Archive of Our Own ^beta

Setting: Joint High School Training Camp before Nationals

Soulmate Mechanic: Shared emotions and warmth through subtle physical sensations. When ignored by a soulmate too long, the connection begins to ache or dull.

Day Three of Training Camp

Kageyama was not a child. He was not needy. He didn’t need affection or validation or soft things like warmth and hand-holding and attention.

But he was going insane.

It had been three days since the camp started.

Three days since Kunimi and Kindaichi had fallen into lockstep with their upperclassmen teammates, stuck in back-to-back matches and one-on-one reviews. Three days since Iwaizumi and Oikawa had been swallowed by captain meetings, strategy sessions, video analysis, and late-night planning huddles.

And for three days straight, Kageyama had felt… empty.

The bond—the threads connecting all five of them—was still there. He could feel it, like soft static in the air. But it was quiet, thin. Almost distant.

He felt like a phone left on vibrate in another room.

Afternoon Practice

Kageyama stood at the far end of the gym, tossing a ball from hand to hand, watching Oikawa from across the court. He wasn’t even sure if Oikawa knew he was watching.

Oikawa, who had barely made eye contact with him today.

Iwaizumi, who had just jogged past him during warm-ups and patted Atsumu Miya on the back instead.

Kunimi and Kindaichi, who’d waved at him once from the far court before getting dragged off by their captain.

The ache between his shoulder blades buzzed. It always did when his soulmates weren’t near. It meant his mark missed them.

It meant he missed them.

Kageyama (muttering):

“…This sucks.”

A ball nearly hit him. He set it with practiced reflex but growled low in his throat.

Someone across the court glared. Kageyama ignored them.

Nightfall – After Dinner

Kageyama didn’t go straight to the dorms.

He sat outside behind the gym, hoodie pulled over his head, arms tucked in tight. His soulmark—faint and star-shaped near his ribs—barely glowed. It flickered once. Faintly.

He scrolled his phone, opened the group chat.

🖤 Starboys

[Kageyama]: are you all gonna be busy again tomorrow

[Kageyama]: nevermind

He turned off the screen.

Then he felt it.

A warm pressure—soft, almost apologetic—pressing faintly against his mark. Then another. Like… four people trying to knock quietly at his soul all at once.

He didn’t look up until he heard footsteps.

Reunion

Kunimi was first. Quiet as always. He sat down beside Kageyama without a word and rested his head on his shoulder. Kageyama flinched—but didn’t move away.

Kindaichi followed, flopping down and wrapping an arm around Kageyama’s waist from the other side. His head dropped to Kageyama’s lap.

Kindaichi (mumbling):

“Sorry, practice was hell.”

Kageyama’s jaw clenched, but he relaxed into it. Warmth buzzed through his ribs.

A second later, Oikawa and Iwaizumi stepped into view. Oikawa looked sheepish. Iwaizumi didn’t. He walked right over and tugged Kageyama’s hood off.

Iwaizumi:

“You didn’t answer your door.”

Kageyama (quiet):

Didn’t want to see you if you were just going to leave again.

Oikawa winced.

Oikawa (sitting in front of him, arms on his knees):

“We didn’t mean to ignore you. The bond was pulling, we felt it… just couldn’t get away.”

Kunimi (still against Kageyama’s shoulder):

“I kept trying to send warmth.”

Kindaichi:

“I even snuck out of practice early. Got yelled at.”

Iwaizumi leaned down and pressed his forehead gently to Kageyama’s.

Iwaizumi (softly):

“You should’ve said something sooner.”

Kageyama:

“Didn’t want to seem… stupid.”

Oikawa:

“Oh, Tobio.”

He slid forward and hugged him—arms looped under Kageyama’s, careful but firm.

Kunimi’s hand moved to his back. Kindaichi squeezed his hand.

The warmth flooded in from four sides, like a tide finally coming in.

Kageyama breathes slowly, completely surrounded.

For the first time in three days, his soulmark pulses—soft and steady, like a heartbeat.

He doesn’t say anything.

But he doesn’t let go, either.

Morning Roll Call – 7:00 AM

Kageyama walks into the gym for morning stretches looking like…

Sunshine.

Hair slightly messy in a good way, water bottle in hand, smiling faintly at nothing, and wearing a hoodie that is 100% not his.

It’s Kunimi’s oversized zip-up layered over Oikawa’s national team tank top, with Iwaizumi’s black wristband on his left wrist. His warm-up pants? A little too long—they’re Kindaichi’s.

