Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hitoka’s heart beat wildly in her chest. It echoed between aching ribs and an anxiousness that wouldn’t settle. She swallowed around the rock in her throat as she stared out at the sea. A boat was on the horizon, drifting closer. They’d all be here soon. They could be here soon. 

Hitoka looked down at her hands, nails bitten to the quick. Ever since she had delivered the letters to the post, she’d been losing the battle to keep her anxiety in check. Everything since that moment had been a balancing act, an attempt to keep herself centred for the grand finale of her wedding tomorrow. Where she’d get to marry the love of her life, Kiyoko.  

Meeting Kiyoko had been like finding air for the first time. She’d left Hitoka breathless, and when they’d kissed? It’d been like tasting the sun, warm and bright, while the moonlight caressed their skin. For a moment the world had gone quiet and Kiyoko was all she’d ever need to know. She still remembered the blush decorating pale skin when she opened her eyes. Kiyoko was a gift from the gods, the alpha at the end of her red thread of fate. Intertwining their lives and bonding had been the obvious choice. 

Kiyoko was happy to give Hitoka whatever she wanted and with that, the wedding planning began. Ever since she was young she’d thought about the big wedding. A fairytale at first, to fantasize and pass the time. A picture-perfect future when it was just her and her mom, Atsumu. She still remembered Atsumu’s face when they’d told him. The shock, the happiness, the echoes of sadness buried in hazel eyes, hidden between crinkled laugh lines and a wide smile. A wedding, something her mother never got. 

That glimpse of sadness haunted Hitoka as Kiyoko and her planned the wedding. Each day the wedding got bigger and more extravagant, a celebration unlike anything the Onsen had ever seen before. With the planning came cleaning to make room for the celebrations and with it, a box for Hitoka to uncover. She hadn’t thought much of it at first, an old cardboard box covered in dust. However, when she grabbed it between her hands, the bottom gave out, a collection of old clothes, jewelry, and an old journal tumbling to the floor. 

The handwriting was instantly familiar, the messy scrawl of her mother faded on the pages. Hitoka had taken it in hand and skimmed the contents. Her lips parted in surprise. The journal was dated over twenty years before. Hitoka took the journal with her, shoving it under her pillow before completing her chores around the Onsen. It was when she was getting ready for bed that night, Kiyoko away from the Island for the week, that she remembered it. 

She had spent all night reading. The journal gave a startling look into who her mother had been before she was born. Pages and pages of the winter Atsumu had gotten pregnant with her. Her mother, an omega Hitoka didn’t fully recognize, and within its pages, a glimpse into Hitoka’s father. The alpha she’d never known. The old wound from her childhood began to ache.

It sat with her for days as she continued to organize and plan. She’d find her eyes drifting to the worn-out journal tucked away on her shelf, hidden between old manga and sketchbooks. It was during an evening curled up on the couch with Kiyoko that she got the idea—well, rather the Japanese drama they were watching gave her the idea. Send out three invitations to the three Alphas mentioned through the journal, and maybe, just maybe they’d respond, and when she finally got to meet them, she’d know. She’d finally know who her father was. 

After a few well-placed Google searches later and a little liquid courage, Hitoka had sent the invitations in the post without telling anyone. It was her secret wish, childlike, but she was afraid it wouldn’t come true if she told someone. She had a fear of how her mother would react if he found out, a fear of the unknown. Then she’d gotten a “yes” from all three, RSVPing.

Hitoka startled at the sound of a boat horn. Her gaze turned to the dock, the boat that had been on the horizon was now arriving. She got to her feet, excitement bubbling in her stomach. As people pooled out of the ship her eyes zeroed in on a tall, blond man. She took off running.

The wood pounded under her feet as she yelled, hand waving, “Tsukki!”

The blond whipped his head towards her, the scowl on his face softening to a quirked lip. He nudged at the shorter man beside him. 

Tadashi turned to smile and wave at her. “Hitoka!” The smaller beta was running, leaving his bag with Tsukki to tackle Hitoka into a hug. They crashed to the docks, giggling. 

“Hi!” Hitoka’s face ached with how large her smile stretched.

“Hi!” Tadashi responded, pulling Hitoka in for a scent. She responded happily, rubbing her cheek against Tadashi before letting him help her up. 

Tsukki came to stand beside them. 

“Hi, Tsukki.” Hitoka grinned, stretching her arms out wide and wiggling her fingers. 

The alpha rolled his eyes, bending down to let Hitoka pull him into a hug. “Hi, Hitoka.” He let her scent him briefly, a warm greeting after months apart. 

“I can’t believe I’m actually getting married tomorrow and you two are going to be my bridal party,” she revealed as they parted, excitement leaving her rocking on her heels. “Also there’s something I need to tell you.”

Tsukki’s face paled. “Oh Gods, you’re pregnant.”

“NO!” Hitoka yelled, face flushing deeply. “No,” she said, softer now as they started to walk off the dock towards the car Hitoka had parked. “I’ve done something, and I haven’t told anyone and it’s starting to drive me insane.”

“Hitoka, what did you do?” Tadashi whispered. 

“I may or may not have invited my dad to my wedding.” Hitoka laughed awkwardly, opening the door to sit in the driver’s seat. 

There was a pause before her friends were scrambling into the car, Tsukki staring at her wide-eyed from the front passenger and Tadashi hanging over the centre console. 

“ Your dad!? You found him!? How?” Tadashi asked, lips parted. Tsukki’s jaw had dropped. 

Hitoka scratched at the back of her head awkwardly. “Well, you see, I was cleaning out this storeroom at the Onsen, and I found my mom’s journal among one of the boxes I was cleaning out.” She let out a deep breath, looking at them to see their reactions.

“No way.” Tadashi gasped.

“Yup!” Hitoka reached into her purse, pulling out the worn journal. “It’s from the time he was pregnant with me.”

Tadashi took it, flipping through the pages. “The pages are so worn.” He frowned, handing it to Tsukki to take a look.

“The fact you found this,’’ Tsukki said, pushing his glasses up his nose, “after twenty years is insane.”

“That’s what I thought,” Hitoka said as she slid the key into the ignition. “But just wait till you read it. Go to the December entries.”

Tsukki flipped through the book, locating the corresponding pages. He cleared his throat before he spoke, Hitoka finally starting to pull the car out of its parking spot.

“December 15th, 

What a night! Omi took us over to the little island.” 

“That’s here, that’s Kiseki Island,” Hitoka interrupted.

“We danced on the beach, we kissed on the beach, and…”

Tsukki paused. 

“Dot, dot, dot?” Tadashi asked.

Hitoka shrugged, lips curling to shoot her friends a look. “You know, dot, dot, dot.”

“Oh my god,” Tsukki and Tadashi whispered. 

“Keep reading.” She waved at them.

“ Omi’s the one. I know he is. Everything about him is perfect. The way he challenges me, holds me close, and kisses me good night. And his scent, it’s simply divine. He reminds me of the cedar trees back home in Hyogo. When he does that thing with his wrist, I’m a mess.”

“Oh my god. So this Omi guy is your father?” Tadashi asked, gripping the headrest to peer over Tsukki’s shoulder as he read the journal out loud. 

“That’s the thing,” Hitoka nodded to the book between Tsukki’s fingers, “The plot thickens. Keep reading.”

“All this time Omi has been telling me he loves me, but now he’s announced he’s engaged and going back home to Tokyo to get married. And I’m never going to see him again.”

“Poor Atsumu,” Tadashi whispered. 

“December 25th,

What a night! Sunarin rented a boat and I took him out to the small island.”

“Sunarin!?” Tadashi asked, bewildered. 

“Sunarin,” Hitoka confirmed, voice conveying her own previous disbelief. 

“While I’m still obsessed with Omi, Sunarin is such a wild and carefree guy. One thing led to another and…”

“No way.” Tadashi giggled.

Hitoka’s cheeks reddened.

“December 31st

Tobio showed up out of the blue. He’s so sweet and so caring. I couldn’t help it and –”

“DOT, DOT, DOT!” the entire car yelled as Hitoka pulled up to the Onsen.

“Holy shit,” Tsukki whispered, closing the journal and handing it back to Hitoka. 

“Right!?” she exclaimed, tucking the journal back into her purse to be hidden away. 

“Way to go, Atsumu.” Tadashi whistled.

“It’s just crazy. Not only have I gotten to learn about my possible father, but there’s this side to my mom I’ve never heard about before.’’ Hitoka’s eyes widened. “He never talks about the time before he got pregnant with me. I’ll get the odd story about my awful grandmother or what growing up with Uncle Osamu was like, but never this. It’s crazy to think of my Mom pregnant at my age, as someone who before that was travelling the islands and working in Okinawa.” Hitoka let out a big sigh.

They exited the car, collecting the duo’s bags before making their way up to the old Onsen.

The Onsen was a beautiful, but old place. Even since Hitoka had been born, she’d always lived here with her mom. Atsumu had run it for Hitoka’s entire life, and brought Hitoka in on how to run it while still letting her explore her dreams and passions. It was a traditional wooden structure, with broken sliding doors and a cracked clay tile roof. It was tucked away in the trees of the surrounding forest, allowing for privacy and tranquillity to the few guests they got. The natural hot springs were situated in the back, with a view that looked over the rocks and out to sea. 

It was a run-down paradise that Hitoka, Tsukki, and Tadashi had explored during the summer as children.

“Do I hear the Three Musketeers?” a voice called out. 

“Atsumu!” Tsukki and Tadashi greeted, meeting Hitoka’s mother in a hug at the front of the Onsen. He fit right in the middle of Tsukki’s towering height and Tadashi’s average height. 

“It’s so good to see ya kits again.” He grinned, pulling Tadashi in by the cheeks and scenting him. He turned towards Tsukki. “I swear ya never stop growing,” he grumbled before pulling Tsukki down to scent his face much to the alpha’s false displeasure. 

Atsumu turned to Hitoka, opening his arms. She came happily, letting her mother pull her into a warm hug and scent her with the rich smell of pomegranates. Atsumu pressed a kiss to her forehead before releasing her. “I’ll let ya kids get settled. I have to go pick up yer godparents from the dock in an hour and I’m sure ya have bridal party things to talk about for tomorrow.” Atsumu grinned at her

“Bye, Mom,” Hitoka said, Tsukki and Tadashi waving behind her.

“Bye, Dove. I’ll be back soon,” Atsumu called, taking the car keys from her and walking away. 

Once her mother was no longer in sight, Hitoka turned and chased her friends into the Onsen. She led them to her room, located in the far corner of the main structure. The moment the duo dropped their bags on the bed, they turned to Hitoka. 

“So who’s your dad?” 

Hitoka bit her thumb. “I don’t know.”

“Well, which one did you invite?” Tsukki asked. 

Hitoka didn’t meet their gaze, eyes drifting to the bookshelf in the corner of her room.

“ Hitoka. Tell me you didn’t .”

Hitoka gave a strained smile. 

“Do they know ?” Tadashi asked, staring at Hitoka in shock. 

“Of course not. How do you tell a stranger something like that? No, they think Mom sent the invites.” Hitoka pulled the journal from her purse. “And because of what’s in here, they said yes. ”

“Oh, my gods,” Tsukki and Tadashi said.

“Now, do you understand why this has been driving me insane?” Hitoka raised her eyebrow.

“It makes sense,” Tadashi admitted. “But what are you going to do when all three show up here?”

Hitoka shrugged, her shoulders relaxing, the weight on the secret a little bit more bearable by letting her two best friends know. She walked to the bookshelf, sliding the journal back into its hiding spot. “I don’t know, but I do know that when I see my dad, I’m just gonna know.”

Tsukki and Tadashi shared a look before Tsukki spoke. “I don’t know about this, but whatever you need, we’re here for you, Hitoka.”

“Thank you,” Hitoka whispered, eyes growing teary as she pulled them into a hug. 

They were cuddling when a gentle knock sounded across the room. Hitoka brought a finger to her lips before walking to the door, sliding it open to reveal her betrothed.

Kiyoko was taller than Hitoka by almost half a foot, with pale skin and kind, dark eyes. Hitoka had fallen in love with her at first sight. Time had stopped, everything focusing on the beautiful alpha that had walked through the Onsen doors so many moons ago. Hitoka had been a blushing mess at the check-in desk, stuttering over herself. Kiyoko’s lips had curls and a quiet laugh greeted her. The rest was history. 

Even when Hitoka opened the door and saw her fiancée, she could feel her cheeks flush.

“Hi,” she breathed. 

Kiyoko stepped forward, brushing their noses together. “Hi.” 

“Did you need something?”

“Had to pick up the last few things for the party tonight.”

“Of course.” Hitoka moved to the side, letting Kiyoko in. 

“Tsukishima, Yamaguchi,” she greeted. Kiyoko gave them each a nod, not the most comfortable with contact. Hitoka had always been the exception. 

“Hey, Shimizu. Excited for tomorrow?” Tadashi asked.

The small smile on Kiyoko’s lip stretched wider. She looked at Hitoka, eyes glowing. “Of course.” Hitoka’s face burned. She gave Kiyoko an equally wide smile as the alpha grabbed a few things and stepped before her. 

“Got everything?” 

Kiyoko hummed. She stepped forward and pressed a kiss to Hitoka’s forehead. Hitoka leaned into the touch. 

“Ready for tomorrow?” Kiyoko asked quietly.

Hitoka opened her eyes, staring up at Kiyoko. “Of course. Tomorrow couldn’t come sooner.” 

A blush darkened Kiyoko’s cheeks. She leaned forward for a brief kiss before reaching out and gently scenting Hitoka’s wrist. The room filled with the light smell of peppermint and lavender. Hitoka’s shoulders dropped, smile going soft. Noses brushed once more before Kiyoko waved and exited the room.

Hitoka smiled, staring after her.

