Here is the new (filler) chapter! :D I hope you'll like it and I thnak everyone who followed and favorited!

starrat : I hope you'll like what follows! :D

Forevertrash97 : Kiku's relationship with the rest of the team and especially the 3rd years ae so great! Her friendship with Oikawa is so sweet! They're so supportive of each other, and such fans of Iwa-chan! XD I know he's not a genius, the way Tobio is (getting everything easily, etc.), but I consider that with his willpower and hard workk Oikawa is as much of a genius. That's just my opinion, though. Talking about genius, other than Kageyama and Nishonya who are known geniuses of volleyball, it's possible Kuoo is also a "genius" considering that he learned volleyball techniques through matches on tv which is an awful close to Kageyama "I learned y watching Oikawa". As for the fandom making him seem "kinder and sensible under his shitty mask" like you said, I don't think it's the fnadom doing but Oikawa is genuinely kind but lets his fears bite it away and force him to preserve himself by putting up a mask - he's very sensible I believe but like his kindness, it's covered up by too many layers of fears and lack of confidence in himself and his capacities. :)

spice : I TOO AM MUCH CONTENT TO KNOW YOU CONTENT! :D We techincally missed Kiku's birthday (May 1st) because it wasn't mentioned until it was too late, but after Hajime is alreayd preparing her a birthday party for next year. :)

Krisia : Is your brain not functioning because of last chapter? XD I hope not, it'd be bad~! The scars will be brought up soon enough, don't worry! ;)

Aquafin : I'm glad it made you laugh! :D Happy you is happy me! :D

pinkdoughtnuts : I'm supposed to be on a diet and yet, I hate half of a tbalet of chocolate and I lost count of the biscuits... T.T I could need a goodfood poisoning to force me to stop eating junk food. I only got sick from being too drunk, and it was awful. I neer played twister so Ihope teh description was good enough! :)

AnimeViolinist001 : I do hope it gets cuter and cuter! It's my goal! These two are the cutest~!

FANFICTION

HAIKYUU! : QUIET VOICE

CHAPTER XLII : Godzilla!

"Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands."

― Anne Frank

"I think that the best thing we can do for our children is to allow them to do things for themselves, allow them to be strong, allow them to experience life on their own terms, allow them to take the subway… let them be better people, let them believe more in themselves."

― C. JoyBell C.

"I tell you, that dragon's the most horrible animal I've ever met, but the way Hagrid goes on about it, you'd think it was a fluffy little bunny rabbit."

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

"Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day. It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them."

― John Grogan, Marley and Me: Life and Love With the World's Worst Dog

"There is no thing known as bad luck. There is luck, or no luck at all."

― Jeffrey Fry

"A Bad Omen is a warning. A sign to stop and reconsider. Proceed with caution."

― Kelley Armstrong, Omens

"So, how was the week-end?" Umeko asked when she and Takashi arrived on the Sunday evening.

"It was great!" Hajime answered.

Except for his parents back, everyone was gone back to their respective homes. After two days full of people, the apartment had felt a little empty but he was glad his parents were back. They looked relaxed after their week-end in a hot spring.

"How did it go with Kiku?" She continued with a teasing smile, making him flush.

"Let him breath before asking about his girlfriend," Takashi said, bringing in the bag they had taken with him.

"I want to know everything you did! Ah, nothing is broken, right?" She asked, frowning and hands on her hips.

"Nothing is broken, mom, as promise." He answered.

She made a turn of the apartment to make sure of it then Takashi decided they'd go eat to a restaurant. Because Hajime's birthday had been during the week they couldn't go on the exact day of his birthday. It was his birthday with his parents and on their way there, they gave him the birthday gift from his grandparents then they all talked about their week-end. Of course, Hajime avoided mentioning how drunk he had been, or that he had helped Kiku unzip her dress – it was too embarrassing. They went to his favorite restaurant, where he ate his favorite dish, and after a good-hearted meal, Takashi coughed to attract his son's attention away from the messages he had been discreetly exchanging with Kiku (but his smile betrayed him).

"It's your eighteenth birthday, and as you asked, we gave you money for your pet." He started, almost ceremoniously despite his wife's light smile, "But your mother and I discussed a lot about what we could offer to you for such an important step in your life. Next year, you'll go to the university and you'll have your volleyball career to focus on and I know you still haven't decided where you'll go exactly, but we remembered that you had mentioned passing your driving license as soon as you could. Is it still in your priorities for next year?"

