Thread by @AtsumusLeftTit

#skts | A Birthday Forgotten, A Birthday Remembered

//childhood Hurt + Adult Comfort

Kiyoomi has never been one to celebrate his birthday. Growing up he had felt nothing but disappointment each passing year.

He was 5 when he asked his classmates to come over for a party.

He was so excited! He had on his best little suit. He waited excitedly all night by the front door.

But nobody came. It was the first time he had experienced such disappointment in his tiny little body. He remembers falling asleep by the window, and waking up in bed.

He was 6 when they tried again, his cousin was the first to arrive, his cousin was the only one to arrive.

He was 7 when he understood to expect disappointment.

He was 8 when he asked his parents not to throw a party that year. Best to not even set up for the disappointment

He was 9 when even his parents forgot his birthday, only remembering as the month turned to April.

From then on Kiyoomi faced his birthday silently, alone. He never told anyone new when his birthday was. A way to guard himself from the inevitable disappointment of someone

not wanting to share such an intimate day with him.

It was a few months shy of his 24th birthday, Kiyoomi say packed into a booth at a bar. The rest of the Jackals squished around him. He had Meian pressing into his left, Hinata to his right.

The new season was soon to begin,

they had just held their annual tryouts and had seen some promising talent. And, as per tradition, Meian forced the old team out together before their dynamic changed with the addition of new rookies.

If someone had told 18 year old Kiyoomi he would be shoved in a booth of a

dingy BBQ just down the street from his training center, pressed up against two players, and actually enjoy himself? He would have laughed- or maybe slapped himself.

But Kiyoomi actually liked this team. He trusted them, knew they had their vaccines, knew they respected his

desire for health. Hinata had proven a lot of himself over the last year as teammates. He wasn’t the sick little boy he was in high school anymore. His time in Brazil had been good to him.

Kiyoomi was feeling the buzz of the beer, his right arm slung over Hinata shoulders

as he used his left hand to flip the meat on the grill in front of them. He was doing it with minimal fínese- but far better than Bokuto who dropped more than half his meat with his left hand.

“This is a stupid fucking idea.” Inunaki slurred from his grill.

“You’re the one

that though we should work on our motor skills or whatever-“ Meian snickered, his arms resting over the booth behind them.

“I personally think I’m doing great-“ Kiyoomi boasted, gods who was he? Hanging onto his fellow spiker, taking on a bet to use only his left hand to cook?

“You have freaky wrists… you don’t count…” Bokuto grumbled as he dropped the pork for the third time without flipping it.

“I really don’t think that’s it…” Hinata chuckled from his spot against Kiyoomi, his cheeks tinted red from the alcohol.

Kiyoomi was about to retaliate when he heard Meian snorting.

“Tsumu’s got his thinking face on.”

Kiyoomi snapped his gaze across the table, making eye contact with Atsumu. His brow was furrowed, lips pressed together as he squinted at Kiyoomi.

“I’m not going to spike with my left hand.” He spoke with finality, not even waiting for whatever nonsense was about to slip out of those stupidly attractive looking lips. The oil from their food seemed to make them even more glossy than normal.

But his comment didn’t stop him.

“You’ve been on the team a year now…”

“Wow, Miya can do math.” Kiyoomi snorted, moving to serve the meat he was cooking to the closest plates to him. Watching as Bokuto snuck the tongs into his right hand to serve the other end of the table.

Kiyoomi snapped his tongs at Bo,

“Nuh uh- left hand or no hand mister…” okay, maybe Kiyoomi was a little drunk.

“We never celebrated your birthday.” Atsumus statement had him sobering up like he just dumped a bucket of ice water over his head.

“What?” Kiyoomi mumbled

Hinata gasped, sitting up straight as Kiyoomi retracted his arm.

“He’s right! We never did!”

Meian was next to noticed, blinking at the man beside him before realization sunk in.

“Oh my god… we- oh my god we forgot your birthday.” Meian covered his face with his hands.

“No, we didn’t forget… he never told us- why didn’t you tell us? When is your birthday?” Atsumu was frowning, looking at kiyoomi with something in his eyes he couldn’t quite place.

Atsumu was the birthday man, he always remembered everyone’s birthdays. He loved to celebrate

people, always threw the best parties for the team. He was attentive too, Tomas liked the quite so Atsumu had taken them out for a dinner. Bokuto loved people and Atsumu invited half of Japan for a party at a private club downtown.

