Quiet Voice

by LilweenGalatrass

Shy, socially-awkward Akiyama Kiku never was noticed by anyone. She didn't speak up and the gods forbid ever making eye-contact with anyone. So, she couldn't understand why Oikawa Tooru suddenly decided that she was the perfect match for his best friend. Iwaizumi Hajime would never admit outloud how grateful he really was to his friend. Iwaizumi x OC

41. Happy Birthday, Ace!

Here is the new chapter! It's a very long chapter so I'll wait a little longer than usual for chapter 42! ;)

Thank you to everyone who followed, favorited and reviewed! :D

Starrat : I hope you'll love this chapter as well~! :)

forevertrash97 : Of curse the "get along sushi" worked! XD They're super friends anyway, they nede more than htat to break! :) Oikawa loves attention, but he's more loyal than selfish. He'd protect Hajime and Kiku with his life if necessary. Ahah, at first I hated Oikawa butin the end he ended up being the charater I am the most alike with and I love him from the bototm of my heart. I'd protect him with everything I've got - along with pretty much all the other characters but well! XD What made you change what you thought of him? :)

Krisia : And there'll be so many more tears... But also lots of happy moments! :D I hope you'll love this chapter as much as the sneak peak I had sent you! ;)

Aquafin : Ahah, I'm glad you liked the chapter! And yeah, she'd be an amazing mom! XD (don't tell Hajiem yet, he'll get too embarrassed) (or tell him anyway, he's cute when he's embarrassed)

pinkdoughtnuts : Your reviews re always so vivid and honest, I love it! You seem like such a head-strong person, I hope you konw how improtant this personality trait can be! :D Keep going, girl, I support you! :D

deadlywhisper21 : Of course Oikawa was the one pouting most. It's Oikawa! XD I hope to finish Sowlmates and Quiet Voice around the same time because Sowlmates is 'almost' done and QV doesn't have a story as stretched in time as Sowlmate is. I'll start to post th Kuroo and Oikawa fics when I'll be... 5-10 chapters before the end of Sowlmates and Quiet Voice. So... let's say... for Sowlmates there are the summer arc going on to finish, the Spring High, the final arc then it'll be done (hoping around December but I can't be a 100%sure) then Kuroo's story. And for Quiet Voice... summer arc going on as well, SH... and final arc. Actually, they're almost tot he same level so... let's pray that by December I'll have the two other stories posted and started! :D (it all depedns on hoow much freetime I'll have to write once I'll go back to the university, unfortunately)

---

FANFICTION

HAIKYUU! : QUIET VOICE

CHAPTER XLI : Happy Birthday, Ace!

"A birth-date is a reminder to celebrate the life as well as to update the life."

― Amit Kalantri, Wealth of Words

"Deep down I believe my year was a special year: it produced me."

― Ned Vizzini

"But nothing makes a room feel emptier than wanting someone in it."

― Calla Quinn, All the Time

"Keep your best wishes, close to your heart and watch what happens."

― Tony DeLiso, Legacy: The Power Within

"When you are joyful, when you say yes to life and have fun and project positivity all around you, you become a sun in the center of every constellation, and people want to be near you."

― Shannon L. Alder

"But all fairytales have rules, and perhaps it's their rules that actually distinguish one fairytale from the other. These rules never need to be understood. They only need to be followed. If not, what they promise won't come true."

― Jostein Gaarder

"Someone probably desires you. Someone probably inspires you. If it's the same person – lucky you."

— Bruce Adler

"That's the curious thing about love, isn't it? It makes very ordinary things seem special. It makes them seem so much more valuable than they really are."

— Alexander McCall Smith, Trains and Lovers

"When you are attracted to people, it's because of the details. Their kindness. Their eyes. The fact that they can get you to laugh when you need it the most."

— Jodi Picoult, Sing You Home

"She was laughing even as we kissed and kissed again. There is no better taste than this: someone else's laughter in your mouth."

— Maggie Stiefvater, Forever

"You ever just look at somebody and it's like your soul aches to touch them?"

— N.M. Sanchez

"Allowing someone close to you is seriously the bravest thing a human can ever do."

— Melly (Ambiguities)

"She wanted to bottle up how safe she felt in this moment, so she could drink it later when loneliness and fear left her parched."

— Kristin Hannah

"I like canceled plans. And empty bookstores. I like rainy days and thunderstorms. And quiet coffee shops. I like messy beds and over-worn pajamas. Most of all, I like the small joys that a simple life brings."

— Unknown

"When you fall for someone's personality, everything about them becomes beautiful."

— Reeva Steenkamp

I'm not feeling very well today, so I won't go to school. Sorry, have a nice day!

Hajime stared at the message on his phone, still sleepy but immediately letting himself fall on the bed, arms spread out. It was the worst birthday message ever. It wasn't even a birthday message. But the perspective of spending the day without Kiku was horrifying. The last two days had been perfect – except a few accidents here and there – but just as she had said, she faced everyone. She didn't tremble, she didn't get scared even if he could tell how heavy a burden it was for her. Every time, he quietly reminded her she wasn't alone and that if it ever became too much, she could tell him. He would always listen to her, he'd always be here for her. But she persisted everything was fine. And now, she wasn't coming to school. Because she didn't feel well.

A knock at his door made him look up and without waiting for his son's answer, Takashi entered the bedroom, wearing his police officer uniform – he was going on an early shift today.

"Hey, I was about to head out but I heard your clock ringing. Happy birthday!" He exclaimed, going to sit on the side of his bed.

"Thanks, dad."

"Your mother forbid me to give you your birthday gift, or tell you what it is, but you're going to love it!"

"…I don't want a gift, just money is okay…" Hajime answered with a shrug.

"For your eighteenth birthday? Come on, we can do better than that!" Takashi exclaimed, tapping Hajime's thigh but his son didn't react.

Realizing that there was something wrong for staring so long at his ceiling – and not because Hajime was feeling old like he did every year at his birthday – Takashi turned around.

"Is there something wrong?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

Hajime gave him his phone without a word as answer. He read the message, understanding why his son looked so down.

"Ah. It's that time of the year again…" He mumbled to himself, giving his phone back to Hajime who furrowed his brows in confusion, "You don't know the day I found her?"

Hajime's lips fell open and he remembered what he had read in the police file – the date when Kiku was saved from the Himura. He covered his face with his hands, feeling stupid for not realizing earlier what could be the problem.

"…It's the night he attacked her… the same date as my birthday…! I'm such an idiot…!" He mumbled to himself.

"I suppose it's the worst day of the year for her," Takashi added, "But you shouldn't let it drop your mood. It's your birthday, you're turning eighteen, so you'd better enjoy it!"

"I want to enjoy it with my girlfriend! Who is traumatized by this day! And constantly reminded of this trauma by the man who saved her – to whom I look like a carbon copy!" He exclaimed.

"I apologize for saving your girlfriend's life. If it weren't for me you probably wouldn't have a girlfriend at all to this day. Come on, it's just one girl you've been dating for four days, against the day you were born! Get up and stop brooding, you'd better enjoy this day to its fullest or I'll go back in the past to change the day Kiku was saved!"

"It's impossible," he mumbled, sitting up and glancing up at his father, "What should I do? For Kiku? Even if it's my birthday, she needs me…"

Takashi hesitated before shrugging:

"Talk to her? Give her space? Comfort her? I don't know what she needs. You're her boyfriend. It's your job to figure it out." He answered, standing up.

Hajime gave him a long look, having hoped for a better advice than that.

"And it's your job as father to help me figure out how to be a boyfriend!" He exclaimed as Takashi exited the bedroom.

"My job as father is to ensure you don't go make babies too young! The rest is up to you!" He answered, out of view.

Hajime growled then fell against his pillows. By the time he went to take his breakfast, his father was already gone to work but his mother was here, staring at him with a happy smile.

"Happy birthday, my big boy!" She exclaimed, putting down breakfast.

"Thanks, mom," he answered, kissing her cheek with a smile.

The moment he was sitting she kissed his temple and shook his hair playfully.

"I can't believe you're turning eighteen today… I feel like I was holding my little bundle of joy just yesterday… You were such a small baby, you came too soon, you know."

"I was a perfectly grown baby," he answered, munching on his food.

"Of course you were, but I had been so worried when you arrived early. You were planned to be born a month later – you could have shared the same birthday as Tooru!"

"I'm glad to be a month older than him," he answered.

"I hope that your children and Tooru's will grow up together like you two did!" She continued, already thinking of her grandchildren.

"Mom, I'm only eighteen years old, I'm not having any kid." He answered with an amused smile.

I'm eighteen… wow… it's my last year of high-school. I can't believe I'm eighteen, it doesn't feel much different from seventeen, after all… He thought to himself.

"You said you would adopt!"

Before he could correct her, she turned around:

"Talking about babies – is Kiku coming to your birthday party?" She asked with a smile.

Hajime swallowed the wrong way, suddenly coughing that not only his girlfriend was mentioned but that his mother was associating her with "baby talk".

Knowing damn well she had flustered him, Umeko smirked to herself as he drank some orange juice to stop coughing.

"U-uh, y-yeah, she's coming… she said she'll bring the cakes too."

"I'll finally get to meet her! I can't wait!" Umeko exclaimed.

"You and dad are supposed to be away, aren't you?" He asked to be certain.

"I'm not missing the chance of meeting your girlfriend and saying hi to your friends. But yes, you will have the apartment for the afternoon and the night. I know what you boys are like. No breaking like last year like we agreed. Will Kiku stay the night as well?" She asked curiously.

He blushed once again, avoiding her gaze.

"I-I d-don't know… yet…"

"You didn't dare ask her if she wanted to stay with you, isn't it?" Umeko concluded, he nodded and she sighed, "Well, you'd better ask her confirmation for staying the night so she can warn her parents. If she does stay the night, be a gentleman and let her sleep in your bed – we have enough futons for everyone else I think."

"I know that!" He exclaimed, offended she'd think he'd let his girlfriend sleep on the floor, the couch or in a futon like the others.

If she stayed the night, she'll have a special treatment, a royal treatment. His girlfriend deserved everything and more.

"Oh, I will finally be able to show your baby pictures to your girlfriend~! I've been waiting for this day for so long! I have to go find all the picture albums…"

"Wait– mom! No! Not the baby pictures! Don't do that!" He exclaimed, standing up but she was already disappearing, "Not the baby pictures!"

Before he could convince his mother to spare him the embarrassment of showing his baby pictures to his girlfriend the first time they'd meet, the doorway opened.

"Happy birthday, Iwa-chan~!"

Oikawa entered, opening his arms wide, a gigantic smile on his face.

"Happy birthday!" He exclaimed again, staring at him.

"As loud as usual, I see…" Iwaizumi answered, approaching him.

When Oikawa grabbed him into a big hug, patting his back.

"Iwa-chan, you've grown so much~! Already eighteen years old and with a girlfriend~!"

"I'm a month older than you, Oikawa," he answered, rolling his eyes with an amused smile on his face.

"Doesn't matter! You'll always be my tiny, grumpy Iwa-chan! Literally, you've always been shorter than me. But it's particularly obvious since high-school considering you're still stuck under the 180cm! Ahah~!"

Hajime's smile dropped and he pulled away, rolling his eyes – this time out of annoyance to be reminded of his short stature. Trashykawa knew how sensitive he was about his height – he totally did it on purpose.

"You'll receive your birthday gift on Saturday~! Will Kiku-chan join us?"

"Yet again, yes, Kiku will be here," Hajime answered, wondering whose birthday party it really was, "And before you ask, no, I don't know if she'll stay the night!"

"It'd be fun! We could– is your mother around?" He suddenly asked in a hushed voice, "We could WATCH MOVIES!" He exclaimed loudly when Hajime nodded to his question.

"I know why my vase broke last year, Tooru!" Umeko exclaimed from her bedroom.

"Does she?" Tooru asked Hajime in a whisper for confirmation.

"Yes, she does, let's go to school now."

"You told your parents we had brought alcohol?!"

"They guessed on their own, now let's go," Hajime decided, pushing him off, "We're leaving, mom!"

"Have a nice day! Say hi to Kiku for me!"

As soon as they were out, Oikawa chuckled teasingly.

"It sounds like your mother already considers Kiku-chan like her daughter-in-law~!"

"Don't tell me, she's overjoyed I have a girlfriend now. She said she was worried for me. I don't see why not having a girlfriend is worrisome."

"She did ask me a few times if you were gay. Or if we were hiding our relationship." Oikawa said with a shrug.

Iwaizumi turned to him with wide eyes, not believing his mother had thought he was gay for Oikawa – and worse, that she'd talk to his friend instead of him about it! And even worse! That he was the last one knowing about it!

"What did you answer?" He asked, baffled.

"Well, the truth, my Iwa-chan~!" Oikawa hummed turning to him and lifting up his chin from the tip of his fingers, diving his gaze into his friend's, "There was no reason to hide our love any longer, after all, so–"

An angry vein popped on Iwaizumi's forehead and he grabbed Oikawa's jacket, forcing him to get away from him then pushing him forward, ignoring his amused laugh.

"Not a funny joke, you idiot! If you really said that to my mother, I swear I'm going to end you!"

"It is a little funny–"

"No, it's not!"

"-And I told your mom the truth! That you were sexually assaulted or broken-hearted by all the girls you had a crush on – until Kiku!"

"I wasn't sexually assaulted."

"Forcing a kiss on you, and telling you that if you wanted they'd suck your dick can enter the category of a sexual assault." Oikawa answered seriously.

"Don't remind me of these crazy chicks, please," Iwaizumi sighed.

They arrived at Aoba Jousai, Matsukawa and Hanamaki meeting them. After some more "happy birthday, Ace!" from them, the conversation continued with the addition of their two friends.

