Archive of Our Own ^beta

“Ainda tem muito mais coisa que você me desperta e que nem passa pela sua cabeça. Um dia eu te conto. Ao vivo. Ao pé do ouvido. Em um lugar menos público. Só pra você.”

Apaixonada Por Palavras, Paula Pimenta

☀️

After five years of dating, more than 10 after meeting his partner, and with a promise to remain on the top for 10, 20, or more years cemented between them, Shoyo still can't pinpoint the exact moment he realized his boyfriend is the person he wants for a lifetime.

Sure, there are moments when his heart beats so hard it almost bursts out of his chest, or his face burns with a beautiful red blush in front of his lover. There are moments when a huge smile stretches across his face as they exchange glances from across the net. Tobio himself goes through the same wave of sentiments whenever they face each other and their sweaty fingers intertwine together, matching grins vowing all the love that creeps out their flushed skin. It's sort of metaphorical to realize that they are happier on their respective sides of the court; a bit strange to some outside looks, but it's simple: their ideals and feelings will always be aligned no matter what, where or when.

Shoyo has experienced these sensations for so long that he can't really pinpoint when or how his partner became a part of his being. It might have been from day one, when they were only 14-year-old boys and Kageyama Tobio told him to get stronger. It might have been when he gave Shoyo a flawless set and carried the ball to his highest impact point at the top, without Shoyo needing to plead. It might also have been when he followed Tobio after his debut match in a professional league and they embraced for the first time, his partner pulling him into a heated kiss and a night of love that made Shoyo shiver from head to toe, sweat dance beautifully across his golden skin, and many “eu te amo”s roll off his tongue.

Memories of that night come and go every now and then, flashing in his mind like colorful fireworks as Shoyo traces his fingers over his freckled, tanned skin and lips, reminiscing all the places Tobio worshiped him with his sweet mouth.

So yeah. Shoyo doesn't know exactly when he realized he wants to belong to Tobio forever, nor when he knew Tobio must belong to him, entirely. What matters is that it's a fact that can't be refuted, and the decision of what to do next lights up like a bulb in his head one random spring night.

“I wanna propose,” Shoyo says after swallowing all his sunomono. The tangy, mildly-sweet notes caress his taste buds as his friend stares at him from across the table, chopsticks poised in mid-air.

“What?” Yamaguchi Tadashi hasn't chewed anything yet, but he still swallows dryly. “Propose? To whom? Now or—”

“I wanna propose to Tobio,” Shoyo admits with a fierce voice, laying his heart bare before Tadashi. He sighs and clenches his fists on his thighs, suddenly insecure in the face of such vulnerability. “I want to marry him, Tadashi.”

“Oh,” his soft tone indicates that realization has finally dawned on. A gentle hand reaches across the table and settles on Shoyo’s tense shoulder. His heart is pounding fast, but softens in the face of those brown irises that pour out warmth and sympathy. “Thank you for telling me this. I will still think if I can forgive you for scaring me, though.”

Shoyo doesn't realize he's been holding his breath until he chuckles at Tadashi’s words. “Your husband is turning you into a teasing menace,” Shoyo shakes his head to the sides as the other follows his giggles, and now their laughter mingles in the air that blows lighter in the restaurant. Tadashi still carries that pleasant, inviting countenance of his, warming up whoever lays their gaze on him, but his teasing levels are so much higher these days. It's definitely his husband’s fault.

“So…” Shoyo continues, a bit insecure. “You think Tobio will accept my… You know…”

Tadashi rests an elbow on the table and his chin on his palm. “Fork found in the kitchen,” he teases.

“What?” Shoyo giggles again. “Nooo, what I meant was—”

“Sand found on the beach!!” Tadashi sings-song.

“Oh God!! I'm going to beat Tsukishima up really soon. Look at what he did to you!” Shoyo clutches his chest and groans dramatically.

“Okay, sorry!! You're super tense so I wanted to calm you down a bit,” Tadashi brings a hand to the back of his neck and smiles apologetically. “And what do you mean by ‘Tobio will accept my proposal?’ You really think he could say no? To you?”

Shoyo bites at his bottom lip, “He may not want to sign something so serious at the moment.”

Yamaguchi opens a gentle smile. “Ah, Shoyo… How many years have you known each other and been together? You understand each other like no one else and should know that he might say yes without thinking twice. He just loves you very much.”

“I know that!” Pink begins to crawl up Shoyo’s cheeks. He always feels like a furnace when reminded that the love his partner feels for him is visible to everyone on Earth and in space. Even the short-sighted Tsukishima realized it way before them. “I just don't wanna make him uncomfortable or pressured to say yes.”

“There is no one else in the world he feels more comfortable with than you.”

“Okay, but what if—”

“You've had Kageyama Tobio wrapped around your finger since day one, he's a fool for you,” Tadashi continues, grinning innocently. There is nothing but genuine honesty in his words. “It's like that song: you know I'm such a fool for youuuuu!!!”

Shoyo shakes his head in indignation, but a smile blooms effortlessly on his lips.

“You got me wrapped around your finger!!!” He chants in perfect English, holding his chopsticks near his mouth as if they were a microphone. “Do you have to let it linger?”

“Do you have to?”

“Do you have to?”

“Do you have to let it linger?” They sing in unison and quintessential sync—a perfect country duo. The other customers sitting on the restaurant’s tatami floor start clapping their hands, applauding that silly concert.

Shoyo laughs awkwardly and scratches the short curls at the back of his neck, bowing politely afterwards.

The rest of their dinner is filled with Tadashi’s tips on how Shoyo might propose. He tells how he himself felt when Tsukishima placed a piece of gold on his finger. His smiling lips describe the details of that day, as Tadashi’s flushed cheeks and starry eyes convey all the sensations he went through with every word his husband had said to him back then, with every declaration and promise uttered only for Tadashi to listen and treasure in his heart.

Shoyo imprints every detail of that story as he sighs dreamily. He's a person who loves to love everything and everyone intensely, and with Kageyama Tobio is no different.

He's still unsure of how he'll take the next step in their future, but Shoyo does know he'll do everything to make his person feel sound and safe under his words while immortalizing their love with a unique piece of gold.

☀️

The first time Shoyo puts the 'propose-to-Kageyama-Tobio' plan into action is when they are back in Miyagi for the All-Stars Match.

Shoyo’s homeland welcomes him with its warm summer air, and the sound of cicadas singing in the wind as the olive green vegetation frames the landscape. Due to a slight difference in their league schedules, Tobio was the first to arrive, two days ago. It's 8:00 when Shoyo lands in Tokyo, and almost 11:00 when he arrives home after taking the Shinkansen bullet train. He's tired, yes, but that doesn't stop him from enjoying the company of his mother and sister once he steps into their household, their hugs and kisses melting him more than the setting sun. He's missed them so much. Shoyo's also missed his boyfriend. He's missed his eyes and the sound of his hoarse voice. He's missed the sensation of melting in his arms, their teasing, the taste of his lips and all the caresses shared in the intimacy of a bedroom.

Saudade was one of the first words Shoyo learned when he first lived in Brazil, and to this day it carries a deep meaning tied to how he feels whenever he's away from his person.

Now that they're back home, Shoyo wastes no time going out to see him. Tobio had called saying that his parents invited him to dinner, so now Shoyo finds himself cycling with the sunset towards the Kageyamas’ household. The wind brings with it memories of the first time they all shared a meal together, just when Tobio declared to his family that he'd found his person and that they were together—that they'd be together for a lifetime. Shoyo was trembling beside his boyfriend that day, fists clenched over his legs and restless eyes unable to meet the other Kageyamas’ gazes. Tobio was the one who sensed his distress and reached under the table to squeeze his hand, lacing their fingers together and blooming comfort into Shoyo’s skin until he was able to stand up and vow the same.

He is my person.

My one and only.

With the proposal in mind, Shoyo imagines a scene like that can repeat tonight, so he has to be prepared for everything.

He arrives at Tobio’s doorstep when the first stars start to pop up in the sky. Shoyo checks his outfit and pats his clothes to remove any dust or folds in the fabric. He's wearing a button-down shirt with embroidered sunflowers—a birthday gift from his boyfriend—and shorts, which are perfect for the summery weather. His haircut leaves his scalp somewhat visible on the sides of his head, and his curls remain at a perfect length on top. Many fans say they miss his long hair from high school times, but honestly, Shoyo prefers it this way. It's perfect for everyday use in a tropical country like Brazil, and this low-maintenance cut bestows him with a more mature, respectable appearance.

A bonus point is that Tobio loves his short curls just as much.

