(no subject)

[grandtrashking]

(Continued from here)

[Now Tobio's getting under his skin, when the intent was the other way around, because what the hell is this kid going on about? And calling him an idiot on top of it? The audacity.

Fortunately, Tooru knows Hajime would kick his ass if he got into another fight, so he behaves. For the moment. But what the hell Tobio?]

And what lesson was that?

[He'll sort the rest out later.]

Comments

[shadow_mountain]

[There was a slight tensing of his shoulders, fingers curling just a little against the back of Oikawa's neck at that hated word... But a moment later he relaxed. He wasn't angry, the reaction was more out of habit. He supposed he'd need to get used to 'The Great King' calling him that.

What he wasn't sure he'd get used to hearing was what Oikawa said next. Boyfriend. That's what he'd asked for, but to hear it said so easily sent a shiver through Kageyama. That's what they were now...? So weird. This felt unreal. And further making the situation unreal, Oikawa went on to offer a suggestion. Even if he wasn't offering something, Kageyama's cheeks flamed anyway.]

Right... yeah. We should.

[He'd almost forgotten they were in public too. He didn't need his own teammates discovering this. He'd never live it down.]

Your place then.

[grandtrashking]

[The word is also strange for him to use towards Tobio, after all he'd been using other words to describe him, far unkinder ones. But boyfriend has a nice ring to it as well, and could get used to referring to Tobio by that in conversation.

But not right now, not immediately to his friends. Later.

Pulling himself fully away from Tobio, Tooru points behind him, directing the way they'd need to walk and turns around without saying anything and starts heading that way. Being a master of overthinking things, million thoughts are going through his head and his previously calm composure cracks as his face turns redder than a cherry as his heart pounds in his chest. That entire thing isn't something he'd planned or expected, but it wasn't something he'll complain about either.

It takes him about a solid minute to realize he'd said nothing after turning around before he manages to get something out, in a less than kept together tone, much to his embarrassment.]

Keep up, and don't get lost on me. I don't wanna have to come find a lost little bird who can't find his way to a nest.

[shadow_mountain]

[The silence was good. Kageyama didn't take it for the awkward kind, maybe because he really didn't get what was awkward, so it didn't bother him. It was a good chance to regroup, to gather his thoughts and calm his still racing heart. It was time enough to get his shit together so he didn't keep looking like an inexperienced loser.

He had a boyfriend now... And that boyfriend was a rival. Except not really. Maybe a bit. But he'd always seen Hinata as his rival somehow. Oikawa was... someone he'd always looked up to. Sure he'd wanted to beat him, but Kageyama wanted to beat every team they confronted. So maybe a rival in that sense? Was he still a rival now? Kageyama had no idea how relationships worked so this would all be a learning experience he supposed.

Kageyama glanced up at Oikawa's back and frowned a little.

This all seemed like a bizarre. Like a strange dream. But was it a fantasy or a nightmare? Kageyama was tempted to say fantasy. So far the only nightmare element was just how awkward he'd been admitting to anything and Oikawa being a general jackass. Except both were on point and in keeping with reality.

He liked Oikawa. He liked kissing him. He liked that gentle tone he'd used before. Even liked his smile. Kageyama really wanted to see where all this would lead him.

Oikawa turned then and spoke. And Kageyama cocked his head to the side. Hadn't he been keeping up? He was only a few steps behind.]

Watch where you're going.

[grandtrashking]

[Tooru tenses up, still not used to being this open or vulnerable with anyone but his best friend, and it's doing a number on him with an internal fight to put back up any of the walls that had come crashing down minutes before. He knows if he does that and goes back to being antagonistic, he'd ruin whatever this was beginning to be for a relationship.

Tobio would always be a rival, that he's sure of, but this time instead of a bitter one, it could be something more beneficial. Fun, even.

A couple deep breaths later, and who knows how many emotions that flashed on his face in rapid succession, he manages to sputter out a response.]

I am! I know this neighbourhood well enough to walk it with my eyes closed, I grew up here.

[And then to change any subject because he was too damn curious not to bring it up, and to keep his thoughts from going in every direction so he could think straight.]

So. You and Chibi-chan, I could have sworn you two would be a thing. Too short or too much energy for you?

