Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The moment I open my eyes, I know today is going to be crazy.

Kei was so kind to me last night, staying on the phone until I fell asleep, his voice so sweet and gentle in my ears.  I wonder if anyone on the team would believe me if I told them that.  That Kei can be so loving it almost hurts.  

I get moving as quickly as I can, knowing there's so much to do today.  As I shower, I can't believe how lucky I am.  Dad is home, Mom and I are talking honestly with each other for the first time in years, and I have the best boyfriend on the planet.

And today, my team is going to kick ass.  

Normally, I would have done almost everything I needed to do to be ready for today the night before.  But between the thing with my Mom and Dad coming home...well...I did almost none of the things I usually do to prepare.  So the morning is a frantic rush, a scramble to make sure that I have everything I need, that I eat sufficiently to keep me going, that I don't skimp on treating my legs and risk a collapse later, that I make sure I'm ready to support my team and help them win today.  We've only got one game, which will make things a little easier.  Dad is still sleeping when Mom gives me a big hug and kiss, slips me a bag of strawberries ("Share with Kei-chan," she says), and tells me to make sure to lead my team to victory.  

I laugh, I can't help it.  She's always kept herself completely out of my volleyball life.  And now, she's rooting for me.  For my team.  I guess maybe she always was before too, she just didn't know how to say it.  Or maybe, I didn't know how to hear her.  

"Don't worry, Mom," I say, "I've got this."  She grins at me, and I smile and wave as I head out the door.

Kei is there already, waiting.  I run at him, flinging myself into his arms.  He staggers back, a lopsided smile taking over his face as he tries to keep us both upright.  "Good morning to you too, Roses," he says with a chuckle.

"I love you, Tsukishima Kei.  I love you so much I might just go crazy with it.  Thank you, for everything."

He pulls me into our favorite way of walking, getting us moving towards Karasuno.  "What's this all about, Roses?  Not that I'm complaining, mind you.  Just curious."

I chuckle.  "Everything about my life has gotten better since you became part of it, Kei.  You literally are the best thing that has ever happened to me.  I just want to make sure you know that."  I look up at him, and see the delicate shade of pink the tips of ears have turned.  I snuggle into him.  "As long as I've got you by my side, I swear I think I can do anything.  So, please Kei, don't ever leave me.  Stay with me always, love."  His ears are definitely getting redder, but he looks down at me with a soft smile.

"I will, Roses, as long as you promise to never let me go either."

"Deal, gorgeous."

We continue on, a warm and pleasant silence falling between us.  We snuggle each other particularly close as we walk.  Maybe it's the chill October morning, or maybe it's just because it feels so absolutely right.  I've got my opinion on the matter, and I bet you can guess what it is.  My heart feels so full I think it might burst.  How did this happen?  How did I get so lucky?  When Amalie insisted on trying to help me out back at the beginning of the year, I never, ever thought it would lead me to this place.  To being part of an amazing team.  To having an incredible boyfriend that I love so much.  And who loves and cares for me just the way I am.  Who listens to all my crazy stuff and wants to understand and helps me become a better person for working through it all.  Who's helping me heal in ways I never thought possible.

I'm smiling like a crazy person.  I can feel it on my face.  But I can't help it.  I'm ridiculously happy.  All because of this man who's got his arm around my shoulders.  

Soon enough, we can see Tadashi up ahead.  He waves at us, and we wave back in sync.

"Ready to kick ass today, gorgeous?" I ask my handsome boyfriend.

"Let's go get 'em, Coach."

The next little while is a mad rush of preparation, bus loading, last minute review and planning, and encouragement.  Finally, we're on the bus, headed for Sendai City Gymnasium.  As we travel, the texts start coming in from the Gym 3 Squad, wishing us luck.  Bokuto is, once again, devastated to learn that we're playing in Sendai and he's not able to get there, even though it's a school day for him anyway.  Kuroo is promising him that when we make it through the qualifiers, we'll find a way to all get together to celebrate.  That sounds perfect to me.  

Also during the ride, I discover that my gorgeous boyfriend ate a rather minimalist breakfast.  Not the smartest choice on a day when he will be using a lot of energy on the court.  He's giving me a bit of a sheepish look - he's knows I'm not happy with that.  Fortunately, I've got supplies.  I give him a protein bar and insist he eat the whole thing.

"These things are too heavy on my stomach," he grouses.

"Don't argue with me, just eat.  Finish that, and you can have a treat."

His eyes light up.  "Kisses?" he asks, the devilish smirk on his face slightly marred by his chewing.

I chuckle at him.  "I was thinking of something else, lover boy.  Win today and you'll get your kisses."

"Oh I see.  That worked last time, so you're going to try it again, hmmm?"

