Work Text:
July 20th, 1999
“Are you all ready for your party, Tooru?”
“Yeah! I have my party shirt, my party shorts, and!” The little boy ran to his room, returning with a gold crown with the phrase “Birthday Prince” written on it, “my party crown!” he beamed, handing the crown to his mother. She placed it on his head with a grand gesture, officially dubbing him the birthday prince. Minutes later, the doorbell rang, signalling the arrival of little Tooru’s guests.
Friends and family arrived for the next hour, aunts pinching his cheeks and grandparents telling him how big he’s grown. “You’re so big! Are you turning five or twenty?” Tooru giggled and basked in the attention, streamers and balloons and confetti filling the living and dining rooms of the Oikawa residence. Birthdays were never small occasions for them, least of all the birthday of the growing Tooru.
The kids ran amok while the adults watched, playing with fake swords and dinosaurs, even starting a little volleyball game in the back yard (“game” is used rather loosely here, really it was just a group of five-year-olds trying not to let the ball hit the ground). When it came time to sing happy birthday, Tooru made sure he was front and center, but most importantly, that someone special was right next to him.
“Iwa-chan has to be next to me! He’s more special than everyone else. But not more than me,” the boy explained. And so it was, little Iwaizumi (older than Tooru by about a month and some) was sat right next to Tooru as everyone sang to him. As it came time to blow out his candles, Tooru closed his eyes and thought hard about what to wish for.
I wish Iwa-chan and I will be best friends forever and ever! Also I wish for aliens to be real.
⁂
July 20th, 2007
Blue balloons and silver confetti decorated the front rooms of the Oikawa household, along with decorations saying “Out of This World!” and props of alien UFO’s. Tooru Oikawa’s thirteenth birthday party had just begun, the usual early-but-not-too-early family members had arrived, and yet the birthday boy in question was nowhere to be found.
“Okay. Galaxy or aliens,” he said to himself, holding both shirts in front of himself in turn for the fifth time in the last half hour. Tooru always knew how to dress for an occasion, his birthday was, of course, not an exception.
“It can’t be this hard to make this decision, I’ve been telling you galaxy print every time, Trashykawa. Just hurry up and pick, there’s already people here,” his best friend complained from his spot in Tooru’s desk chair. “Look,” he took the galaxy shirt right out of Tooru’s hands, earning him a shout of protest, “the blue and purple goes better with your eyes or whatever.”
Tooru gasped, “You’re looking at my eyes Iwa-chan? Oh you do love me! Even though Iwa-chan always calls me mean names, he looooves me~” he sing-songed as he slipped on the galaxy-print button-up. His teasing earned him a ruffle of his hair, messing it up considerably.
“Iwa-chan you messed up my party hair!” Tooru quickly began fixing it, stress and annoyance written all over his face.
“Party hair? Your hair looks the same as it does every day,” Hajime stifled a laugh.
“It does not! See my part is a little different and I have it so the waves go like this, it’s my party hair! -- You’re making fun of me.”
Hajime snorted with laughter, “I am. I’m totally making fun of you. Who even has party hair?”
“I do! Come on, let’s go downstairs, my guests have been without me long enough.”
“Aunties! Grandparents! Dads! May I present: The birthday prince!” Tooru made a grand gesture with his arms, and Hajime facepalmed behind him. His grand entrance was met with claps and chuckles from his family, a party beginning such as this was to be expected from him by now.
The party commenced once the prince had made his grand entrance, with the rest of Tooru’s friends arriving and the usual Wii games, volleyball scrimmage (a much more organized, but hardly fair game as Tooru and Hajime insisted on being on the same team) and eventually the time came for cake and presents.
“Presents first!” Tooru insists, sitting at the dining table and gently dragging the first one over to him: a soft blue bag with purple tissue paper.
“New knee pads! Thank you, grandma, I’m sure they’ll be useful for practice!” Tooru meant it, he was grateful for any gift he received. He made his way through each one: workout clothes from his other grandparents, a new Nintendo DS Lite from his parents, and various cool knick knacks and volleyball related things from his friends and aunts and uncles. After unwrapping each, he was sure to let his family and friends know how appreciative he was, and how much he loved his gifts.