To the untrained eye? Maybe just borrowed gear.

But to the boys who’ve survived training camp with Kageyama before, it’s terrifying.

Confused Reactions Begin

Atsumu Miya (squinting):

“Is that Kageyama... smiling? Did he win the lottery or finally kill Hinata?”

Suna (deadpan):

“He’s glowing. That’s suspicious.”

Yamaguchi (nudging Tsukishima):

“He’s being nice. Should we be worried?”

Tsukishima (watching Kageyama stretch):

“He’s wearing four different people’s clothes. This is either the start of a cult or a breakdown.”

Hinata (panicked):

“WHAT IF HE’S SICK?”

The Actual Soulmates (Trying to Act Normal)

Across the gym:

Kunimi is stretching near the wall, face blank, but his eyes keep drifting toward Kageyama.

Kindaichi is red in the ears and pretending not to notice how Kageyama is wearing his pants.

Iwaizumi is pretending to focus on the chalkboard while Oikawa watches from the captain's huddle with the world's smuggest smirk.

Kunimi (muttering to Kindaichi):

“He’s going to blow our cover.”

Kindaichi (whispering):

“But he’s happy.”

Iwaizumi (grumbling):

“I swear if he starts humming—”

Oikawa:

“He already did on the way here.”

Kageyama’s Suspiciously Polite Interactions

During partner drills:

Kageyama (to his teammate):

“Good receive. Want to try again?”

(smiling. like. an actual person.)

Teammate (nervous):

“...Who are you and what did you do with Tobio Kageyama?”

He even laughs—a quiet chuckle—when someone fumbles a toss.

The gym goes silent for a beat.

Coach (staring):

“…Did he just express empathy?”

The Moment of Truth – Confrontation at Lunch

Atsumu corners Kageyama at lunch.

Atsumu:

“You’re acting weird.”

Kageyama (shrugging, calm):

“No I’m not.”

Suna (appearing from the shadows):

“You’re glowing. Literally. Did you get laid or touched by God?”

Kageyama:

“No.”

(From across the cafeteria, Kunimi coughs into his rice.)

Kageyama (adding):

“...Maybe. Shut up.”

Atsumu grabs his wrist and pulls up the sleeve—and sees the faint shimmer of the star-shaped soulmark glowing softly.

Atsumu (freezing):

“…You’re bonded?”

Kageyama (completely unfazed):

“Yup.”

Suna:

“To who?”

Kageyama just smiles—really smiles—for the first time in public that week.

Kageyama:

“Wouldn’t you like to know.”

Then he walks off with his tray like it’s nothing.

Soulmates Decompress Later

That night, the five of them pile into a spare room with snacks and shared blankets.

Kindaichi (laughing):

“You scared Atsumu so bad he stopped talking for five minutes.”

Kunimi (blankly):

“Miracle.”

Oikawa:

“You wore my shirt. You never wear my clothes.”

Kageyama (softly):

“They smell like you.”

Cue a beat of silence. Then Iwaizumi tosses a pillow at him before leaning in and kissing his temple.

Iwaizumi:

“Dork.”

They fall asleep tangled up again, soulmarks glowing faintly, their secret safe for now—though the rest of camp is still spiraling over the “New Kageyama” Mystery™.

Setting: Fourth night of Nationals Training Camp

AU Note: Soulmarks glow more brightly when multiple bonded soulmates are close together and emotionally engaged—especially under stress… like truth-or-dare.

Common Room, 9:37 PM

After a full day of drills and scrimmages, someone has the bright idea to “build team unity” with a group bonding game.

So now the common room is full of volleyball boys in pajamas, sitting in a circle on sleeping bags and snacks.

Someone breaks out a deck of cards, but that gets tossed in favor of a much more chaotic idea:

Atsumu (grinning):

“Let’s play truth or dare.”

Suna (dryly):

“This is a great idea. Nothing will go wrong.”

Kageyama (immediately alert):

“No.”

Oikawa (way too calm):

“We’re in.”

Iwaizumi (glaring):

“No, we are—”

Kunimi:

“Too late.”

The Game Begins – Innocent at First

Atsumu makes Yamaguchi text his crush.

Hinata dares Suna to wear his training shirt like a skirt.

Tsukishima refuses to participate but secretly keeps score.

Everything’s fine… until the dares get personal.

Atsumu (grinning):

“Alright, Kageyama—truth or dare?”

Kageyama:

“…Truth.”

Atsumu:

“Have you ever been in love?”

The room goes quiet.