"It's kinda funny that all the girls who confessed to you thought you like the wild-type of girls. Every time one of them confessed, it was with the full intention of banging you within minutes against a tree." Makki said, thinking back on all the stories related to the girls confessing to Iwaizumi.

"They must be so green to realize your type actually is the cute and adorable!" Mattsun added, snorting.

"I never understood why they assumed I preferred 'wild' girls. Because of that they acted like crazy…!" He complained as they changed.

"You did get your first kiss stolen by one of your girls because she had thought that you'd like girls who could– how did she put it? Take initiative?" Oikawa continued, chuckling when he thought back on the scene (he had been spying on the confession when the girl suddenly jumped on Iwaizumi and kissed him, stealing his first kiss and then looking all confused and bashful as to why he had blushed so much and pushed her away)

"Ugh…"

"And that one you rejected and then told you she'd give you a blowjob if you accepted to date her!" Matsukawa exclaimed, "She was really persistent!"

"There were a few who proposed birthday blowjobs and also birthday sex – you'll probably receive some offers today as well!" Hanamaki added with a teasing grin.

"Does Kiku know any of that?" Matsukawa asked, leaning casually against the lockers.

"Not yet, and you will not tell her any of that – I might eventually tell her. In like, seventy years form now." He answered.

"I doubt Kiku-chan is the jealous type, not that she wouldn't protect her territory but she probably doesn't care what happened in the past." Oikawa said with a shrug.

"Because it's known you never had a girlfriend; though, she probably thinks she was your first kiss. She might be disappointed." Matsukawa added.

"I never considered this attack like my first kiss, anyway."

"What if Kiku had already kissed? By Yuuna or someone else?" Hanamaki exclaimed suddenly.

They all gave him long looks – a particularly harsh one from Iwaizumi. But talking abut Kiku reminded him that she wouldn't be here today.

"She's not coming today. She's staying home." He said suddenly.

"Eh? But why?! It's your birthday!" Oikawa exclaimed with wide eyes.

"…The day this bastard attacked her and she was saved by my father – it was the same day as my birthday." He explained quickly in a hushed voice so that this detail in particular would escape the rest of their teammates.

They all glanced at each other, understanding that she wouldn't be in any shape to go to school and act normal – her boyfriend's birthday or not, her trauma was too strong.

"Will you be okay?" Mattsun asked Iwaizumi.

"Oh? Uh, yeah. I'm just worried for her…" He answered.

The practice went as usual, despite the little moment of crazy where they all congratulated their Ace for his birthday, the birthday song resonating in the gymnasium. Once they went to the main building for their day of classes, Hajime opened his locker to change his shoes and a pile of letters, boxes of gifts and even flowers fell down at his feet.

"What the–"

"I can't believe that you have at least twice more than usual! It's so unfair!" Makki exclaimed.

"Why? I have a girlfriend." He mumbled, bending down to retrieve everything.

"Do you really think it's going to be enough to scare them away? If anything, all the cute and innocent girls who didn't dare confess to you now know they have a chance, and there are all the ones who think you deserve better than Kiku." Matsukawa answered.

Iwaizumi looked up, glaring at him for everything he had just said but he just shrugged.

"What? It's true? It's what everyone thinks. Even if they calmed down about you dating Kiku, it doesn't mean they swallowed the news well."

"Here, take that," Oikawa said, giving him an empty plastic bag he had taken knowing it'd happen.

Iwaizumi didn't even ask him any question and put everything in the bag to check later – even if he wasn't interested in any other girl, he couldn't dismiss their confessions and gifts so easily. It'd be rude to them and their feelings. He wasn't surprised to find more on his desk and it was at lunch, that the four gathered and checked everything he had received. Lots of cookies and little chocolate, or flowers, or little volleyball or Godzilla charms. Many letters were just some polite "happy birthday" but some were entire letters of confession.

"Oh, listen to this one: 'I have enough experience to assure you I could satisfy you much more than your current girlfriend! I learned from experienced men and don't doubt I would make you happy.'" Hanamaki read while Iwaizumi was reading another.

"What's so special about this one?" He asked without looking up from what he was reading.

"She's telling you she'd satisfy you more – sexually, obviously! Not like you have any sexual satisfaction with Kiku anyway so anyone would satisfy you more…"

Iwaizumi gave him a long, hard look.

"Makki, they've been dating for only four days, give them a few more before talking about sexual activities. You're going to embarrass Iwa-chan~!"

"Right, the only virgin left among us."

"Can you– it has nothing to do with any of you so leave my sexual life out of this! And don't you dare go bother Kiku with that!" He exclaimed, grabbing the letter from Hanamaki's hands, "I am very satisfied as it is!"

"Pfff…"

"Why are you laughing?"

"You can't possibly consider 'masturbating while thinking about my girlfriend' as satisfying."

"Don't be so rude, he still upgraded to the next level. That's progress." Matsukawa said, making Hanamaki laugh even more.

"Will you shut up, all of you?!" Iwaizumi exclaimed, cursing the blush on his cheeks.

"I'm sure Kiku will be the one to make the first move – like your first kiss, if it weren't for her grabbing your tie and shutting you up with a kiss, you'd still be going on and on with your stammering." Hanamaki continued.

Iwaizumi growled, covering his face with his hands while they continued teasing him. Until a girl from another classroom approached him with a blush on her cheeks.

"U-um, Iwaizumi-san… could I talk to you, please?"

He looked up and held back a sigh, knowing damn well what would happen. Every year it was the same – Valentine's day and his birthday were the two worst days of the year. Politely, he stood up to follow her as the three others leaned towards each other.

"It's starting, the birthday confessions. What was the best one last year?"

"The one who started stripping off her clothes – he just walked away without even looking, this fool."

"She sure was a wild one!"

Without surprise, the girl did confess to Iwaizumi behind a tree.

"I… I really like you, Iwaizumi-san!" She exclaimed, cheeks red.

He was reassured she didn't try anything crazy – maybe it was one of the timid ones who didn't dare confess before.

"Thanks but… I already have a girlfriend, so…" He answered, glancing away.

It was a nice change from "I'm not interested" – especially with the picture of Kiku's pretty face in his mind. He couldn't wait to see her again – perhaps he'd go see her tonight after practice to make sure she was all right.

"…Why?"

"Eh?" He asked, blinking because he was too busy daydreaming to remember he had been in the middle of receiving a confession.

"Why did you choose this girl…? After all these years where you never wanted a girlfriend a-and why her? What does she have I don't?" She asked, tears in her eyes as she looked up at him, "I don't understand! No one does! Akiyama has nothing special, you must pity her but to go as far as keep her as your girlfriend! Why?"

Iwaizumi glanced around in embarrassment, holding back his annoyance because he knew she was hurt. And trying to explain it as calmly as possibly, he spoke up:

"I'm in love with her and that's how it is. Your cries and your questions won't change it. She is everything I've always wanted." He answered with a little shrug.

The girl stared at him, stunned by his honest answer. He didn't seem to lie or pretend anything – he really was in love with this girl and it wasn't the flush on his cheeks revealing it. It was the way his eyes shone when he talked about Akiyama.

"I-I see…" She murmured, looking down.

He kept his lips thin, feeling a little bad for her, but then, not having anything else to add, he turned around and went back in his classroom, hands in his pockets. In the end, even if he wanted Kiku taking the time she needed to herself, he really wanted her by his side today… He missed her.

A few hours later…

"So, what are you doing today, for your birthday?" Hanamaki asked Iwaizumi when they were stretching.

"We said we'd invite you to ramen, our treat for birthday boy!" Matsukawa said.

"Not today guys, I… I'm going to see how Kiku is doing. But thanks anyway." Iwaizumi answered, stretching his other leg.

His friends glanced at each other then back at him, smiling:

"It's all right, you want to go see your girlfriend, it's normal!"

"I'd choose my girlfriend over any of you a thousand times over, especially on my birthday!" Mattsun exclaimed.

"How could you do that to us, man?" Makki whined.

Iwaizumi chuckled to himself then, done with stretching, he stood up, warning Oikawa he was exceptionally leaving the changing-room's key in his bag. He took a quick shower, changed then left insanely early compared to usual. He had barely made a few steps outside the high-school gates that his phone buzzed.

Can I see you?

He stopped in his steps, rereading the message sent by Kiku to make sure she was asking what he thought she did. He immediately answered and they agreed to meet to a nearby park to have some tranquility. His steps were fast, impatient to see her but worry in his heart – he hoped she was doing okay. That despite this day being an awful reminder to her, she would show him her beautiful smile.

When he arrived in the park, he turned around a few times before noticing the figure of Kiku, sitting on a bench, in the shadow of a few trees – away from prying eyes.

"Kiku!" He called, running to her.

She looked up just as he arrived – and she smiled. It was a true smile that reached her eyes and made them sparkling. Hajime's heart missed a beat and he felt all warm and giggly.

"Happy birthday, Hajime," she said, standing up to greet him.

Of all the "Happy birthday" he had received today – no, of all the "Happy birthday" he had received in his entire life – it was his favorite. He was grinning and flushing and his heart wouldn't stay quiet.

"T-thank you… I-I was about to go see you when I received your message. I'm… I'm very happy to see you…"

She smiled, lowering her gaze a little shyly and he continued, his smile wavering a little.

"And… I'm glad to see you smiling…"

She was a little pale, but she was still smiling and it was all that mattered to him. Her smile, her happiness… She glanced up hesitantly at him, then she reached out and took his hands in hers.

"I'm sorry I missed your birthday… I… usually, I can handle it but last night… I had lots of nightmares… reminding me of that night. I know you're probably thinking it's because of the date but with everything that happened lately – meeting your father which triggered it all, telling you the whole story, i-it was a little difficult to handle this time…" She explained sheepishly, ashamed she had missed the first birthday with her boyfriend because of her trauma.

He squeezed her hands, making her look up.

"Hey… It's okay… I'm just glad you'll be fine… that you're fine. Even if… I missed you a little…" He admitted, flushing.

She smiled then stepped closer, until they were almost touching but without breaking the space between them.

"Then… how about next year… we'll do anything you want for your birthday, I'll be here, promise?"

"Next year…" He murmured.

She immediately startled and blushed:

"I-I mean! I-if y-you want to! Unless y-you don't want to spend that much time with me, I'd understand and–"

"No, I… I want that. Let's promise that next year, we'll spend my birthday together, just the two of us and no one else." He said.

Slowly, Kiku calmed down then lifted up her hand, showing her pinky finger. Amused, he raised an eyebrow, unable to hold back his smile:

"Really? A pinky promise?"

She made a little, innocent shrug as if saying "why not?". Finding her too adorable to resist, he lifted up his own hand, hooking his pinky against hers.

"Pinky promise that we'll spend your next birthday just the two of us," she said.

"Pinky promise," he echoed.

They made a little shake of their hands to seal the promise but before he had time to move away, Kiku used the hold of her pinky against his to pull him down to her. Her lips found his, immediately kissing her back clumsily before they chuckled and were forced to pull away by their smiles.

"Are you always going to do that? Surprise me with kisses?" He asked teasingly.

"You never kiss me if I don't take action," she answered, pouting a little.

"Because I like taking the time to enjoy every sensation." He answered.

She flushed and before she could answer anything, he cupped her cheeks, her hands going against his chest to keep her balance. His hands were huge and his fingers could get entangled with her soft hair. He tilted her head back but instead of kissing her lips, he tenderly kissed her cheek, then her nose, and her other cheek, making her laugh. Noses brushing against one another, he looked into her eyes. Green met blue, both feeling at peace as they gazed into one another's souls… His lips brushed hers, almost shyly and the moment she took a little intake of breath, overwhelmed by his warm lips brushing hers, he leaned down to kiss her. It was tender at first but Hajime didn't wait to tilt his head on a side, using his tongue to open her mouth and deepening their kiss. They kissed slowly but deeply for a long moment, their hearts beating strongly and their blood pulsing hotly. When they pulled away, out of breathe, Kiku had to hold onto his arms to not fall backwards.

"W-wow…" She breathed, cheeks a bright red.

"Agreed…" He chuckled.

She leaned against him and without any awkwardness, he surrounded her body with his arms, his nose brushing the top of her hair, smelling the scent of her shampoo – lemon. He liked that and he closed his eyes, taking in the warmth he felt just to hold her in his arms. Hajime opened his lips, tempted to express his feelings for her but he was worried it might break the peaceful atmosphere, the silence surrounding them was comforting. And it still felt surreal to suddenly say out of nowhere "I'm in love with you" – even if they were all alone, it didn't seem intimate enough for such a thing. He kissed the top of her head then closed his eyes again, not wanting to ever let her go.

The following day…

Hajime checked himself in the mirror for the tenth time since he had woken up. He smelled good, he had put on clothes that made him look good without trying too much and they didn't have any wrinkles. He had even arranged his hair so it'd be in less disarray than usual – but his spiky hair was forever untamed, it was the Iwaizumi family's curse.

Satisfied with his appearance, he reappeared in his bedroom, glancing everywhere and making sure everything was clean and in order. He had changed his bed's sheets and cover, there wasn't a single dust around and it smelled fresh. Now satisfied with the overall state of his bedroom, he turned around and quickly went into the living-room that he had cleaned as well, just as the door opened.

"Can't you ring or knock?" Iwaizumi grumbled as Oikawa arrived, carrying a packet and several bags – one for his clothes for the night, a big one for the two futons he was furnishing for the night and another for the food and various games or activities he was bringing.

"I always enter like I own the place! Don't scold me today!" He exclaimed before staring at his friend, "What happened to you? You look clean, you're well dressed and…"

He leaned forward, sniffing the air and catching an unusual scent even if Iwaizumi had leaned away with his nose scrunched up by his behavior.

"And you even smell good!" Oikawa exclaimed with wide, shocked eyes.

"You make it sound like I never clean myself. I don't see how it's surprising." He answered, narrowing his eyes at his friend.