I recall his devious little plan after the prelims.  How we got to spend that night cuddled together.  I love it when we can stay together, but tonight, that's just not possible.  But I've got another idea.  "Well, in modified form, but basically, yes."

He looks at me, very curious, as he finishes the protein bar and I open the bag of strawberries.  "What have you got planned, Roses?"

"You'll find out after we win today," I say, placing a strawberry in my mouth and offering to share it with him as our team catcalls us.  

🏐🏐🏐

I feel the familiar pre-game nerves beginning to bubble up as we approach the entrance to the gymnasium.  I know we've got this, and my responsibility right now is to make sure all of my boys know we got this.  I start checking around, looking in on the usual suspects.  Hinata seems surprisingly not green, but Asahi is looking a little rough around the edges.  Maybe I should...

Oh crap.  Right ahead of us.  Johzenji, our opponent for today.  And apparently, that jerk that Shoyo told us about is now their captain.  I guess this means their third years bowed out.  Terushima, I think his name is.  Given what I've heard about him, I expect this team's play style will be...interesting.

Ugh, Shoyo was right, this guy is a creep.  I mean, yeah, Kiyoko-senpai's a sparkle girl, I get it, but he's pushing it way too far.  Apparently, he didn't know how to take no for an answer the last time either, from what Hinata told us.  Noya and Tanaka are defending Kiyoko's honor, of course, and I've got half a mind to tell Daichi to let those two have at this weirdo.

Suddenly, as he's turning away from taunting Shoyo, Terushima's eyes fix on me, looking me up and down.

The shiver that runs through me shakes my bones, and I instinctively push myself into Kei's arms.  

"Roses?" he whispers, "Are you alright?"

"Yeah," I reply as another shudder rips through me, "as long as you're here, I'm fine."

Kei looks up, watching Johzenji walk away.  "You really don't like their captain, huh?"

"He's the kind of guy that looks at a girl as something to be conquered.  Or as prey to be taken down.  He creeps me out, not gonna lie.  And I hope he stays the heck away from Kiyoko and Yachi too."

Kei's face hardens.  "Should we..."

"Nope.  We'll take him down on the court, love.  Come on, let's get settled inside."

We've got plenty of time before our match, so we stake out some space and let the boys begin stretching.  I spend a little time with the Ace, trying to get him to smile.  He does, finally, but then Noya and Tanaka start teasing him about wanting an encouragement kiss.  They're getting him all worked up again.  I look over at Tsukki, catching his eyes and silently indicating what I intend to do.  He rolls his eyes at me, but smirks a little, so I know he'll be okay with it.  

Since all three boys are sitting on the floor stretching, it's easy for me to quickly kiss each of them on the top of the head.  I chuckle at the immediate effect.

Tanaka and Noya flop back on the floor and are blessedly silent for a good solid several minutes.  Asahi looks at me and laughs.  "Thanks, Naka-chan," he says.

"Ah, the things I do for my team," I say theatrically.  Asahi laughs again and I join him.

"You're starting to learn too much from Kuroo-senpai," Kei says to me as I head over to help him with stretches.

"There are worse people I could learn from," I say, smirking at the boy.  "Why?  Do you want an encouragement kiss too?"

"Oh, I'll be getting one, Roses," he says softly, "you haven't forgotten our new pre-game tradition, have you?"

I had, actually.  I smile as I think about it.  Stolen kisses in places you really shouldn't be kissing are pretty awesome, actually.  "Mmmm, can't wait, gorgeous."

Kiyoko runs up to me.  "Nakano, can you get the water bottles done?  Yachi is having some trouble with the banner - I'm gonna go help her out."

"Sure thing, Kiyoko-senpai."  I lean in to whisper in Kei's ear.  "See you on the court, love."  I can't resist nipping at his earlobe.  He flinches delightfully, a little color cascading across his cheeks.  God, I love that boy.

I'm filling my umpteenth water bottle at the station by the restrooms when I see a flash of orange hair out of the corner of my eye.  Well, this should be fun.  Shoyo's evil luck with bathrooms at volleyball tournaments is already legend.  But now I get to witness it firsthand.  

Sure enough, just as the poor guy tries to head into the men's room, he gets accosted by Oikawa and Iwaizumi.  Well, he gets accosted by Oikawa.  Iwaizumi is actually pretty polite to Hinata, when you get right down to it.  As always, it's Crappykawa that needs a damn muzzle, vaguely threatening Shoyo like that.  I'm strongly considering going over and putting a stop to the whole thing when who joins the party but Ushiwaka himself.  Hinata freaks, but again, Ushijima acknowledges him like a worthy opponent.  

