Hey peeps! I hope you are all doing well and enjoying 2020. What's not to like about the year of the rat!? Anyways, it is finally time for our two boys to break from their camps and meet back up again. Let's find out what awaits them!

This chapter was beta read by my regular beta reader Killer_Squids (they are also back from their vacation). You can find their work on AO3 here ( /users/Killer_Squids). They can also be found on tumblr under the name land-banana. They have done a wonderful job with betaing for me so if you have time please give there page a look.

Any Artwork you may see associated with this fic (on AO3, or Tumblr) has all been created by my good friend SlothyClaws. That is their instagram also have a website ( .com). They do commissions and their commissions are open to anyone that is interested. Go and give their page a look if you are interested.

Chapter 65, I choose you!

On the Road to Ambrette Town

The next morning Yamaguchi woke feeling refreshed. He had a warm drive that spread through his body making it surprisingly easy for him to wake up the next morning. He found himself alone in the bed with the sound of the shower running. He worked quickly to dress and pack up his things. They'd all have one last breakfast together before everyone went on their ways, and Yamaguchi had agreed to help with breakfast preparations.

Not wanting to be late to the kitchen, he gathered his things and left before Kageyama had emerged from the shower. With his backpack on his back and Eevee in his arms he headed to the kitchen. Once he got there he was greeted by Yachi and Sugawara. They had all "volunteered" to make the final breakfast. In reality, Yamaguchi had been pressured into making the last meal they'd all eat together but he didn't mind.

"Good morning, Yamaguchi," Yachi greeted brightly. She wore an adorable pink apron and wore a large smile upon her face.

"Good to see we didn't have to drag you out of bed," Sugawara joked with one of his large warm smiles.

"Morning!" Yamaguchi greeted with a bright smile of his own.

"So, what's on the menu for today?" Sugawara asked, addressing Yamaguchi as if he were a top chef.

Yamaguchi's cheeks went pink as he and Yachi stifled their giggles.

"I was thinking maybe pancakes and berries. Something easy but still delicious," Yamaguchi hummed. Pancakes were also what he had used to lure in Riolu all those years ago and he thought they'd be a great way to celebrate how far they'd come.

"Oh, I love pancakes," Yachi cheered.

"Sounds like a plan to me," Sugawara nodded.

The kitchen filled with laughter as the three got to work. Yachi and Sugawara cut up berries as Yamaguchi cooked them down to make a fresh homemade berry sauce to top the pancakes. The kitchen was warm and bright, and before long others joined in on the laughter. Noya and Yakui helped with cleaning the dishes while Kageyama and Daichi carried on cutting more berries. Yamaguchi and Yachi took to flipping the cakes while Sugawara expedited everyone around him. Yamaguchi couldn't think of a better way to end the camp then to laugh amongst the new friends he had made.

The pancakes were a hit and the perfect way to celebrate a job well done. The cleanup was simple so more time could be spent chatting around the table.

"Kageyama and I will stay here and rejoin with Hinata so he can try to take on the Shalour Gym once more," Yachi explained to the group of people at their table as they all shared their plans.

"I'll be heading up north for a contest that will be taking place in a week," Noya said between large mouthfuls of pancakes. "That key is as good as mine!"

"Not if I win it," Yaku challenged, who also planned to attend the same Showcase.

Laughter erupted at the table. Yamaguchi couldn't help but feel the joy spread in the room. He hoped Tsukki had been able to connect with others like this at his camp too.

Breakfast ended far sooner than anyone wanted it to. Goodbyes were drawn out and long. No one wanted to part but they had only reserved the camp until the morning and had no choice but to leave.

As Noya and Yaku headed off down the path Yamaguchi readied himself to part as well. He waved the two goodbye and thanked Yaku once more for having brought him to the camp to begin with.

"I'm going to miss you, Yamaguchi," Yachi cried as he tackled him into a hug. "I wish you the best of luck at the Ambrette Town Showcase! I know you're going to take the key home this time."

"I don't plan on losing," Yamaguchi nodded as he hugged her back.

"I also wish you the best of luck with Tsukki," She whispered into his ear.

Yamaguchi's heart did a flip as his face went red. He stumbled over his words as Yachi pulled away from the hug, sending him a wink.

"You'll have to let me know how it goes," Yachi said with a cheeky smile.

"Yachi!" Yamaguchi whined, doing his best to fight the red in his cheeks. He then turned his attention to Kageyama.

The dark-haired trainer had been stiff and distant all morning. Perhaps he wasn't so good with goodbyes. Yamaguchi was sad to part with him. In their short time together, Kageyama had really grown on him.

"Thanks again for everything you've done for me," Yamaguchi said, sending him a genuine smile.

Kageyama's cheeks went pink as he looked like he was about to puke. He gave a nod then a shake of his head. "I didn't do much."

"Don't be so modest, Kageyama," Yamaguchi joked, giving Kageyama's shoulder a nudge. "I'll miss our nighttime battle training. I hope it wasn't too much trouble for you."