[shadow_mountain]

[He wasn't. He was being weird. Kageyama couldn't identify most of the expressions on Oikawa's face right then and wasn't going to even try. If he wanted to be odd then that was up to him. Let him. He just shrugged in response and shoved his hands in the pockets of his jacket.

Though with the next question it was his turn to tense up.]

... Why the hell do people think that?

[It wasn't the first time someone had asked or questioned the relationship between himself and Hinata. And the truth was... there was nothing there. He tolerated him. Sometimes, if he was in a good enough mood, he could almost admit they were probably friends. Or as close to them as Kageyama got.]

Not my type.

[Not that Kageyama actually knew what his type was... or what A type was. He just knew that Hinata wasn't it.]

And he likes girls.

[grandtrashking]

[And with that response, Tooru just laughs with his hands clutching his sides as he stops walking, a laugh that's not smug or faked, but a genuinely entertained one. It's hilarious to him for Tobio to ask that because that's something Tooru can relate to completely.]

It's how you act with each other, like Iwa-chan and I do. Everyone assumes we're together, or they ask when either of us will get together.

[Then, between laughs, Tooru smirks, a terrible thought coming to mind he just can't help but tease with. He knows he might get snapped at but it'll be oh so worth it, especially because Tobio's snapped him out of overthinking things.]

So what is your type then? Me? Is it just me or guys like me?

[Tooru knows his type, in both sexes, and it was obvious to him now considering his past girlfriends and the one boyfriend he'd had when exploring his bisexuality his second year. It was people that could challenge him and stand up to his frosty temper. People that could keep up with his fiery passion for volleyball. And most importantly, people that could break down enough of his walls to start to see the real him, no matter how hard he fought back against it.]

[shadow_mountain]

Oh...

[Was that really a thing? He didn't think he acted in a romantic way with Hinata. They yelled at each other most of the time. Fought with each other the rest. There were only a few occasions where they actually saw eye-to-eye and that was on the court.

Still, there was something about the way Oikawa was laughing at him. Kageyama supposed he should have been angry, and there was a little of it there, just not enough for an outburst. Mainly because he liked the way it sounded. It was nice when it was honest.

The question was actually not a surprise. Kageyama had expected to be asked since he'd made the mistake of using the word. It was just his answer wasn't one that was readily available. He had no idea. It wasn't something he'd ever thought about. So he supposed... there was only really one reply.

He shrugged.]

Guess it's just you.

[He'd never liked anyone else. Just Oikawa. So as far as he was concerned his type was Oikawa.]

[grandtrashking]

[The answer only sends Tooru into another fit of laughter, enjoying, really enjoying this exchange. Not because of how he's playfully mocking Tobio, but it's the reactions and the honesty from him that's put him in such a good mood.

Tobio, he thinks, ticks every box of what Tooru's type is, and maybe then some. A rival that can keep up with him and not back down from his temper or be burned by the passion he has for volleyball? Someone who knows how important volleyball really is? Tobio could get him. And here Tooru thought the perfect romantic partner couldn't exist. He already knew the perfect friend could, that was Iwaizumi, and he wasn't letting him go anywhere anytime soon.]

I didn't expect you to give me such a straightforward answer Tobio, but good to know!

[There was a real smile on his face once he calmed down from laughing, straightening himself back up with some deep breaths. He felt a little bad for just suddenly bursting in that fit of laughter, but Tooru hadn't laughed quite like that in a while, so he doesn't want to apologize for it.

Instead he just tilts his head in the way they needed to go, his house just a few minutes away down the road.]

C'mon, we don't have much further.

[shadow_mountain]

[Kageyama wasn't sure just what was so funny about what he'd said, but the longer Oikawa kept laughing the more he was beginning to get annoyed.

It started with a frown and a slight darkening of his expression, then Kageyama looked away. As nice as the laughter sounded, the fact he was being laughed at kind of pissed him off.]

Why's that so funny anyway...

[He grumbled and started walking again, following after Oikawa. And just as before, keeping up only a step or two behind the other.]

[grandtrashking]

It's nothing. Well, I guess it's something. You. To be specific, the way you answered me.

[Tooru shakes his head, actually feeling bad enough now to decide to apologize for the outburst, because Tobio's annoyance made him suddenly anxious again, insecurities gnawing away.]

I'm sorry. I haven't laughed like that in a while, I just couldn't help myself.

[But at least he's aware of Tobio following behind him, listening to the footsteps behind him, more intently than he should in case Tobio suddenly changed his mind.