Oh wow, I thought the captain energy between Kuroo and Daichi could get intense.  I can feel the air crackle between Oikawa and Ushijima.  When Kuroo and Daichi face off, you can tell that underneath the rivalry, they actually like and respect one another.  This is a different story entirely.  I don't really know how Ushiwaka feels, but one thing is very, very clear.

Oikawa Tooru bloody well despises Ushijima Wakatoshi.  There is absolutely nothing friendly about that rivalry for Oikawa. 

Ugh, that boy is such a dick.  How the hell did I ever fall for that?  Oh wait, I was twelve.  And stupid.

Oh no, Shoyo's trying to back away from the war on the floor Oikawa is trying to start and runs right into Aone from Date Tech.  Hinata's third major freak out in as many minutes.  But at least in this case, I know Aone has only the greatest respect for Hinata as an opponent.  He almost looks up to the ginger, which is weird to say, given the vast difference in their heights.  It's kinda cute.

I guess it shouldn't surprise me that, of all the guys involved in this, Oikawa is the biggest ass.  He's still vaguely trying to pick a fight when the whole thing starts breaking down.  Shoyo finally manages to get into the bathroom, and the other boys are beginning to move off.

Aw crap.  I got caught.  Oikawa just locked eyes with me.  I give him a curt nod and refocus on my task, hoping he'll just go away.  I'm not entirely sure how I feel about confronting him at the moment.  I mean, I was angry at him for a very long time, and I thought I'd gotten rid of all that, but seeing him mess with my teammate just kinda rekindled some serious irritation with that jerk for me.  And I really don't want my focus shifted from my boys to...

"Ogawa!"

I sigh.  His voice is...tremulous.  Like he's not sure I'll talk to him.  Well, he's not wrong.  But at least he didn't go right for 'Naka-chan.'

"What is it, Oikawa?"  I don't look up.

He hesitates.  "Well, uh...I...I wanted to say thanks.  Again.  For...you know.  Accepting my apology."

Damn.  He's trying to be a decent-ish human being...I guess it wouldn't be fair of me to ignore him.  I have to laugh at myself a little...I think Kei's saltiness is beginning to rub off on me, at least when it comes to Oikawa.  I allow myself another sigh, and look up at my ex-boyfriend.  Have I really forgiven him for everything that happened?  Or have I just decided to forget about it?

"It's alright, Oikawa.  Your apology was sincere, so of course I accepted it.  There's no need to thank me for that.  Is everything alright between you and Iwaizumi-san now?"

I've seen a lot of expressions on Oikawa's face.  But never this one.  The smile that comes across his lips is the most genuine one I've ever seen.  When people would ask him if I was his girlfriend, he would smile and say yes, but that smile was different.  It was a smile that said 'yes, I own that.'  I was a thing he'd taken possession of, not a person he cared for.  

"Yeah," is all he says, softly.  His eyes are distant, not really seeing me.  He really is in love with Iwaizumi-san.  

"I'm glad to hear that," I say, and it's even true.  Maybe finally knowing real love will change Oikawa.  If anything can, it'll be that.

Suddenly, the Oikawa I'm more familiar with is back, and he's giving me his overconfident smirk.  "Are you still dating that freakishly tall blonde on your team?"

I lock eyes with him again.  "Yes, as a matter of fact, I am, Oikawa."

"Good," he says, his smirk widening.  "Because it's going to feel so fabulous crushing both your dear Tobio and your beanpole of a boyfriend at the same time."

Okay, no amount of anything will ever make me like this guy.  I bring myself to my full height, leaning a little into his personal space.  "I'd like to see you try, Oikawa.  Because we are going to destroy you.  So make sure you win your games.  I don't want to miss the sight of you walking off the court for the last time in utter defeat at the hands of my boys."

There is a perverse satisfaction to be found in seeing fear blossom in your enemies' eyes.

As Oikawa walks away, I think I've realized something.  Oikawa might be learning what real love is like, and maybe that will help him become a better man than he is right now - heaven knows he can't be much worse.  But he treated me like an object, like a thing that existed only so he could use it, and that is plenty of reason to hate him.

But I don't.  Not really.  Not anymore.  I don't like him, he's still a trash pile of a human being, and I really don't want to spend any more time with him than I have to, but I don't hate him.  

Hate binds you to another person in a sickening, twisted reflection of the way love does.  It's wrong, it's awful, and I don't want to ever be bound to someone like that again.  The way Oikawa is still bound to Ushiwaka.  I really have forgiven him for what he did, and I really have let it go.  He's annoying, but he doesn't make me furious the way he used to.

However, I will still deeply enjoy watching my boys kick his stupidly flat ass.

By the time I finish up the bottles of water and get back, the boys have moved.  Well, it is getting close to time for our game.  I see Shoyo trotting into the gym and I walk in a few steps behind him.  He runs up to Kei and Tadashi, that dazzled 'UWAH' look on his face, and I bet I know what's coming.

