Hello everyone! I hope you are all doing well. With our boys finally at the Oasis what will they find there? Let's find out!
Hey all! Let's give a big thank you to my beta reader KaraKozakov ( /users/KaraKozakov). They were so kind to reach out and help with beta read for me from now on. If you have time please stop by their page and take a look at their stuff. Also, let's give them a big thankyou 3
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.
I choose you, Chapter 104!
Oasis Picnic
Yamaguchi got ready quickly before heading to the Center's shared kitchen space. Fortunately for him the kitchen was empty and the kind Nurse Joy had gifted him some of the berries that had been used in the curry they ate last night. Panap Berries, Nanab Berries, Pomeg Berries and Payapa Berries. All were grown in the small garden behind the center. They were juicy and fresh, perfect for a hot day. He and Eevee worked together to make some sandwiches and juice. Tsukki joined them once he had finished getting himself ready.
With their lunch in hand Yamaguchi and Tsukki waited by the center's entrance. They didn't have to wait long. Kuroo came sauntering through the center in vibrant blue swim trunks and a gaudy Alolan print button up shirt. He wore a large sun hat and huge annoying sunglasses. He looked just like one of those tourists that would come to Alola and take tons of pictures.
"You guys ready for an afternoon of fun?" Kuroo sang, wrapping his arms around the shoulders of both trainers and guiding them out the door.
Tsukishima gave a low hiss at this but didn't pull away.
"Is Kenma okay?" Yamaguchi asked as they stepped out the door.
"He is fine. He wants to stay inside today and analyze the data Musharna has collected," Kuroo said. "He also hates water."
"Oh, haha," Yamaguchi feebly replied, a bit nervous about the data Kenma would be receiving from Musharna.
"No need to look so worried, you two," Kuroo said, giving the two a small shake. "Let's relax and have fun. This is one of the best places in Kalos for a swim after all."
Kuroo hadn't been lying. The sandy beaches of the oasis rivaled those back in Alola. The water was crystal clear and as blue as the sky. The air was much cooler here than the desert surrounding them and the green trees provided more than enough shade. It wasn't long before everyone's teams were out of their balls and enjoying the water.
Yamaguchi and Kuroo splashed around the water, swimming this way and that, while Tsukki decided to sit under some shade and watch. Eevee sat in Tsukki's lap, also unsure if she was ready for a swim. Brionne swam circles around Yamaguchi with much joy. Trainer and pokemon both enjoyed themselves as they raced around.
Beautiful Luvdisc, Lumineon, and Finneon joined them in the festivities. The water was so clear Yamaguchi could see the friendly fish swim and dance around his toes. This had to have been one of the best days in a while. He didn't feel nearly as tired as last night and something in the water gave him new energy.
"This place is amazing," Yamaguchi cheered as a rather brave Lumineon leapt out of the water and over his head.
"It's one of the prettiest places in Kalos but not many people get to enjoy it because it's sort of a pain to get here," Kuroo explained as he floated on his back. "Even flying Taxis have trouble getting out here due to the wind."
"This is definitely one of those places I'd love to come back to," Yamaguchi hummed before taking in a deep breath to dive under.
Yamaguchi swam forward as Brionne whizzed around him. He and Brionne, back when she was a Popplio, used to swim just like this back at the beaches in Alola. He hadn't realized how much he missed doing it.
Yamaguchi came back up for air for only a moment before diving back down. He was a relatively strong swimmer. Living on a houseboat his parents made sure he could swim. With his long strong arms and legs he propelled through the water very much like a mermaid.
He came up for air once more before diving back down. Brionne swam happily under water as she raced beside him. With another stroke, Yamaguchi went forward but this time he ran into something round and hard. He doubled back for a moment, grunting a muffled 'ack'. Bubbled escaped his mouth as it filled with water. He struggled only a moment before regaining his footing on the sand below.
Yamaguchi stood up rubbing his head. The water reached just under his chest. He released a small hiss of pain and whatever he ran into did the same thing.
"Yamaguchi?" It was Hinata's voice.
"Wha-?" Yamaguchi sputtered upon seeing Hinata rubbing his head where the two had collided.
"What are you doing here?" they both asked at the same time.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm here for a swim," Hinata practically sang.
"Same," Yamaguchi said sheepishly. "Are you here with Kageyama and Yachi?"
"Of course I am!" Hinata smiled. "We go everywhere together now! They are back at the picnic spot we scouted out. Yachi wanted to work on a project and stayed behind and Kageyama said he needed to go look for something," he explained, pouting when he mentioned Kageyama. "I think he was just afraid of losing to me in a swimming race."