"It wouldn't be surprising if there was a good reason for you to dress well! You never make such efforts for your birthday parties! You usually just throw on the first clothes you can find!"

"Now it sounds like I'm a lazy antisocial."

Oikawa made a thoughtful tilt of his head, considering the possibility.

"He made himself handsome because Kiku comes visit for the first time~!" Umeko said, appearing from the kitchen to greet Oikawa.

Hajime immediately flushed in embarrassment, Tooru's lips trembling to hold back a laugh.

"You do know that Kiku-chan likes you in your natural state, you don't have to go to such length to please her."

"I know but it's not because I don't often dress well that I never do it either! Is it too much?" He asked, suddenly worried.

Oikawa watched him from head to toe, a thoughtful pout on his face, fingers under his chin.

"Well…" He started, sounding disheartened.

"I should change? Is that it? It's the shirt? Too much? What should I wear to see Kiku?" He asked, glancing down at himself.

"Firstly, you should take off your clothes and remain only in your boxers." Oikawa started – Iwaizumi was actually about to turn around and execute it when it occurred to him that it was not the sort of advice he was looking for, "Then, roll in mud and leaves so you can appear in your usual, wild beast's state. And make a hundred – no, let's make it two hundreds push-ups so that you can sweat, this way, the pheromones will invade the space around you."

Oikawa nodded satisfied at the mental image, ignoring Iwaizumi's unamused glare.

"With that, she's going to jump on you~!" He concluded with a wink.

"I hate you."

"I think you meant 'I thank you' – and you're welcome~!"

"Don't listen to him, Hajime, you're very handsome." Umeko said, pulling at his cheek teasingly.

"M-mom! D-don't do that, please…!"

"Nonsense, I'm your mother. I get to embarrass you in front of your friends as much as I want."

He sighed as Oikawa laughed at that. Then, both Iwaizumi and Oikawa helped her out finish preparing the huge amount of food for the group of boys who would arrive soon. As soon as it rang, Hajime looked up, turning around to go open but Oikawa beat him to it:

"I'll open!"

He ran, the Ace grumbling as he turned to finish helping his mother.

"Your father and I leave you the apartment so you can have fun with your friends, and we'll get to have a week-end for us as well. You remember the rules?"

"Nothing loud past midnight to not bother the neighbors. No breaking. No ordering food, everything is ready. Everything is cleaned by the time you're back. No breaking." He said obediently.

"And no alcohol if you can avoid it – I don't want you getting drunk when you are still minors."

"Come on, mom, we're not going to drink alcohol!" He exclaimed with an easy smile just as the door opened in the entry.

"Waaah! Iwa-chan! Mattsun brought lots of beer!" Oikawa exclaimed from the entrance.

There was a moment of heavy silence, Hajime not daring to meet his mother's amused eyes.

"…I'll make sure they don't break anything this year…" He mumbled.

"Good boy," she said, patting his cheek, "Now go meet your friends and enjoy your birthday party – you deserve it. As promised you'll receive your dad and I's birthday gift when we're back."

Little by little, Hajime's friends, his teammates, all arrived but the one he expected most wasn't here yet. When it rang, he hurried and opened the door.

"Kiku!" He exclaimed, heart leaping happily when he saw her.

She looked up at him quickly, accompanied by Hanamaki who was carrying a big box.

"We've got the cakes," he said, hearing several cheers at that.

"Come in," Hajime told Kiku, relieving her of the smaller boxes she was carrying.

She took off her shoes, following him closely, Hajime almost closing the door on Hanamaki who managed to avoid it without crushing the cake.

"Thanks! I can see that you missed me!" He exclaimed, rolling his eyes.

"Kiku! It's a pleasure finally meeting you!" Umeko exclaimed when she saw her.

"E-enchanted to m-meet you, I-Iwaizumi-san…" She said, a little shyly, bowing politely before giving her a box, "F-for you a-and your husband… These come from my family bakery's macarons, I-I hope they will be to your t-taste…"

Umeko took the box but looked the shy girl up and down and decided that she was the incarnation of the word 'adorable'. She turned towards her son with a huge, proud smile, glad he had gotten the right girl.

"Thank you, Kiku, it's so kind of you! I'm so happy Hajime finally brought a girl – it took him a very long time but he did well waiting that long. At least he got himself a real pearl. You are adorable. I heard so much about you–"

"Mom!" Hajime exclaimed, flushing in embarrassment, "Let's just… get to know each other later, okay?"

His teammates all laughed and snickered at his embarrassment as he took Kiku's jacket from her, and caught Hanamaki's as well.

"Come, Kiku-chan! I'll make you visit!" Oikawa exclaimed, taking her hand and putting it under his arm to guide her.

"W-wait!" Iwaizumi exclaimed, not wanting his friend doing the visit, Kiku sending him a half-amused, half-embarrassed glance over her shoulder.

Of course, Oikawa didn't listen. Iwaizumi quickly gave all the jackets and bags to Matsukawa and Hanamaki then ran after Oikawa.

"That was the kitchen on your right, here in the hall there's the toilets on the left and over there, the room in which Iwa-chan was conceived by his parents–"

"Oikawa!"

"-Then here is the only interesting room for you: Iwa-chan's bedroom!" Oikawa announced, already pushing open the door.

He forced Kiku inside just as Iwaizumi appeared, glaring at him. Oikawa made an innocent face while Kiku glanced around curiously.

"You cleaned your room, didn't you? It's cute." Oikawa commented loudly, "You took away most of your Godzilla goodies and posters! You don't want to appear as a fanboy, is that it? And it doesn't usually smell this good when it's just us, you–"

Oikawa's voice turned into a whine when Iwaizumi's fingers grabbed his face to keep him from saying anything else embarrassing, his green eyes furiously aflame. The setter felt his lifespan shorten but it was worth it.

Kiku didn't react to any of this, glancing around – it was clean and organized, just as she had imagined it'd be. She turned around, opening her lips just as the rest of the team appeared.

"Wah! It's all clean!"

"It's sparkling!"

"Where is the giant poster of the last Godzilla movie? It's such a cool poster!"

Oikawa made an attempt of an amused smile – turned into a strange expression considering his jaw was currently being crushed by the Ace's fingers. Iwaizumi's shoulders dropped and he closed his eyes as everyone filled the room, quickly making it feel too crowded. He let go of Oikawa then escaped to help his mother who still needed to finish cooking for all of them.

Kiku glanced around at all the boys settling down around the bedroom, used to it, then, when she realized they were all too busy making fun of their Ace for being so sweet to her, she discreetly escaped the bedroom and advanced hesitantly towards the kitchen where mother and son were busy.

"He's so embarrassing… you're all so embarrassing…" He mumbled, not realizing Kiku was here.

"You know how Tooru is, it was to be expected. It's not like they're doing it to hurt you – they're just having fun."

"I know but I'm not!"

"You're saying that but you'll relax soon!"

"Kiku!" He exclaimed when he turned around and noticed her here.

"S-sorry f-for e-eavesdropping… I-is there anything… I can h-help with…?" She asked politely, glancing at Umeko but then at Hajime, not bearing to look too long at someone she barely knew.

"Uum…"

Umeko glanced between the two with an amused smile. Poor Hajime, his girlfriend came for the first time and they were overwhelmed by boys who made fun of them.

"Ah… I don't have enough eggs anymore. I was sure I had the right count… Why don't you both go for some groceries? The grocery store isn't far. You'll have some time together this way." She said with a knowing smile.

Both blushed but Kiku nodded. Umeko gave a quick list to her son then they put on their shoes and escaped the loud environment. Oikawa leaned away from his friend's bedroom, chuckling when he saw the couple running away from them.

"Did it work?" Hanamaki asked him.

"Yes, they're on their own~!" He answered.

"Who would have thought that Umeko-san could be won over with beer?" Mattsun mused, grinning.

The grocery store really was close – less than three minutes from the apartment complex where the Iwaizumi (and Oikawa) lived. There was a park just in front and Kiku couldn't help but glance at the playground and imagine the two boys playing there as children. Hajime glanced at her quickly, then decided to break the silence:

"I'm sorry– for everything awkward and embarrassing that happened… My mother is very excited to meet you, and Oikawa is even more impossible than usual… My room is usually clean, I swear! It's just…"

His voice trailed off and he stopped when he heard Kiku's amused chuckle – he glanced her way and was stricken by how cute she was. He almost fell over, blushing and feeling his heart suddenly speeding up. She glanced up at him, eyes sparkling beautifully:

"It's all right, don't worry about your room. It looked very clean and it was nice."

"T-thanks…"

"But… I'd love to see it again with the giant Godzilla poster…" She said, hands joined in her back as she turned around to face him as they walked.

"I'll put it back on when we're back, then," he said with a grin.

She nodded vividly and he jumped forward to be at her side, his hand finding hers so they could walk side by side, their hands swinging happily. All of Hajime's embarrassment provoked by his friends and mother was nothing compared to the teasing grin the old man at the grocery store made when he saw the couple – he knew the old man since he was a little boy. He had never been so awkward in his life, which almost endangered the eggs. When they went back towards the apartment, they went as slowly as possible and he glanced her way. She was wearing a nice dress, white with flowers. It had a very nice cleavage too and he quickly looked away to not stare. She had a little braid in her hair and he wanted so badly to play with it, he felt like a kitten.

"Y-you look very pretty…" He said, looking away in embarrassment.

Kiku glanced up at him, flushed then grinned happily, squeezing his hand and staring at him. He was wearing casual jeans and a light blue shirt. The top buttons left open, sleeves pushed to his elbows and just tight enough to reveal his muscular chest and arms. Feeling distracted, she quickly looked away, blushing.

"Y-you… look v-very handsome too…" She said in a hushed voice.

Hajime smiled happily, glad that he had chosen his clothes right – despite what Oikawa had said. They came back, the team in the living-room and deciding on the order of board games they'll do – and what movies watch or video games to play. Hajime and Kiku quietly went to the kitchen, unnoticed by their friends.

"I thought you didn't have any more eggs?" Hajime said when he entered and saw his mother with an open box of eggs.

"They were in the very back and I hadn't seen them, my bad." Umeko answered innocently but he knew better – and was grateful to the few minutes of tranquility he had had with Kiku, "I'm almost done, you should join your friends."

He put down the eggs he had bought on the counter, nodding then turning towards his girlfriend.

"Let's go in my room, then."

"Lock the door if you don't want to be interrupted!" Umeko advised.

Her son glared at her for the suggestion, Kiku glancing between the two curiously then he pushed her to go in his bedroom. Now empty and quiet. He didn't close the door, though, not wanting anyone to imagine anything. He also made sure the key wasn't on the door so they wouldn't be locked in – he had to think of so many evil possibilities, it was exhausting. He pulled his big poster that had been rolled and tucked on a side then showed it on his bed – it was almost as big as the bed itself.

"It's a cinema poster! It's gigantic! It looks so cool!" Kiku exclaimed.

"I went to the premiere with Oikawa, Hanamaki and Matsukawa. I kept saying how cool the poster was and then, all three put money together to buy it from the movie theater and offered it to me!" He explained, proud and happy to have such friends.

"It's so nice of them!"

"It's very heavy so I can't put it on the wall now or it'll take me forever, but next time you're coming it'll be on the wall." He said, rolling it carefully once again.

She smiled then, once he was done, they awkwardly stood in his bedroom. Alone. After a while, he made a gesture towards his bed with tight lips, Kiku staring at him until he understood how awkward it just have seemed:

"Oh my goodness, no! I didn't mean! I meant! Sit! O-or the chair, if you prefer! Wherever you prefer!" He exclaimed, flushing.

He reached for his desk chair and pulled it forward, almost making it fall over from how quickly he had acted. Kiku politely smiled to him then sat on the edge of his bed. He stood there a moment before sitting down on the chair, in front of her and avoiding looking her way.

"…Are you always this nervous when you receive visitors?" She asked in a little voice, smiling softly.

"N-no, I… I don't usually get this nervous. I don't know why I'm so awkward. Must be because it's the first time… the visitor is a girl… m-my girlfriend…" He mumbled, flushing.

She smiled, looking amused. She held out her hand and he took it, both immediately feeling reassured. He pushed on his chair to roll towards her and she looked up. Taking the opportunity of being relatively left alone for the moment, he leaned down to kiss her lips. She answered to it tenderly, both smiling in their kiss.

"The almost-kisser upgraded to an actual kisser."

Both startled and jumped away from each other, Hajime standing up when he saw his father leaning casually against the doorway.

"D-dad!" He exclaimed, blushing to have been caught.

Takashi smirked teasingly as Kiku stood up, a little more calm than her boyfriend. She joined her hands in front of her and bowed down politely, but she didn't meet his gaze.

"E-Enchanted to meet you, I-Iwaizumi-san…" She breathed awkwardly.

"It's not the first time we see each other, Kiku, right?" He said in a calm voice, making her glance up warily, "But I'm glad meeting you again, and in more joyful circumstances than the previous times."

He paused, glancing very quickly at his son who was staring at him with thin lips, then he looked back at Kiku.

"You're not covered in blood, or in a hospital room. And I'm not wearing my uniform for once." He said, making her look away.

"Dad…" Hajime started with big eyes.

"And I see that you've grown into a beautiful young woman."

Kiku glanced back at him as Takashi pushed himself from the wall and showed his hand to her:

"I heard a lot about you, the grown-up you. And I promised Hajime I'd meet you without any prejudice against you. So nice meeting you, grown-up Kiku." He said.

Kiku hesitated for a moment, her eyes shining as memories flooded back but she fought against them. Then, slowly she approached her hand to shake his. Takashi smiled gently and she forced one as well. He glanced back at their hands and tilted her hand on the side. Hajime immediately grabbed his father's wrist and pushed him away, his other arm surrounding Kiku's shoulders.