Hajime nodded vigorously, heart beating excitedly – he had a good idea of what would be his birthday gift but he tried to fight off the grin and wait to hear the words.

"Then."

Takashi took an envelop he had been keeping in his pocket then gave it to Hajime. He opened it and let keys fall down into the palm of his hand.

"It's… the car keys…" He recognized before widening his eyes, looking up at his parents who smiled.

"As soon as you have your driving license, your mother's car will be yours."

"B-but! M-mom! Dad! It's! So much! A-and you need you car for work!"

"I wanted to change car soon, it's a perfect timing. It doesn't have much kilometers but it's a good car." She said before standing up to sit by his side.

She surrounded his strong shoulders with her arm and kissed his cheek.

"It's nothing compared to the most beautiful gift in the world: being your mother. I am so proud of the man you have become, Hajime, and I know you will have a good and happy life. I couldn't be prouder of my son." She said happily, tears in her eyes to see him so grown up.

Words strangled in his throat, Hajime turned around to hug her, a little longer than usual to show how much he loved her. He didn't show his parents often how much he loved them, even if they knew he did love them, but after such a gift, and after learning everything that had happened to Kiku… he realized how lucky he was to have two, good parents who loved him so much.

"Thank you…" He whispered, to both his parents.

They smiled proudly, a little emotional to know that their little boy had grown up and was becoming a man.

On Monday, after school…

"Be careful!" Umeko exclaimed, grabbing the vase that was too close to her tastes to the boys entering her apartment.

Hajime and Issei, who were carrying a gigantic and heavy box had to come to a stop while she took away everything she deemed too precious to be hit by accident. They managed to go into Hajime's bedroom, struggling a little to make the big box go through the doorway with the tiny hall. Oikawa and Hanamaki were following, carrying the rest of boxes and bags.

"Who would have thought that you'd need so much stuff for a lizard?" Matsukawa whined, letting himself fall on top of the bed while Hajime indicated to the two others where to put the boxes and bags.

"A bearded-dragon," he corrected, "He's still a baby but he'll grow up to 60cm. He needs lots of space to be comfortable."

"So, he might even grow past you? Impressive." Matsukawa teased, standing up and looking down at Hajime who glared at the middle-blocker.

"Ah ah. Very funny. You're not that tall! You're only eight centimeters taller than me! I'm still growing and eventually I'll get taller!"

"You're forgetting a detail, Iwa-chan," Oikawa intervened, lifting up a finger to prove his point, "We are still growing as well. Every centimeter you grow to catch up to us, we're growing twice more~!"

Iwaizumi glared at him viciously, for once, Oikawa didn't get (too) scared because he knew he was right. Hanamaki and Matsukawa snickered behind until Umeko arrived.

"Oh my goodness, I can't believe I agreed to this. How big is it going to be?" She asked, pointing at the box with the tank.

"125cm long," he answered, dusting off the last things from his chest of drawers, "Matsukawa, you're ready?" He asked.

"Let's do this…"

After taking off the box, they lifted up the glass aquarium that would be the house of the bearded dragon. Then, they started putting up everything that would be needed for the pet: the proper lightning required; two thermometers to check the temperatures for a cool side of the tank, and a hot side; a humidity gauge… Once satisfied with the necessities, Oikawa, Hanamaki and Matsukawa gave their opinions on how to decorate the tank. There would be a reptile carpet, a big branch and a basket platform with a hole under it for the dragon to go hide when he felt the need.

"All right, it looks fine…" Hajime finally said.

"He's going to be a very happy bearded-dragon!" Oikawa exclaimed as he checked the rest of the boxes they had brought, "What's in–"

"NO!"

But Hajime's scream wasn't fast enough and Oikawa opened a little box – several crickets flew off, jumping around as he closed the box.

"Oops…"

"You're impossible, seriously!"

"You're going to feed it living insects?! It's disgusting!" Hanamaki exclaimed, trying to catch one of the cricket.

"It's what young bearded-dragon eat most! And it's funnier for him if he can chases it around instead of crunching on a dry and dead insect!"