"Tsukishima!  Your new glasses look so cool!"  I chuckle internally at him, I knew that was gonna come out of him - again.  I can almost hear Kei's eyes roll.

Yamaguchi chuckles as well.  "Uh...you know you've been saying that every day lately."

Tsukki cleans his new glasses and doesn't even look at Hinata.  "When you say something of mine is cool, it makes me feel a lot less cool."

"That's not cool!" Shoyo barks back.

I recognize the look on Kei's face as he walks away from his teammates.  I know exactly what he's thinking about.  It's come up a few times now since Akiteru presented him with those awesome sports glasses as a belated birthday gift.  

Kei is thinking about how he can possibly win against Ushiwaka.

Now, however, is not the time for those thoughts.  "Hey," I say, sidling up to him and breaking him out of his reverie.  "Focus on the opponent in front of you.  Time enough for future games when they get here, okay gorgeous?"

His determined look brings a smile to my face.  "Got it, Coach."

I check on the rest of the team.  Hinata and Yamaguchi are still chatting, both looking surprisingly confident.  Kageyama is sitting quietly, flexing his fingers in setter's exercises.  He looks focused, intense.  But that's a good look for Tobio - it means he's ready.  A good sign.  The first years are very much ready for action.

The second years are their usual overly exuberant selves, especially Tanaka and Noya, of course.  Ennoshita keeps a decent lid on them, watching over the crew and making sure that they don't get overly worked up.  No issues there that I can see.

I look over to Cap and the other third years.  Ah, so these guys are my problem children today.  How strange.

Although, as I think about it, maybe not so strange at all.  This is it, for these guys.  These next few days are make or break.  Either we win every game, and go on to the National tournament...

...or these guys graduate high school, having never got there.  This is their last shot.  

Okay, now I seriously want to hug all three of them.  I make my way over to them, smiling.

"We can do this, guys.  We're ready.  We're going to give it everything we've got.  So stop looking so worried.  Stop stressing over what's to come, and focus..."

"...on the opponent in front of us," the three boys intone together.  

I can't help it, I laugh out loud, throwing my arms open wide and offering a group hug.  They fall in, and we make a tiny huddle together.  Instead of yelling, I speak softly to my senpais.

"You know that we all want this for you guys.  We're going to fight for every point, so we can make sure you guys get your moment on the court in Tokyo.  I'm going to do every single little thing I can to make it happen.  Because you guys are the best."  I know it drives Kei crazy, how many 'older brothers' I seem to have gathered.  But I can't help it - I really do love these guys like brothers.

Suga gets it immediately.  "We love you too, Naka-chan."

Asahi's cheeks are pink as he mumbles, "Yeah."

Daichi somehow squeezes us all together just a little tighter.  "All right, team.  It's almost time.  Let's finish getting ready."

I go about my final checks, making sure everything is ready for the game.  Kiyoko gives me a confident smile, and we both wave to Yachi in the stands.  Kags and I share a best-friend hug.  Before I know it, Kei is pulling me into a quiet corner, exacting his encouragement kiss as he said he would.  The team huddle, words of encouragement, and just like that, Asahi is offering up his first serve.

Our first qualifying match has begun.

🏐🏐🏐

Johzenji's banner reads 'Simple and Strong.'

I wonder how long they've had that banner.  Because whoever made it clearly had never seen this incarnation of Johzenji's boys' volleyball team.

To call their playing style unorthodox is to call a zebra a horse.  They are a wild, aggressive, unpredictable opponent.  They do things that make no sense.  They are less of a team and more of a pack of wild volleyball lunatics.

They need a new banner.  One that reads 'Just Go Crazy' would be more appropriate.

Fortunately, as Crows, we're adaptable.  We can handle an unusual playing style, find ways to counter it.  Unfortunately, as Crows, our tendency is often to become a reflection of our opponent, to mirror their own techniques back at them.  That can be a huge advantage, as many teams don't expect to see their own offensive moves coming back at them from across the net.

But in this case, it means that since our opponent is a bit wild and unpredictable, we're becoming a little that way too.

Hence why, at the moment, I am holding a large square of gauze to Kageyama's nose and trying to convince him he has to go to the medical office before he can go back on the court.

Shoyo bouncing off the walls like some kind of crazy jumping spider was bad enough.  I thought my heart was going to come shooting out of my mouth...my medical bag was in my hand and I was about to run to him, but somehow he landed on his feet and everything was fine.  Kageyama decided to try a little face-blocking, however, and that did not go as well.  Shoyo's freaking out, Daichi and Kiyoko are trying to care for Kags, and I'm about ready to smack my 'twin brother.'

"Let me back on the court!  I'm fine!" he grouses at me for like the third time.

