Thread by @IDtsuKei

#krtsk #kurotsuki omegaverse au
CW for abuse / domestic violence (not between krtsk) but be safe. Also will probably end up nsfw.

Tsukishima felt so stupid. Part of him knew that of course Kuroo had a partner, but he had allowed, for the first time in a while, himself hope.

His alpha, prickly thing that it was, wanted to rush over and bare his fangs at the alpha crowding Kuroo. He only stopped himself out of sheer embarrassment, even if he knew no one knew about his crush on the older omega. Clearly the man himself didn’t even know or recognize

Tsukishima as an option if during this entire week, he didn’t once mention his partner. Desperate to not look at the two of them anymore, he forced himself to roll his eyes and turn back to cleaning the gym. They had just been in the middle of cleanup when the alpha had showed

Up, a surprise for his omega, he claimed as Kuroo beamed, dropping the ball he was holding to run up to the man. Tsukishima couldn’t stop himself from clicking his tongue in annoyance. He threw himself into finding all of the lost volleyballs to distract himself, helping Bokuto

Roll up the net as the gray haired owl frowned, apparently lost in his own thoughts.

‘Don’t mind him,’ Akaashi said as he held the door for the two of them to bring the net and the balls to the storage room. Tsukishima simply tilted his head as if to say go on. ‘He doesn’t care

Much for Kuroo’s boyfriend.’

‘That’s not true!’ Bokuto argued, but he wilted at Akaashi’s stare. ‘Okay, maybe it is, but I’m sure he’s a nice guy. Don’t let my judgement of him ruin your opinion Tsukki!’

‘I’ll do my best, Bokuto-san. And that’s not my name.’

They continued

Packing the items away, and were heading to the doorway where Kuroo and the mystery man stood when Kuroo finally turned back to them. His face was one of shock at first, but it faded into a sheepish grin.

‘Sorry, I kinda bailed on clean up.’

‘They handled it just fine without

You, babe,’ the alpha said, wrapping his arm around Kuroo’s shoulders as he ignored the other three.

‘Still, it’s a senpai’s duty to not leave the ickle first year to clean on their own.’ Kuroo wiggled his fingers at Tsukishima, who merely groaned in response.

‘You’re not

My senpai, for the last time. We don’t go to the same school.’

‘Excuses. Tsukki, this is my boyfriend Haru. Haru, this is my first year, Tsukki.’

‘Hey hey hey, Tsukki is /our/ first year,’ Bokuto stressed, wrapping his arm around Tsukishima’s shoulders.

‘Tsukishima-kun is

Neither of ours.’ Akaashi cut them off before they could begin arguing which Tsukishima was grateful for.

‘If he doesn’t go to either of your schools, why are you practicing with him?’ Haru asked Kuroo, as if Tsukishima wasn’t right there. Tsukishima could swear he saw the

corners of Kuroo’s lips turn down.

‘Because that’s what training camps are for. He goes to Karasuno.’

‘You’re teaching your rivals your moves? I thought you wanted to win?’

Tsukishima could feel it, his alpha trying to claw his way to the surface just to sink his teeth into

This man who talked to Kuroo like he was an idiot. It scared him, he had never been quick to anger. Exasperation sure, but even when he presented it wasn’t in a rush of fury like some alphas made it sound like. His ruts were disgusting, but he had never gotten to the point where

His alpha felt so taut. So close to the surface.

Ever observant Akaashi butt in before Tsukishima could reply, telling them all that if they wanted to grab dinner before the night was up, they needed to go now, and gesturing towards the doors. Kuroo hesitated for a second,

Eyes flickering between Tsukishima, his boyfriend, and the unusually quiet Bokuto.

‘We’re actually going out for our dinner, got permission from Nekomata.’ Haru tugged Kuroo closer, again, and Kuroo seemed to jumpstart back into action.

‘Oh yeah! We’re going to go to my

Favorite place, did you guys want anything?’

‘No thanks,’ Akaashi shot him down, wrapping his arm around Bokuto’s and starting off in the direction of the cafeteria. Tsukishima made to follow after them, but Kuroo called out to him.

‘Tsukki? I haven’t tried it but I heard

They have killer strawberry shortcake?’ He smiled at Tsukishima, who was trying his hardest to not glare at Haru, who was rolling his eyes.

‘No thanks, Kuroo-san.’ He waved them off, turning the corner of the gym and leaning against the wall once he was out of their sight. He

Needed to get a handle on his emotions before he put himself in front of his teammates. Belatedly, he realized he didn’t move far enough away that he couldn’t hear the conversation between the other two as the walked the opposite direction.

‘Why are you suddenly so grumpy?’ He

Heard Kuroo ask.

‘You already know I hate these training camps, what alpha wants his omega surrounded by horny sweaty alphas all day? And now you’re practicing with one?’

‘Bo is an alpha, and I’ve always practiced with him? I don’t see why Tsukki is an issue.’

‘Bo is barely

An alpha, and he’s got that beta drooling all over him anyways.’ Tsukishima could feel his anger rising at how Haru talked about Bokuto and Akaashi, and he could hardly believe Kuroo was okay with it. ‘And now you’ve got some other alpha drooling all over you? And offering to

Bring him food? I don’t like it.’

‘I’m sorry, I didn’t think of it like that. You know I would never cheat on you,’ Kuroo assured his boyfriend. ‘Besides, Tsukki’s literally a first year. Even if I wasn’t with you, he wouldn’t have a chance—‘

Tsukishima had heard enough. He

Pushed himself off the wall and walked away, hands shaking and face burning. Christ, as if his crush wasn’t embarrassing enough, he could’ve done without the blow to his ego. He contemplated skipping dinner completely, unsure if his rolling stomach could handle it. As he got

Closer to the cafeteria, he saw Bokuto and Akaashi waiting outside for him. Akaashi sends him a small smile, tugging on Bokuto’s arm to alert him to Tsukishima’s presence.

‘Tsukki! Please tell me you’re joining us for dinner?’ Bokuto pleaded, eyes wide.

‘I was thinking of

Just going to the showers,’ Tsukishima admitted.

‘You can’t skip dinner? Listen if you feel gross cause of Kuroo’s boyfriend, it’s fine, I do to! I can never place it, but he sets my alpha on edge.’ Bokuto frowned, forehead creasing.

‘Is it because you’re secretly in love

With pain-in-the-ass Kuroo-san?’ Akaashi chimes in, and Tsukishima jumps before he realizes that the dark haired beta was teasing Bokuto, who was vehemently denying it. Akaashi turns to Tsukishima then, smiling, but Tsukishima can see the look in his eyes, and he knows Akaashi

Knows about his crush on Kuroo.

‘I’m teasing, Bokuto-san. Tsukishima-kun, please come join us.’

Unwilling to argue, Tsukishima followed them inside. Bokuto had thankfully switched topics, instead loudly talking about a play they had been working on in practice. Tsukishima

Wordlessly grabbed his own food, and followed them all the way to a table in the corner. He ignored the looks he was getting from his fellow Karasuno members, not having the energy to deal with them. Instead, he zoned out, picking at his food, content to let Bokuto carry the

Conversation. They both tried to bring him into it, but after a few one worded answers, they must have realized his preference to being an inactive participant. Tsukishima was finally able to get a hold on his alpha, but anytime his mind flew to Kuroo, he could feel the alpha

Baring it’s teeth still. Bokuto’s bad mood was also forgotten, and the three of them cleared their plates. Akaashi hesitated by the doors, turning to Bokuto.

‘Bokuto-san, I’m going to go talk to Konoha real quick. Why don’t you walk Tsukishima-kun back to his room.’

‘I think

I can find it on my own,’ Tsukishima started to protest but Bokuto cut him off.

‘Hey hey hey, Tsukki! Don’t turn down my company.’ Bokuto tossed his arm over Tsukishima’s shoulders again and they were off. Once they were away from the cafeteria, and Bokuto must have deemed

Tsukishima as less of a flight risk, he backed away, giving Tsukishima his space back. He’s still holding the conversation on his own, seemingly unaffected by Tsukishima’s silence. Tsukishima wondered what Bokuto had against Kuroo’s boyfriend, wondered if his alpha was as

Agressive as Tsukishima’s.

‘Bokuto-san, may I ask a question?’

‘Hmm? Of course, Tsukki.’ He slowed down, turning to face Tsukishima as he tilted his head.

‘You said that your alpha didn’t like Kuroo-san’s boyfriend, why is that?’ He felt himself start to twist his fingers,

And was glad Akaashi had left the two of them. While Tsukishima held no hard feelings against betas(how he wished he would have been one), sometimes it was hard enough for him to talk about his presentation in front of other alphas.

‘I’m not really sure. I think it’s cause he’s

Like possessive? Like he doesn’t trust me to not make a move on Kuroo even though he’s my bro and I have Akaashi.’ Bokuto looked away, pensive.

‘I didn’t think Kuroo was the type to let someone‘-he pauses, searching for the words as Bokuto watches him-‘control his friendships?

I’m not sure how to word it, I’m not trying to accuse anyone-‘

‘No, no Tsukki. I know what you mean. Hmm.’ Bokuto cuts him off, a serious look on his face. ‘I think Kuroo reels him in if he gets too out of hand, and he’s never said anything to me. It’s just the vibes.’

Tsukishima thinks of the conversation he had overheard, and decided to bite his tongue on that matter. Even if it had sounded like a well hashed argument between the two, he figured he shouldn’t darken Bokuto’s opinion of Haru even more. ‘Even so, your alpha still doesn’t care

For him?’

‘Nope, not one bit.’

‘How do you control it? When your alpha reacts?’

‘I guess I just step back from the situation and clear my head. I think of Akaashi but I don’t think that will help you. You presented pretty recently?’ Tsukishima nods. ‘Well, how do you deal

With it at school? Like how did your family tell you to keep it in check?’

Tsukishima grimaces, tugging on his fingers as he forces himself to reply. ‘They didn’t. There isn’t another alpha in my immediate family, so it’s been a bit of a learning curve.’ Bokuto makes a sound

That almost sounds like pity so Tsukishima rushes on. ‘As for at school, it’s never been a problem.’

‘Never?’ Bokuto asks, shocked.

‘No. This is the first time I’ve felt…so aggravated, I suppose. Is that abnormal?’

‘I wouldn’t say that. Everyone’s a bit different. How’d

You deal with Haru then?’ Bokuto looks genuinely interested, so Tsukishima continues.

‘I just thought about how Kuroo wouldn’t appreciate me trying to fight his boyfriend the first time I see him. Or how embarrassing it would be to lose control like that.’

‘Tsukki, the first

One. Go with the first one. You shouldn’t try to shame your alpha into submission, that can make things worse. Mistakes happen, but if you keep others feelings at heart, no one would hold it against you.’

‘Okay. Thank you, Bokuto-san.’ Tsukishima moves to walk again, but is

Pulled into a hug from the older alpha.

‘No problem, Tsukki.’

‘Bokuto-san, please unhand the first year.’ Bokuto pulls back to see Akaashi there, amused.

‘Sorry!’ He apologizes but grins, keeping Tsukishima at an arms length.

‘Come on, let’s walk Tsukishima-kun back.’

They ignore his protests that the room he’s staying in is just around the corner and only leave once Tsukishima has been deposited in front of the few crows who were already in bed. Tsukishima grabbed his things, popped into the baths, and then crawled into his futon next to

Yamaguchi. Yamaguchi rolled over to face him.

‘How was practice?’

‘It was alright. How was yours?’

Yamaguchi snorted softly. ‘It’s so weird not seeing Hinata and Kageyama practice together. Otherwise it was okay, Noya-senpai was practicing receiving my serves. How was

Kuroo-san?’ He waggled his eyebrows at that.

‘Professional as ever, oh yeah, until his college aged alpha showed up.’ Tsukishima sighed, pulling the blankets up over his head, grateful the two of them were somewhat secluded. Yamaguchi gasped, eyes widening.

‘Oh no, Tsukki.’

Tsukishima pulled the blanket back down enough Yamaguchi could see his face. ‘It’s fine. I mean it’s not, but I already told you I didn’t stand a chance.’

‘Don’t! Maybe they’ll break up when Kuroo realizes his infatuation with you.’ Tsukishima just shook his head and relayed

The conversation he had overheard. Once he had reassured Yamaguchi that he was fine, the room started filling out. They both rolled over to go to sleep, leaving Tsukishima alone with his thoughts. He thinks, after everything, hearing Kuroo state that he was just a first year hurt

The most. Well no, the way that Haru had talked to Kuroo hurt the most, but that pissed him off more than it hurt him. He hoped he was just overreacting, but he knew he wasn’t close enough to Kuroo to bring it up to the older man. He fell asleep, dreading the next day.

It was

The last full day of the training camp. Karasuno was set to head back tomorrow in the late morning, meaning tonight would be the last night to practice with Bokuto and Kuroo before nationals, before they both graduated. Unfortunately, Tsukishima was not looking forward to it. He

Was already sad that his time with them was coming to an end, as much as he didn’t want to admit it, but how was he supposed to look Kuroo in the face after yesterday?