He claims he lost out on birthdays growing up,

always splitting his with his brother and never getting to do what he wanted. He apparently spent his first birthday away from his brother after graduation and cried himself stupid. They celebrate together again now. He doesn’t feel right blowing out candles if his brother isn’t

there to do the other half.

“I… I don’t celebrate my birthday. Don’t see a reason to.” He didn’t need Atsumus gaze, moving to serve him instead and then turn his attention back to grilling.

“Whadaya men?” Bokuto had stuffed a wrap in his mouth, cheeks bulging as he looked

at Kiyoomi.

“I just don’t- I don’t feel like talking about it. Meian, pass this down I don’t think they’re getting enough that end.” He passed a plate of meat to the captain before turning his attention to the stove.

Don’t tell them.

Don’t let them know.

They can’t disappoint you if you don’t set them up to.

He took a swig of his beer, ignoring the burning gaze from the man across from him.

Don’t be disappointed.

//tweet limit! TBC

The conversation from before seemed to vanish from his memory.

Maybe it was the alcohol, maybe it was the depression of a childhood he wished he could have had.

His birthday was only a few weeks away now and he still hasn’t said anything. His birthday would be just like any

normal day. It would pass and he would forget about it again. The hollow feeling that accompanied that day had long since hurt him anymore.

His plan this year was no different than normal, spend it alone. Buy himself a little cupcake from the store and blow out his own candle.

But his plans were ruined. Atsumu had proposed a game night a few weeks before his birthday. That wasn’t the issue. The issues? Scheduling.

Half the team wasn’t available that coming weekend. Bokuto was visiting home, one of the rookies had an appointment out of town,

and Hinata said something about his friend from Brazil.

The next weekend Meian was busy with family and Inunaki was going on a trip to see some museum- Kiyoomi was tempted to join him.

The only weekend everyone was free? The weekend of his birthday. He wanted to refuse but he

would be the only one unable to go and he didn’t even have plans. Atsumu would kill him if he checked his location and saw he was at home all weekend.

He was reluctant to agree, but he did none the less. It wasn’t their first game night but it would be for the two newest

members of the team.

He remembers his first game night, it was always hosted at Meians. He had a large house just on the outskirts of the city with a beautiful back yard. It was still a bit too chilly to stay outside but the house was big enough to house a Division 1

Volleyball team. He wasn’t about to miss out on their rookies first game night.

Everyone was pretty excited that day at practice. Talking about the food they were bringing, the games they were planning. The rookies seemed even more buzzed about getting to see the captains

home.

The team was slowly filtering out from the locker rooms, all planning to meet at meians soon.

“See ya! Don’t forget the dessert tsumu!” Bokuto clapped Atsumu on the back before wandering out the door.

Atsumu had flinched when he hit him, Kiyoomi assumed it was just

a hard hit before he groaned and shoved his head in the locker.

Kiyoomi snorted, pulling on a long sleeve jumper. “What? Forgot to buy it?”

The pitiful whine was enough of a confirmation.

“They’re gonna kill me”

“Stop being so dramatic, just go and pick one up on the way.”

“My car is getting serviced! I won’t have time to take the train into the city, pick something up, and then try and get to his place.” Atsumu huffed before his head snapped over to him.

“Omi… Omi-Omi” he had that cheeky look on his face. “You have a car.”

“No, it actually

blew up yesterday, I’m afraid.” Kiyoomi shot him a smile as he slammed his locker shut.

“Please? It’ll be quick! We can hit the bakery on 23rd, the one with the pastries! The team love that place! And I promise I’ll hold onto it for dear life so it won’t spill in your car!”

Kiyoomi groaned, what could he say no to Atsumu when he looked at him like that?

Atsumu had that way with him, it had been since mid last year. The setter started spending more time with him, getting under his skin, making a home near his walls.

Kiyoomi was resistant at first, the setter always managed to get on his last nerve. But then his jokes stopped annoying him and actually got him to laugh. His demanding attitude became justified, he wasn’t pushing them beyond their limits, he was finding their new limit.

Atsumu was rude and insufferable, but he was also attentive and kind. He was there for Kiyoomi when he hurt his wrist, the pain shot through him one day and Atsumu was quick to take care of him.

It was nothing serious, just an agitation of an old injury from a missed hit.

But Atsumu was there, always by his side, waiting for him to let him in. They even started doing mundane things together. His personal favorite being grocery shopping together. He didn’t realize how much he enjoyed shopping until Atsumu started going with him.