Out of his bicycle basket, Shoyo takes some flowers and gropes his pocket. There's a red, velvet box lying dormant there with a thin-gold ring hidden inside, begging to meet Tobio’s finger. He wants to surprise his partner, and he knows that subtlety doesn't play much of a role in his personality, but Shoyo couldn't help himself when he spotted a beautiful bouquet of blue hydrangeas at a flower shop on the way here. The gold ring was his decision, obviously—Tobio deserves nothing less than gold—and Tadashi and Yachi accompanied him on the day he chose that perfectly-molded fragment with the colors of the sun.

Shoyo is bouncing back and forth on his heels when the front door swings open. His boyfriend hasn't changed at all since the last time they met, but an intense hurricane of emotions rages within Shoyo as soon as their eyes meet. The smile that forms on his lips is natural, wide and genuine, just like his racing heartbeats. Cherry-pink creeps up Shoyo’s cheeks and warms his skin at the sight of beautiful grayish-blue eyes feasting on him from head to toe. Tobio is wearing a gray shirt and shorts, a simple, domestic garment that still highlights his beauty. He seems a bit breathless, lost but found at the same time.

It's a sentiment Shoyo knows pretty damn well.

“Hey,” Tobio says, his slightly husky tone tickling Shoyo’s ears with a pleasant sound. He’d missed that voice so much.

“Hey,” Shoyo replies giddily, blushing and smiling big.

After a few beats in which the two just stare into each other’s eyes, Tobio finally curls his fingers around Shoyo’s wrist and pulls him into his house, grumbling some nonsense. “You will catch a cold if you stay out in the open.” He closes the door behind them with a loud thunk and Shoyo laughs at his haste.

“We’re in the summer, Kageyama-kun.”

“People still can get colds in the summer.”

“Well, not me,” the ginger puffs out his chest proudly, and Tobio pouts at his silliness.

“Dumbass,” he reaches out to card his fingers across Shoyo’s curls. It's only now that Tobio’s gaze flicks to the blue-ish bouquet wrapped around his hands, and his eyebrows quicken up in surprise. “What's this?”

Shoyo is still melting under his caresses, humming contently, so he takes a while to respond. “Hmm? Ah!!! This is for you,” he pushes the flowers against Tobio’s chest as an unwelcome blush returns to color his skin.

Tobio stops his ministrations on Shoyo’s scalp as his eyebrows draw together. He looks confused, cautious even. It's natural for Tobio to react this way, as they've never given each other flowers. Most of their gifts are sporting goods, clothes and food—things useful for their lives as athletes. Flowers carry a romantic symbolism that doesn't really characterize their relationship, as they are more of a chaotic couple, but Shoyo thought it would be perfect for the occasion. His soon-to-be fiancé deserves all the declarations of love in the world.

“Why?” That's what comes out of Tobio’s mouth after the deafening silence.

“It's a gift, Tobio,” Shoyo raises the bouquet to his boyfriend’s face as he looks at him suspiciously. Some petals tickle the tip of Tobio’s nose but he remains unbothered.

“You never gave me flowers, dumbass.”

“That's why I'm doing it tonight.”

“Why now?”

“Because!! Well…” Shoyo starts to slur his words, his eyes darting away and toes wiggling in his flip-flops. The ring buried in his pocket seems to get heavier with every passing second, but Shoyo doesn't have the strength—or courage—to dig it out at the moment. “Just accept it, okay? I looked at them and thought about you, I missed you and wanted to do something different.” And I want us to get married and make you mine forever, but don't know how to ‘cause you're annoying and don't have a brain.

Tobio’s cheeks darken in the dim light of the hallway. “Silly. You didn't need to spend your money on them.”

“But… You once told me these are your grandfather’s favorites,” Shoyo continues, more confident this time. “They’re the same ones you have in your garden.”

His boyfriend’s mouth hangs open in surprise, eyes shining with those little silver stars that Shoyo secretly loves. “Yeah,” Tobio agrees, softly. “They are.” His gentle fingers finally take the flowers with much care as if they were a precious oceanic jewel.

Crimson still dusts Tobio’s cheekbones as he lets his eyes drift over the bouquet. Shoyo smiles at the sight of his grumpy partner now softened by the delicacy of those flowers. He can stare at him all night long, but there's something else he still needs to do.

“Tobi, I wanna ask you something,” Shoyo whispers, and Tobio stares at him with attentive eyes. It's always too much when he speaks in a lukewarm tone and looks at him like that. “Ma… I mean, marr—” the redhead stutters, voice barely a whisper.

Tobio blinks down at him, “Marr? Dumbass, what are you—”

“Kiss me!!!” Is the request that comes out of Shoyo’s mouth instead.

Damn. He's extremely nervous and doesn't know how to shake off his anxiety. Come on, Shoyo's in front of the person he feels most comfortable with in the whole world.

Ah. That must be the reason why he's so nervous. He wants to make everything work out for Tobio, for the most important person in his life.

“You're acting weird,” Tobio grumbles and pinches one of Shoyo’s blushing cheeks until he yelps. “You sure you're not giving me these flowers ‘cause you did something to annoy me?”

“‘M ‘retty ‘ure!!!” Shoyo muffles and squints under his boyfriend’s touch.

“Last time you ate all the onigiris from my fridge.”

“But I made a point of going to Onigiri Miya and making a whole basket for you!!”

Tobio hums. Something like joy flashes across his features at the memory of Shoyo cooking for him. “Osamu-san has been calling me to know if you're still in Brazil. I think he needs new employees.”

Before Shoyo can reply, the hand pinching his cheek begins to slowly trace the line of his jaw, making him shiver and swallow hard. Tobio’s thumb is warm as it runs across the scattered freckles there, freckles that look like grains of sand lost in a pink sea. He tilts the ginger’s face up, and Shoyo realizes he's smiling. Small dimples appear on Tobio’s cheeks whenever he grins like that, widely and genuinely, and this time is no different. Those dimples look like tiny, unearthed treasures; like stardust lost in the air. Unable to stand still, Shoyo reaches out to frame his partner’s face and trace his own thumbs over those dimples he loves to love, standing on his tiptoes to kiss each one of them fondly. Their faces are only a few centimeters apart now, matching smiles almost touching as goosebumps break out on their hot skin. It’s Tobio who closes the distance between them to press the most innocent of kisses against Shoyo’s mouth in a warm, slow touch filled with soft hums. Shoyo loves feeling Tobio’s skin growing hot under his fingers, he loves how their lips glide deliciously, and listening to their heavy breaths mingling between them along blue flowers.

It takes a while for the two to break away from this embrace. The ring box remains a secret in Shoyo’s pocket, but for now he can only think about getting lost in the warmth of his one and only person.

***

Miwa-san prevents Shoyo from taking over the kitchen tonight. He has a habit of preparing meals even when he's the guest, but now his sister-in-law keeps him glued to the dining room chair the entire time the Kageyamas finish and set the table. Honestly, Shoyo can't complain: bowls of miso soup, vegetable gyoza, and coconut curry are placed in front of him, the hot steam mixed with the aromatic spices entering his nostrils and making him salivate. Tobio brings some toast for Shoyo to dip into the soup, and he even bends down to press a silent kiss to the crown of his hair before taking the chair next to him.

Sometimes it's nice to let himself be pampered.

“You've been on this team for two years now, right, Shoyo-kun?” Kageyama’s father asks in the middle of dinner, his gray beard half-damp with curry broth.

“Isn't it difficult to play with people from such a different culture?” Ms. Kageyama follows up. They've always been more of the listener than the talker type, so Shoyo is gleeful they're taking an interest in his volleyball life.

“Yes and no!!!” He replies giddily. “I've been playing in São Paulo for two and a half years, and it's not that difficult. The city is big and chaotic, yes, but it has its hidden gems. Plus, I'm already used to it, and Brazilian culture is very warm and inviting.”

From across the table, Miwa-san hums. “I feel like you could build a home anywhere in the world, but Brazil really suits you.” She smiles big, and Shoyo blushes at her words.

“Thanks! I've heard that before,” he strokes the small curls at his nape and takes a generous bite of gyoza to disguise his bashfulness. “You should visit me there one day. Seriously, you'll loooove it. I'll take you to the Liberdade neighborhood and the beaches in Rio.”

Tobio’s parents seem to ponder his invite, exchanging glances for a brief second. “Maybe we can try taking some time off work at the end of the year,” Ms. Kageyama muses, thoughtful.

“We should visit our own son first, don't we?” Her husband asks.

As if on cue, all eyes at the table flick to Tobio. He has been silent until now, simply listening to their conversation. Shoyo smiles at his face. It's clear Tobio isn't paying attention to anything beyond the complex flavors of the spoonful of curry shoved into his mouth. He quickly swallows it all and clears his throat, making Shoyo let out a snort of laughter. Tobio's often awkward when Shoyo visits—and on a daily basis—so the redhead calmly reaches for his hand under the table and tangles their fingers together. Tobio blushes when their eyes meet, and it is at that moment that Shoyo remembers the operation-marriage-proposal, which makes him blush, too.

