Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The living room erupted in cheers as the outside hitter made a clean hit down the line. Suga watched as his three roommates, Daichi, Asahi, and Tanaka began high-fiving.

“Suga, why don’t you come sit down. You’re missing the game,” Asahi called out.  Suga smiled and shook his head.

“I’m fine right where I am.”

He continued to watch from his perch on a barstool at the kitchen bar. The kitchen opened up into the living room, and from where he sat, he could just see over the three heads on the sofa.  The three were embroiled in the game as it wound down to a commercial break. Daichi turned, saw him watching, and winked, his dark eyes twinkling.  Sighing, Suga looked back down at the pad of paper he was writing on and chewed his lip. On his phone was a website for apartment rentals, his heart not really into searching.  The fact was he didn’t want to move out of the home he’d shared with the guys for three years, and he couldn’t really afford to. But he had to. And soon.  He shoved his notes under the nearby book when the guys got up and headed into the kitchen.

“The Adlers blew the set,” Daichi said in disgust as he walked toward the guys’ bathroom.

“Hey, Suga, you care if I use your bathroom?” Tanaka asked as he ambled over. “Daichi’s got ours tied up.”  He nodded, and Tanaka flashed him a grin.

“Whatcha doing?” Asahi asked as he took another beer from the fridge. “Want one?”  Suga controlled the urge to puke and waved him off. The tall alpha shrugged and popped his open, taking a long swig from it.  He came back over to stand by the smaller omega.

“You’ve been quiet today. Not interested in the game? You’re usually over there screaming louder than anyone.”  Suga took a deep breath, knowing he had to confront them sooner or later.

“I’m going to move out.”   Asahi set his beer down with a resounding thud.

“You can’t be serious. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong.” he said quietly. “It’s just time for me to get my own place.” He immediately regretted bringing up the topic. He’d expected some resistance, but he hadn’t bargained for Asahi’s vehemence.

“Can we talk about it later?” Suga pleaded.

“I thought you were happy here. I know it’s a little unconventional, you know, with the mixed genders, but I thought we all were ok with it.”  Suga closed his eyes. This was going to be more difficult than he thought.

“You know I love you guys. I don’t regret it, but it’s time that I got my own place. Spread my wings a bit. Time to prove I don’t need you guys taking care of me all the time.”

“Do you think we’re overbearing? Because I can talk to the guys. We can lay off.”

“Yes, you’re overbearing. You all are, and I love you for it. This isn’t about you or the others. I just think it’s time for me to get out on my own.”

“I don’t like it.” Asahi crossed his arms over his chest  with a sad look on his face.

“What’s going on?” Daichi asked as he approached the bar.  Suga flushed and wished the floor could swallow him up about now. Of all people, he hadn’t wanted Daichi to know yet.

“He just told me he’s moving out,” Asahi said in a downcase voice.

Daichi’s gaze bore into him with his intense brown eyes. Eyes that left him feeling like he had no clothing on.  Another flush crept up his neck as he envisioned the alpha naked, over his body, his hands gliding over his broad chest and bulging arms. Suga nodded, unable to speak or meet his gaze.

“Why?” Fidgeting on the stool, he twisted his fingers in his silver hair.

“I think it’s time I got my own place.”

“You’ve said that already,” Asahi replied. “In fact, so far, that’s the only thing you’ve said.”

“Don’t badger him,” Daichi reprimanded. “I’m sure he has a good reason.” He turned back and looked expectantly at him. “We’d just like to hear it.”

Think Suga, think. What could he say? Certainly not the truth. World War III would pale in comparison. He’d rather suffer through an entire hour’s worth of lecturing from the two alphas and beta rather than tell them why he had to move out.  Because of his own stupidity, his relationship with the three people he cared most about was going to be forfeit. They’d lived together for three years. But they had been friends for a lot longer.  It seemed logical when Asahi had invited them to move into his family home after his parents died. The four had been inseparable ever since they were in high school. The guys had gone on to become firefighters and work in the small town of Karasuno where they’d all grown up.

“Suga?” Daichi’s voice filtered into his thoughts.  He peeked up at him to see his concerned expression. Suga cleared his throat.

“I want to get my own place. Nothing personal.”

“I don’t see how we can’t take it personally,” Daichi began. “It seems as if you want to get away from us. Have we done something to piss you off?”  With an inward groan, he buried his face in his hands.

“Surely, you didn’t think we’d live together forever. I mean, you guys will want to get married and have a family. I’ll want the same.”

His head came up at Daichi’s uttered “Oh. I think I see what this is about.”

“Well, do enlighten me,” Asahi complained. “Because I’m in the dark over here.”

“I think what Suga is trying to say is he’s ready to start looking for a serious relationship. Maybe get married and start a family. I guess it’s pretty hard for him to do that with us three breathing down the neck of any guy he brings home.”

“Uhm, well, yes, I suppose. I mean, I don’t plan on getting married tomorrow, but I suppose I’ll want to in the not so distant future.” Never mind that he couldn’t have the one man he wanted.  Asahi didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t say anything more. Daichi continued to study him until he was ready to squirm completely off his seat. Why did he get the impression he could see straight through his flimsily muttered excuses?

“Is there anything we can do to help?” Daichi asked.

“Uh, no, not really. Well, I suppose you could help me move when the time comes.” He flashed him his best smile in an attempt to squelch his nervousness.

“You know we’ll help.”

“Yes, I know,” he whispered.

He heard Tanaka shuffle back into the kitchen, and he turned in relief, thankful he was interrupting the tension. His heart sank when he met with his expression. It was odd, like he ate something spoiled.  He stared at him with a deer-in-the-headlights look, something akin to horror and confusion.

Tanaka held his hand out, and Suga’s stomach lurched, his heart jumping into his throat.  In his outstretched palm lay the early pregnancy test he’d taken the day before. The two lines were faded, but still very indicative of a positive result.

“What is this?” he finally asked.  Suga froze, but anger quickly surfaced in an effort to cover his dismay.

“What the hell were you doing going through my trash can?” He snatched the stick from him and clenched it in his fist. Tanaka blinked in surprise.

“I wasn’t digging in it. I knocked the soap in it and had to fish it out. I couldn’t help but see the test.”  Asahi, whose mouth was permanently rounded in an O of shock, finally snapped his jaw shut.

“Holy shit, Suga. Are you…are you pregnant?”

Daichi took his hand in his much larger one and gently pried the test from his fingers. Asahi and Tanaka crowded around him as he examined it.

“What does two lines mean?” Asahi asked.

“It means he’s pregnant,” Daichi said quietly, leveling a stare at Suga.

“Geeze! Why didn’t you tell us, Suga?” Tanaka asked.

“Is this why you’re moving out?” Daichi asked.  He nodded miserably.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Tanaka demanded. “Who’s moving out?”

“No one is,” Asahi growled.

“Who the hell knocked you up, Suga?” Tanaka asked. “Tell me so I can go kick his ass.”

“Was it that teacher who took you out a couple of months ago?” Asahi asked.

Suga looked in bewilderment as the questions came from all directions. Then he did the only thing he knew would shut them up. He burst into tears.  Warm, strong arms wrapped around him and pulled him against the solid wall of a well-muscled chest.

“You guys shut the hell up,” Daichi ordered. “You’re upsetting him. We won’t ever get any answers if you continue to interrogate him.”

“Geeze, Asahi, you made him cry,” Tanaka said in disgust.

“Me? I wasn’t the one asking who knocked him up.”

“Quiet!” Daichi roared.

Suga closed his eyes and inhaled the comfort of Daichi’s chocolate scent. God, he was strong and everything that was wonderful about an alpha. He said a silent prayer Daichi wouldn’t let him go. Not just yet.  A gentle hand stroked his hair, which caused his tears to flow even harder.

“Come here,” Daichi said, easing him off the stool and toward the living room.  He settled him on the couch and enfolded him in his arms.

“Now, suppose you tell us what’s going on.”  Suga hiccupped and looked down. Asahi and Tanaka crowded around the couch, looks of concern and confusion marring their faces.

“You don’t have to say who it is,” Daichi prompted.

“The hell he doesn’t,” Tanaka began.  Daichi silenced him with a look and turned back to Suga.

“How about you start with why you want to move out, and why you didn’t want to tell us.”

“I wanted to move out because I didn’t want you to know,” he murmured.

“Why not?”  He looked at Daichi in astonishment.

“Why, so you could all badger me about who the father is? I’d rather forget the whole thing if you don’t mind.”  His expression became hard.

The two alphas tensed up, their scents turning sour. Tanaka may not have been able to produce a strong scent in response, but his expression said enough.

"Were...were you forced?" Asahi softly asked.

"No! No. It was just a mistake.  One I completely consented to. But I don’t want to talk about it."  He took a deep breath, and everyone relaxed from their posturing.

“Fair enough, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to move out.” Daichi said softly. “You need us more now than ever. Moving into a place by yourself doesn’t make sense. We’d all worry about you, and while it may be annoying, we all want to take care of you.”

“Suga, I’m sorry I found the test. Well, I’m not sorry I found it. I just wish you would have told us,” Tanaka said.

“Have you been to the doctor yet?” Asahi asked.

“No. I only found out yesterday.”

“How far along are you, do you know?” Tanaka asked.  Oh, he knew exactly how far along he was. But he wasn’t about to tell them that.

“I don’t know exactly, but I figure maybe two months or so. Look guys, I’m not in the mood to do this right now. I have a headache.”

“Take some Tylenol,” Asahi advised. “Oh, wait, you can’t. Or can you?” He suddenly slapped his hand to his forehead. “Shit! I offered you a beer.”  Despite the seriousness of the situation, Suga laughed.

“Listen. The best thing you can do for me is to chill out and quit acting like I sprouted a third head. This isn’t at all how I wanted this to go down.”

“No, you didn’t intend to tell us at all,” Daichi spoke up beside him. He turned his head to him, surprised to see a hint of hurt in his eyes.

“That isn’t true.”

“It’s what you said.”

“I just wanted time to adjust to things on my own. Obviously, I wouldn’t have been able to keep it from you forever. I was just…scared.” Once again, he found himself in Daichi’s embrace.

“We all care a lot about you. You don’t have to be afraid.”

“He’s right,” Tanaka said with a nod.

“So what’s next?” Daichi asked, stroking his hair comfortingly.  He sighed and pulled slightly away.

“I suppose I need to make an appointment to see the doctor. Get a blood test. I mean, there is a small possibility the first test is wrong.”

“Do you want one of us to go with you?” Tanaka asked.  He smiled.

“No, I think I can handle it. Besides, you guys start a twenty-four tomorrow.”

“But you’ll come by the station and let us know,” Daichi prompted.

“Yes, if you want me to, that is.”  They all gave him a look that suggested he was crazy.

“Okay, okay. I’ll come by as soon as I get out of the doctor’s office. That is if I can even get an appointment that soon.”

“Are you staying?” Tanaka asked. His question hung in the air, and Daichi and Asahi looked intently at him.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “I hadn’t thought beyond my initial panic.”

“You don’t need to worry about it now,” Daichi said firmly.   Suga got up awkwardly and headed back to the kitchen.

“You guys are missing the third set. Go ahead and watch. I think I am going to go lie down for awhile.”

“You okay?” Daichi asked in concern.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just got a lot of thinking to do.”

He ignored the worry in their eyes and walked to his bedroom, shutting the door behind him.  He leaned heavily on the door, his knees sagging underneath him. What a complete mess. He had the urge to dive into his nest and stay there for a week. Yeah, sure, he couldn’t hide his pregnancy forever, but he’d hoped to buy some time to get his life in order before he told them about the baby.  Baby. He smoothed his hands over his still flat stomach. Tears welled in his eyes. He loved it already. Almost as much as he loved its father. But telling Daichi he loved him, much less that he was the father of his baby, was out of the question.

Chapter Text

Suga slept in the next morning, knowing the guys had to be at the station by six forty-five for their shift. Usually, he’d get up and shoot the breeze with them before they left, but this morning, he stayed in bed to avoid them.  When he heard them leave, he swung his legs over the edge of his nest and tensed for the wave of nausea he’d come to expect. He reached into the nightstand drawer for the small package of crackers he’d put there the previous day. Taking small bites, he got up and headed for the bathroom.  At seven thirty, he got into his small car and headed for the veterinary practice across town. He’d worked as Doc Nekomata’s assistant for the last six years since he’d come home after one year of college.  He was a kindly older man, very much a father figure. Suga loved his job and loved living in his small town even more. It was where he’d lived all his life, and he couldn’t envision that changing.  Things could get a little difficult when his stomach started bulging, though. The only problem with living in a town where everyone knew you was, well, everyone knew you.  He climbed out of his car and threw on his lab coat before heading inside.

“Mornin’, Suga,” Yaku called as he opened the door.

“Mornin,” he returned.

“Doc’s waiting on you in back. We just got in a dog with a broken hip, and he’s prepping it for surgery.”  Suga nodded and walked through the door past the exam rooms and on to the surgery area. He scrubbed and then entered the surgery where Doc Nekomata was waiting.

“Mornin, Suga. Just in time. Come on over so I can get started.”

An hour later, Suga washed up and walked back out to the reception desk, thankful Yaku was on the other phone. He hastily looked up the number for the local obstetrician’s office and dialed. After making an appointment to have blood drawn, he hung up and returned to work.  At one, he took his keys and headed out the door. A few minutes later, he had the glorious honor of peeing in a cup that wasn’t large enough to spit in. Then, the nurse took a blood sample. Suga was asked to wait a moment in the waiting room. He watched men and women in various stages of pregnancy walk in and out of the office, and he wondered what it would feel like to have a burgeoning stomach. To feel the baby kick within him. Have a bulge for his hand to rest on.  The nurse stuck her head into the lobby and called Suga back. He shot from his chair and followed the nurse back to a small desk.

“Your urine results were positive, Mr. Sugawara. Your blood test results will be available online tomorrow afternoon, but congratulations. It certainly appears you’re pregnant. We’ll check your HCG levels and make sure they’re where they should be. Then we’ll get you an appointment for your first check-up in four weeks.”

Suga murmured his thanks and left the office. Numbly, he sat behind the wheel of his car. Thankfully, he didn’t have to return to work today since Doc was taking the afternoon off. He wanted to go home and hide in his nest, but instead, he instinctively drove toward the fire station.  God, what a mess he was in. Pregnant. Single. No way to tell the father without admitting what he had done. What a fool he’d been.  He clenched his hands around the steering wheel as he neared the station. He pulled into the small parking area and stopped next to Daichi’s truck. To his surprise and a little dismay, he was getting out of the truck with lunch in hand.  Daichi immediately walked over, setting the sacks on the hood of Suga's car.

“How did it go?”  The concern was nearly his undoing.

“It went okay. I, uh, well, I’m definitely pregnant.” Of all the ways he’d imagined telling the father of his baby he was pregnant, this wasn’t one of them.  He was pulled into Daichi’s arms, and he rested his head on the alpha’s chest, breathing deeply his rich scent.

“Are you okay with it?”  He drew away and smiled tremulously.

“Yeah, I’m okay.”

“Help me take in lunch to the guys? They’re anxious to hear from you.”  He took two of the bags and walked beside him through the garage and into the station. Inside, the guys were lounging around the TV. He and Daichi set the bags on the table, and the rest got up and ambled over to sit.

“Hey Suga,” several of the guys called out as they rummaged through the bags for a hamburger.  He smiled and returned their greeting. He was pretty much a fixture around the station house. A regular Dalmatian. Good grief, now he was comparing himself to a dog.  Asahi and Tanaka sidled over to his side.

“Well?” Asahi whispered.  He nodded, and Takaka put a hand to his back, rubbing up and down soothingly.

“You okay?”  He nodded again and offered a smile.

“You wanna hang out here at the station tonight?” Asahi asked. “We’re going to watch a few movies later. Might beat being at the house alone.”

“No, I’ve got things to do at home. I need some time alone anyway. I’ll catch you guys tomorrow afternoon when I get off from work.”

As he made for the door, Daichi fell into step beside him. He looked up in surprise when he contined to follow him out.

“You sure you’re going to be okay tonight? I know this has to have been a tough day for you.”  His heart lurched at the tenderness in his voice.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. It’s probably just as well that you guys are working tonight. Don’t think I’d make good company.”

“I wish I could be home to hang out with you. We’ll catch up tomorrow night, okay?”  Suga smiled and climbed into his car.

“Thanks, Daichi.”

“Take care,” he said softly, closing the door.

***

Daichi watched him drive off and slowly walked back inside the station. Finding out Suga was pregnant had been a huge shock. He’d been like a little brother for so long. It was hard to imagine him doing anything to get pregnant.  Daichi’s heart wrenched when his sad face floated through his memory. He was used to Suga sparkling. He was never without a mischievous smile, his warm caramel eyes full of laughter.  He was a small package, barely reaching Daichi’s chin, but he was full of dynamite and had long kept him and the others in line. In their house, he towed the line, and you better walk it straight.  He grinned to himself. Yeah, Suga was cute and fun.

His smile vanished. Someone had taken advantage of him, and now he was left holding the bag. Well, he wouldn’t do it alone. Suga had been there to help him through his disastrous break up with Michimiya, and he’d be damned if he didn’t return the favor.  When he walked back in, Asahi and Tanaka were waiting.

“What’s up?” Asahi asked.  Daichi raised an eyebrow.

“Nothing. Just making sure Suga was okay.”

“And is he?” Tanaka prompted.

“Yeah, I guess as good as he can be under the circumstances.”

“So who’s the guy?” Asahi interjected.  Daichi shrugged, and Tanaka blew out his breath in a puff.

“Could it be that dorky teacher guy from the high school he went out with awhile back?” Tanaka asked.

“Could be,” Daichi replied. “Though I can’t imagine him coaxing Suga into bed.”

“Shit. I don’t like the idea of any guy coaxing him into bed then disappearing,” Asahi said with a frown.

“This shouldn’t be too hard to figure out,” Tanaka mused. “It isn’t like we don’t know when he goes out.”

“Yeah, but we were working a lot of OT several weeks ago, so who knows what was going on while we were at work. He was at the house by himself quite a bit.”

“Hmmm, yeah, you’re right,” Asahi muttered. “Damn, I’d like to get my hands on that son of a bitch.”

“You and me both,” Daichi said grimly. 

Chapter Text

He dreamed about Daichi. About his hands moving over Suga’s body. His strong arms holding him as they made love. The same dream that tormented his sleep since that fateful night two months ago. He woke up bathed in sweat…and longing.  Closing his eyes once more, he conjured up the memory of that night.

***

Suga sank onto the couch, his heart heavy. The knot in his throat had grown until it was difficult to breathe. Tears pricked his eyelids, but he held them at bay, determined not to give into the overwhelming despair he felt.  The man he loved, had loved forever, was asking someone else to marry him. Even now, they were probably reveling in the joy of their commitment.  He blinked furiously as the ache in his chest grew. Asahi and Tanaka were working, thank God. There was no one to witness his misery. Daichi should be working too, but he’d taken the day off. This was one time he regretted the fact they were all roommates. He wanted nothing more than to bury himself away from Daichi.  He hugged his legs to his chest then rested his chin between his knees. If only he’d done something, anything, to make Daichi realize his feelings for him. He’d never even given things a chance to see what might blossom between them. And now he was too late.  A slamming door jerked him out of his wallow. His feet thumped to the floor, and he whirled around to see Daichi standing in the kitchen, fury blazing in his eyes.  Suga stood up, half in dread, half in hope. He should be ecstatic, not angry.

“Daichi?”  His fist thumped on the bar as he slapped his keys down.  Suga stood across the room, unsure of whether he should approach him. He’d never seen the alpha this angry.

“She was in bed with another man,” Daichi bit out.  Suga’s mouth rounded to an O, and his breath escaped in a whoosh of surprise. He hurried forward, stopping in front of Daichi. He reached a shaky hand to his arm.

“I’m sorry,” he said softly.

How could he feel this much relief when Daichi was obviously in so much pain? But his heart beat a hopeful rhythm.  Daichi let out an angry sigh. Suga wrinkled his nose as the smell of alcohol reached him, overwhelming Daichi's usual smooth chocolaty scent.

“Have you been drinking?”  Daichi grinned crookedly.

“You could say that.”  Before he could respond, Daichi stumbled over to one of the cabinets and pulled down a bottle of whiskey and a tumbler. He looked back at him and raised a glass in question.

“Wanna join me?”

“Daichi…”

“What?”

“Don’t do this. She’s not worth it.”  He nodded his head.

“I completely agree.” He walked around the bar and headed into the living room, the bottle dangling from his fingertips.  He set both on the coffee table and poured a generous amount of liquor into the glass.  Suga eased onto the couch beside him. Daichi drained the glass and plunked it back down, quickly pouring another round. His fingers clenched the glass as he brought it to his mouth, the tips white with the pressure he exerted.

“I went over there to surprise her, to ask her to marry me, and I find her fucking another man.” He shook his head, his lips twisting into a snarl. “What an idiot I am.”

“She’s the idiot,” Suga said through clenched teeth.  Daichi quirked an eyebrow then his mouth relaxed into a smile. Some of the darkness receded from his brown eyes. He reached out a hand to cup Suga’s cheek.

“Thank you.”  He worked to keep from nuzzling into Daichi’s hand.

“For what?”

“For being here,” he said softly.

He edged closer and  rubbed his cheek against the palm. How much had he had to drink already? He’d just consumed two large glasses of whiskey, and apart from the occasional beer, Daichi wasn’t a drinker.  He stared at Suga, his gaze slightly unfocused, but intent. Suga put his fingers out to touch Daichi’s lips, wondering how he would react, wondering why he was being so bold.  His lip felt full, sensuous. Daichi’s hand and fell away from his cheek, down to his shoulder then began a slow glide down his arm until his fingers met his hand.  Before Suga’s courage completely failed, he leaned into the larger man, slowly pulling his hand away from his lips until his mouth replaced his fingers.  There was a short, jerky intake of breath on the alpha’s part as Suga’s lips tentatively moved over his. He pulled away and tried to gauge Daichi’s reaction to his advances.  He reached out a hand and thumbed the omega’s lip. Suga tried to breathe in, but he felt a hitch, and it stuck in his throat. His heart beat erratically against his chest. He wanted more, more than just gentle kisses and a few innocent caresses. He’d waited so long for Daichi to look at him the way he was looking right now.  Placing his hands on the alpha’s broad chest, he pushed him back against the couch. Suga smoothed his fingers over his shoulders and down his muscular arms. He loved the feel of his strength, the raw power that exuded from him.
Not taking even a second to contemplate his actions, not wanting to back away from the conscious decision he’d made, Suga swung his leg over Daichi’s lap, and straddled his legs.  He stared into Daichi’s eyes as he pushed his hands underneath his T- shirt and began to shove it upward. He gained confidence when he saw answering desire. Their scents rose and blended, vanilla and chocolate, like a warm mug of cocoa.  As Suga pulled Daichi's shirt over his head and it fell free, Daichi pulled him closer, their lips sliding together hotly.  Suga wrapped his arms around the other’s neck and deepened their kiss, meeting his tongue in playful abandon. His own shirt began to work itself higher as Daichi’s hands slid underneath to caress his chest.  His body sang at the touch. Desire hummed through his veins. How he loved this man. Suga wanted to show him, to tell him, to make him see the depth of feelings in a way he never could before.

To the omega’s surprise, Daichi stood, hauling him up, holding him tightly against his chest. Cradling him in strong arms, he walked toward his bedroom, his den. Daichi kicked open the door and shouldered his way in. He laid Suga down on the bed then backed far enough away from the edge to slip out of his jeans.  Suga rested on his elbows, taking in every inch of his gorgeous body as he rid himself of his clothing. The smaller man sucked in her breath when he pulled his briefs down and bared his straining erection.  Like a predator, he crawled onto the bed, need glittering in his eyes. He straddled Suga’s body and grinned wickedly down at him. Daichi tugged at Suga’s shirt until it slipped over his head. Then with a flick of his fingers, his jeans came unbuttoned, and he began pulling them down his legs, leaving him only in his boxer briefs.  Daichi bent and kissed the skin between his navel and the soft underwear. Goose bumps dotted his abdomen, and he shivered as the alpha’s tongue moved upward and circled the shallow indention.  He hooked his thumbs in the band at her hips and slowly pulled downward. Soon Suga was completely naked. No matter how many times he’d fantasized about such a moment, his dreams had nothing on reality.  Daichi hovered over him, and he wrapped his arms around the alpha, pulling him down to his own naked body. Heated flesh met.  A hand twisted in his silver hair as they explored each other’s mouths.  Need tightened every muscle in Suga’s body as Daichi inserted a leg between his thighs. Their limbs tangled together, rubbing, then Daichi nudged his legs further apart with his knee.  Every touch, every kiss, every caress was exquisitely gentle, as if he was the most precious thing in the world. Tears swam in the omega’s eyes, and his chest tightened so unbearably he found it hard to breathe.  He’d dreamed of Daichi, of this moment for so long. Of loving him, touching him, showing him how good they could be together.

His breath caught as Daichi slid inside him. Although Suga was wet, his body hadn’t been prepared for this at all. The moment of discomfort was fleeting, though. They fit perfectly, like they were made for each other.  Daichi rose over his, holding tightly as their sweat-slickened bodies moved in unison. His hands cupped Suga’s buttocks, then slid down to spread his thighs further. He could feel the growing pressure of Daichi’s knot until the alpha’s movements became shorter, more desperate. The tension in his belly grew until he knew he was on the edge of something truly wonderful.  Daichi’s lips lowered to his neck, sucking, nipping at the tender flesh around his scent gland. Suga wrapped his arms around Daichi as an orgasm rippled through his abdomen. He twisted and shuddered, and he gripped the alpha even tighter.

“That’s it, baby,” he murmured against Suga’s ear.  Daichi tensed and moaned low in his throat. Suga wrapped his legs around him as Daichi surged more deeply into him. He expelled his breath in one long hiss before he relaxed and slowly sank down over the omega. Suga sighed and snuggled deeper into his arms. He felt so good. Daichi was wrapped around him like he owned every inch of the smaller man.

“I love you,” Suga whispered.  Daichi shifted so that his weight settled to the side as much as possible with the two still connected. He wrapped an arm around Suga, pulling him against his chest.

“Yui,” he mumbled. Suga stiffened.  “I’m so glad you came back to me,” Daichi whispered.

Every hope, every dream came crashing around him. Humiliation replaced his earlier euphoria. He closed his eyes against the tears swimming in his vision. God, what a fool he was. What was he going to do when Daichi realized he wasn’t Michimiya? Could their friendship survive such an awful mistake?  He wiggled in an attempt to slide out from under the larger man, but it was no use. He was asleep and the knot held tight. Suga cried silent tears, praying Daichi stayed asleep until he could flee. He had to get out before he completely lost it. Carefully, after what felt like an eternity he withdrew, sliding out of Daichi’s slack embrace, praying he wouldn’t wake up and see him naked in his bed. He tensed as Daichi stirred, but he merely swung his arm over his head and resumed his even breathing.

Suga collected his clothes and ran for the door, bolting down the hall into the living room. Tears flooded his eyes, spilling down his cheeks. What was he going to do?  He yanked his pants on, then pulled the shirt over his head. He wanted to scream. He closed his eyes. Stupid, stupid, stupid.  He wilted on the couch, burying his face in his hands. What had been the most beautiful experience of his life now flopped in the final throes of a brutal death. And worse, he’d have to face Daichi when he woke up and realized what a horrible mistake he’d made.  Suga sat there all night, dreading the morning when Daichi would awaken to what they had done. He couldn’t sleep, couldn’t focus on anything but the moment Daichi had called him “Yui”.  Long after the first light of dawn peeked through the doors leading to the deck, Suga heard the sound of Daichi’s door. He tensed as footsteps shuffled along the carpeted hallway.  Anxiety settled in and began eating away at his insides.

He walked into the living room wearing shorts and a T-shirt, his hair rumpled and his face haggard. He looked like hell. Suga could relate.

“Hey,” Daichi said softly.  Suga swallowed, his mouth gone dry.  Daichi padded over and sat down beside Suga, squeezing his knee.  “I just wanted to say thanks,” he said.  Suga stared at him. Was he out of his mind?  “I really appreciate you being there last night. You’re a great friend.”

Realization began to dawn, and his heart tripped and sped up. Daichi didn’t remember. He had been too drunk. It had to be the explanation. How else could he casually walk in as if nothing happened?  As much as the idea of him not even remembering their love making stung, he was vastly relieved he’d been saved the humiliation of the whole messy ordeal.  He closed his eyes briefly, sadness mixing with the overwhelming relief. He had gone back to being the little brother figure, the best friend, anyone but the desirable omega he wanted the alpha to see.

***

With a sigh, Suga gave up on sleep. The memory of that night burned too brightly in his mind. He crawled out of bed and headed for the shower. The guys would be getting off work soon. As he usually did, he prepared breakfast for them and left it out for them to eat. After some dry toast, he locked up and left.  The morning was busy and passed in a blur. He took a quick lunch break and ate half a sandwich and some water. When he went back up front, Mrs. Yamada was waiting with her two poodles.

“Sugawara, darling, how are you?”

“I’m fine, Mrs. Yamada. How are Fritz and Fifi?”

“Oh they’re lovely. Just here for a check-up.” Her gaze sharpened, her massive earrings dangling fiercely as she leaned forward. “Now darling, you know I’m not one to pry, but I saw you come out of the clinic yesterday and couldn’t help but be concerned. Is everything all right?”

Her eyes were wide, innocence etched on her heavily made up features. She even managed a look of concern.  Suga sighed. Not one to pry, my ass. The woman could pry a steel trap open with her teeth. Her eyes gleamed in excitement at the prospect of juicy gossip. Well, Suga wasn’t going to be fodder for the ladies' group at bingo night.

“Couldn’t be better,” Suga said with a smile. “If you’ll bring the dogs back, Doc will see them now.”  The look of disappointment on the older woman’s face was priceless. She’d have enough to gossip about when Suga started showing. Which shouldn’t be too far in the distant future.

Shortly after four, Suga saw the last scheduled appointment out the door and began closing up. Exhaustion permeated every pore in his body. It would be a miracle if he could stay awake enough to drive home. He trudged out to the parking lot and slipped into the seat of his car. God, it felt good to sit down. It had been a crazy day in the office, and breaks had been few and far between.  Fifteen minutes later, he pulled up to the house and turned off the ignition. All the guys were home judging by the trucks parked in the driveway. Why did he feel so awkward about facing them now? Taking a deep breath, he got out and trekked toward the door. he needed his bed in the worst way.  Asahi and Tanaka were watching TV, and Daichi was in the kitchen cooking. Suga walked by with a small wave. Honestly, it was all he could muster. Speaking would have sapped whatever remaining energy he had left. He ignored Daichi’s inquisitive stare.  He didn’t even bother undressing once he got to his room. He crawled into the covers of his nest.

“Suga? Everything okay?” Daichi asked. Of course he was followed.

“Tired.” It was all he could manage.

“Is he okay?” Asahi asked, he and Tanaka crowded the doorway.

“I’m fine,” he said, looking up at them. “Just exhausted.”

“Should you go to the doctor?” Asahi asked.

“It’s normal,” Daichi said.

“How would you know?” Tanaka demanded.

“I’ve been reading this.” He held up a book. “I bought it for Suga. Has all you ever want to know about being pregnant in it. According to it, he will feel overwhelming fatigue in the early stages, and it will taper off by the second trimester.”  Suga looked at him in shock.  “I thought you might want to read it,” he said smiling down.

“C’mon guys. Let him rest.” Daichi dropped the book beside his on the bedside table.

“I’ll call you when supper is ready.”

“Thanks,” he whispered.

When they left, he buried his head in the pillow once more. He couldn’t do this. It was torture. Yes, he’d done something terrible, but even that didn’t deserve such torment as this. Every gesture from Daichi had him wanting, aching to curl himself into his arms and tell him he loved him. But now, he’d placed an insurmountable barrier between them.  He slapped a pillow over his head. How much different would this be if he and Daichi were in a relationship? Daichi would make such a wonderful father. They could have read pregnancy books together. Cuddled on the couch. Daichi's tendency to be overprotective would be endearing. Tears wet the sheets beneath him, and he closed his eyes wearily. He wondered what the preggo book would have to say about his weepy fits.

A warm hand shook his awake.

“It’s time to eat,” Daichi whispered close to his ear.

He yawned broadly and lay there blinking at the alpha's face, so close to his own. It would be easy to wrap his arms around Daichi’s neck and pull their lips together.  He extended a hand and pulled him up to a sitting position.

“Thanks,” he mumbled.

“I’ll see you in a sec.” He turned and eased out the door, leaving Suga to temper his raging hormones.

He was going to have to get it together. He couldn’t continue like this. Not only was he setting himself up for major disappointment, but if he didn’t cool it, he could wreck the friendships of four people.  That had a sobering effect.  Smoothing his unruly hair, he padded into the kitchen where the guys already sat at the bar. Asahi patted the stool beside him, and Suga slid onto the seat.

“How are you feeling?”

“Much better,” he replied.  Daichi set a plate in front of him, and he sniffed appreciatively. His stomach growled in response, and he didn’t spare any time digging into the baked chicken. For once, the thought of food didn’t make him nauseous, and he was going to take full advantage.

“The guys and I have been talking,” Daichi spoke up.

“Uh oh.” He set his fork down and eyed them suspiciously. “Anytime a sentence begins with ‘the guys and I have been talking,’ it usually means you’ve hatched some hare-brained scheme, and it usually involves me.”  They laughed.

“Well, it does involve you, but I don’t think it’s hare-brained,” Tanaka volunteered.

“Do tell.”

“We don’t want you to move out,” Asahi said.  Daichi crossed his arms over his chest and nodded in agreement. “We’ve talked it over, and we want you to stay here where we can help out. You’ve been there for all three of us, and we aren’t dropping the ball on you. Moving out right now doesn’t make sense. We don’t want you to have to go through this alone. Besides, this is your home.”  Tears welled in his eyes.

“Ahh shit, Daichi, he’s going to cry again,” Tanaka said with a frown. Asahi quickly handed him a napkin.

“It’s normal,” Daichi said matter-of-factly.

“Let me guess, you read it in the preggo book,” Tanaka said, rolling his eyes.

“As a matter of fact, I did,” he replied. “You can also expect him to be moody, prone to tears, easily fatigued, and nauseous for the first trimester.”

“Gee, thanks,” Suga muttered. “Nothing like kicking a guy when he’s down.”

“The good news is that all changes with the second trimester. See, then—”

“Daichi,” Tanaka interrupted.

“What?”

“Shut up.”  He grinned.

“Fascinating stuff. You should read it sometime.”

“So will you stay?” Asahi asked, directing the attention back to Suga.

“Yeah, I’ll stay,” he replied. “For now, at least."

Chapter Text

Despite the fact he had been exhausted when he went to bed, Suga couldn’t sleep. After tossing restlessly for an hour, he shoved aside the covers and swung his feet to the floor. Running a hand through his hair, he sighed and got up.  He shuffled to the kitchen and poured himself a glass of water. Then he tiptoed into the living room and sank into the couch with the remote. He turned the volume down low so he wouldn’t wake the guys. He’d been up an hour when he felt a kiss on the top of his head.

“Can’t sleep?”  He turned at hearing Daichi’s voice to see him standing behind the couch in just a pair of boxers. He walked around and sat down beside him.

“Everything okay?” Daichi asked.

“Yeah, couldn’t sleep.” And he hadn’t a prayer of ever sleeping now.

The muscles rippled across Daichi's bare chest as he sat back and stretched an arm over the back of the sofa. He propped his foot on his knee, giving Suga a great view of his tanned legs. Gulping, he quickly turned his attention back to the TV.

“Wanna talk?” Daichi asked.  Suga glanced back over and let out a long shaky sigh.

“Not really.”

“Now why don’t I believe that?”

“I’m just scared,” he admitted.

Suga never could resist him. He had a way of coaxing words from a mute.

“Come here,” he said, gesturing for Suga to lean into his arms.  He pulled the smaller man to his chest, and he snuggled against him, loving the comfort of Daichi’s embrace.

“I won’t tell you not to be scared. Hell, I’d be petrified, but the important thing is, you aren’t alone. There isn’t anything me or the others won’t do for you. You helped me through a rough time in my life, and I am going to be here every step of the way through your pregnancy.”

He turned his face into Daichi’s chest and curled his arms around his neck.

“Thanks. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

He hugged him fiercely, tears slipping down his cheeks as the stress of the past few days came rushing out.  Daichi stroked Suga’s hair and hugged him just as tightly. When his sobs quieted, Daichi pulled away and wiped Suga’s tears with his thumb.

“Feel better?”

He nodded in reply.

“You know you can talk to me anytime.”

“I know,” he whispered. Except he couldn’t. Not this time. And it made him want to cry harder.

“Want some more water?”  He smiled.

“Yeah, I’ll take a glass.”  Daichi got up and went into the kitchen, then returned with the water to sit by him. He held out his arm for Suga to lay his head back on his chest, and the two turned their attention back to the TV.

“Daichi?”

“Hmmm?”

“Do you think I screwed up?”

“No. Do you?”

“No. I don’t regret it. It wasn’t the right thing to do, but I don’t regret it.”

“That’s all that matters then.”

He snuggled back into his chest and closed his eyes. If Daichi knew the truth, his answer would probably be different, but for now, it felt good to have the support.

“When do you go back to the doctor?”

“Not for a month.”

“Want me to come with?”  Suga rose up and looked at him in surprise.

“You’d do that?”

“Sure, if you don’t want to go alone, that is.”

“I’d like that.” He smiled. “Thanks, Daichi.”

“No problem.”

***

Daichi opened his eyes and yawned widely. He looked down to see Suga still fast asleep on his chest. He smiled and gently eased from beneath the other man and placed a cushion under his head.  He looked so innocent in sleep. Just like the same Suga he’d known for years. Only he was pregnant. It was hard for him to comprehend. But then again, he was twenty-five years old. Not like he’d stay a bright-eyed eighteen-year-old forever. He sauntered into the kitchen and opened the fridge. Taking out the ingredients for an omelet, he began preparing breakfast. A few minutes later, Tanaka came stumbling in, bleary-eyed and looking like hell.

“Rough night?” Daichi asked with a raised brow.  He grunted in response.

“Hey, what’s Suga doing on the couch?”

“Shhh, don’t wake him. He couldn’t sleep last night.”

“You stay up with him?”

“Yeah, I just woke up.”  Tanaka frowned and looked at his watch.

“He’s gonna be late for work.”

“I wasn’t planning on waking him. He’s exhausted and needs the rest. The guy is completely stressed out. I was thinking about calling Doc Nekomata and telling him that he wouldn’t be in.”

“Yeah, he looks like he could use the shut-eye. You fixin’ breakfast?”

“For me.”

“Oh, come on, you know I can’t cook for shit. Have a heart and make me an omelet.”  Daichi rolled his eyes, but good-naturedly complied.

“So did he tell you who the guy is?” Tanaka asked around a mouthful of egg.

“We didn’t discuss it.”

“What did you talk about then?”

“Nosey this morning, aren’t we?”  He shrugged.

“Just curious. I’m as worried about him as you are.”

“I offered to go to his appointments.”  Tanaka’s brow shot up.

“Seriously?”

“You have a problem with it?”

“Nah, I just didn’t picture you as the type to be caught dead in an office with a bunch of preggos.”

“I’m doing it for Suga,” he said evenly.

“Maybe you ought to consider hooking up with him.”  Daichi threw a dishtowel at him.

“Get real.”

“I can think of worse things. Michimiya comes to mind.”

