing it now, he had a feeling the fertility god would continue to dismiss his arguments. So instead the two went to the apartment, Hinata prepared to find the dark haired setter camped out on the couch. So when he opened the door to the living room to find no roommate, Hinata didn't hide his surprise.
"Did he go to bed already?" At Suga's question, Hinata scowled and shook his head.
"Kageyama doesn't go to bed early on saturdays because his weird show comes on at midnight." But just to be sure, the spiker moved into Kageyama's room and flipped on the light. There were signs of Kageyama being home, as his work out clothes were crumpled in a ball to the side of his bed. But the lack of his cell phone or wallet on his dresser proved that he hadn't been in the apartment long. Returning back to the living room, Sugawara peered over the counter in the kitchen and shook his head.
"No sign of him here, either. Do you think he went to Yamaguchi and Tsukishima's apartment?"
"They normally come here since Tsukishima likes to mooch off us."
"Call them just to check while I look in the bathroom." It had taken Hinata a while to figure out how cell phones worked. Even though he had now owned the device for a couple weeks, looking up numbers and calling people was still a chore. It took him a few tries but the god was more than relieved when Yamaguchi's number flashed over his screen, listening to the ring twice before a familiar voice answered.
"Hinata?"
"Yamaguchi, are you home?"
"No, me and Tsukki went grocery shopping. Why, did you need something?" The absence of his neighbors made Hinata scowl, the small spiker pacing the floor while he answered.
"Suga and I just got back from dinner and Kageyama isn't home. We thought he may be with you guys."
"No, but I know where he is." The answered made Hinata perk up, pressing the phone closer to his ear. In the background he could hear Suga returning to the room, though he kept his focus on Yamaguchi's next words. "We had actually asked him to come with us when we were walking home. I figured he'd be lonely without you there to keep him company. But then Oikawa showed up out of nowhere and said something about needing Kageyama's help to blow some steam off."
"Oikawa?" Hinata repeated, surprise evident in his voice.
"Yeah, I think he said he was going to show Kageyama a few tricks he knew. I just assumed that they were talking about setting from how pumped Kageyama looked. He only gets like that when he's training or playing volleyball. But I'm surprised they didn't ask you to come and play."
"Did Oikawa tell you where they were practicing?" Even as he asked the question, Hinata felt something tighten in his stomach. He glanced up at Suga's face, seeing the same trepidation that Hinata was now feeling. Something was off about the whole situation.
"No, I didn't ask. Sorry!"
"It's okay! I'm sure they'll be back soon; thanks for telling me. See ya tomorrow." He ended the call before he turned to Suga, hoping his face didn't show his growing panic. "Oikawa took Kageyama somewhere."
"And with how upset Tooru was at losing his 'bet' with you, I doubt it was for benign reasons." Suga's gaze drifted toward the window, watching the streetlight outside flicker. "Oikawa's original plan was to take Asahi to a club named "Poison of Eros". My bet is that he simply changed out his wingman with Kageyama."
"But why would he do that? Kageyama doesn't even have a soulmate string for him to taint!" Hinata's confusion was met with a hesitant stare from the fair haired setter, Suga quietly stepping closer to his friend while placing a hand on his shoulder.
"He's not going after Kageyama because of soulmates; he's going after Kageyama because he's someone important to you." The statement stunned Hinata, the small god unsure how to deal with the painful clench in his stomach. Easily sensing the negative feelings from Hinata, the fertility god gave a reassuring smile while squeezing the younger god's shoulders. "But at least we know where to find him. It doesn't seem like they left too long ago; the tea kettle on the stove was still hot when we got here. So let's find this club, okay?"
"Ri-right." Hinata let Suga take the lead on discovering where the club was located, the older god seeming to understand how to use his phone to get directions. They were on the move in seconds, Suga's optimism rising when explaining to the spiker that the club wasn't far. Running in the coldness of the night hurt Hinata's lungs, but he refused to complained as he chased after Suga. He could withstand a little discomfort for Kageyama, too worried what the god of lust was doing with his friend to let his pace slow. Every time Hinata needed him, Kageyama was there to give a down to earth statement or encouraging push. There was no way he was going to let the setter down in the one time the roles were reversed.
