AN: So I've had this Tsukki fanfic idea that i just couldn't move past. I hope you like it. There will definitely be a chapter 2.
It was a battle he hadn't even realised he'd been waging all his life.
Ever since he'd 'saved' Tadashi with a dry look and mere word that he'd felt her echo behind him, he couldn't help feeling on edge.
"Pathetic"
He glanced from the corner of his eye to spy the girl who's words intertwined with his own and is struck by her resemblance to Tadashi. Not that he'd known who Tadashi was then, but he would eventually get to know the Yamaguchi boy. Siblings? No, they had to be the same age of she shared their recess. Did Tadashi have a twin?
Tsukishima shook his head and wondered off, paying little attention to the bullies who'd run off and the Yamaguchi siblings who's eyes he could feel lingering on him.
He told himself he didn't care if they were alright. The bullies couldn't have done that much harm. Besides, that girl looked like she could handle herself.
There was no reason to care.
Still, it was the beginning of an unwilling era for him and the Yamaguchi twins.
Tadashi would join him in volleyball shorty after but thankfully without his unnerving twin at his side. He didn't make the first team, but then again he was more there for Tsukishima's protection, or so he'd mused.
He didn't mind, the freckled boy was growing on him and Akiteru had told him to make a friend or seemed acceptable enough. Although, he had a nasty habit of lying to his twin about playing in matches. The girl had her archery practice at the same time, so she hadn't attended a match. He often wondered if she was any good. He didn't much see her outside of walking home and recess.
Tadashi kept lying and honestly, he didn't really see the harm in it.
It was a little white lie, so he supposed she would never know, given she wouldn't take a day off from her own sport. Except one day she sprinted into the gym, an archery trophy on hand, her eyes looking absolutely alive. He'd been so distracted he'd messed up his serve as her eyes dragged across the court searching for her brother dimming when she realised he wasn't on the court. Tadashi's too distracted to notice the way his sister walks out of the gym, face pained. He doesn't care enough to warn Tadashi about what awaits him as he waves the freckled boy off after the match.
It wasn't his business anyway.
Who cared about the twins and thier issues?
It's a week filled with a pair of gloomy Yamaguchi's when he resolved to see his brother play and that perks up the mood. She's curious and apparently that's just enough to spare his best friend a day of her passive aggressiveness. Tadashi's busy with cram school, but his sister, who's grades rivaled Tsukishima's own, wonders idly at his side as they enter the gym. Her eyes are still a little too dim, but there's something behind all that he thinks. Her hands fisting the back of his hoodie to make sure he won't loose her and it should annoy him but he doesn't care enough to brush her off.
He spots Akiteru in mere a minute, and he knows she's spotted him too. As the blood drains from his face he shakes of her hand that's anchoring him to reality, it's not there to comfort him. He knows she doesn't quite care enough.
Because he didn't care enough either a week ago. When he flees his eyes don't quite dim, they gleam with tears and he his face mirroring hers that day, she doesn't follow him out.
Even though he sort of wished she did.
Middle School goes by with the Yamaguchi siblings acting in parallel to him and Akiteru much to his ire. Tadashi tried hard to fix the bridge he had no idea how he'd broken while Akiteru took a respectful step back. Neither of them cared enough to put their sibling out of their misery quite yet. Although to be fair, neither of them cared enough to be quite so hostile either. He feels he finds an odd comrade and rival in the way she somehow tries to care less than he does.
He vows that he will win.
He definitely could care less than her.
Never mind that Akiteru and Tadashi will definitely suffer for the rivalry he's decided upon.
In the summer before high school she breaks her hand while they're being mugged. The muggers tell him to drop his wallet or they would harm her. He doesn't have it on him, nor does she. They've used all their cash to by the popsicles melting on the ground whilst Tadashi and Akiteru wait for them at Tsukishima's place. They both know the muggers won't be satisfied with the duo's lack of funds. Its the worst situation they've ever been in, if he has to be honest.
He wants to be scared. To care that his life is in danger, but he's too distracted trying to come up with a plan to save her and he never once contemplated she was doing the same for him, albeit a tad more callous. Her eyes seem even dimmer than usual and he hates it because it means she doesn't care and right now, she should.
She's pinned down by a brute twice her weight, whilst the other robber palms a sledgehammer. Neither of them quite care as long as the others unharmed. He can't bring himself to utter a word to get her out of the situation though.
He's tall and lanky with some good muscle on him but right now he's useless. She's petite and despite her sharp tongue just a girl.
He cries out as she dares the man to snap her arm. He screams louder than she when they actually do it. For once he can admit she cared far less than he. At least he admits it until he attacks the guy wielding the sledgehammer, knowing full well he's about to be beaten within an inch of his life. He definitely doesn't care as much as she does.