"Yeah I'm sure that's it," Yamaguchi sighed, his tone only a little sarcastic.
"Hey, is that Hinata?" Kuroo called from a ways off. How he could tell it was Hinata from so far away, Yamaguchi didn't know.
"KUROO!" Hinata cheered, pushing past Yamaguchi to get to the older trainer.
Yamaguchi's eyes followed the smaller trainer as he swam like a Sharpedo and attacked Kuroo with enthusiasm. He also caught Tsukki looking extremely repulsed from the shore. This afternoon was bound to be more interesting than had originally expected it to be.
As Kuroo met Hinata the two exchanged an odd sort of handshake. Yamaguchi couldn't tell if it was something they had practiced beforehand or if it was something they were improvising on the spot. Hinata started talking to Kuroo a mile a minute but Kuroo didn't seem terribly overwhelmed.
Feeling a bit forgotten, Yamaguchi made his way back to shore to where Tsukki sat scowling. His amber eyes were set on Hinata and Kuroo. He barely acknowledged Yamaguchi as Yamaguchi took a seat next to him.
"Who would have thought Hinata would be here of all places," Yamaguchi laughed, his tone laced with a speck of uncertainty. He could tell Tsukki wasn't too happy about this arrangement.
"First I have to put up with Kuroo and now this!" Tsukishima grumbled to himself. "He is not joining us for lunch," this he addressed more to Yamaguchi.
Yamaguchi opened his mouth to reply only to have Kuroo and Hinata crash their conversation.
"Guess who is going to join us for lunch," Kuroo smiled as Hinata bounded around happily.
"It's a good thing I made extras," Yamaguchi replied before Tsukki could say 'no'.
"I'll go tell Yachi!" Hinata cheered, rushing back into the water and zooming back from the way he came.
A dark shadow casted over Tsukki's face. He looked like he was about ready to blow his top. Yamaguchi wanted to console him but knew saying anything now would only cause him to explode. Instead he sent a quick text to Kageayama from his dex. He had told Kageyama last night they'd be here a few days so he wondered why Kageyama hadn't told him they'd be here too.
It wasn't long before Hinata arrived back with Yachi. Yachi looked just as excited as Hinata but was in better control of her emotions. Tsukishima seemed to ease up a bit when Yachi showed up. He was always a little less nasty when she was around. Yamaguchi assumed he didn't want to hurt her feelings by accident.
"Wow, I had no clue you guys were going to be here today," Yachi gasped as she took a seat on the blanket between Yamaguchi and Hinata.
"Really?" Yamaguchi asked, his voice cracking a bit "I told Kageyama we'd be here." out of the corner of his eye Yamaguchi caught Tsukki going stiff.
"That asshole didn't say anything about you guys being here," Hinata snapped. "He got all fussy yesterday and made us come."
Yachi gave a little giggle. "I bet he was too shy to tell us he wanted to come and see you all."
"If that was the reason he should have just said it," Hinata spoke loudly as he flailed his arms.
"That guy has never been good with words," Kuroo shrugged.
"Well, he can at least try not to be confusing," Hinata pouted. "He called me an idiot when I told him we didn't have time to take a vacation."
"Oh, he was probably just too shy to admit that he wanted to see Yamaguchi," Yachi smiled sweetly, turning her gaze to a bewildered Yamaguchi.
"M-M-Me!?" Yamaguchi eeped, sitting up straight.
"Yeah, Kenma told us about what happened to you a few weeks back in the forest, Yamaguchi," Yachi now looked quite worried as she spoke. "Kageyama was quite upset when he found out. He was about to fly over to the hospital to see you."
Tsukishima seethed with anger from next to Yamaguchi.
"I… Kageyama never mentioned knowing about me being in the hospital," Yamaguchi couldn't help but feel bad about worrying the others.
"He's just shy when it comes to caring for others," Yachi shrugged. "All this time I think he wanted to check in with you in person but didn't want to impose."
"If he was just more upfront about it we could have at least planned meeting you guys here," Hianta mumbled. "Instead of dragging us here with no explanation."
"Well, I'm glad we were able to meet up anyways," Yamaguchi smiled brightly. He was still a little shocked to hear Kageayam had been worried over him.
"Hey, is that where the Scolipede stung you!?" Hinata blurted out with no restraint. He pointed to the angy fresh scar on Yamaguchi's left side.
"Hinata!" Yachi gasped as how blunt he was being.