Oikawa subtly tenses. Iwaizumi stops chewing. Kindaichi’s eyes flick to Kunimi—who doesn’t blink.

Kageyama (expression unreadable):

“Yes.”

Everyone:

“??????”

Hinata (genuinely shook):

“Wait, who?!”

Kageyama:

“Next.”

Atsumu:

“Oh no, we’re not moving on—”

Closer to Disaster

A few rounds later, it lands on Oikawa.

Suna:

“Tooru. Truth or dare.”

Oikawa (flicking his hair):

“Dare.”

Suna (flat):

“Hug the person you trust most in this room.”

Kunimi, Kindaichi, and Kageyama simultaneously freeze.

Oikawa glances once—too quick—at Iwaizumi.

Then he grins and strolls over to Kageyama, sits behind him, and wraps his arms around his shoulders from behind.

Kageyama’s entire soulmark glows faintly beneath his shirt.

A few people notice.

Atsumu (narrowing his eyes):

“…You two good friends now or something?”

Kageyama (deadpan):

“Sure.”

Oikawa (sweetly):

“Very close.”

The Almost-Exposure

When it hits Kindaichi, Suna goes for blood.

Suna:

“Yuutaro. Truth or dare.”

Kindaichi (brave):

“Dare.”

Suna:

“Kiss the person you think has the nicest soul.”

The room howls. Whistles. Screams. Absolute chaos.

Kindaichi (dead silent):

“…”

He turns slowly.

Everyone expects him to pick anyone easy. But instead, he walks directly over to Kunimi, leans down, and kisses his cheek.

Kunimi doesn't even look surprised.

Atsumu (losing his mind):

“Okay, WHAT is going on—?”

Total Chaos + Recovery

Suna (narrow-eyed):

“Wait. Why are you all looking at each other like that?”

Tsukishima (adjusting his glasses):

“They’ve been acting weird all camp.”

Hinata (pointing):

“And Kageyama’s been smiling!”

Atsumu (half-joking):

“You’re not all, like… in some kind of weird five-person relationship, are you?”

Oikawa (immediately):

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

Iwaizumi:

“Gross.”

Kunimi (monotone):

“No comment.”

Kindaichi (too flustered):

“I—I plead the fifth.”

Kageyama:

“Shut up.”

Atsumu:

“…That’s not a no.”

They barely walk it back. The group buys the excuse that they’re just “old friends who are close,” though a few people definitely start side-eying them harder from that night on.

Later, After Everyone Leaves

Back in their shared room (yes, they snuck keys), the five of them pile into bed together, tired and laughing.

Kageyama (still glowing faintly):

“I hate truth or dare.”

Kunimi:

“You hate everything.”

Oikawa (curling up next to him):

“You didn’t deny loving us though.”

Kageyama (quietly):

“Didn’t want to lie.”

Iwaizumi (gruff):

“…We’ll have to be more careful.”

Kindaichi (softly):

“But it’s kind of fun watching them guess.”

They fall asleep like that: tangled up, glowing marks soft beneath their clothes, bonded and secret, almost caught—but still safe.

Setting: Day 6 of Nationals Training Camp – Practice Match

Soulmate AU Mechanic: When a bonded soulmate is in physical pain or distress, the others feel it like a psychic pressure and an emotional spike—fear, panic, pain—all twisted into one sudden pull on the mark. Stronger when it’s unexpected or severe.

🏐 Scrimmage Court – Afternoon

Kageyama was in the zone.

Sharp, fast, deadly precise.

Eyes locked. Hands perfect.

Until—

Crash.

Someone else misstepped under the net. A spiker. Too close.

Kageyama jumped. The spiker turned. Collided.

Kageyama hit the ground hard—wrist-first. Everyone heard the sound.

The gym froze.

So did four soulmates.

⚡ The Bond Reaction – Instant and Violent

Oikawa, halfway through a serve, dropped the ball.

Iwaizumi, on another court, stumbled mid-step, clutching his chest.

Kunimi, silent on the sidelines, stood so fast his chair tipped.

Kindaichi gasped out loud—sharp, stunned—and nearly dropped a water bottle.

They all felt it—Kageyama’s pain rippling through their marks like fire and ice.

Iwaizumi (breathless):

“He’s hurt.”

Oikawa (already running):

“Tobio—!”

💥 The Court – Kageyama Down

Kageyama was cradling his wrist, teeth gritted, face pale.

He said nothing—but his mark was glowing bright under the band of his shirt. Anyone looking too close might notice it flickering.

Coach (kneeling):

“You alright, Kageyama? Speak to me.”