Akiteru finds them a quarter of an hour later. He's let himself be beaten to a pulp, but aside from her broken arm they hadn't touched her, but its her dominant arm and its a mess. The trip to the hospital is chaotic. Akiteru is crying and so is Tadashi. It was surprising how similar their pair of older brothers were. There's no guarantee she'd ever be as good at archery again. As is, she's benched for at least a year. Tsukishima himself is lucky to not have any grave injuries.
They're both tired and her heads resting on his shoulder as his back is pressed against the wall. Its amazing that neither of them give a damn. This is the first time they've actually had physical contact in years but to be fair the hospital bench is uncomfortable and her strawberry shampoo kills the heavy scent of disinfectant he hates so much.
He reminds her that it's just a sport and she hums agreement as Tadashi and Akiteru try to smooth things over with their parents. They're tired, and don't care much for logistics as they drift into a slumber. He swears he can feel soft lips on his cheek but he doesn't quite care enough to check if it's not just a dream.
He doesn't care that Karasuno has fallen in standings as he joins the volleyball team, Tadashi once more his shadow.
However this time there's another Yamaguchi playing spectator. Sugawaru spots her first striking up small talk to reveal who she is. Tanaka ogles her of course. Daichi assures Tadashi it's fine if she waits in the gym for their practices to end. She always walks home with both he and Tadashi now. If it gets late Akiteru will no doubt drive their route to find him. Tadashi and Akiteru worry to much.
Neither of them quite care about the possibility of getting robbed again. They're better prepared knows she carries a butterfly knife on her person and he's certain she knows how to use it. Not that she cares that she's probably breaking a dozen school rules by having it on her person. He packs a few extra bills in his wallet just in case. It's not like he cares much for money anyway. Between a butterfly knife and cold hard cash he likes to feel he might have an advantage in getting rid of potential robbers. Lord knows, Tadashi will be of no help.
He doesn't care that she doesn't seem to give a damn about their practice.
Although, he notices it when she notices Kageyama practicing with Hinata as they head home.
He's always had a sharp tongue. Just as she has always had. Which is why he finds her silence unnerving as he goes through the motions with antagonizing Kageyama and Hinata. However, she just seems unimpressed at the display while Tadashi frets as usual and he concedes to working home. Any longer, and they'd have a panicked Akiteru on their hands.
He didn't think she could pick anyone more annoying to be attracted to, if that was what it was. So he ushers the twins away, set to get home before Akiteru shows up.
Not that he cares about his brothers worries but it would be a waste of time to hear another lecture.
He sees red at their first practice match when Oikawa blatantly hits on her, slipping her his number when he makes his appearance. He tells himself it's because he thinks the setters wasting time - he should be home now. He definitely doesn't care about the way her cheeks tinged rose but holds back a groan realizing that there was someone worse than Kageyama. Still, they've won the match anyway. Akiteru of finds them on their route and drives the Yamaguchi's home. He doesn't care to meet her gaze as she waves goodbye. He knows she's palming that number in her pocket.
He looks at her truly, and realizes that she isn't quite Tadashi's clone anymore. Actually, she's a fairly attractive girl. Still, it's none of his business what she does.
He doesn't give a damn if she calls him.
Oikawa is just another idiot that can play volleyball after all and Karasuno has plenty of those.
The Grand King probably doesn't stand a chance off the court.
He almost pities the fool.
Kageyama and Hinata accidentally send a volleyball her way after a practice. She reacts, but she's slow. He could get there in time he knows but it won't kill her. If it won't wound her terribly he doesn't really care because growing up knowing him, Akiteru and Tadashi, she can handle a stay ball sent her way. She can handle way worse too, he knows she can.
He's had nightmares about the sound of her goading laughter, the snap of bones and a scream so piercing he jerks himself awake swallowing his own scream. One day he might care to see a therapist about that. Right now though, its not a real priority never mind something he planned on admitting to.
All in all its not bad, the ball grazes her as she sends it back and scowls at the collective team. He's been on the receiving end too many times to actually care that she is glaring at them, however he nods a silent apology on behalf of the idiots that are begging forgiveness. He's relieved to see her interest in Kageyama die as they practice. It's no secret that the fools in love with the sport. Although, he supposes Oikawa is no better.
He obviously doesn't care who she likes, Oikawa or Kageyama, they are both fools. Yet, Kageyama is a decent setter and he'd prefer the fool to not die at her hands when he inevitably fucks up. Oikawa can go to hell though. Tsukishima definitely doesn't care about him.