“We can schedule something for the end of the year,” Tobio says under his breath.

“Perhaps celebrate your birthday in Italy?” Miwa-san suggests, and Shoyo lights up at the idea.

“Sounds perfect,” he squeezes Tobio’s hand and looks up at him with stars in his eyes, pleading. 

His boyfriend pouts and rolls his eyes. “You already have ulterior motives, don't you?”

Shoyo gasps at the nonsensical accusation. “Of course not!!” His tone and reaction make the other Kageyamas chuckle in amusement. They're already used to their silly banters. “What would my ulterior motives be? Playing volleyball with your teammates? Discover new restaurants? We do that all the time!”

“I expect everything from you...”

“Oh, thank you!”

“It wasn't a compliment,” Tobio deadpans.

Before Shoyo can hit back, Miwa-san leans on the table with her elbows and rests her face in her palms, grinning and ready to deliver a fatal blow: “Did you guys know that Italy is super popular for honeymoons?”

And just like that, in the blink of an eye, all the calm collected in his body dissipates. Shoyo begins to wiggle his toes as a flame ignites down to the last strand of his hair, and he can only grip Tobio’s hand tightly, searching for an anchor to keep him from having a stroke.

“Oi, you want to rip my hand off?” Tobio complains, but he keeps their fingers intertwined as he looks at Shoyo in concern.

“No!!” He shouts into Tobio’s face, making him squint at the loud sound of his voice. The brunette takes his free hand to poke his ear, and Shoyo just hopes his boyfriend doesn't go deaf. Then, turning to Miwa-san, he smiles awkwardly. “I-I didn't know that, Miwa-san! But Mr. and Ms. Kageyama-san already had their honeymoon, right?” Nice cover, Shoyo.

“Ages ago, yes,” Tobio’s mom nods. Her gaze is lost in several honeymoon memories unknown to everyone except her and Mr. Kageyama.

“‘M not talking about you, tho!!” The Kageyama family’s characteristic pout blooms on Miwa’s lips. “I just meant it's a perfect country for couples, and Shoyo-kun and Tobio should plan something and have more fun. You guys deserve it!”

“But we're gonna have fun,” Tobio argues as his fingers caress Shoyo’s knuckles with slow, comforting movements. “Kuroo-san is planning this All-star match and we're counting down the days until then.”

Shoyo hums, “Yes, I can't wait to beat Tobio again in a game this big.” He turns to his boyfriend with a mischievous grin. “It's been a while since the World Championship. The day São Paulo became the #1 team in the world.”

“Next time it will be different,” Tobio grumbles and grabs a toast from Shoyo’s plate, taking a harsh bite capable of breaking teeth.

“You guys are unbelievable,” Miwa chuckles. “Maybe your definition of fun is different from normal people.”

“We’re not normal, Miwa-san?” Shoyo asks between giggles.

“Nah, you are very very special,” she gets up with a grin and reaches for Shoyo’s curls, plunging a hand into his hair. Maybe it runs in the Kageyama family, being obsessed with the Hinatas’ unruly, red curls. “Especially you, Shoyo-kun, for being able to soften my brother up as much as you can!”

“He doesn't soften me,” Tobio grumbles and wipes the corner of his mouth where toast crumbs are stuck. 

“Yeah, Tobio still bites and barks like a dog,” Shoyo says as he reaches out to run a thumb along the corner of his boyfriend’s lips, making him squint under his touch. His family watches him curiously, amused by how their youngest member is turning a beautiful shade of pink, sighing and melting as the redhead caresses his mouth and the length of his flaming cheeks.

Even with his eyes closed, Tobio tries to bite Shoyo’s finger, and the ginger draws his hand back in a reflex. “See?” He smiles at his in-laws and Miwa. “Told you guys.”

A second passes in silence until the Kageyamas burst out laughing. Of course, Tobio doesn't let it stand still and suddenly flies on top of Shoyo, squeezing his cheeks and pulling his hair, even as the others get up to clear the table. Tobio is still blushing, but Shoyo can tell he's pleased by the wholesome laughter that now fills the dining room.

As the two wash the dishes side by side, Shoyo tiptoes to plant a warm kiss on his partner’s cheek, and Tobio sighs. He leaves a plate on the drainer and bends down to kiss Shoyo’s forehead in soft retaliation, stroking his scalp with damp fingers.

The silence that hangs between them is nothing short of precious.

☀️

It's a sunny afternoon when Shoyo, Tobio and Hitoka are welcomed into Tadashi and Kei’s house.

Even when they're all in Miyagi, the differences in their adult routines prevent them from seeing each other often, so every opportunity is a reason for celebration.

Just like now.

The hosts prepare a snack to be served with freshly-picked fruits, jams, the plum liqueur Hitoka brought as a gift, and the homemade melon pan that Shoyo and Tobio baked this morning. It's like a picnic in the living room of that green, yellow, flowery house, so a feeling of home immediately washes over Shoyo at the first bite.

“Why did you refuse Kuroo’s request, by the way? About playing with us?” He asks as he takes a takoyaki to his mouth.

Tsukishima stares at him, eyes narrowed behind his glasses. “Didn’t feel like it,” he answers.

“What!!???” Shoyo nearly chokes on the sauce, and Tobio slaps him on the back, nearly sending him flying across the table. The ginger glares at him, annoyed, but immediately softens when his boyfriend helps him sip his water.

“Maybe next time he'll change his mind?” Hitoka pipes in, awkwardly.

From her side, Tadashi breathes out. “Maybe. Kei's doing his best to reach the top division soon, so that’s his main focus now. I think only after that he'll feel better about playing in an All-star match.”

“No need to explain, Tadashi,” Kei grumbles and takes a sip of his plum liqueur. The reddish liquid matches the blush creeping up his cheeks.

“Sorry, Kei! But they need to understand your side,” turning to Shoyo, Tadashi continues. “He will also have more time to decide whether to play for yours or Tobio’s team.”

“On mine,” Shoyo and Tobio speak in unison. They turn to stare at each other at neck-creaking speed, frowning and arguing mentally.

Hitoka and Tadashi laugh at their matching reactions, and Kei sighs as he pinches the bridge of his nose.

“I have no other options besides them?” He asks with an exhausted gaze.

“It's that or you won't be able to play,” Hitoka beams up at him. 

“Another reason why I didn't join this year…”

“Rude, Stingy-shima!!!” Shoyo cackles at his constipated features. “Let's just see which of us will convince you to join a team next time.”

“Is that a challenge?” Tobio questions, suspiciously. There are melon pan crumbs in the corner of his mouth, and Shoyo is quick to reach out and run his thumb across it, smiling when his boyfriend squints and pouts adorably under his touch and gaze.

“Yes, Tobio-kun!! And I'm winning no matter what,” Shoyo grins.

Tobio gives his curls a light tug. “Just wait and see.”

“Please, stop being gay in our living room. This place is sacred,” Kei takes another sip of his drink.

“Sacred only for us to be gay!” Tadashi announces cheerfully, making Hitoka choke on her water.

“I-I've used this room for gay purposes, too,” she admits, and three pairs of eyes turn to her in astonishment. Tadashi is the only one who laughs at Hitoka’s answer, and this time, he's the one who almost chokes on his drink, his cheeks also rosy, matching his husband’s.

They spend the afternoon talking about their daily lives and laughing at nonsense, until the sun sets on the horizon and the moon graces them with its silver.

When it's almost time to leave, Shoyo feels like a balloon inflated with warmth and lightness. He goes to the bathroom before leaving, and when he comes back, he notices Tobio’s head down on the table. Shoyo approaches, leaning against his shoulder cautiously, afraid his boyfriend might have fallen asleep. He looks from Tobio’s slumped profile to his friends’ faces, confused as he reaches out a reluctant hand to stroke Tobio’s disheveled dark hair with gentle, warm fingers.

Of course, Kei is the first to find the situation funny. He takes a sip of water before speaking, “He drank all of my liquor.”

This makes Shoyo’s fingers go still on his boyfriend’s hair. “What? Why? Tobio doesn't drink.”

Tadashi sighs, “Kei was teasing him, and you know how stubborn they can be when they argue.”

“‘M not like that,” Kei mumbles under his breath.

Tadashi opens a tiny smile, ignoring his husband’s words. “To get revenge, Kageyama reached for Kei’s glass and swallowed every last drop ‘cause he thought it was just water in the glass.”

“He actually took it by mistake,” Hitoka murmurs as if she were to blame for this chaos. “I poured water into Kei’s glass, and liquor into mine, and Tobio ended up grabbing the first one he saw, which was mine…”

Understanding dawns on Shoyo like a little feather swirling in the wind, until he sighs calmly. Okay, it was just one glass of alcohol. Tobio will survive. The worst that can happen is him throwing up on the dinner table and falling face first into the lake at the Hinatas’ household, but other than that, everything's fine.