“Point taken, but Suga isn’t like that. He deserves someone who can do a lot more for him than I can. Besides, He’s Suga.”

“Yeah, he is, but he’s also one gorgeous omega, or hadn’t you ever noticed? And he happens to be the most genuine person I’ve ever met. When do you ever find those combined qualities in a partner?”

“What are you guys talking about?” Asahi asked, rubbing his eyes sleepily.

“How hot Suga is,” Tanaka said in an innocent voice. Asahi's eyes shot wide open.

“What?”

“Correction, Tanaka is dithering on about how gorgeous he is.”

“And you don’t think he is?” Asahi shot back defensively.

“I am not having this conversation,” Daichi replied.

Had they all lost their minds? Sure, Suga was pretty, smart, fun. He had more integrity in his little finger than most people would ever have. He was loving, loyal. Everything you want in a partner. And he’d never betray him like Michimiya had. But he was Suga. Best buddy Suga. Suga, who trusted him.  Never mind how he’d felt in his arms. Or how he’d catch the shape and curve of his ass when he bent over. The perfect size. Not too big, not too small, just enough to fill his hands. He shook his head. Man, he needed to snap out of it. It wouldn’t work. The timing sucked. Besides, he was pregnant with another man’s child.  It shouldn’t bother him that another man had made love to Suga, but it did. The urge to smash something suddenly became appealing.

“You gonna call Doc Nekomata, or should I?” Tanaka’s voice filtered through his thoughts.

“Why are you calling him?” Asahi asked.

“Be quiet, or you’ll wake Suga up,” Daichi said, pointing to the couch. “I’m calling to tell him he won’t be in. He needs the rest.”

“He’s not going to like it,” Asahi advised. “He’s never missed a day of work.”

“Precisely why he needs to take one off,” Daichi replied.

“He didn’t sleep at all last night, and he’s exhausted. I don’t think he ought to go into work today.”

“Suit yourself, but I’m not taking responsibility,” Asahi said with a grin.

After making the call, Daichi started clearing away the dishes, but not before leaving enough stuff out to cook an omelet for Suga when he woke up. He’d already slept later than he’d ever known him to sleep.  On cue, he saw him stir then stretch sleepily.

***

Slowly, Suga surfaced from the loveliest dream. He blinked lazily and snuggled back into the couch. The couch?

“Shit!” He scrambled up, nearly falling as he struggled to get out of the couch. He hit the floor at a dead run, but Daichi stuck out his arm and caught him as he dashed by.

“Slow it down and park it back on the couch. You’re resting today.”

“I’m late for work,” he said struggling to get out of his grasp.

“You don’t work today.”

“Huh?”

“I called Doc Nekomata and told him you wouldn’t be in.”

“You did what?” His foggy brain fought to comprehend what Daichi was saying.

“You needed the rest.”

“You called and told them I wasn’t coming in?”

“Ahh the birds finally pecked you on the head,” he teased.

“Why didn’t you wake me up so I could go in on time?”

“You were tired,” he said quietly. “You need to rest. Take a day to figure things out.”

Damn him and his logic. Daddy Daichi struck again. Only he had a good point. It would feel good to take a day to rest. Maybe he’d feel better and not so unbelievably tired all the time.

“Want something to eat?” he asked, letting Suga go.  The omega wrinkled his nose.

“Toast and juice?”

“I live to serve.”

He glanced down at his tattered T-shirt and gym shorts.

“Do I have time for a shower and change?”

“I’ll dish it up in fifteen. Sound good?”

“Thanks,” he said, stretching up to kiss Daichi on the cheek.  Suga hurried to shower, eager to start his day of doing nothing. As much as he loved his job, a day off sounded like heaven. And Daichi was right. He needed time to think about what he was going to do.  Minutes later, he pulled on a pair of shorts and an oversize T-shirt and went back into the kitchen to eat.

“Mornin’ Suga,” Tanaka called from the living room.

“Hey, how was the date last night?”

He scowled, and Suga stifled a chuckle.

“That bad huh?”

“Only if you consider a blind date with Attila the Hun’s twin sister bad.”

“Ouch.”

Daichi set a plate of toast in front of him and poured a tall glass of juice.

“Eat up.”

Suga ate with gusto. He was on his second piece of toast when he suddenly regretted eating at all. His stomach curled into a tight knot, and a fine sheen of sweat broke out on his forehead. Cautiously, he sipped at the juice, trying desperately to control the wave of nausea.

“You okay, Suga?” Daichi's concerned voice echoed beside him.

He lunged from the stool and barreled into his bathroom. He just made it to the toilet before heaves racked his body. Placing his hands on the toilet seat, he leaned heavily on it for support as he rid his stomach of its contents.  A cool cloth pressed to his forehead, and a comforting hand rubbed his back as his body shuddered.

“Take it easy,” Daichi murmured. “Deep breaths.”

“Go away,” he wailed.

All he needed was Daichi to witness him puking his guts up.  Strong arms held him up and smoothed his hair from his face.

“I’m not going anywhere.”  Suga leaned weakly against him, taking deep, steadying breaths. This sucked. Plain and simple. How mortifying to be puking all over a guy he wanted to notice him. Yeah he’d noticed all right.

“Better?”  Suga nodded and walked shakily over to the sink to wash his mouth out.

“I’ll be in the kitchen. You want something to drink? Some tea maybe?” He shook his head.

“Nothing. I don’t think I could stomach it.”

Daichi squeezed his shoulder and walked out.  He splashed cold water on his face and rinsed his mouth once more. Picking up the book Daichi had bought for him, he walked back out of the bedroom and settled onto the couch beside Tanaka.

“You look like shit,” Tanaka said sympathetically.

“Gee thanks.” Suga punched him in the arm.

“I’ll see you guys later,” Asahi called from the door. “I’m headed over to Noya’s.” Suga waved.

“Tell him I said hello.”

Daichi finished cleaning the kitchen then went to the bathroom for a shower. Suga leaned back and opened the pregnancy book, but his eyes followed Daichi’s progress across the room.  Tanaka put down his phone when Daichi disappeared into his room. Feeling his gaze, Suga peered over at the beta. Tanaka was watching him intently.

“Something wrong?” he asked.

“No, not at all. I was just wondering how long you’ve had a thing for Daichi and why I’ve never noticed it before.”

Chapter Text

 “Something wrong?” Suga asked.

“No, not at all. I was just wondering how long you’ve had a thing for Daichi and why I’ve never noticed it before.”

His heart nearly stopped.

“W-what?” He quickly recovered and managed a look of scorn. “You’ve spent too much time in the sun.”  Tanaka smiled knowingly.

“Deny it all you want, but I’ve seen the way you look at him. And hey, if it’s any consolation, I think you guys would be great together. He’d be a fool not to realize that.”

“Your bias is appreciated, but c’mon, I’m not Daichi’s type.”

“But maybe you should be.”  Suga rolled his eyes.

“You’re forgetting one important aspect. I’m pregnant. I don’t know of too many guys who want to date a dude who’s pregnant.”  Tanaka’s eyes softened.

“Don’t sell yourself short. Sure, there are guys who’d run screaming in the other direction, but there are a lot who’d care for you and your baby.”

“You’re sweet,” he said with a smile. Tanaka gave him a troubled look.

“What about the father? Does he know? Does he care?”  Suga's smile froze, and he looked down at his lap, avoiding Tanaka’s probing stare.

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Did he hurt you, Suga?” His voice became steely, a thread of anger infusing his words.

“It’s complicated,” he mumbled. “Quit flexing your muscles,Tanaka He doesn’t know, and I plan to keep it that way.”

He scooted across the sofa to sit next to Suga.

“I’m so not understanding this. I know you well enough to know it isn’t like you to just hop into bed with a guy. You must have cared about him. Problem is, I can’t imagine who it could be. And if he didn’t hurt you, why wouldn’t you tell him? He deserves to know, don’t you think?”

“It’s none of your business,” he said fiercely.

Suga shot up off the couch and made a grab for his keys on the bar. He had to get out. He knew he was acting childishly, irrationally, but Tanaka’s arguments were sound, and he knew the guy would drag it out of him if he stuck around.

“Suga, wait!”

He didn’t stop to listen. He didn’t have the answers to his questions. Couldn’t afford to let him continue probing.

***

Daichi toweled his hair and walked into the living room, his hands holding the towel around his neck.

“What the hell is going on? Was that Suga leaving?”

“Yeah,” Tanaka said, looking extremely guilty. Much like when he’d just eaten Asahi's food at the station.

“What did you say?” he demanded. “If you’ve upset him, I’ll kick your ass.”

“I asked about the father.”

Daichi swore under his breath. It wasn’t anything he didn’t want the answer to himself, but now wasn’t the time to press him, and Tanaka should have known it.

“Will you ever learn to keep your big mouth shut?”  To his credit, Tanaka did look contrite.

“Did you make him cry again?”

“Uh, no, I think he was more pissed.”

“Damn it, Tanaka. This was supposed to be a day for him to rest. Use your head for once.”  He looked miserable.

“Ah hell, I didn’t mean to upset him.”

Daichi walked through the kitchen and looked out the front door. His car was gone. Tanaka was well meaning but could be a complete knucklehead sometime. Daichi had an idea where he may have gone. If he knew Suga, he’d gone to the park. His thinking spot since high school.  He headed back to his room and pulled on a pair of jeans and a T- shirt.

“I’ll be back later.”

As he continued on, a slow smile spread across Tanaka’s face. He wasn’t even going to ask what prompted that shit eating grin.

***

Suga sat on the playground swing, watching the children play while their mothers watched. He would be one of those soon. Mother. The thought scared him to death. He wasn’t ready to be responsible for another human being.  He loved children. Had always wanted at least four. But he’d also imagined he’d be married to the perfect guy. Live in the perfect house. They’d sit on the couch in the evening holding each other and feel the baby kick. They’d share their hopes and dreams of the future. But most of all they’d love each other, and they’d be happy.  A single tear trailed down his cheek, and he quickly bent his face into his shoulder to wipe it away. His feet trailed aimlessly in the dust underneath the swing. How had he gotten himself into such an irrevocable mess?  He, who had never done an irresponsible thing in his life. Quiet, shy Sugawara would never dream of seducing the guy he had a crush on for years. And especially not one who hadn’t the capacity to realize what he was doing. Daichi would die if he knew. He would die if Daichi knew.  But on that night, he hadn’t been able to hold back his feelings another moment. Angry at the woman who dared to hurt Daichi, he had opened his arms determined to make him forget the pain. Determined to show him how he felt.  And God, it had been beautiful. It hadn’t mattered that it was Suga’s first time. He knew instinctively that he would never experience anything like it again. It was what he’d waited for. They’d spent the night loving until Daichi fallen into a deep sleep.

Suga’d worked out the entire scene in his head. When Daichi woke up, he would pull him into his arms and tell Suga how glad he was they’d found each other. They’d make love again.  Only when he had actually snuggled into his arms, Daichi called him Yui.  He’d fled from his bed, his heart shattered into a million pieces. The hardest thing he’d ever had to do was to go on like it never happened. Accept his thanks the next morning for being such a good friend. Realizing he had no clue what they’d done. Then, continue on, aching for him.  And then Suga found out he was pregnant.  A shadow fell over him, and he heard someone sit in the swing next to him.

“Nice day,” Daichi said in a nonchalant voice.  He turned to see him staring ahead, watching the children play.

“Did Tanaka send you?” he asked with a sigh.

“No. The bonehead does feel bad, though.” Suga smiled involuntarily. “Now that’s better. I haven’t seen you smile in a while.”  Suga expelled his breath in a long sigh, his cheeks puffing out.

“I’m not ready for this, Daichi.”

“Maybe not, but you’ll be a wonderful mom.”

“It’s not just that.”

“What is it then?”

“It wasn’t supposed to happen like this.” He struggled against the urge to cry. “I was supposed to find the perfect guy. Someone who was madly in love with me. We were to be mated and married, then have children. We’d go to the appointments together. Get excited over the sonogram. Pick out baby furniture. Buy the perfect house.”  He turned to look at him. “That’s all gone now. Who’s going to want someone with a baby? I couldn’t get a date before. I sure as hell won’t get one now.”

Daichi looked stunned by his outburst. Suga looked away again.

“It all sounds horribly selfish, I know. I shouldn’t be so self-absorbed now that there is a baby to consider, but I can’t get over the resentment. And more than that, I can’t get over being so angry at myself for screwing up everything I ever dreamed about.”

“I had no idea you felt that way,” he murmured. “I guess I never thought about you getting married and having kids. I always imagined you living in the same house with us and things never changing.”

“Surely you weren’t thinking that when you were dating Michimiya. I mean, you wanted to marry her, didn’t you?”

“No, I mean yes.” He looked sheepish. “It’s going to sound bad.”  Suga cocked his head. “I figured I’d move out, marry her, but that you guys would always be there for me to go back to, you know volleyball games, weekend cook outs. God, that makes me sound like an ass.”  Suga laughed.

“No it doesn’t. I don’t like the idea of things changing either.” His smiled faded. “But they will.”

“Yeah, I guess so. Glad I didn’t marry Michimiya,  though,” he said with a wink.

“Me too,” he whispered.

If Daichi only knew how relieved he was.  He reached out and took Suga’s hand, rubbing his thumb over his slinder fingers.

“It will get better. I’m sorry you’re down right now. I can’t imagine the uncertainty you must be feeling, but you aren’t alone. Anytime you need to talk, day or night, or need a hug, I’m here, and I know Asahi and Tanaka feel the same.”

His heart constricted, and he bit his lip to keep from crying. Daichi wiped a tear from the corner of his eye with his thumb.

“You want to take a walk? Or would you prefer to go back home”

“I think I’ll head home and take a long nap. I’m tired. Tired of thinking.” He smiled half-heartedly at him and slipped out of the swing. “I’ll see you at home.”

Daichi watched as he trudged away. Tanaka was right, he was beautiful. And not just on the outside. He had a beautiful heart. It made him ache to think of him hurting.  Honestly, he’d never given thought to pursuing anything more than a friendship with Suga. The mere thought scared the hell out of him. He frowned and rose from the swing. It wasn’t as easy as asking him out. He was pregnant.  Running a hand through his hair, he strode back to his truck and slid into the seat. The annoying repetitive beeping of the open door encroached on his thoughts. He swung the door closed and rested his hands on the steering wheel.  He hated the idea of Suga’s dreams being dashed. Listening to him forlornly state the things he’d wanted twisted his gut. Perfect life, perfect house, husband who loved him.  He couldn’t give him all that, could he? And more importantly, would Suga want him to?  Painful memories of Michimiya’s betrayal weighed on him. He’d been ready to commit. Take the plunge. He’d even bought a ring.  Finding her in bed with another man had given him an overdose of reality. One he hadn’t relished. But it had given him a lot to think about. About the kind of person he saw himself spending the rest of his life with. Fact was, Suga embodied a whole lot of those traits. But he wasn’t willing to risk a friendship that was extremely important to him. If it didn’t work out, things may never be the same between them again, and that wasn’t something he could stomach. Losing him was not an option.  The best thing he could do was remain a steady source of support. It could be dangerous to reach higher.

Chapter Text

“How was the appointment? Did Daichi go with you?”  Asahi asked, genuine care in his voice.

“Yeah, it was great. We heard the heartbeat. Doc thinks I’m about twelve weeks along. Gave me a March due date.”

“You feeling better about it then?”

“I think so,” Suga replied.

And he did for the most part. He had spent the past few weeks numb to the reality that he was pregnant. But hearing the heartbeat today had brought home the fact he was carrying a tiny life inside himself.  And already his jeans were too snug. He’d taken to wearing loose fitting slacks and sweatpants, but soon he’d have to buy maternity clothes.

“Oh, before I forget,” Asahi said, snapping his fingers. “Kuroo asked if he could have your number. I said I’d ask.”  Suga frowned and leaned back against the sink.

“What did he want it for?” The only Kuroo he knew worked for the fire department with the guys.

“Dunno.”  He shrugged and set his glass in the sink.

“I mean. I guess that’s fine. At least to see what he wants.”

Asahi nodded before pulling his own phone out, texting a reply. After washing his hands, Suga walked to the doors leading out to the deck and slipped outside.  Settling into a lawn chair, he leaned back to enjoy the view from the elevated deck. The evenings were cooler with the coming autumn, and the faint smell of burning leaves filtered through his nose.  In six months, his life would change forever. He no longer had only himself to look out for. Though he’d come to terms with his pregnancy, the idea of parenthood still scared the shit out of him. A lot of omegas seemed to have an innate sense of how to care for a child, but he wasn’t one of them.  His hand crept up to palm his abdomen. Only the slightest hint of a swell existed, and someone not familiar with his usually flat stomach would never be able to discern the gentle curvature.  A light breeze blew over him, lifting the strands of his hair and blowing them softly against his face. Maybe pregnancy was mellowing him, but he felt an inner peace.  The sound of the door opening pulled him from his silent reverie.

“Your phone’s ringing.” Asahi handed him the device then went back into the house.  An unsaved number showed on the screen.

“Hello?”

“Hey Suga. This is Kuroo. How you doing?”

“I’m good. How about you?”

“Doing great. Enjoying my day off. Hey, listen. I was calling because I wondered if you wanted to go out Saturday. Maybe get dinner at Miya’s.”  An awkward silence ensued as Suga struggled with his surprise.

“This silence is a good sign, right?” Kuroo chuckled on the other end of the line.

“I uh.” Shit. He didn’t want to get into the whys and wherefores over the phone. No one at the station knew he was pregnant yet.

“Sure,” he finally said. “Sounds great.”

“Hey great. I’ll pick you up around six. That okay?”

“I’ll see you then,” Suga said.

They said their goodbyes, and he ended the call.  He leaned back in the chair and laid the phone in his lap. His mind was whirling. Truthfully, he had no desire to go out with Kuroo, though he was a great guy. But on the other hand, it was high time he gave up his childish fantasies, these unrealistic dreams about a relationship with Daichi, and got on with his life. He had a child to consider, and despite the fact he couldn’t have the one man he wanted, he didn’t want to spend his life alone. Didn’t want to raise his child alone.  Kuroo might not be the one, but he was a start. The beginning to putting Daichi and that disastrous night behind him.  Today’s appointment had been an exercise in bittersweet. Daichi had gone with him, but his presence had been a painful reminder of what would never be. Pretending was doing him no good. He felt like a dog being patted on the head, and it was getting harder to bear.  A few weeks ago, such thoughts would have him in tears, but now he simply felt a deep-seated melancholy over the course, or non-course, his life was taking.  Well enough was enough. He swung his legs over the side of the chair and got up. He walked back inside to see Asahi and Tanaka sitting at the bar watching Daichi cook dinner.

“Was that Kuroo? What did he want?” Daichi asked with ill-disguised curiosity.

“He asked me out,” Suga returned nonchalantly. He slid into a seat next to Tanaka.  Three sets of eyes turned on him.

“What?”

It was hard to distinguish who’d asked the question since all three of their mouths were open.  Daichi stood frozen, spatula in the air.

“Kuroo, as in Kuroo from the station?”

“That’s the one.”

“What the hell is he doing asking you out?”  Suga pinned Daichi with a frosty stare.

“Could it be because he’s interested in me?”  Tanaka chuckled.

“You stepped in it, dude.”

“I didn’t mean…,” Daichi paused, “I was surprised. I mean, it's kind of a shock.”

“Why?”  Suga’s question was sharp. Asahi grinned.

“You better shut up while you still have teeth.”  Daichi held his hands up in surrender.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean it like it sounded. I just had no idea.”

“Nice to know Daddy Daichi has moments of stupidity,” Tanaka said with obvious glee. “For once, it isn’t me.”

“I’m glad you all find this so amusing,” Suga retorted. “Why is it hard for you to believe I have a date?” He turned and stalked to his room in disgust.

“Way to go,” Tanaka said, shooting an amused glance at Daichi.

Daichi watched Suga stomp away to his room. He was still reeling from the news that Kuroo had asked him out. What the hell was he doing asking Suga out?

“If you frown any harder, something is going to go up in smoke,” Asahi piped up. “And if you don’t flip those burgers, the kitchen’s going to go up in smoke as well.”

“You mean you guys aren’t bothered by the fact freaking Kuroo is sniffing around him?”  Daichi sounded indignant. Tanaka raised an eyebrow.

“Should we be?”

“Come on. Kuroo has a different guy every week. Do you really think we ought to be letting him take Suga out? You’ve heard him talk about how many times he’s gotten laid.”  Asahi and Tanaka exchanged amused glances, which only served to irritate him further. “What’s wrong with you two? I’m being serious.”

“Oh, yes, we can see,” Asahi chuckled.

“Suga’s a big boy. He’s pregnant for Pete’s sake. He’s perfectly capable of taking care of himself. He knows all about Kuroo, and if he wants to go out with him, who are we to say anything?” Tanaka pointed out.

Daichi couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Any other time, the two of them would be growling like a pair of pit bulls if Suga was going out with the wrong guy.  He didn’t like it. Didn’t like it one bit. He turned back to the skillet and flipped over a burned hamburger patty.

That one was going to be Tanaka's.

***

“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this,” Tanaka said with a groan. “I gave up a date with Kanoka. I was assured of scoring, too.”

“Quit complaining and keep a look out,” Daichi snarled from behind his menu.

He edged the menu down and peered over the top across the restaurant where Suga and Kuroo were eating. So far, they had appeared to talk, and Suga was picking at his meal. Why wasn’t he eating? Was Kuroo bothering him?  The waitress stopped by their table, temporarily obscuring Daichi’s view. He quickly ordered a dessert and waited impatiently as Tanaka rattled off what he wanted to eat. When the waitress finally sashayed off, his eyes focused back to Suga.  His eyes narrowed as he saw Kuroo’s hand reaching across to cover Suga’s. Suga smiled at him in return but didn’t make any effort to move his hand. This was not going as he’d envisioned.

“Looks like it’s going well to me,” Tanaka said with a shrug.

“Yeah, up until Kuroo tries to get in his pants.”

“Well, if that’s where they end up, I am sure it will have been what Suga wanted.”

“He’s pregnant for Christ sake!”

“Lower your voice, or we’re going to be busted,”  Tanaka warned. “Have you forgotten that getting in the sack is what got him pregnant in the first place?”  Daichi gritted his teeth but lowered his voice to a loud whisper.

“I can’t believe you’re so calm about this.”

“You’re worked up enough for both of us. Why should it bother you for Suga to find someone? I mean, he’s going to need someone. I can’t imagine he wants to raise his baby alone.”

“Yeah, but I don’t see Kuroo as a likely candidate,” Daichi grumbled.

“Don’t you think that should be up to Suga? Maybe you should step up to the plate,” Tanaka finished innocently.

Daichi glared at him across the table. This wasn’t the first time Tanaka had hinted he should ask Suga out. But it wouldn’t work. If it was a disaster, how would their friendship fare? And most of all, why would he be asking him out? Just to prevent Suga from making a mistake with someone else?  Or could it be he couldn’t stand the thought of him with another person? Panic gripped his stomach. What a mess. He couldn’t explain his sense of urgency where Suga was concerned, just as he couldn’t make sense of his muddled feelings.

“Shit! They’re coming this way,” Tanaka hissed.

They both lunged for their menus and flipped them open, sliding further down into the booth. Daichi watched underneath as they walked by, then scowled when he saw their entwined hands.

***

Suga slid into the passenger seat of Kuroo's car and took a deep breath. The evening had been surprisingly pleasant, but he had to tell him. It wasn’t fair not to let him know what he was in for. And where he stood.

“Want me to take you home now, or would you like to take a drive?” he asked as he started the engine.

“Is there somewhere we can talk? There’s something I need to tell you.”  Kuroo looked curious.

“Sure. Why don’t we go get some ice cream?”  he said smiling.

“Sounds good.”

They stopped at the local ice cream parlor that had been in business since the fifties and got cones. They settled back into the car, and Kuroo rolled down the windows to let the evening breeze in.  He was handsome. Probably considered downright yummy by most, and Suga was well aware of his playboy reputation. But he was pretty much ruined for any other man but Daichi.  Kuroo licked at his cone then ran a hand through his disheveled black hair.

“So what’s on your mind?” he asked, sitting back in the seat.  Suga took a deep breath and looked earnestly at him.

“I enjoyed tonight. I really did,” he began.

“I hear a ‘but’ coming.”

“I’m pregnant,” he said baldly.

“Isn’t that supposed to come after we have sex?” Kuroo teased.  Despite himself, Suga laughed.

“No, I mean I’m pregnant now. Three months. I just thought you should know. It isn’t in most guys’ dating plan to hook up with a pregnant omega.”

“Whoa.” Kuroo’s face reflected utter shock. He threw the rest of his cone out the window and focused his attention solely on Suga.

“Wow. Really?”

He nodded.

“What about the father?”

“He isn’t an issue,” he muttered.

“Holy cow. Do your boys know this?”

Again, he nodded.

“And they haven’t killed the guy yet?” He sounded incredulous.

“I haven’t told them who it is.”  Kuroo drummed his fingertips on the steering wheel.

“Sooo, where does this leave us?”

“You’re more qualified to answer that,” Suga said, meeting his gaze evenly.

“Well, I guess my first question is how you feel about the father. I can’t picture you hopping into bed with him for the hell of it. Are you hung up on him?”  Suga fought to keep his expression neutral, but he must have given it away because Kuroo’s face softened.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Yeah it is.”  Suga puffed out his cheeks and expelled a long sigh, sliding down further into his seat.

“This is hopeless.”

“Is there no chance for you two?”

“It’s complicated.”

“Try me.”  Suga jerked his eyes back to him.

“Oh no, I know how you guys gossip at the station. No way I want this all over the fire department, much less getting back to the guys.” Kuroo frowned slightly.

“I’d never say anything to them. Or anyone else for that matter. It might help to get it off your chest. It doesn’t sound like you have anyone you can talk to.”  Suga looked suspiciously at him.  Kuroo held two fingers up. “Scout’s honor.”  He wasn’t the first person Suga would have chosen to confide in, but he was right. He had no one else to talk to, and it would feel good to tell someone. Anyone.

“All right, but you tell anyone, and I’ll kill you.”

A few minutes later, Kuroo sat back in his seat, a stunned expression lighting his face.

“Fuck, Suga.”

“You’re telling me,” he muttered.

“And he has no idea?”

“No. He thought I was Michimiya.”

“Ouch.”

“Yeah.”

“How long have you carried a torch for him?”

“Oh pretty much forever,” he said in a low voice.

“Damn. That sucks. Well, if it makes you feel better, he's a damn fool. I know one thing. If you and I ever went to bed together, you can be sure I’d remember it.”  Suga laughed when he winked.

“Thanks. It did feel good to talk about it.”

“No problem. And don’t worry. I’d never say anything. I know we all tend to run off at the mouth at the station, but it’s about bullshit stuff, you know?”

“Thanks. You’re not a bad friend.”  Kuroo sighed and started the ignition.

“Well I guess that means I won’t be getting lucky tonight,” Kuroo said mournfully.  Suga punched him in the arm.

“You’re lucky I don’t kick your ass for that remark.”

“You ready to go home? I wouldn’t want to keep you out too late. If I know your roommates, they’re waiting to pound me into the dirt.”

“They won’t have to. I might beat them to it.” But he still grinned. “You know, you’re not near as bad as Daichi says you are.”  Kuroo arched an eyebrow.

“Don’t be so sure of that, doll. I happen to like you more than most people, and then there’s the little matter of three men who would cheerfully rearrange my face if I didn’t walk a fine line with you.”

“If you say so,” he said innocently.

Chapter Text

 “So how was the date?” Tanaka asked as Suga walked into the kitchen and set his keys on the counter.

“It was okay,” he said with a shrug. He looked warily around, expecting Daichi and Asahi to appear any moment.

“Going to go out with him again?”

“Don’t know. Maybe.”  Tanaka leaned back against the cabinets and studied Suga.

“You aren’t very talkative tonight.”

“It went okay. Really. I’m just a little tired. Where’s everyone?” he asked, changing the subject.

“Asahi's over at Noya’s and Daichi’s in his room.”

“So why aren’t you out on a date? Surely it isn’t because of lack of interest,” he teased. A peculiar look crossed his face.

“I uh, well, I canceled at the last minute.”  Suga arched an eyebrow and gave him a mock look of shock. “You canceled with Konako? The hottest chick to ever throw herself at the feet of bad boy Tanaka?"

“Stop being an ass already. I had other things to do.”

“Oh, do tell.”

“Nosey aren’t you.”

“Ahh, holding out on me. I’ll remember that.” he chucked a dishtowel at Tanaka and moved past him into the living room.

“I’m going out on the deck. Want to come?”

“I’ll pass. Think I’m going to turn in early.”

Suga gave him a small wave and pulled on the sliding door. Closing his eyes, he eased into the patio chair and leaned back. He gazed up at the clear, starlit sky, picked the brightest, and made a wish. But wishing wasn’t going to get him what he wanted. He needed to get Daichi to notice him. As horribly ignorant of dating and the general act of getting a guy to fall at your feet as he was, it wasn’t likely going to happen without some serious guidance.

Help. That's what he needed.  A ringing phone interrupted his mulling, and he got up and went to the door. He saw Daichi walking toward his room with the Suga’s phone and tapped on the glass to get his attention. Daichi looked at him and waved the phone.  He let himself in and tried hard not to stare at Daichi’s muscular frame clad only a pair of gym shorts. His  short hair laid damply at his neck attesting to a recent shower. Shoving the phone at him, Daichi turned and walked back to his room, leaving Suga to wonder about his odd mood.  He turned his attention to the phone, noting the name on the lock screen.

“Hey Kuroo. What’s up?”

“Hey Suga, hope you haven’t gone to bed yet.”

“No, not at all. In fact, I was just going to call you.”

“Really? Was I that irresistible?”  Suga laughed.

“Sure,  if it makes you feel better. I have a favor to ask. It may sound crazy, but I could really use your help.”

“I start a forty-eight tomorrow morning, so why don’t you come by the station around noon, and we’ll talk about it.”

“Thanks. I’ll see you then.”

He ended the call and then stared at the phone in his hand for a long moment.

“Or you could make a monumental fool yourself,” he mumbled to himself.

Well, at least he wouldn’t sit around tomorrow and be tortured by the sight of Daichi. He and the others were off this weekend, so Suga would be tripping over him the whole time.  Before he took two steps toward his room, the phone rang again. With an exasperated sigh, he answered without looking at the screen.

“Hello?”

“Hey Suga, is Daichi around?”  Suga froze. He knew this voice. Was quite familiar with it. Michimiya. What the hell could she want?

“Why are you asking me? Call him yourself.”  Even he could hear the coldness in his voice.

“I’ve tried. I think he blocked my number.” She sounded guilty. Good. “I  really need to talk to him. Can you just ask him?”

He should have lied and said Daichi was out on a date and maybe the twat would back off.  He crossed the living room and walked down the hallway to Daichi’s room. Tapping lightly, he waited for a response. Any other time he would have opened the door and gone in. But that was before.  Daichi opened the door, surprise written on his face as he saw Suga standing there.

“Michimiya called my phone for you. Do you want to talk to her?” His voice sounded lifeless.

“Uh, sure.”

Suga shoved the phone at him. “For you.”  He turned and walked back down the hallway, not wanting to hear any part of their conversation.

***

Suga stood in the kitchen throwing in all the ingredients for a slow cooker soup when Daichi sauntered in rubbing his eyes.

“Late night conversation?” He asked nonchalantly.

“Yeah, sorta. I, uh, I called Michimiya back on my phone. Thanks for letting me use yours.”

“So what did she want?”

“Just wanted to talk,” he replied, going to the refrigerator and taking the milk out.

He obviously wasn’t going to tell him. Suga frowned and began picking up the mess he’d made. What could that nitwit have wanted? And why wouldn’t Daichi tell him? They’d never withheld anything from one another. Well, if you didn’t count the fact he was pregnant with his child.  Suppressing his irritation and undying curiosity, he concentrated on cleaning the kitchen. He checked his watch and saw it was almost time to meet Kuroo at the station. He just had time for a shower and change, then he’d pack the lunch he’d prepared and head out.  Twenty minutes later, Suga walked back into the kitchen and began packing the sandwiches into a small cooler.

“Where you going?” Asahi called from the living room where he and the others were watching TV.

“To the station to see Kuroo.”  He could have heard a pin drop in the ensuing silence.

“Date went that well?” Asahi asked as all three turned around on the couch to look at him.

“I’m just going to bring lunch.”

“Yeah, sure,” Tanaka said with a grin. “And you said 'maybe' when I asked if you’d see him again.”  Daichi watched him in silence, a frown marring his handsome face.

Finally, he said, “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”

“This coming from a guy who was talking to his ex-girlfriend on the phone last night?” Suga arched an eyebrow. “The same girlfriend who cheated on you.”

Daichi's eyes narrowed, but he didn’t respond. Suga turned and walked out of the house, his keys jingling in hand.  He drove the familiar route to the station house and parked beside Kuroo’s car. Collecting the small cooler, he walked to the door and stuck his head in. He was greeted by a chorus of hellos, and he waved in response.  Kuroo got up and hurried over.

“Hey, how are you?”

“I’m good,” he said with a smile.

“I brought you a sandwich.”

“Thanks. That was sweet.” He handed him the wrapped sandwiches and a bag of chips. Suga looked inquisitively at him as he dug into the food.

“Is there a place we can talk privately?” he asked, placing emphasis on private.

Kuroo glanced around at the other occupants of the room then motioned him out into the garage where the fire trucks were parked. After wiping his mouth and swallowing the last bite of his sandwich, he looked back up.

“What’s up?”  Suga shifted uncomfortably.

“Well, you know I feel about Daichi.”  He nodded.

“Well, uh, I want to try and get him to notice me. As something more than a friend. A sex kitten would be a step above the whole best friend/little brother thing,” he said in disgust.  Kuroo gazed thoughtfully at him.

“Well then, you ought to go after him.”

“If I knew how, I’d do it,” he said dryly. “That’s where you come in. I hope.”  Kuroo stared at him inquisitively.

“Me?”  Suga ducked his head in embarrassment.

“This is humiliating. Look, Daichi was the first guy I uh…well…”

“You’re telling me he’s the first guy you’ve ever slept with?” he asked, shocked.  Suga nodded.  his cheeks flaming.

“Right. I mean, how many dates have you ever seen me go on,” he muttered.

“So, you need to seduce him. Make him fall in love with you. But do it subtly. Make him see you as something other than a best buddy.”  Again, he nodded.

“If it’s possible.”

“You’re hot, Suga. Show him that.” Suga looked at him in astonishment.

“I’m serious. Use what you have to your advantage. He already knows how awesome of person you are. It’s time for him to see how sexy you are, too.”

“Have you been sniffing ammonia”  He laughed.

“Okay, here’s what you do. Wear some super short shorts around the house. It’ll work better than if you walked around naked. Guys love the subtle. The hint of the forbidden.”  Suga gaped at him then burst into laughter.

“Oh my God. I can’t do that!”

“Sure you can. Here’s what else. Buy one of those slinky camisole sets to sleep in and wear a robe over it, but let the robe fall open just enough to give him a glimpse.”

“You are so bad.”

“Touch him with your hand.” He took Suga’s hand in his own. “You have awesome hands. Small and dainty. The perfect size. Place one on his arm, his chest, his neck. Touch him when you talk to him. It’ll drive him mad. You do all this, and I guarantee he’ll live with a hard on.”

Suga burst into peals of laughter. “You kill me, Kuroo.”  He gave a wounded look.

“I’m serious. Try it. I guarantee he’ll notice. All of this is the lead up to the kiss.”

“The kiss?”

“Yeah, the kiss. Torment him for a week or so, choose your moment, and lay a good one on him. I’d bet a months pay he’ll be putty in your hands.”

Suddenly remembering Daichi’s phone call from Michimiya, his smiled faded.

"What’s wrong?” Kuroo asked.

“It may be too late. Michimiya is calling him again, and he clammed up when I asked about it.”

"Well then, you better get started. Seriously, don’t let go without a fight. That’s not the Sugawara I know.” He smiled again.

“You’re sweet.”

“Wait until I have my next say before you decide that or not,” he warned.

“Oh?”

“I said all this because you and Daichi belong together. And he’s the father of your baby. I know this isn’t any of my business, but he deserves to know. I understand why you’re afraid, even embarrassed, to tell him, but he has the right.”

“I know,” he murmured. “But I can’t do it yet. I have to know if he cares for me independent of any obligation he has to the baby.”

“Well he would be an idiot not to fall for you, and I don’t think he’s an idiot. But just in case, we’ll throw in a few dates.” He winked. “We can go baby clothes shopping or something, and it’ll drive Daichi bonkers.”

“I don’t know,” he said doubtfully. “Do I want him to think I’m interested in someone else? I’d thought more along the lines of throwing myself at him.” He grinned slightly at the thought. Kuroo smiled indulgently at him.

“It’s obvious he takes you for granted. Not in a bad way, but let’s face it. How many guys have you dated? He’s got no competition. Fastest way for an alpha to sit up and pay attention is for another one to come sniffing around.”

He chewed his bottom lip. Would it work? It seemed so far-fetched.

“What have you got to lose?” Kuroo asked, staring pointedly at him.

“Good point. Thanks. I’m going to think about everything you said.”

Suga stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the cheek.

“I’ll see you later. And thanks.”

“You’re welcome,” he said with a smile. “Lord help Daichi. I think he’s going to need it.”

Suga laughed and spun away, hurrying back to his car.

***

A surge of excitement raced up Suga’s spine as he drove back home. Would this crazy plan work? Was Kuroo right that Daichi just needed to see him outside the role as best friend? The idea of him seeing Suga as a living breathing, sexy omega had merit. Provided he could pull it off. There were only two problems. Well, three, actually. He didn’t have any short shorts. He didn’t have anything resembling a silky camisole set. And he didn’t own a robe. Hell, he didn’t even have anything revealing or tight.  On a whim, he turned his car out of town and headed toward the neighboring city twenty miles away. It sported all the things Karasuno didn’t. Like a mall, a place to buy the things he’d need.  An hour later, he walked out of the lingerie shop with a camisole nighty set and a matching satin robe. he then went into a nearby department store and purchased several new shirts, shorts, and some maternity pants. He may as well make a full-blown shopping trip out of it since he needed the maternity clothes anyway.  He tried on two of the shirts and stared self-consciously into the dressing room mirror. They fit snugly over his chest and hugged around his slowly growing bump. The perfect shirt to highlight what little figure he still had left. Plus, it was made as a maternity shirt, so if the seduction failed, at least he’d get some use out of it.  He lugged all his purchases to the car and checked his watch as he climbed in. Damn, he hoped someone had remembered the slow cooker.  He pulled into the driveway shortly after six and rummaged for his bags in the dark. Hands full, he walked up the path to the front door and nudged the doorbell with his elbow.  Seconds later, the door opened, and Daichi hastily took the bags from his arms.

“You shouldn’t be carrying all of that,” he reprimanded.

“It’s just clothes,” Suga said in amusement.

“Want me to put them in your room?” he asked as they walked into the house.

“Yeah, thanks.”

“Hey, he’s back,” Asahi declared as he entered the living room.

“One would think I never leave,” Suga said dryly.

“And how was Kuroo?” Tanaka asked innocently.

“Just fine. I’m sure he appreciates your concern. You guys eat already?” he asked.

“No, we were waiting for you.”

“What’s the occasion?” he asked suspiciously. He stared between Asahi and Tanaka. Then realization dawned. “It won’t work. I am not spilling my guts about Kuroo, so forget it. There’s nothing to tell.”

“Gee, are we that transparent?” Asahi asked in disgust.