Almost as if the universe had heard his qualms, the coaches announced that after the last match of the day,

They would cut all extra practice to have a giant barbecue for dinner. Tsukishima almost sighed in relief. Now he just had to get through the matches, where he would end up too exhausted to focus on Kuroo anyways.

By the time the barbecue rolled around, he had grabbed his plate

And collapsed onto a set of stairs slightly away from the crowd. He was joined by Kenma who was also trying to distance themself from the loud crowd by the food. They both sat, enjoying the silence and fresh air until Kuroo spotted them. He abandoned his conversation with Bokuto

And Akaashi to come see the two of them.

‘That can’t be all you’re both eating.’

‘Go away.’ Kenma turns to the side, clearly done with Kuroo. Kuroo takes the dismissal with grace, turning his sights on Tsukishima.

‘Tsukki! You’re still a growing alpha, you need to eat more!’

Tsukishima scowls. ‘Just because I presented as an alpha doesn’t mean my appetite is going to suddenly double,’ he snaps out. Kuroo realizes his misstep and holds his hands out placatingly.

‘Okay okay point made. I will counter with the fact that you probably burned way more

Calories than normal this week and should replenish them, but then I’ll drop the subject.’ He flops onto the steps between Tsukishima and Kenma. ‘Oh man, you should’ve let me bring you back a piece of shortcake though. We didn’t get it but the table next to us did, and it had so

Many strawberries on it. You would’ve been in heaven. I contemplated bringing some back anyways but didn’t wanna weird you out.’ He chuckles and it goes straight to Tsukishima’s heart.

‘Too late, you weirded me out the first time I met you,’ Tsukishima lies. ‘Besides, I don’t

Think Haru would’ve liked that very much.’

Kuroo faltered slightly, before recovering with an over the top grin. ‘He would’ve lived.’

Kenma scoffs from the corner, standing up and leaving as Kuroo frowns at them. ‘I’m going to find Shoyo.’

They leave, and the silence veers

Into awkward territory. Kuroo hums to fill the void as he eats his food.

‘You can go back to Bokuto and Akaashi, I’m fine here alone.’ Tsukishima picks at the remaining food on his plate, wanting nothing more than to be far far away from this conversation. As much as he liked

Kuroo, he needed distance and time to deal with the unspoken rejection.

‘I’m fine here. I can see those two whenever I want, but this is our last night together. Once nationals is over, you have to come visit us.’ Despite himself, Tsukishima’s heart is pounding in his chest.

‘After nationals, you’ll be preparing for college. I doubt you’d have time even if I did come and visit.’

‘For you? Tsukki, I’d make time.’ Kuroo smiles, a real smile for once with no hidden motive behind it.

‘Tch,’ Tsukishima clicks his tongue and looks away, hoping Kuroo

Either doesn’t notice or won’t comment on the blush he’s sure is rising.

‘Hey, speaking of. I’m sorry for last night. I really didn’t mean to ditch the three of you on our last night of practice. I thought we still had tonight. If I would’ve known, I would’ve told Haru to not

Come.’

‘It’s fine,’ Tsukishima tries to wave away his apology but Kuroo doubled down.

‘No, it’s not. And listen, I know Haru can be a bit prickly to new alphas, he doesn’t mean anything by it.’ Kuroo’s voice goes sheepish, clearly embarrassed about how Haru had dismissed

Tsukishima last night, not even acknowledging him to his face. Tsukishima stared at Kuroo for a second, before deciding what to say.

‘I don’t care what your boyfriend thinks of me. His opinion literally doesn’t affect me. Sorry if that’s rude.’

Kuroo bursts into a startled

Laugh. ‘Shit, Tsukki. This is why I like you so much, you don’t hold back. Even Bokuto pretends to like him when I talk about him.’

‘Does it not bother you that your friends don’t seem to care for him?’ Tsukishima goes back to picking at his food, waiting for Kuroo to reply.

‘It does. I just don’t know how to make everyone see the good side of him.’ He sounds exasperated, as he closes his eyes and thunks the back of his head against the wall of the building. Tsukishima hesitates for a second.

‘You said something I didn’t want to hear earlier about

My eating habits, so it’s only fair I get to say something you don’t want to hear either.’ He decides to be bold, knowing that if this goes bad, the only chance he may have to deal with Kuroo in the future is nationals. ‘I think if one or two of your friends don’t like him,

That’s one thing. From what I can see, I haven’t seen anyone who does like him. I don’t know him well enough to judge after one night so maybe it’s hypocritical of me to say this, but I think that if everyone besides you doesn’t care for him, maybe it’s you who needs to see the

Other side of him.’ Kuroo’s eyes have widened as he spoke, a rush of words tumbling out. ‘Sorry, I know that’s overstepping.’

‘No. No, you’re probably right. It’s not the first time someone has said something similar. It’s just-‘ Kuroo runs his fingers roughly through his hair,

Ducking his head as he thinks. ‘-he’s different when it’s just the two of us. I know it’s cliche, trust me. But I do love him, and I don’t want to give up on him just because he’s a bit abrasive to others.’

Any small hope that may have been left was crushed when Kuroo

Mentioned love. Tsukishima took a deep breath, thinking. ‘If it’s any consolation, I think your friends care about you more than they dislike him.’

‘Aw, Tsukki, you care about me?’ Kuroo grins, slyly.

‘I don’t remember saying we were friends.’

‘Ouch!’

From there, the

Conversation drifts into lighter territories, shifting back to volleyball as Bokuto and Akaashi join him. The four of them claim the steps as their own, discussing the upcoming tournaments until Kuroo mentions Tsukishima coming to visit, and then it shifts to Tsukishima making

Excuses as to why he couldn’t. His excuses get more and more outlandish, going from ‘I can’t afford the ticket’ to ‘sorry, I’ll be washing my hair that weekend. Yes, the whole weekend’ until the coaches send them to their rooms for bed. The next morning, he helps Karasuno pack

Their bags onto the bus while the rest of the team says their goodbyes. He wants to slip away without any fanfare, but his plan is thwarted when he hears his name being yelled. He turns around just in time to have his face buried in Bokuto’s chest as he hugs him, lifting him into

The air as he does.

‘Bo, dude, you’re probably suffocating him,’ Kuroo laughs.

‘Or smashing my glasses, put me down,’ Tsukishima hisses, before he’s finally released.

‘Sorry, Tsukki!’ Bokuto apologizes as he sets the blonde down. ‘You have to text us so we can make plans

For you to come see us!’

‘We’ll see.’

‘If you don’t, we’ll just spam you with memes,’ Kuroo taunts.

‘I’ll block you.’

‘Tsukishima-kun, I’m looking forward to your visit,’ Akaashi joins in.

‘Fine. Not til after nationals if we make it though.’

‘When you make it,’ Kuroo

Adds. ‘When, not if. Now that you’ve offended me by only agreeing to come see us when Akaashi asks, you owe me a hug goodbye.’ Kuroo opens his arms and Tsukishima grimaces. ‘Tsukki, don’t frown at that, it’ll be quick I promise.’

He looks so hopeful, Tsukishima can’t deny him.

‘Fine but if it lasts for more than ten seconds, I’m telling Daichi you copped a feel.’ He ignores the laughter from Bokuto at his comment and steps forward. This time when Kuroo chuckles, his breath washes against Tsukishima’s ear as he pulls him in for a hug. No amount of

Wishful thinking could stop the blush betraying him as Kuroo tightens his arms around Tsukishima. He rocks them side to side on their feet for a moment, before pulling back just far enough for him to clasp Tsukishima’s arms in his hands, grinning at him.

‘See you at nationals,

Tsukki.’

Tsukishima just nodded(rather dumbly, he felt) and waved goodbye to the other two and climbed onto the bus. Thankfully Yamaguchi held his comments back and let him slide next to him to have the window seat. As the bus started to pull away, Yamaguchi finally cracked

And turned towards his friend.

‘Tsukki, you kinda smell like Kuroo.’

‘I mean, I would imagine I smelled a bit like them. I did spend all week with them and hugged both him and Bokuto before we left.’

‘No, Tsukki, it’s almost like he scented you or something.’ Yamaguchi

Frowned, sniffing Tsukishima’s jacket until he pushed him back.

‘Shut up, he didn’t scent me. It was a three second hug.’

‘Okay, smell yourself and tell me that again.’ Tsukishima sighed and pulled the collar of his jacket to his neck, taking a deep breath to appease his

Friend. Instead of getting a barely there scent of the two alphas as he had argued, he was hit with a scent that was unmistakably Kuroo’s. It wasn’t one scent that he was able to place, Kuroo’s scent has always been an amalgamation of earthy scents that reminded Tsukishima

Of playing outside as a kid after the rain, with a hint of the classic fruitier, sweet scent of an omega hidden beneath it all. He was too stunned by the scent to reply, and Yamaguchi shook his head, pulling out his phone.

‘Ok. You win this round.’

‘Oh, Tsukki. I win every

Round.’

‘He still has a boyfriend though.’

‘Hmm, we’ll see about that.’

Nationals came and went, and Tsukishima’s crush hadn’t diminished at all. He couldn’t stop himself from thanking Kuroo after the battle of the trash heap, and Kuroo’s stunned expression replayed in his

Mind like a loop. After they lost, he ended up meeting up with Bokuto and Akaashi briefly before Karasuno was going to head back to their lodging. Bokuto was frowning at his phone and when Tsukishima questioned what was wrong, he explained that they were trying to get Kuroo to

Come out as well but the cat wasn’t answering. Bokuto text Kuroo where they were headed in case he saw it, but it was pointless. As soon as the trio walked out of the main doors, they saw why Kuroo wasn’t answering.

Haru was there, and the couple was making out rather

Aggressively against the wall. Tsukishima once again felt his alpha seething, but it was outshined by how sick he felt all of a sudden. Bokuto laughed an angry sounding laugh, and started to walk over there but Akaashi stopped him.

‘Bokuto-san, let’s leave him.’ He gave a look

Too pointed to be missed at Tsukishima, who was almost shell shocked next to them, clenching and unclenching his fists.

‘Hey hey hey, Tsukki. Let’s go.’ Bokuto stepped into Tsukishima’s vision, gently guiding him away. Tsukishima came back to himself, shaking his head to clear

It as they walked away from the gymnasium.

‘Sorry.’ He said, interrupting Bokuto’s rant about his math homework.

‘For what?’ Akaashi asked.

‘I think you both know what,’ Tsukishima laughed, a self deprecating tone taking over. ‘I’m stupid, I know.’

‘Don’t call my friend

Stupid!’ Bokuto exclaimed, loudly but gently. ‘You’re not stupid, Tsukki. The heart is a fickle thing.’

‘He’s been studying poetry, he thinks himself a poet.’

‘Don’t cut me down! That was a good line, right Tsukki! The hearts a fickle thing?’ Bokuto squawked, pointing an

Accusing finger at Akaashi. Their banter helped Tsukishima forget the sight of Kuroo and his partner, but the queasiness stayed with him. Finally, their phones all buzzed with a message from Kuroo in the group chat.

‘Sorry :( I was with haru and didn’t see these until after me

And him left :( tsukki you’ll still be here tomm right?’

‘We’ll leave early in the morning. Next time.’ Tsukishima text back, silencing the group chat as Kuroo sent sad face after sad face.

Part of him hoped that Kuroo would come swing by in the morning before they left, but

The only member from Nekoma who showed up was Kenma to get their tablet back from Hinata. Kenma frowned as Tsukishima walked past them.

‘I tried to call him to come with me, but I think he spent the night at his boyfriends,’ they called out to Tsukishima.

‘Who?’ He feigned

Ignorance, looking away at Kenma’s pointed stare. He climbed back onto the bus, ignoring his disappointment. Halfway through the ride home, his phone buzzed again. He checked and saw Kuroo had messaged him directly.

‘Ur not replying in group chat. R u ok?’

‘Silenced it. Why

are you texting like a middle schooler.’

‘Gotta text quick haru ran to get food and will be back soon. Sorry I missed u leaving I wanted to come say bye :(‘

Tsukishima couldn’t stop the click of his tongue, angling his phone so Yamaguchi could read the conversation.

‘Can’t

Text when he’s around? And it’s fine. I’ll visit eventually.’

‘Nooo I can just sometimes he feels annoyed, I don’t wanna be rude yaknow. I’ll bug u in the groupchat about it, unmute us >:(‘

‘Use actual emojis and I’ll consider it.’

Kuroo doesn’t reply for the rest of the

Ride, Tsukishima assumes Haru must be back.