Or at least he thought so.

It's a struggle to drag Tobio into the passenger seat of the car and get him to stop mumbling all the way to Shoyo’s family house. Shoyo finds himself dragging a grown ass 25-year-old man across his front yard to his room with an arm curved around his waist, while the pouty brunette keeps his head ducked. Shoyo sits Tobio down on the edge of his childhood bed and starts running his thumbs over his partner’s furrowed forehead, suddenly worried about his condition.

“Hey,” he mutters, never stopping his caresses on Tobio’s skin. “Tobi, what are you feeling?”

Tobio wraps his fingers around Shoyo’s wrists and starts to stroke his skin as well. “Alcohol is shitty,” comes his broken answer, eyelashes slowly fluttering open. The dark blue of his eyes sparkle with tiny, fond silver stars, making Shoyo’s heart skip a beat.

He blinks multiple times before chuckling fondly. “Right??” Shoyo looks directly into Tobio’s eyes and finds comfort in the immense blue flowing from them. “What did Stingy-shima say to bother you so much that you didn't even realize you were taking Hitoka’s glass instead?”

Tobio groans at his words. It takes a moment for him to respond, so Shoyo steps back and grabs the glass of water he left on the bedside table. He hands it to Tobio and helps him start sipping cautiously. Perhaps he's afraid that any liquid might contain alcohol from now on, but of course Shoyo would never offer him anything he doesn't want or like.

“Sorry,” Tobio says after a while, lips damp and shiny. It makes Shoyo tilt his head to the side in confusion. He sits down next to his boyfriend, quickly intertwining their hands together and conveying comfort through his warmth. “I drank his water, or rather, his fucking liquor, to shut him up ‘cause he commented on something I talked about.”

“What something did you talk about?” Shoyo asks and squeezes their laced hands.

Tobio sets his glass down at the bed’s foot, and stares at the warm thumb caressing his knuckles, “I told them about… About Miwa-nee’s idea on our honeymoon in Rome.”

No one says anything for long seconds. Shoyo’s thumb goes still on the other man’s hand, and Tobio stares at him curiously. The two hold eye-contact as the air grows warm in the room despite the cool night breezing peeking through the window cracks. Shoyo’s heart starts skipping heartbeats again, and his mouth opens slightly, trying to form coherent, audible words—something that doesn't happen right away.

Right, their honeymoon. They didn't speak of it again. Shoyo is the type who would bring up this topic again and again if he could, but since he plans to propose to Tobio first, his mind has pushed the word honeymoon aside without realizing it. Of course he wants to plan something wonderful and majestic for their post-wedding life. Of course he intends to explore every corner of the world with his partner as they share their love for volleyball and  for each other across the globe. But... marriage comes first, right? That's what Shoyo has been trying to achieve for days, unsuccessfully, hindered mostly by his insecurity and by prioritizing Tobio’s comfort above all else.

Tadashi’s words flash through his mind again. He just loves you very much. There is no one else in the world he feels more comfortable with than you.

Glimpses of courage start pulsing in his blood vessels as Shoyo licks his lips and suddenly stands up. “Go take a shower while I brew some tea,” he orders, and Tobio blinks up at him, startled. Shoyo understands they make each other feel safe and sound quite easily, so first of all, he needs to make sure Tobio is feeling better before asking the question that will change their lives forever.

The kitchen is silent while Shoyo boils the water with lemongrass. He also takes a quick shower in the hallway bathroom, and dashes back into the kitchen to pour tea into a mug with hand-painted oranges. He's back to his bedroom wearing only sweatpants as water runs down the muscles of his exposed abdomen, damp hair dripping from the ends of his curls. Instead of toweling himself dry, Shoyo settles the warm mug on the bedside table and sighs tremulously. Okay, just breathe. He shouldn't freak out now after one failed attempt to propose to his boyfriend. He has another opportunity right now. He can pull Tobio out of the shower and slip that golden ring on his finger; or pull back the shower curtain and kneel before his naked, perfectly sculpted body as Tobio looks down at him with a pout and a frown, ready to say ‘yes’ or ‘I will kill you’.

Actually, Shoyo is more likely to come out of this as a corpse than an engaged man.

He sighs once again, collecting his thoughts in an attempt to figure out what to do next. Tadashi’s words flash through his mind here and there, but Shoyo is prevented from thinking further about them when Tobio suddenly swings the bathroom door open and emerges with only a towel wrapped around his waist. Hot steam follows him all the way across the room as water drips from his silky, black hair and caresses the flushed skin of his muscles. 

Jesus.

Shoyo has to be strong not to jump on Tobio right now and cover his face with kisses. He wants to knead that perfect waist with his fingers and suck at his pecs, as he pulls away that single piece of cloth covering Tobio’s flawless body and—

Shoyo flops back on bed with both hands covering his burning face, groaning for the ninth time that night. Seriously, why is this being so difficult? They've been together for years, perhaps for many many lives, too, but sometimes Shoyo gets so in love that it's like he's seeing his partner for the first time ever.

It's an equally fulfilling, overwhelming sentiment blooming through every ounce of his being.

“‘Sup with you, dumbass?” Tobio asks as he closes the wardrobe. Shoyo peeks through the gaps between his fingers and realizes that, unfortunately or fortunately, his boyfriend did the favor of putting on some sweatpants.

His robust chest is still on display, though, which is both a blessing and a danger for his eyes.

“You’re tired, right?” Tobio continues.

Shoyo bites at his bottom lip. “Not much…” It's a lie. The clock hung on the wall already reads 23:21, which is a bit late for him, so the traces of sleep are already starting to creep up on his features, making his limbs sluggish.

“You should sleep, you idiot.”

“Drink your tea first,” Shoyo comes out of his hiding place and gestures at the mug sitting on the bedside table. Tobio approaches with a soft, worried gaze, making Shoyo smile as he sips on the warm, alcohol-free drink. “You are unfairly sweet and hot, did you know that, Attentive-Yama-kun?”

Tobio scoffs, “Why this out of nowhere?” His hair is adorably disheveled now after drying it with a cloth, and the sight of it turns Shoyo into a giggling mess.

“Just felt like saying it,” his mind has been in a fog about how to propose, but Tobio distracts and lulls him so much by just being him that he can't help but soften under his gaze and voice.

Tobio sits by his side and the redhead is quick to sit up and reach for his warmth, their shoulders now pressed together. He takes another slow sip before whispering, “Can't believe you're saying that to me.”

“Hmm?” Shoyo rests his chin on Tobio’s shoulder, nonchalantly. He threads his fingers with his partner’s smooth strands and Tobio immediately closes his eyes, sighing as gentle fingers caress his scalp.

“Dumbass,” Tobio mutters. The exposed skin of his shoulder breaks out in goosebumps when Shoyo starts peppering sweet kisses there. “You call me hot when you look like this?”

Shoyo is kissing a mole near Tobio’s neck when his words reach his ears. “Hmm??” He repeats, lips still glued to Tobio’s skin.

“Hmm??” Tobio mimics him with a mocking grimace. “Go to sleep already, you've had your head in the clouds all night!”

I'm just testing the waters to see if it's the perfect time to ask you to marry me, is what Shoyo wants to scream. “Just tell me what that means!” It's what comes out of his loose tongue instead.

“No.”

Shoyo curls his arms around his shoulders and smashes their cheeks together. “Por favor, querido.” He kisses the line of Tobio’s strong jaw and smiles when his lips part in pleasure. “Meu tapado, bobo e precioso.”

“Shoyo…” Tobio says brokenly. He only has the strength to rest the empty mug on the floor as another kiss is left at the meeting point between his collarbone and neck, making Tobio’s Addam’s apple bob as he swallows hard.

“Sim, meu amor?” Shoyo continues with his silly flirting in Portuguese, and something like satisfaction blooms in his chest. He loves the blushing mess Tobio becomes every time different languages drip from his mouth.

There's a soft gasp as Shoyo’s hands travel down to stroke his chest, and he nuzzles his face against Tobio’s warm back, letting his eager mouth stroke every single mole he has treasured there.

After a few seconds of torture, Tobio sighs in defeat. “Fine, dumbass,” he plunges his hands into Shoyo’s curls and gives them a light tug to get his attention. Shoyo stares up at him, plump, shiny lips half-open waiting for his next words. Tobio chuckles and leaves a small peck on them before continuing, “I just meant that you call me handsome when you are you!”

“And you are you, stupid!” The ginger counterattacks. He can't believe that this hot, handsome, perfect man is talking about him as if Shoyo were the painter of all the stars in the sky. No, Tobio is the one who fulfills that role in his eyes.