"Oi! Don't do that!"

"I was just making sure–"

"That she didn't have any scars? They're not here! You're acting exactly contrary to what I asked of you!"

Takashi sighed but Kiku intervened, speaking up in a tiny voice:

"I-it's all right… he… knows where my scars are."

Hajime glanced down at her as she looked up straight at Takashi:

"He… he was the first one to try to clean the wounds, after all." She said in a hard voice.

She kept staring at Takashi who didn't falter, then, she surprised him by bowing down in front of him:

"I never thanked you for everything you did for me – saving my life from Himura, helping me out and watching over me for months despite my uncooperative behavior. Thank you, Iwaizumi-san, I am forever grateful to you for what you've done for me."

Takashi stared at her, lips falling open… Hajime had told him she was different, and for now she hadn't showed much of what Hajime kept talking about but… she was definitely different from the closed off, traumatized child he had found years ago.

"I was just doing my job." He said, as she looked up hesitantly, "…It's nice finally hearing your voice, Kiku." He added with a little smile.

He patted her shoulder then turned around to leave the two teenagers alone.

"Have fun today, both of you."

The moment he walked out, Hajime turned towards Kiku.

"I'm so sorr–"

"It's all right, it's nothing to worry about. Considering what he… saw of me, I'm surprised he's being so nice." She said with a smile, but she definitely looked reassured Iwaizumi Takashi wasn't here anymore.

"He… doesn't like us being… together…" Hajime admitted in a low voice, lowering his gaze.

"…It's not a surprise. I wouldn't want my son with someone like me either. I wouldn't want me to be with anyone, really…" She whispered sadly.

"Kiku…"

"I-I don't mean that you're 'anyone'! On the contrary b-but… y-you do know you deserve better, Hajime… right…?" She continued, looking up at him.

He sighed deeply then cupped her cheeks, looking straight into her eyes:

"And I don't care. You're the one I fell in love with. You're the one for me. Anyone else's opinion about you, or us, doesn't matter. What matters is that we're happy with what we have – and I've never been happier in my life than these last four days…"

Slowly, a smile appeared on her face, tears of joy making her eyes shine like sapphires. Rather than tears it was love and happiness that made her eyes so beautiful and Hajime couldn't help but smile back.

"Me too… it's the happiest I've ever felt…" She murmured.

He leaned down to kiss her when Hanamaki suddenly appeared at the doorway:

"Oi! Iwaizumi! You're coming or not? It's for your birthday we came! Oh. Sorry, you were making out." He said when he noticed the two had been about to kiss.

"W-we weren't–"

"And you pulled out your Godzilla poster? Did you show your other Godzilla~?" He teased, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Kiku blushed and looked away while Hajime gasped, face red.

"You! You are such a!"

"I leave you to your make-out session, then!" He exclaimed, closing the door.

"Wait! No!"

Hajime opened the door again and ran after Hanamaki. Left alone, Kiku let out a heavy sigh, then tried to calm down her heart and the hotness of her cheeks. The day would be more tiring than she had expected.

When she joined the group of boys, they had convinced Hajime to sit down to play a video game – something about a revenge Hanamaki wanted. They'd take turns all playing but for now, the birthday boy had the privilege of starting first. Kiku glanced towards the kitchen, Hajime's mother finishing to clean the working place.

"M-may I h-help you…?" Kiku asked hesitantly.

"Oh, Kiku. It's fine, I'm done now." Umeko answered with a smile, turning around and observing her closely, "I… know what happened to you. My husband told me, and even if Hajime never really shared everything that had happened between the two of you… I know he knows."

"…It was important telling him the truth a-and… it doesn't matter anyway… now… everyone knows…" She murmured, thinking back on the truth spread at her high-school.

"I can't possibly understand what you went through, but if you ever need anything from Takashi, or I… you can ask us, Kiku. Even if you and Hajime don't last, you'll always be welcome here." She told him with a motherly gaze.

Kiku glanced up at her thankfully, infinitely grateful for the Iwaizumi family being so kind to her.

"Thank you…" She murmured, "I-I mean… n-not just that but… everything your husband did for me years ago… a-and for…"

She took a shaky breath in and looked up, smiling brightly, eyes sparkling in love:

"A-and for giving birth to Hajime. H-he's such… such an amazing person, so kind and open-minded, I admire him so much, he inspires me so much a-and I can't tell how much I… I'm in love with him. H-he saved me in ways you couldn't understand a-and I'm forever grateful that he is part of my life, that he exists, that he is who he is a-and it's thanks to you… his parents…" Kiku murmured, blushing in embarrassment to say so many words of admiration to her boyfriend's mother.

Umeko stared at her, realizing how pure this girl was – Hajime had repeated it, times and times again, and she had obviously thought that he was exaggerating because he was head-over-heels for her… But it wasn't the case. He was truly admiring her for her kindness and bright soul.

"You're a very kind and generous person, Kiku… and I must thank you too for what you did for Hajime." She said, the high-schooler glancing up at her in confusion, "Being mature is in his nature, he's always acted more grown-up than he should. And I know he can have fun, and thanks to his friends, he's not unhappy… but since the beginning of this school year, I had never seen my son so happy. And it's thanks to you."

Kiku wasn't sure she understood exactly what Umeko was referring to, she couldn't imagine herself bringing enough happiness in Hajime's life for his mother to notice a change, but if it was the case… she was glad.

"Come, there is something I must show you," Umeko said suddenly, exiting the kitchen.

Kiku followed her curiously, glancing quickly at the boys who were cheering for what they were doing. None seemed to notice the two of them coming by so she hurried after Umeko who stopped in her bedroom before taking Kiku in her son's so they wouldn't be interrupted. She was carrying many photos albums and both sat on the edge of the bed.

"He told me not to show you these, but there was no way I could resist."

"There's no way I could resist either at seeing his baby pictures!" Kiku exclaimed enthusiastically.

Umeko gladly opened the first album photo, showing the baby pictures of Hajime when he was born – eighteen years ago.

"He's so cute! He's adorable! He looks so precious!" Kiku exclaimed in awe, tears in her eyes, "His hair was already all spiked up!"

"He always had his father's hair – it's an Iwaizumi trait. Look!"

Umeko pulled another family album pictures closer, showing several photographs – there was Hajime, from a few years ago, with his father, the resemblance stunning. And more picture from the previous generations, the colors slowly turning sepia then in black and white, the photographs more or less damaged. Hajime looked less like the previous generations than to his father, but there was one common trait that couldn't be denied: spiky hair. Some, for other hairstyles, had longer hair, which made them look like weird hedgehogs.

"I'm sure Hajime's children will have spiked up hair as well," Umeko said teasingly, glancing at Kiku.

She blushed but didn't stop smiling, continuing to look at all the baby pictures, little Hajime slowly growing up. He was such a happy and smiling child – and then, there were lots of pictures with a little Oikawa. Tooru didn't change much – he only grew up in height and got some muscles but he was still the same child in a bigger body. Hajime, little by little showed more maturity – he was still smiling in the pictures but he had grown. She saw pictures of their first tries of volleyball, their first teams, middle-school…

"Oh, are these Kindaichi and Kunimi? And is that…" She continued, recognizing Kageyama with the younger boys on a few team pictures from Kitagawa Daiichi, "They were all so tiny and adorable~!"

"Hard to believe that they grew up so much! Hajime is so jealous of their height…"

Kiku chuckled, continuing to explore the pictures just as someone arrived at the door:

"I was looking for… mom, you did not." Hajime said, seeing all the pictures albums and knowing Kiku had seen his entire life in pictures.

"She asked to see them," Umeko said, Kiku glancing up at her at the lie but not denying it.

"If that's the case, then…" He mumbled, unable to hold a grudge against Kiku.

Glad that her trick had worked, Umeko smiled innocently.

"You were a very cute baby and child… you still are when you smile." Kiku said with an adorable smile, making him blush.

"R-really?"

"You should bring some pictures of you as a baby the next time you'll come over, Kiku," Umeko said suddenly.

Kiku's lips fell open but before she could say a thing, Hajime spoke up, making wide eyes at his mother:

"Mom!"

"Oh, right… you might… not have baby pictures considering your situation… I'm sorry, I had forgotten…"

"I-I do have pictures… not as many as all these picture albums but… the adoption system took pictures of me every year – for my growth and as references for the system." She explained with a smile.

Hajime looked down, Umeko surrounding her arm around Kiku for comfort, the girl now confused at their reaction. File pictures, for medical records and for family who would choose whether or not they'd want of this child… she didn't understand that it didn't feel right for a family.

"Umeko– there you are." Takashi said, suddenly appearing, "We should leave soon if you want to see your parents on the way. I don't want to arrive too late."

"Right, we should go."

After some last advices to the group of teenagers and especially their son and Kiku (the only responsible ones) who both promised to keep an eye on what would happen, Takashi and Umeko left.

"Where are they going exactly?" Kiku asked curiously.

"They're spending the weekend together, so we can have fun on our own… and I think they're happy to spend some time like they used to, before I got in the way." Hajime explained with a smile, "They're going to some hot spring."

"They might make a new Iwababy~!" Oikawa said, sitting on the edge of the couch.

Hajime rolled his eyes at that, and Kiku was tempted to ask him more, but there were too many people around and it was embarrassing.

"I'm going to bring some food and drinks from the kitchen," Hajime decided.

"I'll help you out, Iwaizumi-san!" Kindaichi exclaimed, joined by Yahaba and Kunimi.

Kiku saw him leave, followed by his kouhais, and Oikawa kept staring at her teasingly, a gleaming light in his eyes.

"Three."

"Y-yes?" She hesitated, turning to him.

"Iwa-chan wants three babies," he said, making her blush.

"I-I w-wasn't…!"

"He's too embarrassed to talk about it, though. He used to want a sibling, when we were children but he grew over it over time – I believe it's because I filled the void that the absence of sibling had created!" He said, half joking.

"T-true… y-you're like brothers… I saw the pictures when you were children, you've always been very close." She said with a smile, glad Hajime had had Oikawa in his life.

"Eh? You saw our children pictures, really?! Wasn't I adorable~?" He continued with a wink.

"You still are, you didn't change at all," she answered making him laugh.

"By the way, Kiku-chan, where is your bag?" Oikawa continued, glancing around.

She pointed at her hand bag resting on a chair.

"No, I mean, for tonight," he said.

"Tonight?"

"You don't know?" He asked, eyes widening.

"Oops, forgot to tell you," Hanamaki, who had been half-listening while playing against Matsukawa and Watari, "But you're staying the night with us. Oikawa, Matsukawa and I always stay the night for our birthdays, you'll be here too."

"W-what?! Why didn't you tell me?! What about my parents, they'll–"

"They already know about it and I promised not to let you alone with Iwaizumi so your virtue can remain safe."

She blushed, not only at his suggestion, but the idea she'd spend the night at Hajime's place…! She covered her face with her hands, shaking her head:

"No! I can't! How could you not tell me…?!"

"Forgot."

"You did it on purpose!"

"Don't worry, Kiku-chan!" Oikawa exclaimed with a reassuring smile, "We'll find you some clothes and it's not the first time we're spending a night with a girl – Makki and Mattsun's sisters sometimes sleep over as well! You're safe and sound with us~!"

"That's not the problem here…!" She exclaimed.

A few minutes later, ignoring Makki's teasing and Oikawa trying to convince her, she went to call her parents and indeed, they knew all about it and had even agreed. She didn't want to imagine the length Hanamaki had gone to convince them!

"So, you're staying? Don't worry, it'll be fun!" Oikawa exclaimed with a smile.

"We'll do movie marathons, it'll be great," Mattsun added casually.

"I-I don't have a choice, do I…?" She mumbled.

"Nope," all three answered.

"You have something in mind, don't you…?"

"Maybe~" Oikawa hummed.

She glared at them half-heartedly, too embarrassed to really realize the consequences that might occur. She trusted Hajime, and for better or worse, she trusted all of these dorks. But the idea of spending the night under the same roof as them – as Hajime! – caused a constant blush on her cheeks. She even started feeling dizzy and feverish, sitting down next to Makki who kept grinning at her teasingly.

Hajime came back, with the kouhais, they all put down drinks and various food for everyone's tastes. The boys immediately dived, and continued to take turns playing the video games, mostly Mario kart considering everyone knew it and enjoyed it. Hajime was currently challenging Oikawa, Matsukawa playing as well, a little more quietly. Noticing that Kiku was watching without intervening, shyly keeping to herself.

"You play?" Mattsun asked suddenly, his gaze unwavering from the screen to not lose.

"E-eh? M-me?" She asked, flushing, "I-I never… tried…"

"We gotta do something about it. Guys, calm down with your course," he told Iwaizumi and Oikawa who agreed absentmindedly, not calming down at all.

"I-it's fine, I don't–"

But Matsukawa didn't listen to her and waited for Oikawa to win and brag about it, Iwaizumi growling. As soon as they were done, he changed a few settings and grabbed Kiku's arm. She gasped, sitting on the edge of the couch, between his legs. He forced the controller between her hands, indicating what the touches were here for. He pressed a few buttons and a new course begun. She squeaked a few times, getting used to the play, Oikawa and Iwaizumi playing as well.

"It's too easy!" Oikawa exclaimed, considering the level of difficulty was lower, "And another win for the Captain~!"

"Not yet, Captain," Makki said, watching from the side, "And it's only normal to make it easier for Kiku."

"Come on, Akiyama-san! You can do it!" Kindaichi encouraged.

"Don't side with her, come on!" Oikawa whined.

Kiku was struggling a little, constantly glancing at what she was pressing then back at the screen, instinctively trying to follow the movement by lifting up her arms and leaning along with the controller. Without a word, Matsukawa grabbed her hands and forced her back in her initial position to make sure she wouldn't sprawl over everyone. He kept a hold on her arms, sometimes helping her out by pressing a few touches.