But to force himself not to start thinking of scenarios where it's all some sick joke, Tooru has another idea.]

If you're going to be my... My boyfriend, then you can call me Tooru. Or whatever you want to. Just don't call me the things Iwa-chan does, that's kinda his thing.

[shadow_mountain]

[Kageyama thought about that. Honestly thought about Oikawa's words and felt the stress leaving his shoulders. The mild anger he'd been shimmering eased away. The laughter had bothered him because he'd worried it was at him. But he'd also liked the sound. If Oikawa honestly had been happy...]

Don't be sorry for laughing like that...

[He couldn't quite look at the other though. His words sounding awkward on his tongue, quieter than usual. While quiet, he was sincere.]

T-Tooru-san then...

[grandtrashking]

Fine fine, I take it back then. Instead I think I should thank you for that laugh then. And Tobio, you don't need to do that, not even Iwa-chan uses my first name unless he's really mad at me.

[Tooru sighs, shaking his head at Tobio's awkwardness, but doesn't laugh this time and just keeps going, only at a quicker pace so they can speak privately and Tooru's not having to look over his shoulder for his friends jumping him in the neighbourhood.

Fortunately, he's in luck when he makes it to his front door without any ambushes, both outside and inside.]

Come in, no one's home right now so my sister or Takeru can't even harass us and mom doesn't care who I bring over. If you're thirsty, there's drinks in the fridge, so grab what you want.

[It's only fair he allow Tobio to choose, since all his other friends are allowed to raid the fridge at this point. A boyfriend deserves the same privilege, surely. As long as no one steals his milk bread, then he'd raise a little hell.]

[shadow_mountain]

[Now he was just messing with him. Why tell him to use his first name and then tell him not to? He'd just stick with Oikawa. That was safe.

The arrived at Oikawa's home safely enough and Kageyama entered behind him, pausing to remove his shoes first before entering the house proper. Then he gave a shake of his head... but stopped when he realised he probably wouldn't mind a drink actually.]

Milk? If you have some, I'll take that.

[grandtrashking]

[What he'd meant was the "-san" at the end of it, but he'd bring that up later. When he wasn't being a pain in anyone near him's side.

There's a nod, as he's currently nibbling on some milk bread, unable to get enough of it, having beelined to it after properly removing his shoes.

Between nibbles:] 's in there, help yourself. If you're hungry, I can call for food since I'm a bit hungry too. I was supposed to go out later but I'm not gonna. Makki can deal with it.

[Immediately grabbing his phone to confirm that, Tooru messages the Seijoh team's 3rd year group chat to cancel plans, saying something more important came up and he'd pay it back later with the details.

He'd have to let them in on a new relationship at some point anyway, before the other three got suspicious of him.]

[shadow_mountain]

Food'd be fine.

[If Oikawa was hungry and was cancelling his plans to eat, it only made sense that they get something now. Even if Kageyama wasn't really hungry. He would be later he was sure. In the meantime he went to fetch himself some milk.

There were no boxes so he had to find a glass to fill.]

Uh... What food are we getting?

[grandtrashking]

How's ramen sound? That's what the plan for tonight had been. We usually go there since it's near the school.

[Ramen was just a normal part of life for the other 3rd years at this point, where they'd go after practices or games, or just after school where Tooru'd end up paying unless one of them lost a bet.

Tooru even had the place on speed dial and had his thumb hovering over the call button, just waiting for the okay unless Tobio wanted something else.]

Don't bother trying to pay for anything either, I'm always the one paying for everyone.

[shadow_mountain]

Ramen is fine.

[Kageyama nodded and sipped at his milk but frowned at the comment on paying.]

Just because you always do. Doesn't mean you should.

[He found himself somewhere to sit and continued sipping at his milk, eyes on Oikawa. Watching him was an interesting thing now. Before it had just been as a setter admiring another's skills. But now he watched and he admired so much more. The way Oikawa moved, strangely he felt his eyes moving to Oikawa's hands. They were good hands. He'd liked feeling them on his body...

Kageyama flushed and looked away and down into his cup of milk. It was best not to think thoughts like that.]