“Yes, you are.”  Daichi returned and began taking out bowls.

Suga stirred the soup in the pot and began ladling out portions in the bowls, and they all settled down to eat. Suga concentrated on eating, determined to ignore their curious looks.  Finally, Daichi broke the awkward silence.

“You guys still going to the car show tomorrow?”

“Yeah,” Asahi replied. “We're leaving at seven.”

“The one in Tokyo?” Suga asked.

“Yup.”

He gulped nervously. If Asahi and Tanaka were going to be gone all day, then it would be a perfect time to try his hand at Kuroo’s suggestions. Provided Daichi was even going to be around.

“You not going with them?” he asked Daichi casually.

“No. I thought I’d hang out around the house. Veg out for the day.”

Suga’s heart beat rapidly in his chest. He lowered his gaze to the soup and spooned it up almost robotically. Daichi was going to be home. All day. A whole day to make him notice. It sounded so simple, yet so impossible.  Well, one thing was for certain. He was going to get to try out his new sleepwear a lot sooner than he’d expected.

Chapter Text

Suga woke early the next morning. He waited until he heard Asahi and Tanaka leave then surveyed his appearance in the mirror. The satin shorts and camisole actually looked sexy on him. Well, at least he thought they did.  He ran his hand over his stomach feeling the slightest hint of the swell that was slowly burgeoning. In a few more weeks he’d have a bonafide pooch. Better to do the seducing now.  He pulled on the satin knee-length robe and tied it loosely around his waist. Then he arranged the lapels so they bared about a four inch strip of the set underneath. He flushed as he looked back into the mirror. One thing about pregnancy, his nipples were stiff on a twenty-four hour basis now.  “You can do this,” he said firmly to his reflection. With a determined nod, he turned from the mirror and went over to the door. He placed his hand on the knob and took a deep breath. Let the operation commence.

Suga walked into the kitchen, thankful for once that his room was on the opposite side of the house from the other three bedrooms. Being the only omega, he was given the master  bedroom while the guys had taken up residence in the three bedrooms down the hall.  The setup had worked well. He had his own bathroom while the guys shared one on their end of the house. The living room and kitchen separated them. There was a formal dining room as well, but it had been turned into a home office/gym since they always ate at the bar.  He could hear Daichi in the living room and wondered if he should venture in there or wait for him to come into the kitchen. Finally, he decided to ask him if he’d eaten breakfast. If not he’d cook and lure Daichi into the kitchen. But first he’d give him a taste of his outfit.  With a grin, he walked to the couch where Daichi was glued to his phone and cleared his throat.

“Good morning.”

“Morning,” he mumbled, not taking his eyes from the screen.

“Had breakfast yet?” he leaned over the arm of the couch in what he hoped was a sexy pose.  Daichi finally glanced up.

“No.” He turned back to his phone then jerked his head back up, his eyes widening in surprise. “Uh, no.”  His gaze was riveted on Suga, who fought against the urge to blush and smile triumphantly all at the same time.

“I’m cooking if you want to eat.”

He slowly straightened and turned to walk back into the kitchen.  Daichi followed right behind him and sat down at the bar. Suga began taking out the skillet and the ingredients for pancakes. He felt Daichi’s gaze the entire time, but when Suga looked up at him, he’d immediately look down or away. Anywhere but at him.  As he mixed the batter with a large wooden spoon, the motion loosened the robe, and it fell completely open, baring his shoulders and upper chest not covered by the camisol top. Acting as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened, he set about pouring the batter into the skillet then leaned back against the counter to wait.

“So why didn’t you go to the car show?”

“Not my thing,” he said, barely meeting his eyes.

“What’s your schedule this week?” It was an innocent enough question, but Suga wanted to be sure and plan for the days he’d be home.

“Twenty-four Monday, off Tuesday, and forty-eight starting Wednesday. Off Friday and Saturday and a twenty-four Sunday.”

So he had today and tomorrow to make an impression, then he’d have one day out of three where he’d see Daichi for a few hours in the evening. Might be good for him to stew for a while.  Suga turned and flipped the pancakes, then settled his attention back on the man in front of him. His tongue felt tied. He’d never had any problem talking before, but at the moment, he felt as awkward as a boy on his first date.

When the pancakes were done, he stacked them on plates. Daichi got utensils for them then retrieved the butter and syrup from the fridge. Suga poured glasses of milk and settled onto the barstool across from him. After all, Daichi wouldn’t be able to see his new look if they sat side by side.  An awkward silence ensued as they ate their breakfast. From time to time, he felt Daichi’s gaze on him but didn’t look up. When they’d finished, Daichi walked around and collected his plate.

“I’ll wash up. You go get dressed.” Suga nearly laughed at his directive. So he was getting under his skin a bit. Maybe Daichi wasn’t as immune to him as he thought. Remembering the other part of Kuroo’s advice, he placed his fingertips lightly on Daichi’s arm.

“Thank you, Daichi.”

The alpha flinched and drew away, piling the dishes into the sink. With a secret smile, Suga breezed into his room for part two of his plan.  Choosing a pair of cutoff shorts to go with his almost sheer white T-shirt, he disregarded the nightclothes and pulled the shirt over his head. But when he looked in the mirror, he nearly changed his mind. The shorts showed more thigh than Suga had ever flashed before, and the dark imprint of his nipples was outlined against the shirt. But Daichi would definitely notice. He shuffled back into the living room.

Daichi was still in the kitchen washing up the breakfast dishes, so he decided to wander in and get a glass of juice. He watched Daichi out of the corner of his eye. When he caught sight of Suga, he did a double take. Daichi quickly glanced away, but his eyes kept drifting back.  Hiding his smile, Suga drained the juice. He set the glass in the sink and walked back into the living room.

“Want to see what’s on TV?” He called back to Daichi.

“No, uh, that’s okay.

***

Daichi walked to his room, frantically pulling on his collar. It was damn hot in the house. He switched the ceiling fan on, desperate for some cool air.  Suga was driving him crazy. When the hell had he gotten so damn sexy? Those pajamas had been torture enough, but the T-shirt that clearly outlined his perfect chest was just too much.  And those freaking shorts. Pregnancy had been good to him so far. He’d definitely filled out in all the right places. The dusky imprint of his rosy nipples had him dying to get his hands and mouth on them.  He was having insane urges to sweep him into the nearest bed and make some serious love to him. He was losing it. This was Suga, not some cheap lay. But here he sat fantasizing about kissing him in the most interesting places.

Lately he’d been having the oddest dreams about Suga. In his bed, writhing beneath him. It was so real he could almost taste his skin, and somehow, he just knew he’d taste of sweet vanilla, just like his scent. He could feel himself inside him, instinctively knew just how he’d feel. The images bombarded him constantly. Suga naked in his bed.  Oh yeah, he was falling apart. He needed to get laid. But for the moment, the only person he could picture in his bed was Suga. And that scared him to death.

The distant sound of Daichi’s phone ringing broke into his vivid fantasies. A few seconds later, Suga appeared in the doorway holding out his phone. A frown on his face. As he took the phone from Suga, he saw the caller. Michimiya.  He chanced one last glance at Suga before the smaller man  turned and stalked out. Wonder what was eating, Suga? He sure as hell knew what was eating him.

***

Sunday morning, Suga got up and put on a pair of his new stretch waist maternity jeans and one of the tops he’d bought. Whether it had been bought to gain Daichi’s notice or not, he loved the way it fit. If it was a little lower and tighter cut than his normal attire, he wasn’t complaining.  After yesterday’s phone call for Daichi from Michimiya, he wasn’t feeling nearly as confidant anyway. But he wasn’t throwing in the towel. Not yet.  Feeling confident he looked his best and maybe even a little sexy, he walked out of his room ready to take on the world. Or at least a hunky fireman.  A series of whistles rent the air as he entered the living room where the guys were watching volleyball on TV. Smiling, he struck a fake pose.

“You like?”

“Damn. Come here and give daddy a kiss,” Tanaka teased. Suga burst out laughing and blew him one.

“You look great,” Asahi complimented. “I like the new stuff.”

Suga looked pointedly at Daichi, who looked very much like he’d swallowed his tongue.

“Well?”

“You look nice,” he mumbled.

“Nice? Hell, he looks hot,” Tanaka spoke up.

Daichi scowled and turned his attention back to the TV.  Feeling very pleased with himself, Suga poured a glass of water and inserted himself on the couch between Daichi and Tanaka to watch the game. He made great effort to lean over Daichi and reach into the chip bag. Finally, Daichi handed it over, mumbling something about not wanting any more.  Suga leaned back, munching calmly on the chips. He nearly laughed aloud when Daichi suddenly got up from the sofa and left the room.

“What’s wrong with him?” Asahi asked in a bored voice.

Suga shrugged and glanced over at Tanaka, who was looking at him in amusement. Suga arched an eyebrow and looked questioningly at him as if to ask what he was finding so funny.  Tanaka emitted a low chuckle and turned back to the TV.

“I think Daichi may have met his match,” he murmured in a voice only Suga could hear.

“Yeah, Michimiya’s a real bitch,” Suga said, being deliberately obtuse.  Tanaka snickered and swung a cushion at him.

“You’re evil, my dude. Pure evil.”

He only hoped Daichi was taking a cold shower and his efforts weren’t for naught. Tomorrow Daichi was working, and Tuesday was the only other day until Friday that he’d get to work his wiles.  Suga watched the remainder of the game, hoping Daichi would reappear, but he stayed in his room. Not willing to spend the entire day waiting, Suga decided to take his new look out shopping. His confidence was at an all-time high, and damn it, he knew he looked good.

***

“What’s eating you, man?” Asahi asked Daichi as they pulled off their gear after a fire call.  Daichi wiped the sweat from his brow.

“Don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Yeah, sure. You haven’t been avoiding Suga like he’s a hooker with the clap.” Daichi shot him a dirty look and continued pulling his heavy jacket off.

“Back off.” He growled. Tanaka laughed.

“Getting under your skin, huh?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

"Is that all you can say?”

Another wave of irritation gripped Daichi.

“Look. I don’t know what point you’re trying to make. I’m not avoiding Suga. He’s not getting under my skin. I couldn’t care less what he wears.”  Tanaka dissolved into peals of laughter.

“Who said anything about what he’s been wearing?”  Daichi leveled a glare at his obnoxious friend.

“Shut the hell up.”

“Well at least I know you aren’t dead now,” he chuckled.

Daichi sighed long-sufferingly. His head was beginning to ache, and the last thing he needed was Tanaka harping on how sexy Suga was looking lately. Even if he was driving his libido into overdrive.  He got up from the bench and threw his jacket over his locker.

“I’m going to go grab a shower.”

“A cold one?” Tanaka asked innocently.

Daichi ignored him and walked out of the locker room, the beta’s laughter ringing in his ears.  He nearly groaned aloud when he stepped from the showers and met up with Kuroo in the locker room.

“Hey, dude,” Kuroo called out.

“Hey,” he said without enthusiasm.

“How’s it going?”

“Fine.” Kuroo studied him a moment.

“You aren’t very talkative today.”

Daichi shrugged. He was plagued by irritation at the very sight of Kuroo, and the only explanation he could offer was because Suga had gone out with him. Not an answer he was happy with. Why should he care who Suga went out with?  Kuroo grinned.

“Say hi to Suga for me, will ya? Tell him I’ll call when I get the chance.”

“Why are you so interested in Suga all of a sudden anyway?” Daichi demanded, staring holes through him.  Kuroo raised an eyebrow.

“Who wouldn’t be? He’s amazing.”

Hoping Suga would forgive him for imparting his news, Daichi decided to say the one thing he knew would scare Kuroo away.

“He’s pregnant.”

“I know.”

He knew? Suga told him? Daichi frowned and looked away. And Kuroo was still interested? He glanced back at the other alpha who was wearing a serene expression.

“What the hell is your game?”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t act all innocent with me. I know you too well for that. Pregnant omegas are definitely not your thing. For that matter, guys like Suga aren’t your thing.”

“Maybe my thing has changed. That ever occur to you?”

“Stay away from him,” Daichi growled.

“Don’t you think that's up to him?”

“If you don’t stay away from him, I’ll break that pretty face of yours.”

To his surprise, Kuroo chuckled, then turned and exited the locker room.

Chapter Text

Tuesday morning, Suga got up bright and early to get ready for work. He dressed with care in one of his new tops and went into the kitchen to fix breakfast for the guys who would be coming home shortly. He wanted to get into Daichi’s head first thing this morning because he wouldn’t see him again until the evening.  He hummed as he poked around the kitchen, keeping a close watch on the clock the entire time. Maybe this second trimester stuff he’d read about was true. He certainly felt like a new omega. And he was positively glowing. His skin was radiant, and he was gaining some curves. Not much, but he could tell a difference. He suddenly frowned, wondering if he'd go back to normal after giving birth.  The front door rattled then opened as the guys came in. Asahi was first through the kitchen doorway.

“Smells good.”

Tanaka and Daichi came in close behind, and Daichi scooted to the far end of the kitchen, sliding into the barstool that was the farthest away from Suga.

“Rough night?” he asked to no one in particular. “Daichi looks like hell.”

Daichi’s gaze shot up, and he frowned.

“He was grumpy the entire shift,” Asahi said with a shrug.

“Well, here’s your breakfast. I have to leave or I’ll be late for work. I’ll see you guys this afternoon.”

He set out the platter of eggs, biscuits, and bacon on the bar. He made a point of leaning over in Daichi’s direction one last time before backing out of the kitchen.  He slid behind the wheel of his car and took a deep breath.

Today marked the first time he wore maternity clothes in public. While he in no way carried an obvious bulge, the shirt was unmistakably for a pregnant omega.  Small town talk would filter through the community of Karasuno like an out of control fire. Before sundown, he’d be relegated to fallen omega, brazen hussy, and that “poor thing.”  Thank goodness he’d already told Doc Nekomata so he could at least be at ease with him and Yaku. The patients would be another matter, unfortunately.

When Suga glanced over the schedule for the morning, he groaned aloud.

“What’s wrong?” Yaku asked.  Suga slumped in the chair behind the reception desk. “It can’t be that bad.”

Suga flipped the schedule toward him.  Yaku took the paper and quickly scanned over it.

“Oh. Damn.”

“Yeah. Of all days to wear my maternity clothes. It just had to be when Mrs. Yamada had an appointment for her poodles’ check up.”  Yaku gave him a sympathetic look.

“Want me to man the front when it’s time for her to come in so you can hide out in the back?”

He sighed deeply.

“No, I may as well get it over with. I knew when I left this morning that I’d be all over town by tonight. This will just facilitate things a bit.”

Yaku smiled and patted his shoulder as he walked past with a stack of papers to file.  Suga twirled on the swivel chair, closing his eyes in disgust. When he heard the door open, he opened one eye and made contact with Mrs. Yamada.

“Good morning, Sugawara,” she sang out.

Suga gritted his teeth. Mrs. Yamada was the only person who insisted on calling him by his full name.

“Good morning,” he said in resignation.  He hopped off the chair and reached over to scratch the ears of Fritz and Fifi. He was rewarded by a lick from each.

“If you’ll have a seat, I’ll go tell Doc you’re here.”  As Suga turned, Mrs. Yamada let out a gasp.

“Sugawara! Dear, are you pregnant?”

He froze and rolled his eyes heavenward. Slowly, he turned back to face the excited gleam in Mrs. Yamada’s eyes.

“Yes,” he said with calm that belied his inner angst.

“Oh my. Well, congratulations, of course.”

“Thank you.” He turned and strode down the hallway, not wanting to give the old windbag any opportunity to ask further questions.

The looks of surprise were all the same. The traffic had never been so high through the downtown veterinarian practice. People wandered in to ask a variety of questions, but their purpose was all the same. To see the pregnant omega.  At first, Suga was amused, but by the afternoon, he was downright pissed. The subtle speculative stares. The overt open mouths. A few didn’t even make a pretense of their presence. They walked in, took a look, and stalked out.  Hadn’t anyone in this town ever gotten knocked up out of wedlock?

Well, there was Ikejiri in high school. But come to think of it, he’d basically been run out of town on a rail. Not that anyone had demanded it. Far from it. Everyone made a pretense of supporting him but made his life hell behind their hands.  Suga was stronger than that, though. he wasn’t a shrinking violet. Shy, yes. Doormat, no. They could all take their sanctimonious bull shit and stick it where the sun didn’t shine.

When four o’clock rolled around, he couldn’t get out of the office fast enough. Settling behind the wheel of his car, he allowed herself a brief moment of melancholy before he cranked the engine and tore out the parking lot like the devil himself was on his tail.  He took the side streets. Normally he’d wave to people he knew as he passed, but today his pariah status made him wish he had a paper bag to wear over his head.  When he finally drove into the driveway, he sighed in relief. He walked to the door but saw their elderly neighbors watching  out of the corner of his eye. Turning around, he waved and smiled brightly.

“I ought to sell tickets to this circus,” he muttered as he let himself in the house.

Suga dropped his keys on the kitchen counter and surveyed the empty living room. Only one of the trucks was gone out front, but all three must have gone together because the house was eerily quiet.  Not looking a gift horse in the mouth, he poured a glass of water and escaped to the back patio. He sank into one of the lawn chairs and closed his eyes wearily. For someone who spent a great deal of his time practicing obscurity, this newfound bug under a magnifying glass act was giving him a serious stomachache.  It wasn’t the fact that everyone thought he’d screwed up. He had screwed up. It went way beyond just being a single pregnant omega. He’d acted irresponsibly in a weak moment, and now not only would he have to pay for it, but Daichi and their baby would suffer as well.  He had to tell him, but every time he thought of it, his tongue swelled and no words would come out. What could he say anyway? By the way, Daichi, we had unprotected sex one night when you thought I was your girlfriend and now I’m pregnant.  A tear slid down his cheek as he berated himself for the hundredth time since that night. He hastily wiped his face when he heard the sliding door open. Footsteps approached, but he didn’t look up. Daichi knelt beside his chair and looked at him in concern.

“What’s wrong,” he asked quietly.  Daichi cupped his cheek and turned his face.

“You’ve been crying.”  He always did have a knack for stating the obvious. Suga sighed deeply.

“Just feeling sorry for myself.”  Daichi rose and pulled a chair over.

“What’s got you down?”

“I’m the new topic of gossip in Karasuno. I wore a maternity shirt to work today and Mrs. Yamada came in with the poodles.”  He winced.

“Say no more.”

“Yeah.”

“Want something to eat? I’m cooking,” he said cajolingly.  Suga gave him a half-hearted smile.

“Sure. I’ll be there in a minute.”

Daichi walked back into the house, and he closed his eyes once more. Daichi's handsome face floated teasingly in his mind. With a shake of his head, he sat up and strode back into the house.

“Hey Suga Momma” Tanaka sang out, causing Suga to grin.  “Now that’s better,” he said approvingly. “You looked like you’d swallowed a lemon when you first walked in.”

“Just a watermelon seed,” he teased. Tanaka stuck out a hand to his belly.

“Hmmm, nope, not yet. When’s that kid going to pop out anyway?”

“You’re in the wrong spot.” Suga moved his hand lower.

“Hey, there it is! It’s cute,” Tanaka said as he massaged the slight swell.  Suga raised an eyebrow in amusement.

“Cute?”

“Quit mauling him, bonehead,” Daichi said with a scowl. “Dinner’s almost done, so get your butt over here and set the table.”

“What’s your hurry, dude?”

“He’s got a date,” Asahi volunteered with a roll of his eyes.

Suga’s heart lurched, but he fought to maintain a neutral expression.

“Oh? Who’s the lucky one?”  A peculiar expression lit Daichi’s face.

“It’s not a date.”

“Michimiya,” Asahi said in a disgusted voice.  Forgetting neutrality altogether, Suga’s mouth dropped open.

“Michimiya? The same woman who cheated on you just a few months ago?”

“It’s not a date,” he said repeated.

“Are you out of your mind?” Suga demanded.  Asahi’s eyes widened in surprise at Suga’s raised voice.  “Why on earth would you give her the time of day, much less a second chance?” Suga shook his head in disbelief, his face growing hotter.

“I’m not giving her anything,” he said defensively. “She just wanted to talk.”  Suga snorted.

“Talk my ass. That’s fine, Daichi. But I won’t be around this time to help you pick up the pieces.” He whirled around and stomped to his room.

“What was all that about?” Asahi murmured.  Daichi slowly turned back to the stove. What the heck did he mean help him pick up the pieces? Maybe his pregnancy hormones were raging, or maybe he was upset over the day he’d had.

“He was just saying what you and I are thinking,” Tanaka said in disgust. “I don’t understand why he’d give her the time of day either.”  Asahi shrugged.

“It’s his business, I suppose.”  Daichi turned around.

“Thank you, Asahi. You are exactly right.” He leveled a pointed stare at Tanaka. The beta shrugged.

“Sometimes, Daichi, you are the biggest fool. If you can’t see what’s so clearly under your nose then you deserve someone like Michimiya.”  He turned and exited the kitchen as well.

“What the hell?” Daichi demanded. He looked over at Asahi.

“Is there something going on I don’t know about?”

“Don’t ask me. You know I’m always the last person to know anything around here. But they do have a point. Why are you going out with her?”

“I just want some answers.”

That and he wanted to get his mind off a specific pregnant omega. It was getting ridiculous. He was dreaming about Suga. Fantasizing about him. If he didn’t get himself under control soon, he’d do something he’d regret.  What he’d done is pissed Suga off, though he couldn’t quite understand why. But then Suga’d always been a little overprotective of him and the other guys. Like a mama lion protecting his cubs. Heaven help anyone that ever trod on them.  He grinned. Perhaps he ought to explain why he was even speaking to Yui. But then it wouldn’t be as fun to see him all riled up. And he couldn’t exactly tell him the main reason he was getting out of the house with another omega. He could well envision the shock on Suga face if he told him about the vivid fantasies he was.

***

Why was Daichi seeing that woman again? Was he a masochist? Or maybe he wasn’t as torn up about the betrayal as he’d let on. It had obviously upset him enough that he indulged in something he never did— heavy drinking.  Suga flopped into his nest in disgust. Contending with Michimiya was not a kink he’d planned on dealing with. It was hard enough just to try and get Daichi to notice him without having to compete with another omega, a woman who had held Daichi’s heart before.  His hopes sank a bit further. Michimiya was everything he wasn’t. Beautiful, female, and most importantly, she wasn’t pregnant.  He glanced down at his belly and rubbed absently. If it came down to it, he’d have to confess to Daichi. He couldn’t allow him to commit to another without knowing he had a child.

Chapter Text

Wednesday and Thursday, Suga stewed about Daichi’s non-date with Michimiya. He avoided going to the station even though he normally was a regular visitor during their forty-eight hour shifts. In a way, he didn’t want to know anything about Daichi's relationship with her, but on the other hand, he was going to die if he didn’t find out.  Friday morning, he left the house before the guys got home anxious to get the day over with so he could feel Daichi out that evening. He fidgeted all day, watching the clock in a sick vigil. He hadn’t had an appetite ever since skipping dinner the night of Daichi’s date.  At three forty-five he was ready to bang his head on the office’s front desk. He tapped his pencil in a steady staccato and watched the seconds tick by.

“Why don’t you go on home before you drive me insane,” Doc Nekomata muttered from behind him.  Suga whirled around, a guilty flush on his face.

“Sorry.”  The doc gave an indulgent smile.

“Go on home. You’ve been antsy all day. I only have one more animal to see, and Yaku can help me with that one.”  Suga’s lips split into a wide grin as he hopped down from the stool.

“Thanks, Doc. I’ll see you Monday.”

He made a beeline for his car. A few minutes later, he pulled into their driveway, and to his disappointment saw Daichi’s truck was gone. If he was out again with Michimiya again, Suga was going to hurt someone.

“You’re early,” Tanaka remarked as he walked into the living room.

“Hello to you, too.”

Tanaka patted the spot beside him on the couch.

“Wanna sit?”  Suga slid onto the sofa.

“Where’s the others?”

“Daichi’s running errands, and Asahi’s getting ready to see Noya.”  He barely controlled the sigh of relief.

“Something bothering you?”

“No, not at all,” he said airily. “Just glad to be home.”

He sat in silence for a moment, not concentrating on the show Tanaka was watching. Glancing sideways at him, Suga said nonchalantly,

“So what was the deal with Daichi’s date?”

“Ahhh so that’s what’s bothering you.”  He growled under his breath.

“No, it’s not bothering me. I was merely curious.”

“Uh huh. I hear you.”

“Well? Do you know anything or not?”

“He was closed mouthed about the whole thing. Didn’t stay out late, but wouldn’t say a word about what’s going on.”  Suga frowned.

“What on earth is he thinking?”  Tanaka shrugged.

“Got me. He must have rocks in his head.”

“What am I going to do?” he asked softly.  Tanaka gave him a sympathetic look.

“I don’t know, but you'd better get on it.”  He leaned his head back and stared up at the ceiling.

“I can’t compete with her.” He turned slightly to look at Tanaka

“Please,” Tanaka said, giving him an incredulous look.

“She doesn’t have anything on you.”

“I can think of at least one thing.”

“At the risk of pissing you off again, I have to ask, because if I’m right, you’ve been hung up on Daichi for a long time, and yet you got pregnant just a few months ago.”

“Yeah, it’s fucked up, I know,” he said bleakly. “Do you think I’ve ruined my chances?”

“Tell you what,” Tanaka said suddenly sitting up.

“Asahi is leaving in a few minutes, and Daichi is due back soon. I think I’ll head out for the evening so the two of you are alone for a few hours. Make the most of it, okay?”

He got up and ruffled his hair as he walked by to his room. At the doorway he paused.

“It wouldn’t hurt to wear some of that new stuff you got. I had no idea you had such a nice ass.” He winked and disappeared through the door.

Suga rolled his eyes and laughed. Why couldn’t he have fallen for Tanaka? He, at least, found Suga attractive. Well, if he hoped to make Daichi forget all about ‘her’, he had better get up and bathe. Right now, he smelled like a wet dog. Foregoing his usual shower, he drew a tub full of water. Some time later, he stepped from the tub, wrapping a towel around himself.  He opted for a T-shirt and short gym shorts. He towel dried his hair, leaving it slightly damp, the ends curling rebelliously. He ventured back into the kitchen and looked out the window to see Daichi’s truck in the drive.

The combination of his erratic eating habits over the last two days and the prolonged warm bath was making him feel lightheaded. He needed to eat something. He rifled through the cabinets, deciding on a pack of ramen.  Suga started to tear the packaging when Daichi’s voice startled him.

“Hey, Suga.”

He whirled around and instantly regretted his actions. The room spun crazily out of control, and he swayed as he attempted to right his equilibrium.  Daichi rushed forward, catching him just as his knees buckled.

“Suga, what’s wrong?” His voice was urgent as he swept the smaller man up in his arms and strode to the couch.  “Do you need me to call an ambulance?” he asked as he gently laid him down.  His worried face came into focus as the room stopped spinning.

“No. No, I’m fine,” he hastily assured him.

“You don’t look fine,” he said doubtfully. “Maybe I should take you to the hospital.”

“I just need to eat something. I haven’t eaten anything today.”

“Why not?” he demanded, his face becoming stern. “What the hell are you thinking?”

“I know. It was stupid.”

“Don’t move,” he ordered. “I’ll be right back.”

He hurried back to the kitchen, leaving Suga lying on the couch. A few minutes later he pressed a warm cup-o-ramen in his hands and put an arm around his shoulders to lift him up.  Suga sipped at the broth, feeling its warmth trail down his throat.

“You’ve got to start taking better care of yourself,” Daichi said reproachfully. He took the cup when Suga was finished and set it on the coffee table then eased him back onto the couch with the arm that was still supporting his back.  Suga reached a hand up and placed it on his chest.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

Daichi’s face was so close, his lips hovered just out of reach. This was the perfect time. Suga ached from wanting to feel his lips again. Nervously, he moistened his lips and inched closer. Daichi’s eyes darkened, and was it his imagination, or did he move closer?   Suga closed his eyes, preparing to revel in the taste of him when they were both jarred by a phone ringing.

Daichi blinked in surprise and shook his head slightly.  The moment was gone. Suga could see the retreat in his eyes.  Slipping his arm from beneath him, Daichi reached into his pocket for his phone.

“Hello?”  He saw a frown cross Daichi’s face. He looked almost worried. He stood up, seeming to have forgotten Suga's presence on the couch. Turning away, he walked toward his room.  “No, I’m off tomorrow, Yui. I can come by in the morning,” Suga heard as he disappeared down the hall.

What the hell? Anger. Disappointment. There weren’t words to accurately portray how he felt at the moment. At least he hadn’t kissed him.  With a sigh, he swung his legs over and stood up, testing. They weren’t wobbling, thank goodness. And Daichi certainly wasn’t around to catch him this time.  He picked up the cup and padded into the kitchen.

As he started to wash the accumulated dishes, he heard a tap on the glass of the kitchen door. Looking up, he saw Kuroo standing outside.  In relief, he hurried over and threw open the door.

“Am I glad to see you.”

In truth, he would have been glad to see anyone. He was ready to crawl into a hole, and he had no desire to face Daichi once he finished his tete-a-tete with Michimiya, no, Yui.  He was back to using her first name.

“Now that’s a nice welcome.” He said with a grin and a hug. “How you doing, cutie?”  Suga glanced back toward Daichi’s room.

“Not so great,” Suga said, expelling a deep breath.

“Uh oh. Did I come at a bad time?”

“Not at all. Your timing is impeccable. Come in for Pete’s sake.” He gestured him in and shut the door behind him. “What brings you over?”

“I’d rather hear what’s bothering you. Anything I can help with?”

“Not unless you’re willing to take out a certain brunette with bad timing,” he muttered.  Kuroo laughed.

“She still bugging Daichi?”

“Want a beer?” he offered, reaching for the refrigerator handle.

“Sure.” He settled onto one of the barstools and leaned his elbows on the bar.  Suga popped the cap and slid the beer over, then sat down across from him.

“I’m not so sure she’s bugging him at all. He doesn’t seem to mind her sniffing around.”  Kuroo’s face softened.

“Damn. Sorry to hear that. But maybe what I came over to ask will help.” Suga lifted an eyebrow.  “Wanna go to the barbeque with me next weekend? I know you’d probably end up coming with the guys, but it could be a chance to piss Daichi off some more.” He winked and took a long swig of his beer.

“I don’t know,” he said doubtfully. “I’m not so sure he gives a flip who I’m going out with.”  Kuroo laughed.

“Oh it’ll drive him nuts. He already crawled my case at the station.”  Suga’s eyes widened.

“Wait a minute. You haven’t told me about this. What happened?”  Suga straightened as he heard Daichi close his door, and he put a finger to his lips as he heard him walking down the hall.

“Suga, I’m sorry. Are you all right now?” He stopped dead when he took in the two of them sitting at the bar. “Kuroo? What are you doing here? And Suga, you shouldn’t be up.”

Daichi frowned and continued to walk over. He stopped beside Suga and laid an arm over his shoulders. Then he glared at the other alpha.  Kuroo managed to look amused, his eyes twinkling.

“Hey Daichi. How’s it going?”  Daichi ignored him and turned concerned eyes to Suga.

“You shouldn’t be up. Why don’t you go lie back down on the couch, and I’ll fix you some more food.”

“What’s he babbling about?” Kuroo asked with a frown.

Suga fought his annoyance and overwhelming confusion at Daichi’s peculiar behavior. He’d all but forgotten his existed when Michimiya called, yet he was practically snarling at Kuroo.

“Oh, nothing. It’s no big deal.” Suga fidgeted uncomfortably under the scrutiny of both guys.

“The hell it’s not,” Daichi growled. “You nearly fainted.”

“What?” Kuroo asked, concern and shock in his voice.

“He dropped like a rock.” Daichi wouldn’t let the subject go.

“It’s nothing a little fresh air wouldn’t cure. You want to step out on the deck with me?” Suga asked Kuroo sweetly.

“Sure,” he said, sliding off the barstool. “Let me help you.” He walked around and took Suga’s elbow to help him up. Suga nearly laughed aloud at Daichi’s expression and Kuroo’s blatant exaggeration of his circumstances.  “You should be resting more,” he lectured, as they walked toward the door, leaving a scowling Daichi behind.

As they closed the sliding doors behind them, Suga laughed.

“Okay, you can drop the act now.”

“Did you really pass out?”

“Almost. Almost pass out. No biggie.”

Kuroo frowned slightly but didn’t pursue it.

“Have a seat,” Suga said, gesturing to one of the deck chairs. “Then you can tell me what Daichi jumped on you about at the station.”  Kuroo smiled and opted to lean against the deck railing instead.

“He doesn’t like me seeing you.”  Suga rolled his eyes.

“And did he offer an explanation why?”

“Not in so many words. He did threaten to kick my ass though.”  He sighed and leaned back beside Kuroo.

“I don’t get it. I thought tonight was the night. I was so close to kissing him. And I think he wanted to kiss me. But then psycho bitch called, and he dropped me like a hot potato.”

“Methinks our boy is a bit conflicted,” Kuroo offered.

“Well damn it. I don’t want him conflicted. I want him to want me.”

“Give it some time,” he said soothingly, moving his hand to rub Suga’s back. “Let’s see what happens this next weekend at the barbeque. If I know that idiot, this will  put the nail in his coffin.”

Suga remained silent. he wished he had Kuroo’s optimism, but he was afraid the truth of the matter was, Daichi had zero interest for him in anything beyond the capacity of a buddy or a little brother.

“Hey, you wanna go grab something to eat?” Kuroo asked suddenly. Suga glanced up at him.

“I don’t know.”

“Come on. You need to get out and have a little fun. We could go play some pool afterwards. You used to go down and play with Tanaka all the time. You’re pregnant, not dead,” he reminded.

“Yes, but if I show up with you, speculation will run rampant you’re the father of my baby,” he said lightly.

“I should be so lucky,” Kuroo said with a wink. “Now come on. Let’s get out of here and leave Daichi going nuts wondering what we’re doing.”

Chapter Text

Daichi was waiting when Tanaka walked through the door. He picked up his keys off the bar and shoved his wallet in his pocket.

“Come on. We’re going to play pool.”

“We are?” Tanaka asked, a startled look on his face.

“Yeah, I’ll drive.”  Tanaka followed behind as they walked out to Daichi’s truck.

“May I ask why we’re going to play pool?”

Daichi slid into the seat and started the engine. He looked over.

“Because Suga and Kuroo are going to be there, and I want to make damn sure he doesn’t do something stupid.”

He was still pissed off at Suga for going off after he’d had such a close call. And why Kuroo would take him out to a freaking bar after he knew Suga had nearly fainted, he couldn’t fathom, but it further solidified his opinion that Kuroo was in no way suitable for Suga.

“Oh no, not this,” Tanaka said, opening his door again. “I’ve already sacrificed a date to spy on them once. You can count me out this time.”

“Get your ass back in the truck,” Daichi said impatiently.  Tanaka paused with one leg out the door.

“Why are we doing this, man? Clearly, Suga sees something in the guy . What if he’s the father of his baby? Have you ever thought about that?”

Rage boiled through him at the thought of Kuroo getting Suga pregnant. He gripped the steering wheel until his fingers ached. No. No fucking way. Kuroo couldn’t be the guy. It didn’t make sense. He hadn’t even called Suga until well after they found out he was pregnant.

“Dude, cool it. It was just a thought.”

“It was a dumb thought,” he snapped. “Suga nearly fainted tonight. He hasn’t been eating right, and the last thing he needs is to be hanging out in a bar with freaking Kuroo.”  Tanaka slid back into the seat.

“Whoa, he did what?”

Daichi threw the truck in reverse and roared backwards out of the drive. “He almost dropped on the kitchen floor. He said he hadn’t eaten much, and he seemed pretty shaky. Then Kuroo shows up and suddenly they’re going out to play pool. The jerk even knew he wasn’t well because I told him.”

“But if Suga wanted to go…”  Daichi cut him off with a snort.

“I don’t know what his deal is lately. He’s not himself at all.”

“I see, and you’re saving him from himself?”

“I don’t know what I’m doing,” he muttered, wishing he had some sort of clue.

“Well at least you admit it,” Tanaka said dryly. “So what exactly are we going to do?”

“Play pool, what else?”

“Of course. What was I thinking? We’re not doing anything remotely resembling spying or interfering. Just a harmless game of pool. Which you happen to have not played in, oh, at least two years.”

“Shut up.”

Ten minutes later, they pulled up to Miya’s the local bar and all-around hang out place, and Daichi parked by Kuroo’s car. The haunt was a favorite with the fire and EMS crew. He noted several familiar vehicles. But it was no place for a pregnant omega. The smoke alone would likely send him into premature labor.

“Dude, if you walk in there wearing that scowl, you’re going to clear the place. Chill out.”

He scowled at Tanaka but relaxed his expression as they stepped inside the dimly lit interior. He scanned the array of people gathered, some sitting at the bar, a few couples dancing as the jukebox blared.  As he and Tanaka walked toward the back where the three pool tables were, several hellos rang out. He recognized several faces from work and the ambulance service. He nodded but didn’t stop. His focus now on the farthest table.  Suga stood beside Kuroo, the alpha’s arm casually over his shoulders as they waited for the guy across the table to take his shot. Anger surged through him. He started to stalk across the room and tear Kuroo’s arm out of his socket, but he reigned himself in. What the hell was wrong with him?  Tanaka had a stupid smug grin on his face, and Daichi had the urge to smash his teeth in. Shaking his head in an effort to clear his murderous thoughts, he leaned over the end of the bar and motioned for a beer.

“So,” Tanaka drawled. “What now?”

Suga’s tinkling laughter filtered across the noise of the room, and Daichi’s gaze jerked back to where he stood. He was looking up at Kuroo, apparently laughing at something he had said. He looked radiant. No, he looked damn beautiful.  Kuroo reached over and tucked a curl behind Suga's ear, thumb grazing that tempting beauty mark next to his eye. Daichi slammed his beer back on the bar.

“That’s it.” He surged forward, Tanaka chuckling behind him.

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

“Shut the hell up. Suga’s your friend, too. Start acting like you give a damn.”  Tanaka caught his arm and swung him around, his eyes blazing.

“If you care for him so much, you’d pull your head out of your ass and get a clue.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

Had the entire world gone crazy? Suga hanging out with Kuroo. Tanaka acting like he had a bug up his ass. Asahi was the only normal one left, and he existed in his own little world anyway.  Before Tanaka could continue, he heard Suga’s voice call out.

“Daichi? Tanaka? What are you guys doing here?”

“You’re in for it now,” Tanaka said in a low voice.

“Suga?” He actually managed to inflect genuine surprise in his voice as he walked toward the pool table. “What on earth are you doing here?”

Suga frowned slightly, but damn, he still looked beautiful. The slight bulge of his stomach barely apparent under his shirt. The material looked soft. He looked soft.

“The question is what are you doing here? I didn’t realize you came in here much.”

“I don’t. Well I do, but not all the time,” Daichi amended quickly.

“I haven’t seen you in here for at least a year,” Kuroo said casually.

Daichi glared at Kuroo, then glanced back at Suga, irritated that the rooster head had slipped an arm around his waist.

“You shouldn’t be here, Suga. If Kuroo had any sense, he’d have you home in bed.”

“Now there’s a thought,” Kuroo said with barely disguised amusement.

“Over my dead body,” Daichi growled. “Suga’s not your next one night stand.” Suga stepped forward, anger sparking in his eyes.

“I think that’s enough, Daichi. What Kuroo and I do or don’t do is none of your business.”

Daichi flinched. It was the truth, and he was making a royal ass of himself. But damn it, what on earth had gotten into Suga? First, he got pregnant and was as tightlipped as a clam about the father, and then he started making rounds with the bed hoppingest guy in Karasuno.