"I can't believe I'm having this conversation right now!"

After long minutes of chasing around, they got all the crickets that had escaped (they hoped, at least) then Hajime checked that the temperatures had all raised to the right one and the level of humidity wasn't too high, then he decided to go at the SPCA. Hanamaki and Matsukawa decided to go home – they had homework and a life, after all, and Monday was the only day during the week without practice. Oikawa remained behind but promised to come by to welcome the bearded-dragon so Iwaizumi went to the SPCA on his own. He was pretty sure the reason why Oikawa didn't come was because he knew Hajime wanted to do it on his own – it was his choice, his bearded-dragon (though he had a feeling the dragon have a lot of annoying uncles who would come watch over him).

Without much surprise, Kiku was at the entry when he arrived, she smiled to him.

"You came to get him?" She asked.

"Yeah, everything is ready," he answered, showing her the pictures he had taken to prove he had taken care of preparing the dragon's arrival.

She went to get Hayate and after a few check-ups and last verifications, he gave Hajime the papers to sign to gain ownership of the bearded-dragon.

"Don't forget to bring him to the veterinary as soon as you can. It's not an emergency but it's best to do it soon." He said, "So, what's the guy's little name?"

Kiku looked up curiously at Hajime who hesitated, watching the case written "pet's name" where he should write his name.

"Um… it's a little embarrassing."

"Kiku called her birds Barnaby and Peppermint – you can't get more embarrassing than that." Hayate said with an amused smirk.

The young girl gave him an offended look but it made Hajime smile and he glanced quickly at the paper before looking up to answer:

"Godzilla."

Hayate smiled then wrote the name in his files in the same time Hajime was writing it down. Kiku looked up at Hajime with a huge smile on her face, eyes sparkling proudly.

"Then, come, let's go get Godzilla. I'll show you how to hold him and get him in and out of his tank."

After a few minutes showing how to handle the pet, Hayate let Hajime put him in the transport bag he had brought with him for Godzilla. He didn't seem much bothered by any of it but looked around curiously.

"I suppose you'll accompany him back home, Kiku?" Hayate said with a wink.

She flushed but nodded nevertheless. On their way home, Hajime kept watching the paper of ownership of Godzilla his bearded-dragon. Kiku didn't stop staring at him, sometimes glancing into the bag to make sure Godzilla was all right.

"Did you choose the name yourself, or was it the guys' influence?" She asked, remembering that everyone had assumed he'd call his pet bearded-dragon 'Godzilla'.

"Eeh… a little of both. I hadn't thought seriously about his name until Hanamaki asked me and as he said… it was an obvious answer." He explained.

"It suits him, right, Godzilla?" She continued, leaning down towards the bearded dragon.

He made a low, whining sound in agreement. When they arrived in the apartment, while Umeko greeted Kiku and they talked enthusiastically woman to woman, Hajime brought Godzilla into his new home. He walked around the tank, exploring the new territory – it was bigger than at the SPCA and he seemed to enjoy climbing around. By the time he had settled down on his platform, Kiku and Umeko had arrived.

"You'll have to take good care of him," Umeko said, observing with a smile the animal, "But don't count on me to feed him these insects. I am not touching a living insect in my life."

"We agreed dad would feed him when I'm away for training," he answered to which she nodded gratefully.

"I'll let you two take care of… what's his name? Godzilla? Why am I not surprised… Kiku, do you want to stay with us for dinner?" Umeko asked with a kind smile.

"Oh, I-I w-wouldn't… I-it's…"

"It would be our pleasure, don't worry," she continued.

"T-then… t-thank you very much…" She answered, flushing a little.

Hajime smiled to Kiku as Umeko left. Then his girlfriend bent down to get a bag she had taken with her and took out the clothes she had borrowed him the other night.

"It's all cleaned, thank you again for this amazing night." She said with a smile.

He flushed at the innuendo – which made her flush as well.

"I-I m-meant… t-the a-amazing day! The amazing day and night! I mean! Everything! It was, um, lots of fun!" She exclaimed, trying to correct herself.

"Thanks… it made me very happy that you'd be here with me…" He answered, taking the clothes back before hesitating then handing her his shirt back, "You can keep it if you want."

