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"Fuck," Oikawa let out an exasperated sigh and furiously wiped his face with the spare towel he was holding. It was only around eight in the morning but the sun is up high and already pissing the hell out of him. Bullet of sweats began to appear non-stop around his forehead and although he intended to shower after he arrived at the Belmond Copacabana Palace, the hotel where he intend to stay, it still felt uncomfortable and disgusting. He closed the taxi door after paying the amount displayed on the meter and mutter a quiet thanks before proceeding inside the building. Brazil sure has hotter summer than any other country he had visited, he thought.
A loud familiar voice called out from across the distance and he flinched in surprise when he recognized who it was. Hinata waved his hand and quickly run towards the direction where he stands. "Oikawa-san," the younger greets and let out a cheeky smile. "Are you traveling alone? Why didn't you tell me you're also here in Brazil?" Hinata fired questions after question to where Oikawa laughs at.
"Shouyou-kun, fancy seeing you here!" The brunet says. He went for a quick hug before telling Hinata that he is indeed traveling alone. "I will be staying here for a week. I just got the number of my hotel room, are you staying here too?" he asks.
"Yes! I am with Kageyama and some friends he invited over. They will be staying for awhile." Hinata explains. They chatter for another couple of minutes trying to catch up from each others' lives. The last time they met was in highschool and even though they used to compete against each other, Oikawa sure missed the upbeat energy Hinata radiates.
Oikawa's laughter echoed throughout the empty hallway of the hotel lobby. They were standing side by side while he still has his luggage with him. Hinata has been so comfortable with him he started telling him jokes and his struggle with his new teammates. They only stopped when they got interrupted by another familiar voice calling Hinata from the distance.
"Oi- I told you not to wander outside alone. Also it's your turn to shower—" Kageyama's voice came into a halt when he recognized the person Hinata is talking to. "Oikawa-san," he bowed a little before eyeing his boyfriend.
"I know, isn't it crazy? Of all the place to meet him, its here. Oikawa-san is staying with the same hotel as ours." Hinata explains.
"What a beautiful coincidence!" Oikawa laughs at how exaggerated Hinata is towards Tobio. He can sense the slight discomfort on his subordinate's part because now, there is no stopping Hinata from telling him about their interactions awhile ago. "You're really cute together, aren't ya, Tobio-chan?" he teases and snorts again at the sight.
"Oikawa," a low baritone voice called from out of nowhere. The setter isn't sure if he's dreaming because as much as he was familiar with the almost thunder-like sound that reverberates through the empty hallway the idea of bumping with him too makes the brunet wanna run away.
"Oh! I'm sorry to keep you waiting, Ushijima-san. The food will shortly be delivered on the room, Kageyama called the receptionist." Hinata turns to him and started explaining the reason why they are probably late to where Ushijima doesn't seem to mind. Ever so stoic face and hawk-like eyes boring towards Oikawa's direction, the atmosphere seems a little heavy now, the couple could already tell. If the two hadn't known better, they will only think that its the same rivalry from the past. But its not the case here and although the room is fully air-conditioned Hinata can feel himself perspiring from the tension.
"Olá~ Ushiwaka-chan, I never expect that you would be here as well," he sing songs and plasters the same fake smile he used to give the spiker way back in highschool.
"How have you been Oikawa?" The question left his mouth in a deep monotone. Oikawa gets bored upon hearing in them. He rolled his eyes before facing the taller.
"I've been great Ushiwaka. Happier and healthier too, can't you easily tell? Anyway, thanks for inquiring!" sarcasm sure is Oikawa Tooru's middle name.
"I am delighted to know about it. May you enjoy your stay here. I guess we will see you later, then." Ushijima curtly replies with the same expression that doesn't seem to be delighted at all.
Oikawa ignores the taller and faced the couple instead, muttering a quick goodbye to them before disappearing inside his hotel room. When he's finally sure that the door was locked he throws the luggage in pure annoyance not minding if it hit the marbled floor in the process.
He grunts and grab a handful of his auburn locks, "of all the places, Ushiwaka, you sure knows where to show up," Oikawa shrieks. "Ha— a beautiful coincidence my ass. Fuck it. A week stay here would be painfully awful god he's insufferable," he continue with his soliloquy. Maybe the whole thing would be fine even if Ushijima made an appearance but fate made it harder considering they were ex-lovers from college. "I hope he keeps ignoring me like he used to before. I just wish for all this vacation thing to be over."
