mymy

megumi had just turned 13 months. and damn was he the fastest crawler you’d ever seen. constantly crawling back and forth between you, toji, his toys, and the fridge. because he can’t go 30 minutes without asking’ “mama, nack?”

but megumi was a good boy, except when he gets angry at toji for showing you too much affection. because apparently in megumi’s mind, toji can only give you attention if megumi’s asleep, or jealousy will ensue from the small toddler.

that being said, when will megumi walk?

toji just got home from work, while you were cooking gyudon and megumi was babbling to himself with plushies in between his fat chunky fingers.

toji immediately sets down whatever he was holding, takes off his shoes, and goes to greet his sweet wife (but not before drooling at the smell of food).

he stands behind you and wraps his arms around your waist, as he gives your forehead a gentle kiss.

“hey pretty lady, are you single?” he can’t help but flirt. “as handsome as you are, i really hate to say it, but, i’m unfortunately married.” toji immediately pouts.

“unfortunately? what the hell do you mean unfortunately?” he says as he squeezes you slightly tighter, while digging his fingers into your sides in an attempt to tickle you.

well it works because now you’re a giggling mess while trying to chop green onions. it’s a perfect, domestic moment.

“hey! ‘op it!” well it was a domestic moment. megumi clearly isn’t happy about the attention his dad is giving his mom.

“oh yeah, i thought something was missing. it was way to peaceful and nice earlier,” toji can’t help but tease the boy, despite megumi not knowing what he was even saying.

you lightly smack tojis chest with a laughter that has his heart skip a beat even after all of these years.

then it happens.

megumi attempts to get up while using a plushie toy as a crutch, but ultimately fails as he is heavier than the plush.

“oh?” toji murmured, “what do we have here megs?” he asks said boy while intensely, but also warily staring at the boy.

megumi attempts to stand again, this time using the coffee table. and it works, megumi at his prime age of 13 months is standing.

you gasp softly while covering your mouth, you had tried all day for megumi to walk, hell even stand! but now that toji’s home and showing you too much attention, thats when megumi decided, enough is enough.

he stands, albeit very shakily, and he put one foot in front of the other before slightly stumbling. fortunately, he catches himself and just stands there for a moment. and then he tries again.

left. right. left. right. left. right.

is what i imagine megumi is thinking because to toji and his sweet wife, megumi is quite literally just staring at his own two feet.

“uh megumi? sweetheart?” you call out to him. megumi raises his head to stare at you, then toji, then you again. he’s had it.

his dad is 3 inches too close to you. so he puts his best foot forward (not that that means much) and steps.

both yours and toji eyes widen before looking at each other briefly. you both look back at megumi who seems to be looking for encouragement? or maybe motivation?

it was motivation, because seeing you so close to toji irks him! you should be close to him!

so he puts the next foot in front of him, and he does this once more before getting teary eyed, looking at his mama.

“mama,” he whines with watery eyes. you crouch and put your hands out in front of you, with a ‘come here’ motion. “c’mon baby, mamas here, she’s right here!” you exclaim as quietly but excitedly, as you don’t want to disturb his focus.

“nah megs stay over there, your dad needs some more alone time with mama,” he teases the boy while gently grabbing you by the arm and lifting you up.

that’s it. megumi’s pissed.

with his eyebrows furrowed, tears gone, and a mean pout, he starts waddling, very quickly might i add, but not to you, straight to toji.

megumi makes it (very out of breath mind you), and immediately starts punching toji at his pant leg.

as funny as this was, you pick up megumi and twirl him around in your arms. peppering kisses all over his chunky cheeks, which are quite red as his trek was long (it wasn’t).

you’re mumbling praises in his ear, telling him how he’s ‘a good boy’, ‘i’m so proud of you,’ and ‘so brave protecting me from ugly daddy.’

toji should’ve been offended, instead he was frozen in place, staring at his wife, and son who had just walked.

he. just. walked.

he can’t help the fact that tears started flowing down his face. toji is ugly crying.

his hands cover his face as the memory of megumi being born flows through his mind. it seemed like yesterday, you were just pregnant with him!

the sound of cries stops your celebration, as both you and megumi look at toji. megumi looks like he’s damn near in tears just from watching his dad. he turns from facing you, and holds his arms out or toji, while patting toji’s hand that’s covering his face.

toji quickly grabs megumi into a tight hold, while putting his head on top of megumis. although megumi has stoped crying (it was more from shock), he can see that his dad is still upset.

he knows how to help, because it works on him. megumi uses his small arms to wrap around toji’s head, trying to lift it up to see toji’s face.

toji’s not budging. megumi huffs “dada ‘ook.” toji sniffs one last time, looking at megumi with watery, red eyes.

megumi closes his eyes and starts. he starts the kiss assault on both of toji’s cheeks. although because he’s going so fast, it’s hard to actually say that they’re kisses. it’s more megumi having a sad pout while pushing his lips on toji’s cheeks.

and you can’t help but get cuteness aggression, pulling them both into your arms (making sure megumi is still mostly closer to toji), and exclaiming that “you’re both just so adorable!”

toji hasn’t moved since the lip assault on his face started, just wide eyed staring at his son.

then he just smiles, moving one of his arms from megumi to you, making an even tighter hug. such a sweet moment.

“ow!” oops, it might’ve been to tight for baby megumi!

it seems we’ve learned, toji fushiguro is a crier.

｡ﾟ•┈୨♡୧┈• ｡ﾟ

but he had 6 minutes before his four year old nephew would come running through the front door of the school, and into his uncles arms much to his dismay .

as time passed, all he could think about was how happy he was that picking up yuji wasn’t gonna be a common occurrence, because damn was he bored.

as time passed, it finally happened, he heard the bell ring.

groaning in annoyance, he gets ready to hear the cheers of his small but loud nephew.

“UNCLE!” he hears from across the yard

sukuna is not given much time before his nephew has tackled the man’s legs. “uncle i’m so glad you’re here! you meet my friends?” yuji exclaims while looking up at his uncle with a beaming expression.

‘uh no, i not meet your friends’ sukuna thinks, but his train of thought is interrupted but a higher pitched voice. “hey you,” the young girl points, at sukuna mind you, “who the hell are you creep? this is my friend!”

wow. creep? really? sukuna might actually be offended.

but before he could even defend himself, “angel, what did i say about pointing?” a woman scolds the girl. ‘that was the issue??? not the cursing or calling him a creep???’

sukuna looks at the woman, damn it, his ears are feeling warm!

“hi bara! this is my uncle!” yuji exclaimed, but not denying he’s a creep, which really irks sukuna. “sorry for her behavior,” the woman starts, “she can get a little protective of the people she cares about. right angel?” she says as she looks at the young girl.

who honestly is slightly creeping him out as her eyes are wide staring at him, but her brows are furrowed.

“it’s whatever, no harm done.” he states flatly. “hey uncle, i lost my lunchbox, and my pencil case, and my extra clothes, and my-” yuji is interrupted by the little girl rolling her eyes, and pointing out, “damn yuji you lost everything!”

the girls mom only nodded her head in agreement, she turns to look at sukuna, “hey i know he’s your nephew, but i know jin! if you want, i can take yuji shopping for a couple things! oh! i’m” you give him your name while holding your hand out.

he takes it and tells you his name, “yeah you want to take him shopping? just like that? what’s the catch?” he asks (quite suspiciously if you might add).

the little girl just rolls her eyes ‘what is this girls problem?!’ he thinks before she states, “my mom doesn’t and will never need an excuse to go shopping, so mind your manners and accept her kindness!”

sukuna is not only irritated, but also slightly terrified because where does this little girl get the nerve to speak to him like this?! she’s barley 2 apples tall!

