House of Love and Lust : Chapter 4
pairing in this chapter:
content/warning: female reader, romance, fluff, curse words
18+, MDNI, time skip
author's notes: hey guys! how are yooou? sending high fives to everyone from across the screen, hoping for more requests to come to challenge your author! ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و ♡
© pictures are not mine - edited the pictures myself
message if you want me to take it down/credit. do not steal/reupload
🕻 SERIOUSLY? (Yukie)
🕻 BOTH?! F/N W-WHAT.. (Yachi)
🕻 W-well.. (Kiyoko)
*Tanaka in a distance: ATTA BOYS!*
The phone call with the girls, and somehow Tanaka were a mix of excitement and shocked reaction when you told them about the incidents with Kenma and Kageyama.
You rolled down the bed, whining not knowing what to say to them. "Do the others know about it?" Yachi asked, still slightly high-pitched.
"NO! Absolutely not! If anyone else knows, this is going to be a disaster." You sat up, and exclaimed.
A loud, sharp BAM! echoed through the room, followed by the familiar, incredibly grumpy voice of Tsukishima,
"SERIOUSLY IT'S 3AM IN THE MORNING! WHAT ARE YOU BABBLING ON ABOUT?!"
You nearly launched the phone across the room. Tsukishima, clearly awakened by the volume of your panicked conversation and Tanaka's distant, celebratory screaming, had just slammed your door open. He stood in the doorway, looking thoroughly unimpressed and sleep-deprived.
You instinctively hit the 'end call' button mid-sentence.
. . .
Kuroo slowly stirred his coffee, the spoon clinking against the cup the loudest sound in the room. A faint layer of sweat beaded on his forehead. He spared a quick glance at your table, absolute stillness and silence that was not peaceful.
Tsukishima sat bolt upright, offered nothing, his silence and annoyed judgment as you were slumped low in your chair, radiating shame.
Tsukishima's fingers tapped a slow, irritating rhythm on the tabletop. He didn't need to speak, his body language screamed "I was woken up by foolishness."
You wanted the floor to swallow you whole. You had gone from sharing gossip with the girls to being interrogated by Tsukishima, and now you were sitting under the intense, calculating gaze of the Kuroo, who was patiently waiting.
You pushed yourself up just enough to deliver a desperate, muffled apology,
"I'm sorry! I won't do it again! Give me anything to do!" You planted your face back down against the cool, unforgiving surface of the table, the purest form of surrender.
Tsukishima didn't move a muscle, but his breathing deepened, you had successfully annoyed him further.
Kuroo set his mug down with a soft, final clink. The apology wasn't directed at him, but he recognized a golden opportunity when he saw one.
Kuroo leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table, his eyes shining with mischief.
"Well, F/N. That's quite the penitent pose," he purred, his voice low and engaging. "You're apologizing to Tsukishima at five in the morning, which means you must have done something truly spectacular."
He glanced pointedly at Tsukishima. "If you're volunteering for penance, I think the Sendai Frogs manager duties, they could certainly use some help."
Tsukishima finally shifted, sending you a withering look. "Do that, F/N. Set up everything. And maybe try being silent for the rest of the morning."
"I only have Karasuno's jersey.." you muttered, speaking to your reflection than anyone else. Smoothing down the familiar fabric of the jersey. It was a comfortable, slightly nostalgic fit.
The arrangement was painfully specific, two weeks of assisting the Frogs' current staff as punishment for waking up Tsukishima.
You pulled your bedroom door shut with a soft click, letting out a weary sigh.
You immediately ran into Kageyama, who was just emerging from his room next to yours. He was rubbing his eye, a deep, sleepy yawn stretching his jaw.
"Good morning, Kageyama," you greeted him softly, trying to sound as normal as possible despite the fact you were wearing a uniform from five years ago.
He mumbled a sleepy, low, "Morni'—" in response, then stopped mid-stride. His eyes, still slightly glazed with sleep, slowly focused on your outfit.
He widened his eyes, needing a second to process the sight of the familiar uniform. His jaw went slack for a moment, and a distinct, deep pink started to creep up his neck and across his cheeks.
The unexpected nostalgia and the sight of you in his team colors. He can only duck his head, burying his face clumsily into the side of your neck,
"What's this... Let's head to bed again..." he muttered thickly against your skin.
You couldn't help the light giggle that escaped you, wrapping your arms reflexively around his shoulders for a brief moment. "Hey, no.. I have to go."
He ignored you, starting to press a series of soft, rapid kisses along your neck and jaw, a silent, determined attempt to reclaim the morning and perhaps, last night.