The passing cars and streetlights illuminated the busy street that the club was on, the neon sign flashing over the door. It took too much time for Hinata's liking when waiting to get into the club, the impatient spiker unable to keep still as Suga paid for their cover fee. Rushing into the dimly lit club, Hinata's eyes were widened when seeing the skimpy clothed human dancing on a bright walkway. The male looked seductive as he slipped the leather jacket he wore off his shoulders, winking at the catcalls of the men in the audience. The sudden rush of embarrassment scalded Hinata's cheeks, the small man smacking his face to try and hide his blush. He didn't know why the scene was bothering him; he had seen many humans in compromising positions. It was how they connected intimately, and Hinata never felt flustered before. Yet in this darkened building, the god couldn't keep his eyes on the man now gyrating his hips against the steel pole in front of him.
"Oikawa really outdid himself this time." Suga didn't seem affected by the scene, his eyes barely looking toward the stripping human before pointing away from the stage. "I asked the bouncer if he knew Oikawa, and the man said our friend owns the club. That's why this place is flooded with pheromones; Oikawa's used his powers to make this club drenched with sexual undertones to enhance his business. I asked where Oikawa was, and he said he's in the VIP section."
"VIP?"
"It's a private area where people can rent a room to get to know some of the performers better." Suga helped locate the mentioned area by pointing to a door with a teal heart over the archway. In front of it stood two bodyguards, seeming to keep the club occupants from entering. "According to the man, Oikawa came in about fifteen minutes ago with a man that matched Kageyama's description."
"So let's go get him!" Before Hinata could get far, Suga had grabbed the back of his shirt, letting out a troubled sigh.
"That's the problem; for places like this, you normally need your name on the list or some secret codeword. Since neither one of us have ever been here, it'll be tough to get by without one of those things. And I'm guessing Oikawa wouldn't roll out the welcome mat for us."
"So we can't get in?" The panic he had been pushing to the back of his mind reared up quickly, though the god of love tried to swallow it down. Having a mental breakdown wouldn't help Kageyama. He could see the setter's serious gaze in his mind, the strict tone yelling at him for trying to rush to a solution. Taking a slow breath, Hinata ignored his quickened heartbeat to look at Suga's concentrated face.
"We just need to find someone who'd know the password. Maybe a dancer or-"
"It's 'Iwa-chan'." A deep voice entered the conversation, both gods lifting their heads to see a familiar face. Olive green eyes glowed in the flashing lights of the club, the guardian god crossing his arms while giving his signature scowl. "That bastard seems to think it's a riot to use that as the code. Then again, I don't really need one since that idiot decided to make me some sort of business parter."
"Iwaizumi-san!" Hinata cried out excitedly, Suga giving his own hopeful smile as he stepped closer to the god.
"I don't suppose you could help us get into the VIP lounge?"
"What did Asskawa do this time?" As he asked his question, the bulky man started to approach the VIP entrance, not seeming intimidated by the men guarding the door.
"He lost a bet with Hinata, and he's being a sore loser," Suga supplied, Iwaizumi scoffing before he shook his head.
"That doesn't even surprise me. Wait until I drag his ass back…" Iwaizumi gave a quick wave to the pair of bouncers they approached, both seeming to relax at the sight of the guardian.
"Ah, Iwaizumi-san. It's been a while; did you and bossman get into an argument?"
"Same old bullshit, Matsukawa. He in his normal room?" Iwaizumi asked, the second guard giving a lazy smile before nodding.
"Yup, brought a friend this time. Maybe you'll get replaced as Oikawa's special guest."
"I'd never get so lucky, Hanamaki." Despite the negative reply, the tan god held a tint of a blush before he lifted his thumb to the two gods behind him. "But these two have business with that friend of his. They've got my permission to go in."