“aw bara,” her mom cooed before picking up the young girl and rubbing her face onto hers, “you know mommy so well! i think i’m going to get you ice cream!”

‘holy shit’ sukuna thinks, ‘her moms crazy too!’

“awww i want ice cream! please uncle can i go? i wanna shop and eat yummy ice cream too!” yuji tells him while tugging on his pant leg, wearing a pout.

“uhh i’m not sure what jin will think y’know? i don’t know if he would want yuji off with a stranger.” sukuna says as politely as possible, as he’s losing his patience.

“this is why i hate old people,” the little girl states, leaving her moms arms, “they are fun suckers.”

that’s it.

“actually, yuji can go, but i’ve decided i want to go as well, y’know, because he is my nephew.” ha, beat that.

“whatever old man, just don’t kill my vibe with your testosterone.”

yeah ok. sukuna eye slightly twitches.

the woman claps with a bright smile, “yay i’m so excited! where should we go?” she asks. both kids exclaim “mall!” while jumping up and down with their hands in a fist.

“perfect! so sukuna, are you going to follow me in your car, or do you want to just ride with us?” sukuna looks at the woman (now that he’s really looking, she’s extremely beautiful), before nodding his head towards her.

“all right, let’s grab yuji’s car seat and then head off!”

sukuna has decided, he loves shopping. well, he hasn’t actually bought anything for himself (as he had been buying everything), but watching you interact with the kids and try on different clothes, has his heart racing.

although sukuna thinks holding all the bags is a little unfair because he already paid for everything, and just met you like two hours ago mind you, he doesn’t seem to actually mind it.

“mama, i think it’s time for ice cream!” nobara suggests. “what a good idea angel! to the sweet treat we go!” you say grabbing both of the children’s hands.

sukuna follows behind with all the bags to the food court, where he sets them gently on the table. and he does this because he has a feeling your “angel” will slaughter him when he’s sleeping if he doesn’t.

sukuna goes up to you and the kids and you guys are discussing ice cream flavors, but sukuna can’t help but look at you.

your smiling at the kids, and he also noticed that you’re so patient with them. you’re actually really kind, and funny, and you sometimes asked sukuna for his opinion.

sukuna doesn’t know it yet, but he’s fallen, very very deep.

after choosing and ordering ice cream, you all sit at a table, enjoying the peace of shopping.

“mister, that ice cream flavor is something my grandma would like. i hate you.” nobara tells him with a a disgusted look on her small face.

sukuna rolls his eyes, “that flavor is something only babies get, so i don’t really care about your opinion.”

“well that doesn’t make sense, cause she is my baby, right angel?” you say wrapping your arms around the young girl, who nods and flips him off???

yuji giggles at his uncles misfortune, and yawns almost dropping his face into his ice cream. nobara laughs at this, before also yawning and dropping her face into her ice cream.

“ok sweet babies, finish up your ice cream and we can all go home for a nap ok?” you reassured them gently. “i don’t wanna nap miss baras mom.” yuji whines quietly.

“hmm how about this, you can nap for an hour, orrrr 60 minutes?” you offer a solution. “ohhh i think… one hour cos that’s less that 60.” yuji says slightly nodding off already.

“idiot.” comes from both sukuna and nobara.

“all right guys, let’s go.” you clean their tiny hands and faces with sanitizing wipes, and head to the car. with the help of sukuna, you both put them in their respective car seats.

as you drive, both kids have fallen asleep, and sukuna thinks this is the perfect time to talk privately with you.

“y’know, i actually had a lot of fun today,” he admits quietly. “i probably would’ve just dropped the kid off at his dads and told him to deal with it himself. but, i’m really glad i decided to come with yuji.”

you offer him a small smile with your cheeks warming. “yeah i had fun too, even my angel likes you.” well that was a lie and you both knew it, but you hoped he would pretend to take your words to heart.

sukuna snorts, muttering a, “yeah right.” before the silence gets comfortable.

you arrived back at the school where sukunas’ car is, and step out to help him put yuji’s car seat in his car.

as you grab the car seat, and sukuna with yuji, you go to his car to quickly install it.

just as you finish installing it, “hey, i was wondering,” sukuna says as he starts putting yuji in his car seat, “could i get your number? maybe we could do this again?”

you beam at him, “of course! i was actually hoping you would say that.” you state bashfully.

you exchanged numbers, but just before you left, you kiss his cheek gently, whispering a “bye sukuna.” before returning to your car and driving off.

sukuna has a bright smile, all 32 teeth damn near showing. he chuckles while shaking his head and entering his car to drop his nephew off.

he picks up yuji and walks to the front door of his brother’s house. jin opens the door asking, “where the hell were you man?” it hadn’t occurred to sukuna he didn’t tell his brother.

“ahh, the kid lost a buncha school supplies and extra clothes, so we went shopping with the brats friend and her mom.” sukuna explained.

jin looks around, “ok so where’s the stuff?”

then, just then, did sukuna realize, the girls only got clothes for themselves, and he bought it all.

“so funny story.”

｡ﾟ•┈୨♡୧┈• ｡ﾟ

The rumours didn't start and end with 4 year olds though, almost everyone in Jujutsu high believed that Sukuna was to be feared and that he would curse you if you stared too long. Almost everyone anyways, since there were two big exceptions. One being the most popular boy in school, the boy who was famous on Mixi and owned a Blackberry before anyone else in Japan did.

Satoru Gojo.

"Don't look," a girl whispered to her friend, holding her hand tightly and staring ahead into her dark locker, while heavy footsteps passed behind them.

She was pursing her lips, about to turn back to check before Gojo came up behind them both, resting his arms over their shoulders and smiling happily. "Who're we hiding from?" He beamed.

Her frozen expression didn't give much away, while her friend grew flustered and quickly looked over her other shoulder, locking eyes onto the only figure who wasn't in uniform. His pink hair standing out, hands shoved in his pockets, lolling his head back with a big sigh.

"Satoru, stop following me," he glared, turning back only to look at the white haired menace.

“But whyyyyy? You’re my best friend!” He whined, pouting and playing along, quickly tagging along behind him and chatting to him non-stop about the new game he was playing online and how they should go to an internet café again soon.

Other students walking by quickly changed their course of direction, looked away, or started to empty out their pockets in case Sukuna Ryomen decided that they were the ones who were going to pay for his next expense. Bullying? Sukuna's minions made haibara fear for his life until he transferred to a different school, which in turn caused Nanami to resent him.

All was changed when one of the students smelled the roses in the air, quickly smiling and looking towards the school entrance.

"It's Y/N!" One of the girls happily pointed, while another ran up to give you a hug. "Y/N-channnn! How was your weekend?"

Unlike Sukuna, your reputation was written in a fancy cursive and written in a sparkly pink gel pen. You were a breath of fresh air to many students there, not a single student had a negative energy towards you. Rumours about you sounded like they were out of a fairytale, which is why you were listed as "most likely to be a princess" in the yearbook in your last year of secondary school.