“Have you told her?” Tsukki asked.

Hitoka winced. “Not exactly.”

“Hitoka, why?!” Tadashi exclaimed. 

She sighed, turning to face them, nail between her teeth. “I don’t know. It was a long shot at first. A spur-of-the-moment idea, I didn’t think they’d actually say yes… and now… If I tell Kiyoko, I’d have to tell Mom… and I’m not ready to do that yet.’’ Hitoka looked to the side. “Mom was perfect growing up, he did his absolute best being a single mom and raising me. But… it just always felt like something was missing. He never talked about my father and now… with this new chapter about to start with Kiyoko…” Hitoka shook her head, giving her friends a half-hearted smile. “I just feel that when I meet my sire, everything will fall into place.”

Tsukki and Tadashi stared at her, seemingly weighing her words. 

“Okay,” Tsukki said, finally breaking the silence. 

“We’re here for you. Whatever you need,” Tadashi finished. 

Hitoka’s eyes watered. Tears began streaming down her face. “Thank you,” she cried, tackling them into a hug onto the floor.

Everything was going to be fine.

Chapter Text

Atsumu whistled under his breath as he drove to the dock. The radio was low, playing a tune from when he was younger. His lips curled at the thought. A simpler time, when he wasn’t counting every dime and desperately gripping at the hours slipping through his fingers before Hitoka left. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do without her... But that was melancholy speaking, and he had to shake it off. 

Tomorrow, his little girl was getting married. 

He pulled the car into the parking lot, watching the last boat of the day unload passengers. He couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of the last two passengers offboarding. One was a man, short in stature with fiery orange hair. The other was a tall man, wearing an oversized hat and whose heel had gotten caught in between the gangplank. It took two boat attendants to help them release his heel before they both stumbled down onto the dock. 

Atsumu exited the car, walked to the end of the pier and yelled, “Tooru, what the hell are ya wearin’?”

Two heads whipped towards him. 

“Tsum-Tsum!” the redhead yelled, taking off down the dock. 

“Shouyou!” 

The two crashed into each other once they met in the middle. Atsumu laughed from where they were sprawled on the ground. He pulled Shouyou in tighter, inhaling the tangerine scent of the omega. He’d missed his best friend.  

“Excuse me.” Atsumu pulled away to see Tooru towering over them with a pout. “Where’s my hug?”

Atsumu laughed, letting Shouyou pull him to his feet. He grabbed Tooru’s arm, yanking him forward to crush him between his arms. “How’s this?”

“Better,” Tooru grunted, air squeezed out of him. 

Atsumu grinned, brushing his nose against Tooru’s cheek for a light scent before pulling away. “But seriously, what are ya wearin’?” 

Tooru touched the brim of his hat. “You don’t like it?”

“It’s ridiculous.” 

“You clearly don’t understand fashion.” Tooru huffed. 

Atsumu laughed. “I’ve lived on an island for most of my life raising a kid. Ya think I have time for what’s in fashion?”

“And that, dear Tsum-Tsum, is a tragedy.” 

Atsumu shook his head, grabbing one of Tooru’s many bags. Shouyou, having only brought a large backpack, carried his own. 

“Let’s go before your fashion leads you to twist an ankle and fall into the sea.”

“I’ll have you know I perfected the art of walking in heels years ago.”

“Just not on gangplanks,” Shouyou teased. 

“Hush.” Tooru swatted at Shouyou, who ducked and cackled, racing ahead with his backpack. 

Atsumu opened the trunk of the car, loading Tooru’s many bags inside. “I was gonna say I missed ya, but now I don’t think I will.”

“Too late,” Shouyou sang.

“You’ve already admitted it,” Tooru finished, leaning in to press a kiss to Atsumu’s cheek. 

Atsumu rolled his eyes. “Just get in the car.”  

The duo giggled as they got inside. Atsumu just shook his head, unable to stop smiling as he started the car. They pulled away from the pier and began heading along the coast. 

“So, Atsumu, any alpha’s going to be at this party?”

Shouyou groaned from the back seat. “Here we go, Husband number four.”

“No!” Atsumu laughed. 

Tooru shoved him on the shoulder, sending a glare at Shouyou. “No. Not for me. ” He turned back to Atsumu. “For Shouyou.”  

“Me!? Why me?” 

“Cause you’ve been all alone in your globe-trotting, visiting pyramids, climbing mountains, meeting aliens–”

“Meeting ALIENS?” Shouyou and Atsumu exclaimed.

“–and I think Shouyou deserves to have a partner in that.”

“Aliens, Tooru? Really?” Atsumu gives his friend a look of disbelief before focusing back on the road. 

“I’m telling you, they’re real and if anyone’s met them, it’s Shouyou.” 

“Sorry to disappoint, but I haven’t met any aliens.”

Tooru rolled his eyes, turning to give Shouyou a look. “ You wouldn’t know that. They’re aliens .”

“Sure, Tooru.” 

Atsumu laughed. “I swear, it’s moments like these I’m grateful for Samu. With a serial bride and hermit traveller for godparents, it’s a miracle Hitoka ended up normal.”   

“Please, normal is boring ,” Tooru said with a flip of his hair.

“How is Osamu by the way?” 

Atsumu shrugged, glazing at Shouyou’s eyes in the mirror. “He’s good. Just published his first book to ravin’ reviews. Plus he took two weeks off to do the caterin’ and helpin’ Hitoka with the weddin’.”

“That’s sweet.”

“I’m grateful, to say the least.’’ He shrugged. “Osamu managing food has taken a load off my back and is helping with the costs cause I swear every time I talk to Toka she’s changing some sorta plan.”

“Everything okay?” Tooru asked, voice concerned. 

“It’s fine,” Atsumu sighed. He adjusted his grip on the wheel while he thought about it. “It’s just every time I think I’ve figured out what Hitoka wants, she changes her mind. I still don’t understand why she wants this big western wedding, and when it’s not wedding talk she and Kiyoko are talking about marketing, renovations and all these other things for the Onsen.” He drove the car up to the Onsen, and pulled into a parking spot. 

“She’s grown into such an incredible woman, I just worry she’s doin’ too much, not knowin’ what she wants.” Atsumu gave his friends a strained smile before shutting off the car. 

“It’s going to be okay.” Oikawa reached over to place his hand on Atsumu’s shoulder. 

Shouyou reached from behind the driver’s seat to give Atsumu a hug. “Besides, you’re her mom. If it ever becomes too much, she knows she can talk to you.”  

Atsumu took a deep breath. “You’re right.”

“Of course we are.” Tooru smiled. “Now let’s get out of here, and you show us our room.” 

Atsumu laughed. “Okay, okay. Let’s go.” He opened the car door, stepping outside. As he walked to the trunk and opened it he caught sight of black hair.

“Kiyoko,” he called out, hand waving. “Come meet Toka’s godparents!” His to-be daughter-in-law walked with steady steps towards them until she stood a few centimetres in front of them. “Kiyoko, meet Oikawa Tooru and Hinata Shouyou. We met in high school.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Kiyoko greeted with a bow.

“Ki-Ki.” Oikawa beamed, pulling the stiff alpha into a surprising hug. “Welcome to the family.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Oikawa,” she mumbled awkwardly before pulling away, adjusting her glasses.

“Tooru, please.’’ Tooru waved her off. “We’re pack now.” 

“Of course.” A blush graced her cheeks.

Atsumu rolled his eyes, pulling Kiyoko away from Tooru’s obnoxious grip. “Ignore him, he’s harmless.” 

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Kiyoko.” Shouyou offered his hand, smile wide.

“Same to you.”

Atsumu shook his head at his friends’ antics, eyes drifting to a familiar group of alphas exiting the Onsen. “Oi! Iwa, Bo, come help me with these bags.” The duo turned, jogging towards the car when they spotted Atsumu waving. 

They bowed their heads politely before collecting the luggage from the trunk. Oikawa eyed Iwaizumi as he passed, even shamelessly licking his lips. He turned to Atsumu, mouthing the words, “ Oh my gods.” 

Atsumu rolled his eyes, while Shouyou held up four fingers and wiggled them suggestively. Husband number four. Atsumu snorted. 

“Uncle Shouyou!” A voice resonated from behind, before Hitoka came hurtling from the Onsen. She crashed into the redhead, nearly tackling him to the group. 

“Hitoka!” Shouyou’s arms wrapped around her tight before lifting her up in a spin. “How are you!?” 

“I’m getting married tomorrow!” 

Shouyou laughed. “Yes, you are!” He placed her on her feet. 

“You probably don’t remember me.” 

Hitoka turned to face Tooru with a smile. “Of course I do. Uncle Tooru.” She stepped forward and let him pull her into a hug.

Atsumu’s cheeks hurt from smiling. He couldn’t remember the last time his makeshift pack had been together like this. Life had taken them in different directions, ships passing in the night. Atsumu’s heart ached at the thought this would all be gone in a day, but for now, he let the feeling of content seize him and fill the air with pomegranates.

“So, any plans for your honeymoon?” Tooru teased, enjoying the way Hitoka blushed. 

“We’ve got a few ideas but we’re not going to go just yet.”

Shouyou frowned. “Why not? There are so many incredible places to travel to. I can help you pick if you’re struggling.” 

Hitoka shrugged awkwardly, not meeting Atsumu’s gaze. “It’s not that. It’s just… Well, Kiyoko and I have been talking about how incredible this place is and how not enough people know about it. So we’ve been talking with Mom about setting the Onsen up on AirBnB. It’d be a great way to bring tourism to the island and just make people more aware, you know?’’ Her eyes started to sparkle as she spoke. “I mean, the waters here are said to be from Bezaiten’s spring. Imagine how many people would want to bathe here if they knew they could be blessed by the goddess’ power and find eternal happiness.”

“I’d like a bath, please,” Tooru raised his hand, “Stat.” His eyes trailed the back of Iwaizumi as he entered the front of the Onsen.

Atsumu huffed, “Ya’d prune before the water’s magic could affect ya.” 

“Rude, Tsum-Tsum.”

Atsumu rolled his eyes. He nodded his head to Hitoka. “Ya two go. I’ll get these old farts settled.”

“Who are you calling old!?” Tooru screeched as Atsumu pushed him and Shouyou towards the Onsen. 

“Ya, ya old bat. Now move that flat ass.” 

Shouyou just laughed from beside them.

They entered the Onsen, Atsumu leading them through the wooden floors and faux paper walls to a bedroom at the edge of the Onsen, on the other side of the estate to where Hitoka’s friends had been placed for the night. 

“Hitoka reminds me so much of you at that age, Tsum-Tsum,” Shouyou commented.

Atsumu laughed. “Thanks, Shouyou, but I don’t know about that. She’s actually getting married for one.” 

“Pu-lease,’’ he rolled his eyes, “you could have gotten married.”

“HAH, when? I was with a cheat, then pregnant–”

Tooru’s argument fizzled, hand still raised as if to argue.

Atsumu shook his head, smiling. “It’s fine.”  He stopped walking. “Welcome to paradise,” Atsumu joked, sliding a door open. 

The room was clean if not a little worn down and showing off its age. The tatami mats were worn and while treated with care showed a need to be replaced. The fabrics of the futon were a vintage pattern that looked old rather than fashionable. The bones were there, and dedication had been taken in taking care of the Onsen, but it was showing its wear. 

“It’s… cute,” Tooru offered, smile a little stiff.

Atsumu rolled his eyes as he walked the way in. “It could be a little better, I know, but business has been… complicated.”

“Is that why you’re finally accepting help from Hitoka and this AirBnB thing?” Shouyou asked, dropping his bag to the floor before falling back onto the futon. “I will say, this place is comfier than other places I’ve stayed.”

Atsumu exhaled a laugh. “Glad to know it’s high on yer globe-trotting standards, Shou.” He walked to the bathroom to test the tap. “But yeah, I never let Osamu post about this place cause I never wanted his help with making this dream… but a few more customers would be nice.”

“Wow, Atsumu Miya… asking for help. Never thought I'd live to see the day.” 

Atsumu grabbed a pillow and threw it at Tooru. “Shut up.”

“No, Tsum-Tsum. This is really good! You never ask for help. The fact you’re letting Hitoka and Kiyoko help you is huge!” Shouyou encouraged, hopping to his knees, arms waving.

“Thanks, Shou.” He smiled, sheepish.

“Real talk Tsum-Tsum.” Atsumu turned to Tooru who was eyeing him seriously. “Are you okay? Do you need a loan?” He hummed, looking him in the eye.

Atsumu’s face paled. “Oh god, no. No!” he repeated louder when both Tooru and Shouyou gave him a disbelieving look. “I’m fine. We’re fine.”   Atsumu cleaned a smudge on the mirror before turning back to his friend. “Before I forget, sometimes the pipes are finicky. So if it doesn’t work, just walk away and try again later.”

“Atsumu.” 

He sighed, walking over to his friends before dropping to his knees and curling up with them on the futons. Tooru and Shouyou pulled him in, drowning him in the scents of tangerine and juniper. The tension in his shoulders dropped. 

“Sometimes I just wish I’d meet a rich, sexy alpha and he’d sweep me away. I’ve been doing this for almost twenty years.’’ He sighed. “Instead, I could be on a tropical beach somewhere all day, eating caviar and fatty tuna. Not a care in the world.” 

Tooru brushed Atsumu’s bangs from his face. “As lovely as that is–”

“You would know,” Shouyou teased. Atsumu snorted.

Tooru narrowed his eyes. “–You’d be bored before you know it and climbing up the walls for something to do.” 

“I know… I just wish things were different sometimes,” Atsumu admitted quietly. 

“Don’t worry Tsum-Tsum. Soon you’re going to be on AirBnB, and this place will be FLOODING with visitors because of Hitoka’s marketing! You’re gonna make all the money, you’ll be able to hire people and take a long vacation. Maybe even travel around the world with me like we talked about when we were kids.” Shouyou smiled at him.