Iwaizumi glanced over to his side, frowning to himself and pouting. He should have thought about including Kiku in their games but he had gotten over excited about the challenges and might have momentarily forgotten there was a girl in the same room as them. Loud, stupid teenagers as they were. He hated the idea that Matsukawa had thought of Kiku instead of being the one thinking of her, but was also a little grateful he had thought of her so she wouldn't get bored. But he hated even more that Matsukawa had forced Kiku to sit between his legs, touching so casually her hands and arms, his torso against her back. Neither seemed interested in the other, they didn't even seem to realize how close they were but it didn't stop Hajime from getting jealous.

Noticing his growing jealousy, and hearing his little growl against the controller, Hanamaki discreetly glanced at Matsukawa who caught his gaze. The wing spiker lifted up his thumbs up – the plan was working. Mattsun grinned, continuing to help Kiku who was so focused on the course.

"Throw him a shell," Mattsun told Kiku when he saw the right opportunity.

She had managed to go past Oikawa and Iwaizumi – by sheer luck they kept repeating when the others cheered fro their manager – but Oikawa received the shell. He screamed then his car hit Iwaizumi's and both started screaming as they fell off.

"NO, no, no, no!"

"You bastard! You hit me!"

"It's not MY fault! It's Kiku's!"

"You let your guard down, both of you, just admit it," Hanamaki said, amused.

Kiku won and screamed happily, lifting up her arms to the ceiling.

"Yaaaay~! We won!" Matsukawa said.

"Thank you, Mattsun! It's all thanks to you!" She exclaimed, twisting around to clap his hands and hug him quickly.

"It's always a pleasure to participate in Oikawa's loss." He answered, making the setter gasp in offense.

Iwaizumi kept staring – or rather, unconsciously glaring – at Matsukawa who didn't move away from Kiku even though the course was done. The middle blocker totally ignored him and Kiku didn't realize anything of what was going on.

"Beginner's luck! Beginner's luck!" Oikawa exclaimed, "I want a revenge!"

"Sore loser," Makki commented.

"Bring it on!" Kiku exclaimed, getting into it.

"Don't get on your high horse, you won only once with the easiest level. And with Matsukawa's help!" Hanamaki exclaimed, making her pout.

"I wanna play the next round, then we'll let you, second and first-years play. We've monopolized the game long enough," Matsukawa said, taking his controller back and swiftly pressing the buttons to get his favorite character back.

"Who will help me, then?" Kiku asked, looking at him.

"Iwaizumi," he answered casually.

She turned towards her boyfriend who lifted up his head, eyes wide. He had been about to quit – he was too annoyed by the turn of events but now he was just stunned.

"Uuuh…"

"You don't mind… do you…? J-just one more try!" Kiku asked, hands joined in a praying gesture.

"Of course, he doesn't mind!" Hanamaki answered for him.

Matsukawa casually grabbed Kiku's hips to force her up then tapped the side of her thigh to make her go to the right. She flushed a little, from his casual touch and mostly because she realized she would go to Hajime's side and sit the same way she had done with Matsukawa. She didn't care when it was him, but when it was Hajime, it was more embarrassing… She joined Hajime and he flushed, sitting up straighter to give her some room between his legs. He moved as far away against his couch as possible while she remained as far on the edge as possible, a good twenty centimeters separating them.

"Come on, you're not sick, get closer," Makki muttered while Hajime gave Kiku the controller, making sure not to touch her skin.

The Ace threw him a harsh look but he did get closer when he had to reach for the controller to let Kiku choose her character. Just like Matsukawa earlier, he passed his arms under hers, reaching for the controller and looking from over her shoulder. He caught sight of her curvy breasts just as she glanced at him. He looked away, blushing and trying to ignore his friends' snickers. They had done it on purpose to embarrass him.

"There," he said, giving her back the controller and moving his hands away.

"W-wait, what do I press already? Don't leave!" She exclaimed as the numbers appeared on the screen to count the seconds before the start of the course.

"You're pressing on it already, I'm not leaving, calm down," he said, pointing at the screen.

She looked just as it started. Oikawa and Matsukawa quickly went off, experts on the topic compared to Kiku who was still struggling with the use and the buttons. Hajime was forcing his gaze to remain fixed on the screen.

"Wait – wrong button," he said suddenly when hell broke loose on the screen and she panicked.

He pushed the right fingers to the right buttons, both flushing at the touch – which didn't help them go back into the course.

"What do I do then?" She asked, starting to lean away like in the first course.

"Wait, don't– don't do that!" He said, trying to reach for her hands as she lifted them up.

She went back in a normal position, almost closing off and not letting him see the controller.

"You're a terrible video game teacher, Iwaizumi-san," Yahaba commented calmly, "You're good at giving advices on volleyball, though."

"Thanks for the commentary, guys!" He mumbled.

"Hajime! Focus! What do I do?!" She exclaimed, elbowing him.

He growled loudly when she hit him a little too hard, it took him a moment to breathe again.

"Hajime!" She screamed.

"You almost killed him, let him breathe."

"What happened?! Oh my goodness! Are you hurt?! Did I–"

She whipped around just as he moved closer to help her out, her hand slapped his jaw accidentally, making both startle.

"I'm so sorry!" She exclaimed, leaning to him and forgetting the game, turning around completely.

"It's fi– AAAH!"

She unconsciously forced him to open his legs wider and let her hand down (to not slap him again) but accidentally pressed on his crotch. She immediately pulled away but he was suffering.

"I-I'm so, so sorry!" She exclaimed.

"In coming!" Someone exclaimed.

"Shell, shell, shell!" He shouted when he saw the screen.

She pressed buttons in panic, not knowing what she was doing anymore while everyone screamed.

"Cover, cover!"

Kiku managed to somehow avoid all three shells coming her way, hands and controller high in the air.

"Damn it!" Oikawa cursed.

"Wow, that was a good move! You're good at that, y'know!" Hanamaki exclaimed with wide eyes.

"Hajime, I'm so sorry…!" She exclaimed, now focused again on the course.

"Don't mind me, focus! Don't let them win!" He exclaimed, watching from the side.

"Don't worry for him, he's holding onto his balls, you'll still be able to make lots of babies," Makki said teasingly.

"Hanamaki!" They both exclaimed, blushing without sparing him a glance his way.

Hajime let go of his crotch he had been instinctively holding after the pain he had felt. He finally managed to help out Kiku better than at the beginning of the course – but she still lost against the two other players.

"YEAAH! My win! Yet again the great Oikawa Tooru shows his skills~!" Oikawa exclaimed.

"Yeah, yeah, let's see how the great Oikawa Tooru does against me. Yahaba, you're up too!" Hanamaki decided.

"Yeees!"

Matsukawa and Kiku let go of the controllers, letting the others have the couch, Iwaizumi following them – he moved around a little because of all the hits he had received in so little time.

"While they do their own courses, let's do something else," Mattsun proposed.

Hajime glanced at Kiku nodding excitedly, glad she was relaxing and having fun.

"Twister!" Matsukawa exclaimed.

"Twister– you're gonna play Twister?! Wait for me! I wanna play too!" Oikawa exclaimed, suddenly dropping the controller.

"Afraid to lose?" Makki teased.

"Never! But Twister is funnier! Especially with a girl!"

They all glanced at him, then at Kiku who blinked innocently, everyone suddenly looking very interested. Hajime jumped in front of her protectively, glaring at them:

"Don't even think of it!"

"…What is Twister exactly?" Kiku asked curiously, looking at Mattsun.

"A very innocent game, very fun," he said with the most angelic face he could put up and giving her the game's box to show her.

"We usually play a strip-tease Twister but just this time, we'll do it following the rules for you, Kiku-chan~!" Oikawa exclaimed with a smile.

"You shouldn't–" Hajime started.

"It sounds fun!" She exclaimed, as she watched the pictures on the game's box.

Hajime hit his forehead, making the others chuckle.

"Then, we'll start with Mattsun, Iwa-chan, Kiku-chan and I~! Watacchi! You'll tell us what to do!" Oikawa exclaimed, clapping his hands together.

"If either of you does anything unacceptable, I'll punch you, got it?" Iwaizumi growled.

"What could go wrong? It's just a game of stability and balance, right?" Kiku said innocently as Matsukawa and Oikawa prepared everything.

Hajime didn't answer.

A few minutes later, blushing terribly, Kiku had an entire list of what had gone wrong.

"I warned you…" Hajime mumbled, blushing just as much from the awkward position they were in.

"S-shut up…!" She hissed, lowering her head in shame.

She immediately looked back up, avoiding to keep her head too close to Oikawa's crotch. All four were tangled in the worst of position – if any were to slide, all four would fall into a pile of tangled limbs.

"When is it going to stop…?" She asked, arms and legs tired from the position she was forced to hold.

"Why stop now when it's getting interesting?" Matsukawa asked – somewhere behind her.

"The fun part is about to start!" Oikawa exclaimed, voice smothered by the position he was in, "Right, Iwa-chan~?"

"You don't– s-stop it!" He hissed, voice getting high pitched.

Kiku twisted her head and noticed Oikawa tickling his best friend's armpits.

"If he falls, he falls on you, Oikawa!" She exclaimed, "HIII! Who is touching me?!" She exclaimed, looking over her shoulder.

"I was just curious about your panties' color," Matsukawa answered, lifting up her dress for everyone to look.

"OI!" Iwaizumi exclaimed, already lifting up one foot to kick him.

In the same time, squealing in embarrassment, Kiku pulled her leg away, twisting awkwardly for Matsukawa to stop lifting up her skirt. By doing so, she kicked someone's limb. Gasps were heard, warnings were shouted, then screams erupted when everyone started falling on each other. When she noticed what was happening, not wanting to fall into the mass of limbs in a most certainly awkward position, her legs jumped and twisted above everyone else's, her feet landing on the side. She straightened up, falling on her knees just as the three boys fell on top of each other with loud growls of pain – in-between for some limbs, actually…

She watched the three as they remained where they were for a moment, their limbs in pain and blocked in the awkward position.

"Uuuuurgh…"

"C-cant b-breathe…!" Oikawa hissed, struggling away from Iwaizumi.

"Light blue – worth it…" Matsukawa muttered.

He gasped when Iwaizumi kicked him, Kiku putting her hands on top of her thighs and blushing in embarrassment.

"Can't breathe…!"

Iwaizumi kicked and pushed off Matsukawa who rolled away, liberating Oikawa who quickly straightened up on his knees and hands, overdoing it again by pretending his rib cage was broken and had pierced his lungs.

"You'd already be drowning in your own blood, shut it," Iwaizumi grumbled, their legs somewhat still tangled.

He turned towards his girlfriend who was still watching, untouched and spared by the heavy fall.

"You're okay?" He asked worriedly.

She nodded while Makki – who had filmed the whole thing (once they were done playing mario kart they had started watching their senpais getting entangled) – finally spoke up from where he was standing:

"Well, she's the only one who managed to jump away from you three. It was quite graceful, I'm surprised."

"Survival at its finest," Yahaba agreed.

"No more game like that! It was perverted from the beginning! You perverts!" She exclaimed, staring mostly at Mattsun.

"How is it pervert? You had clothes on!" Makki exclaimed.

"I wouldn't say no to another one without the clothes on – must be fun watching your big boobs dangling down, how was it Iwaizumi? Too bad she had her dress, uh?" Matsukawa asked with a teasing grin.

Iwaizumi rolled his eyes, but couldn't stop flushing.

"Well! It made me hungry!" Oikawa exclaimed, suddenly standing up and going towards the table of food.

"I thought you were dying!" Iwaizumi exclaimed back, helping Kiku up even though she was the less likely to feel her limbs hurting.

"How can you eat so much…? You had an entire package of crisps earlier…" Kiku muttered, confused at the amount of food these boys could ingest.

"Crisps isn't food! I need real food!"

"How about we get to the cakes and start giving the gifts?" Hanamaki proposed, turning towards Iwaizumi.

He blinked, remembering it was supposed to be his birthday party. Kiku grinned, hopping excitedly:

"I'm going to put on the candles!" She exclaimed, already disappearing in the kitchen before turning around, "Where are… the candles?" She asked.

"Let me help you, senpai," Yahaba proposed.

Oikawa forced Iwaizumi to sit down while they all helped clean up the mess they had done with all the drinks, junk food and candies they had scattered around. After showing Kiku everything she'd need, Yahaba came back with a bag for what needed to be thrown away. They made a pile of gifts and brought the plates. Oikawa dramatically pulled the curtains close to darken the room then went to help Kiku bring the cakes. Of course, he walked into someone's foot and almost fell over.

"Don't break anything! Or my mother is gonna kill me!" Iwaizumi exclaimed when he heard the sound.

A few seconds later, the room only lit by the cakes covered in candles, they all started singing Happy Birthday. As embarrassed as he was, Hajime couldn't stop grinning happily to be surrounded by his friends, his team and…

The moment Kiku put down the cake in front of him, she glanced up to him with a sweet smile. The fiery color of the cake was making her skin look like gold, her eyes shining beautifully from all eighteen candles lit up, her hair glowing, redder than usual.

He stopped breathing for a short moment, just as the song came to an end. He was so busy staring at Kiku that he didn't even realize it.

"…I believe it's the moment you blow on your candles and make a wish," Hanamaki said after a long moment of silence.

"Ah! Uh! Right!" He exclaimed, startling a little.

He glanced down at the candles. He hadn't thought about what wish he should make – he probably had dozens more wishes to make, like making his dream of volleyball come true, for his friends and family to be well and happy, for Kiku's life to be the best she ever had… but more than anything, he wanted to make a wish that was not for others' sake or for his life to keep being the best he could possibly dream of. He wanted to make a wish for his and Kiku's life together.