"She gave me her ice cream when she heard about my failed test," a second year boy sighed dreamily, before looking towards the entrance for a glimpse of you. "Is she singing?" His friend questioned, raising a confused eyebrow. You lived up to your name, skipping towards the entrance and humming, while squirrels, birds, raccoons, stray cats and some deers followed behind. A hummingbird even resting on your shoulder and tweeting along.

"Alright now, make sure you all get along and don't get hit by cars, okay?" You smiled and brushed off the bird, blowing a kiss in the direction that the animals scurried off before entering the school gates.

"Do you think I have a chance with her? I think she smiled at me like… more than usual yesterday," a first year boy named Haruto scratched the back of his neck. Flushing from his cheeks, and making quick glances towards your approaching figure. His friends looked unconvinced, all sharing the same look and one of them even holding onto his backpack so that he didn't do anything rash.

"She smiles at everyone, plus I heard she has a boyfriend," one of them shrugged, sighing and watching your figure. It was like all of them were communicating telepathically, trying to discern if you had a boyfriend from the way you walked.

Haruto was about to approach, "I don't think she has—" before freezing and clenching his jaw tightly when someone came up behind him, wrapping an arm around his shoulder tensely. His friends glancing over, only to take one look and be on their way, knowing there was nothing they could do.

"I'm pretty sure she has one." Sukuna mumbled, looking down at the younger boy with sharp eyes.

Haruto gulped, before nodding and looking up at the older boy shakily. "O-oh… sorry, I didn't know.." he mumbled, the air from his throat suddenly feeling like nails, increasingly hard to breathe in and out without sounding like a nervous wreck. "I'll g-go apologise to Gojo, sorry—"

"Gojo's not her boyfriend." Sukuna grumbled, tightening his grip on Haruto's shoulder, making the boy wince out. "I'm her boyfriend," he tsked down at him, narrowing his eyes, almost pouting before shoving the boy away and walking towards you.

People seeing what was happening were already pitying you and wishing that you'd stay safe.

Many people knew that you were dating Sukuna Ryomen, just as many people did not know. The reaction was always the same, whether they knew or not, whenever sukuna approached you. People looking at him in disdain, jealousy, anger, or even looking at you with pity.

"Poor girl, he's probably been manipulating her," whispers floated amongst the student body, people shaking their heads, teachers gossiping in their lounges. "She's too sweet for him, he doesn't deserve her!"

You knew the truth and Sukuna knew the truth.

"Hii!" You happily squealed, rushing up to him and hugging him. His body didn't stiffen or hesitate, as he'd gently wrap on arm around and pat your back, glancing back subtly so that no one saw him lose his edge. "…you're going to make me look like a softie," he whispered, flustered from seeing you, looking comically shy, trying to snarl down at you.

You blinked up at him curiously, tilting your head and playing dumb. "What edge? You're the cutest, most softest, sweetest and smarted guy I know!" You pinched his cheek, before humming and skipping past him, towards the steps towards the entrance of the main building.

He paused, before pouting and quickly following after you.

"You know other guys?" He grumbled.

"i don't mean to intrude, but it seemed as if your head wasn't in the game tonight."

"i'm fine," kageyama blankly responds.

"alright," ushijima states briskly. "i'll be going now."

it's odd. ushijima asking him about his love life as if they were close friends. it's definitely not like him to do that.

ushijima grabs his duffel bag, ready to leave the stadium.

kageyama's curiosity gets the better of him, "wait."

ushijima looks back at him, waiting for him.

"yes. i have troubles...in my love life."

he walks back to kageyama and takes a seat beside him, "i can listen and provide a logical solution if you'd like."

"okay," kageyama answers.

it's quiet between them for a second.

"you may begin," ushijima prompts.

kageyama barely knows where to start.

"y/n and i aren't in a real relationship. it's for the fans," he starts. ushijima nods, letting him continue, "i'm attracted to her, i know she's attracted to me and we kissed the other day. for real. but i don't know what to do now."

"i see," ushijima states with a firm nod. "what is stopping you from taking the relationship to the next step?"

"i'm worried that i won't be a good real boyfriend."

"so, you think that being a fake one is safer than a real one?"

kageyama nods.

there's something about the way ushijima says it which fits the situation so perfectly.

"if she is someone you really like, you should pursue her. in order to learn new things you find interesting, you must do it head-on. if not, it'll be harder for you in the future lest you find another romantic encounter."

"i don't want another romantic encounter," kageyama argues.

"you're not listening to what i am saying," ushijima rebuts.

it's silent between them.

"if she is distracting you that much in a game, that is more than enough reason for you to be together," ushijima says. then, he gets up. "i best be going now. good luck, kageyama."

kageyama nods, "thank you."

when ushijima is gone, it gives kageyama the perfect quietness to think about what he was told.

kageyama takes his words in, allowing it to find him.

in other words, what ushijima is saying is, stop being a pussy and just do it.

it wakes something up in kageyama.

a newfound understanding of his feelings.

he thinks of you. your obnoxious laugh, how you never miss a chance to tease him, yet make sure he's comfortable and more importantly, how you read him.

he knew it from the moment you patched things up a month ago. the way you watch for his reaction before saying the right thing, how you're so inquisitive in what he has to say and how you'd flirt between the lines, thinking he'd never catch onto it.

you've been doing everything you can not to destroy this, maintaining a perfect distance but staying right by his side.

you've been there every time.

it's him.

he's the one destroying it for not only you, but himself.

doesn't kageyama deserve a chance at happiness too? ushijima's right. he just has to face this head-on and let everything fall into place.

avoiding you won't make this happen.

he grips onto his duffel bag a little too hard.

it's all in his hands.

kageyama has to be the one to fix this.

he's ready to fix it.

PREV | MASTERLIST | NEXT

SUMMARY ✩ in which you post a video online of a hot setter from schweiden adlers in hopes of finding said player, only for it to blow up online. you find out he's your childhood friend from kitagawa daiichi?! and the internet breaks at the thought of the two of you 'dating'. so, the two of you do what you think is right - date each other. fake, of course...until it doesn't feel fake anymore.

PAIRING ✩ contentcreator!uni!fem!reader x schweidenadlers!kageyama

CONTENT WARNINGS / GENRES / TAGS ✩ smau (will be some written chapters), clueless!kags, vulgar/dirty/nsfw jokes

"don't you want to drive?" he calls.

you look around you—the festivities in the air, christmas spirit surrounding you. you wouldn't be able to experience it in the car as on feet.

"let's walk!" you say. "it's nice out here."

"okay."

hm, maybe he didn't want to only argue either.

kageyama's a little confusing.

there's been a jump in his expressiveness since the photoshoot. he talks to you more, a little more sarcastic and is open to banter. however, you can't decipher whether he likes you or not. it feels like whatever is happening between the two of you is just a playful combat of 'what if's?'

"what were we arguing about again?" you ask, falling into step with him.

"about you being a pervert."

"i'm not, oh my god! you love that word a little too much," you say, reaching out to hit his arm.

then, he grabs your hand just as your about to land the hit. kageyama looks down at you intently, "were you just about to touch my bicep?"

you didn't even realise what you were doing. shocked by his change in demeanour, you yank your hand back to yourself.

"n-no!"

he raises an eyebrow.

you're startled. just ten days ago, this guy was a nervous wreck even just kissing you. now he's here, catching your hand out of his own will.

it must be the photoshoot—that changed everything. the forced proximity, holding each other intimately, staring into each other's eyes for a prolonged time. even today at the gym, he seemed a lot more relaxed around you. to joke around, coming closer to you. you're not sure if he's realised this yet.