She doesn't care about the affect she may have on the team dynamics. Nishinoya eyes her excitedly, while Asahi blushes upon introduction. Tanaka, Kageyama, Hinata and the others have already proved to be fools. Tadashi was his usual self.
At least Suga, Daichi and Kiyoko managed to preserve some of their street cred. Not that he actually gives a damn about how she judges the team.
When they play Nekoma she's not around. He's curious but pays it no mind. They've a match to win, or in this case loose. The Nekoma blocker Kuroo unnerves him and given only she has ever quite succeeded at that feat, he's surprised. He's glad she's not around actually, he wouldn't want two unnerving idiots on his case.
Okay, to be fait they had the same IQ but she was attracted to Kageyama and Oikawa. He could play the idiot card here, he feels. Although if he had to pick between her and Kuroo, at least she wasn't going to be on the court provoking him.
He definitely doesn't show he cares when Daichi asks where she is and Tadashi informs them she's on a date. Sure his sigh is audible but that could mean anything really. However Kuroo's eyes still follow him curiously as the conversation shifts.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out who she's with. However he doesn't care, so he invites himself to hang at Tadashi's. It will be peaceful if she's gone and hanging out will do him some good.
Tadashi's parents aren't home and Akiteru brings him a bag of clothes to spend the night watching movies and binging on popcorn. She's late, and he finds his eyes unwillingly drifting to the clock as Tadashi relaxes, unperturbed. He's spent the night many times and the Yamaguchi seniors have no issue with him staying over on a whim even if they aren't around. It goes both ways though, the twins spend just as much time at his place even when his mom works a night shift.
After his hundredth glance at the clock, Tadashi nonchalantly laments that she might not return after all. Oikawa and her have been going on a few dates recently and it's his final year prom tonight. Tadashi seems to like Oikawa outside of matches which shocks him. Then again it is her, and even if he didn't like Oikawa he knows better then to meddle where he's not wanted. Tadashi's a good brother.
His sister's sharp tongue and quick mind would have him regret it if he was not. Still, to think she was dating, Oikawa of all people, and Tadashi approved.
Tsukishima is thrown slightly at the notion. They've all dated casually even he had a fling or two, but nobody was of interest - at least to him. To hear she had found someone she liked was a disturbing unbalance in what he'd deemed the norm.
He supposed one day she had to care about something. He guessed the same can be said about himself.
However that day is not today, he resolves uncaring where she spends the night, settling in to watch Jurassic Park.
Tadashi sleeps like the dead and its always surprised him. However, Tsukishima's a much lighter sleeper and he never quite gets a full night's rest. His green eyes snap open when the door opens. He's fallen asleep on the couch and is rather uncomfortable, stretching only makes it worse.
Tadashi's somehow fallen to the floor and not woken. He doesn't care enough to carry the fool to bed, but pushes a cushion under his head and throws a blanket his way. Tadashi snores on happily and he rolls his eyes. Tadashi will be sore when he wakes.
There's a noise in the kitchen, the kettles going and he laments that a nightcap might be a good idea before he commandeers Tadashi's bedroom for himself. Just because his friend wants to sleep in the lounge doesn't mean he should. By some miracle, If Tadashi wakes he can take a futon.
He enters the kitchen and he's not prepared for the sight that greets him.
He's never once cared for beauty but he must admit that the Yamaguchi girl has a uniqueness to her that's quite becoming as she's aged. Her brown hair is swept up into her usual high ponytail, she doesn't have a trace of makeup on her. Her freckles, like Tadashi's, add a delicate air of innocence to her features.
He'd always thought her petite but then again he's never seen her in a dress that tight. The fitted number, while high in neckline and ending at mid calf, did nothing to distract from her curves.
Had her waist always been so narrow? Since when had she gained a bust? He'd known she worked out her upper body once in a while but those long legs could not be natural.
Tadashi's sister is gorgeous...and she's crying. He doesn't care, never has about the love life's of anyone, even his oldest friend's. Still he's obligated to comfort the fools, by societal norms. Its awkward but he finds the patience to gesture her to explain even though he's tired.
He listens as she confesses that Oikawa has a league of woman after him and refuses exclusivity.
He understands Oikawa's point of view. She's pretty and smart but definitely younger. Oikawa's likely off to university or a career in volleyball soon. Unless Oikawa cares dearly for her, it won't work. They may as well play the field and if Oikawa can play the field, there's little doubt that a girl that looks the way she does tonight can too.
He wants to explain his reasoning in words. He doesn't actually mean to act on impulse. Yet, then again, he has never quite cared for the consequences of his actions and nor has she.