"It was my pleasure to have helped you. I had a great time doing it," Kageyama admitted, still stiff as ever.

"Promise me you'll keep in touch?" Yamaguchi asked, his smile gentle.

"O-Of course," Kegayama choked, his stony facade breaking under Yamaguchi's soft glow.

"Well, I'll see you two around then," Yamaguchi sighed, stepping back a bit as he gave a small wave.

"We'll miss you, Yamaguchi," Yachi replied as she fought back tears.

"We'll miss your cooking," Kageyama added, this winning him a sloppy laugh from Yachi.

"Next time we meet, I'll be sure to cook up a good meal," Yamaguchi promised as he too giggled at the comment.

There was a strange longing in Kageyama's eyes as he looked over Yamaguchi once more. Yamaguchi caught it but didn't know what to make of it. He never took Kageyama as the type to be bad with parting like this, but you learn new things every day.

With that Kageyama and Yachi headed off down the path back to Shalour city. Once they were out of view Yamaguchi headed to where Sugawara was waiting for him. He stood with Daichi, who was bidding his farewell to the dusty-haired trainer.

"Now you make sure you're eating well and let me know when you arrive back home," Sugawara went off on both Daichi and Asahi.

"Yes, mom," Asahi said with a roll of her eyes.

"And we promise not to talk with any strangers," Daichi added with an exaggerated eye roll of his own.

"Hey, don't take that tone with me," Sugawara warned with a scowl.

It was when Yamaguchi came up beside him that the three melted into laughter.

"Sorry to make you wait," Yamaguchi said, joining the three.

"No problem," Sugawara said with a shake of his head. "I was just saying bye to these two bozos here."

"Hey!" Asahi whined, only for Sugawara to laugh.

Asahi and Daichi bid their farewell before heading off into the forest.

"I invited Daichi to come along with us, but he has Gym duties to get back to," Sugawara sighed as his two friends disappeared into the trees.

"Sorry to make you go out of your way like this," Yamaguchi said, shuffling his feet a bit.

"Nonsense," Sugawara replied, giving Yamaguchi's back a strong pat. "I'm actually really looking forward to the showcase. I can't wait to see that routine on a lit stage."

"I'll do my best to win that key," Yamaguchi promised with determination.

"I pity anyone who has to go up against you," Sugawara praised. "You're becoming a formidable opponent."

Yamaguchi's cheeks flushed with pride. He hoped more than ever to live up to Sugawara's high expectations. This next showcase was going to be his and he was going to win that key and confess his feeling to Tsukki.

Several miles north of their camp another trainer was also parting ways with his campmates. Or that's what Tsukishima thought was on today's agenda. He frowned as he watched Hinata and Lev sprint off down the path into the woods. Following the two at a slower pace was Kenma. From beside Tsukki, Bokuto was shouting his farewells to the three as they disappeared.

Tsukishima had thought his time with these insane people ended today but because of Yamaguchi's little stunt of wanting to meet up in Ambrette Town, he was cursed to spend several more days with Kuroo and Bokuto.

"Well now, shall we head on out as well?" Kuroo asked from the other side of Tsukishima.

"None of you need to come with me to Ambrette Town," Tsukishima deadpanned. "I'm fine on my own."

"Nonsense, Tsukki," Kuroo hummed as he got into the tall blond's bubble. "We both know it's impossible for you to walk all the way to Ambrette Town in just two days."

"That's why we can just take my car," Bokuto cheered as he punched the air with excitement. "Road trip!"

"Walking would be a lot less headache-inducing," Tsukishima grumbled as his patient began to wear thin.

"But if you're late to the showcase, poor Yamaguchi would be disappointed," Kuroo swooned.

How dare he use Tsukishima's weakness against him? He knew that even if he left yesterday on foot he'd be cutting it far too close to the Showcase Yamaguchi insisted he see. Why was Yamaguchi so insistent about participating in this particular showcase? Tsukishima hadn't spoken a word with him since their last call. Even when he sent Yamaguchi a message he'd only get a short reply. What was going through Yamaguchi's mind? All Tsukishima wanted was to be back by Yamaguchi's side and as far away from everyone else as he possibly could.

"I don't see why you're so insistent on coming along and seeing Yamaguchi's showcase," Tsukishima grumbled shooting Bokuto an accusatory look. "You barely even know Yamaguchi."

"Is it so bad that I want to support the love interest of my top protégé," Bokuto swooned, getting far too close to Tsukishima.

Tsukishima just scowled. "I'm not your protégé!"

Tsukishima's deadpan respond didn't seem to deter Bokuto. "Besides, you need my car to get there on time and there is nothing I love more than a road trip," He hooted once more.

This did little to convince Tsukishima that taking them along was a good idea. If Bokuto didn't reign it in around Yamaguchi, Tsukishima would be sure to knock some sense into him.