"yeah, right," he chides.

"okay, but you have to agree, if i'm a pervert, so are you! you can't forget the photoshoot incident," you argue pointedly.

he sighs, "i wasn't staring at you on purpose. i was shocked."

"i was shocked too!"

he faces you, unimpressed, "you've got a staring problem. it's obvious. fix it."

you don't know why that made you clench a little bit—hey! you're just a girl. besides, he was telling you off. what were you supposed to do?

"really?"

he nods firmly.

"so, i'm gonna jump into oncoming traffic," you joke, walking over to the end of the pathway.

kageyama reaches for the top of your head, dragging you right back towards him, "don't do that, dumbass."

you can't help but smile, heart melting. he didn't have to do that, but he did. because he's comfortable. relaxed. around you. and, only you.

"you're more comfortable around me now, aren't you?" you ask slowly.

"no."

"lies!" you answer, grabbing his arm. kageyama looks between your hand on his and your face. "oops."

you drop your hand.

maybe you should test the waters.

chat, watch how i bag this baddie.

"you walk too fast, you know?"

"keep up," he states.

"oh, i will," you say and you link your arm around his. "that's better."

kageyama's face is forward. you see the tension that falls onto the corners of his face, jaw clenching. he's quiet for a second, as if contemplating what to say. but he doesn't oppose to it, just continues walking down the block.

"quiet?" you ask teasingly.

"shut up."

"i'm gonna take my hand off—"

"watch out," he alarmingly responds, taking a step to the side as he looks onto your side. you were about to bump into a group of people walking beside you. he 'tsk's, "directionally challenged."

"oh, that must mean i'll have to rely on you, tobio~" you say.

"stop that."

"what? tobio?"

"you're acting weird," he says, drawing into himself.

"how?"

"don't know, just are."

"okay, so i'll take my hand off—"

"don't."

you furrow your brows, "why?"

"it's...nice."

you wanna explode on the spot, but save it with a smile.

it's the first time kageyama has actually initiated something. and knowing him, it must've taken him a lot to say something as simple as that.

just as you were reaching a crossing, a stranger approaches the two of you.

it's a guy, about your age, tall like kageyama. there's a smile too wide, stated like a profanity on his face.

"hi," he greets you.

"hi?"

"s-sorry, i noticed you from over there and had to ask," he says, pointing across the road. "you're like super pretty, i was wondering if i could get your number? if that was possible?"

you freeze, exchanging a glance with kageyama.

"um..." you begin, unsure with how to reject this poor guy.

he's looking directly at you. not at kageyama. waiting for your answer. but you're not too sure how to reply to this without seeming like an asshole.

"can't you see she's taken?" kageyama interjects, glaring down at the guy.

it's silent between the three of you. the guy looks over at kageyama and then, your linked arms. it turns uncomfortable really quick.

"oh, i'm sorry! i didn't see the arms. it's really dark out here, you know?"

"that's okay! yeah, it's like sooo dark!" you laugh awkwardly.

"well, have a good night," he says, walking past the two of you.

kageyama and you don't speak for a little while.

you wonder what that was. thousands of wings beat against your ribs and the point of contact between you and kageyama emphasises in your mind.

as the light turns green at the crossing, kageyama and you walk towards the next street.

"what a dumbass," kageyama suddenly comments. "couldn't he see?"

"damn, are you bitching right now?"

"it's obvious that you're with me."

"hm, i'd think you're jealous, kags," you say inquisitively.

"i don't get jealous."

"hm, okay," you say, turning just as you cross the street. you unlink your arm with his, "maybe i'll go give him my number then. he was kinda cute—"

kageyama immediately grabs you by the arm, just as you're out of reach. he pulls you back towards him. your face plants with his chest and you get a whiff of that fresh, dried laundry you always do when you're this close to him.

this never happens. but, god, you wished it'd happen more often.

kageyama's peering down, eyebrows knitted together in the greatest worry you've seen in this lifetime, "please don't."

it's a mix of a cry for help, desperation and dilated pupils that beg you not to walk away from him.

your heart skips a beat.

linking arms with him, you utter a soft, "i won't."

and, this time, you casually lean your head against his bicep as the two of you walk down the street.

he doesn't argue, object or even comment on it.

both of you seem to have forgotten about the stupid, playful argument and the dinner you were supposed to be looking for. it seemed that the entire universe had come down to this singular moment, this singular point of contact and it spoke in multitudes.

if only you knew how hard his heart is beating right now too.

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SUMMARY ✩ in which you post a video online of a hot setter from schweiden adlers in hopes of finding said player, only for it to blow up online. you find out he's your childhood friend from kitagawa daiichi?! and the internet breaks at the thought of the two of you 'dating'. so, the two of you do what you think is right - date each other. fake, of course...until it doesn't feel fake anymore.

PAIRING ✩ contentcreator!uni!fem!reader x schweidenadlers!kageyama

CONTENT WARNINGS / GENRES / TAGS ✩ smau (will be some written chapters), clueless!kags, vulgar/dirty/nsfw jokes

but everyone else saw it differently. especially topper and kelce, they never let him forget it, always throwing comments his way when you weren’t looking. little smirks, quiet jokes about how obvious it was, how he’d been stuck on you longer than he’d ever admit. rafe always brushed it off, played it cool, acted like it wasn’t real. but they knew, the way his attention always found you, the way he always cared more than necessary, oh they knew.

so when you showed up to sarah and john b’s wedding together, no one thought twice about it. you weren’t exactly his ‘date’ but you might as well have been. you arrived together, stood together, laughed together. it was normal, the way it had always been. just dressed up, a little more polished than usual, but still the same you and rafe everyone knew, always side by side without reason.

the night passed on, music loud with everyone dancing and laughing, drinks being chugged as conversations flowed, and sarah and john b looked like such a perfect couple. in the way that anyway with eyes could tell. you stuck close to rafe without realizing it, your arm brushing his, your laughter leaning into him, your conversations always circling back to each other. every time you looked over, he was already looking at you. every time someone pulled you away, he found his way back. like habit.

and somewhere along the way, the drinks caught up to both of you. everything felt amplified, your thoughts, your reactions, the space between you. what once felt normal started to feel different, so different. 

you ended up stepping away from the reception for a moment, needing air, the noise too much, your head too light. and of course, he followed you. “you good?” rafe asks. you nod, leaning lightly against the railing, a small laugh slipping out. “yeah. just needed a second.”

he stood beside you, close enough that you can feel the heat off him. neither of you say anything at first, the air filling with a sort of feeling you weren’t use to feeling. 

then outta nowhere, “you ever think about us?” he asks. your brows knit instantly, a soft laugh leaving you, thinking he must be so ridiculously drunk. “rafe, be serious.”

but he doesn’t laugh, and that’s what makes your head almost snap, to look at him properly. because there’s something there you’ve never let yourself notice before. something that’s been sitting between the lines for a long time. “i am,” he says quietly,“you’re drunk.” you quickly try to blow him off.

“yeah well, so are you,” he replies. and there it is again, that heavy tension, only getting thicker. and it doesn’t help that it feels like he just got closer, or that his gaze constantly drops to your lips, and lazily glances back up, or maybe that you’re alone away from everyone else. 