Somehow, this conversation turns into an arm wrestling competition, and in the blink of an eye, Tobio pushes Shoyo against the bed again, pinning his body to the mattress. The air leaves their lungs as they fight for the upper hand, and Shoyo only has time to see a pouty Tobio intertwine their fingers together beside his head and cup one of his cheeks before he kisses him fiercely. Their flushed chests are now pressed together, and their heartbeats hammer against each other’s skin in a beautiful symphony that fills the bedroom. Shoyo lays his free palm flat on Tobio’s back and caresses his spine as they exchange slow kisses and heavy breaths that taste like tea, home and summer. 

He has no idea how a stupid conversation between them turned into a make-out session, but he certainly isn't complaining. The moisture previously present in their muscles is being replaced by an intimate sweat that Shoyo never gets tired of.

“Tobi,” he breathes out into his partner’s mouth. Their lips are equally swollen, humid and a reddish shade that matches the fire in their cheeks. “My team will wipe the floor with yours this weekend.”

The mention of volleyball makes the flame of defiance burn again in Tobio’s blue eyes.

“You wish, dumbass,” he grumbles, proceeding to kiss the slope of Shoyo’s head, his cheeks, eyelids and the corner of his mouth.

These more innocent, slow kisses tend to leave Shoyo breathless faster. He's already half-dazed and panting, golden, sweaty skin glimmering in the moonlight as he does his best to keep caressing his partner’s back with lazy movements. “How do you feel about playing against Oikawa-san since the Olympics? He'll be on my team now.”

“Don't care,” Tobio whispers into Shoyo’s neck. “I will just defeat him again.”

Shoyo smirks, “You'll have to defeat me first.”

“That's what I'm here for,” Tobio brings their joined hands to his lips and presses a kiss to Shoyo’s knuckles.

That's it. Shoyo is definitely gonna turn into a corpse before getting married.

“That’s a low blow, Kageyama-kun!”

Tobio blinks swiftly, “What did I do?”

“You're melting me!! My knees are weak and my heart is all gwahhh and wahhh,” Shoyo groans and looks away. His cheeks tingle with a domestic heat that burns even more when the hand still cradling his face angles him to meet Tobio’s eyes again.

His gaze is piercing and questioning. It's as if he knows there's a golden ring tucked into Shoyo’s rolled-up pants; that there is nothing in the world besides volleyball and being tucked in his arms that makes Shoyo’s heart beat so fast. And well, he's not wrong.

“Tobio… I want to ask you something.” The proposal plan is still in full swing and Shoyo has to take it a step further. “What did you think of Miwa-san’s question? About the honeymoon in Italy?”

Tobio’s breath catches for a brief second, and Shoyo freezes beneath his warm body. Oh no. Has he touched a sore spot? A subject Tobio isn't yet comfortable swimming in?

“Dunno,” the brunette replies, blushing. It's his turn to flick his gaze away and Shoyo does his best to reassure him, caressing his back and face nonstop. “Honeymoons aren't for married people?”

“I guess. But… you know, we could just… do it.”

Tobio hums, “Without getting married?” He places his hand over Shoyo’s, who is still squeezing one of his burning cheeks.

That's it. It's your perfect opportunity Shoyo, go for it. Just ask him to marry you and—

“Yes…” is the whisper that rolls off his tongue instead. Once again, the proposal gets stuck in Shoyo’s throat, unable to come out after feeling Tobio’s tension at hearing the word honeymoon.

“Okay,” Tobio breathes out, surprisingly.

“Okay?”

“Yeah. You wanna do it, right?” Shoyo doesn't respond. He has his mouth slightly open, staring at his boyfriend, unsure of what to say. “You like these goofy, romantic things. Like giving flowers,” Tobio teases and leans down to give him a quick peck, smiling against his lips.

The sudden provocation and Tobio’s grin jolt Shoyo out of his hazy mind.

“‘M not that sappy,” he muffles and tries to fight his own smile, unsuccessfully, pressing many smooches all over Tobio’s face.

“Mhmm…” Tobio just hums as he nuzzles the tip of their noses together and bathes in the warmth of Shoyo’s lips.

It turns out that Tobio is the first to fall asleep, his cheek flat on Shoyo’s chest as hot puffs of breath escape his parted lips. It takes the ginger longer to close his eyes, as he keeps tracking down the previous hours to try to understand how he got to this point: with his boyfriend drooling on his chest, his face buried in his hair as his fingers play with his dark strands, and with plans for a honeymoon in Rome without a planned wedding. Shoyo thought he'd be a dead man before getting married, but in fact he's pretty much alive even without a gold ring on his finger.

☀️

“So, you have a honeymoon planned even without getting married?”

The situation described in such blunt words strikes a blow to Shoyo’s chest, and he sighs in frustration while sinking deeper into the bench.

Karasuno’s gym opened its doors so that the participants of the All-star match could train, and here's where they're all gathered on a Friday morning, with nostalgia filling in the air. Shoyo has been running around and practicing spiking drills since the sun came up, hitting Tobio’s sets, Atsumu’s and even Oikawa’s. Since these last two will be on his team, it's only natural that they train together, although it's clear that Shoyo has an all-time favorite when it comes to tosses.

Sugawara-san once said Shoyo wears a different expression when he hits Tobio’s sets, which is yet another irrefutable truth in the world.

“That's it, Kenma,” Shoyo replies quietly, fingers tightening around his water bottle. He is sat next to Kenma during a break to cool off, complaining over the failure of the marriage-proposal-operation.

Kenma hums, “Why am I not that surprised?”

“Have more trust in me, please!” Shoyo cards a hand through his sweaty, messy curls, sighing. “Look, I'm confident with today’s plan! The chances of success are pretty high.”

“If Kuroo is helping you, it means things can go very well or very wrong...” Kenma muses from his side. He's wearing red sweatpants and a black tank top, his pale arms exposed against the sunlight streaming into the gym. A few blond strands escape his ponytail, and he simply tucks them behind his ear while yawing absently.

“Have more trust in your boyfriend, too,” Shoyo giggles. He takes one last sip of water as both Atsumu and Oikawa wave at him from afar, waging staredowns as usual. “Be right back!!!” Shoyo wipes the moisture from his mouth with the back of his hand, and jumps up back onto the court.

Atsumu and Oikawa have consistent, easy-to-hit tosses, and Shoyo feels free having two talented setters dancing to his rhythm. Goshiki is also practicing spikes with them, while Yaku is in the corner of the court teaching digs to the youngest members on the team.

The morning flies by with Shoyo going from one side to the other, enjoying every bit of volleyball to the fullest. He and Tobio don't spend as much time together as they'd like, but they still find time to dive into their little bubble once some of their teammates begin to head out for lunch.

When Shoyo approaches, he realizes Tobio is also covered in sweat, some dark strands sticking to his forehead as he twirls the ball between his hands. They're both wearing shorts and tank tops; Shoyo’s is black and Tobio’s is white, representing their respective team colors. The redhead also wears compression sleeves on his arms, and Tobio on his legs, which means they're both wearing matching outfits with complementary colors even without having planned anything.

Maybe it's a conspicuous thing most couples do. Though Shoyo won't admit it out loud to avoid being called a sap.

“Oiii, bonitão,” he sings-song with both hands tucked behind his back, beaming nonstop as he bounces on his heels. Tobio stands behind the court line, about to serve as he stares at his smiling boyfriend up and down. “Give me some tosses!!”

Tobio scoffs, “I'm practicing jump serves now.”

“And now it's time to practice with me!”

“And you still say I'm demanding.”

“You are! But not as much as me,” Shoyo grins from ear to ear and takes the volleyball from Tobio’s hand. They both know they want the same thing at this moment. Just like always. “Come on, Tobio-kun. Let's practice some quicks!!”

***

As fatigue begins to weigh down their legs, Shoyo and Tobio lie on their backs on the woody floor, not caring about the sweat painting their skin and clothes. They stare at the spotlights on the gym’s metal ceiling, still off due to it being daylight, and breathe heavily as volleyballs circle them. Shoyo thinks he's done about 100 spikes just now. His palm aches deliciously with the memory of each one, flashing red with the strong impacts after soaring and meeting the ball in midair. There are many incredible setters training with them, and yet, his all-time favorite sets will always belong to his favorite person.

Shoyo tilts his face to the side to look at said person, and finds Tobio lost in thoughts, rosy cheeks and damp bangs giving him a softer appearance. His handsome face complements the beauty of his exposed, robust muscles and defined jaw, and Shoyo has no choice but kiss his shoulder without caring about the salty humidity stored there.

“Hey,” Shoyo brushes his nose against his bicep. Tobio doesn't turn completely, but he curls an arm around Shoyo’s neck to bring him closer, simply humming in response as he buries his face in the crown of his head and inhales that sweaty, citrus fragrance of his. “What're you thinking about?” Shoyo rubs himself against his neck.