"E-eh? B-but–"

"You said it was very comfortable, and I don't wear it anymore. I only keep it for sentimental value. It'll be more useful for you if you wear it…" He explained before slowly flushing.

Realizing he had given her one of his shirt with the hope she'd wear it, both blushed in embarrassment. But being given a shirt from Hajime, especially a shirt that had sentimental value for him, made Kiku very happy. She smiled thankfully, taking back the shirt once again and promising herself she'd put it on tonight to sleep.

"S-should we… feed him or something?" Hajime asked when he noticed that Godzilla had settled and was watching them.

"He's already been fed twice today so just once again tonight for his meal. He eats a lot, though." Kiku explained.

"Thank you for being here…" He said as he reached for the boxes of insects.

"Y-you're w-welcome…"

He struggled a little with the (living) insects, but Godzilla had understood he'd be fed because he looked up impatiently.

"Here, let me show you," Kiku said, helping him out and giving him a few tips to make sure the crickets wouldn't go flying around.

They fed Godzilla for a few minutes, watching him go around and chase the food. Hajime smiled as well, reassured that everything was going on correctly.

"H-he looks happy, right?" He asked, turning towards Kiku hopefully.

"He is! He definitely is happy about his new home, especially with you!" She exclaimed, the Ace immediately reassured, "Thank you… for doing this for him. Giving him a home and love is… it's a lot. So, thank you for him." She continued, turning to him.

He smiled, looking back at the bearded-dragon. He thought back on the reasons why he had decided to adopt him: not only they got along well, which was nice, but Kiku had opened his eyes on what happened to so many pets and animals. If he could help just one… he'll be happy.

Oikawa arrived, with Takeru who was very excited to see a real-life baby Godzilla. He adored Iwaizumi, finding him a thousand times cooler than his uncle to Tooru's great sadness. At first Kiku felt a little awkward when the boy didn't even notice her but Takeru quickly looked at her, saw how close she was to Hajime then spoke without any filter:

"Are you Iwaizumi's girlfriend?" He asked loudly, making the couple flush.

"U-um, y-yes."

"You look kind! Nice to meet you!" He exclaimed before turning his attention back to the bearded-dragon.

"N-nice to m-meet you too…"

"Oi, Takeru! Don't look so closely! I can't see Godzilla!" Oikawa whined, pushing off his nephew.

"Shut up, Tooru! You'll get to see him every day!"

"Geh!"

"Are you sure Oikawa is the oldest of the two?" Kiku asked in a low voice her boyfriend who chuckled.

"Can I hold him?!" Takeru asked excitedly.

"Uuh…"

Hajime glanced quickly at Kiku who nodded, now that Godzilla had finished eating his dinner, he could be taken, as long as they were careful.

"Sit down and don't move too much," she told Takeru, patting the bed next to her while Hajime went to take his dragon in his arms, "He won't hurt you if you don't scare him and if I or Hajime is here."

The boy sat down obediently and Hajime put the bearded-dragon into his arms. Godzilla glanced around but upon seeing Kiku and Hajime, he seemed comfortable enough to remain in the boy's arms. Takeru's excitement was obvious from the way his eyes sparkled and his grin hurt his cheeks. Meanwhile, Oikawa took lots of pictures of his nephew and his friends with Godzilla. Being an Oikawa, Takeru posed when he noticed his uncle taking the pictures.

"Can I hold him too?" Oikawa asked after a while.

"No!" Takeru answered, not wanting the pet to be away from him.

"Takeru!"

"Calm down, both of you," Kiku said when she noticed that their excitement was disturbing the bearded-dragon.

While still pouting, Tooru settled for just petting the dragon, jumping away when Godzila turned his head around at the touch. It made Hajime laugh a little to see his friend's reaction. After some more pictures and some time spent with Godzilla, Hajime put him back in his tank and Oikawa, uncle and nephew, left them just as Takashi arrived back from work. After getting changed and watching the bearded-dragon who watched him with tired eyes, probably thinking "another one?", the Iwaizumi, and Kiku, had dinner. After talking for a while about the bearded-dragon, Hajime remained silent for most of the meal, considering his parents kept asking questions to Kiku – about school, her job at the SPCA… Well, rather, Umeko asked most questions to Kiku, while Takashi observed her reactions very closely, until she became a little too uncomfortable about his police officer-like behavior. It didn't escape Hajime and after a harsh look at his father, Takashi seemed to understand what he had been unconsciously doing and he changed behavior to be more joyful.