I wish we'll stay together until the end of our lives, he wished to himself, blowing on the candles in one blow while everyone cheered happily.

Maybe Kiku felt he'd make a wish for both of them because she suddenly appeared at his side, sitting down next to him and surrounding his arm with hers. She leaned over and kissed his cheek.

"Happy birthday, Hajime," she whispered in his ear.

He took her hand and squeezed, looking into her eyes with a giggly smile as the curtains were pulled open once again. He looked around, all of his teammates smiling to him.

Kiku had been the one to make the cakes – exactly as Oikawa had asked of her. A big, round cake, with lots of vanilla cream and strawberries with a special decoration on it: a big 'Happy birthday!' with a Godzilla holding a volley ball and him, Oikawa Tooru, and lots of other turquoise leaves all around.

"The leaves represent all of us, the team! We couldn't have everyone represented so we had a make a choice – obviously, it was me–"

"I would have rather had Kiku," Iwaizumi said, but he was grinning anyway.

"Not like any of us had our word in the cake decoration – Oikawa said he'd handle the cake. We should have known he'd forget our existence," Hanamaki exclaimed as he took a few pictures of the cake before Kiku would cut it.

There were two more boxes of individual little cakes for the ones who would prefer other flavors plus another box of homemade Godzilla shaped and volley ball shaped cookies. There'd be enough cakes and sugar for days, not that Hajime would complain, especially considering it was Kiku who had baked it all.

"I'll never get tired of Akiyama-san's baking…!" Yahaba sighed in delight, everyone nodding suddenly silent, focused on the food.

"I didn't have time to make the baby cakes, they're my father's and probably taste better." She said, knowing they were eying the little cakes as well.

"Baby cake…" Hajime repeated, glancing at her.

"Mmm?"

"It's cute, that you'd call it that." He said with a smile.

She smiled back and after a short moment of staring, Hanamaki coughed – everyone was starting to feel like a third-wheel. It was a lot of third-wheels gathered in one place.

"The gifts, the gifts!" Matsukawa exclaimed as they continued savoring the cake prepared by their manager.

Kiku was the only one who hadn't taken a slice of the main cake – because of her lactose intolerance so she had settled for a baby strawberry pie.

"Open mine first!" Oikawa exclaimed, grabbing one from the pile before putting it away from Iwa-chan's reach, "No, after all, open it last! The best for last!"

"…I had asked just money… you guys shouldn't have done so much…" Hajime said, a little awkward at the pile of packed gifts – he didn't comment on Oikawa's enthusiasm.

Oikawa was more excited than he was about opening the gifts – or rather, Hajime tried to make sure his excitement didn't show too much.

"We couldn't just give you money for your eighteenth birthday! Come on, you're our Ace!" Hanamaki exclaimed.

"When you asked for money, we decided to make a turn to gather money for you. We all put some money in it – including the coaches, some classmates and your parents. There's a card signed by everyone in it," Matsukawa explained, taking the big envelop resting on top of it.

"The coaches too?! When did you ask all of these people? I never noticed anything!" Iwaizumi exclaimed with a big grin.

"It's not too hard to act in your back when you're staring amorously at Kiku all day long," Hanamaki said teasingly.

The couple flushed but the Ace opened the envelop, reading the card that was so full of names and little messages it was getting hard to read – of course, the biggest message was Oikawa's. Probably the first one who had signed it.

"Tell us if there's enough money for what you want – whatever that is." Matsukawa said.

Hajime quickly counted – he was pretty sure he had never handed that much money in his whole life.

"It's more than enough! Thank you so much! Everyone, thank you!" He exclaimed.

"Group hug!" Oikawa exclaimed.

They all jumped on their Ace who laughed while Kiku pulled the table away to make sure no one's long leg would crash the cake or the gifts.

"Will you finally tell us what it is you want to buy with this money?" Oikawa asked curiously when they all pulled away.

Hajime found his phone laying on the couch and after a few clicks, he showed the pictures he had taken of the bearded dragon after visiting him a few more times:

"I need to prepare everything for this little guy," he said, showing them his phone screen.

They all stared with big eyes at the picture of the bearded dragon on his phone.

"It's… a lizard…? Why do you have the picture of a lizard on your phone?" Hanamaki asked.

"Not a lizard, a bearded dragon!" Iwaizumi corrected, "He's at the SPCA, I'm going to adopt him. Someone… opened my eyes on the fate of so many pets and animals, and I remembered recently that when I was a child I wanted a pet lizard. This little guy and I get along well, so I'm adopting him. My parents agreed to it too as long as I take good care of him."

They all turned towards Kiku, who they knew was the "someone" who had opened their Ace's eyes. They started thinking that he was doing it for her, but it wasn't like Iwaizumi to take a pet in just to impress a girl, to risk making an animal sad for someone else; so they concluded he seriously wanted a pet.

"I remember when we were children, we had put money together and went to buy a lizard at the pet shop! But… the seller told us that we were too young. And I'm pretty sure that the fortune we had gathered didn't go higher than 500yen…" Oikawa explained, looking back on the memories fondly.

"Eh? I don't remember."

"So mean, Iwa-chan! We almost became parents, how could you forget that?! You're the one who had wanted the pet to begin with!" He exclaimed, hand on his heart.

"How are you gonna call him?" Hanamaki asked, going through his friend's pictures of the bearded dragon.

Hajime opened his lips to answer but they all said in one voice:

"Godzilla!"

"It's so obvious, it was a stupid question," Hanamaki added, "I like this picture, you look stupid on it." He continued, showing the picture where the dragon had been climbing on his shoulder, paw on his face.

Hajime took his phone back and locked it to make sure they wouldn't make stupid things with it.

"I haven't decided his name yet." He said with a shrug, "I wanted to ask your opinions," he added, looking straight at Kiku.

He wants the dragon to be his and Kiku's pet… They all realized with amused smiles.

Oikawa grinned, opening his lips, taking an intake of breath but before he could ask the obvious question burning his tongue, Iwaizumi – who had guessed his intention – cut him:

"No, you don't get to name him. You're going to give him silly names."

"Iwa-chan Junior is a good name!"

"No, it's not."

"Isn't it how you call Iwaizumi's dick? You didn't hear that, Kiku," Hanamaki continued, without glancing at the blushing girl.

"Can you not–"

Iwaizumi's voice was cut when Oikawa leaned forward, staring at the only girl of the room:

"Kiku-chan, Kiku-chan! How would you call this bearded lizard? What are you favorite baby names~?"

"It's a bearded dragon, Oikawa-san," She corrected with a smile, "And a pet isn't a baby."

"You're sure you know the difference between a pet and a baby?" Hanamaki asked her with wide, doubtful eyes.

She threw him a harsh look, making him grin teasingly.

"In the end, it'll be Hajime's choice anyway." She said with a shrug.

"Okay, okay~! But what are you favorite baby names~?" Oikawa repeated.

"Oi… I know what you're trying to do, stop it." Iwaizumi mumbled, starting to flush a little, "And we're only eighteen there's no way–"

"Atsushi for a boy, and Mitsuha for a girl," she answered with a smile, unphased by the boys trying to tease her.

They all froze, not having expected an answer. Hajime blushed so suddenly he was pretty sure he was fuming.

"And I'm nineteen years old now."

"Atsushi and Mitsuha…" Matsukawa repeated before opening his lips.

"If you try to add 'Iwaizumi' to either of these names, you'll end up with your face in your plate." Kiku continued with a smile despite her threat – she had caught on their little game as well.

Calmly, Matsukawa glanced down at his plate in his hands, half of his cake and a baby cake still here. He looked back up, unimpressed at Kiku who kept a hard gaze on him, her smile looking more vicious than usual.

"That'd be a waste of cake…" He said sadly.

"And saying these names with Iwaizumi associated to it would be a waste of saliva." She replied without blinking.

There was a moment of stunned silence then Hanamaki whistled proudly.

"Oooh, that burns!"

"All hail to Kiku-chan! Who finally managed to get Mattsun to shut up!" Oikawa exclaimed, raising his glass of soda.

"All hail to Kiku!" They all screamed, some 'Akiyama-san' mixing in it as they raised their glasses as well, making her blush.

"Aye, aye, very funny…" Mattsun mumbled, rolling his eyes.

While they started bantering, Hajime glanced very quickly at Kiku, flushed then focused on his drink. Atsushi and Mitsuha. He liked these names. He didn't associate them with 'Iwaizumi' but he had a feeling it'd fit well. Not that he was thinking of having children with Kiku (yet) – but at the moment, she was the one most likely he'd someday marry. Blushing even more, no one understood why he suddenly covered his blushing face with his hands, getting carried away by his line of thoughts.

Once everyone had calmed down, they continued to open the gifts. Some had been games or books he had wanted for a while, others were just big jokes from his best friends but every single gift brought a smile to his face. Hajime was so happy about all the gifts he had already received that he didn't realize right away that Kiku was standing nearby, shyly and holding another gift. Oikawa noticed it and smiled, opening his lips to remind Hajime he had another gift to open but suddenly, Kiku whipped around and escaped in her boyfriend's bedroom. Tooru stared at her disappearing, curious but she came back almost immediately.

"Where did you put it?" He asked her in a hushed voice when she came back.

Understanding he had seen her, she smiled shyly:

"On his bed… I don't want others to see it…" She whispered in embarrassment.

"I'll make sure you catch some time with him later," he added with a wink.

She smiled gratefully just as the boys decided to play Just Dance – even if it wasn't Hajime's favorite (not at all) Makki had taken it from his sister and brought it on Oikawa's order. While Hajime continued discovering his gifts, the others all took turns enjoying Just Dance – especially Kiku and Oikawa.

"So, that's why he told me to bring it," Hanamaki said, letting himself drop on the couch near Iwaizumi after an intense showdown against Kiku.

He looked up, seeing his best friend and girlfriend going for another dance – it might have been the eighth they did together.

"It was to make sure she didn't get bored. Honestly, I had totally forgotten that she was a girl not used to us being, well, boys." Hanamaki explained.

"You're right, it didn't occur to me she might get bored with us. But she seems to be having fun. Thanks to you, guys…" Iwaizumi answered with a smile, "Thank you."

"Don't thank me – most of it was Oikawa's plan. He's the one who asked her to prepare the cakes knowing it'd make you both happy. He's the one who asked me to bring Just Dance and he also made an entire plan so that you'd get some time with Kiku and he made sure we'd only have games she could be included in."

"His plan has been working so far and I suppose it's far from being over, uh?" Iwaizumi continued with a thankful smile.

"Truth be told, if Kiku wasn't here, hell would have broken loose already. We'd probably be all naked or close to it," Mattsun added, sitting at the other side of Iwaizumi.

"And I'm pretty sure he asked Just Dance in particular to see if she could break his record." Hanamaki added.

"He never does anything simply anyway. There's always something he'll get one way or another. But that's why he's our Captain, for better or for worse!" Iwaizumi exclaimed, the two others nodding with smiles as, a few meters away, Oikawa whined about losing against Kiku who was laughing happily.

Hajime sighed, thinking she was breathtakingly beautiful, even with her sweaty face from dancing, her messy hair and red cheeks, and some splashed soda on the side of her dress.

After a few more time spent together, the second and first years decided to go when the sun was setting down. Considering the group of third years would stay for the night, Kiku started a first cleaning around while the four boys seemed to doze off. Stomachs full by eating too much food, having spent the entire afternoon having fun and laughing, all four were leaning against each other, noses going down as they fought off sleep. When Kiku returned from the kitchen, they were napping. She turned off the tv and cleaned around a little.

Hajime was the first one to wake up when Oikawa suddenly fell on his laps. He startled awake and brushed his sleepy eyes, making both Oikawa and Hanamaki growl, respectively on his laps and against his shoulder.

"Oi, guys, we fell asleep," he said, pushing off Hanamaki.

He mumbled, along with Mattsun and Hajime got up, making all three falling on top of each other on the couch. He glanced around but Kiku was gone, along with her bag.

"Fuck… Kiku left…" He said, disappointed.

Now awake, the others realized it as well.

"Ah…"

"Well, she probably prefers it this way anyway–"

The door suddenly opened and Kiku reappeared, making all four stare at her with wide eyes. She smiled sheepishly and lifted up a little plastic bag.

"I realized there wasn't any more fruit juice. I thought you might want some tomorrow morning." She explained.

The relief hit Hajime so suddenly that he felt himself fall back on the couch.

"We thought you had left." Mattsun said.

"I wouldn't do it without saying goodbye. If you want me gone–"

"NO!" Hajime exclaimed, making everyone glance his way.

He blushed, Kiku suddenly looking down, cheeks red.

"I-I m-mean… I-if you prefer… to leave… we won't force you to stay…"

She seemed hesitant, probably still a little unsure about spending a night in the same house as four grown-up young men.

"W-what movies do you plan on watching?" She asked sheepishly.

"P-Pacific Rim and G-Godzilla! The last one!" He exclaimed.

She smiled then shrugged:

"I never watched them…" She answered, "And considering my parents agreed to let me stay…"

"Great!" Hajime exclaimed, earning teasing glances from his friends, "I-I mean…"

Kiku chuckled adorably before continuing:

"I'm really impatient to see these movies!"

When the boys complained that they were getting hungry, how it was physically possible escaped Kiku, but she started preparing food for them, Oikawa and Iwaizumi helping her a little as they knew the kitchen better while Mattsun and Makki had taken out the alcohol and had decided to play a drinking game: true or false – they would each say something about them, the others had to guess if it was true or false. The ones who were wrong in guessing drank while the one who had given his statement had to drink a sip for every person who was right. Kiku was the only one allowed not to drink, because of her medicine but they all agreed that Hajime had to drink her share – he did not agree with it at all and already felt dizzy after only seven statements…

"I've jerked myself off thinking about Iwaizumi," Matsukawa stated, staring straight at the Ace.