“this is a bad idea,” you say, turning to face him, knowing what you both are burning to do in this moment. he nods. “fuckin’ terrible idea.” he responds only leaning closer, and neither of you move away.

his agreement barely settles between you before it clicks. your eyes flicker to his lips, just for a second, and that’s all it takes. his hand comes up first, brushing against your jaw like he’s giving you time to pull away, like he’s waiting for you to stop it, because only god know’s how bad he’s been waiting for this to happen. 

“tell me to stop, tell me i shouldn’t” he whispers, almost strained, his forehead nearly brushing yours now. but you don’t, and you should, you know damn well you should. but the alcohol in your system, with the way he’s looking at you, the way everything suddenly feels so euphorically different, drowns out every bit of logic you have left.

his lips meet yours, slow at first, but then something changes in him, hungry and impatient, it’s like something he’s been holding back for way too long finally snapping loose. your breath catches instantly, your hand gripping at the front of his shirt without even thinking, pulling him closer like you need him there, like there’s no space left between you that feels right anymore.

and he moves with that. one hand sliding from your jaw to the back of your neck, the other settling firm at your waist, keeping you still against him as the kiss deepens, like he’s trying to memorize you all at once.

it’s overwhelming, because the way he’s kissing you isn’t casual, or careless, it’s so intentional for him. not just a drunk mistake, it never was gonna be. you feel that, in the way he tilts his head, in the way his grip tightens just slightly when you respond, in the quiet breath he lets out against your lips when you lean into him instead of away. and that’s the worst part, you’re not pulling back at all, but instead matching him, and fuck is this everything he needs. 

your fingers slide up into his hair, holding him there, your body pressing closer without even realizing it, like something in you has been waiting for this too, you just never let yourself see it.

the world around you fades out completely, the music and voices, none of it exists anymore. it’s just you, rafe, and this moment, and how completely weird it should feel, kissing your best friend, but it feel so right at the same time. 

you pull away so suddenly it almost knocks the air out of both of you. your chest is rising and falling too fast, your head spinning, not just from the alcohol anymore, but from this. from what just happened. from what you just let happen.

“come on,” you say breathlessly, not even giving him time to respond before your hand grabs his. he doesn’t even question it, just follows. you’re already moving, slipping back inside, weaving through people like nothing’s wrong, like you’re not seconds away from possibly running your friendship. 

your grip on him is tight, pulling him along behind you as you head toward the stairs. you don’t look back once, like your body just took over. and you don’t notice the way kelce’s eyes catch the whole thing from across the room, how his brows lift slightly, a knowing look settling on his face almost immediately.

by the time you reach the bridesmaids’ room upstairs, your heart is pounding. you push the door open quickly, pulling him inside with you before shutting it just as fast, the click of the lock loud in the quiet room.

for a second you both just stand there, like reality is finally catching up to you, but it doesn’t. because the second he looks at you again, with those needy eyes, whatever restraint you had left, whatever restraint was barely holding on, snaps completely. “you sure about this?” he asks, but there’s barely any space between the words and him stepping closer.

you don’t even answer, already pulling him back in, taking a few steps back, so you both fall onto the bed, and any last bit of objection leaves as the kiss hits harder, as faster. your hands find him immediately, gripping at his shirt, pulling him closer like you can’t get enough, like space between you suddenly feels unbearable.

his hands are on you just as quick, deepening the kiss. it’s so messy and heated, like you’re horny teenagers and not thinking adults. 

you began unbuttoning his shirt, while he unzipped your dress. his eyes darkened seeing your exposed body. you tossed the dress onto the chair by the door, reaching to undo the belt on his pants, he helped you, none of you wanted to break the kiss. 

it was like a switch had flicked, his grip on you growing tight. his lips moved down, kissing your jaw, your neck, your shoulder, and then biting gently into the crook of your neck right where he knows you like it, and you gasped softly, but quickly tried to recover, trying not to give away how badly he affects you. it was like he was trying to memorize every inch of you, like he was scared to forget. his hand slid down, gripping your thigh, pulling you tighter against him.

he could feel the way your chest pressed against his, how your breathing grew more shallow against his skin, and it drove him crazy, wanting to make you lose that control you were holding onto so desperately. his fingers dug into the skin on your thigh, his lips moving along your collarbone hungrily, like this was the only thing he’s ever wanted. he loved the way your body responded to his touch, the soft gasps that escaped your lips with every move he made.

“oh rafe” you moaned. his lips curved against your skin at the sound of his name on your lips so broken and desperate. his voice was darkly amused, as he dragged his teeth over your pulse point. "yeah? that all you got?"  his hand slid higher, squeezing, as if he wanted to pull every damn sound from you. and the worst part? you’d let him. 

his smirk was downright sinful as he watched you unravel beneath him. "fuck, that’s pretty," he growled, his breath hot against your ear. his free hand tangled in your hair, tilting your head back just enough to catch the way your lips parted, the way your chest rose and fell too fast.  

his mouth crashed back onto yours, swallowing your next moan whole. like nothing else existed, just him, his hands, and the reckless way he was tearing down every last shred of your control.  and neither of you cared.

you barely register anything after that, just small flashes of the night, the way everything blurs together too fast to hold onto. the heat of him, the way your hands can’t seem to stay still, the quiet, breathless moans that fill the room between deep thrusts that never seemed to stop. it’s all rushed and reckless, like neither of you wants to think long enough to second guess it. like if you slow down even for a second, reality might catch up and ruin it.

and then it all fades, as if it was a dream you were waking up from. your last clear memory is the way his hand finds your body, after you both reach your high, pulling you into his embrace, like he can’t let go. he places a kiss to your forehead as yours eyes flutter asleep. 

—

the weeks after the wedding didn’t feel real. 

everything felt off. not just with rafe, though that alone was enough to throw you, but with yourself. your body felt different in ways you couldn’t even explain. you brushed it off at first. blamed it on the alcohol from that night, or the lack of sleep, the way your thoughts kept circling back to something you weren’t even remotely close to unpacking. because thinking about it, about him, and about the way you let yourself fall into that moment made your chest tighten in a way you didn’t like.

you hadn’t really talked to him since. though he texted the morning after, something simple. 

rafe: hey rafe: you okay y/n?

and you answered just as casually. 

you: yeah, i’m fine. but after that? every time he tried to see you, you found a reason not to. you: sorry, busy you: can’t tonight you: rain check? you kept it light, like nothing had changed, while also avoiding him completely. and of course, he noticed. but for once, he didn’t push the way he usually would. just let the distance grow, even if it was clearly eating at him. you tried not to think about that either.

“okay, but be honest,” katherine says, shifting on the couch beside you, her legs tucked under her as she eyes you over the rim of her glass. “do you regret it?” you hesitate before answering.

the tv plays quietly in the background, a dramatic scene from the pitt, but neither of you are paying attention anymore. your fingers trace mindless patterns along the side of your cup, your water long forgotten.

“i don’t know,” you admit finally, your voice quieter than before. “like, in the moment? no. not at all.” you shake your head slightly, like you’re trying to make sense of it yourself. “but now? everything’s just so weird. i don’t even know how to look at him anymore.”

katherine hums, tilting her head. “well, yeah. i mean, you slept with your best friend.” you groan, dropping your head back against the couch. “please, don’t say it like that.” you plead. “how am i supposed to say it?” she laughs lightly. “you guys have been attached at the hip for years and then just, boom.”