"Kags, you have no choice!  I cannot let you back on the court while you're bleeding!  You have to go to the infirmary or they'll pull you out of the game entirely!"  This is what is known in volleyball as a complete and total lie.  But I know Kags will respond to the threat of being completely removed from the game.  Sure enough, he lets me hand him off to Yams who walks him out of the gym.  Coach Ukai is trying hard not to snicker as he knows exactly what I just did.  I hate lying to him, but I had to get him to listen.  Delaying the game could earn us a penalty and we don't need that weighing us down.

Despite the insanity of this match, we're doing well.  The synchronized attack with Suga setting was beautiful.  Terushima apparently agrees - the look on his face is both impressed and somehow devious.

As soon as Johzenji gets the ball again, they decide to try a synchronized attack of their own.  

I can see immediately they've never done this before.  There's more to that attack than just sending a bunch of guys to the net at once.  A lot more.  Why the hell would they try this for the first time when it's set point for us?

Oh wait.  Because they're nuts.  And they just handed us the first set, because something like that never works on the fly.  I guess maybe my boys make it look easy.  But that's because they've worked it in practice so hard it's become smooth.  

"Can you believe they did that?" Tsukki asks me as I bring him some water.  "What the hell were they thinking?"

"I think their third years were their stabilizers.  With them gone, they're just kind of freewheeling it," I say, looking over at our opponents.  "If they keep on that way, they're going to sort of explode."

"Speaking of exploding, look at the Shrimp and the King," he says, jutting his chin at the boys.

Hinata got pulled out just after Kageyama left, giving Narita a chance to play since he's worked with Suga as his setter more often than Shoyo.  The freak quick duo is looking twitchy, overly keyed up from having been off the court.  This isn't good.  If Johzenji falls apart, and we can keep it together, we'll take the second set easily.  But if we also start losing our cool...

Damn, it's time to start the second set.  "Kags!" I yell out.  He looks my way.  I mime taking several deep breaths.  He mimics my action.  It's all I can do right now.  I don't think it will be enough.  But then Daichi catches my eye and winks.  I can't help but smile, I should have known Cap would be aware of the situation.  Sure enough, as the second set gets underway, Daichi is there to clean up after Kageyama and Hinata and get them to settle in to a working rhythm.  Our third years are our stabilizers too, and thank goodness we've still got them. Our strong foundation, from which we can let our second and first years launch.  

In the end, it's Johzenji's manager, rather than their coach, who whips them into some semblance of order.  This of course, prompts the lunatics that are Noya and Tanaka to try to get Kiyoko to kick their butts like Johzenji's manager threatened to do to her team.  She refuses, naturally, while I fix them with a harsh glare.

"Perhaps I need to kick your butts." I say, a little menace in my voice.  Both boys blanch.

"Oh no, Coach Legs, you are way too much of a badass.  Besides, we've seen what you do to Tsukishima." Noya says, with just a hint of a leer.  I blush and hide my grin from them and wonder if they've seen Kei's back recently.  

The second set is as challenging as the first, but the result is the same.  We take it 25 to 20.  We've done it.  We're in the Top 8.  And to celebrate, Tanaka and Noya attempt to murder Yachi with twin double high fives on our way out of the gym.  Fortunately Ennoshita is there to stop them.  I laugh as the two lunatics dangle from his hands.

Kei comes up behind me, tossing an arm around my shoulders.  I look up at him and smile.  "You had some really nice blocks today, Tsukki," I complement him.

"Thanks, Coach," he says as my arm slips around his waist.  He leans over to whisper in my ear.  "And we won too.  So what's my reward for being a good little player today?"  He doesn't actually say it, but I can almost hear him say 'mistress' following that statement.  Remembering back to that night at Kuroo's, a pleasant shiver runs through me.

Hmmm, maybe I'm more of a sadist than I thought.  

I give my head a tiny shake to clear it, as we simply won't be able to do anything at all like that tonight.  But I do have plans.  I snuggle my boyfriend a little closer.  "Let's get back to Karasuno and through the post-game, gorgeous.  And then we'll see."

Top 8.  I can't believe how far we've come.

🏐🏐🏐

By the time we go through the post-game wrap up, give some thought to our match with Wakutani Minami tomorrow, and get everything cleaned up and prepped for the next day, the sky has already gotten dark.  I know that my parents are expecting me for dinner, and Kei's mom is probably expecting him too.  Still, I want some time with Kei.  With my dad now home, we can't really get together until after he formally meets Dad, and unlike my mom, who is usually dead asleep by 10pm, my dad is often awake quite late.  If Kei and I were to try to spend any time in the backyard, we'd have company, and I don't think that's how Kei wants to meet my dad for the first time.