Atsumu’s smile was a little distant as he thought about it. “That… sounds really nice, Shouyou.” 

Shouyou frowned, nudging Atsumu slightly. “Come on. I brought you a few gifts from my travels. Plus we need to see what ridiculous items Tooru brought in all that luggage of his.”

“Ridiculous!?” Tooru squawked.

“You’re here for a week Tooru, not a month!”

“It’s called being prepared!” 

Atsumu laughed, sitting up from the futon to watch his best friends squabble. It was nice to have them around again.

Chapter Text

“Oi, none of that.”

Hitoka giggled, ducking out of the way of her uncle’s tea towel whip. She licked at the whipped cream on her finger she’d stolen. “Just wanted a taste.”

Osamu laughed. “Taste my ass. Ya forget I used to babysit ya! I know yer gonna eat half the bowl before yer even close to bein’ done.”

She smiled around the familiar taste of whipped cream, an old treat she used to indulge in during winter visits to Osaka. “I just want everything to be perfect.”

Osamu reached over and ruffled her hair. “And I promise ya, it will be. If ya don’t keep eatin’ all my whipped cream.” He darted around the counter with a smirk on his face to tickle Hitoka.

She let out a screech, squirm against her uncle’s grip as she struggled to breathe. “I give, I give!” He stopped immediately. She held her sides protectively, pouting. “No fair.” 

“Never have been, never will be,” he teased. “Part of the Miya family charm. Now get outta my kitchen and go help unload the boxes from the delivery van.”

“But it’s my wedding!”

“And it’s my kitchen. Now get out,.” Osamu said, chasing her out of the Onsen’s main kitchen. 

“Love you, Uncle Samu,” she yelled over her shoulder, escaping the kitchen, Osamu shaking his head after her.

She decided to head to the front of the Onsen. Despite her complaints, she was happy to help out with the delivery truck, anything to get her mind off the slowly growing nerves that cultivated in her gut. She tried to convince herself everything would be fine. Despite her mind running a thousand miles a minute about all the ways the event could be a disaster. The only things that seemed to calm her recently were being kept occupied and Kiyoko’s scent. 

She lifted her wrist up at the thought, the scent of peppermint greeting her. The knot in her stomach came apart slowly, the tension in her shoulders releasing immediately. Feeling a little more centered, Hitoka picked up her pace once more and exited the Onsen. 

A delivery truck was out front, the cursive of Kita Logistics decorating the outside. Hitoka’s face lit up, moving a little closer to see if Kita was making the delivery. At the sight of silvery-grey hair, Hitoka’s smile widened. 

“Mr. Kita!” 

Warm, cat brown eyes turned to greet her. “Hitoka.” His voice was solemn.

“I’ve come to help,” Hitoka stated, walking to the open back of the delivery truck to grab a box of food. 

“Shouldn’t you be restin’?” 

Hitoka flushed, gripping the box a little tighter. “...Maybe.”

Kita shook his head, grabbing his own box of supplies. They both started walking to the Onsen and towards the kitchen. 

“Do you trust your mate-to-be?”

Hitoka stopped. “Of course !” she said, eyes wide.

Kita turned to smile at her. “Then you have nothin’ to be nervous about.” He kept walking.

Hitoka started after him. It was the gentle reassurances like these that made Hitoka grateful for her mother and Kita’s friendship. The beta had always been a source of wisdom in her life. His steadiness and calmness were an anchor in the storms of her anxiety-ridden life. One question or sentence and the grip on her heart would settle. When Hitoka needed a safe place to hide, Kita would open his doors and let her sit in his tea room, sipping on matcha and painting with spare pages and ink.

She followed Kita into the kitchen, setting the box of supplies in the corner. She watched Kita as he talked with Osamu and smiled. It’d been a while since the people who’d raised her as a kit had been together. Not wanting to disrupt them, Hitoka turned and exited the kitchen, returning to the logistics truck. 

Hitoka was pulling a box from the truck when the sound of wheels on pavement caught her attention. She placed the box on the floor, walking around the truck to see three dark-haired strangers walking up to the Onsen. She frowned, since the Onsen had been unbookable for her wedding.

“Can I help you?”

The man in the middle spoke first, eyes drifting up from this phone. They were narrow and fox-like, a yellow reminiscent of the familiar animal who made its home on the island. “We’re here for the wedding,’’ he said. “I’m Suna Rintarou.”

Hitoka’s heart froze in her chest.

“Kageyama, Kageyama Tobio,” said another man, shorter than the rest. His eyes were a dark blue and ghosts of a frown pulled at the corner of his lips. 

“Sakusa Kiyoomi,” spoke the final man. He was intimidating, black curls and sharp eyes looked at her over a black face mask that covered most of his face. 

Hitoka stared at the three, mouth a little slack as she took the three alphas in. Their presence was overwhelming to say the least, each towering well over six feet with eyes that cut through you. If anything, Hitoka now knew her mother had a type… and when she thought about her own fiancée… maybe Hitoka shared a similar type as well. 

Her eyes flickered to each face, going back and forth as she examined their features. She’d thought when she would meet them that she’d know who it was. But she never expected to be meeting all three at the same time. The ground beneath her faded and she felt like she was floating, maybe even falling, and she was unable to catch herself. 

“You are expecting us?” Sakusa confirmed, eyes narrowing in the tells of a frown.

The question shook Hitoka from her mesmerized state, eyes reaching out in a smile. Her eyes burned a little bit, her chest filled with anticipation. One of these alphas was her dad . “Oh my, of course. Yes.” They were actually here.

Suna moved forward a step, tilting his head as he stared her down. “You aren’t… Atsumu’s daughter by any chance, are you?”

Hitoka flushed, the fact Suna knew Atsumu was her mother filled her chest with warmth and pride. “Yeah, I am,” she admitted shyly.

“I thought you looked familiar.” 

She felt the eyes on her again a renewed interest. 

“I’m Hitoka, Hitoka Miya,” she said, making sure to add her mother’s maiden name. 

“Hitoka? I had a great Aunt Hitoka,’’ Suna mumbled. “They lived over in Okinawa when I was younger.” Suna’s eyes lifted in surprise. 

Hitoka’s heart pounded in her chest, eyes widening. She’d always known she’d been named after a Hitoka, but she’d never known it was most likely related to a man that was possibly her sire. 

“Could you show us to our rooms?” Kageyama’s voice jolted Hitoka from her thoughts. She straightened up, realizing she had been lost in thought again. “I want to drop my stuff off before seeing your mother.” He started to walk towards the entrance of the Onsen without waiting for another word, Sakusa and Suna following him.

“Right,” she squeaked. “Of course, um, follow me.” 

Hitoka rushed ahead, eyes moving back and forth as they entered the Onsen. Her eyes peeled for any sight of her mother’s signature platinum blonde hair. She was quick in her shuffling, moving from one corner of the lobby to the other, making sure there was no one in sight. She was turning the corner when she scrambled back, the sight of silver hair passing further down the hall making her heart seize. 

“Are you alright?” Sakusa asked, brows furrowed in concern.

“Of course,” Hitoka laughed, peeking around the corner before moving to the right, away from where she’d seen Kita gone. “It’s nothing.” She shook off her nervous state and kept walking. Hitoka could feel the eyes staring into her back as she led them deeper into the Onsen, away from the common areas that guests occupied. 

They made it to the end of the main building, Hitoka opening the door and ushering them onto a stone-worn path through the surrounding woods. 

“It’s just over here,” she encouraged, feeling the trepidation radiating from the group of alphas behind her. When they came upon the storehouse, Hitoka slid open a side door. She suppressed a cough at the dust that rushed forward.

She’d transformed the room in her free time, cleaning the floors and stealing three futons for the room. Having only one place to hide her potential father, she’d figured they wouldn’t mind sharing the side room attached to their storage for the twenty-four hours they’d be on the island. She’d even managed to make the plumbing somewhat functional, a fact she was very proud of, after ten different how-to videos and having watched her mother growing up. 

“While I don’t want to seem ungrateful for the scenic tour, might I be shown my room now,” Sakusa grunted as the trio stepped into the storeroom. His brow was pinched in a way that made Hitoka’s heart thunder. 

“I wouldn’t hold your breath, Sakusa, I think this is your room.” Suna whistled with a smirk pulling at his lips.

“Absolutely not .” 

“Uh, could we see Atsumu now?” Kageyama asked, cutting through the tension. 

“I sent the invites,” Hitoka blurted out. The room stilled. “My mom has no idea.” 

All three alphas stared at her. Suna laughed, amused at the absurdity of the situation. Kageyama looked visibly uncomfortable. Sakusa sighed heavily and put his face in his hand. 

“It’s just, he’s done so much for me, and he’s always talking about you guys and the good old days,’’ Hitoka explained, heart lifting with the hope that they might understand. “I just thought what an incredible surprise it would be if you were all here for my wedding.” 

“Hitoka. I can’t be here,” Sakusa said, cutting her off. His face was pale. “The last time I was here your mother said he never wanted to see me again.”

Hitoka’s heart pounded painfully. “But-but that was years ago.” She searched Sakusa’s eyes, pleading. “Please,” she added desperately. “It would mean a lot to me.” 

“Why?”

Hitoka opened her mouth, not entirely sure what to say. 

“I can see you tried to make this a nice surprise, but maybe we should all reconvene on Suna’s boat. Figure this all out,” Kageyama cut in. 

“Good idea.”

“Nope,” Suna said, popping the ‘p’ sound as he laid down on one of the futons. 

“Why not,” Sakusa protested, voice growling. The scent of cedar began to fill the storeroom. Hitoka stared at the alpha, her mother’s words drifting through her head. 

He reminds me of the cedar trees back home in Hyogo.

“It’s an adventure, Sakusa. It’s good for you.” Suna smiled. The room clashed with the smell of salt.

Hitoka’s hair stood on end. “Look,” she started in an attempt to diffuse the tense situation. “When I sent the invites, it was a long shot that you’d even reply, let alone say yes. And now you’ve come all this way, to our little island for a wedding . I mean, there has to be some sorta special reason for you to be here.” Hitoka looked at the trio desperately, words searching. Reaching into herself to find a semblance of the strength her mother always encouraged. “Like, I don’t know, a siren call or something.”

Sakusa rolled his eyes. Suna laughed from his corner. 

Kageyama shook his head in disbelief before sighing. “You’re just like your mother, you know that?” 

“Really?” she asked quietly, cheeks flushed. 

“He’s right,” Sakusa agreed with a defeated sigh. “I’m glad my nephews haven’t met you. They’d never recover.”  

Hitoka felt herself straighten. The dominance of the room had faded and she couldn’t help but clutch at this small bit of information about her possible father. “You have nephews?”

Sakusa nodded, reaching up to pull down his face mask before exhaling heavily. She watched as he took in the storeroom, eyes focusing on the forest of the Onsen behind Hitoka’s shoulders. “Two. I’d like to bring them here someday.” 

“Like you used to bring my mother?”

Sakusa stilled, eyes drifting to her. She felt her breath catch. The dark eyes were a swirling deep emerald green. While Sakusa had given the image of someone cold and distant, his eyes spoke of a different story. His eyes searched hers as if looking for answers he was sure she kept. Her heart ached as she waited for what he might say. 

The sound of humming brought her back. 

The entire room suddenly stilled. Ice froze at the base of her spine. It was her mother. She knew. She watched as each head of her potential father turned toward the storage part of the building. 

“No!” she mumbled. “No, no, no, no, no. Please, he can’t know you’re here.” The alphas watched her with consideration, still in their places. “I need to go, but please stay and promise me you won’t tell anyone I invited you.” 

“You’ve got it.” Suna smiled. 

Kageyama nodded. “Promise.”

Hitoka turned to Sakusa, pleading. He exhaled heavily before pulling up his facemask once more. “I’ll probably regret it, but okay.” His voice was serious and low.

The ball of anxiety that’d be knotting in her chest released. Lavender released around them. She smiled brightly, the weight fading with the fact that this crazy idea was actually sorta working. “Okay.” 

She turned on her heels, moving to the door. She slid it closed behind her, movements a little frantic before diving into the woods and off the forest path. The fact that this plan might actually work had her lightheaded as she navigated the undergrowth. 

She needed to find Tsukki and Tadashi. 

Chapter Text

“Tooru, what the hell is this, dental floss?” Shouyou asked, holding up a teal sparkly g-string. 

Atsumu snorted from his glass of champagne as he watched Tooru yell and lunge across the room in an attempt to rip the undergarment from Shouyou’s grip. The smaller omega laughed, dodging out of the way before making his way to Atsumu to show him the tiny garment. 

“It’s not dental floss .” Tooru huffed as he watched Atsumu stretch it out between his hands. 

“Are ya sure? Sure looks like it.” 

Tooru rolled his eyes, grabbing his own glass of champagne and taking a large swig of it. The alcohol had been one of many gifts Shouyou had brought to the island from his travels. A few more bottles of various alcohols were stowed away in his luggage for the wedding tomorrow. 

Tooru swiped the g-string from Atsumu and stretched it out in front of his hips. He puffed out his cheeks. “That’s the point, you’ve got to show your assets.”

Shouyou tilted his head. “I lived in Brazil for two years and I don’t think even they showed that much of their assets.” Atsumu choked on his champagne. “Seriously, how does this even cover you down there?”

Tooru sniffed, crossing his arms. “Very carefully.” 

Atsumu snorted, taking the sparkly garment from Tooru, rolling it between his fingers. “Questionable coverage aside. How does this not chaff ya raw? This fabric is awful.” 

Tooru’s cheeks heated. “You’ve just gotta make sure it sits right. Then it feels like nothing’s there. Something even you hippy asses could appreciate.”

Shouyou nodded, hand on this chin. 