Eventually, he does try to work out a time to go see them. He has some money saved up from his last summer job, and once exams are done he has a lot of free time until the next school year. The problem is every time someone suggests a

Date, it doesn’t work for Kuroo. First it was that he was on a weekend trip with Haru and his family. Then it was he had promised to go to a theme park with Haru and his little sister. Excuses piled up until finally Tsukishima decided he had had enough. He checked with Bokuto and

Akaashi, picked a weekend and put it in the chat. Kuroo text back that he would make it for sure, he had no plans and would block his calendar off for ‘his tsukki!!’

Tsukishima’s train left early Saturday morning, and he text his estimated arrival time in the group chat. Bokuto

Replied that it was right near his place, and that he would be there to grab him. Akaashi said he would head to Bokuto’s around the same time. Kuroo didn’t reply, but he normally slept in so they didn’t think anything of it. Tsukishima pulled into the station and was immediately

Able to spot Bokuto standing there with a homemade sign that said Tsukki.

He got off the train and tried to walk right past him, but Bokuto followed him. ‘Sorry, you have the wrong person. My name is Tsukishima.’

‘Tsukki, Tsukishima, close enough!’ Tsukishima gave up on

Arguing, following an energetic Bokuto the few blocks to his house. Akaashi was just walking up from the other direction and Bokuto let Tsukishima drop his bag inside and they took off to find something to eat for breakfast. Tsukishima kept checking his phone, waiting for Kuroo

To wake up and respond. Hours passed, and nothing. It had gone way past Kuroo sleeping in, and Bokuto was getting upset at this point. Akaashi called Kenma to see if they could go check on Kuroo, but they told the trio that Kuroo had left with Haru the night before. Tsukishima

Can’t say that he was surprised Kuroo bailed on them, but it still hurt. He tried to play it off, to tell Bokuto and Akaashi that it was fine. He came to see them more than anything at this point. Akaashi simply pursed his lips but went along with it. The three of them ended up

Back at Bokuto’s for dinner. The whole weekend passed without a word from Kuroo, and Sunday evening Tsukishima got on the train to go back home.

They didn’t hear from Kuroo in the group chat for about a week, when he suddenly reappeared. His first message was a novel. He was

Apologizing, claiming that day before Tsukishima’s visit he had plans with Haru, and that Haru had accidentally knocked his phone into the water when they were at the beach so he couldn’t reply. And that the day Tsukishima was supposed to come into town, he hadn’t realized what

Time it was until almost 6 o’clock and then he had no way of knowing where they were. Bokuto had replied that he had told him multiple times that they would be at his house, but before they could get into an argument, Tsukishima replied that it was fine, and he would see him

Next time. It didn’t sit right, the excuses. Part of him was certain he only felt off kilter because of his massive crush on the man, but the other part of his brain was running in circles. A few instances of plans coinciding was bound to happen, but it was beginning to feel

Targeted. Also, he wasn’t sure how accidental the accident was. He pulled up his messages with just Kuroo, debating. Deciding he, once again, had nothing to lose, he hit the call button. It rang, and rang, and rang, and just when Tsukishima was about to hang up, Kuroo answered.

‘Hello? Tsukki?’ He sounded out of breath, like he had scrambled for his phone.

‘Kuroo-san, good to know you’re alive.’ Tsukishima could feel the wince over the phone.

‘Listen, I deserved that. I really really am sorry-‘ he began to apologize but Tsukishima cut him off.

‘And I said it was fine. I didn’t call to hear you beg for my forgiveness, you already have it.’

‘Oh. Thanks, Tsukishima.’ Tsukishima could almost swear he heard Kuroo sniffle before clearing his throat. ‘So, why did you call then? How can I help? Did you have new dates for

Coming back to Tokyo because I swear I’ll cement them in my brain this time?’

‘No, I’m not sure I’ll be able to come back for a while,’ he admits.

‘Aw, Tsukki. Is it because of me?’

‘Don’t be so self centered,’ he made sure to sound teasing, not liking the way Kuroo was

Talking. ‘I just don’t have enough for another ticket and I’m trying to put whatever money I make for the rest of summer away for college.’

‘Shit, Tsukki. I’m really sorry.’

‘Stop. Everything isn’t always your fault, Kuroo-san. Like I already said, I didn’t call to blame you

Or anything. I just wanted to check and make sure you were okay.’

‘Of course I’m okay, why wouldn’t I be okay?’ Kuroo tries to joke, but it comes out half-heartedly.

‘I think you know why.’

‘It really was an accident, the phone thing. I swear. Haru’s not like that.’

‘If

You say so. You know..’ Tsukishima trails off a bit. ‘If he was like that, you know that you could always come to any of us right?’

‘I’m pretty sure Bo’s pissed at me right now,’ Kuroo replies. ‘He won’t even react to the apology memes I’m sending him.’

‘He’ll get over it.

And mad or not, he would help you without batting an eye.’ It’s silent on the phone for a few minutes, while Kuroo absorbs Tsukishima’s words.

‘Well, thanks. I swear it’s not like that, but I appreciate the reassurance anyways.’

‘Of course.’

The conversation trails off

After that, and eventually Tsukishima has to hang up to go to dinner. Kuroo swears he’ll find a way to visit Tsukishima since he blew the last visit, and they hang up.

Kuroo visiting isn’t brought up again. In fact, besides the group chat, Kuroo doesn’t message Tsukishima

Again at all. Tsukishima slowly stops responding in the group chat, until a new one forms with just him, Bokuto, and Akaashi. They slowly stop mentioning Kuroo, probably on Akaashi’s orders after the next training camp where he finally gets Tsukishima to confess to his (former)

Crush on the man. He knows Kuroo is still with Haru, but he completely drops out of Tsukishima’s life. It’s for the best, he swears to his friends. Clearly Kuroo didn’t care for him as a friend, let alone romantically.

He doesn’t see Kuroo again for a few years. Tsukishima’s

Graduated high school already, and has been playing for the frogs for one season. He‘s in Tokyo one night for a game, and afterwards they head to a hotel nearby. Tsukishima has a paper to write and after the match is craving something sweet to eat, so he throws on his jacket to

Run to a nearby convenience store. Kyoutani insists on joining him, claiming ‘pretty boy’ Tsukishima shouldn’t go alone lest some omega throw themselves at him. Tsukishima rolls his eyes, telling Kyoutani if he comes, he can’t tell coach whatever sweets Tsukishima buys. Kyoutani

Agrees with a grunt, and they’re on their way. He holds true to his promise to not report Tsukishima, but he does eye the three slices of shortcake Tsukishima puts in his basket.

‘What? The slices are small. Added together it’s basically one slice.’

‘Whatever you need to tell

Yourself.’ Kyoutani tosses in a few snacks of his own and then tells Tsukishima he’s going outside to smoke while he pays. At Tsukishima’s frown, he simply points into the basket and raises an eyebrow.

‘Sweets are something I can work off, messing with your lungs as an athlete

Isn’t.’ Tsukishima snarks back.

‘I’m cutting back,’ is his gruff reply, as he stalks his way out of the store. Tsukishima shakes his head and moves to the back to look at their drink selection. Part of him really wants to buy out their entire sweet flavored coffee section to

Ensure he finishes the paper tonight, but he tells himself the cake is enough sugar. He browses, looking for a drink that will give him energy but not a sugar rush, knowing Kyoutani would want to linger outside until his cigarette was done anyways. No need in rushing to the

Register to pay just to have to wait outside holding the bag while Kyoutani finished up.

As he was reading the label of a drink claiming to be an ‘all natural energy boost with no added sugar!’ He heard the bell of the door chime. Figuring if it was Kyoutani he would find him,

He ignored it. It must not have been because he heard two sets of footsteps and a hushed arguing.

CW TW the next scene will involve domestic violence, please skip if needed! I will put ********* and a brief description when it’s over !

‘I just can’t believe you would let him leer at you like that. What’s your fucking deal with blonde alphas huh?’

The voice of the person yelling sounds familiar, but Tsukishima can’t place it. He tunes in, assuming they’re talking about Kyoutani outside.

‘You’re overreacting.

He was just looking because we walked past him, that was all.’

Now that voice Tsukishima would recognize anywhere. He barely stops his head from snapping around, instead trying to catch a reflection in the glass doors. He catches sight of the birds nest hair moving towards the

Registers and risks turning around. He confirms his suspicions, Kuroo’s unmistakable form next to what must be Haru. Tsukishima frowns at their conversation, and at how already his alpha is reacting. Even after years of no contact with Kuroo, and years of his alpha remaining

Silent, one look at Haru’s face has it all coming back to the surface. He contemplates going over and interrupting, really not liking what Haru was saying. Before he can move, Haru keeps hissing out words.

‘Bullshit. Don’t treat me like I’m stupid. I’ve been courting you for

Years and you won’t let me mark you, and you walk around like an omega whore making bedroom eyes at every other alpha. You expect me to believe you aren’t trying to get him to fuck you the second I look away?’

Tsukishima has heard enough and begins walking towards the front of

The store, basket in hand.

‘Don’t be an ass, Haru. I’m not trying to—‘ his words are cut off by a sharp slap delivered by the back of Haru’s hand across his cheek. The sound echoes across the store and Tsukishima loses it. One second he’s in the aisle thinking of a way to

Diffuse the situation, and the next he’s between Kuroo and Haru, baring his teeth and snarling at the shocked looking alpha, basket forgotten on the ground.

‘What the fuck do you think you’re doing?’

‘Tsukishima?’ Comes Kuroo’s cautious voice from behind him, causing Haru to

Curl his lips. Tsukishima vaguely hears the bells chime as Kyoutani catches the altercation from outside.

‘Wow, what a surprise. The blonde fuck you were obsessed with. Is that why you whored yourself around—‘ Tsukishima snarls at him, causing the other alpha to slam his mouth

Shut.

‘Tsukishima.’ Kyoutani warns from the side.

‘The first time I met you, I knew you were a pathetic piece of shit. You’re going to leave now.’

‘I’m not scared of you,’ Haru stuttered out, clearly lying. When Tsukishima had been a first year, Haru had been just taller

Than him and still in shape, but the years had been kinder to Tsukishima. He now towered over Haru in height, and though he would never be as built as Bokuto, years of volleyball had given him muscles he lacked at 15. Meanwhile Haru looked as if he had completely stopped playing

Any sort of sport. Add on the rage swirling around Tsukishima’s alpha right now, and Haru was definitely terrified of him.

‘You would be if you were smart. You’re going to leave, and if you ever lay a finger on him again, I’ll break your hand. Clear?’

Haru glanced back behind

Tsukishima where Kuroo was still standing, one hand on his cheek which was already swelling, and when Tsukishima growled at him again, he took off. He ran out of the store and down the street. The further away he got, the more Tsukishima was able to wrangle his alpha back under

Control. He turned slowly to Kuroo.

‘Well hey, weird seeing you here,’ Kuroo managed to choke out. ‘Fuck.’ He winced as he pressed his fingers into his cheek, trying to assess the damage.

‘Kuroo-san, don’t poke it. Are you okay?’ He asked tentatively. Kuroo let out a

Strangled sound, curling in on himself.

‘Not really.’

Tsukishima moved as if to reach out and comfort Kuroo but held himself back. ‘I would say I’m sorry I threatened him but I’m not.’

Now that the immediate threat was over, the cashier who had ducked down behind the

Counter when Tsukishima first snarled, popped his head back up. ‘You guys need to leave before I call the cops.’

‘We haven’t paid for our stuff.’ Kyoutani picked up the forgotten basket, setting it on the counter.

‘You can’t buy it, you have to leave,’ he argued.

‘He’s not

A part of it,’ Tsukishima gestured to Kyoutani. ‘We’ll leave. I’ll pay you back.’ He carefully leads Kuroo out of the building, stopping just outside of the doors. ‘Let me see your cheek.’

Kuroo moves his hand, allowing Tsukishima to step in closer and gently grasp his face by

The chin, tilting it as he looks.

‘It doesn’t look like he broke skin but it’s going to have a hell of a bruise.’ Tsukishima resists the urge to keep his hand near Kuroo’s face, letting it fall to his side. He can see the tears brimming in Kuroo’s eyes. ‘Do you want me to call

Anyone for you?’

‘Would it be weird if I asked you to hug me for a second?’ Kuroo’s starting to shake a bit as the adrenaline fades. Tsukishima steps forward without hesitating, opening his arms and gently pulling Kuroo in. His alpha growls inside when Kuroo’s starts to cry,

But he forces it down. ‘We live together now, Haru and me.’ Kuroo blurts out.

‘No. You’re not going back there tonight. You can crash at our hotel or I can call Kenma for you.’

‘I don’t think your coach would like a random omega in your room.’ Kuroo finally pulls back. ‘I can

Call Kenma, I don’t need to bother you more tonight.’ He wipes his tears away gingerly, pulling out his phone.

‘Kuroo-san. I know it’s been a while since we talked but I still mean it when I said that your friends will help you out. Unfortunately, I’m still one of them.’

‘That might be the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me,’ Kuroo jokes. Kenma picks up his call and he ducks his head to explain the situation. Kyoutani walks out with their bags, nodding towards Kuroo.