After a few breaths of air and leaving a kiss on Shoyo’s forehead, Tobio mutters, “About defeating you soon.”

“I am defeating you soon,” Shoyo corrects him, smiling and leaning closer to press a silent kiss to Tobio’s collarbone. Tobio flicks his gaze to him, smirking and blushing as he strokes some of his short curls, making the ginger hum pleasantly under his fingers.

“We should go grab lunch, too.” Shoyo laces their fingers together and brings Tobio’s knuckles to his lips. “You wanna eat at home or with the others?”

“Home,” Tobio replies in the blink of an eye, softly, still stroking Shoyo’s hair with the same tenderness melting in his blue eyes.

Shoyo chuckles and presses yet another kiss to his fingers. “Okay, bossy,” he moves up and leaves a light peck on Tobio’s soft lips. “Anything for you.” He kisses Tobio again, slower and sweeter, fingers still laced together on Tobio’s chest. The heat that rises through Shoyo’s pores at the lingering touch is enough to light him up like a furnace.

The two continue smiling with their faces practically glued together, sharing quick pecks and goofy, warm giggles in that empty court—filled only by their sweat, the sound of their laughter and the beating of their hearts.

When Shoyo stands up on his feet, he offers a hand to Tobio and pulls him along until he's also standing. Of course, his unfair height allows him to tower over Shoyo stupidly, and the redhead rolls his eyes as Tobio stares down at him with a smirk. Their height difference used to annoy him so much as a teenager, but Shoyo sees it through a positive lens now. After all, their bodies fit together perfectly; they curve around each other like strong vines, and that's what happens when Tobio throws his arms around Shoyo in a sudden hug that knocks the air out of his lungs.

Public displays of affection aren't common for Tobio, but Shoyo cherishes whenever he's extra clingy, and relishes in these moments bathed in his boyfriend’s warmth. He immediately returns the affection and melts into Tobio’s embrace, wrapping his own arms around his waist and squeezing him tightly as he buries his giggles against the symphony of heartbeats stored in his chest.

“So warm,” Shoyo muffles as he nuzzles against his boyfriend’s sweaty chest. “You're so so warm, Tobi.”

“Dumbass,” Tobio chuckles fondly, imprinting his smile onto the top of bright copper curls.

No words are pronounced as they mold each other’s bodies in their embrace, and run warm fingers over sweaty skin. It's crazy how something as mundane as a hug can cause so many reactions in Shoyo, even after years of relationship. His face is flushed crimson, his heart is pounding, and he can barely breathe. The air he inhales smells only of sweat, home and Tobio; his chest swells with so much love and devotion that, the moment he looks up at Tobio again, Shoyo almost relapses and falls to his knees, ready to propose and kiss the ground he walks on.

Yes, he is madly in love at that level, and he must do something now to take the next step in their relationship.

Unfortunately or fortunately, a noise interrupts the declaration from happening yet again.

The sound of the metal door sliding open startles Shoyo and he looks to the side in shock. Standing there at the gym’s entrance is none other than Kuroo and Kenma, both with party blowers in their mouths while holding balloons and signs that read: Congratulations!! Now you have a dumbass to call yours.

“Hinata! Everything is ready,” Kuroo announces cheerfully as he blows the party blower multiple times.

“‘Orry, Shoyo,” Kenma apologizes, voice muffled by the party toy. His face is scrunched up in embarrassment. “I ust waned to ‘ake ‘ure ‘at,” he spits the party blower on the floor and licks his lips before continuing, “I just wanted to make sure everything would turn out okay.”

“Kenma…” Shoyo mutters, still enveloped in Tobio’s arms. His boyfriend's also staring at the other couple, slightly curious about the festive, congratulatory items they're carrying.

“Congratulations?” Tobio asks. “But we've been together for years.”

“Not like you deserve to be,” Kuroo says with a smirk. He bites the party blower in the corner of his mouth like a farmer in a Western movie, and Kenma elbowls him.

“Don't make him more confused!”

Kuroo looks offended. “I'm trying to show him the light instead!”

Shoyo takes advantage that the not-so-brilliant-marriage-proposal-plan isn’t going well (again!) and turns back to Tobio, holding his hands to get his attention.

“I asked them to help me,” Shoyo whispers, palms getting more and more sweaty. “It's a special moment so I wanted to do something... SPECIAL!” He shouts out of the blue.

Tobio frowns as he tightens his grip around Shoyo’s hands, reassuringly. “Stupid. You didn't need to do anything different.”

“I had to!” Shoyo protests. “Because every game with you is unique and I will defeat you tomorrow, and carry you bridal-style in my arms soon after and, and…” The words suddenly get lost in his mouth.

At the mention of bridal, his fertile imagination sparks with scenes of them arriving home as newlyweds. Shoyo would lift Tobio off the ground and nearly reach great heights in the sky, spinning his husband in the air as they both laugh happily. He would inhale the scent of grass and home stored in his skin, and plant many kisses all over Tobio’s neck, trembling with the sound of his hearty laughter.

The fantasy is sweet in his mind, but Shoyo needs to come back to reality if he wants to make all of this real.

“And?” Tobio encourages, leaning closer to Shoyo’s face in search of cohesive answers.

“And… And…” Shoyo tries to force the statement from his lips, overwhelmed with the heat of Tobio’s breath igniting him.

It turns out that another loud bang invades the gym, and Shoyo jumps in surprise. Now, besides Kuroo and Kenma, the court is invaded by Atsumu, Oikawa, Hoshiumi, Ushijima, Bokuto, Yaku, and many other players. They all carry balloons and signs similar to those Kuroo and Kenma hold, and some even clap their hands and hum in broken English a song that sounds like Happy Freaking Birthday.

Talk about bad timing.

“Go get yer man, Shoyo-kun,” Atsumu cheers, his expression of jubilation a perfect contrast to Sakusa’s, who is hidden behind a mask while holding a pink gas balloon against his will.

“Double date soon with our matching rings, Shoyo!” Bokuto jumps up and down in joy, showing off his own gold ring that is now part of his being.

Shoyo so desperately wants to share the same happiness. But he can't, not when their gold ring remains buried somewhere in his jacket pocket while his teammates celebrate a proposal that hadn't yet come true.

The idea was for them to enter just as Shoyo proposed, not before that. Balloons and confetti would fly and color the air like the backdrop to a painting as the redhead kneels before Tobio, holding his hand and slipping a thin gold ring onto his devoted finger.

But of course, once again, everything goes down the drain.

“Are you sure you didn't do anything wrong and are trying to apologize?” Tobio suddenly asks, trying to find the real meaning of those balloons and bright signs.

“Even if I was, it's not working out very well,” Shoyo laments under his breath. It's hard to shake off the feeling of defeat and explain to his friends that the proposal failed again, but at least he manages to do that. Kenma pats his friend on the back as soon as they leave the court, and Kuroo ends up inviting him and Tobio to a double date after tomorrow’s game.

It might be the last perfect chance Shoyo will ever get.

☀️

The long-awaited day of the All-stars match arrives with the event's venue being Ota in the Tokyo metropolis.

It's mid-August and summer still brings a pleasant heat with several fruit trees adorning the urban landscape, and pink peach petals dotting the sky, the asphalt and the streams. The city’s general gymnasium is divided into two separate areas: team A and team B. Shoyo is part of team A, and he's been in awe of everything since he stepped foot here. Kuroo has really poured his heart into organizing this match. Every corner of the gym shines with the care and affection gushed by volleyball lovers from all over the world. The court is covered in confetti; flooded with joyful screams from the fans and colorful party balloons.

Team A’s locker room is also buzzing with life as each player puts on their black and blue jerseys, designed by Asahi. The fabric is high-quality, soft and fluffy to the touch, and the colors contrast well with Shoyo’s tanned skin.

His senpai is truly good at what he does.

With his uniform and compression sleeves embracing his robust body, Shoyo's happy to pose to take pictures with familiar faces from his high school days after many years apart.

“Shoyo!” Goshiki greets excitedly. He's grown a lot since they last saw each other, his youthful face quite comical compared to his muscular body. Honestly, Shoyo must give people that same impression.

“Tsutomu,” the ginger says, arms held up in joy. “Show me that cross-shot again today!”

Tsutomu clutches his chest and pretends to wipe tears from the corner of his eye. “Ah, the feeling of being flattered… I love that!” The two laugh together and pat each other on the back, smiling with all their teeth at the camera as Suna takes some photos.

If the stadium was already filled with vibrations, the singing rises to new heights when both teams are called to enter the court. The 9 x 18 meter orange rectangle awaits them along with glittering confetti and applause from the volleyball-loving fans who came to witness not only the sport, but Shoyo and the other players as passionate individuals; as athletes and human beings who transmit joy by doing what they love most. Kuroo had already mentioned how much they are loved immensely, but it is only in moments like this that Shoyo sees the truth in his words become real.