The time came to sing happy birthday, and for Tooru to blow out the candles on his birthday cake (artistically decorated with stars, a volleyball in the corner, and “Happy Birthday Oikawa!” in fancy lettering). He closed his eyes and thought hard about what to wish for.
I wish to be the greatest setter in the world. Oh! And I wish for Iwa-chan to be my partner. Forever!
It wasn’t until the guests had gone, the candles had been blown out, and the party had officially died down save for the two who sprawled across the couch watching Doctor Who that Hajime gave Tooru his present.
“Hey, uh, I got you something. It’s nothing big but, you know, it’s your birthday and stuff, so. Here,” Hajime reached around the other side of the couch, producing a box wrapped simply in blue, with a light blue bow on top.
“Iwa-chan, you shouldn’t have! But, why’d you wait so long to give it to me? Did you forget?” he gasped, “you weren’t embarrassed were you Iwa-chan?”
“Shut up Shittykawa, or I’ll take it back. Just open the damn gift.”
Tooru took his time untaping each corner and unfolding the paper, opening the box and peering inside. His eyes went wide.
“Glow in the dark stars! And - “ he shuffled through the several packages of them, “planets too! I could make the whole solar system! Oh and I could make the big dipper, or Orion, or my zodiac - Iwa-chan I could put our zodiacs in the sky next to each other!” He paused, box in his lap and wrapping paper covering the couch.
“Yeah, well, I know you like space and stuff so… I’m glad you like it,” Hajime looked up at his best friend, a light pink dusting both of their cheeks. “Happy birthday, Tooru.”
⁂
July 20th, 2012
“My friends… I hope you’re prepared for a party unlike any you’ve ever seen,” Tooru grinned, spreading his arms widely, “Tonight, we will dance. We will drink. And possibly even strip!” He winked at Hajime when he said the last part, whose face proceeded to turn a shade of crimson it was accustomed to when Tooru was around.
And, well, when Tooru made a promise like that, he was sure to deliver. Thankfully, Tooru’s parent’s gift to him this year was a weekend with the house to himself (after he insisted they had dinner to celebrate his birthday properly with them) and so the festivities proceeded. Issei had brought exactly one case of beer (which was more than enough for the eight people in attendance) and a game of poker was well under way. The company was good, and conversation was easy.
“I’m just saying, I don’t think it’s Iwaizumi’s fault that hit didn’t land. I mean, he literally broke through the iron wall. Plus, Karasuno has really grown a lot, they even beat Shiratorizawa and Inarizaki,” Takahiro waved his hand as he spoke.
Hajime’s eyes flicked to Tooru at the mention of the game.
“Well, no matter if they beat us or not, I still plan on surpassing all of them. After all, we all know that I’m going to be the best setter in the world!” Tooru said flippantly.
He never let his team know how that loss had affected him, but blowing his last shot at nationals had hurt him badly. It made him doubt himself, his leadership skills, even his ability as an athlete. Hajime had been there, though, to listen and hold him that night. He always was.
“Well! This is a depressing topic, shall we lighten the mood? With, say… the pool?”
“Last one in has to kiss the dog!” Issei flung his cards and ran outside, not bothering to change into swim clothes. He flung his shirt off and jumped straight in, christening the brand new pool patio with its first cannon ball. The rest of the party followed, whooping and jumping in, effectively getting half of the pool water to cover the patio and lawn, rather than keeping it inside the pool.
“You heard him! Or do I have to carry you out Iwa-chan?” Tooru wiggled his eyebrows teasingly.
“You are not carrying me, Shittykawa, I can jump in myself,” Hajime attempted a scowl, but the smile on his lips was obvious.
“Oh yeah? Why don’t you go ahead then?”
“Birthday idiot goes first.”
“Birthday King, Iwa-” Tooru was cut off by the sudden feeling of weightlessness, followed by the crashing of water over his head. When he resurfaced, spluttering indignantly, he wore a very pouty scowl directed at his best friend, who had yet to jump in and was instead doubled over in a fit of laughter.
“You- you should’ve seen your face! You should see your face right now, oh my god,” Hajime practically wheezed.