"Or is it the scab on your arm?" Hinata asked in rapid fire, pointing to the scar on his arm that Jangmo-o had given him.
"This one here is from Jangmo-o," Yamaguchi explained, holding his arms up.
"So the one on your side is the Scolipede sing!" Hinata gasped, giving it a small poke.
Yamaguchi winced in pain. The wound had healed over but was still tender. Anytime he moved the wrong way or something bumped into it would send a jolt of pain through his body.
"What the hell are you doing, you idiot!" Tsukishima snapped, smacking Hinata's hand away from his boyfriend.
"S-Sorry! I didn't think I'd still hurt you!" Hianta gasped, apologizing profusely.
"Do you always just go around poking injured people like that?" Tsukishima growled, glaring daggers at Hinata.
"I said I was sorry!" Hinata snapped back.
"It's fine," Yamaguchi cut in before any more could be said. "Just try not to touch it."
"Oh, Yamaguchi," Yachi sighed, her brow furrowed in worry. "I was so worried when I heard you were stung by a Scolipede. They have some of the worst stings out there. People have died."
Both Yamaguchi and Tsukishima went silent at this. They had no clue to what extent Kenma had told them about the attack. Had he just said Yamaguchi was attacked? By the looks of it they didn't seem to realize Yamaguchi really had been close to biting it. Yamaguchi glanced over to find Tsukki looking very upset. He knew Tsukki hated reliving the incident. It still haunted his poor boyfriend.
"Well, it was a good thing Kuroo was there to save these two," Kuroo spoke up, doing his best to look very heroic.
"Kuroo rescued you two?" Hinata asked, wide eyed.
"He sure did," Yamaguchi nodded. It wasn't a lie. If Kuroo hadn't come Yamaguchi didn't want to think about what would have happened. From the looks of it Tsukki reluctantly agreed.
"Hey, next time you go and rescue someone can I come along too!?" Hinata asked, his eyes wide and excited.
"Sure, you can be my sidekick," Kuroo shrugged before giving Hinata's hair a ruffle.
"With a light signal or something you can call me. When you go on a rescue mission you can flash it into the sky and I'll come running to help you save the day!" Hinata spoke excitedly.
It was hard to tell if Hinata was being genuine or just joking. Regardless, Tsukki looked just about ready to say something to antagonize him. Sensing this, Yamaguchi worked quickly to change the subject. He grabbed for their picnic basket but before he could suggest they eat someone came barreling through the bushes.
All the members at the picnic table gave a great jump. Yamaguchi, Yachi and Hinata shrieked loudly with Hinata falling over. Their shock only lasted a second for the person who popped out was none other than a panting Kageyama.
Kageayama's eyes scanned the shocked group. His eyes only lingered on each member a moment before landing on Yamaguchi. Kageyama seemed to relax a bit as he and Yamaguchi held eye contact for a moment.
"What the crap, Kageyama, you scared the shit out of us!" Hinata bellowed, rolling himself back into a sitting position.
Ignoring Hinata, Kageyama made eye contact with Tsukishima. The two shot daggers at one another. The group became quiet with an awkward silence as the two duked it out in a silent glaring contest.
"K-Kageyama, why don't you sit down," Yachi eventually eeped.
"We were just about to start lunch," Yamaguchi added. He laughed nervously as he and Yachi both scooted over so Kageyama could fit between them.
Kaeyama released a small growl breaking eye contact with Tsukishima. Tsukishima smiled smugly. Kageyama sat himself between Yachi and Yamaguchi, sitting a little closer to Yamaguchi than Yachi. Kuroo's eyes narrowed in suspicion as he watched Tsukki also scoot closer to Yamaguchi. There was definitely something up between Tsukishima and Kageyama that went beyond simple trainer rivalry.
"I made some sandwiches," Yamaguchi said, moving awkwardly to take them out since most of his sitting space had been taken up by Kageyama and Tsukki.
"Oh, yummm," Yachi smiled upon seeing the petit sandwiches Yamaguchi had made. "Hinata and I made some Onigiri and fruit salad," she said, showing off what she and Hianata had made that morning.
"Why are these Onigiri so lumpy," Tsukishima said, turning up his nose as he pointed to some rather misshapen onigiri.
"Well, those ones are…" Yachi started timidly.
"You got a problem with them, four-eyes?" Hinata snapped.
"So it was you who made these ones," Tsukishima smugly teased.
"It doesn't matter how they look!" Hinata carried on loudly. "It's the flavor that matters the most! Right, Yachi!"
"We did use the same ingredients so they should taste just as good as mine," Yachi agreed. "And Hinata has been working hard to get better at cooking."