-
Time passes quickly and Oikawa watch from across his huge windows how the sun had adjusted outside. He's mindlessly lying on the soft mattress glancing at it. He cursed at how distracted and occupied he's been by Ushijima being on the same country and worst at the same hotel he was in, that he forgot to appreciate the beauty of this place. The room isn't too small considering he's only here alone and the interior sure matches the standard of grandeur five-stars hotel across the globe. Outside, the sun hung above blazing hot reflecting the glistening water of the prestigious Copacabana Beach. From his room window, it has a perfect panoramic view of the shoreline bustling with people and tourists enjoying the ocean. It's calming just gazing at it from afar. Maybe a tan wouldn't be too bad if he ever try exposing a little skin while sun bathing, he thought. His mind a little cooler now so he decided to change into more comfortable clothes. He decided to pull a pair of khaki shorts and a floral bohemian polo that hugs comfortably his frame. He wears the sunglasses he bought from Argentina before his vacation. He's almost ready to go outside. The clock beside his bed suggests it's already 11 in the morning. No wonder the sun is almost at its peak. Oikawa, being the gorgeous king he is, doesn't forgot to apply sunscreen across his exposed skin for protection and skincare.
A few knocks from the door resonates across the room and the setter is quick to open them, half expecting it would be the food or rather Hinata. It was the latter.
"Shouyou-kun," he greets beaming. Hinata is already changed on his summer attire that almost matches with Kageyama except for the color of his short-sleeved shirt that has an amazingly bright patters and the tarp hat he's wearing.
"We're thinking of having lunch outside, maybe try local dishes near the ocean. What do you think Oikawa-san?" Hinata suggests, still without dropping the blithesome energy.
"That sounds wonderful! And I am down for exploring foreign dishes, you know its my kind of thing." Oikawa chirps out. He's imagining all the kind of food he could savor when Ushijima butts in on the conversation uninvited.
"You don't seem to have that much appetite considering your built," it came out like a whisper when he got close enough only for Oikawa to hear. Now its impossible for his presence to ignore. Their skin brushed lightly and he jolts from the contact. He leans back to met Ushijima's eyes only to be welcomed by the gold irises staring at him intently. There's something in them that seem to never change after all this years. Still unwavering, still sharp—yet still warm. It reminds Oikawa of the exact weather outside. "You have to be eating properly, enough to sustain the needs of your body as an athlete." Only then Ushijima distanced himself and he began to walk beside Kageyama who's now heading outside. Oh how he hates being reminded and told what he must do.
Oikawa inhales deeply and proceed to walk side by side with Hinata. When the spiker is far enough from the both of them, he made sure to scrutinize his overall look. Mentally cursing himself when his eyes lingers to Ushijima's prominent back and shoulder blades longer than he's ever allowed to stare. He took note of how Ushijima's supposed to be loosened polo fits incredibly fine hugging his features. The color of his fitted shirt compliments his tanned skin and the linen shorts he's wearing impeccably reveals his toned calves. 'He got hotter' said the naughty voice in his mind. He didn't realized he's been watching him too much until they reached the building's exit.
"Let us take a cab from here. I'm afraid it's a little too hot at this hour to be walking under the sun." Ushijima declares that automatically earns a glare from the setter.
"What's the point of traveling all the way here if you're not going to experience the sun and the ocean breeze." Oikawa reasoned out. "No wonder nobody can stand you and your attitude. You're boring," he yawns.
"I believe it's only you who acts differently around me, Oikawa." Ushijima says a matter-of-factly.
The two argued for another minute because Oikawa doesn't like to lose. In the end, they took a cab and the whole ride was spent with Oikawa talking only to Hinata and Kageyama forever ignoring Ushijima's existence.
-
They end up choosing to spend their lunch in a resto bar overlooking the entirety of the massive ocean. It is located just above the rest of the city— a kilometer away from their hotel. Whoever choose to dine here must have a taste.
"This is a nice place, Tobio-chan. Such a perfect spot for dates. I bet you spend too much time looking for it." Oikawa assumes while shoving a mouthful of seasoned fried shrimps and gulp into his beer.
"I told you, Oikawa-san will like it!" Hinata cheers happily while he ate his lunch.
"Like it? I love it Shou-chan. Just look at this place, its super refreshing, plus the food and beer," he breathes. "And oh, the view is mesmerizing up here." his auburn eyes literally sparkle everytime he speaks with enthusiasm.
Ushijima just watch him as he chat with Hinata non-stop and quietly dig on his own food. They ordered a bunch of seafoods, meat and vegetable salad, mostly brazilian cuisine and cold beers to match the scorching heat of the noon.