Tooru pouted indignantly, and in one effortless movement, hopped out from the side of the pool and stood again next to Hajime.
“I’m glad you had fun laughing at me, Iwa-chan, because I’m showing no mercy this time. In you go!” He said brightly - maybe a little too brightly - as he pushed Hajime in and jumped after him, both fully clothed. His concern about his party shirt and hair (“Your hair still looks the exact same. Party hair isn’t a thing, Shittykawa”) had temporarily gone out the window, his only care in the world at the moment was on his friends, most importantly, his best friend.
“Oikawa you are an asshole,” Hajime scowled, but again, his smile was obvious.
“But you loooove me~”
“Oh god, get a room already!” Takahiro splashed them both, who had momentarily forgotten that they weren’t the only two people in the world. Tooru turned to join them in a game of chicken, leaving Hajime to hide the blush that formed on his cheeks once again. He did love Tooru. He always had.
After the late night game of chicken (which Team Birthday King and Takahiro clearly won), everyone found their spots to crash on, sprawled across the couches and the giant air mattress that had been a time and a half to blow up. Tooru and Hajime laid in the cool grass of the back yard, stars decorating the night sky just for them. In the quiet of the night, the light buzz in Tooru’s head dissipated, all the thoughts he’d worked so hard to push from his mind came back.
He knew he’d have to leave next week, and Hajime knew that too. He knew this may very well be the last time they would be together for at least a year, probably more. Tooru couldn’t remember the last time he and Hajime had been apart for more than a few days, let alone months. It may be his last chance, but he also knew how unfair of him it would be to break something like this before they each left to chase their dreams.
“Hajime?” Tooru spoke to break himself from his thoughts. Hajime’s cheeks glowed pink upon hearing his given name, something Tooru only used when he was serious, or scared. It sounded different when he said it, like what he was about to say next was special because it was just for him. He turned on his side to face his best friend.
“Hmm?”
“Are you… scared?”
“I suppose I am. But I mean, it’s just another place. Doesn’t matter where I am, I know what I’m doing and where I’m going. All that’s different is I’ll have to do it on my own this time,” Hajime picked at the grass between them, resting his arm under his head. “You?”
“Yeah,” Tooru said softly, “I am. I’ve never been this scared in my life, I don’t even know if this is where I’m supposed to be going. What if I’m totally wrong and then I’m stuck in another country and I’m away from you? And home will be so far away, and you’ll be so far away doing cool California things. Hajime, what if you forget all about me?” Tooru’s words came tumbling out, it was as though he could never hold back when it came to Hajime. His eyes made him feel like he was seeing into his soul.
“Tooru,” Hajime’s voice remained soft, he reached out and tucked a stray curl away from the other’s face, “you’re my best friend. There’s no way in the world I could forget about you. Besides,” he lightened his tone, “it’s not like you’d let me go a day without reminding me about all the cool places you’re going and all the friends you’re making. And I wish you’d spare me the details, but all the people you’ll hook up with too. You can do anything you set your mind to, I know it. And you know I’m not going anywhere, no matter where we are, we’re always looking at the same stars, right?”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Tooru laughed lightly. “I guess we’re playing for different teams now, if you keep playing, but… promise we’ll always be partners?”
“I told you, no matter if the teams change, you’re always going to be my partner. And I’m always proud of you, Tooru.”
“I love you, Hajime.”
“I love you too, Tooru. Happy birthday.”
He returned his gaze to the night sky above him, and closed his eyes.
I wish to beat everyone.
⁂
July 20th, 2015
The night was blurry, Tooru’s mind was fuzzy. He knew he was at a club his teammates had surprised him with, and he knew he was dancing with someone. Was it Mateo? Shouyou? He could have sworn he heard the voice of his best friend telling him he was off his ass, but he knew Hajime was nowhere near there.
Another drink, more music, more lights. No Hajime. It wasn’t as though this was his first birthday without him - 18, 19, and 20 were all by FaceTime too - it was just the first one where he hadn’t heard from him at all. Tooru sat down in a seat he was vaguely aware was vacant, opening his iMessages.
Jan. 1 - 12:01 a.m
Happy New Year, Tooru.
