Work Text:
After dating for nearly two years, it was only common sense that the public was going to find out. Atsumu sat in Foster’s office, nodding and apologizing, while Kiyoomi stared blankly at the wall. The words Foster was saying were going in through one ear and out the other. There was a low hum in Kiyoomi’s ears. It’s not that he was ashamed or not ready to be in public with Atsumu, it was the added pressure that came with being in a ‘celebrity’ relationship. He thought of all the comments they both had seen that morning before they showed up to the gym for practice.
Some of them were genuinely nice, amazing even, wishing the couple nothing but happiness and support. The other side wasn’t as friendly, hundreds of death threats sat in their inboxes on all their social media pages. As much as they’d like to say that the world was improving on its stance on the LGBTQ+ community, long strides were still required. Kiyoomi had a literal panic attack that morning, and Atsumu could only help so much. Then they showed up to the gym, where their friends welcomed them warmly, only to be called into Foster’s office. Kiyoomi almost spiraled for the second time in less than an hour, but Atsumu’s reassuring smile kept him desperately clinging to his sanity.
Even if homophobia wasn’t as big of a worry, there was the issue of their security. The picture that was released everywhere was of Kiyoomi being pulled into a kiss by Atsumu at the front door of their very heavily guarded apartment complex. Not only did people now know what apartment complex they were in, but they even knew the exact unit, the small number on the plaque of the door they were standing at clearly visible. Mail had been pouring in, fan mail excited to finally know their address, along with even more death threats that called them derogatory names and saying that now that they knew where they lived they were going to show up and do unspeakable things to them.
Add on top of that the fact that if they happened to break up, it would cause a whole spectacle and rumors to start spreading, giving bad publicity to their team and themselves. They relied heavily on money from sponsors, but the last thing they want is to sponsor someone who is deemed “problematic” by the general population. When he brought these concerns to Atsumu, his response was simple and said with a soft smile, making Kiyoomi’s heart hammer but for an entirely different reason entirely.
“Well, we c’n find a new place ta live, I c’n finally get rid of my place ‘cause we practically live together. As fer yer other concern, we jus’ won’ break up.” A soft kiss was pressed to his forehead then, making his head reel. He swallowed thickly as Atsumu had wrapped himself around the distressed man. Then Kiyoomi had blinked and here they were, getting lectured by Foster. After Kiyoomi vaguely heard a soft sigh, he was brought back when a warm hand set itself on top of his own that were on his lap, curled around each other tightly. A soft voice next to him coaxed him out of his brain.
“Omi? Ya alright?” Kiyoomi blinked rapidly, looking over at Atsumu, his hands quickly releasing only to grasp at Atsumu’s warm hand. Atsumu gave him the reassuring smile again, tilting his head slightly. Kiyoomi held the eye contact, watching himself become serene as he got lost in the soft amber color that had captivated him since the youth training camp. After a few moments, Kiyoomi gave a soft bob of his head in affirmation, his curls jostling ever so slightly. The smile melted from reassuring to a smile that shone as bright as the sun. At that moment, Kiyoomi realized people were so wrong to think Hinata was the sunshine on their team, but he would gladly let them believe it because he wanted this to himself. Foster cleared his throat, making them both look toward him.
“Listen, I know you guys, I know you love this team. I am aware this isn’t some act of sabotage. If it had been anyone else like Bokuto and Hinata being caught having a romp, I’d have their heads. I know you Atsumu, you’re impulsive and can be a bit irrational, so even you, I would expect it from.” And indignant squawk left Atsumu’s mouth. “But when I heard Sakusa was involved, I knew this wasn’t something just for fun. Sakusa you’re calculated, you know what you want, you’re assertive and blunt. So as far as I am concerned, you’re both giving this relationship your all, and as long as it doesn’t affect your abilities to play, I am on your side. Can you promise me to keep all your problems at the door?” Kiyoomi simply nodded again, not knowing if he was able to form words properly.
“I mean that’s what we’ve been doin’ fer the past 2 years, Coach.” Kiyoomi squeezed Atsumu’s hand in surprise, causing Atsumu to flinch. “Oww! Omi I set with those! I ain’ bendy like ya, ya can’t just fold my hand like that!” Kiyoomi expected another talking to after their 2-year relationship was just exposed. But all Foster did was chuckle and shake his head. Foster sat up in his chair, adjust himself so he was leaning on his desk, muttering to himself about how he almost forgot to mention something.
“Which reminds me, you two are going to get interviewed. It was set up this morning with one of the biggest sports channels in Japan. It will be next week, so you may leave practice for the rest of the week, the less time in public until we address this the better. Be aware, we are taking safety measures seriously on this, you will be both dropped off and picked up until this is publicly addressed. We recently purchased a building we planned to make the housing of our team, so your personal belongings will be packed and moved there by the end of the week. MSBY will make sure you are safe until this all blows over. And be aware, this will be broadcast in all of Japan. So if there’s someone you’d rather tell yourself, rather than them find out through an interview, I suggest you call them.” Both nodded, giving their thanks and another apology while bowing deeply before getting escorted to Kiyoomi’s apartment. The chaos of calls began.