"It was actually Ushijima-san who suggested this place He's been keeping tracks on where to best spend the vacation in Rio." Kageyama interrupts and glanced towards Ushijima who drank his beer nonchalantly.
Oikawa fought the desire to roll his eyes for the umpteenth time because Ushiwaka is back at it again. Of knowing everything, the places, the foods, and drinks just like the Mr. Perfect he is.
They all finished shortly and after having lunch, they decided to walk down the market to look for some souvenir and finally to the beach. Ushijima's eyes lingers at Oikawa who's walking a few meters away from him and to the young couple who decided to stop to buy some matching shirts. Hinata decides to have a pair of havaianas too in different colors. Meanwhile, Ushijima noticed that a local vendor from a cocktail store offers Oikawa a drink from the distance. He went there to check if he's doing fine and to his surprise Oikawa is getting along pretty well with the foreigner. He drunk a glass of cachaça that was offered to him and smile in return. Ushijima doesn't seem to like his ex-boyfriend's friendly gesture.
"That's enough Oikawa. You had 3 glasses in a row. You've been drinking beer during lunch, it's not very ideal for your health," he sounds gentle and filled with concern not the usual low monotonous voice. Oikawa turn to face him and frowns. Obviously not happy about the sudden interpose. Ushijima unintentionally glares over the vendor who keeps uttering an apology on their language as it seem to notice about the situation.
"Can you please mind your own damn business Ushiwaka? I'm trying to live a life here," Oikawa growls at the spiker ignoring the stare given by the passerby. "I'm sorry, he wasn't related to me. I'd like to buy this drink, please wrap them nicely. Thank you." Then he proceeds to grab a handful of cash from his wallet but before he can keep it safely on his pockets, in a speed of light— a strong arm grope the leather wallet tearing it from his grip.
"A pickpocket!"
"Hey, a thief! Comeback here!"
Still too shocked from the incident, Oikawa haven't move a muscle from his place while Ushijima out of reflex run to chase after it.
Kageyama went to chase after them as well and Hinata is trying his best to stay calm.
'Please, please, please! Please let us have a safe vacation trip. Oh my God.' Hinata keeps on praying out of nowhere.
-
Oikawa and Hinata found a place to rest under the shade of trees in a bench not too far from the beach. They had calmed down but still waiting for the two dumbass to return. Hinata called Kageyama and told him their location. Not long after, the two arrived a little exhausted from the running. The auburn-haired glimpse at Ushijima's face. He caught the sight of the slight cut on his lips— a clog of blood starts to form in there. Oikawa bit his lips out of guilt and forcefully snatched the wallet out of the spiker's hand.
"Oikawa—" he trails off as he received a hard slap across his face. Hinata gasps at the sudden action.
"Shut up! Just shut the fuck up Ushiwaka. I told you to leave me alone, didn't I? You could've get killed trying to recover this for acting like a damn hero. Please just disappear out of my sight." Oikawa went a little too harsh with his words and he's aware of that. But he's too pissed off to even consider anything right now. He just thanked all the gods he's not crying when his eyes stung like shit.
"I apologise for causing you a lot of trouble and for ruining this perfect vacation. I'm afraid I won't be able to accompany you throughout the day. I will be going then," Ushijima doesn't look like his usual self while he says this. The intimidating and the natural confidence seem to be buried deep down on his guts. He's looking away almost as if trying to avoid Oikawa's gaze. And when it met them he instantly got lost on the golden irises, it made him dizzy. He remembered the moment he told Ushijima that they should broke up. For the reason that he will be away of the country and will never be back. He was kidding of course, but he was serious about breaking any relationship that would hinder his play overseas. He remembered how Ushijima quietly stood before him. How he muttered a quiet 'alright' but despite that, he remembered how he grip his knuckles tightly, Oikawa was too afraid it would rip his skin apart. Ushijima never asks because he was never good with words. He never asked because it was Oikawa who said so.
"Ushi---jima," Oikawa whispers out to the wind. By the time he realized it, Ushijima already walked a good distance from them and the setter isn't brave enough to run after him.
-
The couple made sure to keep Oikawa company until the sun goes down. They decided to come back to the hotel after the long tiring day. Kageyama clears his throat when Oikawa is just right before his room door and spoke.
"I'm not in the right place to say this Oikawa-san, but I guess Ushijima-san deserves to hear a word of gratitude after retrieving the wallet. I don't care about what happened in the past to the both of you. It doesn't matter. He wasn't seriously hurt but fought because he knows it is important to you." Kageyama's gaze never falter. It was as if he wants his senpai to absorb his words and listen to him just this once.