"I should get home," Kiku said at the end of the meal.

"Do you need a car ride?" Takashi proposed.

"It's fine, I'll walk her home," Hajime decided before she could answer.

"I could drive you both back, unless… you want some time together?" He continued teasingly.

Kiku blushed while Hajime busied himself putting on his shoes.

"Well, then, go home safely, Kiku. And don't waste too much time outside, you have practice tomorrow morning, almost-kisser!" Takashi exclaimed, earning a long look from his wife.

Hajime ignored him, pushing Kiku outside the apartment to have some quiet.

"Why does he keep calling you 'almost-kisser'?" She asked curiously.

"Uuuh… long story…" He mumbled, flushing in embarrassment.

After a few minutes of walk, she reached for his hand and he realized he hadn't hold her hand since… eeh… last Friday. He squeezed it in apology, and she smiled as they arrived to her home. He sighed, wishing they had a little more time.

"Thank you again for dinner. Your mother's cooking is delicious," she said.

"You're welcome," he answered with a smile, "Thank you for being here for Godzilla and I."

"Don't hesitate to send me a message or call me if something goes wrong in the night. And don't forget to lower the temperature in his tank." She added.

"I know," he said with a nod.

They remained standing there awkwardly for a moment, not moving until he leaned down to kiss her cheek and wishing her goodnight. Kiku smiled but he pulled away and started walking away. She hid her disappointment to have had only a kiss on the cheek with a smile and wave.

Arrived home, after his bath, Hajime spent most of his time watching over Godzilla. Both were worried for their first night cohabiting: Godzilla was walking around, settling down then walking around again. Hajime kept watching over him for a long while. Phone vibrating, he glanced at it and saw that Kiku had sent him a picture. He smiled happily, staring for a long time at the picture she had sent him: in her bed, a happy smile and wearing the shirt he had given her for the night.

He took a few pictures of Godzilla he sent her then, after a few messages, he ended up falling asleep with his phone held against his heart.

The following day…

"You look terrible, what happened to you?" Makki asked Hajime when they entered the changing-room.

"I stayed up late talking with Kiku… then I was woken up by Godzilla…" He mumbled as they filled in.

"So you did call him 'Godzilla'!" Makki exclaimed.

"You adopted your pet bearded-dragon, Iwaizumi-san?" Kindaichi asked excitedly.

"Yeah, wanna see the pictures?"

He showed his phone to everyone who still hadn't seen Godzilla, no one was surprised by the pet's name.

"He's cute, right?" He said proudly.

"As cute a lizard go. He's got the face of a tiny dragon."

"He's still cute!"

"All I hear is Kiku claiming her love for her birds."

Hajime clicked his tongue, feeling like Hanamaki (and most of his teammates) didn't appreciate Godzilla enough. He was shoving picture one after another when they all froze, seeing the pictures Kiku had sent him the previous night. Flushing, he quickly pulled away his phone to keep shoving, ignoring their snickers and teasing gazes.

"Already sending each other's nightly pictures, Iwa-chan~?" Oikawa teased.

"I remember this shirt from KitaIchi… It was so cool!" Kindaichi exclaimed, breaking the silence.

"T-thanks…"

The others all snickered, finding the shirt their Ace had once worn very fitting with his character – but more ridiculous than cool. Only Kindaichi seemed to find it 'cool'.

"You gave it to Akiyama-san?" The first-year continued with a smile.

"Kindaichi, enough. Don't you see Iwaizumi-san is embarrassed? As he ought to be…" Kunimi said with a discreet smirk.

"Oi!" The Ace exclaimed.

"As clever-tongued as usual, Kunimi-chan~!" Oikawa hummed.

Too embarrassed to face his teammates any longer, Iwaizumi went to his locker, quickly putting away his phone into his bag.

"How come you woke up in the night, though?" Matsukawa asked him, noticing the black bags under his eyes.

"…Godzilla started whining whenever I turned off the light. It took him hours to calm down."

"Didn't he have light in his tank?"