He knew he was busy, or studying or partying or something, but damn. Tooru thinks about how he wishes he’d kissed Hajime the last time he saw him at the airport and told him he loved him. He threw back another shot, winced, and returned to the party. The last thing he needed to be doing was crying on his birthday, possibly for the second time.
Tooru spent the night dancing, taking shots, and almost successfully avoiding thinking about what makes him sad.
“Oikawa-san!” he distantly heard the voice of his familiar friend from behind him. Tooru laughed, turning and grabbing Shouyou by the waist to dance with him. Maybe it was the alcohol, the beat, or the sheer adrenaline he’d built in his system, but he knew right then that Shouyo’s lips looked so perfectly sweet, he had to kiss them.
The two danced closer, hands on waists and chests, sweaty and excitedly moving to the beat. Shouyo’s eyes locked with Tooru’s, and it was all it took for him to cup the shorter boy’s face and kiss him feverishly. Shouyo’s lips tasted sweet, like sweat and alcohol and citrus, his tongue tasted like summer. It was distracting, and dammit, it was his birthday. Tooru wanted more.
“Soooo sorry to cut the party short fellas, but - “ Tooru giggled, “I have to get home now! Toodle-loo, happy birthday to meee~” and with the worst attempt at a graceful exit since high school dance, Tooru and Shouyo caught a cab back to Tooru’s apartment. The cab ride was quick, or it seemed so as Tooru’s addled brain watched the city’s lights and stars blur past.
Once they were in the door, everything seemed to slow down. It wasn’t like Shouyo had never been there before, but suddenly the fervor, the adrenaline between them was gone, replaced with a thick, awkward air.
Tooru took a seat on his couch awkwardly, Shouyo copying next to him. “You miss Iwaizumi-san a whole lot, don’t you Oikawa-san?”
“I- what makes you say that?” Tooru tried to look surprised, but the sadness was written clearly on his face.
“You kissed me tonight, but you were talking about him the whole night. It’s okay Oikawa-san, I know he… he means a lot to you. You should tell him.”
“It’s too late for that, Shou-chan. He didn’t even tell me happy birthday this year, he never does that,” Tooru did his best not to let his voice break, but it was hard when Hajime was all that he could think of. His smile, his dumb mean nicknames, the way he’d say Tooru’s name softly when he needed to hear what he had to say. His strong hands and arms, the ones that hit every set Tooru tossed him. He sniffed, not realizing he’d started crying, and blearily looked over to his friend. Shouyo had fallen asleep while he was lost in thought, with his head on the back of the couch, mouth open and snoring already.
Tooru helped him lay in a more comfortable position and laid a blanket over him before stumbling to his own room, stripping to his boxers and lying in bed to sleep the night’s events away. In his last moments before sleep, he made his wish.
I just want to see Hajime again.
⁂
July 20th, 2021
“We’re here in the Olympic village with Argentina’s starting setter, Tooru Oikawa! How are you feeling about the upcoming Olympic games?” The reporter beamed at Tooru, moving the mic in front of him to speak.
“Well, I’m feeling just lovely Himari-san, we have such a great team together this year and I just know we’ll beat my friends over on the Japan National Team fair and square!” He flashed a winning smile back to her.
“That’s the spirit! I’ve got to know, though, how does it feel to be back in Japan after so long? Reunited with any friends lately?”
Tooru’s smile faltered, not noticeable unless you’d seen it before, but it returned just as quickly, “Oh, you know how it is Himari-san, the schedule of an athlete in the spotlight hardly leaves room for leisure, but here’s hoping the team and I get some downtime soon!”
“Yes! Well I have just one last question for you: how does it feel to be going up against the Japan team when so many of your juniors - I believe they call them the ‘Monster Generation’ are on it? Ready for a rematch?” The reporter smiled at him expectantly.
“Oh, the monster generation?” Tooru looked into the camera as if he was challenging it, “They’re just stepping stones to me.”
“What a line! Now that is the attitude that will intimidate an opponent on the court, everyone. Well it has been just wonderful talking to you today Oikawa-san, we’ll see you play in a few days - and have a happy birthday!” The reporter and Tooru both said their thank-yous and goodbyes, and the network cut to a commercial.