“You’re right. It is none of my business. But I’m concerned about you, Suga. If you won’t take care of yourself, someone has to.”

Suga flushed a dull red. Embarrassment clouded his eyes, and Daichi immediately regretted his outburst. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt him.

“You weren’t so concerned once your little girlfriend called,” he snapped.

“Yui? What the hell does Michimiya have to do with this?”  Suga’s lips compressed in a thin line, then he looked up at Kuroo.

“Can you take me home?” His soft voice wavered, and Daichi mentally kicked himself again.

“You okay?” Kuroo asked in a low voice, but Daichi heard him clearly. He didn’t like the inference that he had upset Suga. But even Tanaka was looking at him in disgust.

“Suga,” Daichi began, but he was no longer looking at him.

Kuroo shouldered by him, his hand at the small of Suga’s back.

“Nice going, Sawamura” Kuroo muttered.

Daichi closed his eyes and clenched his fists beside him. What the hell was happening to him? He was turning into a first-class piece of shit.

“Well. That was a success,” Tanaka said as Suga and Kuroo left the pool hall.

“Cut the sarcasm, I know I was an ass.”

“That you were. If you’re done, can we go home?”

“Yeah, whatever.”

He stalked toward the door, feeling like a complete moron. He’d rather spend the next twelve hours fighting a damn fire than go home and face Suga.

***

“So, I’ll see you Saturday?” Kuroo asked as Suga got out of his car.

“Yeah. And thanks for tonight. I really did have fun.”

“No problem. I think your boy is contemplating the funny farm at the moment.”

“I have no idea what to make of him right now. He forgot about me quick enough when Michimiya called. Then he follows and acts like I’m an irresponsible teenager.”

“It’ll probably get a lot worse before he wakes up and smells the coffee.”

“I wish I had your confidence. I’ll see you later, okay?”

Suga shut the door and waved as Kuroo pulled away, then hurried inside.  He set his belongings down on the bar and stood a moment, not sure what to do next. Daichi had acted weird. The whole evening had been a venture into the twilight zone. Had he really contemplated kissing Daichi just a few hours ago? Suga turned when he heard Daichi’s truck pull up. For a fleeting moment, he wanted to retreat to his room, but he wasn’t that much of a coward. Besides, Daichi had been a complete jerk, and he wasn’t going to let him off the hook that easily.
He leaned against the counter and waited for them to come in.

Tanaka was first. He gave an apologetic look but remained silent as Daichi trampled in behind him.  He had the grace to look exceedingly guilty as he caught Suga’s gaze. Daichi glanced over at Tanaka.

“You mind if I talk to Suga alone?”

“Ah damn. You mean I don’t get to see you grovel?” At Daichi’s glare, he threw up his hands.

“Okay, okay, I’m going.”  As Tanaka retreated, Daichi turned to look at Suga once more.

“Suga, I’m sorry. Really, I am. I was just worried about you. You didn’t see how pale you were earlier. I just didn’t think you should be going out, and I was pissed that Kuroo didn’t take better care with you.” His explanation came out in a rush. Suga pushed off the edge of the counter and moved closer to him.

“I appreciate your concern. Truly, I do. But you embarrassed me.” A hot flush swept over his face all over again as he remembered the stares of the entire crowd at Miya’s on him.  Regret sparked in Daichi's eyes.

“I’m a jerk, Suga. I swear I don’t know what came over me. My only excuse is that I do not trust Kuroo as far as I can throw him. He’ll use you and be on to his next conquest in a week.”  Another flush stole over his face.

“I’m glad you think me that desirable.”

“Damn it, Suga. That’s not what I meant. You’re beautiful. One of the most beautiful people I’ve ever known. But Kuroo only wants one thing when it comes to omegas.”

“Well at least I wouldn’t have to worry about getting pregnant,” he said ruefully.  It was the wrong thing to say. He knew it as soon as he let it slip. Fury rose in Daichi’s eyes, and he closed the distance between them.

“Tell me you aren’t sleeping with him,”  Suga’s mouth fell open.

“I’m not telling you anything. Who I sleep with is none of your business.”

“You’re not that kind of guy, Suga,” he began.  Suga arched an eyebrow, his anger building by the minute along with his humiliation.

“What kind of guy is that?” he asked softly. “Because I go out on a date, I’m suddenly relegated to the town slut? Or is it because I’m pregnant?”

Daichi gripped his shoulders.

“Don’t put words in my mouth. I have never thought less of you because you’re pregnant. I just don’t want to see you hurt. I care a lot about you. And I’ll kill anyone who dares call you a slut.”  Suga couldn’t summon a response, nor could he retain his anger. His shoulders sagged.

“I’m not mad. Just embarrassed. I wish you’d lay off Kuroo. He’s not such a bad guy. In fact, he’s been a pretty great friend.”  Daichi frowned again.

“You have plenty of friends. You don’t need him.”  Suga laughed.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were jealous.”

He could have kicked himself. Daichi stared strangely at him as if he’d grown another head.

“Your color is better,” Daichi said out of the blue.  Suga blinked at the rapid change in conversation.  Daichi reached out to smooth Suga’s hair off his cheek, rubbing his thumb over the mole by his eye.

“I’m sorry I embarrassed you, sweetheart. I was an ass. I won’t lie and say it doesn’t set my teeth on edge to see you going out with Kuroo, but I promise to try and accept it for your sake.”

Suga smiled at his concession. If he only knew why they were going out. Would he be relieved or pissed?

“Now, can I persuade you to go to bed and get some rest?” he asked.

“You won’t have to twist my arm too hard,” Suga said with a smile. “But I’m only going because I’m tired.”

Suga winked and started by him.  To his surprise, Daichi caught him by the waist and enfolded him in his arms. He buried his face in Suga’s hair, his words muffled.

“I don’t like you mad at me.”  Suga drew away and stared up at him. He let loose a mental groan. Daichi’s lips hovered temptingly above his. He pushed away before he did something stupid. Like kiss him.

Chapter Text

The next morning Suga slept in—the extra hours of sleep much needed. He showered and dressed then ventured into the kitchen to scrounge up breakfast.

“Morning, guys,” he called out as he saw Asahi and Tanaka seated at the bar shoveling down  bowls of cereal.  They both looked up and mumbled a greeting.  He poured a glass of juice and sat down across from them.

“What’s on the agenda for today?”  They both gave him blank stares and he laughed.

“I’ll take that as a big fat nothing.” Asahi shrugged in response.

“Daichi left early. Have no idea where he went. I don’t really have any plans to speak of.”  Suga frowned. He knew where Daichi was. The juice tasted sour on his tongue and he put it down.

“You not seeing Noya today?”  Asahi gave him an uneasy glance and shrugged again.

“Probably not.”  Tanaka lifted a brow and put down his spoon.

“Trouble in paradise?” Tanaka raised the bowl to his lips and noisily chugged the remaining milk, then set the bowl back down with a bang.  Suga laughed.

“You’re such a barbarian.” He gave a wounded look.  Asahi ignored Tanaka’s question and the joking between the other two men.  Suga and Tanaka exchanged curious glances.

“I’m hitting the shower,” Tanaka said, and Suga knew he was leaving so he and Asahi could be alone.

“So what’s up with you and Noya?”

“Uh, nothing major. Just taking some time to think about things,” he said vaguely.

“I thought maybe he was the one. You guys seemed perfect for each other.”  Asahi shifted uncomfortably on the barstool and glanced away for a moment.

“Well, the thing is, I think he might be the one too.”  Suga leaned forward, excitement building within him.

“But, Asahi, that’s great!” Asahi leveled a hard stare at him.

“Think about it, Suga. If I asked him to marry me, everything would change. Everything.”  Suga didn’t try and hide his confusion.

“I don’t understand.”  Asahi sighed and shoved his cereal bowl away.

“The thing is, I’ve been thinking hard about asking him to marry me. I really love him,” he added softly.

“So what’s the but?”

“But…there’s the little issue of living arrangements. We would have to make Daichi and Tanaka find another place to live.”

“And, what? I would be a third wheel?” he said, comprehension dawning.

“No,” he said emphatically. “You and the baby need a stable home. There is no way I’d have you move out. Especially not with you pregnant.”

“I really screwed up didn’t I,” he whispered. “And not just for me. But I’m screwing it up for you, too.”

“Damn it, Suga. This is why I didn’t want to say anything.” He reached across the bar and grasped his hand. “Look at me.”  Suga stared back at him, utter seriousness reflected in his brown eyes.

“There are a lot of factors involved here. You needing help is just one. And,” he said effectively cutting off his forthcoming protest, “I like the setup we have here. I’m not sure I’m ready to give that up.”

Suga thought back to the conversation he’d had with Daichi in the park. Much of their talk had surrounded the same thing Asahi  just said. No one wanted to give up the current situation.  And if he were honest, he knew he had no desire to the four of them separated and no longer roommates. But things had to change. They always did. And nothing lasts forever.  He sounded like a whole book of trite clichés.  Suga cleared his throat.

“I don’t know what to say. But sooner or later things will change. You guys will eventually want to settle down, and that means we won’t always live together. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still hang out together. Get together on the weekends.”

“I know all of that,” Asahi said. “I just can’t fathom being the one to mess up everything. It would be different if Daichi had married Michimiya or Tanaka decided to get married, God forbid.”  Suga laughed at the image of Tanaka in a tux getting married.  “I always imagined being the last one to get hitched. I figured you’d get married and move out, then the other guys would move out, and when I got married, we’d live here. But I can’t push everyone out, and I’m damn sure not leaving you when you need me the most.”

It had never occurred to him how dedicated everyone was to keeping the arrangement that had suited them for years. The idea of change was abhorrent to them all, and each one was fighting against the idea. He’d done his share of cringing at the thought.  But for the first time, Suga allowed himself to think of just how affected they would be by his pregnancy. Aside from the fact Daichi had to be told about his impending fatherhood, the situation was impossible. If he stayed, they would all feel a responsibility to both him and his baby.  He knew them well enough to know they would shove aside their own wants if they thought he needed them. He would do the same for them. It’s just the way it had always been. But it didn’t have to be.  And how would it affect the baby if, after living with three father figures, one or all of them married and moved away? It could be potentially devastating. It would be far better if he moved and released them from any obligation they felt for him.  He’d let them talk him out of moving in the beginning, but even then, he knew it had been the best idea. He’d allowed his sadness over the idea of losing them to sway him when it would have been in their best interest if he had moved. Would Daichi be back with his ex even now if he weren’t worried about Suga?  The thought sickened him. As much as he loved the man, he did not want to be a hindrance to Daichi’s happiness. And now Asahi was ready to settle down and get married, but his concern kept him from moving forward.

“I don’t like your expression,” Asahi said with a frown. “I wish I hadn’t said anything.”

“I’m glad you did,” he said softly. “You’ve given me a lot to think about. A veritable wake-up call.”  Asahi’s frown deepened. “I think it would be best if I did go ahead and move out.”

Asahi surged up from his seat, his eyes blazing.

“Damn it, Suga. That is not why I brought the subject up. There is no way, no way, I’m going to let you move out right now. And certainly not because you think I would benefit. This is your home. You and your child deserve a home, not a shoddy apartment or trailer somewhere.”

“Sit down,” he said gently. Asahi stared at him for a long moment, then slowly sank back onto the stool.

“Think about it for a minute. As long as I’m living here with you guys you’re all going to put off your own wants and needs because you think I’m your little omega and you have to take care of me.”

“But—”

“Let me finish,” he said, putting his hand out. “It will only get worse when the baby is born. I don’t want any of you to sacrifice your happiness for me. I can’t stand the thought of it. For everyone’s sake, including mine, I need to find a place for me and the baby to live. Then we’ll all feel free to make decisions regarding our futures without worry.”  Asahi shook his head adamantly.

“What if something happened to you while you were pregnant?”

“It’s not like I wouldn’t have a phone,” he said dryly.

“I don’t want you to move,” he said simply.

“I think it might just be time to step out from under yours and Daichi's and Tanaka’s protective arms. I’ve stayed because I’ve been comfortable, but I’ve never given thought to the sacrifices you’ve made for me.”

“It’s been no sacrifice,” he said fiercely. “You’ve taken care of us far more than we’ve ever taken care of you.”  Suga chuckled.

“That might just be true, but maybe it’s time for that to change. I have a baby to take care of now.” His mind began to work again. There had to be a solution. “What if I stayed until the baby is born and then moved? It would give everyone the time to get used to the idea, and it would give me the time to save up some money.”

“But is that what you want?” Asahi asked, studying him intently. “Because if you’re doing it because you think it would be best for us, forget it. You and the baby are more important right now.”

“I won’t lie and say I won’t miss you all terribly. But I’ll visit. Okay, I’ll visit a lot.” He grinned slightly. “And hopefully you guys will visit me.” And maybe, just maybe, if things went the way they were supposed to, Asahi and Noya wouldn’t be the only ones to get together.  But he couldn’t think of him and Daichi right now. Asahi obviously wanted to make a commitment to Noya, and he didn’t want to keep a man who was like a brother from his happiness.

“We’ll talk about it when the time comes,” Suga tried ending the debate.

“What will we talk about?” Tanaka said as he sauntered back up to the bar.

“That I’m going to move out after the baby’s born,” he said lightly. There was no reason to keep it a secret. The sooner everyone knew, the faster it would be dealt with. He steeled himself for protest, but Tanaka merely looked at him.

“Are you sure?”  He nodded then turned back to Asahi.

“So, now that we got that out of the way, when do you plan to pop the question?”  Tanaka’s mouth fell open.

“Seriously? You’re asking Noya to marry you?”

“I’m thinking about it,” Asahi corrected.

“Hey man, that’s great. He’s a great guy.” He slapped Asahi on the back, a broad grin on his face.

“Thanks. I think so, too.”

The doorknob rattled, and Daichi walked in the door, dumping his keys on the bar. He looked curiously between the three standing at the bar. Suga tensed, the jubilation he felt for Asahi fading.

“Did I miss something? You three look like you’re celebrating.”

“Asahi’s getting hitched,” Tanaka said with a grin.

“Might be getting hitched,” Asahi said, elbowing Tanaka in the gut.

“Really? That’s great. When’s the big day?”

Suga watched as the world around him began to change. No, it had been changing for a while. Ever since the fateful night he’d had sex with Daichi. And there wasn’t a damn thing he could do to reverse the consequences.  He tuned out the guys who were in an animated conversation as to how best for Asahi to propose. Somehow, Suga always imagined he would be the first to get married and move out. At this rate, he’d be the last.

“I guess we’ll all be looking for a new place to live and not just Suga,” Tanaka spoke up, yanking Suga from his thoughts.  Daichi frowned.

“What? I thought we agreed he was staying here.”

“Somehow I don’t see the newlyweds wanting three guys and a baby crowding in on their marriage,” Suga pointed out. “Asahi and I have discussed it, and I’ll move out after the baby’s born.”  Daichi looked thunderstruck.

“There’s no reason the three of us couldn’t find a place.”  Tanaka leaned back and remained silent. In fact, everyone shut up.

“And what about when you and Tanaka decide to get married? That means me and the tikester will be moving again. No, I’d rather find a permanent place and make a home for me and my child,” he said firmly.

Daichi opened his mouth to speak then shut it again.  Asahi ran a hand through his hair.

“You see, Suga? This is precisely why I didn’t want to get into this yet. What we have here works. We’re a family.”

Daichi nodded. Even Tanaka acknowledged it by a slight inclination of his head.

“Even families have to grow up and move on,” he insisted. “And I can’t imagine either one of them wanting you to sacrifice your happiness just to keep us all together.”

At that, both men shook their heads.  Suga walked around the bar to where Asahi sat and wrapped his arms tightly around him.

“I want you to be happy. Sure, it will suck for a while. Do you remember when I left for college?”  Asahi chuckled close to his ear.  “We’ll get over it, and we’ll still be a family. Only now, Noya will be a part of it.”

Asahi returned the hug, nearly squeezing the breath from him. Suga drew away then glanced back at Daichi and Tanaka

“There is one catch, you know. You’ll have to have us all over on Sundays. Noya will just have to understand if he’s going to marry you.”

He winked broadly at Asahi, and his face relaxed into a huge smile.  As Suga looked around the kitchen, the only one not smiling was Daichi.

Chapter Text

Daichi had been unable to shake his irritation ever since Suga had informed them all he was moving out and Asahi had announced he was proposing to Noya. He felt betrayed. He sat at the kitchen bar waiting for the others to get ready for the annual fire and rescue barbeque held at the firehouse. He had almost no enthusiasm to go, but neither did he want to stay at home and stew.  For the last several years, he’d lived with people he considered his family. His best friends. And now, in the space of a few months, things were going to change forever. It was thoroughly depressing. Almost as depressing as Suga dating freaking Kuroo.  As if conjuring him up by his thoughts, Daichi looked up to see Kuroo knocking on the kitchen door. With a scowl, he motioned him in.

“What the hell are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be working?” Daichi asked.

“Yeah, I just ran over to pick Suga up for the barbeque.”  Irritation surged over Daichi.

“You left work to pick him up when we’re all heading over there anyway? He could have ridden with us.”  Kuroo shrugged.

“Slow morning, and you’re only five minutes away. Besides, I asked Suga to go with me.”  Remembering how angry he had made Suga last time, Daichi bit his tongue and turned away.

“He’ll be out in a minute.”

“Kuroo, what are you doing here?” Tanaka asked as he walked into the kitchen.

“Picking Suga up.”  Tanaka frowned.

“He could’ve ridden with us.”  Kuroo rolled his eyes.

“Can you just get him? I have to get back to the station pretty quick.”

“Suga,” Tanaka hollered toward his room. “Lover boy’s here to get you.”

“Don’t be an ass,” Kuroo said with a scowl.

Suga appeared seconds later, and Daichi did an instant double take. In a word, he looked fantastic. He glowed from head to toe. Was it all due to pregnancy, or had he always looked so damn beautiful?

“Hi, Kuroo, you ready to go?” Suga asked with a smile in his direction. Jealousy slammed hard into Daichi’s chest, leaving him nearly shaking. Jealousy. Good God. He was losing his ever-loving mind.

“I’ll see you guys in a bit?” Suga asked, turning to look at him and Tanaka.

“Yeah, we’re coming now,” Daichi said, picking up his keys.  Kuroo led Suga out with a hand to his back, and Daichi followed behind seething the entire way. As usual, Tanaka was wearing his smug little grin.

***

“This isn’t working,” Suga said, as he and Kuroo pulled up to the firehouse.

A multitude of cars and trucks were parked at the station, and in the vacant lot adjoining the building, a large barbeque grill had been set up.  Firemen, ambulance personnel, and even some of the sheriff’s department were gathered, laughing and joking over cold beer.  Kuroo turned the engine off and slid around in his seat to face him.

“What’s not working?”

“This whole charade,” he said with a sigh. “I feel pretty stupid about it now. I don’t want to drive a wedge between me and Daichi, and I think that’s precisely what I’m doing. If I can’t have him in the way I wanted, I at least want to continue our friendship.”

“That’s understandable.” His eyes softened in sympathy. “I’m sorry, Suga. I wish I could help.”

“You have helped.” He reached over and squeezed Kuroo's hand. “You’ve been a great friend.”

“So does this mean you’re dumping me?” he asked, adopting a mock wounded look.  Suga laughed.

“I doubt anyone’s ever dumped you.”

Daichi and Tanaka pulled up beside them, and Suga turned to get out of the car. He could feel Daichi boring holes in his back as he followed them into the station house.  As they walked in, Asahi called out a greeting. He and Noya were talking with the fire chief and his husband. Suga smiled and waved, feeling a quick moment of happiness that Asahi had found the one he wanted to marry.

Within moments of their arrival, a game of flag football formed, and Suga was cajoled into playing. The fire crew was pitted against rescue, and Suga was recruited by ambulance since he had worked dispatch in the past.  Amidst cries of traitor, he joined his teammates against the guys and the other members of their fire squad.

Curiously, Daichi stood back, a drink in hand, broodingly silent. Suga frowned as he lined up across from Tanaka.

“What eating him?” he asked, nodding in Daichi’s direction.  Tanaka shrugged.

“Dunno. He’s been like that all morning.”

He glanced back over again as the football was snapped and froze. Tanaka shot by him, but his gaze was riveted to the woman standing beside Daichi. What the hell was she doing here?

“You’re way too easy,” Tanaka teased as he brushed back by him to line up.  Suga blinked then flushed. He’d missed the entire play.

“What’s she doing here?” He hissed as he tried to divert his attention to the game.  Tanaka glanced over his shoulder.

“Talking to Daichi, it looks like.”

“My, aren’t you the observant one,” he said sourly.  Tanaka chuckled.

“C’mon, let’s play. You can get out all that pent-up aggression.”

“Just remember you asked for it,” he muttered as he drove his shoulder into Tanaka’s stomach.  Thirty minutes later, the score was tied, and the barbeque was almost ready. But rescue had the ball, and they weren’t conceding defeat just to go eat. They formed the huddle, and Ennoshita, a paramedic Suga had gone to school with, gestured at him.

“Give the ball to him. No one will mess with a pregnant omega.” He winked as Suga laughed.

“Don’t be so sure about that. Tanaka is out for revenge after I laid him out a while ago.”

“You up for it, Suga?” Narita asked.

“I’ll hand it off and run interference for you down the field.”

“Oh sure, make the pregnant guy run,” he grumbled, but grinned good-naturedly.

They lined up, and he grinned evilly at Tanaka.

“Don’t get in my way, tough guy”

The play started, and after a fake pass, Narita tossed the ball to Suga then shoved Tanaka out of the way. Suga tucked the ball under his arm and took off down the field toward the appointed goal line.  Laughter rose as Fire figured out they’d been had. But Kuroo wasn’t so easy a sale. He cut Suga off before he could reach the goal line and scooped him up ball and all.

“Interception!” he yelled as he took off toward the opposite end of the field.  Suga shouted with laughter.

“Put me down, you lug!” He bounced on his shoulder, the ground spinning below him as Kuroo wrapped an arm around his legs and increased his speed.  And just as suddenly as he had been plucked from the ground, suddenly he was flat on his back, Kuroo sprawled on top of his. Suga sucked in air or tried to as he wheezed for breath.

“Oh crap, Suga, are you all right?” Kuroo demanded as he scrambled up.

“What happened?” Suga croaked.

“The moron fell on you,” Tanaka offered as he appeared beside him.  Concern filled his eyes as he bent down.

“Are you okay?”  And then Daichi was over him, shoving Kuroo and Tanaka back.

“Don’t move,” he instructed.

“I’m okay,” he protested. “Just got the wind knocked out of me. Don’t go all paramedic on me, Daichi. There’s enough of those around.”

The crowd that had gathered around him laughed in relief. But Daichi was still frowning. He glared up at Kuroo.

“That was a dumbass thing to do. You don’t sling a pregnant omega over your shoulder and go barging down the field.”  Kuroo remained silent to Suga’s relief. He had no desire to be the center of an argument.

“I’m fine, Daichi ,” he said firmly. “Now help me up.”

Strong hands lifted him to a standing position and remained on his shoulders as he stood a moment collecting himself. He caught Asahi's concerned gaze across the field and nodded reassuringly at him.

“Guess the game’s over,” Ennoshita announced.

“The food’s ready anyway,” Chief Ukai remarked, sliding his arm around his husband, Takeda.

“Are you okay?” Takeda asked, placing a hand on Suga’s shoulder. He smiled at the other omega.

“I’m fine. Thanks, though.

“You know these men,” Takeda said, rolling his eyes. “All brawn and absolutely no brain.”

“Hey, I resemble that remark,” Kuroo protested. He slid an arm around Suga’s waist, apology reflected in his eyes.

“I’m sorry, Suga. Daichi’s right. It was stupid, and I could have hurt you.”

“At least he admits it,” Daichi muttered.

“Enough already,” Suga said. “I’m ready to eat.”

The crowd filtered out, all heading to the two tables that had been set up by the barbeque pit. Daichi lagged behind as Suga slowly walked toward the others.

“Are you sure you’re not hurt?” he persisted.

“Daichi, I’m fine,” he said in exasperation.  Daichi put an arm around his shoulders and walked back with him. As they approached the others, Suga could feel Michimiya staring at them. There was no malevolence in her eyes, just thoughtful reflection.  Suga felt a pang of guilt. What if Daichi really wanted to be with her? What if she was the only one who could make him happy? Suga shook his head, then disguised the gesture by smoothing his hair with his hand. No. He couldn’t countenance Michimiya being the right woman for Daichi after she had betrayed him.

The line had formed as barbeque ribs and chicken were laid out on the table. Delicious smells filled the air, and several groaned their appreciation. Every year, the barbeque was eagerly awaited as it was generally accepted that Chief Ukai cooked the best damn barbeque in the prefecture.  The talk centered around the latest fire or ambulance calls. The sheriff’s deputies added their stories of the latest weirdos they had arrested. Then, of course, the conversation settled on something they all appreciated. Sports.  Suga sat to the side to eat, watching the others. Tanaka was flirting with the newest EMT with the ambulance service. His attention turned to Asahi and Noya, and once again, he felt a pang at their obvious devotion to one another. Noya was kind and exuberant and perfect for Asahi. Then his gaze slid to Michimiya, who stood several feet away from where Daichi was conversing with Chief Ukai. It escaped Suga why she had even shown up, but then the barbeque always got its fair share of people who invited themselves. Before the day was over, most of the town would probably end up coming by.  A series of shrill beeps split the air, and a chorus of groans soon followed. The on duty guys, including Kuroo, scrambled up and headed for the inside of the station. He stopped on his way and offered an apology.

“I’m sorry, Suga. If I’m not back by the time you get ready to leave, can you get a ride home with Daichi and Tanaka?”

Suga nodded, and he hurried off. A few minutes later, the fire truck left the station, and the party resumed. He picked at the rest of his food, his appetite practically non-existent.  A curious tightening in his abdomen had Suga shifting in his seat to alleviate the discomfort. After a few minutes, he got up and threw his plate away in the garbage. He stood watching everyone else, fidgeting from one foot to another. He couldn’t explain the slight unease he felt.  In relief, he turned his attention to Asahi, who stood and motioned for silence. Noya stood beside him, bouncing and smiling at the people now staring at him and Asahi. Suga’s chest tightened, and a smile found its way to his mouth. He knew what was coming.

“I have good news.” Asahi shyly announced, a grin on his face. Before he could continue, Noya yelled out.

“We’re getting married!”

The people gathered erupted in cheers and whistles, and the happy couple was immediately swarmed as everyone came to offer congratulations, hugs, and handshakes.  Suga stood back, his smile growing ever wider. It was wonderful to see Asahi so happy. He found his gaze, and Suga smiled even bigger. When the crowd around them lessened, Suga walked over and enfolded Asahi in his biggest hug.

“I’m happy for you,” he whispered. Asahi gripped him harder.  Then he drew away and smiled at Noya.

“Congratulations, Noya.” He hugged his future psudo in-law.

“Thank you. Are you sure you’re okay with this? You’re more than welcome to keep living at the house.” he asked anxiously, holding on to both of Suga’s hands as they drew apart.

I’m positive. You two make a great couple.”

Noya relaxed and settled back into Asahi’ side.

“Do you have a date yet?” Suga asked.  Noya looked up at Asahi.

“We thought next summer.” Asahi nodded his agreement.

Once again, Suga felt the discomfort of guilt. He had a feeling if it weren’t for the fact he was pregnant, they would marry much earlier. But as it was, they wouldn’t have a house to live in until he and the other guys moved out.  He turned away and excused himself, then headed inside the station to go to the bathroom. A few minutes alone would do wonders before his smile cracked in front of everyone else. And he did have to pee awfully bad.  Plus, his pregnancy hormones must be going crazy, because it felt like he slicked his briefs. Definitely time to clean himself up. But when he pulled down his underwear and sat down on the toilet, he forgot all about everything but the smudges of blood in his underwear. Not slick. Blood.

His stomach clenched, and panic swelled in his throat. He closed his eyes and tried to remember the passage in the pregnancy book about blood. Damn it, there were only forty different reasons a pregnant omega could spot, but the one uppermost in his mind was miscarriage.

Chapter Text

Suga walked outside, his eyes seeking Tanaka. When he zeroed in on his location, he made a beeline for him. Thankfully, he was on the edge of the crowd of people so they wouldn’t attract any attention.  Suga walked up to him and touched him on the arm. Tanaka stopped talking to the sheriff’s deputy and turned. Alarm flashed in his eyes. Was his fear that obvious?  Before Tanaka could voice any concern, Suga tightened his grip on the arm.

“Can I speak to you a minute?” he asked in a low voice, hoping not to be overheard by anyone else.

Tanaka followed him over a few feet then immediately demanded to know what was wrong. He swallowed the rising panic and tried to speak calmly so as not to alarm him further.

“Can you take me home?”  Tanaka frowned.

“Sure, but what’s wrong?”

“I’m spotting,” he whispered.  Tanaka’s eyes widened.

“Let me get the others. We need to get you to the hospital.”

He caught Tanaka’s arm as he turned.

“No.”

“Why not?” he demanded.

“Shhh, I don’t want to make a big scene. I don’t want to ruin Asahi and Noya’s moment, and Daichi is busy talking to Michimiya. Can you just take me home?”

“I’m taking you to the hospital,” he said stubbornly.  Suga gritted his teeth.

“First I want to go home so I can call my OB. It may be nothing. I’ve read that spotting is common with pregnant omegas. I just want to be safe.”

“Then come on,” he said, taking his arm and leading them toward the truck.  They climbed in, and Tanaka backed up and roared off.

“I don’t like this,” he said. “I should be taking you to the hospital.”

“And maybe you will. I just want to see what my doctor has to say. I just didn’t want to make a big to do in front of everyone back there.”

“Was it the fall?” he demanded.

“I don’t know,” Suga said honestly. “I don’t know anything.”  As if sensing how close he was to losing what semblance of control he had, Tanaka reached across and squeezed his hand tightly.

“It’ll be okay.”

But Suga could hear the uncertainty in his voice.  When they got home, Tanaka ushered him in.

“Sit down on the couch.”  Tanaka ordered.

Suga sat down in the corner of the couch as he dialed the number,  his hand smoothed over his stomach, feeling the bulge. Tears stung his eyelids, and he blinked rapidly to keep them at bay. He couldn’t lose his baby. He’d never even told Daichi it was his.  Tanaka sat down beside him, placing a hand on his back and rubbed up and down in an effort to comfort him.  After leaving a message with the doctor’s answering service, he hung up and looked helplessly over at Tanaka.

“I can’t lose this baby.”

“I know, sweetheart,” he said, enfolding him in his arms.

Tanaka rocked him back and forth, rubbing up and down his back.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to just take you into the ER and get you checked out?”

He shook his head.

“I’ll see what the doctor says first.”

The sound of the kitchen door opening had Suga wiping his eyes frantically. He looked over to see Daichi standing by the bar staring at them.

“What the hell is going on?” he demanded. “Suga, why are you crying?”

Daichi took in Suga’s tear-stained face and fear seized him. What was wrong? Why had he and Tanaka left the barbeque? The phone ringing interrupted his question, and Suga quickly snatched it up.  Tanaka stood up and walked over as Suga murmured in low tones to whoever it was on the phone. Daichi strained to hear, but Tanaka spoke up in a whisper.

“He started spotting.”  Daichi caught his breath.

“Why didn’t you take him to the hospital?”

“I tried. He wanted to come here and call his doctor first.”

Daichi ran a hand through his hair and blew out his breath in irritation.

“Why didn’t one of you tell me? I looked up, and you were driving off.”

“He didn’t want to ruin Asahi’s big moment.”

“That doesn’t explain why you didn’t come get me,” he gritted out.

“You were busy talking to Michimiya,” Tanaka pointed out. “Suga didn’t want to make a scene, so he asked me to bring him home.”

Anger and fear built within him as he watched Suga anxiously talk on the phone. His fear reached out to Daichi. He could practically feel it from here. Why hadn’t Suga told him? Were they getting so far apart? What in the world was happening to them?  When he put the phone down, Daichi immediately went to his side.

“What did he say?” he demanded.

Suga looked questioningly up at Tanaka.

“I told him,” Tanaka explained.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Daichi asked.

“I didn’t want to worry you,” he said softly.

“Too late. Now, what did the doctor tell you. Do we need to take you to the hospital?”  Suga looked up at him, his eyes filled with uncertainty.

“He said to lie down and take it easy. If I continue to spot or if I start having contractions, he wants me to go into the hospital. But otherwise, he wants me on bed rest for the rest of the day.”

“Is there something I can do?” Daichi asked helplessly.

Sugs shook his head and started to rise. Daichi caught his hand, feeling him tremble.

“Want me to get you a pillow and blanket so you can lay down right here?”  He smiled, and Daichi felt something within him start to melt.

“I’d like that. Thanks.”

He went to the closet, pulled out two pillows and a blanket, then returned to the couch. He plumped the pillows and set them on the end, then he patted it, gesturing for Suga to lie down. As he settled on the couch, Daichi pulled the blanket up over him. He let his hand drift to his cheek to smooth the tendrils of hair from his face. Suga’s skin felt velvety soft under his fingertips, and he resisted the temptation to touch his lips.  He yanked his hand away and mentally shook himself.

“Get some rest, sweetheart.”  Turning away, he met Tanaka’s gaze and motioned him into the kitchen.

“Can you take Narita’s car back to the barbeque and get him to run you back home? He let me borrow it to run home, and I thought I’d just get you to follow me back in mine, but I don’t want to leave Suga alone.”

“Yeah sure,” Tanaka said, reaching for the keys.

Suga watched from the couch as Daichi turned and walked over to him once more. Suga smiled tentatively up at him as he knelt by the couch.

“How are you doing? Any cramping?” he asked.

“You’ve been reading my pregnancy book again,” Suga said with a laugh, but he found it endearing.  He reached a hand up and placed it on Daichi’s chest.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

“For what?” he asked, confusion clouding his eyes.

“For caring about me,” he said softly.

Not taking the time to ponder whether this was the appropriate moment, Suga smoothed his hand up over Daichi’s shoulder and over the back of his neck. Pulling him down at the same time he raised his lips, Suga pressed his mouth to Daichi’s. Daichi stiffened in surprise, but Suga moved his lips softly, seeking, almost pleading with him to respond. Daichi’s mouth opened, and he took control of the kiss. His hand slid up to Suga’s neck holding them together as his tongue darted forth.  Suga moaned softly, twining his fingers in Daichi’s short hair, pulling him even closer. Heaven had nothing on Daichi. His kiss was possessive, strong, everything he’d dreamed about since their first night together. Only now, Daichi knew what he was doing.  A giddy thrill shot through his body as the kiss went on, Daichi’s hot breath on his face only fanning the out of control flames.

Then Daichi jerked away, leaving Suga struggling to catch his breath. His eyes were bright with…regret? Shock? Daichi rocked back on his heels and ran a hand through his hair, then swore.  This wasn’t the reaction Suga envisioned.  He struggled to sit up, then he waited with dread for Daichi to speak.

“Jesus, Suga. I’m sorry. Christ, are you okay?”

He nodded, too numb to speak.

He was apologizing. Humiliation edged every bit of the euphoria that had swept over Suga just seconds ago. Slow heat spread up his neck and over his cheeks.

“I’m fine,” he finally murmured.

Not saying anything further, he rose, wrapping his dignity around him like a tattered blanket, then walked through the kitchen toward his room.

“Suga, wait,” Daichi called.

Ignoring the plea, he quietly closed the door behind him and locked it. If he didn’t get out of there soon, he was going to lose all semblance of self-control.  The tears came before he got to his nest. He knew it was a long shot, but hope springs eternal. Or it did. Now he was going to have to face the music. He was pregnant and alone. Daichi didn’t see him as anything romantic. The sooner he came to terms with that, the sooner he could get on with his future. Single motherhood.  His doorknob jiggled, and then a soft knock sounded.

“Suga? Suga, open the door, please. We need to talk. God, I’m sorry. I had no right to do that.”

He buried his head further into the pillow and shut out the sound of pleading. After a few minutes, he could hear Daichi walk away.  He rolled onto his side and gripped the pillow against his chest. What the hell was he going to do? He couldn’t face him now. Once again, he’d screwed up royally. And this time he’d probably ruined their friendship as well.  In a few months, he’d be moving out. That much was known. But what to do in the meantime? He had to start thinking of his future in terms that didn’t include Daichi. As painful as it was, it was time to face the cold, hard facts.  He didn’t have a college degree. He was pregnant. He wasn’t married. Three things working against him.  He had a great job considering the lack of a degree, but it wasn’t enough to foot the bill for the upcoming days. So what could he do about it? There wasn’t time to devote to going back to school. Suga needed the additional income now, not later.  He heard the door slam and tensed, waiting to see if anyone would come to his door. Would Daichi tell Asahi and Tanaka what happened? Surely not. But the thought made him nauseous.  How could he face any of them? What a complete cluster fuck he had made of his life. It would be a miracle if he managed to have a normal child.

He needed to figure out where to get a job. He could work a few nights a week and maybe weekends until the baby came. The extra money would come in handy when he had to pay for his own place and daycare for the baby.  He had some money in savings, but now it had to be reserved for his child’s future.  Who was he kidding? He was getting a job to keep away from Daichi. Yeah, he was a coward. And he did need the money. He had things to buy. Baby furniture. A crib and cute little clothes. And while he was at it, he had to figure out what to do about the little matter of the baby’s father.

***

Daichi sat at the bar staring out the kitchen window. Suga had refused to open his door, and he was feeling more miserable by the minute. Having his testicles forcibly removed with a rusty knife was too good for him at the moment.  What kind of clod was he to have taken advantage of Suga at his weakest moment? He’d been spotting. He was scared to death to lose his baby, and all Daichi could think about was how good he tasted, how smooth his skin felt beneath his touch, and how he wanted nothing more than to make love to the man all night long.  He looked up as Asahi and Tanaka drove up, cringing at the thought of telling them what he had done. Then again, he wasn’t stupid. Better to keep his mouth shut.  Asahi walked in, worry evident in his eyes.

“Where’s Suga?”  Daichi gestured toward the bedroom.

“He went to bed,” he muttered.

“Was he doing okay?” Asahi persisted.

“Yeah, I think so. He talked to his doc and he didn’t sound too concerned. Just wanted him to take it easy.”

“It’s good he went to bed,” Tanaka said. “I’m sure bonehead falling on him today had a lot to do with the spotting.”  Daichi scowled at the mention of Kuroo.

“He doesn’t watch out for Suga like he should.”

“I have to agree with you there,” Asahi said, nodding his head slowly. “I don’t know what he sees in him to be honest. I’m tempted to have a talk with Suga about it.”

“Maybe you can talk some sense into him.”

“I think he’s having a hard time right now,” Asahi said regretfully. “I feel to blame. I’m not sure it was the right time to talk about marriage with Noya.”

Daichi remained silent, not agreeing or disagreeing with that sentiment. In truth, he did agree that the timing was rotten. He had no doubt Suga was dealing with a lot. Adapting to his pregnancy, not to mention moving out of the house he’d called home for years. Daichi wanted to be angry with Asahi, but he couldn’t begrudge him his happiness.

“I’m heading to bed,” he announced, unable to stand it any longer. The kiss was haunting him. He had replayed it over and over in his head until it became one continuous stream.  He said goodnight and went straight to the bathroom. He needed a shower. A very cold shower.