"He did, but he didn't like that I went to sleep. I think he wanted me to keep him company… I ended up falling asleep on the floor with all the lights on so I didn't sleep well…"

"I hope it won't happen again, we need you in top-shape, Iwa-chan." Oikawa continued, "Did you talk about it to Kiku-chan?"

"I didn't want to wake her up so… not yet…"

"It was to be expected anyway, it's the first time Godzilla is spending a night away from the SPCA, there is no other animal around and it's a new environment. I can't believe I just said 'Godzilla' to talk about a lizard pet. Why did you choose this name?" Makki continued, narrowing his eyes at his friend.

"You're the one who said it'd be obvious."

"Which is why I thought you'd think of something else."

"It suits him."

"Does it?"

Iwaizumi decided to ignore him. The volleyball team went to the gymnasium where their coaches and manager were already here.

"Slept well, Akiyama?" Makki asked when he saw her.

She blinked, surprised he'd be the first one to greet her but smiled.

"Y-yes, and you?" She answered, looking at everyone.

"Perfect~!" Oikawa hummed, lifting up his fingers in a victory sign.

"And your pajamas? What was it? Sexy, comfortable? Anything we ought to know~?" Hanamaki continued with a smirk, making everyone snicker – except Kiku and Hajime.

She looked at him with wide, stunned eyes, not believing he had dared asking such a thing while the Vice-Captain was holding back the urge to smack him behind the head. Irihata and Mizoguchi sent the teenagers unimpressed gazes after hearing it all. Kiku finally turned towards Hajime who answered her silent question:

"Yeah… they know." He mumbled.

"Did you–"

"I didn't tell them. N-not intentionally. Slip of… tongue."

"Of finger, rather." Hanamaki corrected.

Irihata narrowed his eyes suspiciously, making the couple blush. Iwaizumi grabbed Hanamaki's jaw to shut him up before he'd make a real mistake in front of Kiku's uncle.

"Let's go running, shall we? We haven't had a real practice since Friday and we spent the week-end eating lots of junk food. Coach, let me handle the practice today!" Iwaizumi requested, an annoyed look on his face.

"…I don't want to know, do whatever you want." Irihata answered, turning away as everyone whined.

"Thanks, Makki…" Oikawa mumbled, shoulders down, as everyone followed their Ace, knowing that they'd end up with aching muscles and bones by the end of the day.

"The look on his face was worth it~"

More growls resonated, Kiku smiling to herself and knowing the gymnasium would be relatively quiet for the time they were off running. With their endless teasing, they had it coming – Iwaizumi would take his revenge by pushing them to their limits for today's practice. Oikawa had wanted to work on some attack patterns but she rescheduled it for the following day. If they survived until then.

On their way back to the classroom, Hajime told her about Godzilla's behavior the previous night and she reassured him, saying it was normal for an animal to feel a little worried when arriving in a new home. He stopped at the distributor to buy some cereal bars – he was hungry after the intense morning practice but after half an hour of History lesson, he ended up dozing off. Kiku woke him up later in the morning, for the biology class. And as expected, the afternoon practice was long and intense – with the heat of mid-June, it was even harder than usual.

"Good job, everyone!" Kiku said, distributing water bottles to the exhausted boys who were laying around, in the pools of their own sweat (and tears).

Only Iwaizumi and Hanamaki were still going, challenging each other with push-ups – but the Ace was obviously winning.

"You're going to hurt yourself if you don't rest a little," she told them as they continued counting for their push-ups.

They didn't listen to her, though. It was only when Hanamaki collapsed after reaching two-hundreds push-ups that Iwaizumi stopped as well, both breathing heavily.

"You'll never win, stop hurting yourself," Matsukawa told Hanamaki.

He weakly tried to punch him while Iwaizumi grinned proudly. Kiku, helped by a few courageous first-years, put away everything even if they had exhausted themselves more than played volleyball, but getting more muscles and working on their stamina was just as important as technique and skills. She glanced in the direction of Hajime as he wiped his forehead with a towel, sweat rolling off his body. The boys, ready to go take a shower, started pulling at their shirts, some even taking them off – and Hajime was one of them, putting the shirt on his shoulder as the group of third-years walked off. Kiku didn't stop staring, following them with her gaze, slowly blushing. Once they were gone, she shook her head and forced her body to move. It was definitely distracting.