Atsumu raised a brow, surprised at his level of deep consideration. “Shou?”

“Ha,” Tooru laughed. “Clearly, someone,” he shot a look at Atsumu, “understands the value now.” 

“I get why Tooru doesn’t have issues.” 

“Oh?” Atsumu and Tooru said.

Shouyou’s eyes sparked with mischief as a smile stretched across his mouth. “Cause Tooru doesn’t have an ass.”

Tooru screeched as he lunged at Shouyou, tackling him to the ground. He grabbed a pillow from the nearby futon and proceeded to whack a cackling Shouyou with feathers. Atsumu laughed at their tumbling, taking the g-string between his fingers to sling-shot it at Tooru’s face. It hit its mark, leaving Tooru with an open mouth. He gasped as he stilled, staring at Atsumu in shock. 

“How dare you!? I–” Tooru was cut off by Shouyou flipping him over, pinning him to the ground and tickling his sides.

Atsumu wiped at the tears in his eyes, before catching the time on his watch. “Fuck. I gotta go.”

“What’s wrong?” Shouyou asked, still seated on top of Tooru. Both of them looked at Atsumu in concern. 

Atsumu waved the worry away. “Nothin’s wrong. Just gotta get back to the Onsen. There’s a crack in the mosaic leading to the hot springs as well as some other stuff I gotta fix before the ceremony tomorrow and more people start arrivin’.”

“Do you need some help?” Tooru asked, blowing his bangs out of his face.

Atsumu laughed. The idea of Tooru, who usually wore nothing but high designers, dressed in overalls and covered in paint was ridiculous. “I’m good. Thanks for the offer though. Y’all relax.”

“You sure?” 

Atsumu huffed. “I’m sure. Besides, Osamu already beat ya there,’’ he shrugged, “and asked when he first arrived. I’m fine. I swear! This Onsen isn’t gonna break me, I’m just whining.” 

“Maybe so,” Tooru said, Shouyou finally getting off of him and helping him up. “But that doesn’t mean it's not hard. We just worry about you. You’ve been all alone out here raising Hitoka and I just can’t remember the last time you did something for yourself.” He looked him in the eye, letting him know he meant it.

“Like taking a day off,” Shouyou chimed in. 

Tooru pointed at Shouyou in agreement. “Or going on a date.”

Atsumu laughed. “Do ya know how small this island is, dating someone from here? No way.”

“But that’s what I mean,” Tooru interjected. “When was the last time you got any?”

Atsumu opened his mouth but nothing came out. It’d been years, decades even. Once he’d learned he was pregnant with Hitoka, she’d become his focus, his entire world. He couldn’t remember the last time someone caught interest the way Kiyoomi had. He’d thought he’d found his fated mate, but since then… no alpha was worth the effort of more than a passing glance. 

“We’re just worried, Atsu,” Shouyou muttered softly, taking Atsumu’s hand. “Hitoka’s an adult, she getting married, Osamu is on the mainland and we’re just worried you’re going to let yourself be left behind.”

“Who’s going to take care of Atsumu?” Tooru confirmed, taking Atsumu’s other hand. 

Atsumu stared at the two of them. His two closest friends had been nothing but his greatest supports when his life had crumbled to pieces twenty years ago. If it weren’t for them and Osamu, Atsumu wasn’t entirely sure where he’d be right now. He took a deep breath before squeezing their two hands tightly. 

“I’m fine, I promise. I’m gonna be alright.” He laughed under his breath before meeting his two best friends’ eyes. “I’m happy. I’m forty-three years old and free! I’ve got no temperamental alpha tryin’ to get in the way of how I run my business.” Atsumu shrugged. “Besides, I get enough pain from Osamu with his constant worryin’, and he’s not even here most of the time. Trust me, he’s enough alpha that I don’t wanna have to deal with another one.” He shook his head for good measure.

“If you’re sure...” Tooru looked uncertain.

“I’m sure.” Atsumu loosened his grip on his friends and walked towards the bedroom door. “Now you losers chill out and enjoy the Onsen. I gotta go fix a few things. I’ll see y'all later to figure out the party and surprise for Hitoka tonight.”

“Ooooh, practising would be a good idea!” Shouyou agreed, falling back to get comfy on the futon. 

“Practice,” Tooru laughed. “Please, it’s gonna take more than practice to pull this off.” 

“With yer flat ass, I would think so,” Atsumu teased before scurrying out the door, snickering at the sound of Tooru's enraged screams and Shouyou’s echoing laughter.

Atsumu’s heart felt light as he strolled through the Onsen. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d laughed so hard or so much. He hummed under his breath, the itch of an old song scratching at his brain. Maybe it was the wedding and reuniting with his make-shift pack, but he couldn’t help the warm nostalgia curling in his chest.

He dug his hand into the pockets of his overall, gravel crunching under his feet as he made his way through the trees towards the storehouse at the back of the property. He inhaled deeply, letting the smell of forest fill his lungs. His nose twitched. 

Atsumu paused, the storehouse just coming into view. His nose twitched again. A familiar feeling itched at the back of his head. An itch he couldn’t quite place. Frowning, he scratched at his septum before attempting to smell the air properly. Only the ever-present earthy scent of the Onsen greeted him. 

Shaking his head, Atsumu started moving again and walked up to the storehouse’s main set of doors, humming a familiar song under his breath once more. 

Atsumu walked into the clutter of the storehouse. Inside was a collection of years of running a business and do-it-yourself fixer upper. He combed through a broken piece of fencing and a mostly open toolbox in an attempt to look for some caulking. The sound of a door shutting and twigs snapping made him pause.

He straightened up from where he’d bent over. Quietly, he walked to the open doors, scanning the forest undergrowth. He frowned when no movements caught his eye. He’d sworn he’d heard something. Maybe one of the wedding party was searching for something or worse, gotten lost. 

He circled the veranda of the storehouse, sliding his feet and avoiding the boards he knew squeaked. The sound of movement in the side room of the storehouse made him pause. Maybe it was Hitoka? When he sniffed the air, there seemed to be the ever-so-faint tinge of lavender that furthered his suspicions. Maybe she’d come to hang out in the side room, which Atsumu had turned into a fort for her when she was younger. Maybe she was feeling nostalgic with the realisation of the wedding tomorrow setting in. 

Atsumu walked to the door, about to knock when low voices greeted his ear. Too low for them to be Hitoka or Kiyoko. He crouched down, finding the familiar panel in the door he’d used to check on Hitoka as a kit without invading her space. He peeled the piece of paneling back and peered inside.

His heart seized in his chest at the familiar alpha scents that greeted him. 

The scent of leather sent him back to days at the gym, volleyball slamming under his palm as his legs ached. A fierce alpha setter meeting him across the net. A familiar burn of competition curled in his gut. The desire to play a sport he hadn’t touched in decades made his fingers twitch. 

Tobio.

Salt followed leather. It took a moment to place it before memories of a shoulder to cry on and a distraction to pull him from the heartache that had filled his chest. A glow of yellow eyes that were unyielding and calm in the storm that had been Atsumu’s life. They held him like an anchor when the world wanted to sink into the grief around him.

Rintarou.

The last was a scent Atsumu thought he’d never smell again. Cedar. It was summers in Hyogo, the sun on his skin, the grass beneath his feet. It was memories of a home he’d never return to but most of all it brought forward one painful thing.

Kiyoomi.

He remembered riding bikes along the beach, sitting on the handlebars. Attempting to cook dinner on the questionable stove in his cheap apartment, only to settle for instant ramen in the end. Kissing laughing lips in dark corners because they were too impatient to wait to get home. The absent brush of a wrist for comfort.

Atsumu’s throat burned as he took in the three alpha standing in his storehouse. Why were they here? He fumbled with the panel to close it, heart pounding in his chest. He couldn’t breathe. This couldn’t be happening. Today of all days, and all three together. This had to be a sick cosmic joke.

He stayed still, his fingers twitched. 

Comic joke or not, he had to be sure. He raised his hand to pull the panel back again. He paused. He really shouldn’t. But if it really, truly was them… Atsumu pulled his hand away from the door. No way. Now was not the time to be dealing with fated exes. 

He stood to his feet. Better to get one of the workers to come and clear them out. 

His resolve crumbled quickly. He could only take a step away before the desire to take another peek pulled him back. His hand paused on the door. He shouldn’t. He really, really, shouldn’t. He had a wedding and Hitoka to worry about, not any of her would-be fathers. 

Atsumu’s heart dropped. 

Hitoka.

She couldn’t know. 

Atsumu twisted away, decision made.

Only for the world to tilt in a second. The twist had been a little too fast. Atsumu’s balance fell off-centre. He waved his arms in an attempt to right himself. His back slammed into the side door, only for a loud crack to sound from under him. 

“Fuck,” was all Atsumu could say before he went crashing to the floor, broken door under him, and three frighteningly familiar exes looking down at him.

“You always did know how to make an entrance,” a voice rumbled. A painfully memorable voice.

Heart in his throat, Atsumu’s eyes drifted to the cool gaze of Sakusa Kiyoomi. It took two times for Atsumu to open his mouth before his voice finally came out. “I better be dreamin’, ya better not be here.” 

“You want me to pinch you, Tsumu?” 

The sound of Rintarou’s teasing made Atsumu pull out of his staring. He dodged Rintarou’s teasing pinch, kicking at him playfully.

“Don’t ya dare, Sunarin!” Atsumu laughed, pulling himself up to a sitting position. A smile stretched onto his face automatically as he took in the three alphas standing before him. 

Rintarou had the same dangerous eyes as ever, now framed with laugh lines and a shorter, more tamed hairstyle. Tobio still sported the same haircut, even twenty years later, with broad shoulders from years of professional volleyball. Kiyoomi had changed the most out of the three, yet still was frighteningly the same, his once messy curls had finally been tamed with a shorter cut dusted with the beginnings of salt and pepper, lithe body even more commanding. 

“Uh, Hi Atsumu.” Tobio waved. “Not sure if you remember me.”

Atsumu chuckled. It seemed Tobio was still the socially awkward kid from Volleyball Camp. “Of course I do.” His smile grew wider. “Tobio.” Tobio reached down to give Atsumu a hand. 

“You haven’t changed a bit, Tsumu,” Rintarou commented 

Atsumu’s cheek flushed as he dusted himself off, shaking his head. “ I just–What are you all doing here?” 

There was a second of stillness as Atsumu took them all in, waiting for an answer. 

“Working a travel piece for my vlog,” Rintarou answered smoothly, giving his phone a little shake. 

“Taking a vacation for the off-season,” Tobio said, rubbing at the back of his neck.

Atsumu’s eyes settled on Kiyoomi whose mouth opened but words couldn’t quite seem to form. 

“I- I just dropped in to say hi,” he said after a beat. Atsumu stared at him in disbelief. 

He shook his head. Now was not the time to be thinking about old romantic flames. Hitoka’s wedding was tomorrow. His eyes darted to the futons that had been laid out on the floor. 

He gestured to the room. “Okay, well… what is, what is all this?” He frowned.

Rintarou stepped forward, salt scent attempting to calm the room. “This is one of those serendipitous moments in life when three complete strangers share a common thought,” he said, making it seem so simple.

Atsumu closed his eyes at the scent, leaning into it as he took a deep breath. “Strangers?” He was desperate to confirm.

“Mh-hmm,” they all agreed. 

The grip on Atsumu’s heart loosened. “So you don’t know each other?” 

“That’s generally the definition of being strangers,” Kiyoomi commented with a mocking tilt, meeting Atsumu’s eyes. 

Atsumu’s heart stopped. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d met those eyes head on. His hands trembled. He itched to get closer yet… He couldn’t do this. Not now. He moved towards the door, ripping his gaze away and feeling Kiyoomi's own gaze burn against the back of his neck.

“That–That doesn’t explain why yer here though. Who said ya could stay in my old storehouse?” Atsumu said, trying to pull himself together. 

“Didn’t catch the name,” Rintarou started. 

“Older lady,” Tobio added. 

“She was mumbling,” Kiyoomi offered, shrugging.

There were murmurs of agreement as Atsumu watched them, eyes narrowed. 

“Maybe she said we couldn’t stay in the old storehouse though?” Rintarou questioned. 

“Yes!” Atsumu interrupted, putting a finger up as he willed himself not to shake. “That’s it, ya can’t stay here.” Atsumu swayed on his feet a little, the nerves making him unable to stand still. “Because I’m, uh, closed! And I’m full. And I’m busy, I’m really–I have a weddin’.” Atsumu pulled the door he’d fallen through to the side and moved to step out of the storeroom. “My, uh–Local girl’s getting married tomorrow.” 

“Atsumu.” He stilled at the sound of Kiyoomi’s voice. He looked over his shoulder to see Kiyoomi staring back at him. “Don’t worry about us. Suna is just looking for content for his vlog and…”

“And I’m just looking for some quiet from the city,” Tobio jumped in.

“And ya?” Atsumu asked, staring the man he’d loved most down, trying to soak in every detail of him as he stood so close to him and yet so far away. 

“Just wanted to see the island,’’ Kiyoomi shrugged, “You know what it meant to me.”

Atsumu looked away first, moving outside to the surrounding veranda. Oh, he knew. “Right,’’ he cleared his throat, “I’ll, uh, get you all transport back to Okinawa.” 

He was ready to flee the room.

“Tsumu,” Suna called his attention. “Don’t worry, I have a boat.” 

Atsumu swallowed around the lump in his throat and nodded. “Okay great! Well, I gotta go, so, uh, yeah!” he said with a wave, turning and rushing away from the storeroom. 

Just when things weren’t chaotic enough... 

Chapter Text

The gravel crunched under Atsumu’s feet as he raced down the forest path. His heart was pounding with every step. He was struggling to breathe. The moment the Onsen came into sight his instincts screamed at him. 