“okay, shut up,” you say to her, but there’s no real bite to it. it seems like she actually did stop talking, but you lift your head to look at her, she looks like she’s thinking hard about it, then without avail, “what if you’re pregnant?” your face drops almost immediately. 

“katherine.” you say so sternly, with a blank face. she blinks, then slowly starts to grin. “i’m just saying-”

“no,” you cut her off immediately, a nervous laugh slipping out. “no, that’s so not funny.” but she doesn’t drop it. “okay, but think about it,” she continues, sitting up straighter now, eyes narrowing slightly as she looks at you. “you’ve been saying you feel weird for like, what a week now?” your stomach twists in a way that makes you feel like you can instantly vomit. 

“that doesn’t mean anything,” you say quickly. “but doesn’t it?” she presses. “did you miss your-” your lips form a tight line, as you go quiet. fuck, you thought. “…oh my god,” she breathes. “no way,” you shake your head, but it’s weaker sounding this time. “no, i’ve just been stressed-”

“y/n.” your chest tighetns, knowing there is some type of validity to what she’s saying, but yo’ure trying to think of every single possible outcome for it not to be true. but now that she’s said it, you can’t unthink it. all the times you’ve felt the exhaustion. the random waves of nausea you brushed off. the way your body hasn’t felt like yours lately. the dates you didn’t bother keeping track of because you were too busy avoiding everything else. “oh my god,” you whisper, the words barely leaving your lips.

“okay,” katherine says immediately, already standing and grabbing her keys. “we’re going to the store. right now.” the drive feels like it lasts five minutes and five hours at the same time.

you barely remember walking through the aisles, grabbing not one, but three tests, just in case you thought, because there’s no way one is enough for something like this. your hands are shaking by the time you get back to her apartment, your thoughts loud and messy and spiraling in every direction you don’t want them to go.

“hey,” katherine says softly, placing a hand on your arm before you disappear into the bathroom, already knowing the thoughts flying through your head.. “we don’t know anything yet. okay?” you nod, appreciative of her comforting you at a time like this, but at this point you think nothing can help. 

the next few minutes feel like pure torture. sitting on the edge of the tub, staring at nothing, your heart pounding so hard it feels like it might burst out of your chest. katherine’s pacing just outside the door, giving you space but staying close enough that you’re not alone.

and then the timer on your phone finally goes off, and you feel your mouth dry, and eyes wide. you slowly reach for the first one, and check. then you check the second, and then the third. and tears start to well up, “kat..” you call out, your voice breaking slightly. she’s in the doorway instantly. “what? what happened?” you try to speak but can’t, handing her the sticks. 

her face falls instantly, three tests and they all came out positive. the room feels like it’s closing in on you. your hands start to shark, as your vision blurs before you even realize you’re crying. it hits you all at once, the weight of it, the reality of it, the fact that this isn’t just some abstract fear anymore. “i can’t-” your voice cracks, and you shake your head, tears spilling over faster now. “i can’t do this, kat. i’m only twenty five bro, i’m not old enough, this wasn’t-”

she’s beside you immediately, pulling you into her arms as you break down. “i’m not even with him,” you sob out. “we’re not together, we’re not anything, this was a mistake, it was one night-” your chest heaves as the words tumble out, panic setting in deeper with every second. “and it’s rafe,” you whisper, like saying his name makes it more real. “out of everyone, it had to be him-”

it’s not rafe the person that makes you doubt this, its more so the baggage that he brings with you. you know him through and through, know his angry issues, how any small thing ticks him off to oblivion. you know how impulsive, and deranged he could be sometimes, how he’ll drink himself to death, with you having to be the one he drunk calls to pick him up, and it doesn’t stop you from being his friends, because you’ll always be in his corner, but raising a child? that’s a whole different ball park. 

katherine holds you tighter, her hand rubbing soothing circles on your back as you cry into her shoulder. “we’ll figure it out,” she says softly against your hair. “okay? you’re not alone in this.” 

but all you can think about is rafe, and how everything just changed in a way neither one of you can take back.

-

the knock throws you off completely. you hadn’t really been expecting to see anyone these past two days. you’ve barely moved from the couch, the same blanket wrapped around you, with your phone face down on the table because you can’t even bring yourself to look at it.

another knock, makes you frown slightly, pushing yourself up, your body heavy as you make your way to the door. when you peek through the peephole, your stomach drops. “shit,” you mutter under your breath.

rafe. just the person you couldn’t bring yourself to speak to. you hesitate for a second, your hand hovering over the handle, debating if you should even open it. but he knocks again, a little more urgent this time, and you know he’s not leaving. so you opened the door. “what are you-”

“i’m so fuckin’ sorry.” he cuts you off immediately, the words tumbling out of him fast and messy, like he’s been thinking about it for weeks. “i’m sorry, i shouldn’t have- i didn’t mean to, i mean i did, but not like that, not if it was gonna-” he exhales sharply, running a hand through his hair, pacing once like he doesn’t even know where to stand. “i don’t wanna mess this up with you, alright? i don’t wanna ruin us. we can just-” he gestures vaguely between you, almost desperate, “we can just forget about that night. pretend it didn’t happen.”

your lips form a tight line. “i don’t think-” you try to speak, but rafe continues, “because i’d rather have you like this than not at all, i swear,” he keeps going, not even noticing how quiet you’ve gotten. “we don’t have to make it weird, we don’t have to-”

“we can’t rafe.” you say louder, trying to take him out of this rambling trap he’s got himself in. he finally stops. “what?” he asks, brows pulling together like he didn’t hear you right. you swallow, your throat dry. “we can’t,” you repeat, quieter this time. he lets out a short breath, shaking his head slightly, already dismissing it. “yeah, we can. it’s not that big of a-” 

“i’m pregnant.”

that hits him so much he freezes. he just stands there, completely still. his mouth parts slightly, like he’s about to say something, but nothing comes out. then it closes. then opens again.

“what?” you don’t answer right away. you just step back, leaving the door open as you walk back into your apartment. you sink back onto the couch like your body can’t hold you up anymore.

he subconsciously follows you in, shutting the door behind him, still processing. “what?” he repeats, quieter this time, like maybe the word will make more sense the second time around. “i’m pregnant,” you say again, staring straight ahead. “i um, i took three tests. they were all positive.”.

he runs a hand over his face, then the back of his neck, pacing once like his brain is trying to catch up to what you just said. “okay..” he mutters under his breath. “okay, shit, wait, okay..” the shock doesn’t fully leave his face, but you never thought you’d see him react in that way. like a sort of smile?

“you’re pregnant,” he repeats, this time like he’s trying to convince himself. you’re pregnant, with his kid, your kid, y’alls kid. you watch it click in him, and before he can even think to try and hide it, there’s a flicker of excitement in his expression. a breath leaves him, shaky but not in the way you feel. “holy shit..” he says. 

and you feel even worse, because this? isn’t how you’re feeling in the slightest. rafe finally looks up at you, and everything in him, the prior excitement, the smile, the realization drops, instantly. because you look nothing like he does. your eyes are puffy, and red from crying. your face drained, like you haven’t slept. you look small on that couch, wrapped up in yourself like you’re trying to disappear from it all.

like this is the worst thing that’s ever happened to you. “hey,” he says, softer now,, like he’s stepping into something fragile. “hey-” you shake your head slightly, tears already building again. “i can’t do this, rafe,” you whisper.

and just like that, whatever excitement started to bloom in him gets replaced, because now he gets it. this isn’t the same for you. rafe moves closer to comfort you, engulfing you in his chest. even when you quiet down, and the room isn’t filled with your crying anymore, his thumb keeps brushing over your knuckles. “i’m gonna fix my shit.” he says after a moment of silence. you blink, caught off guard. “what?”