‘You can go back to the hotel, I’ll wait to make sure he gets in an Uber.’

Tsukishima tells him. Kyoutani just rolls his eyes and leans against the wall.

‘Not likely.’

‘Kenma’s sending a car, they should be here shortly. You guys can go,’ Kuroo says as he slides the phone back into his pocket. His shaking has subsided, and he looks put together

Besides the bruise on his face, but Tsukishima knows it’s an act. He sends Kuroo an unimpressed look, mimicking Kyoutani’s pose. ‘Fine, fine. Was worth a shot. I’m Kuroo,’ he leans over to shake Kyoutani’s hand. They make small talk until the car pulls up, and Kyoutani walks

A bit down the street to give them privacy. Kuroo lingers by the car door for a second, before turning back to Tsukishima.

‘Tsukki. Thank you, really. Would uh…’ he trails off, losing steam.

‘Has your number changed? Can I text you to make sure you make it to Kenma’s?’

Tsukishima asks. Kuroo finally breaks into a smile, wincing when it pulls on his bruise.

‘Yeah, same number. I’ll text you when I get there.’ Kuroo gets in the car and it drives off, leaving Tsukishima and Kyoutani to walk back to their hotel.

******************
Short description if you needed to skip- kuroo and haru are the ones arguing in the store. Haru hits kuroo and Tsukishima intervenes, threatening him. Haru leaves and Tsukishima makes sure kuroo gets in a car to go to Kenma’s, after comforting him. They tell

The other one it’s okay to text them cause neither numbers have changed. Now kyoutani and tsukki are walking back.
*******************

‘So, who’s Kuroo?’ Kyoutani asks, uncharacteristically interested.

‘An old senpai of mine. Used to be the captain of Nekoma, my first year. We

Used to go to training camps together.’ Tsukishima holds the door to the hotel, letting Kyoutani pass him. Their room is on the first floor so they head down the hallway.

‘Just a senpai?’ Kyoutani’s voice echoes down the quiet hallway.

‘Yes,’ Tsukishima hisses. ‘I didn’t take

You to be such a gossiper.’ They make it to the room, swiping their keycards to get in. Kyoutani shrugs as he pulls his snacks out of the bag, tossing the rest on Tsukishima’s bed.

‘I didn’t take you to be an alpha who would lose control like that.’

Tsukishima flushes. ‘I’m

Not. That was as controlled as I could be in that situation.’

‘You’re not wrong. If someone would’ve hit Yahaba like that I would’ve been worse.’

‘I don’t know if you can compare your reaction to your boyfriend being hypothetically hit to my…ex-friend being hit,’ he finished

Off lamely, unsure what to call Kuroo anymore.

‘I’ve never seen a hint of your alpha on court, even when the other team’s a bitch. I wouldn’t just call Kuroo your ex-friend.’ Kyoutani accuses, stripping his shirt on his way to shower off the smoke scent before sleeping.

Tsukishima simply frowns, pulling out his laptop and getting to work. He writes one paragraph when his phone dings. Kyoutani grumbles from where he’s half asleep, so Tsukishima silences his phone. He looks at the notification, glad to see Kuroo’s name.

‘Made it!’ He sends with

A picture attached of him and Kenma curled under Kenma’s kotatsu. Tsukishima grins despite himself, before forcing down any glee he had at being in contact with Kuroo again. He knows Kuroo isn’t texting him because he’s trying to entangle himself romantically with Tsukishima,

Especially not right after the mess with Haru, so he strangles that side of his alpha. Instead, he focuses on the fact that his /friend/ is safe and sound tonight. He snaps back a picture of his laptop, paper open and a ‘unfortunately me too.’ They exchange a few more texts

Before Kuroo declares he’s falling asleep, and Tsukishima throws himself into his paper in earnest.

They end up texting pretty frequently. When Kuroo explains that he’s going to be crashing with Kenma until he can get his own place, and admits he’s dreading going to get his

Stuff from Haru’s, Tsukishima calls Bokuto. Bokuto agrees wholeheartedly and on his off day, shows up in Tokyo to help Kuroo get his stuff. He doesn’t tell Kuroo he sent him, but he imagines Bokuto does from the ‘thanks’ Kuroo sends him late that night. (And the message he gets

from Kenma saying that the good deed he did for Kuroo was undone by sending Bokuto to his house.)

The next few weeks end up being a test for Tsukishima’s patience. He wants, so badly, to show Kuroo that he has always been right here waiting for him, but he understands that

Kuroo isn’t in a state to jump into a new relationship, and has shown no indicators that he thinks of Tsukishima romantically at all. They text, sure, but it’s more surface level talking. Since that night, they’ve only had one conversation about it, when Kuroo had called him to

Properly thank him. Tsukishima had told him once again that there was nothing to thank him about, and then they had talked somewhat briefly about how Kuroo was dealing with it all. He admitted that he was looking into therapy but that he had no intention of getting back together

With Haru, no matter how much the alpha tried to call him to apologize. Kuroo admits that it wasn’t the first time Haru had laid hands on him, but it was the most extreme time. Tsukishima is just grateful to have Kuroo back in his life as a friend.

He’s at a Frog’s practice

When things change drastically. It’s between sets, and he’s been working with Koganegawa on plays that involve him spiking, so he’s a bit more worn than usual but not enough for it to affect him so it comes as a shock to the entire team when out of the blue, he faints. Drops

Cold on the floor, banging his head as he lands. The coach and the trainers crowd around him as the team worries, but he isn’t waking up. His pulse seems normal, but he’s unresponsive. They call an ambulance and the paramedics take him in.

By the time he comes to, he’s

Disoriented and feverish. ‘What’s happening?’ He manages to get out when the blob by his bed forms enough he recognizes Yamaguchi.

‘Tsukki! You’re awake. We’re not sure yet, the doctors are running tests. You passed out during practice, do you remember that?’

‘No.’ Yamaguchi

Frowns and presses the call button for the nurse. She comes in with a smile and runs through a basic check up, asking Tsukishima questions about what he last remembers and if he’s ever had attacks like this before. Tsukishima says no and she nods, scribbling in her chart.

‘Well

So far we haven’t seen anything that could be causing it, but we are running one more test. It says here you’re over 20, correct?’

‘Yes,’ he agrees, rattling off his birthdate.

‘Our best guess is that you could be a part of a fated pair,’ the nurse explains. ‘They didn’t

Require hospitals to check for that at birth until about 15 years ago, so you would’ve never known.’

‘What would that have to do with him passing out, or the fever?’ Yamaguchi asks.

‘If the other half of the fated pair was recently bonded, the mating bite would be rejecting

On their side. It normally causes the unbonded half to become ill, and the fall out from the rejected mark could be potentially fatal. We don’t want either of you to panic, we are running a test now to determine if that could be the case, and if so, we’ll send out a notice to

All nearby hospitals to find the second half.’

‘Fatal?’ Tsukishima chokes out.

‘Fatal for who? Him or the other person?’

‘It could be both. That’s why we ran the test without discussing it with you first. It’s been proven that putting the fated pair together can help both

Parties recover.’

The nurse leaves them with this information, letting it soak in.

‘Tsukki..’ Yamaguchi is trying to not tear up, but his hands are shaking as he sits.

‘Stop. It’s fine, I’ll be fine. Do I look like someone who would have a fated mate? I can’t stand anyone

Enough to have one.’ Tsukishima argues weakly, exhaustion setting in.

‘What about Kuroo? He’s the only person who’s ever made your alpha react?’

‘Nonsense. And he’s single, he’s not getting a mating bite on a random Tuesday night.’ He tries to sound confident, but Yamaguchi

Had spoken out something he had been thinking since the nurse mentioned it. What if it was Kuroo? Was he okay? Even so, his worries weren’t enough to keep him awake. As he fell back into sleep, he saw Yamaguchi pull out his phone.

The next time he was woken up, it was to an

Even more frantic Yamaguchi, who was waving his phone in the air as a harried looking doctor stood there.

‘Yes, I understand your concern, but we have to check with that hospital to confirm a match before we transport him to Tokyo.’

‘I already told you, you don’t need to

Confirm anything! It’s him, and you’re wasting our time!’ Yamaguchi yells, rather uncharacteristically.

‘What’s happening?’ Tsukishima asks, blinking back to consciousness again.

‘The test came back positive. /and/ I messaged Hinata who messaged Kenma who confirmed that Kuroo

Is also in the hospital, for a rejecting mark!’

All grogginess disappears as Tsukishima’s gut curdles with the news.

‘Who bit him?’ He asks, voice hard enough that both Yamaguchi and the doctor hesitate.

‘Kenma didn’t tell us all of the details.’

‘Sir, please. You are

Disturbing my patient and if you don’t stop I will have to ask you to leave. We are checking with the hospital now, please allow us time.’

Yamaguchi whips back around to glare at the doctor, who’s once again shrinking behind his clipboard, but Tsukishima cuts him off before he

Can go on another rant. ‘Tadashi, it’s fine. Thank you.’ He dismisses the doctor, turning to Yamaguchi. ‘I need you to call Kenma back now.’

‘Tsukki, it’s not fine, you should be heading there.’

‘If Kenma tells you on the phone that it was Haru who bit Kuroo, I’m going to

Go to Tokyo whether we’re a match or not so I can kill him.’ Tsukishima is shaking, his alpha is revolting harder than ever and his head feels like it’s splitting in two trying to keep himself under control. Yamaguchi agrees, stepping out of the room to do so. He buries his head

In his hands, taking in deep breaths to try and call himself down, but it’s not working. Yamaguchi and the doctor walk back in at the same time, and it takes Tsukishima one look at Yamaguchi’s face to know what Kenma said. His ears are filled with ringing, he can hear the doctor

Saying something about a match and a transfer, but the words jumble in his brain. You shouldn’t have left him there, his alpha is screaming, refusing to see reason. You should have killed Haru when you had a chance, it was snarling. He vaguely recognizes Yamaguchi trying to calm

Him down while the doctor puts something in the IV he hadn’t torn out yet, and then everything fades away. His memory is blurry then, flashes of his brothers worried face next to Yamaguchi’s, of the ambulance workers strapping him in for a four hour ride, trying to move his arms

To scratch his face but being unable to lift them from where they were hooked to the railing of the bed. And then, finally, the peace of Kuroo’s scent, earthy and warm, peeking through the sickly scent of the hospital.

The next time, and hopefully last time, he awakens from the

Medically induced haze, it takes him even longer to get his bearings. The drowsiness threatens to pull him back under, but he manages to force his eyes open. He goes to reach for his face, checking for his glasses, but arms halt halfway there, and the glimpses come back to him.

‘Am I handcuffed to the bed?’ He asks out loud, mainly to himself.

‘Yep. I tried to get them to take them off, but they insisted they stay on as a precaution. Idiots.’ Tsukishima turns his head to see Kuroo sitting in the chair next to his bed. He’s in a hospital gown as well,

And has bandages covering his neck where his mating gland is. He looks worn out, but he has a hint of a smile on his lips.

What precaution, where am I, and a plethora of other questions tangle in Tsukishima’s mouth, but what comes out is ‘are you okay?’

‘Shouldn’t you be more

Concerned about yourself?’ Kuroo huffs out a laugh.

‘Probably, but that’s not what I asked.’ He tries to shift into a sitting position but is once again stuck at the wrists.

‘Quit yanking on them, you’ll hurt your wrists. Let me get the doctors to take them off,’ Kuroo moves

To stand.

‘Wait. They can stay on if you want. You said a precaution, are you…are they worried I’ll hurt you?’ He asks, unable to look at Kuroo’s neck for more than a second.

‘Tsukishima. I know you would never hurt me.’ Kuroo’s voice is solid, leaving no room for argument.

‘The doctor said they had to stay on in case you woke up and lost control, and when I told them you wouldn’t, they ignored me.’ He sits back down, gingerly wrapping his hand around Tsukishima’s wrists below the restraints.

‘I did. Back in Sendai, I remember losing control,’

Tsukishima admits.

‘Yeah, but not towards me, right? Never towards me.’

‘Of course not.’

‘Okay. So let me get them to take them off.’ Kuroo sticks his head out of the door, saying something to someone out of sight. He comes back to sit next to Tsukishima and a few seconds

Later, the doctor knocks on the door as he enters.

‘I highly suggest you leave them on,’ he says, frowning.

‘I highly suggest you unlock them now before I figure out a way to pick the lock,’ Kuroo replies cheerfully. ‘I have been called crafty once or twice.’ The doctor

Unlocks them, freeing Tsukishima’s arms, mumbling the whole time.

‘I’m still not allowing other visitors back in until you both stabilize, and I won’t budge on that Kuroo-san.’ He leaves, and Kuroo lets out a whistle.

‘That doctor is a real piece of work.’

‘Why can’t we

Have other visitors?’ Tsukishima asks, confused.

‘Same thing as the restraints. They think if someone else comes in while you’re awake, that you’ll see them as a threat and lose it.’ He grabs a hold of Tsukishima’s arms, inspecting the red skin around his wrists from where he

Had unconsciously pulled on them.