"Is it going to piss off the boss?" The first guard asked, giving the hint of a smirk when Iwaizumi nodded. "You really like ruffling his feathers."
"Just let us have ringside seats for the fight." The dark haired guard gave no signs of hesitation when opening the door for the two, Iwaizumi sighing before he glanced back to Hinata and Suga.
"Oikawa will be in one of the last rooms down the hall. You'll know it's his cause it's got the bright teal curtain instead of a door. Says he likes the thrill of someone walking in. You two go ahead; I'm gonna catch up with these two before I take on Oikawa."
"Thanks!" Hinata wasted no time rushing into the long hallway, Suga on his heels while the two followed Hajime's instructions. There were some doors closed to them, while others were open and filled with unique scenes. Hinata blocked them out, knowing his focus needed to be on finding Kageyama. So when the flutter of a teal fabric caught his eye, Hinata skidded to a stop in front of it and sighed in relief. Suga pulled Hinata to the side of the doorway, the two men peeking their heads past the curtain to see inside. The room was much more lavish than the previous ones, which only confirmed it was the cocky god's room. Low lights and sensual music set the scene, the feeling of heavy atmosphere hitting Hinata. The god of love squirmed at the uncomfortable heat seeping into his body.
But all of that meant nothing when Hinata caught sight of Oikawa kissing Kageyama on his couch. Oikawa's mouth was pressed to Kageyama's in a deep kiss, the god of lust's shirt discarded on the floor behind them. The brunet seemed at home straddling the younger setter, his hands wrapped around the wrists of Kageyama and pinning them to the couch. The whole scene looked more intimate than anything Hinata had experienced with his roommate, and he felt his world slow down at the sight. Oikawa was kissing Kageyama.
And the sound of heartbreak rung loud through the god of love's ears.
"No way…" Hinata's throat constricted after his whispered sentence, his heart aching with unfamiliar pain. It felt like Oikawa had punched him in the chest. Everything felt overwhelming to the spiker, and he had to blink when realizing he hadn't torn his eyes from the scene since stumbling onto it. He had never experienced the heartache he was now exposed to. It felt like he was struggling to breath, and no matter how hard he tried, his lungs never had enough air. It was hard to stand, like the rug had been ripped out from under him. And despite not understanding why, the edges of the spiker's eyes stung.
"It's Oikawa's power." Suga's words sounded far away, but the soft touch on his shoulder grounded Hinata to hear the rest of the setter's explanation. "Humans are affected by his aura if they're not bound by a pink soulmate string, remember? Kageyama's not on a fair playing field in this situation."
"I know." Yet even the logical understanding of what was going on didn't make the burn in his chest go away. He didn't voice his pain when the kiss between the two finally broke apart, Kageyama's lack of kissing expertise obvious when he gasped for air. The god of lust had no such problems, his teasing smile draping over his lips as he leaned down to speak against the corner of Kageyama's mouth.
"Now isn't this a lot more fun than some silly setting practice?" To Hinata's surprise, Kageyama jerked his head away from the touch to glare up at Oikawa, his cheeks flushed and his voice strained with arousal.
"I only came with you because you said you'd help me be a better setter for Hinata and my team." A flash of irritation was quick to sweep across Oikawa's face before he pulled back, slender hips rolling once into the dark haired man's lap. The shaky breath that escaped Kageyama's open mouth made Oikawa smirk, eyes bright with power as he spoke.
"I think that your body would rather have a little fun with me, instead. I can feel you under me, you know." When the only response Oikawa received was Kageyama closing his eyes and shaking his head, the god nuzzled his nose just under the man's ear before pressing his lips to the sensitive lobe. "I wonder if you'd be resisting this much if it was Shouyou squirming in your lap?"
"Hi-Hinata? We're not..." The shudder that went through the man's body made Oikawa release his hold on Kageyama's wrists. When the younger setter didn't move his arms, Oikawa smirked before trailing one hand up the vulnerable skin of Kageyama's jaw.