He's a 16 year old virgin suddenly faced with his best friend's hot sister in his arms. His lips don't quite crash against hers but they're softly demanding and he knows, an uncaring creature like her, won't resist it. Not after putting herself out there with Oikawa. Not after failing.
He wonders if he should care he's barely a consolation prize but she rolls her hips against him and he's quick to move on. He may question why this is happening but even he is not foolish enough to fuck it up. Although, he supposes that was probably his hormones talking.
They stumble up the stairs to her bedroom and he can't quite care enough that he might be using a little too much force to remove that dress. She's just as callous, running the nails of her uninjured arm down his spine. The sting has him abandoning any form of decorum as he takes what he wants without a care in the world.
Thank the gods Tadashi sleeps through it all. Although, knowing them, the wouldn't care what he thought anyway.
The next days business as usual as the three of them walk off to school. She doesn't care enough to cover up the hickey on her neck. Tadashi assumes it was Oikawa. Neither of them bother to correct him, although Tsukishima's sure to struggle hiding the scratches later.
No matter, he doesn't care what anyone would assume. In fact, he's willing to admit they'd probably guess the wrong Yamaguchi twin.
As for her, she hasn't glanced his way again so it's easy to assume she doesn't give a damn.
He wonders if he should feel more than indifference but doesn't ant to dwell on it.
Although when she answers a call from Oikawa and makes no effort to hide it from him, he can't quite help but raise his brows.
So that was the end of that, or so he'd thought.
He lies to himself that it won't happen again, but after their Date Tech match he spies her in her bedroom, door ajar. Her skirt seems scandalously short despite hitting mid thigh and he can't help but pause, uncaring if she catches him ogling her. She doesn't quite hide the fact she notices, in fact she smirks with a glint promising danger in her eyes and he retaliates with a sneer before he can stop himself. He can feel the silent challenge and like a moth to a flame, he pushes her bedroom door open, slowly. He locks gazes with her and refuses to break it.
Tadashi's run out on an errand and they only have about 20 minutes till he gets back.
20 minutes is enough time to burry his head between her thighs and to watch if she cares enough to remember his name as she cums.
She doesn't, but that's okay.
It's the first time he's seen her eyes look anything but dim in a while and it has him somewhere between entranced and afraid.
Emotions, could she really show them this easily?
And should he be the one seeing them?
Oikawa's shows up at his house a few days later, introducing himself to Akiteru as a friend. The setter looks like he's out there solving a puzzle and Tsukishima knows exactly what he's guilty off. It's the first time he's ever instructed a bewildered Akiteru to drive an equally confused Tadashi home before the sun fully sets. Thankfully she hadn't tried to come over that night, claiming that she was tired.
Instinctively, he knows Oikawa knows. So he braces himself for a blow that somehow never comes. Instead, Oikawa looks him up and down and laughs, clutching his side's as he tears up. He is certain his confusion is showing so he's glad when Oikawa clarifies.
"The two of you really are the same. No worries, I gave us the option to do as we will. I'm guessing you know she wouldn't care if I'm here even if I told her I knew."
Tsukishima nods, not quite with sympathy because he hasn't himself been in Oikawa's shoes but he knows she's cruel. Just as cruel as he is. The least he can do is offer her not quite boyfriend some tea, not that he gives a damn.
For as infuriating as he could be, Oikawa behaves as they make small talk about the possibility of UFO's existing and the Jurassic Park movies.
Akiteru returns, eyeing the pair of them suspiciously. No doubt Tadashi's told him who Oikawa is. Tadashi might be oblivious but Akiteru is no fool. There's a stern disappointment to his stance that Tsukishima can't help but find amusing.
Still, he doesn't offer an explanation to his sibling, simply opting to allow Oikawa to spend the night on a spare futon when it gets too late for him to leave.
Oikawa's gone by the time he wakes up.
She and Oikawa have an on again off again relationship documented well on the setters social media, whereas what he had with her seems a bit more physical without a trace besides those hickeys he left on her thighs the other night.
While Oikawa and her haven't hidden their affections, both she and him preferred to keep themselves with some privacy.
Oikawa allows the arrangement, somewhat grudgingly but understanding that he'd brought it upon himself.
So he's a little surprised to see her with the Karasuno team's section before their match. However, it makes sense because Tadashi is her brother, she attends Karasuno and he assumed she doesn't want to be associated as one of Oikawa's fangirls.
She shoots him a wink, and he's shocked by the audacity of it wondering what Oikawa would do if he saw that. Still he slinks of to the restroom for a minute to find Hinata who's wondered off, not paying her any mind. In public, she's Oikawa's or so he understands.
He must understand very little though.
He's surprised when she meets him halfway, then drags him around the corner to the disabled restroom.