"Wha– false!" He exclaimed, leaning against the counter.

"Right!" Oikawa and Hanamaki said instead.

They turned towards Kiku who was checking the cooking. She seemed hesitant then smiled:

"I'm going to say right," she said, making her boyfriend's eyes go wide.

"Iwaizumi, you drink," Mattsun said with a teasing grin.

"What?! What the– you masturbzabgr–"

"Dude, you know I'm bisexual. Anyone attracted to men would be attracted to you!"

"Amen to that," Kiku said in a hushed voice but was still heard.

"But I'm your friend!"

"And? You're still pretty hot. Don't worry, I won't hit on you, I won't steal him from you, Kiku," he continued.

"I'm not worried," she answered calmly.

Iwaizumi growled in embarrassment before taking yet another sip as Matsukawa took three.

"Why are all of your statements sexual?" Kiku asked suddenly, turning around.

"Because we're boys and we're obsessed," Hanamaki said as if it was natural, "Oikawa, your turn."

"I know where Iwa-chan hides his porn!" He piped up happily, lifting up his arms enthusiastically, starting to get a little tipsy as well.

"No, you don't," Iwaizumi answered, narrowing his eyes at him before glancing sheepishly at Kiku, "I-I d-don't have… any…"

She raised an eyebrow, knowing a lie where there was one.

"I'm saying right – no, yes, right. He knows." Hanamaki said, staring at his drink.

"Same."

"…Iwa-chan… you really have to get better at this game." Oikawa said with a desperate shake of his head.

"Are you kidding me?!" He exclaimed, not believing that firstly his friend knew where he hid it (because it meant that his parents knew as well) and secondly because he had to drink again.

"Remember we have to hold one for two entire movies after that." Hanamaki said.

"Food will help you. I hope." Kiku said, "It's almost ready."

To get his revenge to the others making him drink so much, he put down his glass suddenly:

"My turn! My statement! I know what happened to Hanamaki in seventh grade, Kiku told me!" He exclaimed, staring strongly at Hanamaki.

His lips fell open and for good measure, Iwaizumi started to look amused – he actually was, knowing Hanamaki was currently panicking and trying to figure out if it was right or wrong. Oikawa and Matsukawa both turned towards Hanamaki then back at Iwaizumi. They all remembered that time Hanamaki totally panicked about something that had happened in seventh grade – something only Kiku knew. They had spent the last few months trying desperately to know what it was but Kiku had never spilled the beans.

Keeping her back to the boys so they wouldn't read her expression, Kiku forced her lips to stay in a straight line, trying not to smile or laugh, focusing on the food cooking up.

"…You didn't tell him, did you?" Hanamaki asked, sounding hurt and betrayed.

"You're on your own for this own, Makki," she answered calmly.

"Come on! You had promised to never tell anyone! How could you tell him?!" He hissed.

"I'm her boyfriend, she doesn't have any secret for me." He said calmly before looking him straight in the eye, "I'm not surprised you'd want to keep it a secret with what happened to you…" He said, putting up his best empathetic expression.

Hanamaki stepped away, lips wide open as tears of panic actually filled his eyes (the alcohol helped), not believing Kiku had betrayed him in the vilest way possible by telling his biggest secret in his whole existence to Iwaizumi!

It convinced the two others as well who immediately gasped:

"Tell me too!"

"Iwa-chan, you knew and you didn't tell me!"

"It's too big to reveal like that," he answered.

"I can't believe it… you told him…" Hanamaki whimpered, turning around and hiding his face in Matsukawa's shoulder.

He patted his head casually before continuing, Hanamaki trying to strangle him for that but managing to grab his wrists and keep him off:

"I want to know. Tell me now!"

"I need to know too! If it's that big it must be SO good!"

Iwaizumi sighed deeply, glanced at Kiku. She looked confused, shaking her head with tight lips.

"You can't tell them… I trusted you… you can't just reveal it like that…" She continued.

Hajime sighed once again, turning to his friends, Hanamaki whipping to him:

"No, no, no! Don't tell them! Please! If you're my friends, don't tell them!" He begged, falling on his knees.

"You guys need to get better at this game," he said calmly, lifting up his glass, mimicking Oikawa a few minutes ago.

They all froze, staring at him with wide eyes before they started screaming, grabbing their hair and pulling in agony.

"I can't believe I believed you!"

"Iwa-chan, how could you do that?!"

"I'm safe… I'm fucking safe…!" Hanamaki sighed, letting himself sit on the floor.

"AHAHA! I got you!" Iwaizumi exclaimed, jerking his head backwards as he pointed at the others, cheeks flushed.

"And that's it – he's getting drunk! That's how he managed to trick us!" Oikawa exclaimed, bitterly drinking his due.

"So, basically, he laughs a lot and he's adorable when drunk?" Kiku concluded, turning around.

"Last time he started having a laughing fit whenever we'd tell him random words. Like pea." Oikawa explained before turning towards a grinning Iwaizumi, "Iwa-chan. Pea."

"Pfaahah! I'm not going to laugh again at this word! Drop it!"

"You're laughing, though."

"No, I'm not!" He exclaimed, laughing.

"Dinner is ready, if you're still interested." Kiku intervened, smiling in amusement at their tipsy selves.

"You helped him trick us, you traitor!" Makki exclaimed, pointing at her from the floor, still hanging onto the seventh grade accident.

"Of course I helped him, he's my boyfriend. Who do you think I'd side with? Now, get up and help me out."

They took plates of food and put on their first movie – temporarily not drinking and the food and many goings to the toilets to pee helped them get rid of their half-drunken state. Thankfully so because Hajime complained about how he wouldn't have enjoyed Godzilla to its fullest otherwise. In between the movies, eating some more birthday cake and getting fulled again, they started to have their eyes dropping a little.

"Do we change into our pajamas now or later?" Hanamaki asked, letting his head fall backwards.

"Now… If one of us falls asleep during the movie, it'd be less troublesome."

"We should prepare the futons too."

The night was already quite advanced and they could go to sleep, but were too stubborn to give up yet – and Hajime would not sleep until he's watched Godzilla.

"Ah! Iwa-chan!" Oikawa exclaimed, suddenly remembering a little trouble, "You need to give some clothes to Kiku-chan! Makki forgot to warn her so she didn't bring anything to sleep in!"

"Unless you want her to sleep naked," Mattsun commented, getting elbowed by the two others, "What? It's a possible and pleasant alternative."

Kiku turned sheepishly, embarrassed by it towards Hajime, who was pretty sure that Makki had forgotten on purpose just for this turn of events. Rolling his eyes, he stood up and just before Kiku could follow him, Oikawa winked at her. She remembered her birthday gift waiting for Hajime and after her lips turned into a 'o' of understanding, she hurried after her boyfriend. While he was rummaging through his wardrobe to find her some clothes, she glanced at the untouched gift on his bed.

"It's an old shirt I haven't put on in a while because it doesn't fit me anymore but…" He explained sheepishly, handing her some of his training shorts and a shirt.

Curious, she read what was written in red on the black sleeveless shirt.

"Konjyouron… 'Belief that where there's a will, there's a way'… It's so… you!" She said with a grin.

He smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. His eyes caught sight of something on his bed and Kiku smiled, glad he had finally noticed it.

"I… I didn't dare give it to you earlier… a-and… it was embarrassing in front of everyone…" She explained sheepishly.

"Y-you… s-shouldn't have…" He said, but a grin appeared on his face.

He walked towards the gift, sitting down on the side of his bed and Kiku sitting next to him, a little impatiently to see his reaction.

"T-there is… um, last year's gift as well that I… never had the courage to give to you…" She said, flushing in embarrassment.

He smiled to her tenderly before leaning down to kiss her temple, surprising her:

"Some day… will you tell me how… and why you fell in love with me before we really met?" He asked softly.

She smiled back, heart fluttering happily.

"Of course I will…" She answered, kissing his cheek.

A little impatient, he opened the package, but didn't tear the paper wrapping, wanting to enjoy every second they spent together. As promised, there was another, smaller package in it – it was all soft because, as he opened it, it was a scarf and winter cap, all fluffy. He glanced at her in confusion and she explained, ashamed of how lame her gift was:

"I… I had noticed that you often came to practice without a scarf or cap, even when it was snowing… I was worried you'd catch a cold so I… once saw it and bought it for you, fully intending to give it to your birthday last year but… whenever I'd approach your locker, I would freak out… and in the end, it's an entire year late." She explained, glancing down at her hands on her laps.

"It's… the most thoughtful gift I have received in… I'm pretty sure forever… Thank you…" He answered, putting on the scarf and winter cap even though they were in June.

She chuckled at the view as he let his fingers and nose enjoy the fluffiness of the scarf – it was green colored. His favorite color.

Recalling there was another gift waiting for him, he opened the box and took out… an empty jar. It was a simple jar, the type his mother kept to put some condiments or marmalade in. He glanced at Kiku who moved her fingers together awkwardly.

"…You're going to have to explain this one, because I'm… confused…" He said, checking that there wasn't anything else in the box and nothing could explain why she had offered him an empty marmalade jar for his eighteenth birthday.

"I… I have the same…" She started sheepishly, blushing.

"We… have the same empty jar. G-great… I love it." He said, not quite knowing what to do about it.

She chuckled, amused by his reaction and turned towards him, taking his free hand in hers and looking into his eyes:

"I have the same jar in which I put little papers saying random things about you, things I like about you, things I noticed, and… the moments we spent together. Like 'he said good morning to me today' or 'he said see you tomorrow' or 'he had the sweetest smile today'… I-I always loved the idea that I could conserve all of these little moments that we might not remember in the long term but that are so precious that it makes every day special. I want to remember every moment spent with you, which is why I write down whatever makes me happy." She explained with a grin.

Hajime stared at her, an amazed smile on his face, heart beating excitedly. He put down the jar next to him then cupped her cheek, leaning down to kiss her lips. She took a little intake of breath, not having expected such a kiss. But she smiled against his lips and leaned forward, kissing him back. His fingers brushing her cheek, he deepened the kiss and let his hand go behind her head, kissing her deeper, more passionately until he unconsciously pushed her down against his mattress. Needing to breath, they pulled away, blushing when they realized their position.

"S-sorry, I'm… still a little drunk…" He stammered, feeling the blood pulsing in his temples.

"I-it's… it's okay…" She whispered.

He glanced up then grinned, quickly standing up as she sat up again. He grabbed the closest notebook he had, wrote down something on a torn paper from it then sat back next to her, showing her the message he had written.

Today, Kiku offered my favorite birthday gifts ever for my eighteenth birthday. One thoughtful and kind to keep me safe from the cold winter and one cute and lovely to keep our feelings alive forever.

He laughed, a little to himself, a little lost in happy love and a little because of the alcohol. Kiku grinned happily as he proudly put the message into the jar she had offered him. Then he reached for a notebook on his night table and put it in Kiku's hands. She recognized the glossy, black cover with written "All the things I can't say out loud…"

"It's… the same you had offered to me…" She whispered, opening it at a random page.

"I've… been noticing things about you too…" He explained, flushing a little.

She read a few things he had written about her – she didn't know all these things about herself but he had noticed. He had noticed all of it, about her. It was strangely comforting that they had had the same idea: offering the other a gift representing how they wanted their feelings to keep getting stronger for everyday that would come for them but also, gathering all of the little details that had made them fall in love with one another.

Kiku looked up at Hajime, both smiling, foolishly in love with each other. She leaned to him, kissing him suddenly, which made him laugh in delight. He cupped her cheeks, kissing her back then layering peppering kisses all over her face, making her laugh happily while she took off the ridiculous scarf and winter cap he was still wearing, then he captured her lips once again. Nothing could make them happier: laughing and kissing and their eyes sparkling. They were the happiest they could possibly be.

They kissed and laughed for a long moment, until Kiku ended up laying on his bed once again and he kissed her jaw and neck softly. Suddenly realizing what he was doing, Hajime panicked a little, blaming the alcohol for letting him lower his guard. He straightened up suddenly.

"We should… get in pajamas… and watch the movie…" He said.

"Oh… right. I had forgotten about the others…" Kiku answered, sitting up as well.

"Then… I'll let you change in my room, join us when you're ready. If you need, the bathroom is on the right." He explained, standing up and approaching his door.

Kiku stood up suddenly:

"U-um! H-Ha… Hajime…"

"Yeah?"

She turned around hesitantly and pointed at her dress zipper that she couldn't reach.

"Could you…"

Her voice trailed off and he flushed but managed to say a casual "yeah, of course" without his voice trembling. He went to her, as she pulled away her hair from her neck so he'd have access to the zipper in her back. He could see some of her scars covering her shoulders – he hadn't noticed it until now. He grabbed the zipper from his fingertips and slowly pulled it down. He didn't stare but it opened a little, one or two centimeters, but enough for him to catch sight of her bra… and all of the scars covering her back. Kiku was still, she wasn't breathing, probably wondering what face he was making upon seeing her scars – afraid? Disgusted? Sad? She didn't dare glance over her shoulder.

Zipper down, Hajime should have moved away but he hesitated. His hands trembled. He wanted to surround her body with his arms, to pull her against him and give her comfort… It'd be so easy to brush her shoulder, to lean down and kiss her where her scars started, he could almost feel her back against his chest, the curves of her body revealed to him either pressed against his muscles and in view for him to savor.

He lowered his gaze, breaking sight from her scars. He resisted his urges, then calmly walked away to give her intimacy.

Kiku stared at him leaving – he had avoided looking at her. Ashamed that she had been forced to ask him to pull down her zipper, and mostly that he had seen her scars… she lowered her head and forced her trembling hands to take off her clothes so she could join the others before they'd fall asleep.