Chapter Text

After a sleepless night, Suga stood and stretched before heading to the shower. He had gotten up several times during the night, checking to see if he was still spotting. To his relief, there had been no evidence of blood and he’d experienced no cramping.  The guys were late sleepers, and if he was lucky, he’d be able to get out of the house without getting a lecture on staying in bed or encountering Daichi.  A flush crawled over his face at the idea of looking Daichi in the eye. His apology was too fresh on Suga's mind, and the look of horror on his face when he’d kissed him was enough to make Suga want to keep his distance for a while.

He tiptoed out of his room, relieved to see the kitchen empty. He froze when he saw Daichi asleep on the couch. Had he waited up? Acting quickly, Suga scribbled a note and left it out on the bar so they guys wouldn’t worry before heading out to the car.  The first order of business was to find a part-time job. He had a few ideas and would check them out before he got desperate enough to flip burgers. Iwazumi, the head of Emergency Medical Services dispatch, had offered him a job before when he’d filled in one summer. Perhaps he needed a PRN person.  Suga drove to central dispatch, just two blocks from the fire station and the county run ambulance service. Luck was with him, and Iwazumi was in his office.  He looked up when Suga knocked and smiled welcomingly.

“Hey Suga. Come on in. What can I do for you?”  “

Hi.” He slid into a chair in front of the desk and nervously took in a breath. “I was wondering if you had any PRN positions open.”  He raised his eyebrow in surprise.

“Sure. I always need dispatchers to fill in. As it is, most people are working extra hours. You asking for yourself?”  Suga nodded.

“I still work for Doc Nekomata, so I could only work weekends or in the evenings, but I’d like the part-time work.”

“I sure won’t turn down an experienced dispatcher.”

He rolled back in his chair to the file cabinet behind him and rifled through one of the drawers. He pulled out an application and handed it over.

“Fill this out and get it back to me. When would you like to start?”

“As soon as possible,” he replied, taking the paper from him.  Iwa handed him a pen and studied him for a moment.

“I’ve known you for a long time. What’s going on? Are you in some kind of trouble?”  Suga raised his eyes to look at him.

“Oh no. No trouble. I’m sure you’ve heard by now.”

He paused a moment. Iwazumi hadn’t been at the barbeque, but as much as the town loved to gossip, he couldn’t imagine the man didn’t know.

“Heard what?”

“That I’m pregnant. I just need the extra money until the baby’s born.”  Iwa tried to mask the surprise, but his eyes gave him away.

“No, I hadn’t heard. Congratulations.”

“Thank you. You’re the first person to actually congratulate me and mean it,” he said with a smile.

“I can imagine,” he said dryly.  Suga handed the application back to him.  He glanced over it a moment, then looked at his calendar. “Want to come in Monday after you get off work and reacquaint yourself with the surroundings? Oikawa is working then, and he’ll be glad to show you the ropes again.”

“That would be great.” Suga got up and extended his hand.

“Thank, Iwa. I owe you one.”

“Hell no, you don’t. If you only knew how badly I needed dispatchers. I should be down kissing your feet.”  He grinned.

“I’ll see you Monday then.”  Feeling a little lighter, he got into his car and checked his watch. It was only ten. Well, now that he had another job, he could go look for baby things anyway. And it sure beat going back home and facing Daichi.  Tomorrow he’d run his job idea by the OB and get his okay before committing to the whole shebang. He needed the job. Needed the money. Needed to get away from Daichi before he imploded. But he would do nothing at the expense of his baby. Their baby.

***

By seven, he was thoroughly exhausted. Suga’s list had been compiled of exactly what he wanted. A crib small enough to fit in his bedroom. A pack-n-play for the living room. Lots of must haves, according to the saleswoman, like a swing and bouncer.  Unable to avoid the inevitable any longer, he turned homeward, praying that Asahi and Tanaka were at home so he could avoid any conversation with Daichi. All three vehicles were in the driveway to his relief. He parked then trudged into the house.  Three sets of eyes stared at his when he opened the door. His fatigue must have been evident because they immediately pounced.

“Where the hell have you been all day?” Asahi demanded. “Aren’t you supposed to be resting?”

“You look like hell.”  Tanaka added, always the sweet talker.

“I’m tired. I’m going to bed.” Suga started toward his room, avoiding  Daich’s gaze when Tanaka spoke up.

“Is everything okay, Suga?”  He smiled crookedly.

“Yeah, just overdid it. G’night.”

Not waiting for them to say anything more, he escaped to his room and locked the door behind him. No sooner had he gotten undressed and into bed a knock sounded at his door.

“Suga, it’s me, Asahi.”

“I’m in bed,” he called.

“I want to talk to you.”

“Can it wait? I’m really tired.”  There was a long pause.

“Okay. Get some rest. We’ll talk later.”

He laid back and closed his eyes. Then the tears fell.

***

On Monday Suga congratulated himself for going the entire weekend without seeing Daichi more than in passing. He’d work in dispatch after the vets, and the guys were starting a forty-eight on Tuesday, so the earliest he’d see him would be Thursday afternoon. Provided Suga didn’t work that night.

He got off a little early, so he went home to change before heading to his second job. When he let himself in, the guys were all watching TV in the living room. He called out a hello, then went into his bedroom to change.  Moments later, he came back out and paused in the kitchen. Knowing he had to at least tell them where he was going, Suga cleared his throat.

“I’ll see you guys later.”  They swiveled around to look at him.

“Where you going?” Tanaka asked.

“Work.”

The word hung in the air a moment as they digested what he’d said.

“Work?” Asahi asked. “You just got home from work.”

"I’m doing some PRN work for Iwa over at dispatch.”  Their surprise was evident.

“Huh? Since when?” Asahi asked.

“Since Saturday.”

“Hell, Suga, you used to tell us shit like this. What’s the deal lately?” Tanaka’s voice rose, and he got up to walk toward him. “You should be in bed resting. Have you forgotten what happened a few days ago?”

“Look it’s no big deal. I just haven’t seen you guys what with your schedules lately. I gotta run, or I’ll be late. I’ll talk to you later.”

He spun around to leave.  Daichi watched him walk out and suppressed the urge to put his fist through the coffee table. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out Suga was avoiding him.  Tanaka returned to the living room, a deep frown on his face.

“I don’t know what the hell is going on with him, but he isn’t telling us something.”

“Oh you think?” Asahi muttered.

“What’s with him getting a second job? He’s pregnant for Christ sake. He doesn’t need to be working two jobs,” Tanaka said in a raised voice. He turned to Daichi.

“You usually aren’t short on something to say. Do you know what’s eating Suga?”

Yeah, he knew all right. But he wasn’t going to blurt out that he’d been putting the moves on Suga in his weak moment. Asahi and Tanaka would use his face for a punching bag.

“No, I don’t. Maybe he just needed the extra cash with the baby coming.”

“If it’s money he needs, he only has to ask.”

“But that’s just it,” Daichi said. “I don’t see him asking anyone for anything. You know as well as I do, he’d never do anything he thought would make himself a burden.”

“I think it’s something else,” Asahi popped up. “I don’t know what it is… yet. But I aim to find out.”

***

Nothing had changed in dispatch since Suga had last worked, and he picked up the mechanics again quickly. He sat for a few hours watching and listening to Oikawa.  When he was ready to leave, the other man pulled him aside.

“First of all, I wanted to offer my congratulations on the baby.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

“Secondly, Iwa-chan figured you’d pick things back up quickly, so he left a tentative schedule for you. Look over it and see what you think. If it’s okay, we’ll jot you down for those days.”

Suga took the sheet and glanced over it. He worked both days of the upcoming weekend, plus one weeknight in between. The rest of the month consisted of at least one weekend day and two to three weeknights. Not overwhelming, but it sure wouldn’t leave much time at home. It was perfect.

“These are fine,” he said, handing back.

“You sure it won’t be too much with you being pregnant?”

“I’ll be fine. I can always sit with my feet up.”

“That’s true,” Oikawa said with a grin. “I’ll make sure Iwa-chan gets you a nice cushion. You could probably ask for just about anything at this point. He’s so grateful he’d likely give it to you."  Suga laughed.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Well, you get on home. I’ll see you Thursday.”

Suga waved and headed out to his car. When he got home and let himself in the house, he nearly groaned aloud. All three men were sitting on the couch, obviously waiting for him.  Ignoring them, he set about making a sandwich.

“It’s not going to work,” Asahi announced.  He turned around and raised a brow. “You’re ignoring us.”

“I’m eating,” he pointed out.

“Well, that’s something, at least. You haven’t been doing enough of that lately.”

“Don’t lecture,” he said with a frown.

He turned back to his sandwich but felt their stares. If he were really brave, he’d go to his room and bar the door. But that would immediately send the signal he was indeed avoiding them. Better to sit here and eat then go to bed.

“We want to talk to you, Suga,” Asahi persisted.  With a sigh, he turned back around.

“Can't a guy eat in peace?”

“By all means finish, but when you’re done, we’re going to have a little talk.”  He rolled his eyes.

“There’s nothing to talk about.”

“I think there is,” Daichi spoke up, his voice strained.

Panic assailed Suga. Surely, he wouldn’t bring up what happened in front of the guys. His food coiled in a knot in his throat, then hit his stomach like a ton of bricks. His stomach lurched in protest.  Not bothering to explain, Suga bolted for the bathroom. His stomach emptied in short order. He leaned heavily against the toilet, anxiety eating a hole in his gut.

“Suga, open the damn door,” Asahi demanded.

Well, at least it wasn’t Daichi. Weakly, he flipped the bolt then returned to his stance of hanging his head over the bowl.

“Are you okay?” he asked as he shoved into the small bathroom.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

Asahi grabbed a washcloth from the closet and ran cold water over it.

“Here,” he said offering it.

“Thanks.” He rose slowly, wiping his forehead with the cloth.

“Now suppose you tell me what the hell is going on with you.”  Suga flushed the toilet, then lowered the seat so he could sit.

“Nothing is going on. This is normal pregnancy stuff.”

“I see. You getting a second job is normal pregnancy stuff. And not saying anything to us about it is normal pregnancy stuff.”

He crossed his arms over his chest and stared hard at the smaller man. Suga let out a frustrated sigh.

“It’s no big deal. I wanted the extra money for when the baby comes. Iwazumi’s offered me a job before. I thought it would be a great opportunity. You worked on Sunday so I didn’t see you.”

“You used to come around the station,” he pointed out. “And in the past, you would have come right over to share any news.”

“I just don’t feel comfortable coming around right now,” he hedged. It wasn’t a complete lie. He was uncomfortable, but his pregnancy had nothing to do with it.

“ I don’t want you killing yourself at a second job in order to afford to move out.”  Suga stared at him in shock.

“No. God, no. That isn’t it at all, Asahi. I’m angry at myself for being such a screwup. You shouldn’t have to plan your life around me and my stupidity.”  Asahi frowned hard at him.

“I don’t want to ever hear you talking like that. You aren’t stupid. No one thinks that.”

“So you don’t think it’s stupid I got myself knocked up and have no man in the wings?” he asked dryly. Suga immediately regretted his snappy question when Asahi jumped on it with both feet.

“I have to admit I’m curious,” he said quietly.

“You’ve never talked about the father. I’ve respected your privacy, but I’m a little hurt you feel you can’t confide in me.”  Suga groaned.

“It’s not that I can’t confide in you. The fact is I can’t confide in anyone right now. I’ve just got to work out some things on my own.”

“I don’t like this distance I feel opening up between you and us. You know Tanaka and Daichi love you as much as I do. We’re family.”

His heart constricted. Asahi would be so pissed if he ruined things between the four of them. And he may well have already done it.

“Just give me some time. This pregnancy gig isn’t a cakewalk.”

“Let us help you, Suga. You aren’t alone.”

“Thanks. I just need some time to sort things out.”

“Okay, I’ll back off, but you have to promise to take it easy. I don’t like this second job you’ve gotten at all. And if you don’t take care of yourself, I’ll make sure Iwazumi cans your ass.”  He laughed.

“Okay, deal. Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to bed.”

“I’ll see you on Thursday.”

He wasn’t about to tell Asahi that he'd work then. After he’d left, Suga shuffled into his bedroom and pulled back the covers. Truth was, he didn’t feel much like going to sleep, but the alternative was getting the riot act from the guys.

Chapter Text

Thursday morning, to his surprise, Suga seemed to have popped out overnight. When he shed his clothes to get into the shower, he had a very noticeable belly bulge. He stood in front of the mirror, examining all the different angles.  According to his pregnancy book, he should be feeling the baby’s first kick anytime now. In just four more weeks, he’d have the sonogram at twenty weeks, and if everything went right, he’d find out the sex.  After he dressed, he surveyed his appearance one more time. He grinned. Yep, there was no mistaking his pregnancy now.

“Now if you would only let me know you’re in there,” he said, smoothing his hands over his rounded stomach.  Before he left, he wrote a note saying he was working that night and left it out on the counter.  The day passed quickly. At five, he changed clothes at the veterinary practice then headed over to dispatch. Oikawa walked in just as Suga sat down to don his headphones. He motioned for Suga to take them off.

“Call this your baptism by fire, but can you work tomorrow night? I know you’re scheduled for the weekend. And I wondered if you could take over a half shift for the next ten days.”

“Sure,” Suga replied.

“You feel up to it?”

“I’m pregnant, not dying,” he retorted.

“Fair enough. Okay then, I’ll see you every day at five thirty. Except this weekend. I need you here at eight to work a full shift if you can.”

Suga nodded and put his headphones back on.  At eleven, he drove home, ready to fall into bed. It wasn’t strenuous work, but coupled with a long day at the veterinary clinic, it became interminable. What had he gotten himself into by agreeing to work the next ten days straight? Daichi and Tanaka were up watching TV when he came in. They immediately got up when they heard him.

“How was work?” Tanaka asked as he ambled into the kitchen.

Daichi slid onto a barstool and watched across the table. His gaze made Suga uncomfortable, so he concentrated on Tanaka.

“It was fine. Not much going on tonight. A fire over on Stiller Road. Turns out old Mrs. Taiko left one of her cigars burning. Caught her drapes on fire.”  Tanaka laughed.

“Glad I wasn’t working tonight.”

Suga turned to put his glass in the sink when he felt a light fluttering in his stomach. He gasped, his hand flying to the bump.  From nowhere, Daichi was beside him.

“Are you all right?” He gripped his arms. “What’s wrong?”  Suga smiled, a feeling of awe pouring over him.

“Nothing. I mean it’s just the baby. It kicked.”

“Cool!” Tanaka exclaimed.

“Where?” Daichi asked softly, putting a hand over his stomach.

“Here.” He slid his hand over the slight bumping on the left side.  A peculiar expression lit his face.

“That’s amazing.”

“Let me feel,” Tanaka said, pushing Daichi aside.  He put his hand over Suga’s stomach and waited. A few seconds later, the tiny bumping resumed. “Wow. That’s weird.”  Suga laughed.

“Weird? Well, I guess so. It feels even weirder.”

“It’s like that alien movie where the alien bursts out of the woman’s stomach. Freaky.”

“You watch way too much TV,” Daichi muttered.

“I’m going to say goodnight now,” Suga announced. “I’ll see you guys later.”

Daichi’s look of frustration told him he had been waiting up to talk. More the reason for him to get out of Dodge quick.

***

“I’m going to kill Iwazumi,” Daichi muttered as he and Tanaka threw their gear into their lockers.

“Dare I ask why?” Tanaka asked with a raised brow.

“He’s working Suga way too hard. Hell, he hasn’t had a night off since he started working there almost two weeks ago. He’s exhausted. He’s working himself into the ground.”

“Yeah, last time I saw him, he wasn’t looking too great. That was a few days ago, so I can’t imagine he’s looking any better now.”  Daichi glanced over at him.

“What do you mean? He looks great, just tired.”  Tanaka laughed.

“Calm down. I didn’t say he needed a paper bag over his head. And yeah, he looks very tired.” He glanced over at Daichi, his look of amusement gone.

“So tell me. What happened between the two of you?”  The knot grew bigger in Daichi’s stomach. Tanaka had always been too perceptive for his own good.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”  Tanaka snorted.

“Please. I’m not an idiot. He’s avoiding us all like the plague, but you in particular.”  Daichi rubbed his face in agitation.

“Yeah well, he has reason.”  Tanaka leaned back against his locker.

“What’d you do?”

“I kissed him.”

Tanaka’s lips twitched suspiciously.

“He’s avoiding you because you kissed him?”

“Not exactly. I was a jerk. I took advantage of him.”

“This I gotta hear.”  When he finished recounting the whole story, Tanaka dissolved into laughter.

“I’m glad you find it so funny,” he muttered.

“Daichi, for such a smart guy, you can be so stupid.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You said he kissed you.”

“Well, he did. But I doubt he realized what he was doing. And I didn’t have to respond.”  Tanaka shook his head.

“Uh huh. Does Suga strike you as a helpless dude who doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing?”  Daichi frowned.

“Well, no.”

“Ding ding ding. We have a winner.”

“Shut the hell up,” he growled. “What are you getting at? Do you think it was on purpose?”

“Well, unless he thought in his delirium that you were me, and he has a mega crush on me, then yeah, I’d say he meant it.”

“Then why is he avoiding me?”

“Hmmm, good question. What did you do after the kiss?” Heat rushed to Daichi’s cheeks as he remembered with great detail exactly what he’d done. How good Suga had felt. And how much he’d fantasized about doing it again. He cleared his throat.

“I, uh, kissed him back.”

“No shit, and then what.”

“I came to my senses and apologized.”  He reared back when Tanaka smacked him on the head.

“What the hell was that for?”

“Idiot. And you wonder why he’s avoiding you.”

“I don’t get it.”

“I think all that time with Michimiya addled your brains. You can’t have always been this stupid about romance.”

“Would you quit with the insults and tell me what the hell you’re talking about?”

“You apologized. In other words, you told him not only by your action of pulling away but by your apology that you regretted it happening. That translates as he doesn’t want me. Doesn’t find me attractive.”

“He’s pissed because he thinks I don’t want him?”

“And they say you’re the bright one.”  Daichj sank down onto the bench. Did that mean Suga was attracted to him?

“Suga has a thing for me?”

“Look dude, the way I see it, he put everything on the line, and you totally shot him down. In his position, I don’t think I’d be lining up for casual conversation either.”

“Shit.”

“So tell me. How’d you feel about the kiss?”

“I’ve never experienced anything like it,” he said honestly.

“So what’s the problem?”

“The problem is I don’t want to screw up the dynamics of a really great friendship. I have more to consider than just whether things go sour between me and Suga. What happens between us directly affects the four of us.”

“Asahi and I are big boys. The question you have to ask yourself is whether you’ve screwed up things by not acting.”

“So you think I should pursue him?”

“I don’t think anything. What do you want?”

“All I’ve been able to think about is getting him under me for the past month,” he admitted in a rush. He glanced up to gauge Tanaka’s reaction to his outburst. Tanaka grinned.

“Gotten under your skin, eh?”

“You could say that.”

“Aside from wanting to get him in the sack, how do you feel about him?”  He looked at Tanaka like he’d grown a third head.

“If you’re asking if I just want a one night stand with him, I might punch you in the face. I’d never treat him that way.”

“If I thought you only wanted a one-nighter with him I’d punch you in the face. Stop worrying so much about everyone else and think about what’s best for you and Suga. The way I see it, you couldn’t ask for a better person. And he needs someone right now. If he’s interested in you, then you are one lucky bastard. But if you don’t get off your ass and do something about it, you’re going to lose out on the best thing that’ll ever happen to you.”

He turned and sauntered out of the locker room, leaving Daichi to ponder their conversation. Was Tanaka right? Could Suga want him? Had he hurt him by pushing him away?  He got up and punched the locker with a loud bang. What was holding him back? The truth was he cared a lot for Suga. And not in a friendly capacity. But it would kill Daichi to lose him if things didn’t work out.  But it looked as if he’d lose by doing nothing. He needed to talk to Asahi. Tell him what had happened and that he was going to pursue a relationship with Suga. This had to be handled carefully, or the lives of four people could change for the worse.  He walked into the lounge, searching out Asahi among the group of firemen.

“Can I talk to you?” he asked when he found him in the kitchen.

“Sure, what’s up?”

“Not here. Let’s go in the garage.”  Asahi gave him a curious look but followed behind.

“Something wrong?” he asked when the two were alone.

“No, not wrong. I just wanted to talk to you about something. Give you a heads up so to speak.”

“Okay.”  He paused for a moment then looked Asahi straight in the eye.

“I’m interested in Suga.”  Asahi’s eyes popped open wide.

“Whoa. I had no idea.”

“Yeah, well, I think he might be interested in me too. I wanted you to know because I don’t want things to get weird between all of us.”

Asahi frowned slightly. “What makes you think he’s interested in you?”  Leave it to Asahi to want specifics.

“We, uh, kissed awhile back. I screwed things up, which is why Suga’s avoiding us. Me in particular.”

“If you want my blessing, you’ve got it. I can’t imagine a better couple. But I think you’ve got a difficult road ahead. I mean, he is pregnant. Are you prepared for that kind of responsibility?”

“I don’t know all of that yet,” he admitted. “This isn’t something I ever expected would happen. We’ll have to take things a day at a time and see what happens. No matter what, though, I’ll always be there to help him.”

“You’ll also have to figure out who the father is. I mean, you can’t exactly have a solid relationship until you find out if this guy’s going to be in the picture or not.”

Daichi frowned. The idea of another man making love to Suga twisted his insides. He wouldn’t pressure him, but if they were going to become involved, the subject would have to come up. The main obstacle now, however, was convincing Suga to talk to him.

Chapter Text

Two weeks. Two miserable, long weeks. He was tired, and he was lonely. Suga glanced over the schedule and rubbed his eyes wearily. Thank God today was a relatively light patient load. He was even more thankful it was Friday, and he didn’t have to work the next day.  His plan to avoid Daichi had worked too well. Suga missed him. And he’d come to the realization he’d been a royal twit. So what if Daichi wasn’t falling at his feet? He was the best friend he’d ever have, and there was no way in hell he’d spend the rest of his pregnancy in solitude.  Suga determined the first time he saw Daichi he’d beg for forgiveness and blame the whole episode on pregnancy hormones. Hell, if hormones were a defense for murder, they may as well be an excuse for throwing yourself at a hunky guy.

Glancing down at the desk, he resisted the urge to lay his head down on it. One more night at work, then he could sleep as late as he wanted tomorrow.  His head was nearly to the desk when the bell on the door sounded, and he jerked back up. He blinked in surprise to see Daichi standing in front of him, a determined look on his face.

“Daichi. Uh, what are you doing here?”

Daichi strode over behind the desk.

“We need to talk, and I’m tired of you avoiding me.”

“But I…” His words trailed off. No need in denying it since that was precisely what he’d been doing.

“Is there some place we can go? One of the exam rooms, maybe?”

“Uh, sure, just a sec. I need to let Yaku know so he can watch the front.”

Suga gestured for him to follow down the hallway, then opened one of the surgical prep rooms.

“I’ll be right back.”

His heart racing, Suga went in search of Yaku and asked him to mind the front for a few minutes. He returned to where Daichi waited and nervously wiped his palms on his lab coat before going in. Suga shut the door behind himself and looked cautiously at Daichi. Not giving Suga a chance to say anything, Daichi closed the distance between them. With one swift motion, he pulled Suga into his arms and kissed him. Suga’s mouth fell open in a gasp of surprise. Daichi took advantage and darted forward, tracing the edges of his lips then delving between them teasing his tongue.  He buried one hand in Suga’s soft silvery hair and brought his other arm around the smaller man’s waist, pulling him against Daichi’s hard chest.

Of all the things Suga thought he might have done, this wasn’t one of them.  When Daichi released him, Suga stepped back, his lips still tingling from the assault on his senses.

“That’s in case you think I didn’t want you the last time we kissed,” he said, his eyes fiery with… desire?
Suga opened his mouth to speak, but honestly couldn’t summon any words. What could he say after all?  Daichi cupped his chin in his hand and gently kissed him once again.

“I’ve wanted to do that for the longest time.”

“Then why didn’t you?” Suga blurted.  Daichi smiled, slow and sexy.

“Good question. But I plan to make up for lost time.”  Suga gulped.

“I don’t understand.”  Daichi ran a hand through his hair and started pacing.

“I know I probably hurt you with the way I reacted last time, and I’m sorry. I honestly didn’t know how the hell to act. I wanted you badly, had wanted you for quite a while, and suddenly you kissed me. I felt like a toad for taking advantage of you when you were vulnerable. And,” he said after a long pause. “I didn’t want to screw up our friendship.”

Suga stared at him open-mouthed. He knew he must look ridiculous gaping at Daichi like an idiot, but he couldn’t comprehend what was happening. Here was Daichi admitting he was attracted to him. Daichi, who had laid a kiss on him that had curled every single one of his toes, and all he could do was stand, speechless.

“Now, I’ve laid my cards on the table,” Daichi murmured, stroking a hand through Suga’s hair. “Now suppose you tell me why you kissed me.”

“Couldn’t you kiss me again and forget about talking?” Suga asked hopefully. Daichi chuckled and dipped his head to kiss his lips. In between kisses, he said,

“I have no qualms about kissing you again, but it isn’t going to get you out of answering me.”

“Mmmm,” Suga murmured against his lips.  He drew away slowly, his eyes half lidded.

“Now, talk to me.”

Feeling a bit more confident, Suga cleared his throat.

“I’ve had the biggest crush on you forever. I’ve been doing everything I can think of to get you to notice me, and until now, I thought I’d failed miserably.”

“You little minx. Do you mean to tell me the sexy little shorts, that damn nighty, was for me?”  Suga blushed.

“Yes. Kuroo gave me the ideas.”  Daichi nearly choked and dissolved into a coughing fit.

“Wait a minute. Kuroo was, what, coaching you?”

“Uh, yeah.”

“I don’t know whether to be flattered or insulted,” he said with a shake of his head.

“Well I had to do something,” Suga said defensively. “I didn’t know how to make you see me as anything more than a buddy.”

“You certainly succeeded,” he murmured. “Now that we have this settled, I have plans for us this weekend. Starting as soon as you get off from work.”  Suga looked regretfully at him.

“I have to work dispatch tonight.”

“Not anymore,” he said in a smug tone. “I cleared it with Iwa. You have the night off, and you don’t go back to work until next Wednesday. You need the time off. You aren’t taking care of yourself, and I plan to remedy that this weekend.”

Liquid heat curled in his stomach and spread into his chest. A huge silly grin fought to break out of his lips. Suga had the insane urge to twirl round and round in delight. And once again, reality crashed in.  He still had to tell Daichi about the baby.

“Why the frown?” he asked in concern.

“Oh nothing. A weekend off sounds heavenly. What do you have in mind?”  Daichi waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

“You’ll see.” He leaned over to kiss Suga once more, his lips lingering for a long moment.

“I’ll see you in an hour at the house. Don’t be late.”

He winked and walked out of the door.  Suga sagged against the counter. Holy moly, that man was sex on a stick. A giddy thrill washed through him, and he succumbed to the desire to do a victory dance.  Suga bopped out to the front where Yaku was sitting, a wide grim nearly splitting his face in two.

“What’s got you so chipper?” Yaku asked, giving him a speculative glance.

“You just saw the sexiest man who ever lived go through that door,” Suga said, easing into the chair beside Yaku.

“I thought he might have something to do with that spring in your step. It’s about time you landed that piece of alpha.”

“Oh, I haven’t landed him yet. But I’ve definitely got him on the hook. Now, if I can just reel him in.”

On the way home, he thanked God there weren’t any cops out because he was exceeding the speed limit by a good fifteen miles an hour.  When he pulled into the drive, he saw all three trucks there and frowned. Somehow, Tanaka and Asahi being there hadn’t fit with his expectation of the evening.  When he walked in, he was immediately met by Daichi, who planted a kiss on his lips.

“Hey gorgeous,” he said in a husky voice.  A ridiculously large smile burst forth from Suga’s lips.

“Now that’s more like it,” he said while guiding him into the kitchen.

“I haven’t seen you smile like that in weeks.”

Asahi and Tanaka  were in the kitchen doing something that suspiciously resembled cooking. He glanced questioningly at them, and Tanaka winked at him.

“Never let it be said I don’t love you. I’m slaving over a hot stove in your honor.”

“What’s going on?” he asked Daichi as he ushered Suga onto a stool.

“You’ve been overdoing it, and tonight we’re going to wait on you, hand and foot. That is, if knucklehead over there hasn’t managed to burn dinner.”

“I resemble that remark,” Tanaka joked.  Asahi set a plate in front of him and a glass of tea.

“You guys didn’t have to do this,” he protested.

“Don’t worry,” Tanaka said, leaning over and whispering in a conspiratorial voice. “We’re leaving after dinner.”

His cheeks flamed, and Tanaka laughed, returning to the stove. Moments later, he and Asahi served up a plate of steaming spaghetti and fresh rolls. They talked over dinner, and for the first time in several weeks, the easy rapport between them all was back.  After dinner, Asahi and Tanaka cleared away the dishes, then made a big show of going out.

When they’d gone, Daichi guided Suga to the couch and made him sit down. He eased down beside him and put an arm around his back.

“Now that they are gone, I thought you could have a nice relaxing evening. You’re dead on your feet.”

“I am tired,” he admitted.

“Tomorrow I’d like to take you out on a real date.”  Suga smiled up at him.

“I’d like that.” Daichi caught his lips and gently cupped his cheek in his palm. Suga sighed in utter contentment and lost himself in the touch. When Daichi drew away, Suga rested his head on his chest, snuggling against his warmth.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure, anything,” his chest rumbled against Suga’s ear as he replied.

“When did you become attracted to me?”

“Hmmm well, I think the first time I really took notice was the night Michimiya and I broke up.”  Suga stiffened against him, his heart swelling in panic.  “I remember thinking all people should be more like you. Honest, understanding, supportive, straightforward.”

“You make me sound like a faithful dog,” he said in amusement.

“I mean it as the sincerest compliment.”  Suga pulled away and looked up at him.

“What about Michimiya? Are you two still seeing each other?”  A shuttered look fell over his face.

“We aren’t seeing each other. I mean, we aren’t dating. I’ve seen her a couple of times just to talk, but there’s nothing between us anymore.”  Unease fell over him as he witnessed Daichi’s discomfort. Did he still have feelings for her? He’d dated Michimiya for a long time. Had even been ready to propose to her. It had to have been hard to get over her that quickly.

“Let’s talk about something else,” Daichi said. “How about when you decided you were attracted to me.”

“That’s easy,” he muttered. “Only for bloody ever.”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” he sighed.  Suga leaned and rubbed one of his feet in a soothing gesture.

“Here, let me,” Daichi offered, rearranging himself on the couch so he held Suga’s feet in his lap.

He began massaging the souls and working his way up to the instep.  He moaned in sheer bliss. Leaning back against the arm of the couch, he closed his eyes and gave himself over to the exquisite pleasure of the foot rub.  His eyes fluttered drowsily as he succumbed to his fatigue.

Daichi looked up to see he’d fallen asleep. He smiled and continued massaging for a few minutes, then he gently lowered Suga’s feet off his lap.  Quietly so as not to disturb him, he got up and retrieved a blanket from the hall closet. He eased it over Suga and tucked him in. Daichi stood and watched the even rise and fall of his chest for a long time. One thing was certain. If Suga was going to be his, he’d make damn sure he took better care of himself.

Chapter Text

Suga woke and stretched languidly. The living room ceiling came into focus, and his brow furrowed as he tried to remember how he’d gotten on the couch. The last thing he remembered was getting a foot rub that rivaled anything he’d ever experienced.

“Good morning, sleepyhead.” Daichi’s face came into view. He carried a tray that he set on the coffee table in front of the couch.  Suga sat up, the blanket falling to his waist.

“Smells good.”

“Eat up. We’re leaving in an hour.”  Suga arched an eyebrow.

“Where we going?”

“How does a day at the beach sound? I packed us lunch. We can take the ferry out and back, then enjoy a walk along the surf.”

Despite being mid-October, the coast was still relatively mild. It had been several months since he’d ventured down to the beach, and he couldn’t think of anything nicer than watching the sunset with Daichi. He eagerly nodded his agreement and took the offered tray.  After he ate the eggs, bacon and toast, Suga downed the glass of juice and rose from the couch to go shower. A half hour later he walked back into the kitchen.

“You ready to go?” Daichi asked as he collected the cooler from the bar.

Suga nodded and they walked out to his truck. After putting the cooler in back, Daichi opened the door for him then walked around to the driver’s seat. He paused a moment before starting the engine and looked over at him.

“Here’s to our first official date.”

Suga ducked his head, knowing he was grinning like a fool.  They drove down highway. The bright blue autumn sky was unmarred by a single cloud. Just before they turned off the beach exit, Daichi reached over and took his hand. Suga smiled and curled his fingers around his. Twenty minutes later, they turned down the highway paralleling the shore.

“Want to go on the ferry first, then come back to the beach?” Daichi asked.  Suga nodded in excitement. He’d already pinched himself twice to ensure he wasn’t dreaming. They really hadn’t had much time to talk about their new status, but he hoped they’d remedy that before the day was over. Then he’d have to decide at what point he would drop the bomb.  Chewing on his bottom lip, he cursed his stupidity for the thousandth time. If he’d only played it cool, he might be in this same position with Daichi without the burden of being pregnant with a child he didn’t know about.  No, he wouldn’t regret it. Wouldn’t allow himself to wish his baby’s existence away. True, it would be difficult to face Daichi with the truth, but if things went well between them, it might not be as traumatic as he imagined.

When Suga looked up, they were pulling into line for the ferry boarding. Gulls swarmed overhead, lighting on the dock masts beside the boat. They drove up the ramp and parked.

“Come on,” he said, grabbing a bag filled with grapes

“Let’s go feed the gulls.”

They weaved through the cars and stood at the back of the ferry where the gulls were already hovering. As they motored away from the dock, Suga tossed up pieces for the hungry birds. The gulls followed across the bay the entire way, swooping and diving to catch the food thrown their way.  When the fruit was gone, Daichi pulled Suga back against his chest, wrapping his arms around him. He rested his chin on the top of his head and looked out over the bay with him.

“Look!” Suga said excitedly, pointing out over the edge of the ferry. A school of dolphins surfaced, their bodies arcing through the water in graceful unison.  They continued watching as the dolphins disappeared from view. This was shaping up to be the best day of his twenty-five years. When the ferry docked, they climbed back into Daichi’s truck.

“Do you want to hang out here or get back on the ferry?”  Suga fastened his seat belt and thought for a moment.

“Let’s go back. There won’t be many people on the peninsula so we’ll have the beaches to ourselves.”

“I like the way you think,” he said with a grin.

As they returned to the line waiting for the next ferry, Suga wondered, not for the first time, if they were doing the right thing. He hated this subtle awkwardness between them. Almost as if neither of them truly felt at ease with the transition they were trying to make.  If things didn’t work out, their friendship could very well fall by the wayside.

***

After dinner and a long walk on the beach, they packed the cooler back up and returned to the truck to head home. They rode in silence, Suga staring out his window at the passing landscape.

“You okay?” Daichi asked, glancing over at him.  He offered him a smile.

“Just tired.”

“I hope we didn’t overdo it.”

“Of course not. I had a wonderful time.”

“So did I,” he said after a moment.

Suga studied his profile as he drove, the ripple of muscles visible in his arms. Suga could never explain the urge that overtook him when he was around Daichi, but he physically had to restrain himself to keep from throwing himself in his arms.

“What are you thinking?” Daichi voice rudely brought his fantasy to an end.  He flushed.

“Oh nothing.”

Suga wasn’t going to admit that he really wished Daichi would kiss him again. There had been several opportunities when they’d walked the beach hand in hand, but Suga had felt shy and uncertain.

“You were staring awfully hard.”  He looked guiltily away but chuckled in an attempt at dry humor.

“Surely you’re used to omegas staring at you.”

“But I’m not used to you staring at me.”  Swallowing a deep gulp, Suga chanced a look back at him.

“Does it bother you?”

“I suppose it’s best to be totally honest with each other,” he began. “I admit, this is a little weird for me. I honest to God thought I was losing my mind when I started to see you differently. I felt guilty, confused, and a little betrayed.”

“Betrayed?”

“Yeah, I mean, I wasn’t supposed to be looking at you like that, much less thinking the things I was thinking. But I was anyway.”  Suga’s cheeks grew warm.

“Yeah well, try doing that for a few years.”

“Why didn’t you ever say anything?” Daichi asked.

“Why didn’t you?” Suga countered.

“Good point. I guess we’re both hopeless,” he said with a chuckle.

“Is this going to ruin things, Daichi?”  He took his eyes off the highway and looked at him for a moment.

“No, I don’t think so. I hope it will make things even better.”

His hand crept over, and he loosely threaded his fingers through Suga’s. The rest of the ride home went by in a blur. They had light conversation about nothing in particular, but their hands stayed entwined.  As they pulled into the driveway at home, Suga’s brow furrowed as he saw a red little car parked in the drive.

“Isn’t that Michimiya’s car?” he asked, though he knew exactly whose car it was.

“Yeah,” Daichi muttered as he shut off the ignition.

Not waiting for him to open the door, Suga slid out of the truck and met Daichi around the front. Hating the intense feeling of insecurity that gripped him, he wiped the palms of his hands on his jeans as they started for the door.  They didn’t get past the foyer when Tanaka ambled down the hallway from the kitchen.

“Thought I heard you guys.” He gestured with his thumb over his shoulder and whispered,

“She’s been here all afternoon. Poor Asahi’s been stuck entertaining her.”

Suga froze as Daichi moved past Tanaka en route to the living room.

“Why is she here?” Suga hissed at Tanaka.  He shrugged as they fell in behind Daichi.

“I don’t know, but she wasn’t leaving until she talked to Daichi.”

“Good grief.”

“There you are,” Michimiya exclaimed when they all walked into the living room. She rose from the couch where Asahi sat with a very relieved look on his face.

“I had about given up on you. Where on earth have you been?”

She stopped in front of Daichi and casually brushed her hand across his arm. Suga looked at her in disgust, recognizing the gesture from Kuroo’s advice on how to get Daichi to notice him.

“Suga and I went to the beach,” Daichi replied.  She laughed.

“In October? I suppose Suga couldn’t get one of the other guys to go.”

“Oh please,” Suga muttered. He turned and walked back into the kitchen, unable to stomach the sight of Michimiya and Daichi together. But then he’d never been able to before either.

“Did you need something?” Daichi prompted.  Suga swung around, taking interest once more in the conversation behind him.  Michimiya looked momentarily confused and then smiled brightly.

“I wanted to make sure you hadn’t forgotten about tomorrow.”

“Oh shoot, I had forgotten,” Daichi said, slapping his hand to his forehead.

“Forgotten what?” Suga asked, walking back over.

“I promised Michimiya I’d drive her to Tokyo tomorrow,” he said in an uneasy voice.  Suga’s eyes narrowed.

“Is there a reason she can’t drive herself? I’d say she drove over here just fine.”

Tanaka wrapped an arm around Suga's waist, tightening his hand. He was clearly warning Suga not to lose his temper, but damn it, had Daichi really made a date with Michimiya and not told him about it?

“Oh you’re so funny, Suga,” Michimiya said, her tinkly laughter rubbing over Suga like sandpaper. “You always did have such a superb sense of humor. It’s no wonder Daichi likes you so much.”  She paused a moment, and her eyes dropped down to the swell of Suga’s stomach. “And congratulations. I never did get to offer my well wishes on your pregnancy. I’m sure being a single mom will suit you perfectly.”

Suga stared at Michimiya’s hair, picturing it wrapped around his fingers as he yanked it all out.

“Why thank you. Being single suits you as well.”