Her casts off now and she's finally able to thread both hands into his hair and yank him down to her level. Her kiss is surprisingly sweet and he's not at all perturbed by the urge to slip his arms around her waist and lift her off her feet. If they weren't in a restroom it might even seem like a romantic scene.
It's a simple good luck kiss and if he's honest, Oikawa's probably gotten one too. He wonders if it turns her on, knowing they're about to face off. Probably not, he doesn't think she cares outside of her odd impulses to screw her childhood friend while dating the shittiest guy Tsukishima knows. Yet it's more intimate then he thinks she's ever been with him. When she presses a peck to his forehead he can't help but blush as he lowers her to the ground, gently setting her down.
The match is starting soon, so they can't do much more. Normally he wouldn't care about disappearing for a while but people would notice. So he pushes her out the door, not caring that he's being a bit too rough again. He gathers his thoughts for a moment then wonders back, his blush still lingering on his face to mark his guilt.
Oikawa noticed their joint disappearance by the grimace on the setters face. It was shocking how observant the guy was and while Tsukishima is just a blocker, he knows his team is paying for his indiscretions with Oikawa's wrath. They don't ever acknowledge their situation or ever take it out on each other but things had changed with that good luck kiss. Oikawa wouldn't wage war on him, except on the court it seems.
On the court Oikawa is a beast. He wonders if she cares she's somehow made the match personal by breaking their unwritten rules. He knows they're going to loose both her and Karasuno for this, yet for some reason he can't help but desperately want to win. He can hear her cheering, for which side he doesn't quite care. So when they do loose it's all so much more bitter for him. She offers her condolences to the team before excusing herself and intuitively he knows who's she's going off with. Everyone else is too upset to care about the way he clenches his fists.
He wonders if she will be okay but what is the worst Oikawa can do? Dump her? They weren't even official.
He didn't care to save her from it, if Oikawa wanted to drag her down to hell.
Later, when he should be sleeping like the dead, there's a knock on his window and he jerks awake. It's her, and he swallows his curses. There's no way they can talk, his mother's room is down the hall and his brother next door is definitely awake. So when she opens her mouth to talk, he cups his hand against her mouth to silence her. She rolls her eyes and points at his phone on the shelf.
Keeping his palm firmly against her mouth, he reaches for the device. He hasn't bothered to switch it on since the game. Sighing and switching it on he finds half a dozen calls and at least twice as many messages from her. Several messages were from the Karasuno team were going around too. Including a screenshot of Oikawa telling Kindaichi how little she means to him. How she was just a cute girl to play around with and toy with Karasuno. Oikawa's a bastard. Not because he believes the screenshot but the setters been looking for a way to leave without making her the bad guy. So he makes himself one. He knows she knows it too. The question is, do either of them really care? What Oikawa chooses to do isn't their business.
Oikawa wants to win the breakup. Does he know she probably doesn't care? There's no motive for this madness and he doesn't want to over think it.
He tosses the phone to the bed then pauses. He should let her go now and get Akiteru to drive her home. He's exhausted and even if she doesn't show it, he's sure she is too. However she's in his room, alone with him. so instead of letting her go he keeps his palm firmly where it is and pulls her against him, trailing his other hand down to slip into her jeans and between her thighs. She's alarmed as she squirms against him, not violently enough to be a protest but enough that he knows that she's wondering who might hear them. He's confident she's got nothing to worry about as he slips two fingers between her lips to silence her.
They aren't as successful as they think they are at staying quiet. Akiteru shakes him awake glaring at him. She's asleep next to him and thankfully neither of them are nude. Akiteru flashes his phone showing panicked messages from the Yamaguchi's and Tsukishima knows he has to get her up to go home. She doesn't really react to be woken up or driven home by Akiteru. He's glad she doesn't care enough to be embarrassed about getting caught. Tadashi, in his obliviousness just assumes she was with him as a friend and thanks him for looking out for her after what Oikawa did. Akiteru is not amused. He doesn't much care for the lecture he received but it's been a long day and his brothers voice finally lulls him into a slumber.
Nekoma's training camp is announced and everyone hits the books hard, despite the outcome of the inter-high. While tutoring the idiot duo was an obligation he, along with the Yamaguchi twins, grudging accepted it was quick to tell that Tadashi was the one that really gelled well with them.
When Yachi joins in he's relieved to leave her and Tadashi to it, throwing a snide remarks or two their way. It isn't his fault if it eggs them on. However, everyone else eyes him knowingly and she sighs under her breath at their antics.
Archery is a more solitary sport and she's never cared to bother with the other club members. How odd that she was always with the volleyball team.
She's back to light training now, but he still sees her on her way home. Tadashi's been spending his time at the Shimida store so it's not often he walks with them home.