"It was my whole idea to invite him here. He was supposed to be with the rest of the team, playing or even with his former teammates or with Sakusa-san. But he considered going because I wasn't used to traveling alone." The raven-haired pause but he's not done yet, not until Oikawa finally realized and had a taste of his own deed. Oikawa's ears perked upon hearing another man's name. Was that his current boyfriend? He will never ask anyway and he doesn't care.
"He might consider going back home after the incident. I just hope you will have a word with him before he leave the country." Kageyama finished talking. He bowed politely after that and proceeds to their own room. Oikawa sighed in frustration when the young setter disappeared from his sight.
Kageyama was right. He went overboard and he's acting like a child. He should fix this just like a mature adult.
-
Outside of his room window, the sun seems to be drowning in the vastness of the ocean as it came into perfect collision. The sky is painted in darker hues and the moon crest is already showing from the other corner of the horizon— it is a perfect sight. Skyscrapers vaguely lit from the distance. A party by the seasides. Oikawa should be enjoying this night, not languishing on his bed thinking of what Tobio had said earlier. He wants to clear his mind so he decided to throw a jacket on his shoulder and finally head outside.
He walked a few kilometers away and without even noticing it he was already at the beach where a group of people is clearly having a blast. He noticed how they speak the foreign language and how they rub themselves to strangers while dancing to the upbeat music that was playing. Oikawa went to the side where a man in summer dress served drinks.
"I'd like to have a gin and tonic please," he requested. The man quickly recognized that he's a foreigner and started to speak in English so he would understand.
"Right away, Señor." And he's back to mixing drinks and talking with the other customers.
The order arrived in less than a minute. Oikawa downs it in one gulp. He slightly grimaced as the alcohol starts to burn in his throat so he quickly drank the second shot. His mind isn't blurry enough and the party light is pretty bearable on his side so he's sure that he recognized a familiar figure from not too far. Dark orbs and huge stature, an ever intimidating aura that has always been associated with Ushijima Wakatoshi.
He gulped. Oikawa isn't ready for this confrontation. Maybe he should run away but now he drank his fifth glass and he's got nothing else to be afraid of, or so he thought.
"Oikawa," his voice with a tone of displeasure, eyes glinting with rather disgust nor pity the auburn-haired cannot clearly decipher. "That's enough. Let's go back to the hotel," he insists.
Oikawa shrugs off the strong arm that's been grabbing him with a little force. He turn to face him.
"You shouldn't be here, Ushiwaka. You shouldn't be on the only place I am meant to enjoy my life," he wails. His voice suddenly drowning in the deafening sound of music but he's not done yet. Ushijima grabbed him by the wrist and started dragging him out of the crowd. He keeps on bumping onto people that's just as wasted as he is but he couldn't care any less because now he was being dragged by the person he's trying so hard to avoid. Oikawa wants to laugh at the irony.
When they come into a halt, Oikawa noticed where they are. It is indeed much better here than being one with the crowd.
"I don't want to see you," he mutters quietly. Ushijima listens.
"I should be enjoying this vacation, but now you're here and I don't know what else to do, I don't know." Oikawa keeps going.
"I understand. I already booked for a flight tomorrow. Maybe I will just tell the two after I get back to the hotel." Ushijima responds on his low baritone as if he was just talking about the weather.
"What?" Oikawa's eyes darted to where the spiker is standing. He quickly found his eye and holds them together. "I said I never want to see you, yes. But you're already here, so what's your deal? You've been given a break from volleyball and now you just want to go back home, you're unbelievable Wakatoshi." Oikawa's voice is loud with a hint of disappointment, he intends to sound that way.
"I—I don't know what to do with you anymore. Honestly." Oikawa never missed the sudden crack on his voice. It sounds meek yet the sadness was never hidden. It is the second time he heard Ushijima being so confused, and lost and probably defeated— but then again it's because of him.
"I'm never surprised of you pushing me away or not wanting to see me. I got used to that ever since we dated. I thought it wouldn't be of much different this time. But you are always confusing me, Tooru. I don't know my place, to where I should belong," Ushijima's gaze lowered and even if Oikawa couldn't read minds, he know he was hurting. After all this time, this man stayed with him, considers him and he was such a fool for always taking advantage of his kindness. "I think it's best I should go home." The spiker finally said, already preparing to make his leave.