“my shit,” he repeats, sitting back a little but still holding onto you. “the drinking, the whatever the hell you’ve seen me do that made you think i couldn’t handle this? i’m done with it.” you stare at him, trying to read if this is just rafe talking or if he actually means it, and he notices that.  “i’m serious,” he says, sharper this time. “i’m not bringin’ a kid into that. i’m not-” he cuts himself off, exhaling. “i’m not gonna be that guy.”

“that doesn’t happen overnight,” you say quietly, like you don’t even know what to do with that. “i know but, you don’t have to worry about anything,” he continues, leaning forward a little. “money, a place, whatever it is, you don’t have to stress about that. i got you. i’ve always had you.” your brows pull together slightly. “that’s a lot to just say, you know.”

“i know it is,” he nods. “i’m still sayin’ it.” but his next sentence surprises you, like it’s the most obvious solution in the world, “move in with me.” your head tilts back a little. “you’re actually insane.”

“i’m not insane,” he scoffs lightly. “i’m thinkin’ ahead.”

“rafe, that’s- no, that’s a huge step,” you shake your head, overwhelmed again. “we’re not even-”

“i know what we are,” he cuts in, a little firmer. “and i know what we’re not. but we got a kid on the way now, y/n. i’m not gonna have you sittin’ here alone, stressin’ yourself out in this apartment while i’m somewhere else, i wanna be near my kid, so that’s not how this is gonna go.” you swallow, your emotions creeping back up again. “you’re just saying that because you feel like you have to.”

his expression hardens slightly, like he’s irritated you’d even think that, especially about him, knowing him how you do. “no, i’m not.”

“yes, you are,” you push, your voice wavering. “you feel responsible, and now you’re trying to fix everything at once-”

“i am responsible,” he snaps, half angry, but halfly trying to take accountability. “that’s the point. but don’t sit there and act like this is some obligation to me. like i’m just, steppin’ up because i have no other choice.”

you go quiet, because there’s this sense of honesty in his voice that doesn’t sound forced or fake. “then why?” you ask, softer now. “why are you acting like this?” he lets out a bitter laugh, dragging his hand over his face before looking back at you, something frustrated and vulnerable sitting right under the surface. “you really don’t see it, do you?”

your brows knit. “see what?” he lets out a disbelieving sigh. “jesus, you’re killin’ me right now.” he says. “rafe, what are you-”

“i’m in love with you.”

it comes out blunt, in a way he never though he’d admit it, especially not today, and especially not after finding out he was gonna be a father. you freeze completely, as he shakes his head slightly, like he’s almost annoyed it even got to this point. “i’ve been in love with you,” he continues, “for years. and you’re sittin’ here actin’ like this is just some random shit to me, like i don’t care who it is, like i’d be doin’ this for just anyone.” your lips part, but nothing comes out.

“everyone else saw it,” he goes on, running a hand through his hair. “kelce wouldn’t shut the fuck up about it, topper used to give me shit every time you walked into a room-” he lets out a breath, shaking his head. “you’re the only one who didn’t notice.”

“i don’t even know if you’re being serious” you whisper, your heart racing now for a completely different reason. “i’m very fuckin’ serious,” he says, his eyes locked on yours. “this isn’t just about the baby for me. it’s you too. it’s always been you.”

your chest rises and falls slowly as you try to process it. because now that he’s saying it, you can see it. all of it, from the longing gazes, to the way he always got softer with you, how close he used to stay near you whenever you were together. how annoyed he’d get when anyone would try and flirt with you, always saying “he’s a piece of shit, pick a better one” not knowing the ‘better one’ was always him. “i thought you were just,” you trail off, letting out a small, shaky breath. “being you.”

“yeah,” he huffs lightly. “well, that’s the problem. i was being me, but not like that. not with you.” you look down for a second at your hands you didn’t realize were intertwined this whole time, your fingers tightening slightly around his.

“i didn’t let myself think about it,” you admit quietly. he stills. “really?” you shake your head a little, like you’re trying to find the right words. “because if i did, it would’ve changed everything. and i didn’t wanna lose what we had.” he softens, “so you just ignored it?” he asks. you nod faintly. “yeah.”

“there were moments,” you admit, your voice quieter now. “where it didn’t feel like just friendship. where it felt like more.” you swallow, your eyes flicking back up to his. “i just never let myself think twice of it.” rafe stares at you like that just knocked the air out of him.

“you’re serious?” he asks, softer now. you nod slightly. “i didn’t know what to do with it.” a breath leaves him, almost like relief mixed with disbelief. “jesus fuck” he mutters under his breath, a small, almost incredulous smile pulling at his lips. “all this time” you let out a weak, emotional laugh, shaking your head. “yeah.”

rafe’s hand tightens around yours again, his expression grounding back into something more serious. “then let me do this right,” he says, his voice steady now. “let me be there for you. for real. not just halfway, or how we used to but, actually there. i want to be your problem solver”

you look at him, your eyes still a little glassy, “i really don’t wanna screw this up,” he adds, quieter. “i don’t wanna be like my dad. i don’t want our kid growin’ up in some messed up broken home where shit’s always unstable.”

“i don’t want that either, you admit. “so don’t run from me, please,” he says, in pleading honesty. “don’t shut me out like you been doin’.” he finishes. “i was just scared,” you say. “i know,” he nods. “but you don’t gotta be scared of me.” your eyes search his face. “this is a lot, rafe.”

“i know it is,” he says again. “we’ll take it slow if that’s what you need. but you’re not doin’ this alone, alright? i’m right here.” your fingers squeeze his a little tighter. “you’re not leaving if things get hard,” you ask, vulnerable. 

“not a fuckin’ chance.”

in the background, he hears your friends talking over each other.

“wait—give me the phone—no, i got it—”

then one of them comes through clearer. “hi, um—she’s okay! just… very drunk. we’re outside the bar on—”

rafe’s already moving. “i’m on my way.”

ten minutes later, he pulls up, and it takes him exactly two seconds to spot you.

you’re sitting on the curb, heels kicked off somewhere, head tilted back, laughing at absolutely nothing.

his chest does a weird mix of relief and oh my god. he steps out of the car, locking it quickly. “hey.”

your head snaps toward him. “RAFE!”

you light up like he just hung the moon.

and then you’re scrambling u p— very unsteadily like a baby deer — and stumbling straight into him. he catches you immediately. “whoa—hey, easy,” he murmurs, hands firm on your waist as you basically collapse into his chest.

“you came,” you mumble into his shirt, arms wrapping around him like you’re afraid he might disappear.

his expression softens instantly.

“yeah,” he says quietly. “course i did.”

your friends hover nearby, watching with very knowing looks. one of them snorts softly. “she’s been talking about you for, like… two hours.”

you groan. “no i haven’t —”

“you have,” another cuts in. “it’s been rafe this, rafe that—”

“okay,” rafe interrupts, but he’s smiling a little, ducking his head as he looks down at you. “that so?”

you hide your face in his chest. “they’re lying.”