They've gotten past the Oikawa-Yamaguchi gossip and Akiteru hasn't breathed a word to anyone, yet. However despite thier newfound privacy and more morally accepted situation they've not yet indulged.
He'd again chalked it up to her not caring much. Then again, did he even care? Most of thier encounters had been impulse driven alone. Its not like they've ever been inclined to date.
They walk side by side as she hums along and it's only when they reach Tsukishima's place, where he knows she's going to study at until Tadashi gets her, does he truly contemplate things. Akiteru is at work. Tadashi will practice at least for another hour and then meet up with Yachi to tutor the idiots for a bit. His mother's got a night shift today and his dad went out for smokes a few years back and never returned. He knows her parents will be home late if they even make it home tonight given thier usual schedules.
He's alone with her.
They could do what teenagers do, fool around and make the most of the time. They could study, it's almost time for them to write anyway. However they both top their class and he knows that it's unlikely a night off will hinder them.
He contemplates for a moment, before glancing at her.
"Lets cook," he doesn't really ask, simply taking her hand and leading her to the kitchen. It's the furthest thing from a date really, but this is probably the first time they've done something alone together that doesn't involve a sport, walking home or Tadashi's influence since he'd taken her to see that Karasuno match back in the day.
Neither of them are particularly great cooks, and the kitchen is a mess when Akiteru eventually walks in. He surveys the wreckage that was once a functional kitchen - how had they managed to to burn pasta? However his brothers eyes soften for the first time since the Oikawa incident and Tsukishima knows he's wrongly interpreted this as a wayward attempt at a date.
" Just clean it up guys, I'll get us a pizza when I fetch Tadashi."
Pinching the bridge of his nose, the older blond sighs and disappears into his room. Tsukishima knows his brother wants to demand an explanation what exactly is going on between them. The suspense of not knowing if they're just fooling around or are actually serious must be killing him.
Truthfully, he doesn't really care to entertain that conversation right now. How does he explain to Akiteru that nothing is ever serious when it comes to the pair of them?
Still despite it all, he's taken by the smile that could double as a smirk that's on her face and he wouldn't care if it's not because of him that it's there. The distance between them is marginal at best and its a temptation too great to resist. He tries his best to remain a respectable distance away anyway.
Obviously, he failed.
Again it's not deliberate. One minute he's wiping pasta sauce of the counter, the next minute he notices a streak on her neck. Given his height it's a simple task to lean over her shoulder and lick the trail that was there. He feels her breath hitch in a delicious way he's not heard before and he can't help but slip his arms around her waist to explore the reactions he can get from her.
And boy, does he get reactions from her.
He can feel her quiver against him as he explores and she's so distracted that she forgets that Akiteru is still around as her sounds get bolder. Even if she did remember, he wanted to think it wouldn't matter because he feels in when her legs buckle and now he's smirking into her neck. While he is subconsciously aware Akiteru is around he can't quite bring himself to stop himself. He's seriously contemplating whether or not they can make it to his bedroom or if the kitchen counter will do as she pulls on his hair.
Until Akiteru swings his door open growling at the pair of them. In thier defense, while completely flushed against each other all their clothes have remained on. Although he can't really deny that things were about to escalate, whether or not Akiteru was around, had they been left alone for a minute more.
"Oi! You two can't just - dammit Kei! You're grounded. Yamaguchi, come with me we are fetching your brother and a pizza. I want this place spotless Kei!"
Everyone's cheeks are tinged pink at the end of the outburst, but while Akiteru is clearly mortified at both the situation and his Mom like behavior, the two of them can't contain thier laughter. Akiteru's scandalized face is too much for them to not laugh at. She's clinging to him and he doesn't care, simply shooting her a look when she doesn't care to let go. She's making Akiteru uncomfortable on purpose being draped on him and he knows it.
Given the shade of red his brothers turning while glancing at thier proximity, he imagines it's working.
It's working so well, Tsukishima doesn't mind being a pawn in the plan. Akiteru yanks her away from him by the elbow and his laughter's got him hiccupping. Who knew Akiteru was a prude? Didn't he have a crush on Tanaka's sister? Akiteru really had to work on that if he wanted to engage in pursuit that particular brand of chaotic sexual energy.
He's still laughing when they're out the door.
They're going to the Nekoma camp and its weird that she is not going to be there. They keep forgetting she's not actually a part if the team. He doesn't care, a trip to Tokyo seems cool enough to trump his physical indiscretions.
Akiteru still hasn't forgiven the pair if them for thier display. He knows he doesn't care about that. His brothers face was totally worth it.