Oikawa closed the distance between them and before the taller could finally react, his lips was already brushing against him. He recovered quickly from the contact and his long suppressed emotions finally coming out. Ushijima held the setter's waist, his strong callused fingers finding their way to grip them. Oikawa gasped in between his mouth, he knew deep down it would left a faint bruise but he's too intoxicated to ever care for that.
Their kiss deepens, now with the teeth and tongue and is getting a little messier than what he originally planned. Oikawa's hand grope the spiker's hair, tilting his head in the process to align their mouths for better access. Ushijima could taste the liquor in every corner of his lover's mouth. It's giving him a different kind of sensation. While Oikawa can still taste the antiseptic on the corner of ace's lips in return, probably because of the small wound that he earned from getting back his stupid wallet. He never wants to think of anything right now because they are inappropriate but he mentally note to himself that he should thank him and apologize properly.
The setter pulled first inhaling sharply to suck an air. He eyed Ushijima who seem to never struggle from the kiss. Maybe he did and he's just good at pretending he didn't. There is no way Oikawa would lose to him.
"I seriously wanna talk to you about what happened earlier on the market but you have to answer my question first." Oikawa berates when he recovered fully. Ushijima just nods at him in response. "Who is Sakusa? No— never mind that, answer this instead. Are you seeing anyone Ushiwaka?" The setter finally asks. He grows impatient every passing second when Ushijima just blankly stares at him in return.
"What? Don't tell me you're really dating anyone and we just kissed! Oh my god. I swear I will be the one to shove you at the airport!" Oikawa sounds exaggerating but he's not joking at all. Besides its not time for that.
Ushijima watches him with amusement, a fond smile slowly curving on his face. Oikawa rolled his eyes at the sight.
"I wasn't seeing anyone. If anything, I want it to be you," he's not lying. Oikawa hates the pure honesty in his voice and the sincerity it holds.
"But that doesn't answer my question about the man," the setter pouts. "Tobio said you're supposed to be spending your free time with him."
"Sakusa Kiyoomi is also a wing spiker from Tokyo. We used to compete against each other during highschool and he is a good friend of mine." Ushijima explains and Oikawa watched him questioningly.
"That is all? No feelings whatsoever? You never dated?" He inquires again.
"I never dated anyone after we broke up. I never plan on doing so," his gaze shifted from the setter's eyes to his hand. He decided to hold them after contemplating for so long. "So, if you don't mind, will you consider to go out with me again, Tooru?" The question left his lips smoothly and Oikawa swear he can feel the heat from his face blow up. He can feel how the sea breeze touches his face making him shiver a little from the cold. How the ocean wave dances against their foot and how his heart warms at the thought of Ushijima being alone with him, asking him out for a date for the second time around.
"Say my name," Oikawa demands.
"Tooru," Ushijima breathes.
"Again."
"Tooru," with that Oikawa smiles before answering.
"I wouldn't mind at all." The setter whispers in his ears, grinning in the process before claiming the spiker's lips again.
When their lips parted, Tooru tilts his head to meet Ushijima's gaze. His breath warm against the spiker's skin.
"I realized I never truly apologized to you ever since we broke up before I leave the country." Oikawa says almost in a whisper.
"I've been always an emotional mess and you constantly have to deal with it. I'm really sorry for all the times I'm being an ass. You deserves some of it anyway." He let out a hearty laugh after realizing that he's never going to be truly sincere and he doesn't want
to sounds dramatic again. Lucky fo him, Wakatoshi doesn't complain. He's willing to have anything Oikawa Tooru can offer. He began to learn it from all the years they've spent together being rivals, lovers and strangers.
"Hm?" Wakatoshi smiles fondly. He cannot believe Tooru will actually apologize.
They know that it's going to be a long way if they really want to start over again and have a healthy relationship. So much they need to unlearn from their toxic behaviors from the past and work on their current state. He's just happy they get to start somewhere and something new. Anything else could wait.
They shared another passionate kiss before deciding to walk on their hotel room holding each others hand. As they walk together, Oikawa dozed off and thought of how this crazy trip turns out to be much enjoyable and he anticipates for another days to come. The setter only wants to make the best out of this one time vacation but on the only space he was meant to enjoy, an unwanted person joins in and he was forced to keep them company. And now the idea isn't too bad at all because he get to spend it with Ushijima Wakatoshi. Truly, this place is just as majestic as its people, culture and scenery. The moment of their reconciliation will forever be etched on the white sands of Copacabana— a place that will hold a fond memory in his heart from now on.