Pack. 

Home. 

Safe. 

He forced himself to slow down, enough that it was a brisk walk as he cut across the cobblestone. Despite his best effort, the smell of pomegranates oozing off him was sour. He wasn’t entirely sure if Tooru and Shouyou were still in their room, but he did know where Osamu was. Where he always was, steadfast and indomitable. 

The kitchen.

Atsumu did his best to avoid everyone as he moved, checking corners and avoiding eye contact as he went. He knew if he stopped, if anyone asked something of him, he’d break. His mind was racing, his vision was spinning. How could they all be here? Why now ? He couldn’t even begin to fathom if Hitoka met them and somehow found out who they were.

Sure, they’d talked about it when she was younger but never in-depth. He’d never wanted her to go searching, to feel hurt and unloved. The trios of alphas didn’t even know one of them could be the father. Hell, not even Atsumu knew for certain. 

However, he did know one thing: Atsumu loved Hitoka, fiercely . He could still remember the words he said to Osamu the day he decided he was going to keep her. I will love her enough that she’ll never question if she’s enough. Because she is my world. He never wanted her to feel like she needed an alpha’s acceptance just because of her growing with just her mom. And even though she was shy at times, she’d grown into such a beautiful and powerful omega, Atsumu really couldn’t be prouder. 

The last thing she needed was the arrival of her three potential sires to make her unsteady, especially before her wedding day.

When Atsumu burst into the kitchen, doors slamming into the wall with his momentum, he couldn’t help the relief that flooded him at the sight of Shouyou, Tooru and Osamu standing there.

“Tsumu?” Osamu asked, brows raised in concern at his brother’s appearance. The chatter in the kitchen had suddenly stilled at Atsumu’s interruption. 

Atsumu opened his mouth only for his eyes to burn as tears began to spill down his cheeks. He hiccuped and his lips trembled. Feeling the gaze of too many people watching, too many people seeing his vulnerability, made Atsumu run once more, dashing out of the kitchen. He heard concerned shouts of his name after him as he bolted across the Onsen. Back to safe places. Back to his nest. 

The running was a blur, a matter of pure instinct before he had ended up buried under the safety of his sheets. The comforting smell of pomegranates and Hitoka’s faint lavender scent greeted him. He shook under the weight of the blankets, hands clutching at them desperately as his shoulders dropped. Everything he’d built, everything he’d tried to create on his own, felt like it was slipping through his fingers. 

“Tsum-Tsum?” came a tentative call from the door, before a wave of comforting scents greeted him. 

The scents were gentle in their nature, pulling the anxiety straight from Atsumu’s quaking heart. They were warm and steady, a guiding hand as Atsumu struggled to breathe again.

“Tsumu, what’s going on?” Osamu whispered, pulling the edge of the blanket back to reveal Atsumu’s tear-stained face. “Hey,” he urged, pushing his blonde hair back with a gentle touch. “Tsumu, talk to us.” 

He opened his eyes to see Shouyou and Tooru also beside him, tissues in hand. They leaned forward, dabbing at the tears. Fresh tears welled up at the sight of them and them wanting to comfort him. He leaned forward, curling into the curve of Osamu’s neck. Shouyou and Tooru came closer, sending their scents to him like a blanket of comfort. Tangerine, Juniper and Whiskey filled his senses, smoothing his frayed nerves and his unsteady heart in mere seconds.

“Atsumu, why are you crying?” Shouyou asked tentatively, hand stroking Atsumu’s hair.

“Did something happen?” Tooru questioned quietly, voice the softest Atsumu had ever heard it. 

Atsumu shook his head, curling further into Osamu’s arms.

“Come on, Tsum-Tsum, you know you can talk to us. We’re here for you,” Shouyou encouraged. 

“We’re yer family, Tsumu,” Osamu echoed, squeezing Atsumu so tight against him his ribs ached.

Atsumu pulled out from where he’d buried his face into Osamu’s neck and found his two best friends smiling at him softly. New tissues in hand, they wiped at the wet trails down his cheeks. It soothed him. 

“You’re Atsumu. You’re going to get through this. You always do,” Tooru encouraged, fixing Atsumu’s hair softly. “Let us help you, we’re going to get through this, whatever it is.” 

Atsumu rubbed at his face, snot smearing before he wiped it away with the sleeve of his shirt. He’d probably be burning the clothes he was using in a cleansing ritual to rid all the awful karma he’d clearly manifested to have his exes on the island the day before his daughter’s wedding. 

“It’s her dad,” he croaked, voiced raw from crying. 

“Hitoka’s?” Osamu asked.

Atsumu nodded. Shouyou scrambled over to his bag, digging out a bottle of vodka before passing it to Atsumu. He took the glass bottle with relief, twisting off the lid and taking a large swig. Throat burning, Atsumu took a deep breath before he spoke. 

“Remember how I said it was Kiyoomi? Kiyoomi, the rich boy that had to go home to get married?’’ He frowned.

There were nods of agreement, the trio watching Atsumu closely. 

Atsumu sighed, taking another swig. “Well, I’m not totally sure it was him, because at the time there were… there were two other alphas.” Atsumu laughed at himself about the state he was currently in thanks to his past self’s actions.

Tooru whistled. “Damn, Tsum-Tsum. You never talked about having game!”

Osamu was frowning. “Why didn’t you tell us? Tell me?” His voice was serious, almost hurt.

Atsumu opened his mouth, arms raising only to drop them in defeat. “Well, I never knew that I would ever, ever have to face them.” He shook his head. “That part of my life was over. I never imagined I’d see all three of them in my old storehouse, the day before my daughter’s wedding. For Gods’ sake, they were staying in Hitoka’s old playroom.” He took a third swig.

The room went still. 

“The old storehouse,” Tooru and Shouyou echoed in excitement, eyeing each other. 

Next thing he knew his two best friends were on their feet and running towards the door. Atsumu choked around the neck of the bottle, sputtering and coughing as he pushed the open bottle into Osamu's hands. 

“No! No wait!” he yelled after them, scrambling to his feet to follow. 

Why did he even think it was a good idea to reveal their location?

He heard Osamu laughing behind him as he took off down the hallway chasing his friends. “Shouyou! Tooru!” They wouldn’t stop, the two having got too good of a headstart while Atsumu had been choking on alcohol. He whipped a glare over his shoulder, Osamu whistling while he followed at a slower pace. “Yer no help!” 

“Part of the job!” Osamu yelled back, snickering as Atsumu tried to run faster, lungs puffing.

“Slow down!” Atsumu hissed, seeing the storehouse coming into view. He was panting. “Don’t let them hear ya, please.” 

He watched as Shouyou and Tooru jumped onto the veranda, forms hunching as they sneaked up to the side door of the storeroom. Atsumu’s stomach dropped at the sight. The door had been left wide open. Atsumu tackled them just in time, sending them skidding into the opening of the door with a clear view.

“There’s no one here,” Shouyou said, a little disappointed. 

Atsumu lifted his head, eyes roaming wildly around the room. 

“Are you sure they were here?” Tooru asked in disbelief. 

“I–Of course I’m sure,” Atsumu protested. The room was empty . The luggage that had littered it was gone and the old futons had been folded up and placed in the corner. “Do ya honestly think I’d forget Hitoka’s dads?” Atsumu stepped into the storeroom, spinning a circle on his heel. He could hear the crunch of Osamu’s feet on the gravel before he joined them in the storeroom. Even his whiskey scent did nothing to cover the remnants of the three alphas that had been there. “They were all here, Sakusa Kiyoomi, Suna Rintarou, and Kageyama Tobio.” 

“ Kageyama Tobio!” Tooru gasped. 

Shouyou’s eyes were wide. “ You had a thing with Baka-yama!? ”

Osamu was smirking at Atsumu from where he leaned against the door. Atsumu glared at his twin before rolling his eyes at the gleeful tone in his best friends’ voices. “Yes, it was a complicated time, okay?” Atsumu rubbed at the back of his head, his neck ached. The familiar scent of cedar was getting to him. “They must have gone back to Sunarin’s boat.” 

“A boat?” Osamu raised a brow, impressed. 

“Impressive score of bed buddies you have there Tsum-Tsum.” Atsumu looked at Tooru in confusion. He received a shrug and a smirk. “Just saying, you talked about wanting a rich man, but seems you were able to score a bunch.”

Atsumu groaned, leaving the storeroom to return to the Onsen.

“I guess some of your preferences rubbed off on him, Tooru,” Shouyou teased.

Atsumu shook his head. “Gods no, I hope they strike a rock and drown.” His heart was racing. “It’s just, what are they doing here? I swear the gods have it out for me.” Atsumu sighed and pulled at his hair, the Onsen coming to view as he headed back toward his room. Everything was becoming too much. Why today, why now... This was the last thing he ever wanted and the last thing Hitoka needed.

“Do they know about Hitoka?” Shouyou asked, jogging to keep up with Atsumu’s longer, rushed steps. 

Atsumu tripped over his feet, twisting to throw the pack following him a look. “No, of course not! I never told a soul. Hell, even Osamu didn’t know,” Atsumu sighed looking at his twin apologetically, “Till now.”

He felt the shock of his words settling between Tooru and Shouyou. Even if Atsumu hadn’t told them, he told Osamu everything… well, almost everything. He entered his room, throwing himself on the bundle of blankets that was his nest.

“Oh Tsum-Tsum, keeping it to yourself all these years…” Tooru trailed off, voice drenched with pity.

Atsumu shook his head, pulling a pillow into his arms watching as Shouyou, Tooru, and Osamu entered the room. They closed the door behind them before settling with Atsumu atop the nest. 

“It doesn’t matter.” Atsumu clenched the pillow tighter, eyeing the walls as if someone were listening. He dropped his voice. “It doesn’t matter when it comes to me. The only thing that matters is that Hitoka never finds out.”

“Maybe she’d be cool with it,” Shouyou offered, watching the way Atsumu pulled at the feathers poking out of the pillow.

Atsumu laughed. “ Cool with it?” The words sounded like a joke. “Ya don’t know Hitoka, this would be a bombshell. She’d be devastated.” He stared Osamu down as he said the words, needing his brother to agree with him. 

The confirming nod was all they needed. Atsumu felt hysterical. 

“Atsumu, they’re gone,” Tooru said, juniper stretching out in an attempt to calm him.

“I don’t know that!” Atsumu’s voice cracked, splintering fears of the three alphas’ arrival coming to the surface. “I don’t know where they are. I don’t know why they’re here.” His eyes were burning. “Gods, I brought this all on myself bein’ such a stupid reckless tramp.” He pinched the bridge of his nose, defeated.

“Whoa, Tsumu,” Osamu interrupted, frowning at him as he reached over to flick Atsumu in the forehead. Atsumu whined at his brother. “Yer soundin’ like Gran.”

Atsumu gasped. “Am not!”

“Are so!” Osamu responded with a shake of his head. 

“It’s true,” Tooru sang, wrapping an arm around Atsumu’s shoulders. “You’ve been living like a nun.”

“I–” he tried to argue, but the others weren’t having it. 

Shouyou took the pillow from between Atsumu’s fingers, leaning forward to press their foreheads together briefly. “Whatever happened to our Tsum-Tsum, hm?”

“Where is my least favourite pain in the ass?” Osamu added, voice teasing as he leaned in to wrap an arm around Atsumu’s other shoulder.

“The terror and heartbreaker of the party,” Tooru said with a squeeze of Atsumu’s shoulder. 

Atsumu’s voice was watery and defeated when he spoke. “I grew up.”

Tooru and Shouyou booed, jumping to their feet. “Then grow back down.” 

They crowed, Shouyou racing to the half drunk bottle of vodka and Tooru running to the speaker and connecting his phone. It took a second before a song bled into the room. Atsumu shook his head at it. It was a ridiculous dance song from when they were younger. 

“Come on Tsum-Tsum.” Shouyou grinned, taking a swing of the bottle before handing it to Tooru.

“You know the rules,” Tooru said before taking his own drink and handing the bottle to Osamu, pulling him up to join in their absurd dancing. “Join us Osamu.” 

Atsumu watched in shock as his stoic brother got to his feet and joined the other two. 

“Tsum-Tsum, come on!” Tooru and Shouyou shouted once more before screaming the lyrics at the top of their lungs. “Dance it out rules!” 

Atsumu sighed, getting to his feet. Rules were rules. He swayed awkwardly, not quite into the music the way his pack was. He took the bottle he was offered, closing his eyes and moving to the music as he tilted his head back. His throat burned as he fell into the tempo, the rules of dancing it out slowly coming over him. 

It didn’t matter how bad the day was, sometimes you just had to dance it out, at least that’s what television had taught the three of them growing up. And it hadn’t steered them wrong yet.

Atsumu opened his eyes, pulling the neck of the bottle to his mouth like a makeshift microphone. He pointed at Tooru and Shouyou with his free hand, screaming the words of the second verse. His friends shouted in delight, Osamu laughing beside him. The room was warm with comfort, the bitter taste of Atsumu’s scent fading away. 

There was nothing like dancing and having the time of your life.

Chapter Text

Hitoka raced back to her room, praying under her breath that her mother wouldn’t find the three alphas she’d hidden in the old storeroom. Her mother barely used the storeroom, why today of all days did he need to visit it. Shouldn’t he be bonding with Uncle Tooru and Uncle Shouyou?

Hitoka thought of the three strangers, her three possible sires. She couldn’t believe they were actually here. The fact that all three of them arrived together… Hitoka was supposed to know when she saw them. But all she’d felt was overwhelmed. She had to tell Tadashi and Tsukki. 

She stumbled into her bedroom, Tadashi and Tsukki staring at her with wide eyes at the sudden intrusion. 

Her heart trembled against her ribcage. “They’re here.”

They jumped to their feet. 

“What!?” 