"With the way Sugawara talks about Yamaguchi's improvements in the week I'm looking forward to seeing his performance," Kuroo sighed with a proud smile. "I remember when I first met you two and he was a shy mess. Who'd think he'd grow up so fast."

"Oh shut up," Tsukishima snapped. "Like you've known him much longer then Bokuto."

"Tsukki, never wanting to share Yamaguchi with others," Kuroo teased.

"Hinata was right," Bokuto piped in. "You are stingy when it comes to Yamaguchi."

Tsukishima gelt his eye twitch. How dare they talk about him and Yamaguchi like that. He wasn't stingy at all when it came to Yamaguchi. Yamaguchi was allowed to talk with and be with whoever he wanted even if it did boil his blood sometimes. Tsukishima scowled deeper as the thought of Kageyama. At least Yamaguchi and Kageyama parted ways today. That dumbass better not have done anything to Yamaguchi.

"If you guys are ready we should probably hit the road," Akaashi calmy piped in. "We have quite a ways to go and we wouldn't want to be late."

"I'm driving!" Bokuto shouted.

"I call shotgun," Kuroo declared just as loudly.

Tsukishima didn't argue. Taking the back with Akaashi sounded like the best outcome if he was being honest.

Bokuto's SUV was roomy and took to the back roads just fine. Bokuto and Kuroo listened to music that was far too loud. They talked boisterously about this and that from the front seat, while Akaashi and Tsukishima quietly sat in the back. The ride was bumpy and even with his headphones on and his music turned up Tsukishima could hear the loud laughs of the two in front. As Tsukishima looked out the window at the passing scenery he swore he'd bop Yamaguchi on the head for prolonging his torture with those two idiots.

The drive to Ambrette Town for Yamaguchi and Sugawara was much quieter. They drove a small car that Sugawara had rented for the weekend. Calm music played as the two discussed this and that. It was calm and relaxing to say the least and a great way to calm down after such an exciting morning.

Yamaguchi missed everyone already, even though they had only just parted. He wondered how Kageyama and Yachi were doing. He thought of Noya and Yaku and wondered if they were still racing each other down the path. It had been so much fun to get to know everyone in the past week, but his heart swelled with the excitement of seeing Tsukki again so soon.

"So, is there any reason why you're so adamant about participating in Ambrette Town's showcase?" Sugawara asked, not averting his eyes from the road as he did so.

Yamaguchi felt his cheeks go pink. Participating in a fossil themed showcase, winning it's key and then confessing his feelings to Tsukki, it was just so romantic in his head. "Fossils are just something I enjoy," he half lied, he really did enjoy the subject thanks to Tsukki.

"Hmm?" Sugawara hummed, not missing the blush on Yamaguchi's cheeks. "I take it you're excited to see Tsukishima again," he guessed correctly.

Yamaguchi's cheeks went red. "I know it's only been a week but it feels like we've been apart so much longer."

"Well, I bet he's going to be just as happy to see you too," Sugawara snickered. "From what Kuroo says, he seems to miss you."

"Tsukki talked about me to Kuroo?" Yamaguchi cheeks were almost as red as a Pikachu's cheeks. Could Tsukki be pining for him just as much as he was pining for Tsukki?

Sugawara gave a small shrug as he giggled at his travel companion's reaction.

Steam released from Yamaguchi's ears from the embarrassment he felt. "S-Stop teasing me like that," he whined. He knew he wore his heart on his sleeve.

"Sorry, it's not my fault you're cute when shy," Sugawara laughed.

Yamaguchi pouted through his blush, his freckled cheeks puffing out as he did so.

This only caused Sugawara to laugh more. "Sorry, sorry. I'll stop teasing you," he gave in, still chuckling at his cute travel companion.

Yamaguchi didn't realize how cruel Sugawara could be. The way he picked on Asahi should have tipped him off. But he knew Sugawara meant no harm in his teasing.

"So, are you ready to show what you got on stage?" Sugawara asked, changing the subject.

"You bet I am," Yamaguchi replied, determination in his eyes. He honestly felt polished and ready for this showcase.

"That's what I like to hear," Sugawara smiled. "You go and blow everyone away."

Yamaguchi nodded as he gazed at the road ahead of them. He'd captivate Tsukki and make sure he couldn't look away from him!

Author Notes:

Our two protagonists are about to meet up once more. Will Yamaguchi win his key? Will he be able to confess to Tsukki? What will Tsukki think if Yamaguchi confesses? What other shenanigans awaits them in Ambrette Town? Stay tuned to find out this and more!

Looks like the holidays season is over. Do you guys have any new year resolution. I have a few but one of them is to keep up with this fic. I was able to write several chapters for this fic over my Christmas/New Years holiday so you can rest assured that the content will still be flowing smoothly! Keep an eye out for Chapter 66 same time next week!

Hey all! As always thank you all so so so much for the likes, follows, kudos, bookmarks, comments and reviews. I love to hear from my readers so please leave a comment down below and let me know what you think!

See you next chapter!