“Fine. But we better not be late, I’m in charge of the alcohol this time and they’ll kill me if I’m late!” Kiyoomi also hated being late, regardless of if the team even cared.

Atsumu let out a whoop, throwing his fist in the air.

“I’ll be right back!! Let me just change!”

The blonde ran off at the speed of light, much to Kiyoomis confusion. He had seen the man naked many-a-times… he just rolled his eyes and pulled his mask on before waking to the

exit.

Atsumu met him there not even 5 minutes later wearing an obnoxious floor length puffer jacket.

“Miya… it’s not even that cold-“

“I know! But I couldn’t find my other jacket, Bo must have grabbed it by mistake. This is better than nothing, right?”

Atsumu liked to do that. He liked confirming he was correct even though he clearly knew he was. Kiyoomi knew he liked validation, but he rarely caved.

Rolling his eyes he just walked to his car.

The bakery wasn’t far and it was in the direction of meians anyway. He pulled up to the curb and Atsumu shot out the door and inside.

He chuckled, leaning his arm against the door as he watched the bakery. He looked in the display case and saw a large birthday cake in one

corner.

He had never had one like that before. He always opted for a small cupcake or tart, no need to waste a cake for an occasion no one even cared about.

He had to shake the thought from his head as Atsumu walked out with an obnoxiously large box.

“What did you buy? The entire bakery?” Kiyoomi snorted as Atsumu slowly got in, cradling the box on his lap.

“I got like… one of everything- and they had those plum tarts! I got 4 of them, was all they had. I’ll leave you out two of them if you want.” Kiyoomi chose to ignore

the wink. He also chose to ignore the flutter in his chest. Atsumu liked to do that, to get him things without asking, just knowing he wanted them.

“Yea… sure… just-“

“I know I know, don’t spill anything.”

He gave one last eye roll before driving off to the captains house, a buzzing Atsumu beside him.

//TBC! tweet limit

Kiyoomi tried his best NOT to comment on the fact they were the last to arrive. He really did hold the comment in.

He didn’t hold in his disappointed sigh, dramatically putting his car in park as he looked at Atsumu hugging his pastry box.

“Heh… love you?”

Kiyoomi snorted as he got out of the car, opting to not help Atsumu get out with his stupid box of pastries. He just reached into the back to grab his duffle bag that was neatly packed with bottles of wine. Coaches orders of no beer during the season didn’t mean they couldn’t

have a nice glass of wine or two- or nine.

He gently lay the bag over his shoulder before watching the man struggle. He stood on the side of the road as he watched him try to balance himself and the box.

When he got up he just kept watching as he used his ass to close the

door before giving a proud little grin.

“Come on, Bokuto probably already ate all the dip.”

He went off up the packed driveway and gently knocked on the door. He heard Meian yell it was open.

Pushing the door open he toed off his shoes in the entry way and slid into his house slippers. He carefully removed his jacket while balancing the bag of alcohol.

He smirked at Atsumu as he blindly shucked off his shoes. “Suffer.”

He followed the sound of voices to the living room, leaving a groaning Atsumu behind but he came to a halting stop at what he saw.

Meians normally tidy living room was covered in black and gold streamers. Balloons were floating about, both tied to items or just bobbing around.

There furniture was pushed around, a large table pulled in from the dining room held their snacks and food and the coffee table (which normally housed their games) was piled with gifts.

A large birthday banner hung on the wall across from him.

But the real kicker? Every single fucking one of his teammates wore his uniform. The number 15 plastered on the Jersey of every single one of them.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!”

Kiyoomi almost covered his ears at the yelling. He was thankful for the strap of his bag or he may have

dropped it.

“Wh-what?”

A few of them laughed at his stunned expression. Meian walking over to pull the bag from his shoulder in fear he may drop it.

“Happy birthday, Kiyoomi.”

Kiyoomi was at a complete loss for words.

He couldn’t speak as his teammates started coming up to him, one by one and wishing him a happy birthday. He didn’t remember who put the birthday hat on him or who put the glass of wine in his hand, but he remembers every hug, every birthday wish, he remembers every tear he had

to fight back.

It was Hinata who spilled the beans, grinning like the sun. “It was Tsumus idea! He said everyone deserves a birthday, whether they want one or not.”