Hajime turned his attention to a very bouncy Bokuto and Kuro, practically breaking the couch next to him and looking at him like expectant puppy dogs. “Well?” Bokuto looked at him hopefully.
“Well what?” Hajime responded, failing miserably to look disinterested. It wasn’t like he’d meant to notice how nicely toned and tanned Tooru had gotten, growing into his height in the broadness of his shoulders and chest. He definitely didn’t catch the falter in his smile and let it pang him with guilt, or wonder how his hair had become a shade lighter.
“When are ya gonna go see him? How long has it been anyway?” Kuroo asked.
“Only two years, we got to visit the last time we were both home.”
“Didja tell him you loooove him?” Bokuto jabbed at his side and Hajime swatted his hand away.
“Of course I didn’t, he was dating someone. We did talk more though,” Hajime recalled, remembering the last time he was back in Miyagi. Seeing Tooru and his family again, meeting up with friends he hadn’t seen since high school, it had been fun. He didn’t exactly plan on confessing at the time, though the thought had crossed his mind.
“You could now,” Kuroo offered, “It took me years to confess to Kenma, just not this long and way less angsty.”
“I can’t now.”
“Is he taken?”
“No, last I checked he was single again, but that doesn’t mean he wants to date his lifelong best friend.”
“Yeah but it does not not mean that either, Iwaizumi. No one keeps someone in their life that long unless they have the intention to be with them forever.” Kuroo’s tone turned serious, and Bokuto nodded along next to them.
“The least you could do is go see him, Zum-zum, it is his birthday after all,” Bokuto offered. Well, he couldn’t argue with that. And they did promise to meet up once they were settled in.
“Okay, I will. We were planning on meeting for lunch anyway,” Iwaizumi conceded, earning him a cheer and a “Yes!” from his friends, to which he rolled his eyes.
-
Tooru bounced his leg nervously and fiddled with the buttons on his shirt. It wasn’t like it had been forever since they had seen each other, but it had been since Hajime turned twenty three that they’d spent a birthday together, since eighteen when they almost kissed, and, well, since forever that Tooru wanted to tell Hajime he was in love with him.
His eyes flicked nervously to the door of the restaurant Hajime had picked every few minutes, both willing and dreading for it to open. It did, and in walked the man Tooru had been waiting for. Taller than he looked in FaceTime, and more muscular too, Hajime was the picture of jealousy at a high school reunion. Tooru blinked before it looked like he was staring and stood to hug him as he came to the table.
“Iwa-chan! How I’ve missed you so - and you look so handsome today! All dressed up for my birthday~” Tooru sing-songed, taking his seat across from Hajime.
“Do you have to be an ass about everything?” Hajime looked serious for half a second before they both started laughing, “I missed you too, Shittykawa.”
They each placed their orders and fell into a comfortable conversation, reminiscing about high school and talking about their current teams and events to be held in the Olympic Games.
“Wow, I can’t believe so many people we’d have played against ended up on the National Team. Even Tobio-chan, I’m impressed!”
“Yeah, he’s come a long way. Him and Hinata have really tuned in to each other, I guess it took some being apart before coming back for them to get it right,” Hajime regarded, making eye contact for a little too long as he said the last part.
“Yeah, sometimes that is what it takes,” Tooru agreed softly. He coughed lightly, breaking the spell of eye contact, “Wow, the food here was good huh? How come we never came here before?”
“Oh, I don’t think it was here until recently.” Tooru hummed in response, gazing out the window at the trees and river nearby. Their waitress dropped off the bill and he gave her a winning smile, making her blush and walk away hurriedly.
Reaching for it at the same time, their fingers brushed and lingered. They both froze for a moment, blushing and not making eye contact. Tooru laughed nervously.
“Come on Shittykawa, you can let me pay for lunch. It’s your birthday,” Hajime moved his hand from Tooru’s, leaving the absence of warmth where it had been.