So, I've brought a little something special for the just the two of us to enjoy at Karasuno before we walk home.  Now I just have to try to get everyone else to leave.  Well, that shouldn't be too hard.  Coach and Takeda-sensei impressed on everyone the need for us to keep up our routine of a good dinner and a good night's rest, so hopefully everyone is going to make their way quickly home after changing.  I've already let Kei know I need to 'do a few things' in the gym before we go.  He arched a brow at me but said he'd meet me in the gym once he was all set.  He knows something is up of course.  

I've brought a blanket, two slices of my strawberry shortcake and two strawberry sodas.  The storage room is not exactly the most romantic place for a dessert picnic, but this room is kind of a special place for Kei and I, as dopey as that sounds.  I've got everything laid out nicely, and I've left the door open just a crack.  Hopefully Kei will figure out it.  I settle myself down on the blanket, facing the door, and wait.

Before long, I hear someone step into the gym.  "Naka-chan?" Kei's voice rings out.  God, I love his voice.  I resist the urge to call to him, I want him to find me.  I can hear his steps getting closer, he must have noticed the slightly open door.

"Naka-chan, are you..." Kei opens the door more fully, taking in the scene.  He's giving me a look like I'm a little bit crazy.  Heck, I'm pretty sure I am.  Crazy for him, that is.  "What is this all about?" he asks, looking like he's trying not to smile.  He's not quite succeeding.

"Your reward for being a good little player today," I say with a smirk, patting a spot on the blanket next to me.

He pulls the door shut behind him, entering the room fully.  Ah, his eyes just lit up, he must have noticed the containers.  "Do those boxes have..."

"Mhmmm.  My strawberry shortcake.  We just made the Top 8, love.  I think a celebration is in order."  He comes over and sits next to me, running a hand into my hair.  I can't help it, I nuzzle into his touch.  

He chuckles.  "Why the storage room, though?"

"Tradition," I whisper, moving in to kiss his lips.

I've set us up so we can lean against the pile of mats if we want to, and before I know it, that's exactly what I'm doing, as Kei takes over and dominates our kiss.  The room is filled with soft, wet smooching sounds as he occasionally repositions his lips on mine, finally licking gently on my bottom lip.  Oh, I've been waiting for that.  I let him in, and things start getting a little messy.  I love it when our kisses become sloppy like this.  We take turns exploring each others mouths, sucking on each others tongues, pulling little moans from one another from time to time.  He tastes so sweet.  His hands are wandering, finally making their way down to the hem of my hoodie, starting to creep underneath.  I'm seriously considering kissing down his throat to his Adam's apple when suddenly we hear a voice in the gym.

"Hey, Kageyama!  The lights are still on in here!  Who was supposed to lock up?"

Hinata's voice.  He and Kags haven't left yet.  I freeze, but Kei doesn't seem to care.  He moves to kiss along my jawline, working his way up to my ear.  I stifle a gasp as he latches on to my earlobe, sucking and tugging at it.

"Kei," I whisper, "Kags and Shoyo are out there."

"Let them get their own girlfriends," he breathes into my ear, blowing gently at the end of his sentence.  Holy crap, he turns me on so much.  I can't help it, I moan out, and Kei chuckles lowly in my ear.  "Careful, Roses, we wouldn't want them to hear you." 

"Nakano, I think," I hear Kageyama answer Hinata, his own footsteps echoing in the gym as well.  "Come on, let's just go home."

"Well, we should at least turn off the lights," Hinata says, and sure enough I hear the thunk of the lights in the gym shutting down.  Of course, I'm a little preoccupied with the fact that Kei's hands are softly stroking the skin of my stomach and sides and he's still paying way too much attention to my ear.  Good god, this boy is gonna make me go crazy.  

"Hey, look Kageyama, the lights are on in the storage room too!  I'll get them!"  

Crap, Shoyo is trotting over to us.  He's gonna open the door.  "Kei..." I manage to gasp out, but I really don't think he gives a damn.  I'm trying to use my hands to get his attention, but I think all I'm doing is encouraging him by stroking his face and hair.  What is it about this room that makes him so passionate?

"WAIT!" Kageyama's voice rips through the gym, and I hear Shoyo's sneakers squeak to a halt.

"What?" the ginger asks.

"Just, wait a minute."  Kageyama goes silent.  

Kei has finally let go of my ear, thank god, but his hands have almost made it to my chest.  Suddenly, my phone goes off.  I squirm around, trying to pull it out of my pocket.  Kei is mumbling against the skin of my neck.  "Forget your stupid phone, I wanna kiss you, Roses..."

I've gotten a text - from Kags.

My Big Bro 🤗
Please tell me that you and Shittyshima are not in the storage room making out right now.

It takes every ounce of my willpower not to laugh out loud.  Kei sees the text and is now chuckling against my skin, which kinda tickles.  