“Yea, he also had us all lie so you wouldn’t realize we were planning it for your birthday…”

Kiyoomi blinked at Inunaki, remembering the trip to the museum they took last week.

“You don’t even like museums…”

Inunaki looked a little sheepish, “I panicked… saw the flyer for the art show in your locker when you asked if I was free that weekend for game night…”

He snorted, but now he was on a mission. The one person he had yet to see was Atsumu, the man who he drove to his own party. He found him at the snack table, back turned to him.

The bold Sakusa across his shoulders had his chest fluttering in a different kind of way.

“Atsu…” he saw the setter flinch, turning quickly and using his body to block the table. He flushed a little, averting his gaze.

Was he… nervous?

“Did you do this?”

“I- I may.. I may have had something to do with it, maybe-“

“How did you find out? I never told you..”

Atsumu snorted a little at that, “Omi, we are Division one athletes, I’m pretty sure the only detail the internet is missing about us is an accurate length of peni-“

“Stop talking.”

Atsumu let his mouth slam shut, his eyes wide.

“Are you mad?”

His voice was small, almost a little vulnerable as he spoke his doubts. They never revisited the topic of his birthday after that night, but he had shut them down very quickly.

“Did you make me pick up my own birthday cake-“

Atsumu attempted to shift his weight, trying to

hide the cake a little more from view. But Kiyoomi had already seen the obnoxious yellow cake from over his shoulder.

“I-“

Kiyoomi put a hand on his arm and pushed him to the side. Behind him was a three tiered cake.

The top layer was a neon yellow/green ombré. A black 10 at its center.

The middle layer was black, a golden 15.

The bottom most layer was a deep red, national red. There was no number on that layer. Not yet.

The cake was almost a perfect circular tiered cake, if not for the three slashed carving out chunks of cake that went through all three layers of cake. A golden paint seems to drip down from the slashes.

The jackals slashes.

He could feel the tears starting to swell again, but he couldn’t really fight them, not this time.

“I don’t even think you realize… but you stop and stare at the cakes when we go grocery shopping…”

He couldn’t stop the tears and he couldn’t stop himself from throwing

his arms around his setter.

His face hiding against his neck.

Atsumus arms came around his waist, holding him close.

“Th-thank you… Atsumu.” He sniffled, not yet brave enough to pull away. But he felt him relax, his body leaning a bit more into Kiyoomis.

“Happy birthday, Kiyoomi.”

A fresh new wave of tears made their way onto his shirt, but Atsumu made sure to hold him through it all.

//TBC!

He held him like he always had. An Kiyoomi felt himself dismantling his walls, wrapped safe in his arms.

“Tsumu! You weren’t meant to let him see the cake till we lit the candles!” Hinata bounded over, attaching to Kiyoomis back.

“Sorry… couldn’t help it.”

“I can’t believe you made me pick up my own cake, you ass.” Kiyoomi pulled back, wiping his tears quickly before punching Atsumus shoulder.

He saw the smile bloom on his face, his own mirror to match.

“I needed to delay you-“

“Ugh! You didn’t delay him enough, ass!”

Kiyoomi jumped, his cousin standing in the entryway. Unlike the jackals, he wore a yellow jersey. His high school jersey.

Kiyoomi met Komori’s eye, a knowing twinkle in them. His cousin had seen first hand the destruction of his

earlier birthdays had caused.

“Happy birthday, Kiyo”

This was everything he had ever wanted, when he was younger and more secretly, but even now.

He celebrated alone to hide from the disappointment, but it never meant he didn’t want it.

“I’m starving, can we eat now?”

“Wait! When are we doing presents?!”

The team burst into chaos, trying to figure out what to do first.

Kiyoomi didn’t care what the did next, didn’t mind the bickering and the excitement from the team for his own birthday. He just felt content to stand by a steady warmth, a familiar warmth, a man he was ready to welcome into his walls.

They ate first, Kiyoomi pleasantly surprised at the flavor of the cake. It was a regular sponge cake, but the layered filling was tart fruits. It had a bit of a bite to it.

He did have to endure them singing to him, to that he covered his face and hid almost completely behind

Atsumu. Bastard didn’t let him though, held him right back in front of everyone.

They played games and opened gifts. He received a variety of well suited items. An herbal tea from Brazil for joint pain. New sets of his knee pads and arm sleeves. Equipment and games.

Necessities and desires. His team knew him. His people cared for him. His friends would never disappoint him.