Practice is cancelled with the Tokyo trip looming, and the fools are using the club room to study under Hitoka Yachi and Tadashi's supervision. He's not as inclined to help so he wonders in the general direction of the archery club. Purely for the sake of curiosity, he thinks.
He's not surprised to find her alone. For a while he watches as she keeps missing the bulls eye.
"Yo," he greets while taking a seat and popping in his headphones. It's the polite thing to do as usually she's the one that had to wait on him. She nods in an acknowledgement but continues to practice. He watches her idly on the bleachers, allowing himself to get comfortable.
The hakama doesn't suit her frame, it makes her look significantly smaller than she is. Her hairs pulled back as usual, but for once it looks a bit disheveled. She hasn't broken a real sweat yet, but her cheeks are tinged pink from exertion. For once, he thinks he doesn't find her alluring. Which is fine, he didn't have any doubts she cared what he thought about her appearance at any given point in thier day.
Especially not while she's struggling at a sport he knows she had excelled in all her life. Until the day she wagered her arm.
Eventually, she hits her mark and the frown on her face shows she's far from satisfied with how long it took her. Still, it's a milestone in her recovery and he knows it.
Yet, somehow he can't bring himself to voice the congratulations he knows she deserves.
She doesn't seem to care for his words anyway, quickly packing up and preparing to go.
Tsukishima can't care enough to congratulate her the way he should so he stands roughly, resolved to do at least the bare minimum. He's already quite tall so it's a genuine effort for him to reach her as he bends at the waist. His lips press against her forehead and as he pulls away he sees her eyes widen in surprise.
It's a frighteningly cute expression that he doesn't like and it takes him almost a second to decide he will be removing it.
So he pulls her onto the bleachers to awkwardly be flushed against him, using his strength to keep them upright as he twists her uncomfortably and kisses her until he's certain that he hates the scent of her strawberry shampoo. Her body is too petite against his lanky one and the baggy hakama makes her feel frailer than she is. Her lips taste horrendously sweet like vanilla Chapstick and something in this gym irritates his sinuses. She clings to him and digs her nails painfully into his skin, completely unsteady on her feet. She makes an annoyingly indignant sound as he makes the angle even more impossible for her as he returns her bruising grip. He swears he hates it all.
The touch, the taste, the scent, the sound of her is all to much and all too little at the same time. He doesn't want to kiss her like this now but he does anyway. He hates that she doesn't stop him. He hates that he wants her to. He hates that he thinks this is a sin but wonders if its not what heaven might be like.
She's bad. Bad for him and worse for herself. Like something rotted, the taste of her makes him wonder if he will be ill later as he tries to kill the taste lingering in his mouth by swallowing her sighs.
However it seemed she had other plans and her lips are wrenched away from his much to his disapproval.
She's moving against him in a way that makes his blood burn and he knows he's by some miracle, got her wanting more from him than he wants from her. Her bad moods seemingly forgotten as she indulges, which he is suddenly afraid was his aim with the sloppy mess of a kiss he'd initiated. It is the first time he thinks he's deliberately planned to seduce her after all.
Coming here, knowing she should be alone? Even he could admit when he may have had bad intentions.
This is what he's comfortable with, knowing that he wants her less than she wants him. Never mind the fact that meant he had to admit to wanting her with enough intensity to drive her to this state. Even if it's marginal affection and more carnal lusting at best.
It's a risky thing, doing this at school. However, she's alone and he doesn't have practice. Nobody expects them to be here, never mind with her dropping to her knees awkwardly and yanking down his pants. Honestly, in that moment Tadashi himself could've walked in and Tsukishima's still not entirely sure he'd be able to care enough to stop, given the look in her eyes.
When they weren't dim, they were captivating. Had Oikawa ever seen them? He can't bring himself to care as he looses himself in her.
It's not entirely surprising that neither of them notice the shocked faces of Nishinoya and Tanaka who'd passed by to grab a spare warm up mat from the second gym.
They say that rumors travel fast, but he has to hand it to Tanaka and Nishinoya, they did try to stay in check. However it was only a matter of time before the boys gossiped to poor Asahi who couldn't keep a secret to save his life.
At first he's not suspicious, until Ennoshita shoots him a knowing glance while he flicks through his phone to text her where Akiteru keeps their spare keys. Seems like she's staying over then, her parents must be out of town and with Tadashi here she'd be more comfortable sleeping in a not so empty house. He's a bit confused when Daichi shoots him a look of sympathy and Sugawaru a look of pure apathy. Kiyoko is for once not expressionless as she talks to him although he can't really place the face she makes and Yachi stares wide eyed his way on occasion. Even Ukai lets out a sigh when he sees him, to which he responds only with a raised brow.