“I was helping Kita unload the truck with the food deliveries for the dinner tomorrow and they were just all there,”  Hitoka said, staring at them helplessly. She gestured around vaguely, not quite understanding it completely yet.

“Wait, ALL of them?” Tsukki asked, staring at Hitoka wide-eyed. 

Hitoka nodded, swallowing around the anxiety bubbling in her throat. 

“Where are they now?” Tadashi moved closer and took Hitoka’s hands, rubbing her hands with his thumbs in an attempt to calm her. 

“Uh,” she nodded again, blinking at them, “I, um, led them to the old storehouse. They’re gonna be staying in my old playroom.” 

“Okay, that’s good!” Tadashi encouraged. 

“Did you talk with them? Do they know?” Tsukki moved forward, wrapping his arms around both Tadashi and her, scenting them lightly. Matcha soothed them.

Hitoka sighed, leaning into them. “No, didn’t have a chance,’’ she said. “They just know I’m Atsumu’s daughter. I had to hide cause I heard mom whistling and needed to get out of there.”

Tadashi and Tsukki stilled. 

“Did he find them?” Tsukki whispered.

She shook her head. “I don’t think so? That’s why I came back.” She looked at both of them, pleading. “I was hoping you guys would come back with me. Meet them yourselves. Maybe you could help me figure out which one might be my dad?” 

“You didn’t know ?” Tadashi said, looking at Hitoka in concern. It had been Hitoka’s solid reasoning for why she’d invited them all here. 

She bit her lower lip, chewing on it. “Come with me, please?” 

Tadashi smiled, giving Hitoka a comforting squeeze. “Of course. Let’s go.” He took her hands, leading her towards the door. 

“We gotta lay low though,” she whispered, peeking around a corner. “No one can know.” They nodded in agreement, following Hitoka’s lead as she led the group of them through the Onsen. 

They were almost at the path to the storehouse when they heard a yell. 

They ducked around the corner, peeking and catching sight of Tooru and Shouyou running down the path they needed to go through to get to the alphas. Their stomachs dropped as they watched Atsumu run after them close behind, with Osamu trailing at his tail, walking at a slower pace. 

“Fuck,” Tsukki cursed, echoing the sentiments of the entire party. 

Hitoka gripped at the wall tightly. She took a deep breath, eyes narrowing as she tried to focus. She needed to do something, now . “Come on, there’s another way.” She pushed away from the wall, cutting into the undergrowth. 

Their progress was slow, hunched down and stepping carefully so as to not break any branches and signal their location. They kept their eyes just over the line of foliage, watching as Tooru, Shouyou, and Atsumu tumbled into the side of the storeroom. 

“Guess your Mom did find them,” Tsukki whispered. 

Tadashi jabbed him with his elbow, leveling his alpha with a glare. What , he mouthed.

“Not the time,” Tadashi hissed back. 

Hitoka ignored them, creeping closer. Maybe her mother would reveal something then. Maybe she’d finally find out who her father was. 

“Wait, Hitoka,” Tsukki hissed. “Where are you going?”

“Closer,” she whispered back, crawling into a bush. She leaned forward, pushing her ear upward to try to catch any of their voices. 

She heard her mother first.

“They were all here, Sakusa Kiyoomi, Suna Rintarou, and Kageyama Tobio.” Hitoka’s heart stilled before beginning to pound wildly in her chest. 

Not only had her mother seen them, he’d fully recognized them.  

“Kageyama Tobio!” Tooru gasped. 

Shouyou’s voice followed loudly. “You had a thing with Baka-yama!?”

Oh, Hitoka thought. Both her uncles knew at least one of her possible fathers. She couldn’t help but think from where. While her mother had told her stories about growing up in Hyogo with Osamu, certain stories had missing blanks, details held back and left dangling in the air. She’d never asked, but now she couldn’t help but wonder: did one contain details of her possible father?

“Yes, it was a complicated time, okay?” A pause, then: “They must have gone back to Sunarin’s boat.” 

The docks. 

Hitoka bit her lip. Did she stay and see if Atsumu would reveal something else or… A voice in the back of her head whispered, If they have a boat, they could leave and you’ll never know. Hitoka backed out of the bush. She needed to get down to the pier, stat. 

She turned around, facing Tadashi and Tsukki, who were watching her carefully. What next? their eyes said. 

“To the docks!” she whispered. 

They nodded, turning around as they all scrambled back through the undergrowth. When they reached the Onsen, they peeked through the bushes. Not seeing a person in sight, they scrambled into the main building, making their way to the front of the hot spring as fast and quiet as possible. 

“So what’s the plan?” Tsukki asked, jogging beside Hitoka as she led them to the same car she’d picked them up in.

Hitoka patted her pockets, letting out a sigh of relief at the weight of the car keys in her back left. She pulled them out, pressing the button to unlock the doors. They circled around the car, opening the door and settling inside. 

“We gotta get to the dock, asap.” She slid the key into the ignition, buckled her seatbelt and put the car in reserve.

“And when we get to the docks?” Tadashi asked, gripping onto the back of Tsukki’s headrest as Hitoka pulled out of the parking spot and started down the road. 

“I–” She faltered. “I’ll figure it out when we get there.” 

“Hitoka…” Tadashi voiced in concern.

“It’s fine.” She took a deep breath, taking a turn. “First thing is making sure they’re still here.”

“And if they’re not?”

Hitoka smiled bitterly, meeting Tadashi’s eyes through the rearview mirror. “Then I guess meeting my Dad is just not in the cards for me.” She shrugged.

He reached out to give her shoulder a tight squeeze. Her eyes burned. 

“Thank you,” she whispered. The rest of the drive was quiet. 

When they pulled up to the dock, Hitoka’s heart dropped. Across the way she could see a new ship already drifting away from the pier.

“No,” Hitoka whispered, dread filling her stomach. “No, no, no.” She threw the car in park, leaving the keys in the ignition. She was already halfway down towards the sea before Tadashi and Tsukki knew what was happening. She ignored their yells, blood rushing in her ears and adrenaline fueling her. 

They couldn’t be leaving, not now.  

“Wait!” she called out, wooden planks pounding under her feet. She ripped at her shirt, swimsuit underneath. The boat wasn’t stopping. “Wait!” she screamed one more time, the length of the dock shortening under every step. 

Hitoka was on auto-pilot when she jumped, a single word ringing through her head, the voice sounded like a child’s.

Wait.

The water shocked her lungs before she broke to the surface gasping. Too late to go back now. She ignored Tadashi’s and Tsukki’s calls from shore, arms moving in familiar strokes as she swam towards the boat. She wouldn’t let this end. Not here. Not like this. 

When her hand knocked against wood she stopped, looking up to see she’d reached the boat. She sighed in relief, head tilting back as she tread water to see the three familiar faces of her possible fathers. 

“Well if it isn’t the bride-to-be,” Suna drawled, arms crossed and leaning as he looked down at her. He was smirking.

“We’re going to sail around the island, want to come?” Kageyama called, walking towards the ladder hanging off the side of the boat. 

Hitoka’s heart stuttered in her chest. They weren’t leaving? She had to be sure. “You promised you’d come to my wedding,” she said. She swam to the ladder and began to climb it. 

“Yes, well you see.’’ Suna clicked his tongue. “Atsumu ejected us from the lovely storehouse you’d provided us,” Suna drawled, lips curling in a tease. 

Kageyama reached down, taking Hitoka’s hand and helping her onto the deck. Sakusa offered her a towel. 

“Thank you,” she whispered. 

Sakusa nodded. “We figured it’d be best to get out of his hair and give him some space.” 

Hitoka patted herself dry. She was pressing the towel to her face when Kageyama’s voice made her heart stop.

“Atsumu freaked out when he saw us. What was that about?”

She pulled the towel from her face, shaking her head. “Nothing.” She steeled her eyes, projecting the confidence her mother had helped her grow. “He’s just not thinking straight. He’s just so stressed about the wedding, you know?” Hitoka couldn’t help the smile that pulled at her lips when she thought about having her full family finally together. “He’s got no idea that you’re his lovely surprise. He’s going to be so happy tomorrow!” 

“You think so?” Hitoka’s breath stilled at Suna’s words. It felt like he was looking right through her, brow raised with a smirk that spoke of years of mischief. She swallowed. 

Shifting her eyes she paused when she caught sight of a familiar worn out volleyball. Her brows furrowed. “You took Mom’s volleyball?” she asked, pointing at it.

Kageyama’s eyebrows raised. “What? No, I borrowed it.” He leaned down, taking the ball in between his fingers. He spun it around so Hitoka could see the characters 影 宮 . “Kage, Miya. It’s your mother and I’s characters. I brought it with me when I was visiting Okinawa during the holidays.” He volleyed the ball to her gently. 

Hitoka caught it in her hands, placing the towel to the side before volleying it back his way. From the corner of her eyes, she watched as Suna and Sakusa stepped away before Kageyama was volleying it back to her. 

They fell into a familiar rhythm. It reminded Hitoka of throwing a ball back and forth with her mother on the beach. He’d always get this happy smile on his face, a glimmer in his eyes. That was, until his knees started to ache and they had to stop. 

She felt the boat begin to move, swaying slightly as Kageyama continued to speak. 

“I was at a training camp in Tokyo when I met him.’’ Kageyama hummed. “We were just kids, playing volleyball. He loved to tease me, and in a way I loved your mother for it. He’s part of the reason I was able to push through my insecurities and become an even better setter.” Hitoka watched the wistful smile that stretched across his face. “When we joined the premier leagues, the matches were electric. That is until he tore his ACL and was forced to have surgery.” 

Hitoka’s heart dropped, she’d always known her mother had a bad knee, she’d never realized it had been that bad.  “Surgery?” she asked quietly, 

Kageyama nodded, volleying the ball up to himself before passing it to Hitoka once more. “He was recovering in Okinawa when I came to visit, and brought this ball with me.” Kageyama caught the volley with his hands, twisting his hands around it. “I wanted to see if my rival would be joining me on the court again. Turns out that the championship would be the last time.” 

“We do play sometimes,” Hitoka offered, staring at the ball between Kageyama’s hands. “When I was a kid, he taught me how to volley and bump while playing on the beach.” She nodded, a smile on her face at the memory.

Kageyama smiled, passing her the ball before they fell into the rhythm of bumping instead. 

“The beach, huh? Must have been Hinata’s influence.”

“You know my godparent?” Hitoka asked, a little shocked. She knew Uncle Shouyou knew who Kageyama was, but she didn’t realize it was mutual.

Hitoka stared at the blush that dusted Kageyama’s cheeks. She scrambled to bump the ball back. 

“Of course.’’ He nodded. “He was my greatest rival. We used to play on the competitive circuit internationally before we both had to retire.” 

Hitoka was speechless. 

Kageyama smiled. “Same with Oikawa, he was my captain in middle school. I learned my serves from him.” He sent her another bump, she managed to barely catch it. 

They both laughed. Hitoka smiled. The sun on her skin felt nice as she settled into the feeling of the boat beneath her feet, the sea all around her. Maybe this would be good, maybe this would help her figure out which alpha was truly her father.

They sailed around the island, Hitoka pointing out to the three alphas landmarks and telling them stories about the island and growing up with Atsumu. They stopped at one point, going cliff diving, before swimming in a hidden cave. Suna built a fire and they had a picnic on the beach, by the end of it Hitoka’s face was hurting from smiling. 

When they got back to the boat, Suna invited her behind the wheel, teaching her how to steer. 

“So your right is the starboard, and the left is the port,” he pointed out. 

Hitoka nodded, adjusting her grip on the wheel. “Why are they called that, instead of left and right?” 

Suna hummed, eyeing her before turning this attention forward. “It's a historical thing I never really bothered to learn, but my teacher told me it’s because of fixed locations on a boat.” 

“Ohhh.” Hitoka nodded in understanding, following Suna’s directions and turning the wheel towards the port side. Her fingers tapped the wheel, a question slipping past her lips. “So, how did you meet my Mom?” 

Suna hummed, lips curling at the edges. “We’d always know about each other, having played against each other a few times in high school at tournaments. We stumbled into each other when I was in Okinawa visiting my great aunt.” He shrugged. “We got close. It was nice to have company while staying here for the holidays.” 

Hitoka considered his words. “You didn’t stay in contact?” 

Suna shook his head, eyes landing on Sakusa at the bow of the boat. Hitoka followed his gaze. 

“Atsumu and I had fun,’’ Suna said. “It was playful and carefree, but he was going through some stuff at the time. Technology wasn’t as accessible as it is today and we just fell out of touch.”

She chewed her lip before nodding, fingers fidgeting with the wheel. 

“Hey,” Hitoka turned to him, eyes wide. “Do you mind taking a picture of me?” Suna asked, handing her his phone. 

Hitoka nodded, standing back to look at the screen. She eyed the screen, shifting slightly to get the right composition.

“Look to your left,” she said, waiting for Suna to turn before taking the picture. She took more than one, happy with the overall compositions before handing him his phone back. 

“Thanks.” Suna eyed the pictures, giving a small nod before locking his phone. “I’m going to start navigating us back to shore. It’s getting late.”

“Sounds good,” Hitoka said, stepping away from the wheel and walking towards the bow. She walked slowly, eyeing Sakusa’s back. The alpha had been quiet for the most part, talking here and there, but mostly deep in thought. 

She came to stand beside him.

“How was revisiting the island?” she offered quietly, an open-ended question. 

Sakusa pulled his eyes from the horizon to glance at her. “It’s been… nice.” His voice went soft at the end. He started at Hitoka from the corner of his eyes before looking forward. There was a beat of silence before he spoke again, voice almost being lost on the wind. “You remind me of him.”

Hitoka frowned. “My Mother?”

Sakusa nodded. 

Hitoka suppressed a laugh. “I mean, he is my mother, ” she teased. 