He turned around in disgust and stalked to his room, unable to stomach that woman’s saccharine attitude.  What had been a perfectly good day now lay in ruins. Nothing could salvage it now. Not unless a giant anvil dropped from the sky and crushed Michimiya in a scene reminiscent of Wylie Coyote.  He could understand why she was pursuing Daichi. She would have to be nuts not to see how badly she’d screwed up. What he didn’t understand, however, was why Daichi wasn’t telling Michimiya to go fuck herself. Could he still be in love with her? And if he was, where did that leave him?

Quickly disrobing, he started stepped into the shower and turned the water on full blast. As he washed the salt and grime from his skin, Suga agonized over what was transpiring in the living room. He didn’t even try to pretend he didn’t care.  He toweled off and hastily dressed. He refused to act like a sulky child and stay in him room in a huff. Suga wouldn’t allow her to see how affected he was by her presence.  But when he returned to the living room, he found both Michimiya and Daichi gone. He stared dumfounded for a minute, then looked over at Tanaka.

“Where’s Daichi?”

“He took Michimiya home,” Tanaka offered reluctantly.

“Have I entered the twilight zone?” He dropped onto the couch in exasperation.

“I mean, I could swear I just went out on a date with Daichi. Or did I imagine that part?”  Tanaka stared at him clearly having no clue what to say.  “And what’s up with Miss Helpless needing Daichi to take her places? Didn't she drive over here herself?”

“I don’t know what to tell you,” Tanaka finally said.

The look of sympathy in his eyes irritated him more. Apparently, she still had a hold on Daichi. Why else would he be jumping to do her bidding? And what was with all that gibberish he’d spouted about being attracted to him if he still had a thing for Michimiya?  He rubbed his head in a tired gesture. What a waste of a truly spectacular day.

“I’m going to bed,” he muttered as he rose from the couch.

“Suga, I’m sorry,” Tanaka offered.

“Not nearly as sorry as Daichi’s going to be,” he said with a twist of his lips.

“I’ll see you on Monday, okay? Have a good one at work tomorrow.”

He went back to his room and curled up with the pregnancy book. One thing was for sure. He wasn’t going to sleep until he knew what time Daichi came back in. At midnight, he heard a truck pull in, and moments later, the kitchen door open and close. Expecting Daichi to come to Suga’s room, he waited for his knock. But it never came.  Finally, he set aside his book and walked quietly to the door and peeked out. The house was dark. Evidently, Daichi had gone straight to bed.  Anger simmered within Suga. What kind of game was he playing? Did he honestly expect Suga to sit quietly on the side while he continued his thing with Michimiya? Why had Daichi even asked him out if he was still interested in her?  He crawled back in bed, angry because his perfect day lay in tatters. Before, he had gone to great lengths to avoid a confrontation of any sorts. But no longer. Daichi was going to hear about it.

Chapter Text

Sunday, Suga left the house early. There was no way he was going to spend the day waiting around for Daichi to get home from chauffeuring Michimiya around. He was too steamed to have a coherent conversation at any rate. Better to wait until he was a great deal calmer.  Monday, he sat behind the desk at the office devising a hundred ways of telling Daichi exactly what he thought about him. As if Suga had conjured him up by sheer will, the door opened, and he strode in shortly after noon.  Suga looked guardedly at Daichi as he approached the desk and held up his hands.

“Before you start, I want to apologize.”

“I don’t think the Dictionary has enough words to help you,” he said acidly.

His brown eyes looked intently at Suga, his expression contrite.

“At least give me a chance to explain.”  Suga made a show of checking his watch.

“You’ve got two minutes.”

“I’m sorry Michimiya ruined our day. I didn’t know she was coming over, and I honestly forgot I had promised to drive her to Tokyo.”  Suga leaned forward in his chair, placing his hands on the counter.

“Why exactly did you agree to it in the first place?”

“She needed someone to help her.”

Suga stood and dug his fists into his waist.

“You know what your problem is, Daichi? You’re too nice. I don’t think you’ve ever said no to anyone in your life.”

“Somehow I never thought that would be a negative,” he said dryly.

“It is when you can’t say no to a dirty, lying bitch who cheated on you.” Taking a deep breath, he launched into his prepared speech. “Look, Daichi. I am not going to share you with Michimiya or anyone else for that matter. You have a choice to make and you better make it soon because at this point in the game I can’t afford to waste my time with someone who isn’t in it for the long haul. If you want her, fine. Then quit screwing with me and take her back. But if you want to see where this takes us, then I need to quit seeing your ex at my house every time I turn around.”  As he finished, a slow grin spread across Daichi’s face.

“Why don’t you come around the counter so I can give you my answer up close and personal.” He crooked his finger at him.  Suga raised an eyebrow.

“It seems to me it’s you who ought to be groveling. You can come here.”  Daichi laughed.

“Stubborn as always. All right. I’m not too proud to beg.” Daichi sauntered around the desk and came to a stop inches away from him. Then he pulled Suga into his arms and cupped his cheek in one palm.

“I’m truly sorry. There is nothing between me and Michimiya, I swear. She needs a friend right now and I was the only one she could talk to.”

“You must be completely blind,” he muttered.  Daichi connected their lips and tugged gently at Suga’s bottom lip with his teeth.

“Can I make it up to you over dinner?” he murmured between kisses.  Suga felt his anger melting under his onslaught. A slight smile curved his lips.

“I could be persuaded.”

“Good. I’ll pick you up at five and we’ll drive into Date.”

“What about my car?”

“We’ll pick it up after dinner.”  His kiss lingered, his fingers sliding over the curve of Suga’s jaw.

“I’ll see you later.”

Suga plopped back down after he’d left and struggled to remember why he’d ever been mad at him. The man was lethal. Butterflies bubbled in his stomach, and a prickly chill snuck over him as he recounted his kisses.  The rest of the afternoon crept by as he kept a vigil by the clock. The minutes ticked by with agonizing slowness. He busied himself cleaning the counters, then he went back and cleaned out all the cages.  At two, he assisted Doc in spaying, and afterwards, he told Suga to go home. He checked his watch and frowned. Daichi was supposed to pick him up after work, but he was a good hour and a half early. Suga had more than enough time to go home and shower, and then he could leave his car at home when they went out.  Humming to himself, he hopped into his car and started home. Once again, as he pulled into the drive, Michimiya’s little red car gleamed in the sunlight. Suga frowned and shut off his engine, debating whether he even wanted to go inside.  The memory of Daichi’s heated kisses brought a smile to his lips, and he clamored out of the car. Daichi had assured him that he wasn’t interested in rekindling his relationship with Michimiya, and he was going to believe him.

Suga let himself into the kitchen and looked around. He froze when he saw Daichi and Michimiya in the living room standing by the couch. Michimiya’s head rested on his chest, and his hand hung limply on her back.  Suga let his keys slide from his fingertips and hit the counter with a clatter. Daichi’s head jerked up, his eyes flashing in surprise.

“Suga…”

“Am I interrupting anything?” he asked acidly, not moving from the bar.  Michimiya turned red-rimmed eyes to Suga, then looked away, refusing to meet his gaze any longer.

“I have to go,” she mumbled, breaking away from Daichi and shuffling past Suga.

Suga stared at the door until he heard Michimiya’s car drive away. He swiveled back to Daichi, who was still standing in the living room wearing a grim expression. What the hell was going on?  He looked at Suga, his expression bleak, then he walked over and slid an arm around his shoulders.

“I’m sorry you came home to that.”

“Was that you giving her the brush off?” he asked, daring to hope.

“She’s sick.”  Suga lifted an eyebrow waiting for him to expound. “Cancer.”

“Oh.” His mouth rounded in shock. “Really?”

Daichi squeezed his shoulder and pulled him into his arms.

“Yeah. Cervical cancer. Her last visit to the gynecologist was her first clue. The tests just came back positive.”  Realization dawned on Suga.

“Was that what the trip to Tokyo was about?”

He nodded, and suddenly Suga felt about an inch tall.

“But why didn’t you just say so? Why did you let me think…”

“That I was getting back with her?” he finished.

“Yeah.” He smiled.

“Maybe I wanted you to be jealous. Ever think about that?”

Suga elbowed him in the gut, eliciting an “oof” as he moved away.

“Well you did a bang-up job,” he said, glowering at him.

“She’s going to go to move in with her mom in Tokyo so she can be close to the hospital where she’ll undergo treatment,” he said as he pulled Suga back to him.

“Well, I wished her gone often enough, but this isn’t the way I envisioned her going,” he said softly.

“I know.”  With effort, Suga slipped from Daichi’s embrace.

“Where are the guys anyway?”

“They got called in,” he said with a grin.

“And you didn’t?”

“Well…” he drawled out the word, making it two syllables. “I did, but I said I had something important planned.”

“Such as?”

“An evening with you,” he murmured.  Suga moved closer to him again.

“I like the way you think.”  Daichi swatted him on the butt.

“Go get changed so we can go get something to eat.”

Suga grinned at him and headed for his bathroom.  Thirty minutes later, they drove into Date and went into a restaurant just off the highway. They talked casually over the meal, but Suga felt his eyes the entire time. Delicious chills spread down his back as Daichi’s gaze caressed him. Had he been successful? Did Daichi want him as badly as Suga did?  He had to tell him about the baby soon. He wouldn’t wait until the last minute. He wanted him to get used to the idea before he gave birth.

Face it, Suga. You want the fairy tale delivery complete with proud papa coaching you through the contractions.  It wasn’t bad as fantasies go, and he desperately wanted the three of them to be a family. But first, he wanted to make damn sure Daichi wanted him separate from any obligation he had to their child.  He blinked as Daichi paid the check then held out a hand to help him up. He tucked Suga’s fingers into his own and led him out to the truck.

“What now?” Suga asked, surprised at how breathless he sounded.

“We can do whatever you want, but I thought an evening with the house to ourselves might be great. We could put on a movie. I give a mean foot massage,” he said, winking at him.

“Sounds heavenly,” he murmured.

But he was fixated on home and alone. Suga gulped nervously and slid into the truck. He remembered all too well what happened the last time they were home alone.  They drove home in silence. As they walked into the darkened house, Daichi flipped on the kitchen light, leaving the living room still in the shadows.

“Go have a seat. I’ll fix us something to drink.”

Suga trudged over to the couch. Anticipation bubbled and swelled in his stomach. He was terrified.  Daichi set a glass of tea on the coffee table in front of him then settled down. Silence loomed over them like a heavy fog. Suga sipped at the tea, then suddenly found it taken from his grasp.  He looked over at Daichi in surprise as he removed the glass and returned it to the table.

“Suga…” He paused for a long moment. “I think it best if I’m up front and honest with you about what I’m feeling right now. I don’t want you to think I’m sneaking up on you or something.”  His puzzlement growing, Suga gave him a blank stare, wondering at his hesitancy. But what he saw in his eyes gave him the most pause. Desire. Warm and liquid. Burning brightly in the dark depths.  He sucked in his breath, feeling curiously lightheaded. Daichi had only looked at him like that one time before.

“More than anything,” he began softly. “I want to make love to you, Suga. I’ve thought of little else in the last few weeks. You’ve haunted my dreams, and I’ve gone crazy wondering what it would be like to touch you, love you.”

Suga’s heart pounded wildly, and his chest tightened almost unbearably. Only in his wildest dreams had Daichi said such words. Suga didn’t trust himself to speak, so he did the only thing he could manage. He leaned forward and wrapped his arms around Daichi, kissing him with all the need, desire, and longing he had felt for so long.  Daichi groaned deep in his throat and tore his lips away.

“Are you sure?” he asked hoarsely.

“I’m very sure,”

Daichi pulled Suga to him, tangling his hands in his hair as he took possession of his lips once more. Gently, Daichi curled his arm underneath his legs and stood up, lifting Suga in his arms. Suga broke their lips apart long enough to say one word,

“Nest.”

He walked into Suga’s bedroom and kicked the door shut with his foot.  At the nest, he laid him on the covers and stood staring down, his eyes blazing with need. Suga swallowed as Daichi pulled his own shirt over his head, his muscles rippling with the effort.  Suga couldn’t tear his eyes away. He followed the line of hair from his navel downward, resenting the waistband of his pants for preventing his gaze from dropping lower.  As if sensing his chagrin, Daichi unbuttoned his pants and slowly unzipped them. Suga’s breath caught in his throat as Daichi slid his jeans down his legs. Eyes yanked back up to meet his, Suga shivered under his intense stare. Finally, he hooked his thumbs in his underwear and pulled them down. Suga stared unabashedly at his erection. If he had any doubt before that Daichi wanted him, it was now hastily removed.

The bed dipped as he slid his naked body over Suga’s fully clothed one. Daichi’s skin felt warm, rugged, and decidedly masculine under his hands as he stroked his fingers up his back and over his shoulders.

“I want this to be perfect,” Daichi rasped, kissing his lips, his chin, his nose, his neck.

He slid a hand under Suga’s shirt, seeking the taut nipple. He moaned as Daichi thumbed the stiff peak. Sparks of pleasure radiated over his body in lightning speed.  Daichi shifted over him, settling his weight on one elbow. With his free hand, he shoved impatiently at his shirt, pushing it over his head then pulling it free, bearing Suga's chest to his avid gaze.  His nipples tightened unbearably as Daichi’s mouth hovered temptingly over one.

“Please,” Suga whispered.

“Please what?” he murmured, blowing hot air over the tip.  he groaned.

“Taste it,” he pleaded.

Daichi laved his tongue over it. Suga arched spasmodically, unable to control the liquid heat that snaked through his body.  Not releasing the nipple, Daichi reached down to shove at Suga’s pants, working them over his hips. Soon, he wore only his thin briefs.

“You are so damn beautiful.”

Daichi looked down at him as if memorizing every nuance of his body.  Then he bent and pressed a kiss to the swell of his stomach, molding it with his hands. Tears sprang to Suga’s eyes as Daichi lavished attention on his body. How perfect this was. Nothing could make the moment any better.

Gently, Daichi’s hand worked into his underwear, shoving it down and out of the way. He parted Suga’s legs, giving him easier access to what lie between his thighs.

“I’m going love  you all night. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it,” Daichi whispered as he pressed his lips Suga’s navel, then the smooth skin next to his hipbone, and finally wrapping his lips around the head of Suga’s cock, swirling his tongue. Both men groaned, their eyes rolling back, Suga for the sensation, and Daichi for the omega’s exquisite taste. Suga thrashed, he had never experienced this type of stimulation before. It was too much. Daichi backed away, a string of saliva still connecting them.

“Tell me if I need to slow down or stop.” His voice sounded concerned, but his eyes still held fire. Suga looked deep into those eyes.

“More.”

Needing no more encouragement, Daichi resumed his actions nibbling, tasting, and worshiping Suga's body. Using his fingers, he starting preparing the smaller man. Slowly, he circled Suga’s entrance with one finger before pushing past the eing of muscle. The mixture of moisture, heat, and tightness had Daichi’s brain short-circuiting. Suga moaned as he bucked against the finger, trying to get more. Not wanting to hurt him, Daichi changed his grip, holding Suga’s thighs down, restricting his movements. He was on fire. Suga could feel every movement. He felt when Daichi added a second finger, he felt when they started scissoring him open, and he definitely felt when Daichi brushed against something inside him that sent electricity throughout his body. He needed his alpha. Now.

As Daichi moved over Suga, covering him with his body and nudging his legs apart with his thigh, Suga arched into him once again. He gripped his shoulders, his nails digging into the thick muscles as Daichi slowly entered him. His eyes were fastened to Suga’s. Tears glistened on his eyelashes, and he tried to blink them away. Daichi kissed them away instead as he fully settled in him.  It was even better than before. Daichi was making love to Suga. Not anyone else. He saw only Suga.  He locked his legs around Daichi’s hips, seeking to seat him deeper. Daichi moaned a delicious, desperate sound. An alpha valiantly trying to maintain control over his raging need. Suga smiled, a siren confident in his ability to drive Daichi mad.  Suga began to move restlessly against him, spurring him to more action. He growled possessively and kissed Suga savagely, moving forward with deep, soul wrenching thrusts. But his touch was gentle, his hands touching almost reverently as if afraid he’d shatter into a million pieces. And he felt dangerously close to doing just that.  Suga’s release built slowly, then faster, higher, and more powerful until he feared he could take no more.

Then suddenly, as he heard Daichi moan “Koshi” his name—his name—he burst into flames, the explosion within him violent. He clutched desperately at Daichi, wanting to anchor himself to him amidst the storm.  Daichi's lips, his hands, moved over Suga like feathers, his soothing words a balm. Daichi’s knot caught against Suga as he found his own release.

They lay there, wrapped tightly around each other, neither moving, neither breaking the moment.  Suga closed his eyes, and for the first time, began to purr. Everything he had ever dreamed of. Here in his arms. His bed. His heart. I love.  For a moment he thought he spoke the words aloud, but Daichi remained quiet against him, his hand idly stroking Suga’s hair.

“I never imagined,” Daichi said in wonder.  Suga had. Oh yes, he had.  “And yet it all seemed so familiar,” he continued on, his voice catching oddly.

Suga stiffened beside him, his heart pounding wildly.  Daichi kissed him again, and he relaxed, giving over to the demand of his lips.

“Are you all right? Was I too rough?” he asked in concern as he cupped Suga stomach.

Suga smiled and kissed him, effectively silencing him.

“If I was any righter, I’d die.”  Daichi grinned wickedly at him.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you enjoyed yourself.”  He pretended to give it considerable thought.

“I may have to try it a few more times before I can give you a better opinion.”  Daichi laughed.

“Minx. Before tonight’s over with, you’ll know without a doubt.”

Chapter Text

Suga hummed under his breath as he puttered around the veterinarian office. He smiled a secret smile, his giddiness nearly overtaking him.  In the weeks following the night he and Daichi spent together, their relationship had been nothing short of pure magic. They were together constantly, and they’d used every opportunity available to make sweet, passionate love.  Even now he melted in remembrance of his possessiveness. Daichi could love him. He truly could. Suga believed that now. He was confidant Daichi saw him as more than little Sugawara Koshi. He had actually gotten Daichi to notice him.  He patted his swollen belly and grinned idiotically. At six months pregnant, he’d gained a healthy bulge, and he delighted in it. Daichi’s baby.  He frowned slightly. Suga had yet to tell him. Yeah, he’d been saying that for a long time now, but he’d have to do it soon. A flutter of uncertainty engulfed his stomach sending it into spasms of nervousness.  The right time. He’d wait for the right time.

“Mornin’, Suga,” Yaku sang out as he rounded the corner into the front reception area.  Suga crooked a brow and smiled as the omega all but danced to the desk.

“Mornin’. What’s got you so chipper?”  Yaku’s eyes twinkled in delight.

“Are you still thinking to move out of your house?”

“Yeah. Asahi’s getting married.”

“I know of a place that’s coming open in a week, but you’ll need to act fast and put a deposit down on it.”

Suga sucked in a breath. That was a lot sooner than he’d wanted, but he’d already done some preliminary looking, and the fact was, there wasn’t a whole lot to rent in Karasuno. Nekoma was looking more and more like it was the only option available to him, and he didn’t want to move that far from everyone.

“Where is it?” he asked.  Yaku smiled again.

“Lev’s moving out of his house, and he rents it from the widow Itachi. He’ll be out at the end of this week, and she plans to run an ad early next week. If you wanted though, you could run by and look at it, and if you liked it, you could talk to Mrs Itachi about renting it.”

“Wait a minute,” Suga said suspiciously, a broad smile beginning. “Just why is Lev moving out of the house he’s rented for the last five years?”  Yaku actually blushed.

“Because he’s moving in with me.”

“Yaku, you sly dog!” Suga exclaimed. “How long have you two had a thing going anyway?”

“Oh a while,” he said vaguely, his blush deepening. “How about it though, you interested? I could run you by the house. Lev wouldn’t mind you taking a look.”

Suga blew out a breath. It was a good opportunity and only a mile or so from his current house. He’d be close to work still and close to the guys.

“I’ll run by and take a look after work if that’s okay,” he finally said.

“Sure. I’ll call Lev and tell him you’ll be over.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”  As Suga bent back over the paperwork he was filing, he cursed under his breath. Daichi was coming by after work and they were supposed to go eat. He’d just have to bring him along. Daichi’s opinion might be worth having since sooner or later he’d have to look for a place to live as well. And maybe, just maybe… he wouldn’t count his chickens before they hatched.

***

“You ready to go?” Daichi asked as he barged through the front entrance.  Suga looked up from the desk and smiled welcomingly.

“Yeah.”  As they walked out together, he turned casually to him. “Mind if we skip dinner tonight?”  Daichi opened the door for him, and he slid into the truck.

“Sure, but what’s up?”  Suga waited until he walked around to his side and climbed in behind the wheel.

“I want to go look at a house that’s coming up for rent.”  He held his breath, waiting for Daichi’s reaction.  He turned in surprise.

“But I thought you weren’t going to move out until after the baby’s born?”

“That was the plan, but Yaku told me about this house and it sounds perfect. And if I wait, I’ll lose out.”

Daichi started the engine and backed out of the parking lot.

“Okay, I’ll go with you.” But he was still frowning.

They drove toward their house but turned down the gravel road just before the entrance to their subdivision. A quarter mile down the dusty road, he pulled up in front of a small frame house.  The yard encompassing a half-acre at the most was quartered in with a chain length fence. Green shutters stood out against the white painted wood of the house. It looked well kept and clean even if it resembled a matchbox. But then he didn’t require much space for himself and the baby.  Lev came out on the front porch as they got out and motioned them inside. Daichi tucked an arm around his waist and guided him up the steps.  Once inside, Suga looked around the small living room. Beyond, he could see the eat-in kitchen, and he moved in that direction. The space was adequate, and it had all the necessary appliances. Stove, refrigerator, and even a dishwasher.

“There’s a small laundry room off the kitchen,” Lev said pointing to the doorway by the pantry.  As they walked toward the other end of the house, Lev spoke up again. “There’s two bedrooms though one is about half the size of the other.”

“Perfect for a baby’s room,” Suga said, beaming up at Daichi. And it was perfect. The master bedroom was smaller than the one he currently had, but it would fit his furniture with no problem. And the second bedroom would easily fit a crib and a changing table.  The house was perfect, of that there was no doubt. He glanced over at Daichi, who had worn a perpetual frown since their arrival.

“What do you think?” Suga asked even though his mind was already made up.

“I don’t know,” Daichi said doubtfully.

“It’s perfect, and you know it,” he teased. “Can you tell Ms. Itachi that I’m interested?” he asked Lev.

“We can run over there if you like,” Lev offered. “She lives a mile down the road.”  Suga nodded.

“Let’s do it.”

Daichi followed them out, still frowning, but he remained silent. Thirty minutes later, Suga signed a simple one-page lease and wrote a check for the deposit and one months rent. He hadn’t wanted to start paying rent so soon, but it was a small price to pay if it guaranteed him a house in town. And with the money he was making working part-time at dispatch, he could afford it.  As they drove home, Daichi looked over at him.

“So when do you plan to move?” His voice sounded oddly strained.  Suga frowned, pursing his lips in thought.

“Well, it doesn’t make sense to pay rent and not use it, so I suppose I should move pretty quickly.”  His expression darkened, and Suga laughed.

“Come on, Daichi. Surely you can see the benefits.” He grinned evilly at him. “Think of all that time we’ll have to ourselves…” Suga let the thought trail off suggestively.  His eyes darkened.

“You minx. I see your point.”  Suga laughed.

“Privacy has its advantages.” And if he had anything to do with it, he wouldn’t be alone in the house for long.

***

Asahi and Tanaka weren’t thrilled with the idea, but then neither was Suga if the truth be known. When it had come down to it, he had been sad to leave the home he’d lived in for so long. But he knew it was inevitable, and it would provide him and Daichi more time to work on their relationship.  Even though Suga had no complaints, he was still very much in the dark about how Daichi felt about him. He continued to go to the  appointments, and he seemed as excited as Suga was about the baby’s development. They made love with an intensity that took his breath away. But Daichi never really said how he felt.  He sighed as he packed yet another box for one of the guys to take to Daichi’s truck. He only had a few weeks before his self-imposed deadline for telling Daichi the truth was up, and he had hoped they would have things resolved between them by then.

“You about done?” Daichi asked as he stood inside the doorway to Suga’s room.

“Last one,” he announced, shoving the box across the floor.  Daichi hoisted it up in his arms and walked away, leaving him sitting on the floor of his empty room. He glanced around it, trying not to feel melancholy about leaving. He should be excited. For the first time since he’d gone off to college, he was striking out on his own. And frankly, he was long overdue.  Suga struggled to get up, stretching as he stood. A quick glance around told him that he’d gotten everything.

“You sure this is what you want?” Asahi asked from the door.  He looked over to see him watching in concern. Suga smiled at him.

“I’m sure.”

Asahi closed the distance between them and hugged him tightly.

“I’m going to miss you.”

Suga snorted even though I’ll miss you too strained to spill from his lips.

“I’m just a mile away. You aren’t getting rid of me that easily.”

“The door is always open here, Suga.” Asahi stared at him, his eyes serious. “You’re moving out changes nothing. This is your home. You are always welcome here.”

“I know. And I won’t be a stranger. I promise.”

“Better not be,” he said gruffly. “I’ll come drag your ass out of your house kicking and screaming if I have to.”

“Y’all ready?” Tanaka shouted from the door.

“Be right there,” he called back.

“Well. That’s it.”  Asahi threw an arm around him and guided him toward the door.

“Let’s go get you unpacked.”

The three guys stayed to make sure Suga didn’t handle any of the larger boxes. Toward dinner, Asahi and Tanaka made their escape, but Daichi stayed behind, helping Suga put away the new dishes he had bought for the kitchen.

“Want pizza? I called in an order awhile ago,” Suga asked coming up behind him and wrapping his arms around Daichi’s back.  Daichi turned in his arms and pulled him tight against him.

“Sounds good.” He bent to kiss Suga.

“Like your new house?”

“I do, actually,” he said with a smile. “It feels homey. And it’s mine. It’s a neat feeling.”

“Want company tonight?” Daichi asked innocently.

“Hmmm, sounds like a proposition to me,” Suga said, snuggling deeper into his chest.

This would be a perfect time to tell him. Suga faltered, finding it suddenly difficult to breathe.  He drew away and looked intently into Daichi’s eyes. Eyes filled with such affection. And love? He drew in a deep breath.

“Daichi?”

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“There’s something I need to tell you,” he said in a low voice.  Daichi looked curiously at him.

“Sure, go ahead.”  Suga opened his mouth to spill his damning secret when the doorbell rang. Nearly weak with relief at the interruption, he smiled.

“Pizza’s here.”

***

Coward. Pathetic coward. Suga brushed his hair then threw the brush down on his dresser in disgust. He’d blown the perfect chance to tell Daichi the truth. Closing his eyes, he cursed himself with vehemence. Things were only getting more complicated. Before he didn’t want to tell Daichi for fear he would commit himself out of obligation. Now, he feared his anger, his hatred when Suga was so close to gaining his love.

Feeling slightly nauseous, he made himself finish getting ready for work. Daichi had left fifteen minutes ago for the station. He blushed when he imagined Asahi and Tanaka’s reaction to his spending the night with him.  If only he could be assured of Daichi’s feelings. If he had any. No, he knew he had feelings. He just didn’t know what kind of feelings.  Suga groaned and clenched his fists in frustration. This was eating him alive, and he couldn’t take it much longer. He slipped on a light jacket and stepped out into the late November morning air. It was a bit cooler than normal for this time of year, and he wondered if they were in for a colder winter.  At the vet’s office, he set about the morning routine as the early drop-offs for spaying and neutering flooded in. At nine, when their regular patient load started to filter in, he was surprised to see Mrs. Yamada come in without her poodles.

“Good morning, Mrs. Yamada,” he said politely.

“Good morning, Sugawara.”

“Do you need something for Fifi or Fritz?”

“Oh, I popped in to select a new collar,” she said airily.

Liar. She didn’t allow anything but the finest leather to touch her darlings’ necks. Suga narrowed his eyes, waiting for the real reason for the harridan’s visit. He didn’t have to wait long.  As Mrs. Yamada made a show of looking over the selection of collars in a display by the desk, she turned and glanced back at Suga.

“I heard you moved out to the widow Itachi’s house.”

Suga clenched his teeth and rolled his eyes. Why his actions caused so much interest in Karasuno, he would never know.

“Yes, that’s right,” he said casually, busying himself with the charts lying on the desk.

“It’s about time,” the woman muttered.

“I beg your pardon?” Suga asked in disbelief.  Mrs. Yamada turned her full attention to Suga, smiling brightly.

“I merely thought it was high time you moved out of that house. Highly inappropriate, living with three unmated men, two of them alphas. It’s no wonder you ended up in your present state.” Her tone was scandalized, and she puffed as she spoke.

Anger made Suga tremble, and he forgot any restraint he thought to practice.

“Listen to me, you old windbag. I don’t care what you or anyone else thinks about me. Those men you sneer about are my family, and if nothing else, I defend my family. If I hear so much as a word about you spreading rumors about them, I’ll tell everyone what you really do when you supposedly attend Bible study in Nekoma on Tuesday nights.”

Mrs. Yamada flushed a dark purple. She opened her mouth then closed it again, her flabby jaws flapping up and down like a sheet in the breeze.

“You…how…” she sputtered off, unable to complete her protest.

She turned and stalked out of the office, slamming the door behind her.  Suga chuckled and shook his head. He should have done it a long time ago, stood up to battleaxe, but he’d never wanted to cross the woman. Now, if the woman was smart, she’d steer clear of Suga.  After a phone call to Iwazumi at dispatch to confirm his schedule for the weekend, he collected his keys and headed home. Usually, he kept the same hours at dispatch as Daichi did at the firehouse so they’d have the same evenings off, but tonight he was looking forward to a night alone in his new house.  As much as he had bucked the idea of moving, he now realized it was the best thing he’d ever done. He felt more free, less confined, and definitely more independent. He loved the guys, but they had smothered him for too long. And being away had given him and Daichi much needed time to pursue their relationship.  His phone started ringing as he let himself in.

“Hey, sweetheart,” he smiled, unable to control his visceral reaction to Daichi’s voice.

“Hey. Slow night?”

“Yeah, not much going on. How was work?”  He made a face.

“I told Mrs. Yamada off. Otherwise, pretty boring.”

“Whoa. What did the old bat do now?”

He related the conversation, and Daichi broke into laughter. They talked a few more minutes before he started to end the call.

“You work in dispatch in the morning, but you have Sunday off, right?”

“Yeah, same as you.” He knew all this already, but Suga figured he was working up to something.

“You coming by to watch football on Sunday?” he asked.

Suga smiled, realizing what he was getting at now. The guys had likely put him up to it.

“Tell Asahi and Tanaka I’ll be there.”

He laughed and hung up.  Suga padded out of the kitchen and into his living room. His furniture was nothing fancy, but it was his. He glanced around the room in pride. He’d always dreamed of having his own place. Of course, he’d always imagined having a family to go with it, and he wouldn’t be renting his house. He’d own it.  With a deep sigh, he leaned back on his couch and hit the remote to turn the TV on. It could be worse. He could be completely alone.

Chapter Text

Suga yawned and rolled his eyes as he dispatched an ambulance to the Ukai residence. Old man Ukai dialed 911 at least once a week, claiming he was smothering on the account his oxygen wasn’t working. Suga thought it was more likely he was lonely and enjoyed the paramedics fussing over him.

“Slow day,” Oikawa said with a yawn. “At this rate, we won’t need Mattsun to come in at noon.”

Suga nodded, leaning back in his swivel chair and spinning slowly around. The scanner was even quiet, which meant a truly slow day all the way around. Dispatch kept a scanner on at all times monitoring the fire and police frequencies. Many times, it allowed them to react quicker to emergencies. They could have an ambulance en route several minutes before someone called it in. In this business, a few minutes could mean the difference between life and death.  At noon, Mattsun came bustling in and tossed a bag at him and Oikawa.

“I picked up lunch,” he said, as he flopped in the chair beside Suga. “Anything going on?” he asked as he munched on a fry.  Suga retrieved a burger from his bag and unwrapped it.

“Not much. The usual.”

“You want to go home early?” he asked Suga.
“Since it’s slow, we don’t need three dispatchers."
Suga nodded.

“Sure. I’ll clock out after I eat.”

“Take your time.”
As they ate, the scanner crackled, and they perked up. Suga listened intently as station two was dispatched to a fire downtown.

“That’s your boys,” Oikawa said.

“Yeah, it is. Hey, did you hear what building it was?” Suga asked, listening harder to the hurried transmission.

“Thought it said the old theater,” Mattsun mumbled around a mouthful of burger.

“Da-mn,” Oikawa said with a whistle. “That monstrosity’s been around forever.”

The scanner was quiet for a while, then it came to life again as station radioed there were ten-ten, on scene. A minute later, Suga recognized the chief’s voice.

“Get us some back-up. This one’s a bitch.”

Suga’s brow lifted. Not often was there a fire major enough to warrant calling out both stations. He wondered briefly if they’d call out a crew from Date.  He forgot all about leaving as he listened to the drama unfold. Suga chewed absently on the burger as he listened for more traffic.  Back-up arrived, and from what he could discern, the fire was out of control. If it was too bad, in all likelihood, the entire block would go up where the theater was situated.  The chief crackled back over the scanner, apparently radioing for yet more backup. Suga frowned. It must be one hell of a fire. A prickle of unease skirted over him as the chief continued laying out his needs. In the background, he suddenly heard shouts. Then the chief swore and yelled out presumably to someone close.

“Get an ambulance here. I’ve got men down!”

Suga’s heart lurched into his throat, and he could feel every ounce of blood leaving his face. He stumbled up, the bag in his lap falling to the floor.

“Suga, be careful,” Mattsun called as he ran for the door.

Oikawa was already dispatching an ambulance.  Suga drove as fast as he felt safe to do, his pulse pounding in his temple. Several miles from downtown, he saw the billowing smoke reaching toward the sky. Several streets were already blocked off, so he parked his car and ran toward the building.

When he got close enough to see the theater, a scream lodged in his throat. The roof was caved in, and flames shot through the opening. The fire had already spread to the bank two doors down and looked as if it would soon consume the clothing boutique on the end.  An ambulance screamed up, but his eyes were riveted to the two firemen being carried out of the burning building. His mouth went dry even as he launched himself forward, shoving by the crowd of bystanders.  As he got to the area cordoned off by the fire crew, he ducked underneath the tape.

“Whoa there, Suga.” Hands grabbed him, preventing his progress. “Honey, don’t go over there.”

He realized it was Kuroo. Tears sprang to his eyes.

“It’s one of them isn’t it?” he whispered.

Kuroo’s eyes softened, regret filling his face.  Suga jerked away from him and ran to where the ambulance crew surrounded the men on the ground.

“Oh dear God,” he choked out.

It wasn’t one of them. It was Asahi and Daichi. Where was Tanaka? He raised his head, looking frantically around for a sign of him.

“Suga, you shouldn’t be here,” the chief said firmly, trying to steer him away.

“Don’t!” he said, hardly recognizing the growl in his voice. He yanked his arm free. “Where’s Tanaka?” he demanded.

“He’s fine,” the chief said reassuringly. “Just being treated for smoke inhalation. There he is now.”

Tanaka must have seen him because he was bearing down on Suga through the crowd of people. He caught Suga in his arms, shielding him from the view of Daichi and Asahi.

“They’ll be okay,” he said in a hoarse voice.

Suga gripped him tightly, nearly faint with relief. When he hadn’t seen him he’d assumed the worst. But now he had to find out how Daichi and Asahi were.

“Don’t protect me, Tanaka,” he said fiercely. “I want to know how they are.”

Suga shoved closer, trying to see amidst the people swarming everywhere. His heart twisted as he saw Daichi’s soot covered face. His eyes were closed. An oxygen mask was crammed over his nose and mouth after the C-collar was secure.  A paramedic looked up and saw Suga standing there. He grimaced.

“Want to ride?” he asked as they loaded Daichi up on the stretcher.

“Tanaka, can you ride with Asahi?” he asked.

“Go on. I’ll catch you at the hospital.”

Suga clamored into the back of the ambulance with the assistance of another fireman. They slammed the doors shut, and the ambulance lurched forward.

“Sit there and buckle up,” the paramedic said, gesturing toward the jump seat.

“Will he be all right?” he asked fearfully.

“Yeah, I think so. His vitals are stable. He’s damn lucky.”
He breathed a heavy sigh of relief, tears swelling in his eyes.

“And Asahi?” he prompted.

“I don’t know. The other medic took him.”

Suga chewed his knuckles as he watched the paramedic start dual IVs. Why wasn’t Daichi conscious? Even he knew a prolonged loss of consciousness wasn’t good.  The medic pushed Daichi’s eyelids open and shone a penlight into the pupils. As if feeling Suga’s anxious stare, he looked up at him.

“I don’t see any obvious sign of head injury. His pupils are equal and reactive.”

He turned away from Suga and picked up the radio to call a report to the hospital. Suga reached forward and placed a hand on Daichi’s forehead. He wiped some of the soot away with his fingers, willing him to open his eyes. He couldn’t lose him. No. He wouldn’t lose him. He loved this man more than life itself.  Suga caught himself as the ambulance came to an abrupt halt, and the back doors flew open.

The ER staff assisted the paramedic as they pulled the stretched out. The paramedic reached back to help Suga down before hurrying in behind the stretcher that was wheeling away.  Suga was left behind as they shoved the stretcher through the swinging doors. He stood in shock. Behind him, more commotion ensued as Asahi was wheeled in, Tanaka striding in beside him.  Suga rushed to the stretcher, elated to see Asahi was conscious.

“Suga, what the hell are you doing here?” he demanded.  Suga went weak with relief, donning a crooked smile.

“Thank God you’re okay, Asahi.”  He reached up to touch Suga’s cheek.

“I’m fine, just a little banged up. Do me a favor and call Noya so he won’t worry.”

They wheeled him away as Suga nodded his agreement. Strong hands gripped his shoulders, squeezing comfortingly.

“How was Daichi?” Tanaka asked.
Suga turned and buried his face in his chest.

“He wasn’t conscious. I don’t know how he is.” He fought to keep desperation from his voice but failed miserably. “I can’t lose him. I can’t.”

“You’re not going to lose him, Suga.” Tanaka rubbed his back then led him over to a row of seats by the window. “You sit. I’ll go call Noya.”

Tanaka walked stiffly off, leaving dirty footprints on the polished floor. He still wore his fire gear, layers of soot and ash clinging to him like a second skin.  Suga closed his eyes, not wanting to think how close he had come to losing the people most important to him. What would he do without all of them?  Tanaka returned in a minute and slid into the seat beside Suga. Suga reached over and took his hand, gripping it tightly.

“Are you okay?”  Tanaka smiled even as he coughed.

“I’m fine, really. I was almost out when the roof collapsed. Asahi and Daichi were behind me.” His eyes flashed in pain. “I should have been with them.”

“I’m glad you weren’t hurt. My heart couldn’t take all three of you in the hospital.”

“It must have been quite a shock. I assume you heard it over the scanner.”  He nodded.

“Is Noya coming?”

“Yeah, he freaked. I told him not to kill himself getting here, that Asahi was awake.”
A few minutes later, a nurse came out and looked over at them.

“Are you Sugawara and Tanaka?”  They were on their feet immediately.  The nurse gestured them back.
“Azumani wants to see you both.”

Suga rushed into the small exam room and immediately fell on Asahi, hugging him fiercely. He winced and gently pushed at him.

“Let me breathe. If you don’t let up, I’ll have to put the O2 back on.”
Suga let him go and stood back up beside Tanaka.