‘Did they drug me? I feel like I’m missing half of the story here,’ Tsukishima admits, brain having a hard time catching up. He sees a dark look flicker across Kuroo’s face before he shakes his head, clearing his thoughts.

‘I don’t know much

About Sendai to here, because I’ve only been awake a few more hours than you but I’ll fill you in on what I know. I woke up to Kenma and the nurse poking and prodding me. They told me what had happened, the whole fated pair thing, and then when I asked who the match was, they got

Cagey and wouldn’t answer me. Just that you were in the room with me and being sedated and restrained so you didn’t cause any harm, so I waited til they looked away and rolled out of the bed to throw the curtain back, and then when I saw what they had done to you, I demanded

They wake you up and release you. They refused, I threatened them, Freckles and your brother and Kenma all agreed to leave the room, and then about an hour later you woke up.’ As he told the story, Tsukishima’s brain was racing. Kuroo had moved to holding his hand, fiddling with

His fingers.

‘So. I didn’t hallucinate that?’

‘Aw, Tsukki. You’d hallucinate me being your fated pair?’ Kuroo grinned, fanning his eyelashes at Tsukishima.

‘Shut up,’ he snorted. ‘You know I would. Wait, you’ve only known for a few hours. You’re not freaking out?’

Kuroo

Paused, thinking to himself. ‘I think if it was anybody else, I would be. It’s hard to explain, but it feels right. Like something I didn’t know I was missing. Now, I’m not saying I’m looking to jump right into marriage or anything, but I’d be open to negotiations.’

‘Why do I

Feel like freaking out?’

‘It’s a lot to take in. I’ll probably freak out later, or in therapy. Right now I’m just trying to not think about it too much.’ Kuroo admits, shrugging. Tsukishima nods, forcing his panic to subside.

‘Can I ask what happened?’ He asks, fingers

Tightening around Kuroo’s as the older man breaks eye contact, looking towards the wall.

‘You can ask but I’m not ready to say.’

‘Okay. That’s fair.’ They sit in silence for a few minutes before Kuroo sighs.

‘I guess he thought it would make me take him back. Cornering me

And forcing a mark on me. Jokes on him.’

‘Kuroo-san, you don’t have to talk about it.’ Tsukishima reassures him.

‘I know. Tsukki, maybe it’s time you dropped the -san.’

‘I’ll try my best.’

Eventually, enough time passes for them to be deemed safe and stable, and Kuroo

Moves back to his bed while their visitors come in. They all talk, keeping the subjects light despite how Tsukishima can tell his brother wants to question Kuroo. After reassuring Akiteru and Yamaguchi that he’ll be fine alone for the night, they head out. Kenma follows, offering

For the two of them to stay at their place tonight to avoid a hotel charge. Kuroo and Tsukishima bicker over what to put on the tiny hospital tv, finally settling on a talk show mainly for background noise. It’s been quiet for long enough that Tsukishima assumes Kuroo is asleep

When he asks a question.

‘Tsukki?’

‘Hm?’

‘How long did you like know it was me for you?’

‘Do you mean when did I find out we were fated, or when did I first develop a crush on you?’

‘Aw you had a crush on me?’ Kuroo teases, smiling across the room as they both turn to

Face each other.

‘I did. It was embarrassing.

‘Why didn’t you say anything?’

‘I was going to, but then I found out you had a partner, and then I heard you say I was just a first year and wasn’t anything to be worried about,’ he answers honestly. He sees Kuroo wince but just

Laughs. ‘It’s fine, I was just a dumb first year.’

‘I shouldn’t have bailed on you when you came to Tokyo. I’m sorry if that hurt you.’ Kuroo apologizes.

‘Thank you but you don’t need to apologize. I could apologize for a hundred things too.’

‘What are you talking about?’

Kuroo sits up. ‘You haven’t done anything wrong.’

‘I could’ve done things differently though. I could’ve held on tighter to our friendship, could’ve reached out later on.’ Tsukishima shrugs. ‘I didn’t, and it’s too late to change it now. Just like it’s too late for you to not

Bail on me when I came here. All we can do is move forward or whatever.’

‘That sounded really nice until the ‘or whatever’ part,’ Kuroo laughed.

‘I’m not an English major, sue me.’

‘Would you be willing to do long distance. And to go slow? Like slower than whatever you’re

Thinking right now?’

‘I’m not expecting you to want to date me. It would be nice one day, but it doesn’t have to be now, Kuroo.’

‘I know, but I kinda want it to be. What if I demand you court me?’ He asks, raising his eyebrows.

‘You’d have to be willing to settle for cheap

Gifts. I don’t have time for a part time job with college, and the Frogs, and my internship. I can’t afford fancy gifts and train tickets on the pay I get from the jva.’

Kuroo puts his chin in his fingers like he’s thinking, before nodding. ‘Okay. I can work with that. Should

We discuss our first date then? Get it planned and out of the way?’

‘No. We should go to sleep and start this conversation again in the morning.’

‘Fine, spoilsport.’

They fall asleep, Kuroo’s scent slowly going back to normal. The morning is a rush, they’re both released

But Kuroo has to go down to the police station to answer questions about the attack. Tsukishima offers to go with him but he declines, insisting Tsukishima head back home. He does, reluctantly, even though he won’t make it back in time for any of his classes and his coach already

Text him to not come to practice tonight.

He gets on the train and settles in next to Yamaguchi and Akiteru, dozing to avoid their questions. His day is spent cleaning his apartment, needing to give his mind something to focus on so he didn’t spiral. The longing for Kuroo to

Be here with him, curled up next to him while he watches a documentary, is stronger than ever. He assumes it’s a side effect from the bite and that it will be more manageable over time.

He’s halfway through his show when his phone rings, Kuroo’s name flashing across the screen.

‘Hello?’

‘Hey.’ Kuroo sounds relieved.

‘Everything okay?’ Tsukishima pauses the documentary, focusing on the call.

‘Yeah,’ he snorts. ‘Can a man not call you without there being a problem?’

‘I don’t think anyone besides my brother and Yamaguchi call me anyways, everyone

Else just texts me.’

‘Oh. Is it okay that I call you?’

‘For now. If you start calling me at one am to talk about a cat video you just sent me, then we’ll revisit that.’

Kuroo makes small talk with him, but Tsukishima can tell there’s something else Kuroo called about. He

Lets him ramble though, honestly just enjoying hearing Kuroo’s voice. It soothes the part of him that was demanding he go back to Tokyo tonight.

‘Can I ask you something weird?’ Kuroo asks, finally getting to the reason he called.

‘You’re going to ask it no matter what.’

‘True. Do you…’ he trails off.

‘Do I?’

‘It’s weird but like I really wish you would’ve scented me before you left,’ Kuroo blurts out in one breath, and it takes Tsukishima a moment to process it.

‘Oh. I think it’s too late for that. I could um…I could scent a shirt and

Overnight it to you?’ He suggests, blushing even though there’s no one to witness his offer.

‘Yeah. Yeah, that could work. Do you um. Do you want something of mine?’

‘Yes.’ Tsukishima replies immediately. ‘Only if you’re comfortable with it though.’

‘Well, we are courting

Right?’ Kuroo jokes. ‘That’s a thing people do.’

‘Okay.’

‘I have another demand, Tsukki.’

‘Hmm?’

‘Can you scent it like right now? And can we FaceTime while you do it?’

‘If you want to. Give me a minute to find a shirt.’

‘Wait I know what one I want,’ Kuroo shouts and

And there’s an echo as he puts Tsukishima on speakerphone. ‘This one.’

Tsukishima’s phone buzzes and he looks to see Kuroo has sent him a screenshot from his Instagram. It was a picture Yachi took that she demanded he post, where he was wearing one of the dumb Frog’s promo

Tshirts. Tsukishima snorts but tells Kuroo fine.

‘Do you have any requests from me, Tsukki?’

‘One of your old Nekoma shirts.’

‘Nostalgic,’ Kuroo snickers.

‘Shut up and accept my FaceTime request before I hang up on you.’

‘Okay okay I’m done,’ Kuroo’s face suddenly

Appears on Tsukishima’s screen, grinning. Tsukishima notes the bandage still on his neck.

‘Are you going to be able to scent properly with that?’ He points to his own neck. ‘If not, I can wait.’

‘Hmm? Oh the bandage. Nah, I’m fine, it’s practically healed. The doctor said

It could’ve been way worse.’ He picks at the edge of the bandage, digging his fingers in until he can pull it off with a tug. ‘Apparently he misjudged and most of the bite wasn’t on the gland, plus you got there pretty quickly which sped up the rejection.’ He tilts his head,

Showing off the red skin around his glands. They were slightly swollen, but otherwise unharmed. The bite had faded completely.

‘You should thank Yamaguchi for me getting there so quick. I vaguely remember the doctor back here threatening to throw him out because he was

Insisting I go to Tokyo before they checked.’ He grabs his own shirt, pressing it to his neck as he lays back on his bed. He sets his phone sideways on the bed next to him, watching as Kuroo gets comfortable in what looks like a desk chair.

‘Freckles? Yelling at a doctor?’

Kuroo chuckles. ‘I almost find that hard to believe. He seems so sweet.’

‘It’s a ploy.’

Kuroo hums in agreement, finally moving the faded Nekoma practice shirt he had grabbed to his neck. It was quiet for a few seconds as they both took in the other on their phone.

‘Are you

Lying down? Damn that’s a good idea.’ Kuroo gets up and moves to his own bed, flopping down and mimicking Tsukishima’s pose. They lay together in relative silence, conversation slowing. It’s the opposite of awkward though, bordering on weirdly intimate. Tsukishima can feel his

Eyelids growing heavy, despite his lazy day at home. ‘Hey Tsukki?’

‘Hmm?’ It takes effort for him to pry his eyelids open, glancing at an equally tired looking Kuroo.

‘Would it be weird if I asked you to stay on FaceTime all night?’

‘No weirder than anything else you’ve

Asked.’

‘Your tired voice is cute.’

‘M not cute, you’re cute,’ Tsukishima pouts, but it’s interrupted by a yawn.

‘Correction: that’s adorable. Goodnight Tsukki.’

When Tsukishima wakes up it’s to a dead phone. He plugs it in, texting Kuroo as soon as it boots up.

‘Phone died rip. Mailing the shirt out today before class.’

He gets ready, thankful his body was on a schedule and he didn’t wake up late. He checks his phone, grabbing the charger to take with him to class when he sees it’s still only at 30 percent, and wraps up the shirt and

Heads out. The person at the shipping place says nothing at the scent soaked shirt, probably used to seeing things like this. They package it in a tightly sealed container while Tsukishima caves and buys the fastest delivery option they have. They tell him guaranteed delivery by

The end of the day, and he leaves to go to class. He texts Kuroo the tracking number before he gets on the train and loses service.

Kuroo doesn’t reply until he’s in the middle of a lecture, phone plugged into the wall behind him. He feels it buzz but has to ignore it, knowing

This professor is no nonsense about phone usage. He’s already risking it with it charging but he’s one of the top students in this class so he risks it. As soon as the professor leaves though, he pulls his phone out. It’s a series of texts from Kuroo. First is a ‘oops lol maybe

Should’ve reminded you’ which is followed by a blurry snap of Kuroo, head messier than ever and the shirt still glued to his neck. ‘Here so you still have the privilege of seeing morning me.’ Then Kuroo must have clicked into the tracking and seen the type of shipping Tsukishima

Paid for because it’s followed by a rant.

Tsukishima just smiles and packs his stuff away, heading to the library to kill the few hours between his classes. He gets himself set up to review the emails from the professors who’s class he missed the last few days, and finally

Texts Kuroo back.

‘It was only a few bucks more, it’s fine. Saved money eating hospital food instead of having to buy lunch/dinner so it’s not my last penny lol’

‘Doesn’t matter, I can be mad because I didn’t get a picture of morning you :(‘

‘My phone was literally at 0%

Wasn’t an option.’

They text back and forth while Tsukishima reviews the notes until it’s time for his next class. He makes it through his classes with ease even after the unexpected time off, and heads to the Frog’s gym. His teammates try to get him to tell them what happened

Even though the coach had started the practice with the instructions to not bother him.

‘Maybe it was a stress induced attack from having to listen to you all day,’ he finally cracks as Koganegawa blabbers his ears off about a new health craze he saw that was supposed to

Improve your energy. ‘Stop trusting fake doctors on TikTok.’

‘Does it have anything to do with Kuroo?’ Kyoutani asks, raising his eyebrow as Tsukishima glares at him.

‘Why would it?’

‘He’s been blowing up your phone since we got in here.’

Tsukishima looks down, and

Snatches his phone off the bench. ‘Nosy.’

‘Of course we’re nosy, Tsukki! We were really worried about you.’ Koganegawa chimes in.