Kageyama shook his head once—barely. “Wrist.”

And that was all he got out before Oikawa and Iwaizumi pushed through the crowd.

They didn't run (that would be too obvious)—but they were there fast.

Too fast.

🩹 Nurse’s Office

Diagnosis: Bad sprain, possible hairline fracture.

Out for a few days—maybe more.

Kageyama sat on the table, tense, silent, sweat cold on his back. His soulmark pulsed hard, like a second heartbeat—too fast, too loud.

Then: the door opened.

Oikawa. Iwaizumi. Kunimi. Kindaichi.

No words.

They all came in, shut the door behind them, and just stood there.

And he broke.

Kageyama (low, trembling):

“It hurt so fast. I didn’t— I didn’t see him—”

Oikawa (softly):

“You don’t have to explain.”

Iwaizumi (moving in, gentle):

“We felt it.”

Kindaichi:

“I couldn’t breathe.”

Kunimi (quietly):

“You scared us.”

Oikawa cupped his jaw, brushing back sweat-soaked hair. Kunimi knelt by the bed and placed his hand over Kageyama’s knee, grounding him. Kindaichi grabbed his good hand. Iwaizumi rubbed his back, firm and steady.

Four hands. Four marks. One bond.

And Kageyama finally exhaled.

💬 Emotional Aftermath

Kageyama (eyes glassy):

“I thought I could hide it. I didn’t want you to feel it.”

Iwaizumi (hoarse):

“Tobio. We wanted to feel it.”

Kindaichi:

“Not because we enjoy seeing you hurt, but… because we’re yours.”

Kunimi:

“We don’t shut out pain. We hold it. Together.”

Oikawa (smiling faintly):

“Idiot. You’re ours. All of you, or none of you.”

Kageyama didn’t answer—just leaned into Oikawa’s chest and let the bond quiet around them.

Their soulmarks faded to a low, golden pulse.

🤫 Outside the Infirmary – Whispers Begin

Atsumu (watching from around the corner):

“Okay. That’s not normal.”

Suna:

“I’m telling you. They’re bonded.”

Hinata:

“Wait—like soulmate bonded?!”

Tsukishima:

“Called it.”

They stayed in the nurse’s office until lights-out.

Five hearts, five marks, one unshakable connection.

Kageyama, bandaged and exhausted, slept first—wrapped up between them all, finally safe.

Setting: Day 7 of Nationals Training Camp

AU Mechanic Recap: The soulmark glows brightest during high emotion or physical strain. It’s hidden under clothing—but if you’re not careful? It can pulse through thin fabric.

📍 Rehab Stretching – Late Morning

Kageyama is back at practice—but on light activity.

Wrist braced. Cleared for light cardio and mobility drills only.

He’s frustrated. Sweating. Focused. Trying so hard to stay chill.

But everything’s off. He hates watching. Hates not setting. Hates being fragile.

And his soulmates? They’re being weirdly obvious.

Iwaizumi checks his water bottle every 15 minutes.

Oikawa sits too close on every bench break.

Kunimi won’t stop watching him.

Kindaichi hasn’t smiled at anyone else all morning.

Kageyama keeps his head down.

But inside? He’s buzzing with frustration and guilt.

And that’s when it happens.

⚡ The Flare

They’re halfway through group cooldowns.

Kageyama’s doing a simple overhead arm stretch—just pushing a little too far—and his chest twists from the overextension.

Pain. Frustration. Shame.

Pulse.

Right over his heart.

His soulmark glows.

Bright. Visible. Through his shirt.

And someone sees it.

Atsumu Miya’s eyes widen.

He freezes mid-stretch.

Then he leans in.

Atsumu (quietly):

“…No way.”

Hinata:

“What’s that?”

Yamaguchi:

“Wait, is that—?”

😳 Kageyama Freezes

He pulls his arm down fast, tugging at his shirt, face pale.

His heartbeat is too loud. His throat is dry.

Too late. They saw.

Across the gym, he sees Oikawa stand up sharply.

Iwaizumi’s already moving.

Kunimi and Kindaichi lock eyes and follow.

💢 The Soulmates Close In

Oikawa (calm, but cold):

“Tobio. You okay?”

Kageyama (quiet, tense):

“They saw.”

Iwaizumi (already placing a hand on his back):

“We’re not letting this go sideways.”

Kunimi (to Atsumu, flat):

“You didn’t see anything.”

Kindaichi (surprisingly firm):

“It’s private.”