Queen Setter 🏐
Okay, I can tell you that, if it makes you feel better.  😏

Kei and I are now squished against each other, both of us desperately holding in our laughter.

"Kageyama?  What's going on?"  I can hear the confusion in Shoyo's voice.  I can also hear Kags running over to him.

My Big Bro 🤗
YOU OWE ME.  Text me when you get home and explain this one, little sis.

"Come on, dumbass, we're leaving."

"But the lights..."

"Just leave it alone.  Come on!"  Kags is now dragging Hinata out, if I'm interpreting the shoe sounds right.

"Wait a minute!  Were you texting someone?  Who?  Is someone... is Naka-chan in there with Tsukishima?!  Are they making out in the storage room??"

"SHUT UP AND GET OUT DUMBASS!!!"

Kei and I manage to hold it together until the gym doors close.  Then we absolutely lose it.  We laugh so hard we both end up crying a little, clinging to each other and occasionally kissing and snuggling up close.  We finally both end up sitting with our backs to the mats, trying to catch our breath.

"So what are you going to tell the King later on tonight?" Kei asks when he can get a full sentence out again.

"The truth," I answer, "that until you formally meet my Dad, we can't get together and make out at each other's houses.  And frankly, it's too cold to be outside in the yard anyway.  And besides, this room seems to bring out the passion in you, lover boy," I say with a lecherous smirk.

He chuckles.  "It really does, for some reason."  He grabs my hand and brings it to his lips for a kiss.  "Or maybe it's you who does that, Roses."

I can feel my cheeks warm up as the blush scatters across my face.  "Maybe, but this room is pretty special to us.  This is where it all started, almost four months ago."

"Wait, what?"  Kei looks at me incredulously.

I arch a brow at him.  "Surely you haven't forgotten how you answered my feelings for you, right here in this very room, Tsukishima Kei."

He shakes his head, mild shock still showing on his features.  "No, not that.  Did you say four months ago?  It has to have been longer than that, Roses."

I smile at him.  "You and I became boyfriend and girlfriend, officially, in this room, in the early part of July.  We're now at late October, gorgeous.  Four months."

"That seems so crazy.  I feel like I've known you...loved you...for much longer than that."  Oh my god, he's looking at me with those beautiful golden honey eyes of his.  They are so full of love and affection, I might just die.  His cheeks are softly pink, and his smile is the sweetest one I think I've ever seen from him.

"I know what you mean, love.  I mean, we've actually known each other since April, but even that doesn't seem right."  He's still holding my hand, and I rub my thumb along the back of his hand.  "Think about it, though, we've only been on four official dates."

"Hey, that's right...you still owe me a date.  This isn't your 2500 yen date, it is, Roses?"

I laugh.  "No, I'll plan something better than strawberry shortcake in the storage room for that, lover boy."

"We really have been through a lot together in only four months as boyfriend and girlfriend, haven't we?"

I chuckle, thinking about some of the crazy things we've done together.  "First time getting tipsy for someone's birthday, thanks to Kuroo."  I knock my shoulder against his.

"First time getting properly drunk, also thanks to our crazy senpai."

"First time sleeping tangled up with someone in the same bed...even if it was on the floor of a teacher's lounge."

We look at each other.  "First hickeys," we say together, and laugh.

"Meeting your parents and sister for the first time," Kei says, "that was quite an evening!"

"What about when I met your mom and Akiteru the first time?  I think I win for the more nerve wracking meeting-of-the-parents experience."

Kei laughs.  "For now.  Remember, I still haven't officially met your dad yet."  He pauses, and then a sneaky smirk slides over his face.  "First time I ever came with my eyes open."

"What?"  What on Earth is he talking about?

"Didn't I tell you, Roses?  Remember that night you gave me that awesome back massage?  I don't think I'd ever had an orgasm with my eyes open before that."  

"Well, I'd certainly never come on someone's thigh before that afternoon with you in my room, either, so I guess we're even."

"First person I ever told about what happened with Akiteru."

"First person I ever told about being a drug addict."

He flinched.  We're still holding hands, and when I said that, I could feel his whole body jerk.  Oh shit.  We haven't spoken about that since the day at the beach.  A cold shiver runs down along my spine, making my limbs feel leaden.  He'd been so understanding, so comforting that day...but maybe, now that he's had time to think about it...time to really process it maybe...or maybe it's the other way.  Maybe he was trying to forget about what I really am, pretend it was just something that happened before he met me, something he could forget about.  And I just reminded him.  