“Ladies and gentlemen, let's get this party started!” The match announcer voices into the microphone, instigating more applause and cheers from the crowd. “Welcome our amazing volleyball players: The monster generation!!!”

The symphony in the stadium grows in louder tempo—the sound of fulfillment. It reaches everyone’s ears like lively music, like a perennial rain before the arrival of spring flowers, and only one thing manages to pull Shoyo from that intense symphony for a few precious seconds.

When Tobio stops in front of him, on the opposite side of the net but still aligned with his heart, Shoyo can't help but smile wildly and let his heart skip many many beats. Their fingers intertwine gently and rightly, warm skin kissing each other as if it were a law of the universe or something crafted by red threads of fate. Shoyo stares at his lifetime partner with eyes full of determination and defiance; the caramel stored there melts into the ocean of Tobio’s irises that bathes him with equal intensity, devotion and love.

“Today,” Tobio starts. His large grin almost almost makes Shoyo rip off the net and pull him down for a hot, fierce kiss.

“Today,” Shoyo repeats instead, skimming his thumb across the length of Tobio’s wrist and breaking the skin there in eruptive goosebumps. “Once again...”

“I’m going to win,” they voice in unison—it's another promise cemented between them as the starting whistle blows with the combined beats of their hearts.

***

Sweat and gold obscure Shoyo’s vision in the final minutes of the game. His tongue peeks out in excitement as he positions himself to receive the ball, eyes zeroed in on Tobio standing behind the courtline. His serve is intense as always as it flies sharply towards him, making the skin on Shoyo’s wrists shiver with intense heat. He manages to dig it, and the ball rises in a perfect arc to the setter, Oikawa, who is already smiling with his arms raised ready for the next movement. Shoyo doesn't miss the proud grin his boyfriend presents even from across the net, his blood pulsing with hunger for more. There's pride spread across Tobio’s features until the moment Shoyo soars like the hummingbirds he met in the Brazilian skies.

It's Nicolas Romero who gets to spike the ball, though, as Oikawa sends it straight into his palm, ready for a quick attack. The impact is strong, loud enough to reverberate through the stadium, but it's not on the orange floor that the ball lands. Yaku’s arms are the soil that keeps it in the air with mastery as he sends the volleyball to fly high again. Shoyo bites his bottom lip in equal frustration and excitement. They are all monsters. And so am I. His monstrosity allows him to block and run to lure their blockers, but unfortunately, the opposing team is faster this time. Even though Shoyo's a bait, the ball is prevented from crossing the 2m wall on the other side as Ojiro Aran’s spike ricochets off Bokuto and Hyakuzawa’s arms, and the ball falls onto Team A’s court. Silence stretches across the stands for a millisecond before the crowd erupts in cheers again—Team B takes the victory.

***

As realization of the loss sinks in, Shoyo exhales and throws his head back in frustration, but also grinning in satisfaction. It was a fantastic, breathtaking game in every single sense of the words, and as always, he has no regrets. Adrenaline still blooms in the pores of his skin, racing his heart and warming him up as the whole team embraces and reassures each other. They line up to shake hands with their opponents again, and Shoyo quickly spots Tobio, already smiling with pride and genuine fulfillment.

“I won,” he says through parted lips, chest heaving with his labored breathing. Shoyo has to hold back from reaching out to wipe the sweat that runs down his boyfriend’s forehead and cheeks.

“It's 2018 wins for me,” Shoyo says, smiling, fingers squeezing Tobio’s hand as his tone fills with joy. “And… hmm…” He struggles to do this math. Shoyo's good with language these days, but numbers are something that slips his mind from time to time. Most of the time, actually. “2030 to you!!”

Tobio huffs, “I'll leave you in the dust. I'm going on ahead again.”

“Not for too long!” Shoyo untangles their laced hands and begins to lightly tap his broad chest with his fist. “I'll catch up with you in no time! That's a promise.” He beams.

There is a glow that passes through Tobio’s eyes, something like shooting stars crossing the already starry sky and pouring hope and love into his pupils. Shoyo stares back with equal devotion, with the same stars of love stored in his honey eyes just to shower Tobio with. He waits for a kiss, a gentle tug on his hair, or a hug, and ends up getting all three at once. Tobio wraps his arms around him, strong and truthworthy, his fingers threading through radiant red curls as he presses a loud smooch to his forehead. Shoyo returns the embrace and giggles softly, completely oblivious to their friends shouting silly teasing from afar.

The net no longer separates them, as Tobio pulls his beloved into his side of the court and his entire world, into the bubble where only the two of them exist. They briefly step away from the embrace just to turn to the audience and wave in thanks, bathed in the support and affection of every volleyball fan there. Shoyo pulls his boyfriend by the waist, and Tobio automatically winds an arm around his shoulders while still waving like two idiots to the audience.

“Seems like they love me more,” Shoyo says through smiling lips. His fingers caress the damp fabric of Tobio’s uniform, holding back from slipping under the cloth and feeling the warmth of his skin.

“You wish,” Tobio mutters, fondly. “They're congratulating me because I won.”

“But I scored more service aces today!”

“You were just lucky.”

Shoyo rolls his eyes, scoffing, “Rude!! My serves were better cause I always do better when I play against you!” He suddenly pushes his face against Tobio’s chest and rubs himself there, sighing as he hears the loud beating of his heart.

Tobio’s chuckle and the way his fingers delve into Shoyo’s curls turns him into a melting, humming puddle.

“Guys, let's go grab some food!” Kuroo calls out from across the court.

Many team members have already grabbed their backpacks and headed to the locker room. The crowd begins to rise and head toward them to get autographs and give gifts. Needless to say, Shoyo wants to spend more time here—both on the soil where he loves to fly, and also curled up in the body that makes him feel most alive.

He remembers the plan he's had in mind. The agreement was for Shoyo, Tobio, Kuroo, and Kenma to go out to dinner after the small celebration party for the two teams, and Shoyo would propose at the restaurant. But right now, he is kind of tired of planning everything. His life follows a planned routine, yes, but with Tobio, everything happens unplanned. They met by chance, without a destiny written in old romance books. Shoyo sealed their first promise on a staircase bathed in the setting sun, with tears of hope streaming down his cheeks. Nothing was planned when Tobio yelled at him, telling him to be stronger. It wasn't planned when, a year later, they found themselves stuck on the same team for three years straight. It also wasn't planned either when Tobio gave him the title of greatest decoy, and Shoyo crowned him as king of the court, both showing that they could be themselves and would love each other no matter what. No, it wasn't planned. Things were not planned between them, but rather chosen. They chose to be together, and keep choosing each other every single day.

So, if Shoyo really wants to take the next step in their relationship, he just needs to follow what has united them since day one: volleyball and unbreakable, lifetime promises.

“Hey,” Shoyo laces their fingers together as they leave the court together. It's kind of poetic that they step off the court line at the same time. Shoyo really wants their retirement to be marked with them still side by side.

Tobio turns to look at him, a little suspicious, but still reaches out to push sweaty curls from his forehead.

“What?” He mutters, his hoarse, sleepy voice striking a chord in Shoyo’s heart.

“Be mine, Tobio,” Shoyo says breathlessly, his voice barely a whisper. 

A few beats of silence pass in which Shoyo just squeezes Tobio’s hand, searching for an anchor to hold on to. To his surprise, Tobio huffs in amusement, “Dumbass,” he runs a thumb across the pink of Shoyo’s cheek and gives his skin a light pinch. “I'm already yours. I've always been.”

Now, Shoyo feels like crying. “I want you to be mine forever,” he reaffirms with more intensity, standing on his toes to look straight into Tobio’s eyes. His boyfriend doesn't look away for a moment. “And I will be yours, too.”

“I thought you were already mine,” Tobio grumbles, eyebrows knitted together. 

“I sooo am!!” Shoyo reassures him with a big grin. “But, you know... I want more. To be more yours, and to have more of you.” He bites his lower lip and gets back on his feet, nervous.

“And how are we gonna do that?” Tobio asks. He's not even fazed by the way Shoyo’s fingers fidget against his, or the way his honey-colored eyes beg Tobio to love him forever. No, they're already used to voice the most beautiful love vows out of the blue.

Maybe it's Tobio’s gaze bathing Shoyo in adoration, or the audience in the background still chatting and taking pictures with other players. Maybe it's the sweat-soaked orange court, or Tobio’s long eyelashes fluttering slowly as he drinks in the redhead’s face, loving fingers still caressing his cheek. Maybe it's also the memories of Tobio smiling at him and Shoyo smiling back from across the net, even after being defeated. Maybe it's a set of fantastic maybes that allows Shoyo to feel like conquering the whole damn world just now; just by being here, doing what he loves, and holding the hand of the one who taught him what love is.