-
Everything was unpacked and put away. The building was nice, brand new, and clean. They chose to room together in one of the spacious apartments. Before relaxing though, they had calls to make. Atsumu fished out his phone from his pocket, dialing his mother’s number, blabbering about how he’s sorry he never calls and how busy he’d been. He put her on speaker, not caring what was heard. Once Atsumu broke the news, laughter was heard on the other side of the phone, followed by Atsumu asking what was so funny.
“Honey you think I didn’t know? He was all ya talked about when ya got back from that trainin’ camp. And I’ve seen ya play together. It’s like tellin’ me that your favorite food is fatty tuna, I’m yer mother, these are things I know.” Atsumu’s cheeks were glowing as he looked at Kiyoomi, a soft surprised expression on the black-haired man’s features. Atsumu then went off, spewing words in an accent too thick for Kiyoomi to understand before they both said goodbye and hung up. Atsumu huffed and pouted, murmuring something about his mom spilling all his secrets. Next was Kiyoomi’s turn to call. He picked up his phone, dialing his mother. Atsumu eagerly motioned at Kiyoomi to put it on speaker. A few rings later and the call was answered.
“Sakusa Misaki speaking.” The voice was clipped, cold, and professional. Atsumu made a face, wondering why his mother would answer her son’s call like that.
“Hello mother, this is Kiyoomi.” He answered back just as formally, making Atsumu’s frown more pronounced.
“Hello, Kiyoomi. I am assuming you are calling because of the article that went around in your current town.” Straight to the point, no motherly warmth. Atsumu crossed his arms.
“Yes, it is. We will be doing an interview in a few days. I thought it’d be better if I told you myself.” Silence followed, making Atsumu placed a hand on Kiyoomi’s for support. He didn’t think Kiyoomi’s mother would react like this to her own son’s happiness. After a few more moments, there were noises again. Suddenly a chipper voice came through the speaker.
“Finally out of the meeting. Okay! So Kiyoomi, why didn’t you tell your dear mother that you finally got with the boy you’d been dreaming about?” The voice was completely different, making Atsumu look at Kiyoomi with a bewildered expression. Kiyoomi let out a low chuckle. “Why are you laughing? You’ve been so in love with that boy since I can remember. You even chose the team you’re playing at because of him and you didn’t think to tell me you snagged him?”
“Mom!” It was Kiyoomi’s turn to be highly embarrassed. She replied with a teasing tone, making Kiyoomi bury his face in his hands.
“All I’m saying is that it’s about time! Can’t wait to meet my son-in-law! Next family reunion you better bring him!” Kiyoomi grumbled. “So anyway, tell me when the interview is gonna be! I want to be able to catch it on tv! Your father will be thrilled!” Atsumu felt his worry melt, his mother was okay with this too. Now they just needed the interview.
-
The interview so far was going well, aside from the clear hostility radiating off the interviewer. Normally, they take breaks to prevent these kinds of things, but since this was a live interview, they could do nothing but watch as she became more and more hostile. If things escalated, they would step in. But Kiyoomi was quietly squirming in his seat, letting Atsumu answer all the basic questions that were being asked. The interviewer noticed this and turned to Kiyoomi.
“So, Kiyoomi-”
“Refer to my boyfriend as his family name, please. He’s not comfortable with strangers calling him by his given name.” Atsumu said curtly, a strained smile across his lips.
“Of course, my apologies. Sakusa, I have a question for you.” Kiyoomi swallowed thickly but nodded. He reached a hand over to Atsumu who was quick to hold it with both his own. A sinister smile curled onto the interviewer’s face. “The question that’s in everyone’s mind. Why Atsumu Miya? We know about his past adventures with strangers in bars, we have seen him drunk more times than any of us can count. He’s sloppy, messy, and overall a well-known player. Even his own brother has called him out publicly many times for being a slob. It’s no secret you have an aversion to germs, so tell us, how did someone like him manage to catch your attention? When did you fall for him?” Atsumu made a face, looking down, insecurities he’d have of the relationship being addressed in public before Atsumu had the courage to talk to Kiyoomi about them. Those we’re more like a 3rd year dating conversation. He felt a hand flex between his, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
They always did this. Sure Kiyoomi was mentally gone, and Atsumu was his rock, but being so in sync on and off the court made it easy for Kiyoomi to know when it was Atsumu’s turn to need support. So he swapped to his cool and collected personality, it would have to do for now until his sunshine was back in commission or they were both curled around each other in the comfort of their home. Kiyoomi’s voice was impossibly soft when he began to speak, clearly still deep in his mind, being blunt was his specialty. And he could be blunt about this too.