“You okay, man?” Tanaka asked, relief flaring in his eyes. He’d been as worried, but he’d hidden it well.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Doc says I have a few bruised ribs, but otherwise, I’m right as rain.”  Suga squeezed his hand tightly, unable to speak around the knot in his throat.
“Hey, how’s Daichi?” Asahi asked, worry evident in his voice.

“I don’t know yet,” Suga said quietly. “They haven’t let me see him.”

“Don’t worry. He’ll be fine I’m sure.”

“Noya’s on his way,” Tanaka spoke up.  Asahi groaned.

“He may never let me up.”

“You got that right,” Noya announced from the door.

Suga turned to see him rush forward, panic, relief, anguish etched in his face.

“I’ll see you later on,” Suga told Asahi as he stepped away from the bed.  Tanaka walked out with him, leaving Asahi and Noya alone.

“I’m going to ask about Daichi,” Suga announced. “I can’t take it anymore.”   He flagged down a nurse in the hall who went to inquire about Daichi. In a moment, she returned.

“You can go in and see him. He’s awake now.”

Suga ran to the room, his heart pounding hard. At the doorway, he stopped and stared, drinking in his appearance. He was propped against a pillow, his large body incongruous with the small bed. His clothing had been stripped, a sheet pulled up to his mid-drift. Some of the soot had been cleaned from his face, but streaks still shone on his tanned skin.  With a cry, Suga launched himself at him. Daichi caught him as he reached the bed. He enfolded Suga in his arms as he buried his face against his chest. His tears fell rapidly now, wetting Daichi’s skin.

“Hey,” Daichi said softly, trying to pick his head up. “I’m okay. Don’t cry, sweetheart.”

Suga raised his head, tears blurring his vision. He ran his hands over Daichi’s face, reassuring himself he was alive.

“I was so scared,” he said in anguish. “Oh God, Daichi. I almost lost you.”

“I’m not going anywhere, baby. Don’t cry. It’s not good for the baby for you to be so upset.” His hands soothed away the tears, and he pulled their faces together, capturing his lips in an emotional kiss.

“I love you, Daichi,” Suga declared, not caring what he thought of the revelation. “I’ve loved you forever. And when I think about what could have happened today, it nearly kills me.”

Suga sobbed openly, wrapping his arms around Daichi and squeezing him tightly.  He ran his fingers through Daichi's hair then over his face, touching him, reassuring himself he was whole. Suga leaned his forehead against Daichi’s, trying desperately to compose himself. They closed their eyes, and Daichi wrapped his arms around Suga’s waist, running his hands over his back.  A noise from the door had Suga jerking away.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Tanaka said with a grin. “I wanted to see how you were doing, Daichi.”
He walked further into the room, and Daichi situated Suga beside him on the bed, tucking him under his arm.

“I’m doing okay,” Daichi replied. “How are you? How’s Asahi?”

“I’m fine. Just a bit of smoke inhalation. Asahi’s got a few busted ribs, but he’s all right, and Noya’s fussing over him.”  Daichi grinned. Suga turned to him.

“What did the doctor say about you?”

“He cleared my spine. Said I got a knock on the head, probably from falling debris, but nothing serious. He said my lungs will feel like crap for a day or two from all the smoke, but all in all, he said I was lucky.”

Suga shivered, unable to contemplate the alternative. His fright, the unspeakable agony he’d endured as he waited to hear Asahi and Daichi’s condition was rapidly catching up to him. He shook almost uncontrollably. Daichi’s arms tightened around Suga, and he and Tanaka exchanged worried glances.

“I need to go to the bathroom,” Suga said shakily. His bladder felt near to bursting, and he desperately needed to compose himself.

“Want me to go with you?” Tanaka asked, looking doubtfully at him.

“I’m fine."

“If you aren’t back in five minutes, I’m sending him in after you,” Daichi said firmly.

Suga struggled down from the bed and tested his shaky legs. He wavered on the way to the door, feeling a hysterical urge to laugh.  Tanaka’s hand gripped his elbow as he passed him.

“I’m fine,” Suga said brightly. “Really. I just need to use the bathroom. I’ll be fine.”

Daichi watched him go, a combination of worry and awe occupying his thoughts.

“He loves me,” he said softly when Suga disappeared from view.  Tanaka snorted.

“You’ve only just now figured that out? Where’ve you been, dude?”

“No, he told me. He said it. He loves me.” He couldn’t keep the incredulity from his voice. It seemed monumental. Suga loved him.  Tanaka laughed.

“You’ve got it bad. That little spitfire has you twisted in knots.” His expression grew serious. “You scared the hell out of him today. You scared us all,” he amended.

“I hope he wasn’t too upset,” Daichi said. Suga’s tear-filled eyes were more than he could bear.  Tanaka rolled his eyes.

“Let’s see. The guy he loves is carried out of a burning building and rushed to a hospital. No. I don’t think he was too upset.” He paused and looked intently back at Daichi. Daichi realized then that Tanaka had been just as worried.

“I’m okay, man. I swear it.”

“You took a few years off my life when I had to go back in after you,” Tanaka admitted. “It was like my dad all over again.All I could think about was what if I couldn’t get you and Asahi out. I sure as hell wasn’t going to leave you in there.”

“Thanks, Tanaka” Daichi reached out and grasped his’s arm. Tanaka hesitated, then he wrapped his arms around Daichi, nearly squeezing the breath out of him.

“You’d do the same for me,” he said gruffly.

“Damn straight,” Daichi said with a nod. He frowned.

“Maybe you should go look for Suga. He didn’t look too good when he left.”

“Don’t mess this up, Daichi,” Tanaka said quietly. “You know how he feels now. Don’t wait too long to do something about it.”

Chapter Text

Suga loved him. It was only beginning to sink in on Daichi. The enormity of what he had said. Daichi remembered all too clearly his earnest declaration, Suga's heart in his eyes. It had humbled him in a way nothing else ever had.  Daichi sat back on the couch, watching Suga and Tanaka haphazardly decorate the Christmas tree. Since he and Asahi had been released two days ago, Suga had all but moved back in to fuss over them. Daichi liked having him back around. He’d missed him even though he had spent so much time at Suga’s new place. And in his bed.

Suga loved him. He marveled at how such a sentiment made him feel. Michimiya had professed love for him, but it hadn’t made him feel like this.  He watched Suga's every movement, how his shirt snuck up over his gently rounded abdomen when he reached to put an ornament high on the tree. A fierce wave of possessiveness stole over him with lightning speed.  Suga was his. Or was he? Suga loved him, but what about the father of his baby? Months after his shocking announcement, Suga remained as tight-lipped as ever about the father’s identity. Had he hurt him that bad? Or had Suga screwed up that bad?  His mind swirled with questions. Questions he needed answers to if he and Suga were going to have a future. He grinned as Suga swatted Tanaka and scolded him for putting the angel on crooked. Yes, they had to have a future. He couldn’t imagine one—his future—without the feisty omega. He’d become as integral to Daichi as breathing.

Daichi loved him.  His chest tightened. God, yes, he loved him. Hadn’t he always? He frowned. Thinking back, there wasn’t a time he hadn’t felt deeply for Suga. Even when he dated other people, he’d always imagined he wanted someone like Suga. And when Michimiya betrayed him, all he could think was that Suga would never have let him down like that.  Was he ready to put it all on the line again like he’d almost done before? The answer was a resounding yes. Suga was very different than Michimiya. Suga loved him. Suga was the kind of guy every person dreamed of having.  A slow smile worked the corners of his mouth upward. Soon his jaw ached from the wide smile he wore. Yeah, Suga was his future. Daichi loved him, and he’d love the child. Their child. He didn’t care what biology said. That was his child. His mind went to work, pondering when the best time would be to put his plan into action.  Suga glanced over at Daichi to see his face split into a silly grin. Suga paused hanging ornaments and arched his brow.

“Are we that amusing?” he asked.  Daichi’s face grew serious.

“You’re gorgeous. I love watching you.”

Suga flushed, feeling heat creep over his skin. Daichi had never been very demonstrative in front of Asahi and Tanaka, though both knew a great deal about their relationship, including keeping quiet about the number of nights Daichi spent at Suga’s house.  Tanaka rolled his eyes.

“Could you two cut it out? I just ate.”

“Why don’t you get back to hanging ornaments?” Suga said, scowling at him.

“An guy can never hear he’s gorgeous too many times. Especially when said guy is as big as a house.” Suga looked ruefully down at his full belly.

“Come here,” Daichi said, crooking his finger at him.

His eyes were dark, his expression almost angry.  Suga walked over to where he sat on the couch, his feet propped up on the coffee table. Daichi caught him around the waist and pulled him down.

“You’re beautiful,” he murmured. “Belly and all.”

He brushed his lips across Suga's, nibbling at the corners of his mouth.  Suga sighed, allowing himself to get lost in his kiss. It was easy to forget everything in Daichi's arms, reveling in the fact he was home and okay. But now, Suga was faced with reality. He had to tell Daichi the truth, and he had to do it now. As soon as he got the opportunity and not a minute later.

Daichi pulled Suga onto his lap and held him against his chest. He smiled and cuddled further into Daichi’s embrace.

“I guess I get to finish this monstrosity by myself,” Tanaka grumbled.

“You’re a doll, Tanaka” Suga said, grinning at him.

“Yeah, yeah. A regular Cabbage Patch.”

“I need to check on Asahi,” Suga said, reluctantly pulling away from Daichi. “He’s been asleep for a while, and I want to make sure he doesn’t need more pain medication.”

“He’s fine,” Daichi said, pulling him back into his arms. “I like you just where you’re at.”

“What do you say we have dinner at my place tomorrow night?” Suga asked lightly. His stomach turned viciously. He’d use the opportunity to tell Daichi his awful secret. Suga wiped his hands on his jeans, wanting to rid himself of the clammy feeling.

“I think that’s the best idea you’ve had all day,” Daichi said softly. “I think there’s a few things we need to talk about.”

Suga’s heart sped up. What did he mean? He couldn’t possibly know. Stop. Of course, he couldn’t know. But he would tomorrow night because Suga wasn’t going to put it off another day. He only prayed when Daichi found out the truth, he wouldn’t hate him.

***

Daichi got up early the next morning, a sense of purpose marking his movements. He still ached a bit from the accident, but he’d been damn lucky he hadn’t been laid up for a long time. Or worse, been unable to return to work. Even Asahi would be returning to the job in a few days.

“Where’s the fire?” Tanaka asked as Daichi hurriedly ate a bowl of cereal. He sauntered in and sat next to Daichi at the bar.

“Bad joke,” Daichi said sourly.  Tanaka laughed.

“I guess so. So what’s up? Aren’t you supposed to be resting?”  Daichi took a deep breath.

“I need to go shopping for a ring. I plan to ask Suga to marry me tonight.”  Tanaka’s face split into a wide grin.

“Hot damn. It’s about time.”  He grinned crookedly.

“Now let’s hope he says yes.” Tanaka looked at him like he’d started singing opera or something.

“No way he’ll say no. That guy has it bad for you.”  Daichi smiled.

“Yeah well, I have it just as bad for him. I love him,” he added.

“That’s great, man. Congratulations. Looks like both you and Asahi will be taking the leap.”

Daichi searched Tanaka’s face for any sign of animosity.

“So how do you feel about that?” Tanaka looked surprised for a moment.

“I’m thrilled. Especially for you and Suga. I was ready to kick your ass if you didn’t get a clue real soon.”

“Yeah, well, I can’t believe it took me this long to realize it,” he said ruefully.

“What are you going to do about… uh, you know, the baby?” Tanaka asked.

“Level with me. Has he ever told you who the father is?”

“No, he hasn’t. I’ve asked enough times, but the subject has been off-limits.”

Daichi drew in his breath. He hoped it wasn’t a case of Suga being in love with the asshole who got him pregnant. For all he knew, Suga could have told the jerk he was pregnant, and he could have blown him off.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wished it was my baby he was carrying,” he said quietly. “It would certainly make things easier. And if I’m honest, I’m jealous as hell at the idea of another guy being with him.”

“I can understand that,” Tanaka replied empathetically. “Does it bother you a lot that he’s pregnant with someone else’s baby? I mean, will it affect how you feel about the baby?”

“It doesn’t matter to me, but we’re going to have to talk about it,” he said. “I need to know this guy isn’t going to be turning up in a few months.”

“Well good luck, dude. And congratulations. I don’t imagine he’ll turn you down.” He winked at Daichi and got up. “I’m gonna go check in on Asahi. Let me know how it goes.”

“Thanks, Tanaka.”

Daichi collected his keys and headed for his truck. He had a lot to do before going over to Suga’s tonight.

***

At six, Daichi pulled into Suga’s driveway and parked his truck. He felt for the ring in his pocket before getting out and heading to the front door.  When Suga opened it, Daichi pulled him into a hug, loving the way he felt, the way he fit so perfectly under his chin. He tilted Suga’s head up and kissed his delectable full lips. He tasted sensational. He could spend the rest of the evening sampling his mouth.  Suga shivered against him, and he quickly shut the door behind him.

“Sorry,” he apologized. “Didn’t mean to keep you standing in the doorway.”

Suga smiled up at him, nearly taking his breath away. Christ. He was obsessed with tasting him all over.

“It’s cold tonight.”

Daichi nodded and shrugged out of his coat, hanging it by the door.

“Yeah, weird huh. Weather said a real doozy of a cold front was heading through in the next few days.”

Suga shook his head as they walked into the living room.

“Two days ago, it was in the seventies.”

“Anything you want me to help you with?” he asked, as they made their way into the kitchen. Daichi sniffed the air appreciatively. “Smells good.”

Suga smiled again, and Daichi’s eyes roved over his glowing skin. Pregnancy definitely agreed with him. His skin was positively lickable. It was a tempting idea to keep him pregnant all the time once they were married. He smiled at his arrogance. He was sure Suga wasn’t going to refuse.  He put his arms around his little omega while he stirred at the stove. Quite simply, Daichi couldn’t keep his hands off him. He loved the feel of him in his arms. He’d never considered himself to be an overly possessive person, but what he felt around Suga defied reasonable explanation. He wanted to spend the rest of his life taking care of him. Loving him, laughing with him, making wicked love to him.  Suga turned in his arms and kissed him lightly on the lips.

“You can set the table if you like. Supper will be done in a few minutes.”

“You mean you aren’t on the menu?” he murmured as he kissed his way down his neck.

Suga laughed, though it sounded forced. His eyes skirted away from him briefly.

“Is something wrong?” he asked.

“No, not at all,” he said brightly. “Go on and set the table. I need to take the rolls out of the oven.”

Daichi collected two plates from the cabinet then retrieved forks and knives from the dishwasher. After he set them on the table, he poured two glasses of tea.

“Here, let me,” he said, taking the heavy pot from Suga.

Daichi carried it over to the table while Suga collected the colander to drain the pasta.  They settled down at the table and served up plates of spaghetti. He barely managed to suppress a smile at the thought of presenting the ring to him. After supper, he told himself. They could cozy up in the living room, and he’d pour out his heart.  As Daichi helped clear away the dishes, he sensed Suga was on edge.

“Go on in the living room. I’ll finish up in here,” he said, rubbing Suga's shoulders.  As he watched him go, Daichi experienced a moment of unease. Why was he so uptight? It could be a pregnancy thing. Maybe his back hurt. Whatever the case, he hoped his proposal provided a quick fix.

Suga escaped to the living room nearly in full-blown panic. The evening had been perfect. Just perfect. Too perfect. And now he was going to ruin it by giving Daichi the shock of his life.  He paced back and forth as he waited for Daichi to make an appearance. His stomach was in knots, and he feared he was going to have to make a dash to the bathroom to puke. God, why had he ever gotten himself into this mess? Why hadn’t he confessed what had happened the very next morning?  Suga looked up in dismay when Daichi walked into the living room, a gentle smile on his face, eyes glowing warmly. Suga nearly melted in a puddle at his feet when Daichi took him in his arms and kissed him lingeringly.

“Supper was fantastic,” he murmured. “But now that it’s over, there’s something I want to talk to you about.”  Suga gave a nervous laugh.

“How funny because there’s something I wanted to talk to you about too.”

“Me first,” he said.

Suga swallowed hard and nodded. Daichi led him over to the couch and sat down beside him. He collected Suga’s hand in his and pressed a kiss to the upturned palm.

“I love you, Suga.”  His blunt statement made Suga's jaw drop. Tears gathered in the corners of his eyes. How he’d dreamed of him saying those words. And here he was, holding him gently, gazing at him in adoration and saying those three little words. And he felt like the biggest heel in the world.

“I think I’ve loved you for a very long time,” he admitted. “But it took you trying to get my notice that made me examine my feelings for you. And then, at the hospital, when you told me you loved me, it made me realize how lucky I was. And how stupid I’d been not to have made you mine a long time ago.”

A single tear slipped down Suga’s cheek, and he thumbed it gently out of the way. Suga wanted to squeeze his eyes shut, look away, anywhere but into Daichi’s trusting eyes. If someone had laid a cement block on his chest, he couldn’t feel any more weighted down. Suga didn’t deserve him.

“But I want to rectify that, Suga. I want you to marry me. I want us to be a family. A real family. But before we do that, there are things we need to talk about. Things we need to get out in the open.”

Suga looked at him with all the weight of his guilt bearing down on him harder. Soon he’d be unable to breathe at all. He opened his mouth to speak, but all words fled him like a speeding bullet.

“Suga,” Daichi prompted gently. “I need to know about the father of your baby.”

Chapter Text

Suga felt very close to fainting. Daichi must have registered the shock he was feeling because he leaned forward, framing his face in his hands.

“Don’t be afraid, sweetheart. We need to talk about this though. Get it off your chest. We need to determine how this affects our future. I’m not going anywhere. But we need to get this out in the open.”

Suga closed his eyes, tears slipping down his cheeks. After everything it had come down to this. The man he was desperately in love with was sitting in front of him prepared to propose, and he was set to drive a knife in his back.

“I don’t even know how to tell you this,” He said choking back a sob.

“Koshi, you need to calm down. I had no idea this would upset you so much. This isn’t how I pictured the evening going at all.” Daichi paused a moment and ran a hand through his hair. “Would you prefer we talk about it another time?”

“No! I mean…no. I had planned to tell you tonight anyway. It’s why I invited you over.”

Suga sucked in his breath until it made him feel light- headed.  He was too close to Daichi. Suga stood up, Daichi’s hands dropping from his arms. A few steps away from the couch, he turned around, daring to look at Daichi. His eyes were alight in confusion and intense curiosity.

“Do you remember the night you and Michimiya broke up?” he asked. Surprise registered on Daichi’s face.

“Yes, of course.”

“You came home upset. You’d been drinking. Then I sat up with you while you got drunker.”

“Yeah,” he said, looking away. “Not the proudest moment of my life.”

“Nor was it mine,” Suga whispered. “We had sex that night.”

He watched disbelief, then shock creep across Daichi’s face.

“Are you saying… are you saying I put a move on you?” he asked hoarsely. “Oh my God,” he whispered before Suga could answer. "I took advantage of you when I was drunk?”

Self-loathing clouded Daichi’s voice, his anguish was Suga’s undoing.

“No!” Suga sobbed out. “That isn’t the way it happened. Daichi, I wanted it to happen. I encouraged you. I kissed you, and it went from there. I knew you had no idea what you were doing. I had this fantasy built up in my mind. I knew exactly what I was doing, and I seduced you.”

Daichi sat, shaking his head in utter disbelief. Then he paled, all the color fading from his face in a rush.

“The baby. It’s mine?”

Suga nodded his head miserably.  Daichi stared at him in horror.

“And you never told me? You let me go all these months, and the baby is mine?”

Again he nodded, unable to speak. Suga’s hands shook violently as he awaited the explosion.

“How could you?” Revulsion twisted Daichi’s face. “Jesus. I can’t believe it. Not you, Suga. I trusted you. Tell me you didn’t do this. Didn’t keep something so important from me.”

Suga pressed his knuckles to his mouth, unable to hold back the sobs any longer.  Daichi waved his hand in front of himself.

“This game. This charade you put on. The flirting. The effort to make me jealous. Was it real? Or did you just think you wouldn’t have a father for your baby? Damn it, Suga. Why didn’t you tell me?” His voice rose, and he stood up, his fists clenched by his side. “Has this all been just one gigantic joke to you? Have you been laughing at me behind my back all this time? You despise Michimiya so much, but you’re no better than her. My God, I trusted you.”

The pain in his face, his eyes, his voice sliced through Suga like the sharpest blade.

“Daichi, it wasn’t like that,” he began.

“Then tell me, Suga. What was it like?” His bitter words rang across the room.

“I was afraid,” he admitted. “Afraid of messing things up between us, afraid of messing things up between all four of us.”

“I see, and keeping the fact that you slept with me, much less that you were pregnant with my child from me isn’t messing things up?”

“It was wrong,” Suga said softly.

“It wasn’t just wrong, Suga. It was despicable. I honestly never thought you were capable of such deceit. I am certainly not proud of the fact I had sex with someone and apparently can’t remember it, much less that it was with my supposed best friend, but what you did was unthinkable. You should have told me. Immediately. There was no reason for you to have gone through any of it alone.”

Suga turned away, his head aching from the tears he’d cried. He heard Daichi walk across the floor, and Suga whirled around in time to see him walk out the front door.

“Daichi!” he called out, racing to the door. “Don’t go. We need to talk.”

Daichi paused on the porch and slowly turned around to face him. What Suga saw in his eyes made him flinch.

“I don’t have anything to say to you, Suga.”

Suga froze at the anger, the hatred in his voice. As Daichi walked away, Suga’s heart shattered into a million pieces. He watched in agony as Daichi drove off. Out of his life.  He stood there for a long time, numb to the cold. Numb to anything but the searing pain in his chest. Then he slowly turned and walked back into the house.

***

Daichi pounded the steering wheel in rage. Tears nearly blinded his vision as he tore down the road. How could Suga have betrayed him like this? Never would he have put him in the same category as Michimiya. But to allow him to go to the doctor’s visits, pursue a relationship, all the while pregnant with his child. His child.  He’d never felt so angry, so utterly pissed off in his life. His deception was unthinkable. And it made him sick to his stomach that the person he loved and wanted to spend the rest of his life with had lied to him from the beginning of their relationship.  He pulled into the driveway of his house and slammed out of the truck. His mood was black, and he’d never hurt as much as he did at this moment. His fingers curled around the box the engagement ring was nestled in. In an angry motion, he sent it flying across the kitchen as he stepped in the door.

“Whoa, dude.”

Tanaka stepped back as Daichi made his entrance.  Daichi cursed under his breath. No one was supposed to be home. From the living room, he heard Asahi get up and join them in the kitchen. Was the whole bloody world staying home tonight?

“What’s going on?” Asahi asked with a frown as he leaned against the bar.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” he managed to grit out. He closed his eyes, vowing not to shed a single tear in front of the guys.

“I take it the evening didn’t go as planned,” Tanaka said quietly.

“Observant aren’t you,” Daichi snarled.

“What the hell are you two talking about?” Asahi demanded. “As usual, I’m in the dark.”

“He say no?” Tanaka pressed.

“I didn’t ask,” he replied bitterly.

“Why do I get the feeling you two are talking about Suga,” Asahi said in a dangerous tone. “One of you better spill it.”

Anger swelled and overflowed, exploding out of him before he could call it back.

“That omega is a lying, conniving bitch.”

Asahi’s jaw dropped open then a dangerous glint surfaced in his eyes. He advanced on Daichi, his expression murderous. Tanaka didn’t look any happier, but at least he was keeping his distance.

“You better have a damn good reason for saying that,” Asahi said softly.

“Who’s the father?” Tanaka asked, correctly perceiving the source of his anger.

“I am,” he spat out, thumbing himself in the chest.

“What the…” Asahi began.

“Say what?” Tanaka sputtered. “Say that again?”

In sparse words, he related the events of the night he and Michimiya had broken up. By the time he finished, Tanaka’s mouth was on the floor, and Asahi had sunk down on a barstool.

“What was he thinking?” Asahi asked in disbelief. “That’s about the craziest thing I've ever heard.”

Tanaka remained silent as he stared between the two of them. Daichi threw open the fridge and popped a beer. He took a long swig then looked at it in disgust. This is what got him into this situation in the first place.  He glanced back over at Tanaka who stood staring at him.

“Did you break up with him?” he asked.

“Break up with him? Breaking up implies a relationship of sorts,” Daichi said with a snort. “Apparently I was under the mistaken impression we had a relationship. I couldn’t have been more wrong.”

Asahi shook his head.

“I can’t believe he would do something like that.”

“I don’t think it’s fair to gang up on him,” Tanaka said quietly. “We’ve only heard Daichi’s side of things.”

Daichi whirled and pinned Tanaka with the full force of his glare.

“You think I’m lying?”

“Not at all,” he returned mildly. “But we haven’t heard Suga’s reasons for what he did. I for one don’t think it’s any of my business, therefore, I refuse to pass judgment.”

“It was a stupid thing to do,” Asahi insisted.

“I don’t think stupid covers it,” Daichi muttered.

“Look, I know you’re blown away by this,” Tanaka began. “Who wouldn’t be? But my advice is to sit on it a few days. Don’t make any decisions you’ll regret later. I refuse to think Suga did this maliciously.”

“You’re entitled to your opinion, Tanaka. But tell me this. Why the hell didn’t he tell me when he found out he was pregnant? I can almost understand why he didn’t say anything about us going to bed together. It’s certainly not something I’m proud of. But when he found out he was pregnant he should have told me immediately. I had the right to know.”

“Just don’t do anything you’ll regret,” Tanaka repeated as he headed toward his room.

“Sorry, man,” Asahi offered.

“Yeah, me too.” He turned and retreated to his room, shutting the door on his disillusionment.

***

The wind blew cold off the water, biting through the thin shirt he wore. Suga sat on the sand, his knees hugged to his swollen belly. The water rolled closer as the tide swept in, but still he didn’t move, his gaze fixed on a distant point on the horizon.  He’d driven aimlessly until he found himself heading down the highway toward the coast. He and Daichi had sat on this very beach watching the sun go down on their first date. It seemed a lifetime ago.  Tears he didn’t think he had left slipped down his cheek, burning a single trail of despair. By now Asahi and Tanaka would know what had happened. Asahi would be angry that he had acted so rashly. He had no idea what Tanaka would think. He’d probably be hurt that Suga hadn’t confided in him. But most of all, Daichi was lost to him. He would never get over that.  And Suga had nobody to blame but himself.  How could he face any of them? His heart ached, heavy and hurting. How could he pick up and go on? No matter that his relationship with Daichi was over, when he calmed down, Daichi would want to be a part of their baby’s life. The worst kind of torture would be being tied to him through their child, having to be near him and knowing Daichi hated him.  Suga laid his head forward on his arms and let deep welling sobs escape. He sounded hoarse and raw, but he didn’t care. He’d not only lost the man he loved, he’d lost his best friend as well.

Suga stayed there through the night, staring out over the great expanse of water. The tide came in. The tide went out. Before long, the sun started to peep up, bathing the beach in soft light. And still he sat, huddled on the sand with only his regrets to keep him warm.  He knew he needed to call Doc and tell him he wouldn’t be in, but he couldn’t bring himself to move. With a frown, he checked his watch. His bleary eyes registering that it was past seven.  Sighing, he stretched his cramped legs and struggled to get up. Whatever his difficulties, he owed it to Doc to at least give him a call. He’d worry if Suga didn’t show up.

He pulled out his phone and stared at the black screen. The battery was dead. Honestly, it made sense with everything else going wrong. Suga drove further down the road and stopped at a gas station to use a payphone. He left word with Yaku, not bothering to expound on his reason for missing work. As he slid back into his car, he gripped the steering wheel, gritting his teeth to keep the tears at bay. His head felt like a cabbage, and his eyes were swollen and raw. It was cold. It was miserable. The weather was a perfect match for his mood. He had no idea where to go, but he wasn’t going home. Not yet. He didn’t want to be anywhere near Daichi. The disgust in his eyes had nearly killed him. Never had he imagined Daichi looking at him like that.  He stopped at a fast food joint and grabbed breakfast, though his stomach rebelled at the idea of food. He then parked along the seawall and sat in his car, watching the waves roll in.  He didn’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure out he’d royally fucked up.

Chapter Text

Tanaka ended his call then looked over at Asahi.

“I don’t like it. He’s still not answering. It goes straight to voicemail.”

“He’s probably just doesn't want to talk,” Asahi suggested.

“No, I drove by there this morning. His car wasn’t there and he’s not at work.”

“Well, he screwed up, man. I mean, he's my best friend, and I love him, but he screwed the pooch this time. Maybe he decided to hide out for a few days.”  Tanaka frowned.

“Dude, he’s pregnant and probably upset as hell. You saw Daichi. I doubt he just quietly walked away. Pull your head out of your ass. You and I have no reason to be angry with him.”  Asahi’s eyes flashed.

“He could have ruined our friendship. Hell, he probably already has. I doubt seriously Daichi’s going to want to hang around much anymore if he’s here.”

“You’re messed up,” Tanaka said quietly. "He’s our friend. Daichi isn’t blameless in all this. I’m worried about Suga even if you aren’t.”

“I don’t think there’s anything to worry about,” Asahi said. “Give him time to cool off. Suga’s always been like that.”

Tanaka shook his head but didn’t respond. He had a bad feeling about this, and he’d feel a hell of a lot better if he knew where Suga was.

***

By noon, Suga was either too tired to know better or he decided he stood to lose nothing by calling Daichi. Maybe today Daichi was calmer. Maybe they could talk things out. And maybe Suga was nuts.  On the way back from the beach, he stopped by the same gas station as before and nervously picked up the phone to call Daichi. He stood in the booth holding the receiver, his fingers poised over the numbers. Coward. This is what got you into this mess to begin with.  Before he lost his nerve, Suga punched in the phone number and waited with growing dread for him to answer. He shook from the cold, his face like a block of ice from the wind blowing over his tear stained cheeks. To his extreme relief, Daichi picked up on the second ring.

“Daichi?” he asked tentatively.

“What do you want,” Daichi cut in before he could say anything further.

“I—I thought we could talk. Can we meet somewhere?” His voice shook, and his grip tightened on the receiver in an attempt to bolster his waning courage.

“We have nothing to talk about.”

He hung up before Suga could respond, leaving him standing with the phone still to his ear. Slowly, he cradled it back and stepped from the booth. Something inside Suga broke. He could literally feel it snap. His mind seemed to break apart from his body and float free above him. He ceased to feel the biting wind, even as it began to spit tiny ice crystals.  Numbly, he returned to his car. In the back of his mind, he knew he was precariously close to an omega drop. That could not happen. The thought of driving an hour and fifteen minutes home was unbearable. He wasn’t sure he was in any shape to drive anyway. He hadn’t slept in twenty-four hours, and his omegan state was shaky at best. Making a quick decision, he spun his car around and drove to the only hotel around, a run down cheap sleep a few miles from the ferry.  After securing his key, he let himself into the dark room, not bothering to turn on the lights or open the curtains. he crawled into the threadbare bed and stared blankly until sleep took him.

***

“I still don’t like this,” Tanaka said grimly as the guys stowed their gear in their lockers.

“What don’t you like?” Daichi asked, though he pretended interest. All his thoughts centered on a petite, silver haired, angel-eyed tempter. His emotions had calmed from deep anger to extreme disappointment and sadness. He loved Suga. There was no doubt about that. But what he had done had stunned him. He wasn’t sure where to go from here. He hurt. Suga hurt him.

“Suga hasn’t been home since your little argument,” he said derisively. “If you’d quit feeling so sorry for yourself, you might have noticed that fact.”

Daichi glared at his friend. But a twinge of concern tightened his chest. He swore softly. He didn’t want to feel concern. Suga was a big boy. He could take care of himself.  Daichi didn’t want to think about the phone call and how much courage it had taken for him to call. He’d shoved it back in his face.  Asahi looked up from his perch on the bench in front of the lockers.

“He’s still not home?”  Tanaka all but snarled, surprising Daichi with his ferocity.

“I can’t believe you, Asahi. What’s Suga done to you? This has nothing to do with you. Don’t you give a crap that he’s been gone for two days?”

“I’m a little pissed at him,” Asahi muttered.

"Well, get over it,” Tanaka growled. “Right now I’d say it’s more important to find out where the hell he is. A freaking ice storm is supposed to hit, and we don’t know if he’s out on the road somewhere or what.”

Daichi’s stomach clenched. Despite his anger, the thought of Suga out alone somewhere, hurt or scared, frightened the hell out of him. And their child. Christ. His child.

“You’ll excuse my interruption, but you guys are complete dumbasses,” Kuroo said as he rounded the corner. His eyes glittered angrily as he stared them down.

“Back off, Kuroo,” Daichi said menacingly. “You don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t I? Let’s see. You’re not sulking because Suga didn’t tell you he was pregnant with your child, and you’re not sulking because your little pride is hurt,” he said sarcastically.

“What do you know about the situation?” Asahi demanded, standing to his full height.

“I know you people are pathetic,” he sneered. “Did I hear right, Tanaka? Is Suga missing?”  Tanaka shrugged.

“I wish I knew. He’s not answering his phone, and this is the second day he’s missed work.”

“How is it you know so much about Suga’s situation?” Daichi asked, his voice deceptively soft. He was working to keep a tight rein on his anger, and Kuroo’s smug expression was wearing his patience thin.

“You’re an idiot, Sawamura. He is so in love with you it isn’t even funny. He’s agonized for months over how to tell you. Wondering if you’d hate him.  Worried that if he told you, he’d never know if you really loved him or hooked up with him just for the baby.”

“That’s no excuse,” Daichi began, though his argument sounded hollow even to his own ears.

“I see, and what was he supposed to tell you? That on the night you broke up with your girlfriend, you stumbled home to Suga and took comfort in his arms? That after you took his virginity, you humiliated him by calling him Yui? Somehow, I don’t see him lining up to admit what happened.”

Daichi felt the color drain from his face then close behind, a dull flush worked its way over his cheeks.

“How do you know this? Did Suga tell you?” Christ, had he really called him Michimiya’s name?

“Uh, no, Daichi. I was in the room while you two made it.”

Kuroo’s heavy sarcasm was enough.  Daichi bolted over and grabbed Kuroo by the collar, slamming him against the locker.

“Shut the hell up. I don’t know why Suga confided in you, but shut your filthy mouth up.”

“Could it be he had no one else?” Kuroo asked pointedly, not at all intimidated by Daichi’s strangle hold on him.  Daichi slowly released him, and he slid down the locker.  “You’re a damn fool, Sawamura. I bet you’ve spent the last few months secretly wishing the baby was yours, so you and Suga could be one big happy family. And now that your wish has been granted, you’re doing your best to screw it up. Makes a hell of a lot of sense.”

“As much as I hate to agree with pretty boy over here, he has a good point,” Tanaka spoke up.

Daichi turned to glare at Tanaka who was leaning casually against the locker, anger still written on his face.

“Really, Daichi. What’s your problem? Don’t you have everything you ever wanted? Didn’t you say the other night that things would be such much simpler if it were your baby?” Tanaka asked.

“He should have told me,” Daichi whispered. “I had the right to know.”

“Yeah well I don’t think anyone’s going to argue that with you. But it’s a moot point. So are you going to hold it against him forever, or are you going to take care of the guy who loves you and raise your child together?”

Kuroo stood defiantly a few inches from Daichi’s face as he laid down the challenge.

“Personally, I don’t think you deserve him, but for whatever reason, Suga chose you. He’s never betrayed you, never even looked at another guy. How many people can you say that about? Certainly no one in your past,” he said derisively.

“Enough already,” Asahi said, holding up a hand and inserting himself between Daichi and Kuroo.

“We’ve got work to do. Suga’s a smart guy. He’s probably off working this out on his own like Daichi’s doing. Back off and leave them to it.”

“You screw this up, and I’ll make damn sure you don’t get another chance with him,” Kuroo said as he stalked off.  Daichi pounded his fist into the locker.

“Damn it!” he swore. He turned to Tanaka “You think I’m an ass don’t you?”

“Well…I wasn't going to say it out loud. I have a feeling you were pretty harsh on him, though. Maybe said some things you shouldn’t have.”

“Tell me about it,” he muttered, thinking back to the earlier phone call. 'We have nothing to talk about' rang in his ears. He looked back up at Tanaka “He hasn’t been home in two days?”  Tanaka shook his head.

“Not that I’ve seen. I’ve called several times and I’ve driven by a few times.”

“He called me earlier today,” Daichi said in a low voice.

“He did? What did he say? Where was he?”  He flushed again, his guilt in major overdrive.

“I don’t know,” he said lamely.

“You don’t know?” Asahi asked, finally speaking up.

“I hung up on him… after I told him we had nothing to talk about.”

“Damn,” Tanaka said with a shake of his head. “You sure know how to put the screws to a guy.”

“Let’s not haul me over the rack yet. I need to find out where he is. I’ll call him from inside.”

“If he’ll talk to you now,” Tanaka said, raising one eyebrow.

Daichi walked back inside and took his phone off the charge. He dialed Suga’s number, and it went straight to voicemail. In frustration, he hung up. Looking at his incoming calls, he noticed for the first time Suga’s previous call was from 'payphone.' Was Tanaka right? Had he not been home in two days? It wasn’t like him to miss so much work.  He called the vet’s office. After speaking to Yaku for a few minutes, worry began to crawl up his spine.

“That was Yaku,” he said as Tanaka walked up behind him. “He’s worried about Suga too. Said he called yesterday, and it sounded like he had a bad connection. This morning he called, and the connection was clearer, but he didn’t say anything other than he was sick and not coming in.”  Tanaka frowned.

“Doesn’t sound good, man.”  The radio went off, and the crew launched into action. Daichi swore and pulled his gear on. According to the scanner, the ice was already starting to build on the secondary roads. It was only a matter of time before the main roads started to freeze as well.  Leave it to Mother Nature to pull a freak ice storm. He’d be lucky if he had time to call Suga again. Traffic accidents would mount as the ice formed. People in these parts had no idea how to drive in this kind of weather.

“Let’s go,” the chief shouted.  Daichi pulled on his helmet and climbed into the truck. It was going to be a long day. His worry over Suga wasn’t going to make it any easier. His own nagging guilt was merely another nail in his coffin.

***

As Suga drove the lonely stretch of highway between Date and Karasuno, he thought, not for the first time, that he would have been better off remaining in his hotel room on the coast. While the sleet was coming down along the coastal road, it wasn’t sticking. But here, just miles north, the roads were quickly icing over. He slowed to a crawl as he crossed the bridge over Karasuno Creek. Only ten more miles, and he’d be home. At an absurd hour of the night. Or morning, he thought as he checked the time. It was almost two a.m.  He’d slept most of the day, his exhaustion extreme after a night up and the emotional turmoil he’d suffered before. Suga rubbed his belly as he slowed for another corner.

“It’s just you and me, kid. But I love you,” he whispered. “And I don’t regret you.”

Tears welled in his eyes again, stinging his eyelids. How much could he cry in a twenty-four hour period? He scrubbed at his face with the back of his hand. When Suga pulled his hand away, he was suddenly blinded by a set of headlights. They were coming right for him. Too late, he realized the other vehicle was skidding out of control.  He gripped the steering wheel and yanked it over, trying desperately to avoid the oncoming car. With a sickening crunch, the car hit him broadside on the passenger side. His car spun and lurched off the road. His world turned upside down as the car rolled. Pain exploded in his consciousness just before he registered a blast of cold air, then darkness.

Chapter Text

“Where are you, Suga?” Daichi murmured as he dropped the phone beside the bed.