‘Fine. Yes, it did have to do with Kuroo.’ He breaks into a short description of what happened, cursing himself for softening with age. He feels

Like young Tsukishima would have ignored both of his teammates, preferring to keep things to himself.

‘Knew it.’ Kyoutani scoffs as they walk out of the gym together. ‘Knew it the second you tried to kill that man at the store over him.’

‘When he tried to what?!’

Tsukishima

Just groaned. ‘Guys, it’s still brand new. We’re working it out, just leave it alone please.’

They both grumble in agreement before they split up to head home. Tsukishima pulls out his phone to read through Kuroo’s messages. It appears he had gotten the package and was calmly

(Read: impatiently) waiting for Tsukishima to get home, wanting to FaceTime as he opened it. Tsukishima texts him his eta after he stops to grab something small for dinner, not wanting to cook. His train is slightly delayed and by the time he trudges inside, his phone rings. He

Swipes to answer the call seeing Kuroo’s name.

‘Hello.’

‘Did you check your mail?’

‘No, why?’

‘Tsukki, you’re literally expecting a package. Go look and call me back.’

Tsukishima groans but goes downstairs to grab the few things in his mailbox, and swings by the office

To check on a package. They hand him it and he thanks them, heading upstairs. He rings Kuroo back, frowning when he answers.

‘If I can’t send same day shipping neither can you,’ he says as he shakes his package.

‘Hey I’m the one with the actual paying job here, leave me be.’

Kuroo grins.

‘A paying job you weren’t at today?’ Tsukishima asks, setting the phone down on the counter, propping it up so Kuroo can see him moving around the room.

‘I wasn’t released to go back to work until tomorrow. You technically wouldn’t have been either, overachiever.

Tsukkiii, what are you doing? I want to open it already.’

‘Nothing’s stopping you,’ he snorts. ‘I still need to eat before I open yours.’

‘You’re not like dying to open it? I really felt like I was going to cave since I got it.’ Kuroo frowns, and Tsukishima backtracks to stop

The insecurity he sees flickering across Kuroo’s face.

‘Kuroo. I’ve had literal years of practice with denying myself when it comes to you. I want to open it, trust me, more than anything but I know that if I do the chances of me eating dinner after is incredibly low.’

‘Oh,’

Kuroo’s eyes widen. ‘You like really like me huh?’

‘I’ve never liked anyone else,’ he shrugs as he grabs his food from the microwave, sitting at the counter in front of the phone to eat.

‘Tsukki, you can’t say that so casually,’ Kuroo wheezes, face in his hands. Tsukishima

Sees the tips of his ears blushing.

‘Sorry, not trying to be too much.’

‘It’s fine.’ Kuroo peeks out between his fingers. ‘I’ll wait til you’re done then. Not going to be outdone by you.’

Kuroo chats about his day as Tsukishima eats, cooing as Tsukishima takes the time to

Wash the utensils he had used right away. ‘Okay, now can we open the shirts?’

‘Fine.’ Tsukishima moves to his room, making Kuroo wait just a bit longer as he gets ready for bed, fully aware he’s going to want to do nothing besides bury his face into the shirt once it’s open.

Kuroo grumbles but complies, and soon enough they’re both tearing into their respective packages. Tsukishima gets most of it open and already, his room is being filled with Kuroo’s scent. He pauses, wanting to see Kuroo’s reaction, unable to stop the nerves. What if he doesn’t

Like his scent up close?

He worries for nothing though, because as soon as it’s out, Kuroo can’t stop himself from holding the shirt to his face, a pleased sound escaping him as he breathes it in. Tsukishima feels goosebumps spread across his skin at the sight, something primal

In him pleased that Kuroo liked his scent so much.

‘This was a good idea,’ Kuroo admits, laying down with Tsukishima’s shirt under his face. His voice is heavy, and he presses part of the shirt directly against the scent glands on his neck. His eyes, which had closed upon

Smelling the shirt, pop back open, swirling with something Tsukishima hadn’t seen before. Before he could place it, Kuroo whined. ‘You didn’t open mine?’

At that, he scrambled to rip further into the package. Any explanations he could have offered died on his tongue as he

Finally was able to take in Kuroo’s unfiltered scent. He was thrown back to his first year at Karasuno, leaving the training camp with his jacket smelling exactly like this. He knew that time was an accident, but this time the alpha in him was thrilled, knowing his omega had

Scented this just for him. He knows he must let out a groan, but he just buries his face into the shirt, content to lay in that exact position for the rest of the night.

‘You like it?’ Kuroo’s voice pulls him back, and he turns his head to face the phone.

‘Very much.’

‘Good. You know, I’m not going to lie, this feels more like sexually charged than I envisioned in my head.’

Tsukishima can’t stop the laugh at that. ‘Well any tension there was between us was just murdered by that statement.’ He rolls over completely, laying on his side and

Copying Kuroo’s position.

‘Yeah, yeah. Plug your phone in tonight. I’m not having you be late because of me.’

‘What time do you get up in the morning?’ Tsukishima asks, switching to set an alarm for the same time. It’s only half an hour before he would normally get up, a

Sacrifice he’s willing to make.

They ease into things at a glacial pace. While Kuroo pretends he’s okay, he is still dealing with the fallout from Haru and the attack. Tsukishima doesn’t pressure him, in fact he often reassures him that he’s in no rush. That he’s waited all

This time for Kuroo, he didn’t mind waiting more. Still, they end up FaceTiming most nights. The immediate need to be next to each other after the rejected bite fades, but not completely. They still send shirts to each other every few weeks when they start to lose their scents.

Things stay like that for a while, until Kuroo’s heat finally rears it’s head. Tsukishima can tell on the phone that Kuroo’s more high strung than normal, more prone to zoning out while Tsukishima was talking.

‘I have another demand.’

‘Oh?’ He says, pausing mid sentence in

The paper he was writing as they chat.

‘Can you send more than one shirt this time?’ Kuroo’s fidgeting with a pen, hunched over the desk in his room as he talks.

‘Yeah? Trying to like extend the times between sending them or something?’

‘Or something.’

‘Okay?’ He blinks,

Trying to not look confused. He really didn’t mind, he would send Kuroo half of his wardrobe if he asked. He just didn’t know where this was coming from.

Kuroo sighed, setting the pen down dramatically. ‘My heat is coming next week. I uh-‘ he pauses, chewing on his lip. ‘I’m

Not ready to like ask for your help but god, I’m already getting irritable when I can’t smell you in my nest.’

‘I’ll send more shirts.’ Tsukishima replies quickly. The thought of Kuroo in his nest, whining for Tsukishima’s scent has his pulse racing. ‘Maybe a hoodie too?’

‘Please,’ Kuroo asks. ‘When um. When does your rut usually come?’ His face is tinting red again, which doesn’t help Tsukishima.

‘I’m not sure? They’ve never been super regular.’ Tsukishima frowns.

‘Tsukki, how am I supposed to send you more stuff for yours if you don’t know?’

‘I don’t know. Just like send extra this week and I’ll keep them sealed?’

Kuroo frowns, but he does. Tsukishima isn’t too concerned with having his clothes, as his ruts were never super hard to deal with, but he understands Kuroo’s need to help him out. He sends off his box

Of things, loneliness already setting in knowing that Kuroo would be too busy with his heat to FaceTime him over the next few days. It was terrible timing too, he had a mini break from classes and would’ve loved to go see Kuroo. Instead, he resigned himself to going home and

Using the shirt as a stand in for the black haired man. He collected his package as usual, replying to Kuroo on the way upstairs. Kuroo had text him letting him know he got the package and that he could already feel it starting, and would be MIA the next few days. Tsukishima

Replied with ‘take care of yourself’ before setting the package in his room, and making dinner. Full, and lonely, he made his way to his room. He knew it was pathetic to miss Kuroo after one day of not talking, but he couldn’t help himself.

He pops open the box, seeing a few

Different bags. He grabs the closest one, grabbing the scissors to cut it open. He’s immediately hit with a scent that makes him stumble, eyes wide. He didn’t think about the fact that Kuroo was in preheat while scenting these.

Faintly, he smells the familiar scent of Kuroo,

Earthy and rich, but it’s almost overpowered with a stronger scent. He had smelled omegas in heat before. While he tried to move on from Kuroo, he had a few failed relationships of his own, and knew that omega’s scents got sweeter, almost more cloying, but it had never smelled

Like this before, had never affected Tsukishima as much. Afterwards, he would chastise himself for not thinking about this, for not knowing that of course it would be different for his fated mate.

Kuroo’s shirt smelled like the middle of summer back home. The usual muddy earth

Lingering behind an almost fruity scent. Like sitting in your backyard after a storm, eating the fruit from the garden that wasn’t damaged. Like indulgent lazy summer afternoons, lips sticky from the peaches you just ate. Tsukishima groaned, want and desire racing through him.

His alpha was clawing it’s way back up, wanting him to get in his car and drive to Tokyo, to help his omega through his heat. He knew Kuroo didn’t want that though, and was able to maintain enough clarity to realize his rut was starting. Had started really, the second Kuroo’s

Scent had hit him. He laughed at the situation, but it quickly turned into a groan. He blearily reached for his phone, sending off a quick text to Yamaguchi who was planning on coming over tomorrow, telling him to not bother.

He didn’t wait for a reply, tossing his phone

On the bed as he pulled off his shirt and pants. His ruts before always came with the side effect of an increased libido, but this was on a whole other level. He could do nothing more than submit to his base desires, burying his face in Kuroo’s sweet scented shirt as he fucked

His own fist. The longing he felt for Kuroo to be here with him almost beat out his horniness though, and between rounds of relieving himself, he pulled out a different shirt strictly for cuddling. Part of him felt guilty for thinking of Kuroo and using his items in such a way,

But Kuroo knew what would happen when he sent clothes marked specifically ‘for rut.’ He also appeased himself by thinking of how Kuroo had wanted his own scent, needed to have it in his nest during his heat even if he wasn’t quite there with him.

The first day was a complete

Blur, and on the end of the second day, some of his clarity started to come back. He plugged his phone in for the first time to check his messages to see one from Kuroo. He frowned, tapping in to it.

‘Miserable. Miss you. Shirts were bad idea. Talk to you soon.’

He laughed,

Typing back a ‘tell me about it. One whiff of your shirt and you jump started my rut. Miss you too.’ Before venturing to the kitchen for food. He grabbed something small, forcing himself to sit at the counter and eat, not wanting crumbs in his bed. Soon though, another wave of

Want rolled through him.

He didn’t get another message from Kuroo until they were both wrung dry. Tsukishima had just finished stripping his bed, placing the soiled sheets and the shirts which no longer smelled like Kuroo into a trash bag, tied off and waiting til he could

Use the privacy of his brother’s washer. The other shirts were shut back in the box, shoved into the back of his closet. He laid down, too tired to put on new sheets yet, contemplating taking a nap when Kuroo called.

‘Hello?’

‘That was the worst heat of my life.’

Tsukishima

Winced. ‘Sorry. If it helps, mine wasn’t much better.’

‘That helps some,’ Kuroo hums. ‘Are you over it?’

‘Yes.’

‘Cool, cool. Did you use all of my shirts?’

‘Just two. The rest are shoved in the back of my closet before they kickstart a second round,’ he jokes, rolling onto

His back.

‘So just to confirm, you’re like 100% over it right?’

‘Yeah. I wouldn’t have answered my phone if not.’

‘Cool, cool.’

‘Why?’ He asked, getting suspicious.

‘No reason, just curious minds you know.’

‘That doesn’t sound very convincing,’ he starts to argue but

A knock at his door interrupts him. ‘Oh hang on, someone’s here.’

‘Oh? Did you have plans today, Tsukki?’

‘No,’ he grumbles as he rolls back out of bed. ‘It’s probably Yamaguchi or Akiteru checking up on me, the busybodies.’ He balances the phone between the side of his face

And his shoulder, pulling his door open to reveal Kuroo standing on the other side.

‘Or hear me out, it could be me.’ Kuroo smiles, clearly nervous as he bounces on his feet.

‘You’re here?’ Tsukishima says into the phone before realizing there’s no need and hanging up.

‘Rude, Tsukki. Don’t just hang up on a man.’

‘You’re standing right in front of me, I don’t think it matters if I said goodbye on the phone or not.’

‘I guess. Is it okay that I’m here?’

‘Yeah, of course it is.’

‘Okay, are you going to invite me in then or am I going to

Stay outside all day?’ Kuroo asks, shifting from foot to foot.

‘Shit no, come in.’ Tsukishima moves to the side, directing Kuroo where to leave his shoes at while he searches for a pair of guest slippers. He hands them to Kuroo, who was definitely staring at Tsukishima. This

Is when he realized he hadn’t yet put a shirt on. ‘Oh. Let me get a shirt, fuck.’

‘Tsukki, you know you shouldn’t open your door for strangers while dressed, let alone half naked.’ Kuroo laughs, hand coming to grab Tsukishima’s wrist. ‘Warm today?’