"Yes we have to go, and I have no time for your nonsense, Kageyama. F/N, let's go."
Tsukishima had appeared silently behind you, staring down at the two of you locked in the hallway, his face a perfect mask of annoyance.
He held out a neatly folded, official Sendai Frogs practice jersey. "Absolutely not. Wear our jersey."
"Let her wear our jersey!" Kageyama shouted, pulling back slightly, jaw clenched.
"Tsk. I'm telling you she's assisting the Sendai Frogs right now!" Tsukishima countered.
The two immediately had another familiar, rapid-fire bicker over the symbolic importance of your clothing choice, ignoring you completely.
You gave Kageyama a firm pat on the shoulder and took the Frog's jersey from Tsukishima, avoiding eye contact with him and walked towards the door.
Tsukishima followed, a smug, satisfied smirk playing on his lips, while Kageyama stood in the middle of the hallway, irritated.
Tsukishima drove his car with precision, navigating the early morning traffic.
His gaze fixed straight ahead, but his voice was slow and sharp. "So, the 'nonsense' from this morning—" He paused, letting the statement hang in the air.
"That was your high school puppy attempting a poorly timed reunion, I assume. I trust you've packed your earbuds. I require complete silence for the next two weeks. No emotional chaos, no early morning calls, and absolutely no sentimental garment choices."
"Yes, Tsukishima." you added, finishing with an unmistakable eye roll.
He caught the expression perfectly in the rearview mirror. For the briefest moment, a faint, almost a smile touched the corner of his lips. It wasn't the usual smirk, but a genuine, private amusement that vanished before you could see.
"I'm L/N F/N! It's nice to meet you all." You properly introduced yourself to the team and coaches, projecting confidence despite the strange circumstances of your hiring.
You scanned the room, noticing a few familiar faces. You were only familiar with Kyotani Kentaro and Koganegawa Kanji, former high school rivals now teammates, offered familiarity.
The Head Coach, stepped forward and addressed the room. "F/N will be assisting the conditioning staff for the next two weeks. Please treat her as staff. She's here to provide an extra set of capable hands during a crucial training cycle."
Kyotani just grunted from the back of the room, looking unimpressed. Koganegawa offered a massive, bright smile and an enthusiastic wave.
The fact that you were here as an apology to Tsukishima was irrelevant, to the rest of the team, you were an effective addition to the staff. Your reputation, over the years of meticulous management and analysis was the very reason you were sitting here now, assisting a professional team.
You were never just a passive assistant who set up nets. You observed the flow of practice, noted fatigue levels, researched opposing teams. Your notebooks were filled with analysis, detailed notes, requirements and personalized strategies for improvement.
It was your sharp, research-driven insight that had earned the high praise from Kuroo and, surprisingly, Tsukishima. Their endorsements had clearly smoothed the way for this two-week placement.
"Alright, F/N, you'll be working directly with the data we pulled off the system last night."
The data was complex and this was exactly the kind of task you excelled at. You took the tablet, the familiar thrill of solving a complex problem overriding your anxiety from earlier. You quickly began scanning the data and within minutes, you already got it.
THWACK! WHUMP!
"Tsukishima, work on your footwork speed, it was lagging on that pursuit!" you said, your voice cutting through the noise with clarity, addressing what you observed earlier.
"Koganegawa, your last block was half a second early!" you showed him the correct moment of lift.
"Kyotani, eyes on the libero's feint before committing, you were tracking the spiker too early!" you pointed, directing his gaze toward the specific area of the opposing court where the movement started.
The coaches exchanged impressed glances. The players, including Tsukishima, registered your observations immediately.
"Shit... I knew she was tough but she's also quick, Tsukishima!" Koganegawa exclaimed, brushing his sweat away from his face with the back of his hand, his excitement and respect for your skill was evident on his face.
Kyotani simply watched you, his usual intensity didn't falter, but his silence was more thoughtful than dismissive, it seems like he had found you worthy of his attention.
Tsukishima, meanwhile, had just finished a small stretch. Caught Koganegawa's comment and turned his head slightly, looking your way as you talked to the staff. A subtle, genuinely proud smile crossed his face.
You found a comfortable spot with Koganegawa during lunch break, he was open, enthusiastic, and wonderfully easy to talk to, discussing everything from practice drills to funny stories from Date Tech. He was easier to talk to than the other two..
"Don't forget to drop by the physical therapist this afternoon," you reminded him as you both finished eating, your voice professional but friendly.