[grandtrashking]

Okay, I'll do that then. Anything specific you want? And don't worry about it, Captain's job to look after his team. Are you telling me Sawamura-kun doesn't pay for after practice treats? Consider this a date then, let me pay for it. I'm not some heathen who makes someone pay for their own food on dates! What do you take me for, uncultured? Cruel? You wound me!

[There's a dramatic sigh with Tooru putting the back of his free hand against his forehead, trying not to laugh while smirking. He couldn't resist the opportunity to show not only what Iwaizumi has had to deal with since they were kids, but also the kinds of antics he's capable of and will weaponize at any given moment to be a pain in the ass.

And fortunately for him, Tobio didn't have the immunity built up over time like Iwaizumi, so he could likely get away with it a lot more.

Though the lingering stare has him snickering, weighing whether or not he should tease or be cautious. Naturally, caution was tossed to the wind in the moment.]

Any reason you're staring or do you like what you see?

[shadow_mountain]

[Kageyama didn't know how to take Oikawa's words at first, but was surprise when a little huff of a laugh left his lips. He supposed it was true. But he wasn't on Oikawa's team, he wasn't his Captain. So this could be considered a date then. His first date...

Somehow that left him feeling kind of warm inside. He could deal with this. If Oikawa wanted to pay for food for a date then that was okay, wasn't it?

But then Oikawa went and ruined it. Kageyama went red again and looked away.]

Shut up. I wasn't staring... [Except he had been. And he'd been caught. Damn.]

[grandtrashking]

[Seeing Tobio redden makes Tooru just sigh and shake his head. It's cute, seeing him like that, even if Tooru didn't understand all the feelings that had been there for who knew how long. Weird, but nice.

Tooru makes his way over, shaking his head and patting Tobio's cheek with a hand and the same grin. He could definitely get used to it, he thinks.]

You don't need to lie, I know I look good.

But you didn't answer my question, is there anything specific you want with your ramen? The shop will do just about anything, so just let me know and I'll order.

[shadow_mountain]

[Kageyama just gave the conceited idiot a dirty look and a roll of his eyes. A trick he'd learned from that asshole Tsukishima. Not that he'd let him have the satisfaction of knowing that...]

Actually... do they sell curry at this shop?

[He liked ramen well enough. But if he had to pick, curry was his favourite.]

If not tonkotsu with chashu pork.

[grandtrashking]

[That eyeroll goes ignored, though Tooru is just a bit entertained by it, even if he doesn't show it. Instead there's a head tilt as he thinks if he'd seen curry at the ramen place, scrunching his face a bit in thought before nodding.]

Pretty sure they do! I'll order that then for you.

[Having the number saved in his contacts, Tooru just hits call and makes light chatter to the owner and makes the order. Curry for Tobio, and a Miso for himself. He's told it could take a while and that one of his friends could swing by if it takes too long, or if they're busy and they'd have to wait anyway. A cheerful goodbye later and he slips the phone back in a pocket.]

It's gonna be a while, might as well sit down and watch something if you want to. Out here or up in my room if someone comes home and asks a million questions if you don't want my family asking you everything.

[Like Takeru. His nephew would question him, as well as Tooru's older sister. He'd rather avoid the embarrassment if he's caught being possibly cuddly.]

[shadow_mountain]

[A piece of good news. He gave a small, grateful smile before turning back to his drink.

Kageyama tried to be polite and not listen but he couldn't help keeping half an ear on what was being said all while sipping at his milk. Distantly he wondered if there would come a day when Oikawa would sound that happy around him, without all the teasing?]

Huh? Uh... Maybe your room then?

[He wasn't sure he was ready to deal with a million questions asked of him when he wasn't too sure of the answers himself. Hiding away seemed the best option. They could watch something, eat and talk.]

[grandtrashking]

[The teases would never stop, it wouldn't be Tooru if they did, but they'd change to less bitter and biting ones over time with less malice attached to them.

Tooru points to the stairs and makes his way in that direction, as if to show the way.]

Up there then, c'mon. Anything specific you want to watch or do you not care? Iwa-chan left one of his Godzilla movies here last time we hung out, if you don't have anything specific in mind.

[He'd seen the movie more times than he could count, but he always watched it whenever the two of them hung out and spent the night at the other's houses.]

[shadow_mountain]

Nothing specific. That's fine if you want?

[In fairness he didn't watch much tv. When he did it was usually volleyball. Kageyama tended to have a one track mind there.]

Are those the kinds of movies you like...?