“Atsumu might have done things that people don’t agree with, but he’s trying every day. He’s trying for someone as weird and particular as me. So I don’t appreciate how you phrased that question. He won my heart by being himself, and that’s all I can ask for. As far as your other question that’s something that’s been on my mind since we started dating up until recently. When did I fall in love with Atsumu Miya? At first, I thought it was when we first met in the Japan National Youth Training camp we both attended while still in high school. I remember admiring his sets, admiring his movements. I remember that even though I refused to admit it, he was damn good at what he did. He pushed everyone, including myself. We were teamed up, but I was insufferable. I gave him such a hard time but all he did was smile and demand more from me. That week was insanely good for my growth as a player. I was forced to exchange numbers with him. Which thank you Komori, I owe you one. I remember going home and his sets were all I could think about. Even though our setter was one of the bests I couldn’t help but think about how Atsumu would have set it just a bit better. But I quickly realized that wasn’t when I fell.
Another instance that went through my brain was when we met again at nationals. I watched him play against Karasuno. I saw him adapting, changing, growing with every set he made. He was laughing and enjoying every single play. Then he tried to copy the quick and I nearly lost it when it almost worked. It was an experience, to say the least. I was so shocked when they ended up losing, but it was a battle well fought. Then when he pointed at Hinata and said he’d set for him one day, I felt my blood boil. At the time I couldn’t identify that it was jealousy, but the more I let myself discover my emotions, I realized what it was, and we began to message each other almost daily after that. Didn’t realized Atsumu had been waiting for me that entire time, respecting my boundaries. But it wasn’t then either, sure there was something there but it wasn’t love yet.
When Atsumu was announced as the starting setter for the MSBY Black Jackals, I knew that was going to be my team. Bokuto was announced and I saw the team just getting stronger from there, and in my mind, I am convinced it was because of Atsumu and his energy and will to please his spikers. I don’t know if he ever saw me but I was always sitting somewhere in the crowd, watching his games. The only time I ever watched at home was when college was keeping me too busy. I graduated, got my degree, and went to my parents and begged them to let me play professionally. I remember my mother just smiling at me and telling me to go to my boy. She knew where I was going. I tried out and was introduced to the team along with Hinata. I’ll never forget the smile that Atsumu gave me that first day. But I refused to let myself say what I was thinking. Volleyball had to be our focus, so I shoved my feelings aside and tried to stay friends. So that wasn’t it.
It wasn’t that once we started traveling he would always make sure to pack extra hand sanitizer simply for me. When we were staying at a hotel and I was too anxious to ask for someone to make sure the room was clean because I didn’t want to be a burden, he’d spend hours on the phone to make sure it was done. He refused to back down when someone got too close for comfort and didn’t understand to back off. Don’t get me wrong, I am by no means a damsel in distress, he never made me feel like that. There are just things I lack that he naturally has. But still, I convinced myself that those were just friendly gestures.
Just like how I convinced myself that every time he ran in front of me, wet wipes in his hands, wiping down doorknobs and tables and seats, was just him being concerned for another player's needs. He had stated multiple times before that he liked to take care of his players so I just didn't think twice about it. People looked at him like he was crazy, and I’ll admit at first I thought so too. But then he sat on the seat next to the sanitized one, gesturing me to sit in the one he just cleaned. He had the biggest smile I’ve ever seen him wear, and to this day I’m glad he only uses that smile with me. But that night he went home with someone else, and I was just glad he was happy. Hell, it wasn’t even the time he walked us both to a bathroom after eating and pulling out two travel-size toothbrushes, saying something about getting the germs out of our mouths as fast as possible. It wasn’t when he finally confessed. He told me he knew and I teased him about how if he knew he should’ve said something earlier. I still remember his red face. It wasn’t even our first kiss either.
It was a comfortable fall day. It was our one-year anniversary. Like everything else, I was taking it slow, making sure to be genuine with everything I did and said. So those 3 words had yet to be said. Atsumu had been restless for a few days prior so I finally sat him down and asked him what was wrong. He bit his lip, anxious as ever, and looked me in the eyes with the most tender look in his eyes, I'll never forget it. He took my hand in his and begged me not to run away. I was so confused, why would I run from him? He’d never hurt me. And being knowing myself even if he had, I'd want to talk about it instead of just calling it quits. Then he told me he loved me. It was like a shock ran through my body. It was then when I fell for him.
I fell for him when he looked me in the eyes, told me ‘I love you’ and didn’t look at me like I was broken like I was led to believe by society.” Kiyoomi finished his speech, everything was way too quiet. Panic shot through him as he whipped his head up and looked towards the interviewer who was staring at him, eyes wide, face slightly pale. The silence was broken by small hiccuping. It was then that Kiyoomi realized the hands that were holding his own were shaking. He looked over to see tears pouring out of Atsumu’s eyes. Kiyoomi shifted in the seat, tilting towards him, his free hand cupping Atsumu’s cheek.
“I’m sorry. Did I do something wrong? I’m sorry.” Atsumu was quick to shake his head leaning into the warmth. “Then what is it?” Kiyoomi’s heart slammed in his chest when he saw the same expression in Atsumu’s eyes when they first declared their love. Atsumu smiled warmly, staring deeply into his eyes, and whispered gently.
“Nothing, you’re perfect.”