As soon as she joined them, Oikawa rejoiced in seeing her wearing this shirt in particular, saying how everyone was making fun of him when he had been wearing it back in Kitagawa Daiichi – except for Kindaichi and Kageyama who found him "cool". When it got too embarrassing for Iwaizumi, he put on the dvd and forced everyone to shut up to fully enjoy the movie. They did have a bet going on though: every time Hajime would start quoting the movie (he knew it by heart) they'd force him to drink a little alcohol. He tried resisting the urge, but he couldn't – he ended up tipsy yet again half-way through it. Though, Oikawa was slowly drifting considering he had quoted the movie as well. Kiku enjoyed the movie, but she wasn't totally focused on it either – she couldn't help thinking back on how Hajime had acted when he had seen her scars. Fear knotted her stomach but she was feeling so tired by the long day and constantly looking after the boys, that she couldn't focus on anything. She ended up asleep against Oikawa's shoulder, not realizing he was moving around and they were making so much sound. It was at the end of the movie that they realized she had fallen asleep, Oikawa shook her and when he noticed Iwaizumi jealously staring at them because she had fallen asleep on another boy's shoulder, he told them to go get ready for bed. Iwaizumi was getting so drunk he was about to pass out and the only thing keeping him awake and more or less conscious of his surroundings were his passion for Godzilla and his jealousy. He forced Iwaizumi to accompany Kiku to bed – she was the lady, she'd take the bed while they'd take the futons, as noble as they were – though, after three steps, it was Kiku guiding Hajime to his bed instead. Meanwhile, the three others sleepily and drunkenly put away everything.

"Come on, Hajime, just go to sleep…" Kiku told him, keeping him from hitting the door.

She pushed away with her feet the futon in his way then she let him drop on the bed, sitting up despite the state he was in. She sat at his side, brushing his hair protectively while he scrunched up his nose at the overwhelming sensations he felt.

"I hate being drunk…" He mumbled.

"Then why did you drink so much?"

He started laughing, almost hysterically before turning to her, with a puppy-like smile that made her smile as well.

"Because it's fun!" He exclaimed.

"I'm not sure you'll say the same thing tomorrow morning…" She said, amused.

She glanced around, not sure where she'll sleep but before she could ask anything, she caught sight of Hajime's gaze. He seemed a little lost and confused, definitely tipsy and tired, but he still stared straight at her with an intensity that took her breath away.

"I'm sorry, Kiku…" He suddenly said, lips trembling a little.

"W-why? Why would you be?" She asked softly.

"Because I'm a terrible boyfriend… a terrible, terrible guy…!"

"It's not true–"

"I lied to you, I'm so sorry…!" He murmured, hiding his face in her neck as she blinked, stunned by his words, "I'm a terrible boyfriend! I lied to you – I'm not really scared of the dark, I had only said it because I wanted to hold your hand…!"

She remembered that time they had been stuck in the staff room, with the compliments of the three idiots who were trying to get them together. When he had acted strangely – because of their physical proximity – she had asked him if he was scared of the dark and had taken his hand for comfort. Only Iwaizumi Hajime would be haunted by such a little, and adorable 'lie'. And it wasn't like Kiku was innocent either – she had asked him that hoping he would answer positively just to have an opportunity to hold his hand.

She started petting his hair, which seemed to calm him down a little but before she could speak up, he continued his drunken blabbering:

"A-also… also I confessed to you a long time ago… but you were asleep and didn't hear me back then… I'm sorry I didn't face you then…" He continued, sounding like he was getting heart-broken.

"Oh, you big muffin… I know all of that already…" She murmured, amused by his drunken self, and flushing at the petname she had instinctively given him – she had not known that he had confessed to her before a few days ago, but it made her strangely happy.

He moved away from her, staring in confusion and keeping his nose adorably scrunched up.

"I knew you're not scared of the dark and I don't mind that you said so back then. And… I was the first one to confess to you when you were asleep…" She said with a soft smile.

"You… did…? So… you're not… angry at me…? You're not going to leave me…?" He asked in a low, fragile voice.

Kiku's heart squeezed and fastened when he said that. She had been so happy about Hajime promising not to leave her, being in love with her that she had never considered his feelings about the topic – of course a part of him might be afraid she'd be the one leaving him…

"I'm not leaving you… ever… I promise, Hajime… I'm not leaving you." She said, cupping his cheek.

He nodded, closed his eyes then leaned against her hand.

"I'm going to kiss you now…" He suddenly said, slowly leaning towards her.

Stunned by the sudden change of topic she didn't refuse as he brushed her cheek with his hand. She closed her eyes, waiting for his kiss then, she felt some weight falling on her shoulder. She opened her eyes and stared at Hajime, fallen on her shoulder, a light snoring escaping his lips.

"…H-Hajime?" She called awkwardly, "Y-you're heavy…"

She tried to shake him awake, to get him to move but he only fell even more against her until she couldn't hold his weight upwards and fell backwards, the strong Ace unintentionally pinning her down.

"Great…" She muttered, trying desperately to get him to move.

But being drunk, even asleep, he was particularly stubborn: he was comfortable and didn't want to move – there was no moving him when half her body was getting crushed by him. She noticed his phone laying on the bed, she reached for it, ignoring the snoring Ace pressing her down. She was lucky that it wasn't locked and she only had to slide the screen background (Godzilla, without surprise) to get to the messages. She sent a 'HELP' message to Oikawa. Thirty seconds later or so, the three other third-years arrived in the room, holding back their snickers when they understood what happened.

"Help. I can't move him. I can't feel my arm anymore from how heavy he is."

At first, only Makki and Mattsun tried to lift him up, but because Mattsun was as drunk, he became useless after five seconds and Oikawa had to do the rest of the job. They managed to turn around and drag the heavy Ace to his pillow. He immediately turned on his side, grabbing a pillow to be more comfortable.

"Good call getting in pajamas before the movies," Makki said while Mattsun just rolled into the futon that was just at his feet.

"Good night…" He mumbled, quickly joining Iwaizumi in the land of drunken dreams.

"Let's go to sleep, I'm about to collapse…" Oikawa murmured, dragging himself towards the futon at the other side of the room.

"U-um… w-where do I go…?" Kiku asked him hesitantly.

"Eh? You're the lady, you sleep in Iwa-chan's bed." Oikawa said casually, shrugging it off.

She opened wide eyes and glanced over her shoulder, seeing the Ace sleeping.

"B-but, h-he's! He's in his bed! He's sleeping in his bed! I-I can't sleep i-in the s-same… b-bed as him…!" She exclaimed, blushing while Mattsun's snores resonated.

"Why not? He's so passed out he won't even realize you slept in his bed. In the worst case scenario, if he grabs you he'll think you're a pillow." Makki explained, preparing the futon at the foot of the Ace's bed.

"Can't one of you sleep with him instead?" Kiku asked in a hushed voice.

"Nope," Makki and Oikawa answered in the same time.

"B-but…!"

"Don't worry, Kiku-chan! Consider it to be his birthday gift!"

"How is it supposed to convince me to sleep with him?"

"He won't do anything to you, he'll sleep like a log, and you'll get to be greeted by his sleepy face tomorrow morning~ It's a win-win situation~!"

"More like his hangover face," Makki corrected.

Kiku stared at them as they turned off the lights and went under the covers. Their steady breathings quickly filled the room. She glanced over her shoulder at the silhouette of Hajime in the mid-darkness. Too exhausted to think anymore about any of it, she hesitantly approached the other pillow. She tried to make sure not to be physically close to Hajime, staying on her side, back to him, at the very edge of the bed, just above Oikawa. She hoped she wouldn't fall over on him just as she felt a disagreeable sensation in her side. In her breasts exactly. She sighed annoyingly, rolling over when she realized she had forgotten to take off her bra and it was killing her. If she didn't take it off she'd end up with bruises – or even some scratches. It had happened before. Quickly considering her options – four boys drunk and asleep, she decided to go for it. She sat up and reached for her bra, swiftly taking it off and hiding it under her pillow. She didn't realize that her moves had made her shift a little closer to Hajime. Suddenly, his strong arm fell over her, pinning her down. She squealed, blushing and praying he hadn't noticed her taking off her bra. But he only surrounded her waist and scooted closer to her, brushing his nose against her shoulder. He sighed and seemed to visibly relax in his sleep, keeping her close to him. She observed his face, lit up by the moonlight. She relaxed as well now that he kept her safe and warm in his strong arms… Smiling softly, she let him hug her and fell asleep, weirdly lulled by the snoring of the boys – or maybe it was Hajime's breathing and steady heartbeat.

The following morning, Kiku was woken up by the sunlight straight into her face. She buried her face in the pillow, squealing a little as an adorable yawn took over her. She was on her side and she felt Hajime's arm around her, the Ace still hugging her close from behind, face against her neck. Considering the noise level of breathing, the four boys were still sleeping deeply. She glanced over her shoulder and observed Hajime's sleeping face. Peaceful and beautiful, as expected… His hair was messier than usual and she resisted the urge to dive her fingers into it. Her moves had made his grip on her waist loosen up and she was free to move. Making sure not to wake him up, or step on Oikawa or another boy on her way out, she moved away from the bed. She went back to take her bra from under the pillow then she slowly moved around all the boys. She opened the door, but it was blocked by Makki's feet. She pushed his legs away with her foot, making him growl and roll around but he didn't wake up. She opened the door, slipped past it then closed it again.

"…Who's the fucking asshole who forgot to close the curtains, damn it…?" Makki grumbled, covering his head with his pillow before blindly grabbing Oikawa's ankle, "Oikawa…!"

"MmmMMM!" He moaned, kicking him away before they both went back to sleep; Makki's hand still loose around his ankle.

Hajime woke up slowly, partially from the sunlight burning his eyelids – he was already cursing the alcohol he had drank the previous night… then he realized that he was missing something. Or someone. He turned around a little, then stopped on his side, his hand brushing over the still warm covers of his bed…

Kiku… He thought.

He sat up and glanced around, still sleepy and definitely hangover. All three futons were taken by his friends, meaning that Kiku must have…

His lips fell open and he flushed when he realized she had slept with him. In his bed. Fuck, he barely remembered what had happened before going to bed – he hoped he hadn't been a creep…

He stood up, but far from being as clear minded as Kiku with the alcohol still pulsing in his veins, he almost castrated Mattsun who screamed when he was stepped on.

"Sorry," Hajime mumbled, opening the door and hearing Makki growl loudly when he hit his legs by doing so, "Oops…"

He quickly exited his bedroom, going straight for the restroom for morning urinary business. It was half-way through his business that he realized that if Kiku had spent the night with them, but wasn't sleeping anymore, she was probably around… He opened wide eyes and hoped she hadn't seen him aim straight for the toilets, probably looking like a zombie. By the time he was done with his business, he realized it was probably creepy to have all of his thoughts turned to his girlfriend while he was peeing.

"Gods, alcohol is so not good for me…" He mumbled when he washed his hands and splashed fresh water on his face.

He didn't look any more woken up and just prayed for the best when he exited the bathroom. He went into the living-room, sighing in relief to see nothing broken and everything cleaner than expected. Hearing some noise, he went into the kitchen and found Kiku here, still wearing his clothes and hair messy from the night. He couldn't help but stare at her for a long moment, wondering what he should do. Start with "good morning"? Or a kiss on the temple? The cheek? Or should he just go and hug her from behind? Or should he just say "hey"? Or… Gods, he wished he'd wake up every morning to find her in the kitchen, casually leaning against the counter, waiting for him to wake up and join her… He'd get to try all the possibilities he was currently think of to greet her – one try for each morning, until they found what they liked most.

But before he could decide, Kiku turned around and found him here, a smile immediately appearing on her face. It took his breath away and a smile appeared on his face without him even realizing it.

"You're beautiful…" He whispered, staring at her, bathed in the sunlight.

She was wearing his old clothes, too big for her, her hair was a mess, she had bags under her eyes, her lips were a little dry from the night… but she had greeted him with the most beautiful smile in the world and the most beautiful eyes to ever exist. He felt blessed and wished every morning could be one thousandth that happy…

Kiku flushed adorably, glancing down very quickly before looking back up at him. Without a word, she showed him her hand and he grabbed it, walking the space separating them until he had surrounded her body with his arms and she was leaning against him. Unlike all the times they had hugged until now, there was only one layer of clothes – not their annoying uniform or clothes getting in the way… Just their wrinkled pajama and messy hair. Curves pressing against hard muscles, they relaxed, still sleepy in their warm coziness.

"I wish time would stop and I could keep living this moment forever and forever…" Kiku whispered against his chest.

"So do I…" He murmured, brushing his nose against the top of her head.

"Say it if we bother you."

Kiku and Hajime startled, whipping around, their three friends standing there. Oikawa's hair was indescribable as he yawned, obviously still thinking he was in his futon. Makki was scratching his stomach, not caring how he looked while Mattsun blinked away sleep.

"Is breakfast ready, mom…?" He asked in a low voice.

Hajime sighed, desperate by these idiots while Kiku chuckled. They might be idiots, but they were his friends. And for better or worse, he loved them all – though very differently from the way he loved Kiku.

"Go sit down and finish your night, I'm bringing you something to eat," Kiku said, pushing Hajime so he'd join the others.

"Thanks, mom," Mattsun answered, the two others echoing him.

She chuckled at their silliness, leaning against the counter and thanking the gods for making her life so beautifully happy.

---

PS : The shirt Kiku slept in is the one Hajime wears in middle-school we see in Oikawa's flashback when he gets hit and there is their "the strong six are stronger!" It's my favorite Japanese idiom "belief tht if there's a will, there's a way"

PPS : It's canon (from the manga) that Oikawa, Kunimi and basically everyone laughed and thought this shirt funny - except Kindaichi and Kageyama who found it cool. I'm on the two babies' side on this one, sorry Oikawa.

NEXT CHAPTER : GODZILLA!

Yours Truly,

May