"I won't," he confirmed easily, nodding his huge frame. "I didn't realize I needed it. Thanks for looking out for me!"
A moment later, Kyotani walked past your table. He was moving with that familiar, coiled intensity, but he paused, glancing briefly at you and Koganegawa.
"The head coach is asking for you, F/N," he stated, his voice a low, gravelly monotone, offering no further context. He then continued his path, leaving you with an unexpected summon.
You sat hunched over on the table in the living room, still in Tsukishima's jersey as scattered data printouts surrounded you, glasses on to help you work continuously.
The practice had ended smoothly, thanks to the sheer force of your focus, but the meeting with the Head Coach offering you permanent job offer, continued to echo in your mind relentlessly.
You knew you wanted that year off, the travel, the mental break before committing to the grind again. Yet, it was an opportunity that you didn't know if you should pass or not. Pushing the thought down, you forced your attention back to the data at this point your roommates' voices were just background noise,
"F/N! Where did you put the chips again?" That was probably Bokuto.
"Leave her alone, she's working off her debt." That was undoubtedly Tsukishima, his voice flat and superior.
"Did you have dinner yet, F/N?" Kuroo, trying to pull you out
You filtered it all out. You were in the zone. You had to be.
You let out a triumphant, exhausted groan as you slammed the laptop shut. The day's stress and the job offer drama—you had finally finished the five-page analysis.
Just as the relief washed over you, Akaashi appeared. He approached you with a plate already prepared and then quietly took a seat on the couch, giving you space but staying close.
"Thank you, angel!" you cooed, the affectionate term slipping out easily in your relief.
You started eating right away, the savory, warm food hitting you with a powerful realization, you were, in fact, absolutely starving. The intense focus of the day had completely suppressed your hunger.
Akaashi watched you finish the food, his expression calm but attentive. He waited until you were completely done before breaking the quiet. "Now do you want to tell me what happened?"
You slumped back against the couch, but the emotional exhaustion still heavy. "...I got a job offer from them," you mumbled,
"That's great, but how about the year off?" Akaashi prompted, not letting you escape the core conflict.
"That's just it... I don't know which one I should take," you confessed. You finished your plate and placed it nearby. "It was just supposed to be a sorry for Tsukishima's ass, now I'm thinking a lot of things." You managed a wry smile, hoping to ease the tension. "I've gone from owing an apology to potentially changing my entire life plan."
Akaashi nodded, acknowledging the dilemma. "Give it some time. I know you'll get your answer." He ruffled your hair and you let him, leaning against his touch, finding immediate comfort in his presence.
Tsukishima, who had been quietly observing the conversation, watched silently as you accepted Akaashi's comfort.
It was the fifth day with the Sendai Frogs, you were running charts during the first water break when Koganegawa, ever the enthusiast, cornered the Head Coach.
"Coach! Don't you think F/N should join our camping trip!" Koganegawa exclaimed, his voice booming . He didn't wait for an answer, immediately launching into the list that you have done since day one.
Koganegawa's logic was chaotic but persuasive.
"He makes a very good point, F/N," the coach said, giving Koganegawa a celebratory thumbs-up. "You've been working too hard. Your work is exceptional, but even analysts need recovery. You will join the team's planned weekend trip. Consider it a mandatory professional recovery exercise."
You were now locked into attending the Sendai Frogs' private camping trip, a trip that would involve spending an entire weekend with Tsukishima, Kyotani, Koganegawa, and the rest of his professional team.
You grabbed your water bottle, trying to process the sudden change of plans.
Tsukishima walked past, a faint, superior smile playing on his lips. "Well, F/N. Looks like you just got extended into mandatory overtime, courtesy of Koganegawa-kun. Don't forget to pack my favorite brand of coffee. You're still staff."
Just as you were about to argue with Tsukishima, you felt a tap on your shoulder. It was Kyotani, who had been quietly observing the whole exchange. His intense gaze was fixed on you.
"You're coming on the trip," Kyotani stated, his voice low and gruff. "Don't bring that laptop. If Coach says 'recovery,' you recover. I'll watch your back if anyone tries to make you work."
You emerged from the hallway, wearing the glorious combination of borrowed gear. As soon as you arrived home, you quickly sprang into action to ask the guys to lend you some camping clothes.
You were wearing Kuroo's pants—long and loose, necessitating several deep, awkward rolls at the ankle. Above that was Bokuto's jacket, a massive, puffy, and brightly lined monstrosity whose sleeves hung past your hands. The crowning glory was Kenma's bucket hat, pulled low over your eyes.