“Well thank you Iwa-chan,” is all Tooru could muster. He knew he’d be a little nervous, perhaps even blush, because that’s how it always was when they saw each other. But he didn’t expect it to be like this, so consuming and conscious and...in front of him. He felt like he was eighteen again, stealing glances when he didn’t think Hajime was looking, having sleepovers just to fall asleep hearing his steady breathing and his warm scent.
Hajime broke the silence after the waitress returned with his card. “Hey, Oikawa - “
“Oikawa? Who am I, my dad? Iwa-chan, what’s with you?”
Hajime’s cheeks burned red. “I was just going to ask if you wanted to walk back together, since we’re going to the same place, ass.”
“Oh! Well that sounds just lovely. Lunch and a little stroll, you do know how to treat a man for his birthday!” Tooru sprang up, seemingly unfazed by the thoughts he just had. They exited the restaurant together, walking in stride through the park nearby. It was so easy for them to fall into a rhythm, stopping occasionally to watch the fish swim in the stream or pointing out a dog someone was walking. It was no longer sakura season, but the green of the trees and the flowers on the bushes they passed were enough to make for a scenic walk.
“You know how on your birthday you’re supposed to make a wish when you blow out the candles?” Tooru asked during a lull in conversation.
“Yeah, but usually I just kinda blow out the candles. Why?”
“Well, I don’t know if you remember, but when we were five, I made you sit next to me at my birthday party,” Tooru started. He really wasn’t sure if Hajime remembered, he hardly remembered himself. It was the photo taken on a disposable camera his mom had kept for all those years that he found in the attic that reminded him; the words “Tooru and his best friend on his 5th birthday!” written on the back.
“Not really, but I believe it. It was our first birthday party together, I know that.” Tooru nodded.
“I thought really hard about what to wish for, you know, because I was a kid. I had just met you, and I wished we’d be best friends forever,” at this, they stopped walking, in the middle of a bridge going over the stream. Hajime laughed lightly.
“Did you really? I guess you got your wish then, huh?” They faced each other, Tooru leaning casually against the railing of the bridge. Hajime was comfortably close, enough so that Tooru could see the flecks of light in his dark brown eyes.
“I always get what I want, Hajime. It’s part of my charm and, um, stuff,” Tooru’s flippant tone and confidence seemed to dissipate as Hajime drew closer.
“Tooru. Stop me if… If I’m overstepping. Or reading you wrong,” Hajime never read him wrong, “okay?”
Tooru nodded. In the smoothest motion, Hajime cupped his cheek, Tooru instinctively leaning into his hand. He ran his thumb down his jaw and across his bottom lip, seemingly in awe that they could be this close. Hajime’s heart beat erratically as he tilted Tooru’s chin up, and captured his lips in the sweetest kiss. They parted only for a moment, by inches, for Tooru to say “Oh, Hajime,” and lunge forward, wrapping his arms around Hajime’s neck, kissing him deeper once more. And again. And again. They both smiled against the other’s lips, Hajime’s arms now wrapped around Tooru’s waist.
“You have no idea,” Tooru gasped, “how long I’ve been wanting to do that.” He pressed his forehead against Hajime’s and let out a small laugh.
“Me too. Hey, Tooru?” Hajime pulled back to look into his eyes.
“Hmm?”
“Happy birthday,” he smiled, planting another soft kiss against Tooru’s cheek, “I love you.”
“I love you too, Iwa-chan.”
-
Five days later
With a deafening smack, the ball hit the shiny floor of the court. 30-28, Argentina won. The crowd that donned the light blue of the Argentina flag, suns painted on their cheeks, erupted in cheers, and Tooru turned to his teammates in a celebratory group hug. Tears ran down his cheeks, clapping the backs and high fiving his team. He really did it: he beat everyone.
He turned for a moment from his team to look on the other side of the net, searching for the man in the JNT polo. Where was he? Surely he’d be checking on Shouyo-chan after that nasty fall, or making sure Miya’s knees were okay after that low set - and then it hit him. Or rather, Hajime did.
“Tooru!”
“Iwa-chan! You should be - “
“Oh shut up,” Hajime grabbed the front of Tooru’s jersey and pulled him in, crashing their lips together. Tooru kissed back, and couldn’t help but smile.
Right in this moment, he had everything he could wish for.