When they exited the showers, towels around their waists, the third-years gathered, continuing the discussion they had started in the shower. Hajime checked his phone and saw a new message from Kiku, telling him she was going in town with Yuuna and Shinobu.

"You are aware of the effect you have on Kiku-chan, don't you Iwa-chan?" Oikawa asked while he was putting on his clothes.

"Eh?" He asked, turning to his friends.

They watched him, not surprised that he wouldn't be aware of it.

"Nevermind…" The setter mumbled before stretching his arms, "Eeeww… Iwa-chan, don't make us go such a hard training in the beginning of the week anymore~" He whined.

"Then stop annoying me in the beginning of the week," Iwaizumi answered, unimpressed.

"I'm surprised you're not asking us to stop annoying you all the time," Hanamaki said with wide eyes.

"After three years, I know I can't be too hopeful." He answered, making them snicker.

Once dressed and changing-room locked, they went to get ramen, Iwaizumi treating them after the intense training he had made them go through.

"Where's Kiku, by the way?" Mattsun asked, when he realized they weren't waiting for their manager.

"Already gone with the girls in town," Hajime answered.

"It reminds me, you haven't taken Kiku-chan out on a date, yet, right?" Oikawa asked.

They all glanced at Iwaizumi who blinked. He put down his bowl of ramen and thought back on the last events – the only time they could possibly go on a date would be on the week-end. Last week-end had been his birthday party, the following one he had an appointment at the veterinary for Godzilla and they needed to do their homework. Perhaps…

"I can't for this week-end but the following one I'll take her somewhere," he answered with a shrug, taking some more noodles.

"Where?" Makki asked curiously.

Iwaizumi looked at him, swallowing his mouthful of noodles then shrugged.

"Dunno, I'll see what she'll want to do."

"Don't take it so lightly, Iwa-chan! You need to show that you cherish her! You're the man, you're supposed to be the one organizing this sort of things!"

"She's better at organizing this sort of things than I could possibly be."

"You have to surprise her! Keep her interested!"

"Well, from the way she had stared at him earlier, I'm pretty sure she's still interested and won't lose interest for a long while," Mattsun commented.

"Still! Iwa-chan, you need to take Kiku-chan out on a real date!" Oikawa exclaimed, slamming down his fists on the table.

It made too much noise and the lady turned around with narrowed eyes.

"Sorry," Iwaizumi apologized for his idiot of friend who smiled sheepishly.

She sighed then went back to giving the orders to her customers. Iwaizumi glared at Oikawa who looked away guiltily.

"I agree with Oikawa, just take her somewhere, take her hand and kiss her and she'll be happy. You don't have to sweat this sort of things with someone as good-hearted as Kiku." Matsukawa said.

"I… suppose."

After hearing his friends' advice, Iwaizumi started to think about the different options for taking Kiku out on a date. He waited the following week before asking her if she wanted to spend their Saturday together. She agreed happily. And he started stressing – he had planned it all, but would it be enough? What if something didn't go as planned? It was why he disliked planning so much, he couldn't help but overthink it all.

Saturday morning…

When Hajime woke up, he pulled open his curtains, blinking away sleep. He was getting ready for a quick run to clear his mind before preparing himself to go on his first date with Kiku. When he came out of the building, he heard a sharp cry and turned around. He narrowed his eyes at the crow observing him. Hajime swallowed then quickly looked away. He wasn't stupid enough to think of it as a bad omen, he was more rational than that.

He wouldn't let one glance with a crow get to his head and–

Hajime gasped when he tripped over his own feet, he caught himself before he'd fall face on the dirt but he looked down and realized he had stepped on his shoelaces.

"…It means nothing…" He mumbled as he made them again, tight this time.

He heard the crow caw then fly away. He glanced up and noticed that the sky was darkening, heavy clouds arriving.

"It means nothing." He repeated to himself, going for his run.

There was no need for a bright sky for what he had planned – and Kiku was his sun. He didn't have to worry for anything.

Don't worry, there won't be much drama! ;) It'll be more of a misunderstanding and bad lluck day!

The perks of having a pet! The first night with my kitten I didn't sleep at all because HE was too excited and played with his new toys all night long and I was too worried to leave him alone...

NEXT CHAPTER : STORMY HEARTS (Didn't I already use this chapter title somewhere...?)

Yours Truly,

May