At least the two idiots who Saeko dragged in are acting the same. Tadashi's unusually quiet but he has been tuning him out a bit. Its not that he disapproves but Tadashi is definitely on the crazy about practice vibe that the others are on. It grates on his nerves a bit.
Still, the training camps about to end for the night and everyone occupies themselves afterwards, frustratingly with volleyball. Even Tadashi indulges with some extra practice, although he does offer an invite for Tsukishima to stay. Strangely, Nishinoya gaze is flickering between them and if Tsukishima wasn't suspicious already, he certainly is when Tanaka slams his hand over the Liberia's mouth preventing him from voicing what was wrong with him.
He sighs and picks up a towel, contemplating why everyone he knew was so strange. It's only when Kuroo, Bokuto and Akaashi corner him to try and get him to join them is when he truly realizes how fucked he really is.
"So your the guy that's been screwing Oikawa's girl. Some nerve for a little first year."
The others don't seem particularly perturbed by Kuroo's truth bomb, in fact he think Akaashi finds the gossip beneath him and Bokuto...is well a Bokuto. However, none of them seem surprised in the least. He has no idea how it's happened. Oikawa's spun his story, to paint himself as a villain. She's not one to gossip nor spare Oikawa the role he wants. Tsukishima knows he hasn't told. Realistically, Akiteru wouldn't tell a soul either.
Still, it seemed the truth was out. Dramatic as it was, he felt annoyed that the Nekoma blocker was the first to confront him, since Oikawa's blessing didn't count as confrontational. If the Tokyo idiots are clued in, and his team is acting all kinds of unusual, then he knew it was only a matter of time that Tadashi would be finding out, and soon.
This time, it was a little more difficult to decide he didn't care, as he glared at the Nekoma captain who's facial expression promised nothing but lewd goading and uncomfortable conversation.
Tadashi is surprisingly cool. He isn't the kid hiding behind Tsukishima or his sister anymore when something is wrong.
Tadashi has always cared to much. There's a hand gripping into Tsukishima's T-shirt, not that he's paying it any mind.
Tadashi, trying to speak to him about having pride?
In volleyball?
In Akiteru?
In Tadashi?
In himself?
In her?
Tsukishima can't even figure out who or what Tadashi is referring to. However Tadashi's eyes gleam with an intensity that can only come with knowledge and something far more serious he can't yet quantify. He looks a lot like her in the moment, except Tadashi couldn't be uncaring if he tried.
Tsukishima knows he knows. The whole damned camp does. Yet, Tadashi is walking away and he doesn't seem like he's going to acknowledge it and it confuses him a lot more than it should. It's Tadashi and if anyone gave enough of a damn to have an opinion it would be the service ace.
He's almost relieved when Tadashi turns back towards him and again there's a flicker of something Tsukishima doesn't want to acknowledge in those eyes that are far more passionate then hers have ever been.
For a moment he wonders how one could drive her to that point.
Then there's a fist to his jaw and he's more astounded then offended. When had Tadashi learnt to do that? At least he had tactfully avoided his glasses.
He doesn't say a word or try to retaliate despite the fact Tadashi is staring at his gown hands in apparent terror. There's a screech of mumbled apology as his best friend flees the scene. He lets out a pained laugh because of course, Tadashi is Tadashi to the bitter end.
Still, at least he'd finally showed that backbone he knew had been lurking inside him somewhere.
He leans his back against the wall, sinking to the floor. He's dialing her, not to hear her voice but because she has to know.
"Tsukki?"
The voice is both tired and surprised, causing him to almost wish he had remembered she was an early sleeper. He can almost see her tousled ponytail and blurry dimmed eyes as she sits upright, tangled in the sheets of his bed. She would scramble for the phone, content to switch it off only to be confused that its him calling her at such an hour. The confusion he imagines she as almost makes him smile, but his jaws throbbing and he doesn't really feel like a smiles worth it.
"He knows."
It's all he needs to say as he cuts the call before she replies.
Her reaction won't matter yet.
Later that night he doesn't complain when Kuroo hands him an ice pack and Tadashi moves his futon next to Asahi's. It seems they've both forgotten Tadashi is a service ace. He does have some upper body strength to him. A blow from him would certainly show and everyone stares. Some, like Daichi are subtle while others like Lev resort to pure gawking.
Tsukishima didn't pay it any mind though.
Who gives a damn if everyone could see the bruise darkening on his jaw?
He just hoped he and Tadashi could handle the storm to come. There was no telling how she would react to Tadashi using his fist. Or Tsukishima being on the receiving end of said fist.
This was one time he knew he couldn't count on her not to care.
Not when Tadashi was involved.