"Would you like that, Tobio-kun? If it was him pressed to you, begging you to ravage him?" The seductive lithe in the god's voice caused the redness in Kageyama's face to darken, though he didn't speak. Instead his eyes scrunched tighter, his hands balling into fists when Oikawa spoke again. "It's a shame that our little cupid can't give you the attention you so desire. You're just a human he needs to complete his mission; he won't waste his time with you. But if you'd let yourself stop resisting my sweet aura, I could make you forget about that. I could treat you good."
"I…" But there was nothing that followed the weak tone in Kageyama's voice, blue eyes hazy when slowly opening half-way. Oikawa trailed his fingers under Kageyama's chin, tilting it slightly to look up at his alluring eyes.
"So what do you say, Tobio-kun? Will you let me help you forget about Hinata?"
"Oikawa!" Anger echoed in the voice of Hinata as he pushed into the room, his eyes narrowed and his hands shaking by his sides. If Oikawa was concerned about the interruption, he didn't show it, his face remaining impassive while he lifted his head to lazily glance at the two intruders.
"Ah, you figured it out. Surprised you made it past the-"
"Get off of Kageyama." There was no hint of humor in Hinata's tone, proving his irritation with Oikawa's antics had far surpassed his patience. Suga remained silent during the exchange, though he kept a watchful eye on the two as they spoke.
"Oh my, chibi-kun. When I stole your playtoy, I never thought you'd get so mad. I mean, this human doesn't even have a thread to work with, right? Doesn't that make him a little useless for you?" Oikawa's hands continued to trace down the slender neck of Kageyama as he spoke. This was the first time that Hinata had seen Oikawa's powers in action, as normally the god would only come to the spiker once he had finished whatever troubling plan he had concocted. He wasn't even sure if Kageyama was coherent enough to realize Hinata and Suga were there. Despite this, Hinata's gaze remained steady on the god of lust's face.
"Oikawa, I'm serious! Stop this, or you'll regret it."
"Is that a threat?" It was obvious that something Hinata had said aggravated the god, Oikawa's eyes shooting daggers at him before he snapped out his next sentence. "Please tell me what you'll do if I don't. You can't curse me a second time."
"A second time?" It was Suga who posed the question, though the spiker's face was filled with confusion at Oikawa's words. In response Oikawa scoffed, his eyes lowering back to Kageyama in contempt.
"Did you ever meet the woman who was the goddess of love before you, chibi-kun?" A pause in the air made Oikawa sigh, the bright eyes losing their glow. Kageyama's head lulled onto the back of the couch, Hinata's body tensing at the change.
"What did you do to Kageyama?!"
"Relax, I just sedated him. He'll wake up in a little bit," Oikawa answered, the god of lust resting his hand onto the Kageyama's cheek with a grimace. "She looked a lot like our friend here, though her eyes were softer. Everyone thought she was so beautiful. There was nobody who would refuse her; to be graced with her presence was considered a blessing."
"But she left during the war, right?" Hinata's question was met with a shake of Oikawa's head.
"She didn't leave willingly; Ukai took her title from her right before the revolt. Some thought her losing her position was part of the catalyst for the opposition."
"What did she do?"
"One of the only things you can do to lose your title; she tried to kill another god."
"Why would she do that?" Hinata asked, unsure of where the story was leading. A laugh that held no humor came from the brunet, Oikawa finally lifting himself from the couch to stand.
"For the greatest feeling of all; love." The sarcasm was dripping from his tone as he snagged the shirt he had removed from the floor, casually pulling it back over his chest. "She became infatuated with someone who wouldn't reciprocate."
"Who was it?" Oikawa's eyes sharpened with focus at Hinata's question, staring the smaller god down. When he responded, his words were laced with unbridled anger and rage.
"She fell in love with me, chibi-kun. And for that, I was cursed."