I feel tears beginning to come to my eyes, and it's like I've just taken a punch straight to my stomach.  Maybe he's having second thoughts about being with someone like me.  I can't blame him for that.  It's a lot to ask, to deal with everything I've been through, and I've not even told him the worst of it yet.  I love him so much, I don't want to lose him, but I can't ask him to get further tangled up in my mess if he doesn't want to be.  It's not fair, he deserves someone who he can love and trust and believe in fully, someone who doesn't come with the kind of baggage I'm carrying around.  I love him, and it hurts, but he if wants me to, I'll let him go, because he should have someone so much better than I am...

"There's no one in the whole entire world who I could ever love more than you, Roses."

My face jerks up, tears running down my cheeks.  He's sitting straddled across my legs, thumbing away my tears, looking at me fondly.  Was I saying all that out loud?  I know I didn't say anything, so how did he know?  I try to speak, but all that comes out of me is a squeaky little gasp.

"Why do you think of yourself that way?" he asks me, and there's a touch of sadness in his tone.  "You're not a drug addict, Roses..."

"I was.  That what it was, Kei.  Don't dress it up, or hide it under clever words.  I was weak, and I hid from the pain in the drugs."  He still doesn't see it.  He still doesn't accept what I really am.

"You weren't weak.  You were young, and your doctors are at least as much to blame as..."

"Kei, it was my choice!  No one forced me to take the pills.  I did it because I was looking for an easy way out.  I did it to myself."  Dammit, I can't do this.  I can't drag him down into the muck of me.  But I don't want to let him go!

He takes a deep breath, cupping my face with his long-fingered hand.  "Roses, I know that all you can see is your own weakness, and the only person you blame is yourself.  But there's much more to your story than that.  You might have gotten lost for a time, but you also found your way out of that trap, all by yourself, and that took real courage.  Bravery far greater than anyone else I've ever known.  Why can't you see that part of the story?"

"I...I'm afraid..."  Shit shit shit shit, shut up. Shut up, mouth, you can't you can't say it, he's not ready for this, he doesn't deserve...

"Afraid of what?"

"If I let myself forget...if I convince myself it wasn't my fault...then...then...what if...if I let it happen again..."  Shit.  I said it.  Now he knows what's possible, and I said it out loud so he can't even pretend he doesn't know.  He can't hide away from it.  He knows that someday I could wind up in that same place again.  Who wants that?  Who would want a girlfriend who could be like that?  Kei certainly doesn't deserve to have to live with that possibility hanging over him.  Maybe...maybe it's better, easier that it end now...but dammit it still hurts.

I'm sobbing and I can't stop.  He's looking at me, probably trying to find a gentle way to tell me that he can't deal with this.  He's reaching his hands out and he's...holding me?

"I'm not saying you should forget.  But you should remember all of it, give yourself credit for surviving it, and making it to the other side.  For becoming the amazing person you are right now."  After a few minutes he stops trying to soothe me, and pulls back so he can see my face.  "Roses, will you do something for me?"

I can't speak.  I nod.  I'll do anything for him.  I love him so much.

"Will you let me try to help you get to a better headspace about what happened to you?  It hurts me when you call yourself a drug addict the way you do, because I can hear the self-loathing in your voice when you say it.  I'm not going to try to pretend it didn't happen, Roses.  But I want you to see what I see.  I don't see a weak, broken girl in front of me.  I see a strong, amazing woman who has been through so much and is still so incredible, so positive, so loving, so good.  Will you let me show you that?  Please?  I know it will take time.  But I want to do this for you, Roses.  For us."

I can't believe what I'm hearing.  I nod again.

"Thank you, Roses."  He kisses me softly.  "I meant it when I said there is nothing you can tell me about your past that can make me love you less.  Please believe that."  My eyes drop from his, he doesn't know what's yet to come.  "I know there's more."

How the hell does he know?  And knowing, why is he still here?

"I know we're not done working through what's happened to you.  And that's okay.  Whatever else there is, we'll deal with it when you're ready.  But whatever it is, it still won't make me love you any less, Roses.  That, I can promise you."

I can't stop myself, I throw my arms around him, holding him fiercely, tightly.  I can't believe he's real, that he can love me like this.  I finally find my voice.  "I love you, Kei!  I love you so very much!"

"I love you, too, Roses.  And that's another first.  I never thought I'd find anyone I'd want to say those words to.  And now that I have, I don't intend to ever let you go."

Slowly, gently, he brings me back to the comfort and warmth of our little dessert picnic in the storage room.  He makes me smile, then laugh.  He's staying with me, loving me, comforting me.  He really wants to stay with me, even knowing what I am, even knowing there's more he doesn't know about.  He convinces me that as long as we're together, everything is going to be alright.  We share the sodas and the shortcakes, and finally, he walks me home.

I feel so happy.  I feel loved.  I feel...less broken than I did before.

I feel worthy.

If Tsukishima Kei thinks I'm worth all this effort, who I am to say otherwise?