He leaned back on the small cot and stared up at the ceiling. He’d done a lot of thinking today. Rational thinking. And he’d gained a unique perspective.  After he’d calmed down and separated through his feelings of hurt and betrayal, he’d immediately wanted to kick himself in the ass.

Yeah, Suga had done the wrong thing in keeping the truth about his pregnancy from him, but if that was the worst thing he ever did he was one lucky guy.  And Tanaka was right. He should be jumping for joy. He had gotten precisely what he’d spent the last month wishing for. The baby was his. Suga was his. There was no other guy in the picture.  He’d been Suga’s first. An inexplicable wave of satisfaction gripped him. But then he’d turned around and called him Yui. He could only imagine how that had made him feel.  He rubbed his eyes tiredly. It all made sense to him now. What he’d thought were vivid fantasies were actually snippets of memory from the night they had made love. Even now if he thought hard about the night in question, he could form hasty images of him. Naked beneath him. How good he’d felt. And he could remember kissing him. That much he knew wasn’t a fantasy.

“Still can’t sleep?” Tanaka asked from across the room.

“Nah. Too busy kicking my ass. And I’m worried about Suga,” he admitted.

Tanaka got up and ambled over. He parked it in a chair next to Daichi’s cot.

“He’ll come around. He’s probably just upset and taking a break.”

“I was a jerk. I mean, it was bad. He didn’t deserve to be treated like I did, no matter how angry I was. Fuck, he's pregnant with my child. The upset can’t be good for either of them.”

“Has it sunk in yet?” Tanaka asked.

“That the baby is mine?”  Tanaka nodded. “It’s the weirdest feeling. I can’t even describe it. I mean I already felt extremely possessive of Suga. Some alpha response. He’s mine. Hands off. That sort of thing. But now it’s even stronger. He’s carrying my child. Mine. His belly is swelling with a part of me. I can’t get over it.”  He looked down at his hands then back up at Tanaka “Why didn’t he just tell me? I think that’s what I’m having the hardest time with. Suga had to know I’d take care of him. For that matter, why didn’t he tell me what happened the next day? I could have been there for him when he first found out he was pregnant.”

“Try to put yourself in his shoes,” Tanaka said softly. “You called him by your ex’s name. That makes it sound like you were seriously hung up on your girlfriend. Not to mention, it had to be pretty humiliating that you didn’t even know it was him. And since he didn’t tell you right away, when he found out he was pregnant, he probably thought you wouldn’t believe him.”

“And maybe I wouldn’t have,” Daichi said honestly. “I don’t know. I would have been shocked as hell, no doubt.”

“He’s been paying for his mistake,” Tanaka pointed out. “This whole pregnancy has been less than a cakewalk for him. I’m sure he’s been terrified the whole time that you would hate him. It can’t have been easy living with that kind of fear and anxiety.”

“You’re right,” Daichi admitted.

The radio blared an alarm, and the chief shot out of bed, grabbing for his radio. Daichi and Tanaka strained to hear as the chief radioed ten-four.

“Let’s roll, guys,” Chief Ukai said, heading for the locker room to grab his gear.

“What’s up, Chief?” Tanaka asked as the rest rolled out of bed and dashed for the locker room.

“Two car MVA out on old Bridge Road a few miles out of town. They need extrication. One of the drivers is pinned inside the vehicle.”

“Damn,” Daichi muttered.

“Why don’t people stay the hell at home?” Kuroo grumbled. “It’s two friggin’ AM, and the roads are icy. Most people would have the sense not to drive.”

“It gets better,” the chief said, as they scrambled into the truck. “Ambulance is still twenty miles out and slow going in the ice. Their backup unit is in Date.”

“Make sure our medical supplies are handy,” Tanaka called out as he hopped on the truck.  They headed out onto the ice slickened street, the heavy fire truck faring better than lighter vehicles. They were probably a good five miles from the accident scene, and Daichi hoped to hell the injuries weren’t severe. He knew basic first aid, but he had no desire to play paramedic.

“Do we have an ETA on the ambulance yet?” he asked the chief.

“Still several miles out. The first responders said the driver trapped in the vehicle is unconscious, and they can’t get close enough to offer any assistance. We’ll have to cut him out.”

Daichi nodded grimly and said a prayer that wherever Suga was, he stayed put.

As they neared the accident scene, flashing lights lit up the wooded area on both sides of the road. At least four first responder trucks were parked on the shoulder, and the road had been closed off.  To the right, an SUV sat on the shoulder of the road, the front end completely caved in. Whatever they’d hit, they’d hit hard.  Daichi hopped out with the other guys and was immediately met by one of the first responders.

“Are Azumane and Tanaka with you?” he asked, a peculiar expression on his face.

“Yeah, why?”

“You’re all sidelined,” Chief Ukai said as he walked up.

He pushed Daichi back toward the truck and yelled for Tanaka.

“Someone find out where the hell Asahi went and get him in the truck,” he directed one of the first responders.

“What the hell is going on?” Daichi demanded. “You can’t sideline us. We have an extrication to do.”

“Kuroo and I will handle it,” the chief said.

“You get in the truck and stay there.”

There was something in the chief’s eyes he didn’t like, sympathy and a bit of fear. Daichi’s stomach clenched. Before anyone could stop him, he shoved by Chief Ukai and ran toward the embankment where a crowd of first responders, sheriff’s deputies, and the highway patrol stood.  A flash of yellow caught his eye. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead. Nausea rolled in his stomach, and he feared puking right there on the road. He shoved forward, not wanting to believe what his eyes were telling him. It wasn’t Suga’s car. It couldn’t be. It was another yellow car. It had to be.  His heart was jamming double time as he shoved aside the people gathered. Someone tried to pull him back, but he came up swinging. Maybe he connected, he wasn’t sure, but his knuckles hurt like hell.  He slid down the ravine, his feet not cooperating with his brain. He came to a stop beside two men from his crew who were setting up cables from the wench so they could pull the car right side up.  Dropping down on his belly, he slithered forward, yanking his flashlight from his belt and shining it into the interior of the cab. His heart nearly stopped when he caught sight of Suga’s blood covered face.

“Get me some light down here!” he yelled back up.

Tanaka came sliding down seconds later, carrying a floodlight. He tossed it to one of the first responders and directed him to hold it up.

“Damn it, you two,” the chief yelled as he scrambled down the embankment. “I don’t need a bunch of half-cocked firemen out of their heads with worry. Get back. We’ll get him out.”

Daichi ignored him completely, his focus on Suga, trying to see if he was breathing. Tanaka argued fiercely above him, and apparently he was successful because he bent down and pointed his own flashlight into the interior of the car.  It was one giant cluster fuck. The car had come to rest against a tree, almost completely turned over. Suga leaned heavily against his door, and blood dripped down his forehead. Daichi shoved himself closer to him, reaching for his neck. Gently so as not to compromise his spine, he pressed his fingers into Suga’s flesh, praying desperately that he found a pulse.  Sweet relief poured over him. He was alive. For now. He shined the light down his body, grimly noting his legs trapped under the smashed in dash and steering wheel. His left arm was fixed in an unnatural angle, obviously broken. His rounded abdomen rested against the steering wheel, and he wondered how much of a blow his belly took.

“Where are the damn paramedics?” he shouted hoarsely.

“They’re three minutes out,” Tanaka said, his voice filled with anxiety.

Daichi swore and turned his attention back to Suga.

“Suga, Koushi, sweetheart. Can you hear me? It’s me, Daichi. Wake up, baby.”

He reached a hand out to touch his cheek, wiping the blood away as more ran down. God, he couldn’t lose him now. He hadn’t gotten to tell Suga how sorry he was, and how much he loved him.

“Don’t take him from me,” he whispered fiercely, hoping the words wrenched from the depths of his soul somehow made it to God’s ears.

Asahi picked that moment to careen down the incline, despite the responders’ best attempts to hold him back. He got down with Daichi.

“How does it look?” His voice was sick with worry.

“Is there anything I can do?” Tanaka asked desperately.  Daichi shook his head.

“Are they through with the cables yet? We’ve got to get the car turned over so we can get him out of here.”

“Get back,” the chief barked. “We’re going to try and get the vehicle back on its wheels.”

Reluctantly Daichi eased back, his heart in turmoil. What if they couldn’t save him? He knew every minute he stayed trapped in the car, the less chance he had of surviving. The golden rule of emergencies. Get the patient to the hospital as fast as you can.  The car shook and the steel cables creaked in protest as they began reeling them in. After a groan, the car swayed up and down. Then in one loud bang, it righted itself, landing heavily on the ground.

“Damn it, that was too rough!” Daichi swore, rushing forward.

“We’ll have to cut the dash,” Tanaka said as he, Asahi and Daichi surrounded Suga.

“Move away,” a new voice demanded.  Daichi turned to see Tsukishima, jump bag in hand, pushing him aside.

“It’s about damn time,” he growled.

“Get back and let me do my job,” he said in an even tone. He looked over at Tanaka and Asahi. “Look, I know this is tough for you guys, but back off.”

Daichi moved a foot back, unwilling to get too far away from Suga. Tsukishima slipped a C-collar around his neck then checked his lungs. He cast a cursory glance over his broken arm then began prepping the other one for an IV as another paramedic rushed up with an oxygen bottle.

“I’ll hold it,” Daichi offered, when the paramedic couldn’t get the mask to stay.

He nodded, and Daichi stepped forward, holding the rebreather over Suga’s mouth and nose.  The car shook and the loud noise of the jaws rent the night air as Kuroo and the chief began cutting into the dash to free his legs.  In a few minutes, the dash was peeled away, and the paramedic shouted for the stretcher. After a few minutes of securing his spine, they began the slow process of lifting Suga from the vehicle and laying him on the stretcher.  Several hands helped lug the stretcher up the steep drop off, and once they reached the road, the paramedic picked up the pace, racing over to the ambulance.

“You can ride if you stay out of my way,” Tsukishuma said bluntly, as Daichi arrived at the back of the ambulance.  Daichi nodded and climbed in.

“We’ll meet you at the hospital,” Asahi called.  The doors slammed shut, and the ambulance started forward as fast as conditions would allow.  Daichi glanced down at Suga’s bloodied face. His heart constricted. There was so much blood. And the baby. How was the baby?

“Here,” Tsukishima said, handing him a bottle of saline and a wad of bandages. “Get his face cleaned off so I can assess the damage.”

Daichi took the bottle and gently began wiping at Suga’s face. He could see no sign of trauma to his forehead or nose. Which meant he had sustained an injury to his scalp somewhere. He steadied his hand, not allowing his fear to overwhelm him. He couldn’t see a head injury for his hair, but it was all red. The blood was coming from somewhere.  The paramedic’s fingers probed through his hair, pulling it away and shining a light on his scalp.  Daichi winced when they came across a large gash in the top of his head. He lost view of it when the Tsukishima bent over it to examine it further. How deep had it gone?

“What’s your assessment?” he asked, no longer able to wait.

“His vitals are okay. A bit weak, but it’s probably from the blood loss. His pressure is stable right now, but depending on the extent of the head injury, that could change any time.”

“And the baby?” he asked fearfully. Tsukishima looked up at him, sympathy showing in his usually apathetic eyes.

“I don’t know. I don’t have the equipment needed to make that assessment. His legs are good considering the dash was crushed around them. I didn’t detect any breaks. Just some bruising. His arm’s broken, but his breath sounds are good, so hopefully that means there’s no broken ribs or lung involvement.”

Daichi allowed himself a small breath of relief. It could have been a lot worse, although all it took was one head injury and Suga could be taken from him.  The ride to the hospital was the longest of his life. He stroked Suga’s face, willing him to wake up. He spent the rest of the time beating himself up. Suga wouldn’t be in this situation if he hadn’t been such an ass.  He’d be home with him, in bed, in his arms. He’d have Daichi’s ring on his finger, and they’d be planning a wedding. Picking out baby names.  God. He couldn’t bear to imagine that scenario not taking place. More than anything he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Suga. Even at his angriest, he’d never contemplated being without him. He’d wanted to punish Suga. Make him feel all the hurt he’d felt. Only now, he was fighting for his life because of Daichi’s stupidity.

When they finally pulled up at the hospital, Suga was quickly wheeled into the exam room. Two doctors and a host of nurses immediately went to work. Orders for x-rays were shouted. Cat scan, blood work, O2 sat. Monitors were hooked up. Another IV was started.  He watched from the door as the flurry of activity increased. No one tried to make him leave. Perhaps they saw the futility in it. He wasn’t moving.  Finally, the most blessed sound he’d ever heard in his life filtered over the noise of the room. Suga moaned softly. But he heard it. He pushed a nurse aside and ran to the head of the bed.  The nurse started to protest, but the doctor shook his head.

“Koushi? Can you hear me?” he demanded.

A doctor peeled his eyelids back and checked his pupils. He winced and blinked rapidly as his eyes fluttered open. Suga immediately shut his eyes again, his face going white with pain.

“What’s wrong?” Daichi demanded, looking frantically at the doctor.

“He’s fine,” the doctor soothed. “Our main concerns right now are the extent of his head injury and the baby.”

The baby. He’d forgotten all about their child.

“We’re going to hook up a monitor. I’ve paged the OB on call, and he’s on his way in. Right now, we’ve got to get him to CT so we can rule out any subcranial bleeding.”

Daichi allowed himself to breathe.

“Why don’t you wait outside?” the nurse gently prompted. “We’re sending him to CT, but as soon as he’s back, I’ll call you.”

Reluctantly, Daichi backed from the room, his eyes never leaving Suga’s beautiful face. As he walked into the waiting room, Tanaka and Asahi leaped from their chairs.

“How is he?” Asahi asked, his voice strained.

Tanaka’s face was a mask of worry, his eyes tense as he waited for Daichi to speak.

“I don’t really know,” he admitted. “They’re still doing tests. I mean, the doctor thought he would be fine, but they still have to do a CT scan because of his head injury, and they have to check out the baby… our baby,” he added softly.

He felt Tanaka’s hand on his shoulder. It was the last straw. Harsh, guttural sobs spilled forth, shocking himself with the agonized sound that ripped from his throat. He sank down in a chair, his body shaking, as tears ran freely down his face.  Asahi and Tanaka took a seat on either side of him, but remained quiet as he buried his face in his hands. As they sat there waiting, more firemen filtered in as the men who had been on duty for the accident got off work. The ambulance personnel from the night before along with members of dispatch, first responders and sheriff’s deputies stood in the now crowded waiting room, all waiting for word of Suga.  He was loved by a lot of people, but none more than Daichi. He had taken hold of his heart. Firmly entrenched himself into his life, and he couldn’t imagine being without him.  If it took the rest of his life, he was going to make it up to him for the careless words he’d thrown at him.

We have nothing to talk about.

Chapter Text

Daichi was about to go out of his mind when a nurse opened the door and motioned for him to follow her back. Asahi and Tanaka rose as well, and the nurse smiled at them.

“I’m sorry, but for now, I can only allow one person back.”

Tanaka sat back down.  Asahi looked as though he would argue for a moment, then nodded before taking his seat again. Daichi followed the nurse back to the exam room.  Before entering, she spoke.

"You are a member of Sugawara's pack, correct?" She had a tone of soft authority that did nothing to put Daichi at ease.

"Yes. Yes, I'm his alpha." Maybe. If Suga would still have him.

"Good. Blood tests show his hormones were at a dangerous level. Had he been separated from his pack mates or experienced anything traumatic prior to the accident?"

"You could say that." Buried. He was being buried in guilt.

"Sugawara's tests show he was in a pre-drop stage. That was before all the physical trauma from the accident. He will need a pack member with him at all times to help balance out his omegan state. He also needs peace for his recovery. Do no say or do anything that will cause undo stress. It won't be good for him or the baby. Nothing. Do you understand?"

Daichi nodded his understanding, then took a deep shuttering breath before opening the door. Entering the room, he was shocked to see the amount of lines, wires and bandages that surrounded Suga. His head was wrapped in gauze, and his arm still had the ladder splint the paramedic had used to stabilize the break.  They had removed the oxygen mask, which to Daichi meant serious cause for relief. His head injury must not be severe.

As he walked over, Suga blinked and unfocused eyes swept past him and around the room. His lips worked up and down as if he were trying desperately to speak.  Daichi rushed to his side and put his fingers to Suga’s cheek.

“Koushi, sweetheart, it’s Daichi.”

His light eyes settled on him a split second before utter hurt swamped their depths. Suga looked away, tears brimming around his eyelids.  Daichi started to ask if he was in pain, but he knew the anguish he saw had nothing to do with physical discomfort. He wanted to pour out his heart, beg for forgiveness, but the nurse had been very explicit in her instructions not to upset him.  Instead, Daichi curled his fingers around Suga’s uninjured hand and hoped he could speak volumes with his touch.

***

Suga turned away from Daichi, the pain he felt at his presence far superseding the pain that racked his body. He felt Daichi’s hand curl around his own, and comforting warmth snaked up his arm. He was afraid. So afraid. And of course, Daichi would be here. Suga was pregnant with his baby, after all.  He closed his eyes willing the baby to move within him, needing to feel the stirring of life. The on call obstetrician had visited a few minutes ago, checking his cervix for dilation and listening for the baby’s heartbeat.  The heartbeat had been strong, much to his relief, but he had yet to feel it move within him. The doctor had explained that after a shock, it wasn’t uncommon for the baby to be still for a longer period of time. The doctor felt confident the baby was fine, but he ordered a monitor hooked up so they could make sure Suga wasn’t contracting.

His head hurt. His arm hurt. His legs hurt. His heart hurt. He struggled to remember the chain of events that left him lying in the emergency room. He vaguely remembered another car, blinding headlights and overwhelming pain and fear. And then Daichi, begging not to leave him. Commanding him to wake up. Had he dreamed all that? He chanced another glimpse of Daichi, who still stood rigidly by the bed. He looked back at Suga, concern flaring in his eyes. And something else. Was it fear?  Suga looked away, no longer able to meet his eyes. His shame was too great. Daichi had every right to be angry with him. His words, the last words he’d spoken to Suga, rang in his ears. Yet he was here. Did he want to know why? Yes. Yes, he did.  Suga raised his eyes once more to meet Daichi’s and opened his mouth to speak. His throat felt funny, and his tongue wouldn’t cooperate at all. He tried again, and Daichi put a finger over his lips.

“Shh, sweetheart. Don’t try to talk right now. Just rest. I’ll be here when you wake up, I promise.”

He felt oddly comforted by Daichi’s statement, and for a minute, Suga could forget Daichi despised him. His eyes flickered to the doorway as he saw it open. Tanaka peeked his head through, then walked in, followed closely by Asahi.

“We only have a minute,” Tanaka said as Daichi stared questioningly at them. Suga glanced between them, his head hurting from the effort.

“They’re about to move him to the floor.”

Tanaka walked to his bedside, and Daichi moved back out of the way. Tanaka bent over and kissed his softly on the forehead.

“You scared us. Don’t ever do that again.”

Tanaka attempted to tease him, but Suga could hear the stark fear in his voice.  Asahi stood at the foot of his bed looking guilty. Suga’s brow furrowed as he watched him fidget, his eyes full of regret.

“I’m sorry, Suga,” he said in a tortured voice. “I should have been there. I was an ass. A complete jerk for being mad at you.”

Confusion filled his mind. What was he talking about? Why was Asahi mad at him? His head began to pound all over again. He looked at Daichi then back at Asahi. Asahi was angry with Suga. He knew. Of course he did. It was more than he could stand at the moment. Faced with losing the man he loved and his best friend to boot and having the man who was like a brother pissed at him was the straw that broke the camel’s back.  Tears filled his eyes, and he tried hard to speak. To say something. That he was sorry. But nothing came out. Tanaka looked angry, and Asahi looked more contrite than ever. The nurse pushed her way into the door and quickly ordered them all out. Daichi lingered until the nurse took his arm and all but dragged him from the room.

“We’ve got to cast his arm, then we’re transferring him to the floor. You can see him later,” she said firmly.

Suga watched them go then slumped wearily against his pillow. The doctor came in with a clipboard and stood a few feet from him as the nurse began swabbing his arm.

“You’re a lucky fellow,” he said, eyeing him over his glasses.

Suga swallowed hard and tried once more to find his tongue.

“W-when can I go home?” he rasped.

Suga’s free hand came to his throat and massaged absently.  The doctor laughed.

“Go home? You’re in an awful big hurry. You won’t be going home for a few days. I want to keep an eye on that head injury of yours. And your obstetrician wants to monitor the baby. Make sure the little tyke stays put. We’re going to give you a fiberglass cast. The nurse will give you your post release care instructions, but the floor nurse will run through it all again before you’re released. Do you have any questions?”

“I hurt,” he croaked.  The doc gave him a sympathetic look.

“Your OB left orders as to what you could have. I defer to him on matters of pregnancy. I’ll make sure you’re given something before you leave the ER.”

“Thank you,” he managed. The effort of speaking was overwhelming, and he closed his eyes, exhausted.  The nurse’s ministrations barely registered, though he winced when his arm was set. He was given an injection of pain medication and soon floated in a sea of painlessness.

Suga vaguely held a sensation of moving, the blurry walls of the hallways passing by. He saw Daichi’s head bob in front of his view then fade away as his eyes grew heavy.

***

Suga opened his eyes and, at first, had no idea where he was. It wasn’t as bright as the emergency room had been, the dark soothing to his aching head. As his vision cleared, he could see he was in a private room.  As he scanned the room, his eyes came to rest on the chair next to the bed where Daichi slouched, asleep, his head lolled to the side. Suga drank in the sight of him. Dark shadows left imprints under his eyes. He looked as bad as Suga felt, but he’d never looked more desirable.  Suga tested his arm, waiting for the flash of pain when he lifted it up to inspect the cast. To his relief, all he felt was mild discomfort. He reached up with his unencumbered hand and felt the bandages on his head. The doctor had explained he’d suffered a large laceration to his scalp that required multiple stitches, but thankfully it hadn’t resulted in a serious head injury.  Suga allowed his hand to fall back to his chest then slide down over his belly. He rubbed in a circle, sending a mental apology to his unborn baby. When his belly shifted and fluttered under his fingers, Suga gasped, tears flooding to his eyes.  Daichi came awake immediately, lurching to his feet and coming to his side.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” he demanded.

“N-nothing,” Suga stammered, relieved he wasn’t as hoarse now. “I was worried about the baby, and she just moved.” Tears slipped down his cheeks unchecked.  Daichi reached his hand out and smoothed it over Suga’s belly. His touch comforted him in a way no medication could. Warmth burned through him.

“So he or she is okay,” he said, relief evident in his voice.

“She. She is. The doctor says so.”

A knock sounded at the door, and Daichi raised his head, an irritated expression on his face.  Tanaka walked in ahead of Asahi and Noya, his face lighting up when he saw Suga.

“You’re awake."

“You act surprised.”

“Hell yeah. You slept all day and all night.”  Suga frowned.

“You mean it’s tomorrow?”  Tanaka laughed.

“Yeah, you’ve been asleep over eighteen hours.”

“He needed the rest,” Daichi said grumpily. “What are you guys doing here? I told you I’d call when he woke up.”

“I see you did just that,” Asahi said with a raised eyebrow. Noya stood anxiously beside him, his worried gaze on Suga.

“How are you doing, Suga?” Noya asked.

“I didn’t call because he only just woke up,” Daichi replied defensively.

“I’m okay,” Suga said in answer to Noya’s question.

He tried a convincing smile, but it made his head ache so he dropped the effort.

“We were worried about you,” Asahi said, staring intently at him. “You shouldn’t have been out on the roads.”  Heat crept into his cheeks.

“Shut the hell up, Asahi,” Daichi growled. “He doesn’t need a lecture right now. We all know whose fault it was he was out there.”

Suga froze, his words cutting deeply. He couldn’t have said any clearer that he blamed Suga for the accident. Suga bit his lip, wishing he could sink back into oblivion. It didn’t hurt so badly when he was asleep.

“Why don’t the two of you go take a hike?” Tanaka said evenly. “I want to talk to Suga, and the two of you are only upsetting him.”  Noya frowned.

“A good idea,” Noya said fiercely.

He hooked his arm through Daichi’s and all but dragged him and Asahi toward the door.  Tanaka shot Suga an apologetic look and pulled Daichi’s chair up to the bed. He sat down and picked up his hand.

“Nice cast,” he said, eyeing his other arm.  Suga smiled shakily, tried to speak, but burst into tears instead.

“Aww hell, Suga. Don’t cry. You know I’m worthless when it comes to tears.” He smudged at the damp trails with his thumb. “Are you okay? Do I need to call the nurse? If you keep crying, the two lug nuts are going to come charging back in here, and I’ll be forced to punch their headlights out.”

Suga tried to smile but only succeeded in crying harder. Tanaka sat quietly, waiting for him to stop. He didn’t fuss, which was refreshing. But then Tanaka had always given him the most breathing room. Suga was never sure if it was because he was a beta or if it was just his personality. Tanaka stroked his hand until the sobs subsided.

“Better?” he asked.  Suga nodded.

“Thanks,” he choked out.

“Do you need anything?” Tanaka asked.

“Not unless you can take me back a few months and let me do things all over again,” he said painfully.

“You did the best you could,” he said quietly.

“Will you stay?” Suga asked, begging him with his eyes.  Tanaka looked confused.

“Sure, I’ll hang out for a while.”

“No, I mean, will you stay. I don’t want… I can't be alone. The doctors say one of you needs to be here and....” he couldn't  finished.  Tanaka’s brow furrowed.

"And you don't want Daichi." It wasn't a question. Suga nodded, not able to meet Tanaka’s gaze.

“Ah, sure. I mean, okay, if that’s what you want.” He scratched his head, clearly baffled by the request.

They both knew Daichi wanted to stay, was planning on it. But Suga couldn’t bear his scrutiny, his solicitous attention. It was too easy for him to think Daichi cared.

“I shouldn’t have asked,” Suga mumbled, his request obviously discomforting.

“I said I’ll stay,” Tanaka said firmly. “When are they letting you out anyway?”

“I don’t know,” he said truthfully. “The ER doc said a few days, but that was yesterday. So maybe tomorrow?”

“I don’t see them letting you go that quick,” he said with a frown. “You look like hell.”

“Gee thanks,” Suga muttered. “I can always count on you to be honest.”  Tanaka smiled.

“I’m going to go get the lugs before they wear a hole in the floor.”  He paused as Suga looked at him in panic. He must have read the fear in his eyes. “I told you I’d stay.”

Tanaka stepped into the hall, and Daichi immediately started from the door. Tanaka’s arm caught him.

“Maybe you should go home for awhile, man,” he said quietly.  Confusion then anger surged in Daichi’s blood.

“I’m not leaving him,” he insisted, angry that Tanaka would even suggest it.  Tanaka sighed as Asahi and Noya joined them.

“Look, I know how you feel, Daichi. I don’t blame you, but he is walking a fine line in there. One minute he’s looking like the weight of the world’s on his shoulders, and the next he’s sobbing his heart out.”

“He’s upset?” Daichi demanded, his heart lurching at the thought of Suga crying.

“Let me finish,” Tanaka interjected. “He’s been through a hell of an ordeal, and I’m not trying to make you feel bad, Daichi, but his emotions are raw. I don’t think now is the time to hash it out between you. Let him rest. Heal. He needs it. You have all the time in the world to make it right. Just give him time.”

Daichi looked away and swore. Tanaka was right, but damn it, he didn’t want to leave. He’d almost lost Suga, and he couldn’t stand the thought of being away from him for even a minute.

“I don’t think he should stay alone,” Asahi spoke up.

“He’s not,” Tanaka said. “He asked me to stay with him.”  Daichi’s hands curled into fists at his side.

“He doesn’t want me to stay?”

“If I had to guess, he doesn’t think you want to stay.”  Tanaka said calmly.

“Which is why I need to be here,” Daichi persisted. “I won’t allow him to continue believing the horrible things I said.”

“Not now,” Noya said firmly, stepping forward, his eyes flashing. “You two aren’t helping with your guilt complexes,” he said scornfully. He rounded on Asahi. “I can’t believe you, mister.” He stabbed his finger into Asahi’s chest. “Taking sides against your own best friend without even listening to his side. And you,” he said, whirling on Daichi, “I don’t even have words for you. This isn’t about you and absolving yourself of the awful guilt you’re feeling. If you’re miserable, then good. You deserve it. But Suga doesn’t need this right now. He’s injured, and he’s pregnant, and frankly, he needs the two of you hanging around like he needs a hole in the head.”

Noya stood with his hands on his hips, his breath coming out in a huff.  Tanaka laughed.

“I knew there was a reason I liked him so much,” he drawled. “Couldn’t have said it better myself.”

“You make sure he gets rest,” Noya ordered, glaring Tanaka down.

Daichi frowned. Noya was right. It pained him to admit it, and it would kill him to put off pouring out his heart to Suga. But he was right. It wasn’t the time. The most important thing was for Suga to get well. Then he’d bring Suga home. To their home.

Chapter Text

Daichi paced restlessly outside Suga’s room three days later. The nurse was in the process of discharging him, and he was going to take him home. Tanaka had stayed with him the entire time as he’d promised. As grateful as Daichi was to Tanaka for providing much needed support, he resented the fact that he hadn’t been the one Suga leaned on.  But he only had himself to blame. The door cracked open, and he heard voices inside.

“Do you want to walk, or do you want me to get a wheelchair?” the nurse asked.

“I’ll walk.” Suga’s soft voice filtered through the door.

He still sounded weak.  Daichi strode in the room, unable to stay away from him a moment longer. Suga reacted in surprise, leaning against the bed where he stood.

“I thought Tanaka was coming,” he said in a shaky voice.

“I’m taking you home,” he said firmly. Uncertainty flashed in Suga’s eyes.

“Are you ready?” the nurse asked gently.

Suga nodded, and Daichi wrapped an arm around his shoulders. He could feel Suga shaking, and he tightened his hold. Suga felt unbelievably fragile, like he would break into a million pieces with the slightest touch.  Daichi shepherded him down the hall and punched the button for the elevator. Suga had dressed in a loose fitting shirt and sweat pants. Daichi frowned when he realized he had forgotten to bring him a coat. Thankfully, he’d parked under the awning at the front entrance and had left the heat running.  They walked slowly through the lobby, and as the door slid open automatically, cold air blew over them. Suga shivered, and Daichi hurried him around to the passenger side. After Suga was belted in, he closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side.  Daichi drove away, chewing on the inside of his lip. Everything rode on today. He’d planned meticulously, covering every angle, but the difficult part lay ahead, convincing Suga to forgive him and give him another chance.

Suga stared out the window, glad to be going home but surprised Daichi had been the one to collect him. Tanaka had left, saying he’d return to pick him up when he was discharged. Had something come up?  They crossed the small river that bisected the town, driving towards the more residential area. To his surprise, they passed his road. Suga turned to look at Daichi.

“Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise,” he said, glancing over.

Suga sat back, not sure what to say in response. Surprise? The only surprise was that he was still speaking to him. Maybe the guys were waiting for him at the house. A welcome home party of sorts.  But then he turned into the driveway of a house a block down from the guys’ house.

“Why are we here?” Suga asked.

“I’ll tell you in a minute,” Daichi said as he got out.

He came around and helped Suga down, keeping a strong arm around him.  He unlocked the house's front door and swung it open. Suga glanced around the empty house in total confusion. The house had been vacated for months. The previous owners retired to Hawaii. The house had been on the market nearly as long, but he didn’t remember seeing the for sale sign when they’d driven up.  Daichi took his right hand and pulled Suga tightly against his chest. His hand smoothed over his hair, mindful of his bandage.

“I don’t even know where to start, sweetheart.”  Suga’s chest tightened, and he closed his eyes, enjoying Daichi’s arms around him.  Daichi pulled away and looked intently into his eyes. “But let me start by saying I love you. I love you more than anything. And I am so sorry for the awful things I said. The terrible way I treated you.”  His eyes shone with regret, pain reflected deeply in their depths.

“But—”

“No buts,” he said, effectively shushing Suga with his lips. Daichi kissed him gently, lingeringly.  “I was an ass. A first class bastard, and I don’t deserve you. I’ll never forgive myself for you being out on the road when you should have been safely at home waiting for me to come home to you.”

“It wasn’t your fault,” he said softly. “I lied to you.”

“Yes, you did,” he said forthrightly. “But nothing you did was worth the way I responded. I took advantage of you, just as much as you took advantage of me. You were afraid. You should have never been in that position. I put you in that position,” he said angrily.

Suga remained silent, not knowing how to respond to all he had said. Hope beat a steady rhythm in his chest, but he didn’t dare give free rein to it yet.

“I brought you here because this is the house I was going to buy as a Christmas present,” Daichi said. “I planned to ask you to marry me the night you told me about the baby. I wanted to give you your dream. The perfect house. Perfect husband—or as perfect as I could be,” he added with a grin. “Children, love, happiness. The whole shebang.”

He blurred before Suga as tears sprang to his eyes. He wiped hastily at them, not wanting to miss anything in his expression.

“I’ve put in an offer now because I want to marry you more than anything, Suga. I want to raise our children here. But most of all, I want to spend the rest of my life loving you.”  Suga opened his mouth, but no words would come. He stared at Daichi in shock, in wonder.

“Can you ever forgive me, Koushi?” he asked softly, his eyes pleading.

“Oh my God,” Suga cried, launching himself into Daichi’s arms.

He began to sob noisily as Daichi’s arms wrapped around him like bands of steel. He held on tightly, his face buried in Suga's neck. He could feel Daichi’s warm tears slide down his neck, and his heart clenched. God, how he loved this man.

“Yes, yes, yes!” he exclaimed.

Daichi kissed him breathlessly, passionately, as if he’d never let him go. Suga wrapped his arms around Daihi and clunked him on the head with his cast. He let out a giggle.

“Sorry.”

Daichi released him, his eyes roving over possessively.

“Be serious about this, Suga, because I’m never going to let you go. I’ve waited too long for you. I think I’ve loved you forever but was too stubborn to see it.”

Suga smiled up at him, his heart firmly in his eyes for him to see.

“I love you too, Daichi. So much.”

“Want to see the house?” he asked, grinning down at him. Suga’s mouth rounded in shock.

“Oh my God, you really did it didn’t you?”

“We close in a month,” he said. I love you.”

“I love you too,” he whispered.

Between them, the baby rolled, and Daichi’s hand went to cup his belly.

“I think our little urchin approves,” he said softly.

Suga smiled a deliriously happy smile. All the hurt of the past week was forgotten.  Daichi tugged him along, his eyes bright with joy. Suga warmed all over. They were in their house. Home where they belonged.

***

**Three months later**

"You're doing good, babe. You're doing so good. Just breathe-"

"I am fucking breathing!"

Suga knew Daichi was trying to help. He knew. It didn't help, but he knew. The contraction finally let up. Suga flopped back on the hospital bed, all the strength gone from his body. His hospital issue gown stuck to his body with sweat just adding one more discomfort to the ever increasing pile. Whenever those damn contractions hit, he felt like his body was squeezing him to death. The pain was worse than he'd imagined.

"I can't do this. I can't." He was breathlessly chanting the words over and over. He shook his head back and forth on the pillow as Daichi brushed his sweat soaked bangs off of his forehead.

He had been in labor for 14 hours. He was beyond exhausted. He didn't realize the human body could deal with this much torture. The whole process might have been more bearable if he were in a hospital room. But apparently, everyone in the prefecture decided to give birth today, and the labor and delivery ward was full. Suga glanced around the triage bay. He could hear the murmur of the nurse's station along with random beeps and alarms. They had managed to pull shut a privacy curtain. Cotton fabric and a swinging door was the only thing protecting the poor waiting room from Suga's screams and colorful commentary. He felt like a zoo attraction.

"Baby, you can do this. You're strong, so strong."

Suga loved Daichi. He was mentally reminding himself of the fact every 4 minutes when the pain started up again. It was already beginning. This time it was sooner, stronger. The doctor was checking his progress while Suga attempted to not break Daichi's hand. Suga wished he could feel embarrassed by the invasion, but he was well passed that point. Hell, he'd do just about anything if it meant the pain was almost over.

"Alright, this is it. The next time you feel the urge, bear down and push." The doctor's tone was soothing, the fucker.

"What the fuck do you think I've been doing?!" He screamed out the end of his question as he pushed. It felt like he was on fire. "FUCKING COCK SUCKER!"

As he pushed he could hear Daichi trying to apologize to the doctor.

"I wasn't talking about the doctor- FUCKING HELL."

The pressure was gone in an instant, and a new sharp cry filled the room. Suga flopped back, breathing hard, weakly grasping Daichi's hand.

"OK, momma. That's the head. One more good one."

Daichi loosened his grip for a moment. He moved towards the end of the bed and peered past the stirrup holding Suga's foot. His face blanched completely white before flushing with color again.

"Oh my god." He whispered.

"What?! Whats wrong?" Suga's panic was instant.

"Nothing! She's beautiful.  She...she has your hair." Daichi choked up as his eyes started to glisten.

Suga felt instant relief, but the pressure was building again. He pushed down once more, completely freeing their daughter.

In an instant their baby was taken, moved across the small room, being separated from him by a small team of nurses as the doctor delt with the afterbirth. Suga looked around the small space, but all the could see was a cluster of purple scrubs.

'Where is she? Where is she?!" Suga's instincts were screaming at him for his child. He pushed himself up on his elbows to try and see her.

"It's OK. It's OK, they're just checking her over to make sure she's healthy.

Daichi gently pushed Suga back down by his shoulders, making sure he didn't do something stupid, like attack a group of nurses holding a baby. His words were an instant balm to Suga's frayed nerves. The baby's vitals were checked, she was weighed and measured, then swaddled in a thin blanket and laid on Suga's chest.  Suga looked down at the small life in his arms. Daichi was right, she was beautiful.

"You know, she kinda looks like Buddha." Daichi said lovingly, sitting on Suga's bedside.

"Funny, I was feeling a little like Mary, with the whole 'no room in the inn' thing."

Two hours later and the newly expanded family was finally settled in a room...in the pediatric ward. Oh well, a room is a room. Daichi held his daughter gently, fearful he would break her, when a knock on the door interupted his revelry.

"Knock knock." Asahi whispered as he stuck his head through the doorway.

"Come on in."

Asahi looked like he was trying to tiptoe across the tiled floor carrying a bundle of pink and silver helium balloons. Tanaka followed behind, toting a stuffed bear as big as he was. Asahi set his parsol on a side table, then bent over to kiss Suga on his head.

"How's momma?" He asked affectionately. Suga didn't have a chance to respond before Tanaka spoke.

"Holy shit. I mean crap. Can I say crap? You look like hell." He always had a way with words.

"I'll live. And I think you've got a little while til we have to worry about you corrupting the baby. There's pizza on the table if you want some."

Suga gestured to a small table with a stack of pizza boxes on top. Tanaka immediately made a dash for the food.

"Did you order enough?" Asahi asked with a raised eyebrow as he took in the six boxes.

"The hospital did it. I think it's supposed to be an apology for making me flash my butt to half the hospital."

Both men walked over to Daichi, looking at the bundle in his arms.

"Congratulations. She's so tiny." Asahi was officially awed.

"She didn't feel that way coming out," Suga grumbled.  "Speaking of Congratulations.  I heard we have a new lieutenant on the squad. Congrats, Tanaka."

Tanaka whipped his head around, cheeks stuffed with pizza. He quickly chewed and then swallowed to respond.

"Thanks. Turns out carrying two lazy bums out of a burning building comes with perks."

"Too soon." Daichi mumbled.

"Anyways, what's the squirt's name?" Suga looked over at his best friend and partner and smiled.

"Hana."