‘I just got out of the

Shower and was still cleaning up, shut up.’ He frowned.

‘You can stay like this if you want. I don’t mind the show.’

‘I can hardly be a polite host if I’m half naked as you called it.’ He ducked into his room long enough to find a shirt, sliding it on as he walked back into

The living area where Kuroo was inspecting his stuff. ‘So uh. What brings you to Sendai?’ He asks after grabbing them both something to drink, sitting awkwardly close yet far from each other on his couch.

‘Did I mention I just had one of the worst heats of my life?’ Kuroo

Asked, tone light but eyes dark.

‘Yeah, yeah you did. I’m sorry if it was my fault.’ Tsukishima fiddled with his water bottle, trying to not think too hard about Kuroo in heat.

‘It was sort of your fault, sort of not. I don’t regret telling you I didn’t want you there, but

During it, god did I want you there. It was so weird because even with Haru when he would spend my heats with me, I never like needed him there.’ Kuroo was running his fingers through his hair as he talked, prompting Tsukishima to untangle his own threaded fingers to reach up

And gently grasp Kuroo’s hand in his own.

‘It was the same here,’ he admits. ‘I’ve spent my ruts with omegas but it was never out of a need.’

‘Wait, hold on.’ Kuroo furrows his brows, turning to face Tsukishima head on. ‘You said you only ever liked me. Who’d you spend your

Ruts with?’ His free hand comes to prod him in the chest accusingly.

‘I didn’t have to like someone romantically to sleep with them? You can’t be mad at me, you had a boyfriend the whole time?’

‘Well too bad, I’m mad.’ Kuroo huffs, turning back away from him. The corners

Of his lips tilt upwards though, proving he’s playing it up.

‘I’m so very sorry.’ Tsukishima says so dryly Kuroo cracks up. ‘They were no ones though, really. And they always kinda smelled bad. You smelled nice, even if it was sabotage.’

‘Sabotage?? You would accuse me?’

Kuroo gasps.

‘Yes. You sent me preheat soaked clothes on purpose.’

‘Maybe I’m psychic. Maybe I knew my heat would be bad and I wanted revenge,’ Kuroo mused.

‘Did that quench your thirst for payback?’

‘Nope. You said you liked how I smelled, payback is null and void.’

‘However can I make it up to you then?’ Tsukishima was fully holding Kuroo’s hands now, awkwardness from minutes ago fading as they unconsciously drifted closer together.

‘You could scent me for real this time?’ Kuroo asks, voice hopeful.

‘Okay,’ Tsukishima swallows. ‘You

Want wrist to neck or? Tell me how you want it?’

Kuroo paused for a moment, looking intently at Tsukishima before moving.

‘Are you okay with neck to neck if we do it my way?’ Kuroo asks, smiling as Tsukishima nods enthusiastically. ‘Cute. Okay, but you can’t move until I say

You can. You move and I leave.’ Kuroo threatens. He moves quickly, pulling his shirt off and tossing it to the side. He pushes Tsukishima until his back is pressed against the couch, and then straddles him. He tugs Tsukishima’s shirt softly, not pulling it over his head until

Tsukishima tells him it’s okay.

Tsukishima’s heart is pounding, he’s certain his neighbors can hear how fast it’s going. He realizes belatedly, that Kuroo isn’t wearing any of his regular scent blockers, letting his pure unfiltered scent wash directly into Tsukishima’s as he

Tilts his head, pressing their necks together. Kuroo makes a happy sound, pressing in closer. Tsukishima can’t stop his eyes from fluttering closed, inhaling deeply as Kuroo scents him.

This had been nothing more than a pipe dream for the last few years of his life, he could

Hardly believe he wasn’t dreaming. He brought his hands tentatively to Kuroo’s waist, waiting for Kuroo to push him away. He didn’t, but he did reach down and pull one of Tsukishima’s hands to his hair, and Tsukishima immediately thread his fingers through the messy strands. He

Doesn’t know how long they sat there, with Kuroo scenting him and purring in his lap, but it wasn’t long enough. When Kuroo pulled back he couldn’t stop the whine that left his mouth, causing Kuroo to laugh.

‘Okay, I feel less awful now.’

‘Glad I could help.’

Kuroo grins

Down at him from his place in Tsukishima’s lap. ‘Hey Tsukishima,’ he murmurs, gaze dropping to linger on Tsukishima’s lips. ‘Can I kiss you?’

‘Literally whenever you want. My answer is always yes.’

‘Hmm. What if we’re fighting? Or in public? Or like in the middle of one of

Your games?’

‘Still yes.’

‘You’re giving me too much power here.’ His eyes glint mischievously, and Tsukishima is struck with how cat like Kuroo really is.

‘You have all the power in this relationship, trust me.’

Kuroo’s shocked for a second, before his previously sleazy

Grin turns to a real, soft smile. He leans down, gently pressing his lips to Tsukishima’s. It’s not immediately world changing, planets aligning, amazing. It just feels right, like coming home. Kuroo lets out a quiet whine which spurs Tsukishima into action. Not wanting to

Overstep, his movements are slow, giving Kuroo plenty of time to stop him or pull back. He moves both hands to cup Kuroo’s jaw, thumbs brushing his cheekbones as he deepens the kiss.

It’s tame, compared to some of the things Tsukishima has done in his past, but it still gets

His heart pounding. It feels like the culmination of his patience, getting to touch Kuroo like this. Having him sigh against his mouth, his weight pressing comfortably into Tsukishima as they kiss, it’s all Tsukishima has ever wanted.

Kuroo pulls back a few minutes later,

Cheeks flushed and eyes soft. Tsukishima takes him in, silently memorizing how this new side of him looks.

‘Are you staying long?’ Tsukishima asks, voice soft in the quiet room.

‘For the night, if you’ll have me. I can crash on the couch.’ He goes to scoot sideways, back to

His original spot next to Tsukishima but Tsukishima tightens his grip on Kuroo’s hips slightly. Kuroo tilts his head in confusion.

‘Humor me and stay like this for a minute? And you can sleep in my room. I’ll take the couch.’

‘I’ll stay like this but only if you take the bed.’

Kuroo raises an eyebrow.

‘I’m not letting you sleep on the couch, Kuroo.’

‘Fine. Let’s be adults and share the bed. Have you eaten dinner yet? I’m starving.’

Tsukishima sees how Kuroo changes the subject and decides to let him get away with it this time. The two of them

Decide on a place to grab food, reluctantly standing up. Tsukishima changes quickly to clothes presentable for the public and they head out. By the time they both decide to head to bed, Kuroo demands to borrow Tsukishima’s clothes to sleep in, leaving to the bathroom to get

Changed as Tsukishima finally puts the clean sheets back on the mattress. He grabs his own change of clothes when Kuroo comes back, instructing him to get comfortable while he got ready for bed. When he came back, Kuroo was still staring at the bed.

‘It’s not too late for me

To take the couch,’ he reminds him as Kuroo scowls at him.

‘Shut up. I’m trying to decide if I want the spot by the wall or not.’

‘Okay,’ Tsukishima says, sitting in his desk chair while Kuroo contemplates. He yawns, which must prompt Kuroo to make a final decision.

‘If I

Take the spot by the wall, will it freak you out if I climb over you if I have to pee or something.’

‘No? I used to sleep in a room with the idiot duo of Karasuno on camps, I think I’ll be okay. I don’t care either way, really.’

Kuroo climbed into the bed, holding the covers

Up for Tsukishima to slide in next to him. Tsukishima leaned over to click off the desk lamp, the last remaining light, washing the room in darkness.

‘Haru used to care.’ Kuroo whispered in the dark, bolder now that he didn’t have to make eye contact. Tsukishima stilled,

Waiting to see if he would continue. ‘I like being boxed in, you know? Wall on one side, person on the other, but anytime I left the bed before him or in the middle of the night he would freak out.’

‘Kuroo, you could step in the middle of my stomach on the way out of bed and I

Promise you I wouldn’t freak out on you.’

‘You want me to step on you? Kinky.’ Kuroo teases, but he shifts so he’s laying on his side, linking their fingers together.

‘Shut up, perv.’ Tsukishima huffs out a laugh.

Kuroo’s departure in the morning is sad, and even with

Setting up time for Tsukishima to come see him for an official first date in Tokyo, they both feel the pang of longing as Kuroo’s train pulls away.

It’s something they learn to deal with. While their relationship grows more and more serious, neither one is ready to relocate.

It’s draining sometimes, but they work through it together. It’s especially rough during Tsukishima’s last exam season, or when Kuroo is putting together the all star match, but it’s the roughest during their heats and ruts.

They’ve been dating for a few years now, and have been

Intimate, but Kuroo’s fear of being marked unwillingly has held him back from sharing their cycles together. He apologizes each time he feels his heat coming, but Tsukishima insists that it’s fine. Would he love to help him during it? Of course. Does he respect Kuroo’s decision

To not share them? Of course.

This time though, Kuroo declares it will be different.

He’s up at Tsukishima’s apartment for the weekend, a rare weekend where they were both free. Tsukishima sits on his couch doing a crossword puzzle when the declaration comes. He simply raises

His eyebrows, lowering the puzzle long enough to look at his boyfriend, sitting on the opposite side of the couch.

‘Oh?’

‘Yep. I’ve been really talking it through with my therapist, and we think it’s time.’ He waggles his fingers when he says time, a sad imitation of the jazz

Hands from that cheerleading movie he makes Tsukishima watch every few months. (‘Their outfits are red, they’re practically Nekoma cheerleaders.’ ‘Tetsurou, they’re American??’)

‘Time for?’ Tsukishima prompts. They hadn’t been talking before, so he’s at a loss to what Kuroo is

Even talking about.

‘Don’t make me say it out loud,’ Kuroo whines, dramatically flopping backwards. He kicks at Tsukishima’s arm until he moves it out of the way, letting Kuroo’s feet slide into his lap.

‘If you can’t say it out loud, maybe it’s not time for whatever you’re

On about.’ He muses, setting his pencil in the book and moving it to the table. His hands automatically start massaging a pattern into Kuroo’s foot as he gasps.

‘Don’t say that, negative Nancy. My next heats coming up, and I think we should spend it together.’ The words are

Spoken to the ceiling.

‘Yeah?’ Tsukishima asks. ‘I’m glad your therapist decided that for us.’

‘Shh, it was my decision. I just needed her to back me up so if I fail miserably I can blame her.’

‘Tetsu, that can’t be healthy?’ He says, laughing despite himself. ‘You know I’m

Not in a rush.’

‘No I know,’ Kuroo sighs. ‘And I’m joking about the blaming her, for the most part. I want to though.’

‘Can you look me in the eye and tell me you want me to help you with your heat, because this isn’t counting as enthusiastic consent in my book.’

‘Kei, it’s

Embarrassing,’ he whines.

‘I’ve literally fucked you on this couch, how is it embarrassing?’

Kuroo sits up, scooting his feet back to tuck under his legs. He slaps himself on the cheeks, building up the nerve. ‘Tsukishima Kei, I would like for you to come to Tokyo and help

Me with my next heat.’

‘Was that so hard?’ Tsukishima chuckles.

‘Yes. It made me feel like a teenager again. That’s also not an answer.’

‘I’d love to. As long as you’re sure.’

Kuroo nods. ‘Positive. Now let me help you with the crossword puzzle, I’m sure you need my

Super smart brain cells.’

That’s the end of the conversation until closer to the actual time of his heat. Before it, Tsukishima keeps checking he’s still okay with it, letting him know he can back out at anytime. When Kuroo’s preheat symptoms start, he FaceTimes Tsukishima to

Lay down the ground rules again before Tsukishima can head towards him.

‘You can bite me, but no marking.’

‘No marking, I promise.’

‘And if I ask you to knock me up, that’s totally the hormones talking.’

‘Tetsu, you literally beg me to breed you all the time. I know it’s

Your weird kink.’

‘It’s yours too, shut up.’ Kuroo pouts.

‘Sure. Anything else or am I good to start driving down?’

‘Nope that’s it. Drive safe.’

‘I’ll call you from the parking lot when I get there,’ Tsukishima says, grabbing his bag and car keys and heading out.

‘You

Can just come inside.’

‘Like I said before, if your shirts send me into rut immediately, what do you think your actual scent will do? I’ll call and check in one more time.’

‘Fine, whatever, just hurry. But drive safe!’

‘Fast but safe, got it.’

He calls from the parking

Lot as promised, and Kuroo answers the phone with an attitude. ‘What took so long?’

‘Tokyo traffic, baby. I’m pulling in to a spot right now.’

‘Whatever, just get up here before I lose my mind. Use your key, I’m not getting out of bed.’

Tsukishima complies and when the door

To the apartment opens, he’s hit with the now familiar scent of Kuroo’s heat. He pauses for a few seconds, getting used to it, letting it work through his system as his alpha cheers in the corner.