“You're my dumb, stupid partner that I love,” he continues. Tobio groans at his words and Shoyo chuckles softly. “You're my rival, a friend and my boyfriend, too. Damn, you are many things to me, Tobio! It's kind of annoying.” Tobio flicks Shoyo’s forehead and smirks when he squints his eyes. “Hey! You're my person, and I want you to be my one and only… My husband.”

At the mention of the long-awaited word, Tobio freezes. His mouth drops open, the fingers that caress Shoyo stop, and a beautiful red shade paints Tobio’s skin all the way to the tips of his ears. He's stunned, for sure, lips trembling as he struggles to voice coherent words. Tobio blinks multiple times, unsure of what he has just heard, but there is no doubt: Shoyo has finally proposed.

“Your husband? Me?” Tobio asks, almost inaudibly. He now grips Shoyo’s hand tightly, as if afraid he might disappear at any moment with all the promises they've already made.

“Of course, silly,” Shoyo clears his throat and gives a small smile. He's also super nervous, but all he can think about is ensuring Tobio’s comfort above anything else. “Who else could fill that role in my life?”

“You idiot!” The brunette suddenly grunts, squeezing Shoyo’s face between his palms and making him pout like a duck. “Why here? And now?”

Shoyo curls his fingers around Tobio’s wrists to ease the grip on his face. “I ‘on't ‘ow!” His voice comes a bit muffled, so Tobio softens his grip on him. Just slightly, though. “I just felt like doing it. You were sooo cool in that match, and even though I hate to admit it, you were much better and you won!! And you're amazing, you know? You're so gwahhh and wahhh, and make my heart go all fuzzy to this day, so I felt like I wanted to show you how much I lo—”

Shoyo’s flushed face is pulled against Tobio’s chest as he winds strong arms around him, keeping him pressed and safe against his heart. The hug is strong enough to break some bones, but Shoyo doesn't mind. He returns the embrace and easily settles in, holding his partner’s back with much care as he strokes Tobio comfortingly.

“You talk too much,” Tobio muffles into his hair.

Shoyo buries his smile against his chest, pressing a silent kiss there. “I often talk a lot to people I love.”

“And I prefer listening to those I love,” the brunette retaliates, squeezing Shoyo tighter.

“Oh!” He exclaims. A light bulb forms in his throat, with many good feelings blossoming there. “I guess I like that.”

Their breathing becomes heavy and mingled, their world filled with sweat and strong muscles linked together. Shoyo hasn't gotten the answer he wants most yet, but he wouldn't want this moment any different. After all, Tobio’s actions and the sweet nothings he grumbles against his curls are always warmer than anything cheesy he might come up with.

“Yes,” Tobio whispers into Shoyo’s curls. He steps back a little to allow their gazes to meet, and Shoyo sees how disheveled, blushing red and pouty his boyfriend is.

“Hmm?” He hums and cups his partner’s face.

“I said yes, dumbass.”

“Yes to what exactly?”

“To what you've asked me.”

Shoyo pretends to be thinking hard. “Could you refresh my memory, please? I don't even remember what I ate for lunch and—”

Once again, he is prevented from continuing to speak as Tobio also frames his face and gives him a slow, warm kiss. Shoyo’s breath catches in his throat and he can only melt into the touch, sighing against his boyfriend’s mouth as his eyebrows knit together in pleasure.

“I will be your husband,” Tobio murmurs into his lips. Their foreheads are glued together as they catch their breaths, not caring about the looks and cameras turned towards them now. “And you will be mine. Forever.”

That's all Shoyo wanted to hear. It seems silly now that he suffered so much to make that proposal, but it's done, and it turned out better than planned.

Tobio drinks Shoyo’s smile with another kiss that makes him take a few steps back and goosebumps blossom on the still sweaty skin. Shoyo balances himself with his fiancé’s help, as Tobio winds a large arm around his waist. The two laugh into each other's mouths and squeeze every inch of each other they can. Soon, the backdrop of the proposal erupts into celebration as their teammates gather around to congratulate them, ruffling their hair as if they were children.

“Congratulations, Shoyo! Kageyama,” Bokuto cheers and gives them a bear hug, almost lifting Shoyo and Tobio off the floor. “Now we're really matching, right?”

“Not yet,” Kuroo pipes in. He wears that mischievous smile of his, filled with a pool of genuine joy that characterizes his good heart. “You need a certain piece of gold, don't you?”

Oh. Yeah, true. Shoyo needs the ring. But… where's it?

“Lucky for you, Kenma and I know you well and figured you'd propose after the game,” Kuroo reaches into his back pocket, until he takes out a small red velvet box. It's the home of the piece of gold that Shoyo chose.

And which will have a new home soon, around the skin of his future husband.

“Thanks, Kuroo-san!!” Shoyo has a hard time reaching that treasure as Tobio is still holding him tightly, perhaps reluctant to let his person go away.

As if he could do that now. Or ever.

Shoyo barely slips the gold onto Tobio’s perfect finger before everyone erupts into more cheers. Tobio pays no attention to the cacophony surrounding them; he simply grabs Shoyo by the waist and spins him around in the air, his rare, big smile now buried against Shoyo’s neck as he giggles and presses many smooches there, breathlessly.

“You'll have to put up with me for many years.” Shoyo says as soon as he stops being spun around, still grinning up at his fiancé as he feels giddy and joyful. “Forever!”

Tobio hums, pressing a chaste kiss to his mouth. “Don't care.”

Shoyo sighs dreamily, “Get ready then, marido.” He says in Portuguese.

As usual, Tobio blushes furiously upon hearing Shoyo’s tongue drip in another language. He feels restless, hot, and a little awkward, a reaction that Shoyo finds quite adorable and endearing. He has no choice but to pull his fiancé in for another kiss, causing a genuine smile to blossom on the lips that now dance with his.

It takes time for them to leave the court because soon, journalists and reporters reach and flood them with several questions, which they can only answer some of for now. Shoyo’s body still vibrates with post-match and post-proposal adrenaline, so it's understandable that he wants to spend time with his future husband, only, and discuss more details of their incoming future.

Shoyo brings Tobio’s hand to his lips as soon as they are alone at home. His fingers run along the length of those perfect knuckles, and he kisses the finger that now sports a small golden ring in the dim light of the hotel’s bedroom.

“Miwa-san and Natsu will love to see this,” Shoyo whispers, bringing Tobio’s finger to his lips again.

They've just finished dinner and taking a shared bath, so their hair is still damp. Shoyo is shirtless, and he doesn't even bother wiping the water droplets from his exposed chest now. His attention is elsewhere—on a single person.

Instead of replying, Tobio simply grabs the gold ring from the bedside table. It's the same gold ring that Tobio has kept in his underwear drawer for months. He's kept it hidden for a while, just like Shoyo, but now it's time for that golden fragment to find its new home, too.

Shoyo shivers a little as the gold slips down his ring finger, his eyes shining brighter than the stars outside as he sees Tobio’s devoted hands expressing all the love he has for him.

“With this, I make you mine forever,” Tobio brings Shoyo’s hand to his mouth and kisses it tenderly. A few tears gather at the corner of the redhead’s eyes, as his smile widens into a crescent moon. “My dumbass.” Tobio voices the most tender tone Shoyo has ever heard, which makes him throw himself into his fiancé’s arms and intertwine their bodies from head to toe.

The night stretches on with warm, naked limbs warming under the covers; with slow kisses and sweet laughter shared in the subtle moonlight of Tokyo that’s the only witness of their love. Their hands intertwine together, and every now and then, either Shoyo or Tobio kisses the other’s ring finger, which now bears yet another mark of their infinite connection that spans years, eras and many lives.

“Are we going to have our honeymoon first or get married first?” Shoyo asks lazily, his cheek flat on Tobio’s bare chest.

“Dunno,” Tobio replies. He keeps an arm curled around Shoyo’s back as he runs his fingers in slow movements across the length of his naked skin, kissed, marked and worshipped by his mouth hours prior. “Maybe a honeymoon before and after?”

Shoyo chuckles and looks up at him. “I didn't know you were the romantic type, Kageyama-kun!”

“Shut up,” Tobio grumbles, but there's no bite in his tone. “We won't have any then.”

“Noooo, I was just kidding!” Shoyo is quick to prop himself up on his elbow and look down at Tobio, eyes full of tenderness. “Let's do both and more!! Together!!!”

Tobio rolls his eyes but there’s the glimpse of a fond grin at the corner of his mouth. “Sounds like a good plan.” He cups Shoyo’s tanned cheek and pulls him down into a passionate kiss, hands still laced on the pillow beside Tobio’s head.

It takes them hours to fall asleep that night. There's a lot of teasing, silly banters, and intimate touches shared between sweaty, flushed skin. Their fingers remain intertwined like red threads of fate in a sign that they will always be connected, no matter what universe or life, or even a hundred years from now.