Atsumu (eyes wide):

“I—uh—wasn’t gonna say nothin’, man.”

But others heard. Whispers are already starting.

🧊 Coach Notices

Coach (stern):

“Something you boys wanna explain?”

Silence.

Oikawa steps forward.

Oikawa (level voice):

“Kageyama’s recovering from injury. That’s all anyone needs to know.”

Coach (suspicious):

“And the glow?”

Iwaizumi:

“Old nerve damage. Fluctuates when pushed.”

Coach stares.

Kageyama doesn’t look up.

Coach:

“…Fine. Back to cool-downs.”

The pressure drops—but the silence screams.

🌙 Later That Night – Private Room

Kageyama sits on the floor, back to the wall, arms wrapped around his knees.

His soulmark’s dimmed again—but his chest still aches.

Kageyama:

“They know.”

Kunimi:

“They suspect. That’s different.”

Oikawa:

“And even if they did—so what?”

Kageyama (bitter):

“People talk. They’ll think it’s weird. Wrong.”

Iwaizumi (firm):

“Let them.”

Kindaichi (quiet but strong):

“We’d still choose you. Every time.”

Oikawa kneels in front of him, pressing their foreheads together.

Oikawa (softly):

“You’re not hiding alone anymore.”

Kageyama nods once. Slowly. Finally.

They don’t sleep far apart that night.

Outside, the camp gossips.

Inside, five soulmates breathe as one.

Still hidden—for now. But no longer ashamed.

🌙 Private Dorm Room – After Lights-Out

Kageyama’s wrist is propped on a pillow, wrapped tight in a fresh bandage. The camp is quiet. The whispers have faded. The only noise is the sound of breath and the occasional creak of a mattress spring.

But he’s not asleep.

He’s tense. Silent. Overthinking.

Then he hears a knock. Soft, deliberate. No words needed.

He gets up, opens the door—

And finds Oikawa, Iwaizumi, Kunimi, and Kindaichi, all in sweatpants and loose shirts, arms full of extra blankets and snacks.

Oikawa (grinning):

“Emergency soulmate cuddle deployment.”

Kindaichi:

“You didn’t think we were leaving you alone tonight, right?”

Kageyama (muttering, but already stepping back):

“Tch. Idiots.”

🛏️ The Setup

Within ten minutes, they’ve built a blanket fortress out of futons and camp bedding. Lights dimmed. Door locked. Phone off.

They sprawl around Kageyama like magnets pulled into orbit.

Kunimi takes the spot behind him, one hand under Kageyama’s hoodie, fingers resting over his lower back.

Kindaichi ends up with Kageyama’s feet in his lap, massaging gently.

Iwaizumi sits cross-legged to his side, his calloused hand brushing slow circles over Kageyama’s bandaged wrist.

Oikawa stretches across his chest like a smug cat, forehead pressed to Kageyama’s temple, their soulmarks faintly glowing in sync.

No one says much.

They don’t have to.

The bond is humming—low and soft, like a lullaby only they can hear.

💬 Soft Conversations

Kageyama (quiet):

“…I’m not used to this.”

Kunimi (murmuring):

“You’ll learn.”

Kindaichi (smiling):

“We’ve got time.”

Iwaizumi:

“You don’t have to be strong all the time. Not with us.”

Oikawa:

“You’re allowed to need things, Tobio.”

Kageyama (small voice):

“…Even this?”

Oikawa (without hesitation):

“Especially this.”

💋 The Kisses

They take turns. It’s quiet, reverent.

Kunimi presses a kiss just behind Kageyama’s ear. “You ground us.”

Kindaichi kisses the inside of his ankle. “You center me.”

Iwaizumi kisses the pulse point of his neck. “You’re ours.”

Oikawa, of course, kisses his forehead. “Mine first.”

Then—to their complete surprise—Kageyama kisses back.

It’s awkward. Barely a brush. A press of his lips to Kindaichi’s temple, then to Kunimi’s shoulder, and finally to Oikawa’s cheek.

He pauses before Iwaizumi—then shifts forward and kisses his chest, right where his soulmark glows.

Kageyama (quiet, steady):

“Thank you for being mine.”

💤 Sleep Comes Softly

Eventually, the room dims to silence.

Kageyama is bundled between them, breathing slow, held gently but firmly.

His soulmark pulses in perfect rhythm with the four others, all of them linked by the quiet promise of:

You’re not alone. Not anymore.

No one else in the camp knows.

But tonight, in a nest of shared warmth and soul-bound touch, five boys fall asleep wrapped in the certainty of love.