Sakusa shook his head. “Not that. You give off the same light.” Hitoka stilled, turning to stare at Sakusa outright. “You have the same warmth and joy Atsumu had when we were your age. And freckles,” he added, lip quirking. 

Her breath caught in her throat. Sakusa had seemed cold upon first meeting, the type of person who held people at a distance. While they’d been touring the island, he’d been the quietest of the three. The face mask a physical barrier to keep people at bay. But now, at that moment, it FINALLY clicked. Hitoka finally understood what had made her mother fall so in love with him in the first place. Beyond those barriers was a softness, so warm it made Hitoka’s heart flutter. 

In a brief moment she felt seen in a way only Kiyoko and her mother had made her feel before. 

“Hitoka!” a distant voice called.

She jumped, pulled from her musings by the voice. There, at the edge of the dock coming into view was Kiyoko. She cursed. 

“I have to go.” Hitoka scrambled down the boat, handing Sakusa the shirt he’d let her borrow throughout the day. She turned to the three alphas, meeting their gaze as she begged, “I have to go, but please, please, come tomorrow okay ?”

Kageyama nodded, pulling his bent arm down with a fist. “Of course.”

Suna’s lip quirked, leaning against the ship. “We’ll be there.”

“Promise,” Sakusa said quietly, offering her a small eye crinkle. 

Hitoka grinned. “Thank you,” she whispered one more time, before diving off the boat. The water engulfed her as she swam to shore.

By the time she was on the beach, her mind was racing. She’d gotten to spend the day with her possible fathers and it had been incredible. She wanted to spin with the way her heart was beating and emotions were sparkling. 

“There you are.” 

Hitoka’s smile stretched wider. She spun, seeing Kiyoko walking towards her. “Kiyoko.” 

“Where have you been?” Kiyoko asked, taking Hitoka in her arms. Hitoka leaned into the touch, enjoying the way peppermint enveloped her. “Everyone’s been looking for you. People have been arriving all afternoon and no one’s seen you.” She frowned as she looked down at her.

Hitoka nuzzled the edge of Kiyoko’s jaw, breathing her in. “I’m sorry. I was getting overwhelmed and needed to get away for a bit.” She pulled back to look at Kiyoko with apologetic eyes. “I lost track of time.”

“That’s fine,” Kiyoko sighed, leaning in close to brush their noses together. “I’m glad you’re alright. I just know everyone wants to start the party soon and no one could find you.” Kiyoko pressed a kiss to Hitoka’s forehead. “I was worried.”

Hitoka closed her eyes, Kiyoko pressing a second kiss against her forehead. 

“I’m sorry.” Guilt swirled in her gut. She swallowed. “You know how I had talked about wanting to find my father?” she asked quietly after a second. 

Kiyoko’s arms surrounded her and pulled her close, pressing Hitoka’s nose to her scent gland. Hitoka shivered at the feeling. 

“Hitoka, I promise you,’’ she started, “I will be your family, this island too. We’ll never leave you.” Her voice was soft and warm.

Hitoka’s fingers gripped at Kiyoko’s shirt. “Promise?” 

Kiyoko pulled back just enough to pull Hitoka in for a searing kiss. It left her light headed. She whispered against Hitoka’s lips, “Promise.’’ She smiled and added, “Now, let’s go see what everyone else had planned for tonight's party.” 

Hitoka laughed, kissing the smile once more from Kiyoko’s lips.

They were getting married tomorrow. 

Chapter Text

Hitoka laughed beneath the fairy lights, lips pressed against the neck of a soju bottle as she chugged. Loud cheers echoed around her, mixing with the loud music that had the courtyard thrumming beneath her feet. She felt giddy as she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, passing the empty bottle to Tsukki. Tadashi grinned around his own bottle, cheering Hitoka on as she fell into the seat beside him. 

“How did you guys manage this?” she yelled over the music, taking in the courtyard. The entirety of it had been decked out in ridiculous one hundred yen decorations, plastic disco balls spun every few feet, reflecting the multicoloured lights tucked into the corners of the yard. 

“Well, my dear to-be-mated friend,” Tadashi said, swinging an arm over Hitoka’s shoulder, bottle hanging between his fingers. “While you were out jumping off piers and adventuring with strange men.” He pointed across to Tsukki who had taken a seat on Hitoka’s right. Hitoka hushed him as Tadashi continued to speak. “Tsukki and I were being amazing and making this the best bachelorette party.” 

Hitoka's cheeks ached, her smile stretching so wide as she leaned into Tadashi, the subtle smell of mochi and Tsukki’s matcha greeting her. She looked through her lashes taking in the dancing around them. She could pick out Kiyoko’s dark hair across the way. While they’d discussed having separate parties, the idea had seemed silly when they shared so many of the same friends. Instead, they’d let their wedding party get together and surprise them instead. The ongoing result was incredible. Hitoka felt like she was floating. 

The music stopped abruptly. Hitoka frowned, pulling herself up to see Tsukki and Tadashi grinning. The sound of a microphone cut across the clearing.

“What’s going on?” Hitoka asked, back straight as she eyed the makeshift platform that had been set up on the edge of the courtyard. A dressing screen from storage had been placed to hide the back from sight. 

Tadashi whistled casually beside her, failing to be discreet.

Hitoka nudged him. “Seriously, what did you guys do?” she begged, eyes pleading.

Tsukki chuckled from beside her, twisting Hitoka so she was facing the stage. “ He didn’t do anything.” 

Hitoka’s eyes widened as a voice poured in over the speaker. 

“Guys, Gals, and Non-Binary Pals–”

Her jaw dropped. “No way. Uncle Tooru?” she whispered. Tadashi and Tsukki grinned from beside her.

“Presenting, for one night and one night only–”

“Cause that’s all these pants will fit for!” Atsumu interrupted.

There was muffled laughter. 

“Speak for yourself.” Tooru scoffed before clearing his throat and speaking a little clearer into the mic. “To kick off tonight's main event of KA-RA-OKE! THE WORLD'S FIRST VOLLEYBALL OMEGA OLYMPIC TWO SILVERS AND A GOLD FOR ONE OF US–’’ 

“OI!” 

“–BAND!” Smoke began to pool onto the stage. Hikota’s jaw dropped. There was no way . “OMEGA FORCE!”

There was a long pause before the sound of shuffling resounded, as Tooru, Shouyou, and Atsumu made their way onstage. The courtyard was silent as they stepped into position, everyone sharing looks of disbelief. Atsumu was in the centre as they raised their microphones to their mouths. 

Hitoka could only stare in shock.

Her mother and her godparents were in full 70s fashion. They were in red and gold jumpsuits, the fabric a shiny material that shimmered under the disco lights. The legs flared at the ends, showing the start of gold platform heels taller than anything Hitoka had ever seen her mom wear. Waists were cinched tight, with a star belt buckle, highlighted by the very deep V in each of their jumpsuits revealing skin that had been highlighted with body glitter. The sleeves were where things changed. Tooru was wearing long sparkling gloves that matched the fabric of the jumpsuit and had military shoulders covered in feathers.  Shouyou had gone for chunky gauntlets that took up most of his forearms, topped with feathered military shoulders and a short cape. Her Mom had gone for long bell sleeves that matched the flare of his pants, the fabric mirroring the red and gold. 

They looked ridiculous, but at the same time, her mother was wearing a small smile that had Hitoka’s breath catching. She’d never seen anything like it before, and Atsumu looked ten years younger by the spark in his eyes alone. 

Atsumu tapped his foot a few times, a count in, before he, Tooru, and Shouyou were pointing upwards with their left hands and the music kicked in. The crowd around Hitoka cheered, but she couldn’t do anything but stare at her mother as he started to sing. 

Atsumu had never been a poor singer. In fact, growing up, Hitoka had loved the sound of her mother’s singing and the way it would lull her to sleep. As she grew up, lullabies turned into getting dressed up in ridiculous costumes with too many loose boa feathers floating around them as they sang to whatever Top-40 artist Hitoka had been obsessed with. Dressing up had turned into dance parties as a teen, dancing to get rid of the stress and negative emotions when Hitoka’s anxiety got a little too much, a boost of serotonin when the world became a little too much. 

But now, watching Atsumu on stage, Hitoka couldn’t help the swell of love pulling in her chest. The song was a familiar one, summer drives with the windows down, the radio blasting a song that Atsumu would joke was his favourite when he was her age. He’d sing along dramatically, making Hitoka flush with embarrassment as her mom would wiggle around in his seat. She’d always yell at him in laughter to watch the road and keep his hands on the wheel. 

Hitoka could feel her cheeks starting to ache as she watched her family perform for her on stage. There was a lightness and a laughter that, as the crowd cheered, pulled an unknown weight from her shoulders. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen her mom so happy and relaxed, the stress of the Onsen and the wedding gone from his shoulders. Her heart skipped when on a turn Atsumu sent her a wink, his gaze finding hers when he turned around. Hitoka swore she could smell pomegranates on top of all the pheromones swirling around them, a constant undertone that held the heart of the night.

As Atsumu pointed at her, the song coming to a close, Hitoka couldn’t help but feel her eyes water. This was him. This was the Atsumu. The one who had written that diary all those years ago. The one who’d been a passionate competitor, a fierce lover, and a loyal friend. This was the man she’d heard so many stories about. He had always been her mom, but now , Hitoka felt like she was finally getting to see the omega that had forged his own path, created his own pack, and lived so vibrantly. 

This was Atsumu. 

Hitoka couldn’t help but rush the stage as the trio posed, the song having come to an end. She engulfed her mother in a bone-crushing hug as he laughed. She nosed at the pomegranate there, soaking in the comfort. 

“I can’t believe you,” she whispered into the curve of Atsumu’s neck before letting him go. 

He smiled at her, grinning a little dopey as he tucked a stray hair back. “Surprise, Dove.” The music picked up as the microphones were passed off hand. Karaoke was officially starting for the night. Atsumu nodded, looking at something behind her. “Go hang with Tsukki and Tadashi. I’ll come find you after I change.” 

Hitoka nodded, giving her mother a teasing grin. “What, not planning on wearing this lovely outfit the rest of the night?” 

Atsumu laughed, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “These were Tooru’s choice, looks over comfort, I’m afraid, and let me tell you this fabric itches .” 

Hitoka giggled, watching her mother shoo her uncles off into the Onsen to change. As she turned around to find Tsukki and Tadashi, she stilled at what she saw instead. At the edge of the courtyard stood Sakusa, Suna, and Kageyama, each watching the festivities with varying levels of amusement.

She turned to her friends, lifting her index finger. “Give me a sec,” she said before walking through the crowd towards the alpha trio. The party was picking up around her, the next group stepping onto the stage to start karaoke. Hoots and hollers echoed through the courtyard as the deep bass of the music picked up. 

She watched as Sakusa wandered off, away from the main festivities. 

“You're here,” she breathed, coming to stand in front of Kageyama and Suna. Her cheeks were flushed from the alcohol, her stomach flipping at the sight of them. Salt and leather were a comfort to her nose.

Suna smirked. “Of course, We didn’t want to miss the party.” 

Hitoka’s smile stretched wider. “Awesome.” She gestured to the extravaganza around them. “Well, enjoy, and make sure to avoid Mom,” she added as an afterthought. 

Suna winked. “Got it.” 

Kageyama nodded from beside him, eyes seemingly focused on the edge of the stage and the path Hitoka’s uncles had disappeared through. 

Hitoka watched them walk towards the bar, biting her lip in happiness before she stiffened. Those were only two potential dads, she needed to find the third. She glanced at Tsukki and Tadashi, seeing the two had gotten pulled into each other’s orbit. Knowing she wouldn’t be missed, Hitoka took off down the path she’d seen Sakusa take, fairy lanterns lighting the way.  

The pathway led Hitoka away from the Onsen, not so much a secret path, but an unpopular one as it went past the hot springs to a secluded veranda. Visitors often stayed in the spring and spa area, the little hill to the veranda and the view of the sea not as appealing as the warm waters.  

When she got to the veranda, Sakusa was leaning against a post, eyes distant, staring out at the sea. Cedar caressed the air. Her steps on the gravel drew his attention.

“Hi,” she started quietly. A level of disbelief still curled in her stomach.

Sakusa stood upright, pulling away from the post to face her. “Hi, um.” Sakusa tucked the mask he’d been wearing down. His lips were pulled in a small crooked smile as he talked to her. “I feel like I should explain to Atsumu that I come in peace.”

Hitoka’s stomach dropped. Not yet. They couldn’t talk yet. “Oh no.” The words escaped her lips before she could stop them. Her voice spilled forth, trying to cover up her fear, the alcohol made the words easier. “I think you should wait, really. At least until he has a few drinks in him first.”

Sakusa seemed to believe her, nodding in agreement. “Good idea.” Sakusa looked towards the party before considering Hitoka once more. “Any plans after the wedding?”

Her brow scrunched. “Huh?”

Sakusa nodded towards the water. “Back on the boat, you talked about your interests, growing up here on the island. Even your betrothed and how you met.” Sakusa’s eyes studied her, once more she was pulled into his deep emerald green eyes. They were searching for something, seeing through Hitoka in a way that left her vulnerable. “You only ever spoke of the past and present. Never the future.”

Hitoka felt like she’d been dosed in ice water. She struggled to find the words, the ones she’d told herself time and time again. Ones that had once felt comforting but were beginning to feel like a noose, tightening around her throat. “I’m staying here. At least for a bit. There’s enough to do.” She shrugged a little at the words, trying to shake it off, like it was no big deal.

Sakusa’s eyes cut through her. The same gaze that had stripped her raw on the boat, seen through all her defences. “Is that really what you want? Running the Onsen with Atsumu?”