As the night went on, he felt that hollow feeling in his heart slowly fill up. A new feeling, a warm fuzzy feeling, fitted itself right in his chest.

He was among the last to leave that evening, a rare occurrence for him. He said his goodbyes, accepted the hugs from his teammates.

He almost didn’t want to leave. Even as people filtered out for the night, he wanted to stay in this space, keep the memories forever.

“Ready to go omi? I got the last of the gifts in your car.” And here Atsumu was, pulling him back to reality.

Atsumu was not a memory he wanted to cling to forever, he was a future he wanted to cling to forever.

“Yea… I’m ready.” He gave his final farewell to Meian, giving him a tight squeeze.

“Happy birthday Kiyoomi, I’m glad to have you as a teammate.”

Kiyoomi did the only thing he could do when he got emotional. He hit his captains shoulder and walked out, leaving Atsumu and

Meian laughing in the house.

Atsumu jogged over, sliding into the passenger seat just as Kiyoomi got in.

Atsumu was uncharacteristically quiet as he drove off toward their edge of town.

His fingers were drumming against his thigh, a nervous little tic.

“You have fun tonight?” He could hear it in his voice, he was trying to act casual, but there was an underlying nervousness going on.

“I did, I really really did. It was nice…” Kiyoomi spoke softly, not trusting himself not to burst into tears.

Atsumu seemed to relax at that. “Oh, good… I got a little nervous you might have been upset I threw a surprise party, I know you don’t like surprise-“

“No I.. Atsumu that was the best birthday I think I have ever had.”

He could see the way Atsumu flushed from the corner of his eye, how he turned to look out his passenger window.

“Well- I am glad I could deliver then…. Hey, Omi?”

He knew what prompted that question, he hadn’t turned down the street to Atsumus apartment, he just continued on to his own. He pulled the car into his parking garage and switched the car off before speaking. He turned a little to Atsumu, looking at his furrowed brow.

“It’s customary the birthday boy gets a wish, right?”

He saw the way Atsumus eyes widened. “I- yes, yes that’s… it’s only fair.”

“Stay. Atsumu, I want you to stay.” He spoke the wish lightly, a whisper of a secret between them in the car.

His eyes widened in shock, but only for a moment before his eyes drooped and his lips parted into a smile.

“Who am I to deny the birthday boy?”

The smile that spread over Kiyoomis face was wide and bright, one that rivaled Atsumus own.

He was quick to hop out of his car, meeting Atsumu around the back and wrapping him in an embrace.

“Can I be selfish? And ask for a second wish?”

“Okay, now you’re just pushing your luck Omi. Can’t be getting selfish on your birthday.” Atsumu snickered as Kiyoomi pulled away slightly, a pout on his lips.

“Oh… well… I was going to ask for a kiss but-“

“Never mind, I can totally deliver- your wish is my command.”

He barely even had time to make a joke at how pathetic of a mess he turned into when he was pulled in by the firm hand on the back is his neck.

His eyes fluttered closed just as those plush lips slotted against his own. They fit perfectly, like two pieces of a puzzle finally

coming together to complete the final picture.

The kiss was light, sweet, perfect. It made his heart flutter in a way that Atsumu almost managed. Just as he pulled away, Kiyoomi followed him. His hands gently cupping his cheeks as he surged forward for another kiss.

This one was firm, deep, desired. Kiyoomi had a taste for him, he wasn’t prepared to let him go now.

“Atsu…” he whispered lightly against his lips before pressing in for another kiss. “I think… I think I can think of a third wish.”

His setter grunted a little against his

lips, gently nipping at them.

“I’m definitely not saying no to whatever it is…”

Kiyoomi pulled away, “even if it’s for you to carry my gifts upstairs?” There was a twinkle in his eye as he looked at Atsumu.

The laugh Atsumu let out was like music to his ears.

“Oh my god- Happy birthday Kiyoomi.” He chuckled, his forehead knocking against his own.

He smiled, his hand coming up to cup his cheek.

“Thank you, Atsumu.”

Maybe his birthdays didn’t need to be such an affair. Maybe he could seek what he loved from the people he loved without fear of disappointment.

This was only the start. The start of a new standing birthday tradition, one to be celebrated every year with his loved ones.

It was also the start of a love that would only grow with time. With each year passing it blossomed into a deep rooted love. Each year it gave way to more and more until one year there were two Sakusas that stood on that Olympic stage, together.

//fin.

Happy birthday omi 😚