"I'll give them a try," Yamaguchi said, taking one of the lumpy Onigiri.
Hinata smiled brightly. "You're always so nice, Yamaguchi!"
"That will be a pass from me," Tsukishima bluntly said, taking one of Yachi's Onigiri and one of Yamaguchi's sandwiches.
Hinata glared at Tsukishima but chose not to argue. The other's served themselves some food. There was more than enough to go around.
"Wow, Hinata they really are quite good," Yamaguchi praised after taking a bite of his Onigiri. "You and Yachi really outdid yourselves.
Hinata beamed brightly. He mumbled something incoherent through a mouthful of food. Bits of rice flew from his mouth as he spoke.
"Grose! Don't talk with your mouth full," Tsukishima snapped. "You're getting bits of chewed food everywhere."
"Aww he's just excited from a job well done," Kuroo spoke in a sweet voice as he defended Hinata.
"Don't encourage him," Kageyama sighed.
"Hey, you always talk with your mouth full," Hinata shouted, after swallowing his bite.
"Do not!" Kageyama snapped back.
"Do too, Right Yachi!" Hinata yelled.
All trainers looked to Yachi. The poor girl looked about ready to faint with all attention on here. She mumbled over her words unable to get a single sentence out.
"Hey, I also made some cookies this morning," Yamaguchi cut in, hoping the mention of dessert would draw everyone's attention away from the argumen.
"Cookies!" Hinata cheered. "Yamaguchi's baking is THE BEST!"
Yamaguchi smiled sweetly as he laid out the cookies in the middle of their circle. Yachi sent him a look that said 'thank you so much'.
It wasn't long before all the food was eaten and every trainer was full. Hinata and Kageyama were shouting loudly as they raced each other in the water. Kuroo swam with them as a referee. Yamaugchi laid out on his beach towel under the shade of a tree. It was very warm out but under the shade it felt just right for a nap. He was indeed tried after all the excitement. Yachi sat beside him reading from the book. The two chatted quietly as they enjoyed the warm afternoon. Tsukki sat quietly on the other side of Yamaguchi, scowling as he watched and judged the others in the water.
"Not much of a swimmer, Tsukishima?" Yachi asked, looking up from her book to the taller trainer.
Tsukishima looked to Yachi, unintentionally scowling at her. Yachi gave a small eep upon catching sight of his galre.
"Be nice to Yachi!" Yamaguchi scolded. He gave Tsukishima a slap on the knee but didn't bother to sit up.
Tsukishima's scowl vanished as rubbed the spot on his knee where he had been slapped. "Like I'd want to swim with those idiots," he rumbled. "There is no way that would be relaxing."
Yamaguchi stifled a laugh as he heard this. The idea of Tsukki joining in on the race would be hilarious. Tsukki would hate it.
"I guess they can get a little over excited," Yachi smiled sweetly, laughing a bit herself.
"Over excited is an understatement and you know it," Tsukishima scowled at the three in the water once more. "I wouldn't be shocked if we got kicked out of the area with how loud they are being."
Yachi and Yamaguchi both laughed. Maybe if it was a more crowded day Tsukki would be right but today they were basically the only ones at the oasis. Yamaguchi didn't think much of it. Kuroo had said this place was not easy to get to and he knew first hand that Kuroo wasn't exaggerating.
The afternoon passed by pleasantly. Keeping his promise, when Tsukishima's alarm went off Yamaguchi headed back to the center. Yachi joined the two as she wanted to talk a bit more with Yamaguchi about his last showcase.
Yamaguchi and Yachi spent the late afternoon in the kitchen where Yamaguchi taught Yachi how to bake his family's sweet rolls. He told her she had to promise to never mention it to his family ever or he'd definitely be disowned. This caused Yachi to worry but Yamaguchi reassured her as long as they didn't find out he'd be safe.
The sun was already setting when the other's arrived back. All three looked like they had spent way too much time in the sun by how red their skin was. Yachi scolded Hinata and Kageyama for not reapplying sunscreen when they should have.
Dinner was pleasant and lively. With everyone, including Kenma, present they were able to share good laughs. Yamaguchi had no clue Kenma and Hinata were such close friends. They were almost as close as Tsukki was to Kuroo. He never took Kenma as the sort of guy to be drawn to Hinata but who was he to judge.
After dinner Kuroo and Hinata offered to clean up the dishes; both dragging Tsukki along to help. As Yamaguchi watched his boyfriend being dragged against his will he felt someone tap him on the shoulder. He turned to find Kageyama standing awkwardly beside him.