“mm,” he hums. “sure.”

he thanks your friends quickly, promises he’s got you, and then it’s just him and you. well, mostly him holding you up.“c’mon,” he says gently. “let’s get you in the car.”

“don’t wanna walk,” you mumble.

“yeah, i figured.”

before you can protest, he scoops you up. ull-on. one arm under your knees, the other around your back. you squeak, then immediately cling to him.

“rafe!”

“relax,” he mutters, but there’s no heat in it. “i’ve got you.”

you bury your face in his neck, giggling again. “you’re strong.”

“yeah?” he glances down at you. “you just noticing that now?”

“mmhm.”

he shakes his head, smiling despite himself as he sets you carefully into the passenger seat, buckling you in because you’re definitely not doing it yourself.

you watch him the whole time. like he’s fascinating. like he’s everything. he is.

the drive is… an experience.

you ramble. about your friends, about the music, about how the bathroom attendant “felt like a fairy,” about how much you love fries.

and then— “i love you.”

it just slips out. rafe’s hands tighten slightly on the steering wheel. he glances at you. “you’re drunk,” he says quietly.

“i know,” you nod, very seriously. “…okay? but i still love you.”

his jaw ticks. he looks back at the road. doesn’t answer right away. “we’ll talk about it tomorrow, yeah?”

you pout, but a second later you’re distracted again by something outside the window.

he exhales slowly.

back at his place, getting you inside is…a process.

“shoes,” he says, crouching in front of you.

“no.”

“yes.”

“noooo.”

he raises a brow. “you wanna sleep in them?”

you think about it. “no.”

“yeah,” he mutters. “that’s what i thought.”

he gently slips them off, setting them aside, then stands and takes your face in his hands for a second. “stay,” he says.

“kay.”

you do not stay. you wobble after him immediately. he catches you (again). “you are not making this easy,” he says, but his hands are steady, careful, guiding you.

“you love me,” you sing.

he pauses. just for a second. then softer, almost under his breath “yeah.”

you don’t even register it. he gets you changed into one of his t-shirts, turns his head respectfully when needed but still helping when you get tangled and confused. he hands you water. you take one sip.

“more,” he insists.

“no.”

“yes.”

you glare at him. he stares back and so you take another sip.

“good,” he murmurs.

he wipes smudged makeup from under your eyes with a damp cloth, movements surprisingly gentle for someone like him.

“hold still,” he says quietly.

you do his time because it’s him. eventually, he gets you into bed. you flop down dramatically.

“rafeee.”

“yeah?”

you reach for him with grabby hands. “cuddle.”

he huffs out a soft laugh. “yeah, alright.”

he climbs in beside you, and you immediately latch onto him, arms wrapping around his middle, leg thrown over his. he freezes for half a second then relaxes. his arm comes around you, pulling you in properly, hand resting on your back. you sigh, content.

“feel weird,” you mumble.

“i know,” he says softly, thumb tracing slow circles against you. “it’ll pass. just sleep.”

you nuzzle into his chest. “don’t leave.”

his grip tightens just slightly. “not going anywhere.”

you hum, already drifting off. “love you,” you whisper again, sleepier this time.

he looks down at you. really looks. his hand comes up to brush your hair away from your face. “yeah,” he murmurs. then, quieter: “i know.”

he presses a soft kiss to your forehead, holding you a little closer as your breathing evens out. and he stays exactly like that, awake a while longer, just making sure you’re okay, before finally letting himself drift off too, still wrapped around you like you might disappear if he lets go.

Ah, there it was.

He could see your eyes darting over the periodic table, and every few moments, you squinted slightly, as if you were trying to bring the tiny printed words into focus. Another thirty seconds passed. He tilted his head, watching as you leaned forward a little, your eyes locked on the chart like your life depended on it.

You would probably set it on fire at this point from how intense you were looking.

“…You good?” he finally asked, unable to stop the curious edge in his voice.

You straightened up so fast it was like you had been caught doing something embarrassing. Which, judging by the way you suddenly looked anywhere but at him, you probably had.

“I, um—” You hesitated, biting your lip. Then, after what seemed to be an internal debate, you let out a small sigh. “I actually, uh, forgot my glasses at home.”

Oh.

Oh.

Kuroo blinked, his amusement only growing. That explained a lot.

“That bad, huh?” he asked, resting his elbow on the table and propping his chin on his hand.

“Not terrible,” you muttered, though the way you still weren’t looking at him suggested otherwise. “I can still see—just not, you know, well.”

That made him chuckle.

“Well, that’s going to be a little problem, isn’t it?”

You let out a small, almost defeated laugh. “Probably.”

Kuroo grinned and turned his attention back to the chart, skimming for the elements the teacher had mentioned. “Alright, let’s see… We’ve got—” He rattled off a few element names and their symbols, glancing at you to make sure you were following along.

Then, as if remembering you had an actual task to contribute to, you quickly dropped your gaze back on the textbook for reference. “You don’t have to—”

“Nah, it’s fine,” he interrupted smoothly. “What were the elements again? Aluminum, zinc, and—what was the last one?”

Still looking a little overwhelmed by the sheer speed at which this whole interaction was happening, you answered, “Um. Magnesium.”

“Magnesium, got it.” Kuroo tapped the page, making sure you could at least see where he was pointing. “Here, let’s work on this together. I’ll read it out, and you can double-check if I’m not mistaken.”

You let out a small, barely-there laugh—so quiet that if Kuroo hadn’t been paying attention, he would’ve missed it. But he was paying attention.

He had been ever since you sat next to him, really. He realized that he paid attention to you more than the teacher himself.

Kuroo read the information to you, sometimes exaggerating just for fun—“And this here, my dear lab partner, is the majestic zinc, element number 30, the unsung hero of batteries everywhere”—which earned him an amused shake of your head. You weren’t exactly talkative, per se, but he caught glimpses of amusement in the way you entertained his nonsense.

This must be the manifestation of that one tweet he posted, “My future wife is probably fake laughing at her boyfriend’s lame jokes rn. Be patient, Queen; a true clown is on the way.”

Now that you weren’t caught off guard, you nodded along, quickly jotting things down in your notes. It was then that Kuroo realized something else.

You hadn’t even introduced yourselves.

“You know,” he said, smiling a little, “I think we skipped a step.”

You paused, looking at him curiously, then back at your worksheet. “What?”

“The whole name thing.” He tapped his pen against the worksheet. “I asked you to do something before I even said hi. That’s pretty rude, huh?”

For the first time since he spoke to you, you actually met his gaze. And then, to his surprise, you cracked a small smile.

“A little, yeah.”

Kuroo chuckled. “I’m Kuroo Tetsurou.”

You tilted your head slightly, and then, like you were amused at how backwards this whole conversation had gone, you finally replied, “[Last Name] [Name].”

“Nice to meet you,” he said. “And don’t worry—I’ll be your eyes for today. And for as long as you’d like.”

“Are you this flirty with every person you meet?”

“Only the ones that know their way around a calculator despite not even looking at it directly.”

You rolled your eyes at that, but he could see how his jokes were getting to you. By the time the teacher walked around to check your progress, Kuroo had already decided that this was way better than any cliché shoujo manga meet-cute.

Because really, what could be more romantic than offering to be someone’s eyes for the day—and maybe even for forever?

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