Kuroo and Bokuto immediately burst out laughing, pointing wildly.
"You might get hunted instead!" Kuroo choked out, tears forming in his eyes.
"WHAT THE HELL!" Bokuto shouted, dramatically throwing his arms up in mock horror at the sight of his own jacket on you.
Akaashi, standing by the door with an air of calm resignation, surveyed the spectacle. "You might want to check your closet again," he suggested dryly, hinting that a few of your own clothes might be more suitable than this chaotic blend.
"I hate you all!" you growled playfully, throwing up your hands in defeat.
You retreated to your room, and checked the closet once again. You hummed as you selected, breathable tank tops and form-fitting sport shorts for active mornings, and practical, but still well-fitting pants and a jacket for the cooler evenings.
When you emerged moments later, you were wearing the tank top and sporty shorts, spun around once, checking the fit and movement.
"And this goes with Kenma's bucket hat!" you declared,
Kuroo stopped laughing completely, replaced by an appreciative, low whistle. "Well damn. That's... unfair," he muttered, running a hand through his hair.
Bokuto actually gasped, his eyes wide. "You look incredible, F/N! Like a movie star with spreadsheets!"
It was 4 AM, you and Tsukishima were ready to go. He gave a curt nod to the silent group of roommates who had assembled, or perhaps just hadn't gone to sleep, to see you both off.
As you moved toward the door, Kageyama walked over to you, his eyes still fixed on your outfit, shoved protein bars into your duffel bag.
Kenma leaned in close while pretending to adjust the buckle on your bag. You felt a small, smooth square of plastic being pressed discreetly onto your bag strap. He spoke low, his voice barely a whisper, only for you. "It's a discrete location tracker. It updates every thirty minutes. If you need anything.. well stay safe.."
Kuroo, meanwhile, approached Tsukishima, pulled out his wallet and handed Tsukishima a sleek, black credit card. "Why don't you buy good beef for the barbeque?" Kuroo suggested, the offer sounding casual, but the underlying message was clear, Ensure F/N is taken care of, or I will know.
He tucked the card into his own wallet with a exaggerated sigh. "Now, if you'll excuse me, F/N and I have a mandatory weekend of 'professional recovery' to get through."
The moment Tsukishima pulled the car out of the garage, you swiftly and climbed into the back seat.
Tsukishima barely glanced in the rearview mirror, but the comment was instant. "Running to the back already, F/N? Didn't realize my driving was that intimidating. Though I suppose it's better than you snoring on my shoulder."
"It's purely strategic for optimal rest," you retorted, curling up slightly against the door. "Unlike your driving, I intend to arrive fully functional."
The drive to the first pickup location was short. You stopped near a large apartment complex where Koganegawa was waiting, bouncing on the curb.
He practically exploded into the front passenger seat, radiating energy and noise. "TSUKISHIMA! F/N-SAN! Good morning! It's going to be so awesome! Did you know the campsite has actual canoes?"
You managed a genuine chuckle in response to his enthusiasm. "Good morning, Koganegawa. I did not know that, but I'm impressed by your research."
Next, the car idled outside a quieter residential area, and Kyotani climbed in, nodded curtly toward the front seat.
"Ossu," Kyotani mumbled, his intense gaze as he settled in the back beside you.
The next thirty minutes of the drive were predictably noisy. Koganegawa, told the group about the campsite's amenities, while you listened. Tsukishima occasionally cut in with a single, dry remark, and Kyotani remained silent, watching the passing scenery.
But the 4 AM start finally caught up to you both. Mid-sentence—Koganegawa was explaining the way to roast marshmallows—you felt your head roll to the side, and the world went dark.
Koganegawa, too, had completely succumbed to sleep, you both dropped out, your heads tilted inward, and your mouths hung open in perfect, synchronized exhaustion.
Kyotani was wedged in the backseat, trying desperately to remain calm. He turned his head sharply toward the window, his ears bright red, muffling a huge snort to stop himself from laughing out loud at the sight of the two most active people in the car knocked out unconscious, resembling two very large exhausted fish.
Tsukishima just sighed from the front seat. "This is going to be a long weekend," he muttered, turning up the volume on his music slightly.
"Alright! Gather up everyone!" the Coach called out, addressing the entire team. "Set up your tents and enjoy the view! We'll meet up later for lunch!"
Everyone acknowledged the coach and started to unpack. You stretched your arms and climbed out of the car, breathing in the cold, clean air as you took in the breathtaking scenery.
The immense, snow-dusted peak of Mount Fuji behind the vast, open grassland of Fumotoppara.