‘Kei?’ Kuroo calls out, interrupting his thoughts. He calls out a confirmation

That it’s him, sliding off his shoes and heading to the bedroom. It’s another test in his self control as he kneels on the floor by Kuroo’s bed.

‘Hey, baby.’ He smiles at Kuroo, buried in his nest, frowning at him.

‘If you don’t get in here in the next five seconds, Kei,

We’re divorcing.’ He scoots back, making room.

‘We’re not married, we can’t get divorced yet.’ Kei laughs. ‘Pants on or off?’

‘Off. Why aren’t you going all crazy rut like?’ Kuroo’s frown seems frozen on his face. ‘I thought it was like insta-rut?’

‘It is? My rut doesn’t

Make me a different person? Trust me, I would very much like to fuck you right now.’ He pulls his pants off, throwing his shirt next to them while he’s at it before climbing in next to Kuroo.

‘Oh. I thought you would like lose it or something.’ Kuroo wraps his arms around

Tsukishima, snuggling in close enough to press their scent glands together.

‘Do you completely lose control during your heats?’ Tsukishima asks, tossing his glasses outside of the nest as well.

‘Maybe. Would you still love me if I did?’

‘You know I would,’ Tsukishima

Sighs. As much as his alpha is begging to be inside of Kuroo, Tsukishima holds back. He knows Kuroo’s reservations and has no problem letting the omega take the lead. Kuroo seems content to spend a few minutes cuddling, before he starts fidgeting.

‘Okay as much as I appreciate

You holding back for me, you could like be ravishing me right now or something,’ he whines. Tsukishima snorts, tilting his head so he can press their lips together. Kuroo gasps, opening his mouth and trying to rush the pace along.

‘Stop rushing, we have days, Tetsu.’ Tsukishima

Scolds him.

‘You do not have days,’ Kuroo hisses, rolling until he’s straddling Tsukishima. He brings his blanket with him, wrapped around his shoulders like a cloak. When he drops down to kiss Tsukishima, rolling his hips as he does, he lets it fall around them. It cuts them

Off even further from the outside world, creating a space just for the two of them. Tsukishima keeps Kuroo steady as he rocks his hips, rubbing himself along Tsukishima’s erection. He can feel Kuroo’s slick wetting his boxers, smell it dripping out of him, but he grounds

Himself with his fingers, one hand wrapped in Kuroo’s hair, the other finding it’s way to his hip. The kiss gets sloppier as the haze of hormones washes over them.

‘Kei, boxers off now, please,’ Kuroo shivers into his mouth. Tsukishima complies, shoving them down his legs with

No finesse.

‘Fuck, Tetsu. You smell so fucking good baby,’ he croons, carefully kissing his way along Kuroo’s chest. Kuroo whines, breath coming in harsh pants as he finally gets direct contact with Tsukishima’s cock. ‘You need prep first love? Or do you wanna cum like this

First?’ He asks, bucking his own hips as the tip of his cock brushes against Kuroo’s slick hole.

‘No, want you inside me.’

‘Take it then Tetsu.’ He shifts enough to angle his hips better for their position as Kuroo nods, reaching back to line them up. He strokes up and down

Tsukishima’s shaft a few times, causing him to hiss at the contact, before he lines them up. They both moan when the head of his cock pushes past Kuroo’s rim. Tsukishima tries to clear his head enough to tell Kuroo to not rush, when Kuroo decides he’s waited enough and slams down

Hard enough he buries Tsukishima inside of him to the hilt. Tsukishima can’t hold back the moan, almost jackknifing in half at the suddenly onslaught of Kuroo, wet and tight around him. His alpha is begging Tsukishima to fuck into the heat, begging him to flip Kuroo over and make

Him present as he fucks his knot inside of him, but he slowly settles back into the bed, trembling with the effort.

Kuroo rolls his hips once, twice, testing the waters with his jaw slack. ‘Kei,’ he whines as he sets up a rhythm.

It’s maddening, how Kuroo rocks and rolls,

Solely focused on his own pleasure, but it’s also so erotic even Tsukishima’s alpha is stunned into silence watching him.

Kuroo finally reopens his eyes and pauses as he takes in the sight of the alpha below him. Tsukishima’s trembling from holding back hasn’t stopped, and he’s

Sure his fangs are out further than normal, an automatic reaction from smelling an omega in heat. He sees it before Kuroo tries to school his expression, a trickle of fear in his eyes.

With effort, Tsukishima turns his head to the side, fully baring his own scent gland, a sign

Of submission rarely shown from alphas. ‘Keep going baby. Use me to get off, like you were. You’ve got all the power here.’

‘All of it?’ Kuroo’s voice is wrecked already, curious but laced with teasing as he starts rocking his hips once more. Tsukishima nods, eyes dropping down

To watch where their bodies are connected. Kuroo’s neglected dick is hard, bobbing with each roll, leaving a sticky mess on his own stomach from precum that Tsukishima needs in his mouth.

The hand on Kuroo’s hip shifts in, his thumb brushing through the mess, dragging the digit

Closer and closer to Kuroo’s cock. Kuroo’s abs flinch at the touch, and his gaze drops from Tsukishima’s eyes to follow the path of his thumb. He sees where Tsukishima’s end path is, and when Tsukishima pauses his movement, Kuroo shakes his head.

‘No. Wanna come like this.’

‘Okay.’ Tsukishima’s almost startled by his own voice, how deep it is compared to normal. Another sign of how affected he is even as he tries to hide it for Kuroo’s comfort. He drags his thumb away, collecting the remnants of Kuroo’s precome on it. ‘Can I taste?’

Kuroo’s hips

Stall, eyes darkening. ‘Fuck, Kei. Yeah.’ He waits until Tsukishima’s popped the thumb into his own mouth, moaning lightly at the bitter taste, before starting to move again. ‘Let me-‘ he gasps between every other word, chasing his high. ‘-get off like this once, then you can

Fuck me. Shit, I’m so close.’

Tsukishima simply tightens his hand, back on Kuroo’s hip, letting the omega fuck himself to his hearts content. It doesn’t take much longer until Kuroo’s coming, clenching around Tsukishima as he curls in on himself. He drops his head to rest on

Tsukishima’s chest, purring as he comes down. Tsukishima runs his fingers through Kuroo’s sweaty hair, whispering praises.

‘You can fuck me now,’ he all but slurs into Tsukishima’s chest.

‘Are you actually ready for me to fuck you or-‘ he starts to question before Kuroo cuts

Him off with a glare.

‘Don’t treat me like a baby, I said fuck me so fuck me.’

Tsukishima looks down to see Kuroo still hard, and laughs. ‘Don’t yell at me because you’re still horny, you had your fun already. I’ll fuck you when I’m ready to fuck you.’

Kuroo’s eyes widen at

Being found out before he narrows them again. ‘Like you’re not horny, liar. Don’t act cocky when you wanna fuck me so bad you’re shaking.’

‘Yeah, difference between me and you is I have self control.’

‘Ass,’ Kuroo gasps, laughing as he caves. He slides off of Tsukishima, both

Of them hissing at the separation. ‘If present, will you go slow?’ Kuroo’s chewing his lip, clearly debating what he wants next.

‘As slow as you want.’

Kuroo deems him trustworthy and moves, grabbing a pillow to wrap his arms around as he drops his face into it. Tsukishima

Can’t help but groan at the sight, hands coming to run along Kuroo’s thighs and ass.

‘Next time, you should let me eat you out before I fuck you.’ He muses, dipping down to press a feather light bite to where Kuroo’s thigh meets the curve of his bottom. He gets a whine from the

Older man and takes it as a sign to continue. He kisses a trail from the curve up, tracing up Kuroo’s spine with his tongue until he’s pressing back inside. Kuroo sighs, eyes fluttering closed. Tsukishima does as instructed and fucks him slow and deep, pressing all the way in

And lingering before pulling back to start again. Between thrusts he continues his mission to kiss every inch of Kuroo’s back, sucking in marks when he finds a particularly sensitive spot, careful to only use his teeth on the lower half to not cause a negative reaction.

Kuroo

Starts to rock his hips back to meet Tsukishima’s, and he trails his hand from Kuroo’s hip to his thigh, pressing in as he moves to take Kuroo’s cock in his hand. He doesn’t object this time, and it only takes a few strokes before Kuroo’s coming again, spilling over Tsukishima’s

Hand. It’s quicker than the last time, and almost immediately after he forces his eyes open, looking over his shoulders to make eye contact with Tsukishima.

‘Kei, please. Want your knot.’

With his brain preoccupied with finally getting to knot Kuroo, he forgets about Kuroo’s

Mess on his fingers until after he’s tangled that hand with Kuroo’s, but Kuroo doesn’t flinch, just lets him hold his hand as he leans over him. Tsukishima rests his forehead on Kuroo’s shoulder blade, the opposite one from his scent gland, and slowly works his knot inside of

Him. Kuroo’s whimpers below him at being split open even further only spur him on. Once his whole knot is inside, Kuroo comes for a third time, dry, clenching even tighter. It sends Tsukishima over the edge and as he pumps Kuroo full of his release, he groans into his back.

They settle in on their sides until Tsukishima’s knot deflates, both of them dozing. When Tsukishima feels himself slip out, he grabs a towel to clean up while Kuroo naps.

When Kuroo wakes back up he sits up, looking around the nest for a second, before zeroing in on Tsukishima

Laying there.

‘Turn your head to the side,’ Kuroo rasps out, pointing in the direction he wants him to turn. Tsukishima raises a brow but does, and is rewarded with Kuroo crawling on top of him and pressing their scent glands together. He shuffles around a bit, before fully

Settling down.

‘Hi,’ Kuroo says, face buried in Tsukishima’s shoulder as he scents him.

‘Hi,’ he chuckles in return. When Kuroo starts to purr absentmindedly, he wraps his arms around him tighter. ‘You really are like a giant cat sometimes.’

‘Meow,’ Kuroo deadpans.

Tsukishima gently knocks his jaw into Kuroo’s head.

‘How are you feeling?’

‘Hot. Sticky. Good.’

‘Want to take a cooler bath real quick?’ Tsukishima asks.

‘Hmm, no. Day one is normally the worst of it, it shouldn’t be too much longer before I’m ready for another round. How

Are you?’

‘Very ready for the next round,’ he answers honestly.

‘Gimme a few more moments of this.’ Kuroo starts purring again.

The rest of their shared cycle goes off without a hitch. Kuroo gets more and more comfortable with letting Tsukishima take control with each day,

And by the last round, Tsukishima has Kuroo almost folded in half on his back as he fucks him relentlessly, wringing orgasm after orgasm out of the omega until Kuroo is begging for his knot one last time.

Once it’s over, both the heat and the rut strangled into submission for

The next six months, Tsukishima and Kuroo work together to change his sheets and shower before collapsing on his couch with some delivery.

‘So, will you be blaming your therapist the next time you see her?’ Tsukishima jokes.

‘Blaming her for not telling me I was ready

Sooner,’ Kuroo jokes back. ‘Really though, Kei. Thanks for being patient with me.’

‘Anytime, Tetsu.’ They eat in silence for a few more minutes before Kuroo chimes back in.

‘Now to just work on my weirdness about you marking me.’

‘You know I’m not in any rush,’ Tsukishima

Frowns.

‘No, but maybe I am.’

‘You want my mark?’ Tsukishima pauses, shocked.

‘Don’t act surprised, dummy. Of course I do. It would be nice you know, to take the next step or whatever.’

‘It’s supposed to be harder to be apart for long times if you’re marked though, I

Don’t want to do something that could have negative repercussions.’

‘There’s a JVA office in Sendai, or museums here. We can look into it, we can make it work.’ Kuroo shrugs, playing it off even though it was clear to Tsukishima that he had done more consideration than he was

Trying to show. He was hit with a wave of gratitude, that this was his future mate. That he had done it, Kuroo loved him as much as he loved Kuroo.

‘You can mark me now.’ He blurts out, continuing when Kuroo whips his head to look at him. ‘It’ll fade but you can keep marking

Me until we get there.’ Omegas could mark alphas, but it was more temporary than the mating bite of an alpha. It was something most alpha’s didn’t offer, even though it didn’t cause any issues for them, strictly because some alphas considered it a sign of submission. Tsukishima

Wasn’t one of those alphas. He would proudly wear Kuroo’s mark on him.

‘You’d let me?’ Kuroo asks.

‘Yes. Like you could do it right now and I’d have no regrets. Well, after you brushed your teeth, don’t get food in my gland.’

‘Next time,’ Kuroo replied, eyes wide and a

Little breathless. ‘I’ll give you time to change your mind.’

‘Tetsu, you could’ve marked me my first year of high school. I’m not changing it.’

‘Still. Next time, okay?’

Tsukishima nods, and they abandon their food, content to fall asleep in each others arms.

Tsukishima

Had been stupid back then, he decided. He was stupid for ever doubting that him and Kuroo would end up together. Leaving the past in the past, he promised to never be as stupid when it came to his mate in the future.

End!