"Hey, Kageyama," Yamaguchi greeted, smiling sweetly.
"Do you…" Kageyama awkwardly started. "Want to join me for a walk?" As he said this he gestured outside. "A short one of course."
Yamaguchi looked surprised for only a moment but smiled and nodded his head. "Sure, sounds fun." He could tell Kageyama had something on his mind and lowkey felt bad for never directly telling Kageyama about being in the hospital. He did consider Kageyama a good friend after all.
Without saying anything to the others the two left the cafeteria and headed out. They both made sure to wear a jacket for it was quite cold outside now that it was dark. With the sun gone and the stars out the dester really did drop by several degrees. The two decided to walk along the water while they calmly talked.
"I'm happy to see that your leg is better, Kageyama," Yamaguchi smiled.
Just the light of the almost full moon illuminated their path and it's soft light made Yamaguchi glow like an angel. Kageyama felt his heart do an odd flip. "I-I'm happy you're okay as well," he said looking away to hide his face.
The two walked quietly for a moment. Yamaguchi was a little surprised by being asked to go on a walk. Kageyama had never really been one for chatting after all.
"Sorry…" Yamaguchi said louder than he meant.
Kegayama looked at him in confusion and mild worry. Yamaguchi couldn't imagine why Kageyama would be worried.
"Sorry, that I never messaged you about the Scolipede attack," Yamaguchi explained awkwardly. "I really do consider you guys my good friends. I should have told you instead of you having to hear about it from Kenma."
Kageyama gave a small quiet nod. "I was very worried when I found out," he paused for a long moment, studying Yamaguchi's every feature, before carrying on. "How bad was it…?"
"I didn't want to worry Yachi or Hinata but I don't want to lie to you, Kageyama… It was pretty bad," Yamagucih admitted. For some reason he felt like Kageyama needed to know. "I got really sick and had to be in the hospital for over a week."
Kageyama looked sad at hearing this. He didn't want to hear about Yamaguchi getting so sick. Without thinking he reached out and took Yamaguchi's hand.
Yamaguchi jumped in shock at the sudden touch. Both trainers froze as they made eye contact. Kageyama's hand felt so gentle and caring. Kegayama looked nothing but worried as he held Yamaguchi's hand. It was a warm comfortable moment and Yamaguchi couldn't help but feel sorry for having worried his friend so.
In a moment Kageyama became aware of what he was doing. His cheeks went red as he released Yamaguchi's hand and turned the other way. He couldn't believe he had just done that without thinking. He glanced over to see Yamaguchi smile gently.
"I'm sorry to have worried you," Yamaguchi hummed. He looked nothing but angelic under the moonlight.
"You shouldn't hesitate if you ever need my help," Kageayama mumbled, still failing to control his blush. "If I'm able to help I'd worry much less."
Yamaguchi was surprised at how sweet Kageyama could be. The situation seemed almost romantic but he tried not to think about that. Kageyama was his friend and probably didn't mean to come across as such. "Thank you, Kageyama," his soft smile lingered as he looked at his shy friend. "Any you know you, Yachi and Hinata can always count on me and Tsukki as well."
"Tsukishima…" Kageyama grimaced as he mumbled the name.
"I know you two don't get along but he really does care," Yamaguchi inisted. "Well, he cares in his own way," he released a reluctant laugh.
Kageyama narrowed his eyes as he looked at Yamaguchi skeptically. Tsukishima probably only cared about Yachi even if that.
"Hey, I bet the others are wondering where we are," Yamaguchi sighed, truing back toward the Center. "We should probably get back."
Kageyama gave a silent nod as he followed close behind Yamaguchi, sad that their alone time was already over.
Author Note:
Poor Kageyama. Will he ever be able to get over Yamaguchi or even confess his feelings? Will Yamaguchi ever be able to figure out Kageyama is crushing on him? What other sorts of adventures will our boys, and girl, run into while at the Oasis. Stay tuned to find out.
I hope everyone is having a good Valentine's Day. I got some chocolate from my friends and that is all I could ask for. I want to thank you all for taking the time to read this fic. I appreciate the follows, bookmarks, kudos, comments and reviews. Please leave a comment down below and let me know what you think so far.
I hope you are all taking care. It is gradually getting warmer where I live. Soon it will be spring. I tend to produce more writing (and in my opinion better writing) when it is warmer out. I hope we can all hold on until then and for all of you in the southern hemisphere enjoy the warm summer/fall weather while you can hahaha.
See you next chapter!