Hitoka tensed, the word ‘no’ wanting to escape her lips. “He can’t do it all on his own,” she protested instead. The argument sounded defensive and weak. If Hitoka could be honest with herself, she’d admit it was. 

Sakusa stared her down before tsking under his breath. He turned, walking to one of the benches on the veranda to take a seat. Instead of staring at the sea, he stared towards the Onsen taking in the soft flickering lights through the island trees. “You know, I drew this entire place up on the back of a menu one night.” Sakusa sighed.  “I always dreamt I’d come back here.”

“What kept you?” Hitoka couldn’t help but ask the words that had been weighing on her mind. 

She felt like a kit again, asking too many questions for her mother to handle. Atsumu and Sakusa had had an epic kind of love, if the journal entries were anything to go by. It was the only time Hitoka could recall her mother using the words “fated mates.” How did an epic love like that happen, only for it to be lost to time for twenty years? 

Sakusa looked tired as he turned his gaze to her. His gaze was worn as he spoke softly. “What’s your mother said about me?” 

Hitoka’s heart ached for the alpha. For her mother. She whispered, “He never mentioned you.”

“Hitoka…” Sakusa was back to staring, searching. She wasn’t so sure she had the answers he wanted. “What am I doing here?”

 A text chime stopped Hitoka from answering. 

She pulled out her phone, seeing a text from Tadashi asking where she was. Hitoka cursed. How long had she been gone? She looked up to see Sakusa watching her. 

“Go,” he said, nodding his head towards where the party was.

“I’m sorry,” she pleaded, before taking off running down the path. Her head felt dizzy as she went, undergrowth catching at her ankles. These hadn’t been the type of questions she’d been expecting the night before her wedding.

She forced herself to slow down when the courtyard came into sight. The party had only grown in its exuberance. A new person was onstage for karaoke, a silver-haired friend of Kiyoko’s that Hitoka thought was a teacher. The button-up he was wearing was completely undone, a tie wrapped around his head like a headband.

Hitoka eyed the crowd that had swelled around the stage shouting along with the lyrics, trying to catch sight of Tsukki’s tall form or Tadashi’s green hair. What she found instead was the sight of Kageyama’s towering form squeezing out of the crowd, nearly taking a tumble as he tried to get away. 

Hitoka rushed to him, grabbing his arm as a stray elbow knocked him forward. “You okay?” 

Kageyama straightened up, feet finally steady as Hitoka led him to the bar.  “I’m fine.” He took a seat. “Just…” His hand waved to the celebration surrounding them. 

Hitoka smiled, nodding in understanding. “I get it. I get the same way sometimes.” She reached forward to grab a bottle of soju, pouring Kageyama and herself a glass. “Especially with people I don’t know.”

He gave her a smile of gratitude as he took the offered glass. They knocked them together before each taking a long sip.  He let out a refreshed exhale, placing the glass on the counter. “Thank you.”

Hitoka’s cheeks flushed as she smiled. “You’re welcome.” 

He gave her a strange look, shaking his head as he brought his glass once more to his lips. It was almost an afterthought as he mumbled to himself, “Can’t believe Atsumu has a grown-up daughter.” 

Hitoka stilled at the comment. She glanced at the bottle of soju he was pouring more of into his cup. This was her chance. “Do you have any children, Kageyama?”

Kageyama seemed to laugh at the idea. “I have Miso and Pisa, my dog and turtle. But that’s about the extent of my relationships. I got them when I retired.” He took a sip from his glass, staring at the rim as he placed it on the counter. “I don’t know how I would be as a parent, but I'd like to think, if I had a daughter, I’d spoil her rotten.” 

Hitoka smiled at the idea, lips curling as her mind wandered. The idea of it sounded nice.

Kageyama twisted slightly, pulling Hitoka’s attention back as he looked around. “Is your father here?”

The words “I don’t know,” slipped out before Hitoka could stop them. She watched Kageyama’s eyes snap to hers, blinking rapidly and filling with concern. Her stomach dropped. She opened her mouth to elaborate, bury his concern, deciding to go with the truth when she spoke. “I don’t know who my father is,” she explained with a helpless shrug. 

Before Hitoka could explain any further or answer the questions that were sure to come, hands grabbed her. “There you are!” Tadashi giggled in her ear. “Come on, we’ve been looking for you.” He pulled the cup from her grip, Tsukki coming up on her other side tugging Hitoka away from the bar and into the fray. 

Hitoka’s stomach flipped as she was swallowed by the crowd. She smiled at Tsukki as he spun her, trying to laugh off the nerves. But the overwhelming wave of clashing pheromones wasn’t helping. If anything, it only left her more dizzy as the alcohol began to hit harder. As she was released from the spin, she turned to see Suna dancing before her, a lazy grin stretched across his face. 

“Hi,” she breathed, falling into step with Suna.

“Hey.,” He gave her a smile, gesturing with his hands. “This is fantastic.” 

Hitoka laughed offhandedly, looking around her to see if she could catch sight of her mother. She didn’t see any blond hair, so she turned back to Suna. The crowd was growing overwhelming, the tall alpha in front of her seemed to be the only person staying relatively in place.

“Where did Atsumu get the money to buy this place? His brother?” Interest coloured his voice as they danced.

Hitoka shook her head. “He was left some money by the old lady he helped look after when I was younger.” She leaned closer to Suna’s ear, not wanting to shout so loudly over the music. “Hitoka, who I’m named after.”

Suna’s face scrunched. “My great-aunt Hitoka?”

Her eyes widened. She’d forgotten his comment when they’d first met, too stunned by the fact all three of her possible sires were in front of her. “I guess,” she breathed, not sure what to say. 

“I always heard her money was left to family.”

It was like watching a glass shatter. The words fell around them in slow motion, fragments of realisation leaving them wide-eyed and staring. They slowed as the world blared around them. Hitoka couldn’t breathe.  

“How old are you?” Suna asked weakly. 

Hitoka was already searching his eyes as she responded, “Twenty.” 

His eyes widened. The disbelief was palpable.

Hitoka wanted to cry. 

“Will you excuse me for a moment?” Suna stumbled, legs a little shaky as he pushed past her with an, “I’m sorry.” 

She breathed heavily. Hitoka wanted to throw up. She could almost feel the answers slipping through her grasp. The conversations, the truth, none of it was supposed to happen tonight. She turned on her heels, chasing after Suna, his tall form easy to spot through the crowd as he exited the courtyard down a stray path. 

“Suna!” Her voice cracked. “Wait.” Suna wasn’t turning around. Hitoka moved faster, familiar with the uneven steps she’d walked since childhood, pulling ahead in the low light. “Why did your great-aunt leave my mother money?” 

Suna slowed before her, turning to her as he said, “I don’t know,” before taking off once more.

Hitoka felt her confidence crack at the uncertainty. That was all her life had been when it came to her father, secrets, and uncertainty. She couldn’t take it anymore. Her eyes burned as she spoke. “All my life, there’s been this huge unanswered question and I don’t want any more secrecy.” 

Suna came to a stop, his back still facing her. “What do you want from me?”

The music of the party was a whisper, the light trimming under their feet. Hitoka exhaled to it, letting the music steady her. “Suna, please,” she whispered. “Are you my father?”

The words seemed so fragile once she’d said them. The most vulnerable question about herself revealed.

Suna turned to face her. His face was white, face wearing defeat. “Yes,” he breathed. “I think so.” There was a pause before he spoke a little louder this time. “Yes.” 

Hitoka felt dizzy with relief. Finally, she knew who her father was. “You know what happens now right?” she couldn’t help but ask, voice a little dreamy.

Suna cracked a wry grin. “You’re not going to tell me you have a twin sister, are you?” 

Hitoka laughed, the disbelief of finally getting answers settling around them. “Will you walk me down the aisle tomorrow?”

“Walk you down the aisle?” Suna repeated.

Hitoka felt her nerves surge, she took a step forward. “Our secret! Until the wedding…” she trailed off. 

Suna exhaled a laugh, pointing between the two of them in a state of disbelief. She nodded. He huffed, lips curling upward. “Sure.” 

Hitoka smiled. The two stared at each other in disbelief, unable to fully process the reality-altering news. “Okay,” she said.

“Okay.” Suna nodded.

Hitoka itched to move. The party was calling her back. Her mother could be looking for her now and he couldn’t know she knew. As if sensing her need, Suna gestured his chin towards the party. “Go. We’ll talk tomorrow.” 

Hitoka swore her cheeks were going to fall off from how big she was smiling. “Sounds good.” She gave Suna a wave, hearing him chuckle under his breath as she made her way back to the courtyard.

Finally, she had some answers. Finally, she had some clarity. Hitoka could have sworn the courtyard was spinning with how giddy she was feeling. The constant weight of who her father was had finally been lifted and he’d get to walk her down the aisle. A secret dream she’d wanted since she was a kit.

She had a dad . 

The party was in full swing, karaoke long forgotten for nostalgic Top-40 hits and screaming at the top of their lungs. The drunk joy of the crowd left the pheromones in the air thick and heady. Hitoka could swear she could see them in the air like tiny particles dancing under the fairy lights. 

Hitoka met Kiyoko’s gaze through the crowd. The starting notes of their song mixed through the speaker. Her smile was impossibly wider, instinct pulling her forward into the arms of her alpha. The presence of home wrapped around her as inhaled peppermint, the scent settling deep in her bones. All would be well.

As Hitoka pulled back slightly she noticed the party had begun to circle her. A dance in which Kiyoko and her were at the very centre. She laughed, meeting Kiyoko’s eyes. “What is happening?”

Kiyoko shrugged, pressing a kiss to Hitoka’s lips. “I have no idea.” 

Kiyoko’s smile was equally large as hers and Hitoka could find herself falling even further. She couldn’t believe she’d get to marry this incredible woman tomorrow. 

Kiyoko offered her hand. “Shall we?” 

Hitoka took it instantly, letting herself be pulled into an impromptu dance as Kiyoko moved them in circles at the centre of the courtyard. She couldn’t help but think of the fact they were dancing over Bezaiten’s spring and that eternal happiness was finally hers. The circle around them broke, the guests dancing in pairs closer, Hitoka and Kiyoko blending into the crowd. 

She giggled under the soft light, eyes opening to catch the sight of her mother and her uncles entering the courtyard. They were back. Hitoka’s breath caught. As Kiyoko spun her around, her vision blurred, Suna returning to the courtyard caught her vision.

Oh no. 

As Kiyoko pulled her back in, she watched over her alpha’s shoulder as Atsumu moved further into the courtyard, taking Shouyou and Oikawa with him. Her eyes flickered. Suna was near the bar, the place, from what it looked like, that her Mother’s trio was heading for. Suna seemed more interested than she’d seen him be all night. 

No.  

“Hey, my mom’s finally here.” Hitoka nodded to Atsumu through the crowd trying to maintain a desperate air of calm. The dancing was leaving her breathless. “Do you mind dancing with him?” 

“Sure,” Kiyoko said, brow furrowed in concern as Hitoka broke away. Hitoka tried to give her a comforting smile but she was desperate as she cut through the crowd. She’d explain everything later, she promised herself. She’d come clean to Kiyoko, just not now. There wasn’t time. 

As a space in the crowd opened up, Hitoka rushed forward. She could see Suna moving further away from her. She cursed, blood rushing in her ears only to be cut off by a tall, intimidating form. 

“Hitoka.” 

Hitoka stopped still, staring wide-eyed at Sakusa standing well above her. Her heart was racing. What was it, what did he need?

“I know why I’m here.” Hitoka opened her mouth, not sure how to respond but Sakusa bulldozed forward. “Why didn’t Atsumu tell me?” Hitoka’s eyes flickered between Sakusa’s, keeping an eye on Suna through the crowd. He hadn’t made it to her mother yet. “How long have you known I’m your father?”

The ground gave way from beneath her. Hitoka’s arms shot out to steady herself. “What?” she croaked. “Um.” She watched as Sakusa’s gaze shifted to the crowd. Her stomach dropped. He was looking for Atsumu. “Wait, Sakusa, listen to me.” He turned to face her, a look of concern scrunching his brow. “My mom doesn’t know I know,” Hitoka admitted. “Can we wait to tell him after my wedding?” 

The smell of cedar was overwhelming as he nodded, agreeing with her. “Who’s giving you away tomorrow?” 

Hitoka’s mind blanked, her insides were screaming. “No one.”  

“Wrong, I am,” Sakusa stated. His words left no room for question. “I’ll leave you to enjoy your party. Our secret till then.” He stepped to the side, leaving Hitoka reeling.

Oh god.  

When her vision focused, she spotted Atsumu’s concerned face in the crowd. He was dancing with the silver-haired man from earlier but his gaze was focused on her. Hitoka felt like she was swimming as she tried to move forward. Kiyoko caught her on the edge of the dance floor.

“Are you okay?” Kiyoko’s grip on her arms was too much. She couldn’t find the comforting smell of peppermint, a whirlwind of smells greeting her instead.

“I can’t breathe,” she cried, legs stumbling as the sea of people swelled around her. “Give me a minute.” Kiyoko let her go as Hitoka tried to find air, quickly moving away. She was almost to the edge of the crowd when she hit a chest. When she looked up, she found Kageyama staring at her in shock. 

“Oh my god.” Hitoka’s heart dropped. “I’m your father,” Kageyama announced, words getting swallowed by the music but still reaching her ears.

Hitoka felt numb. 

“That’s why you invited me!” Kageyama was smiling, “You wanted your dad to walk you down the aisle.” Hitoka wanted to throw up. “Well, I won't let you down. I’ll be there!” 

Hitoka felt like she was drowning. The music was only growing louder and louder as she stood in the courtyard, unable to move. She could feel all eyes on her as people danced, it was burning at her skin. 

Suna.

Kageyama.

Sakusa.

Kiyoko.

Atsumu.

Hitoka wanted to cry at the thought of her mother’s gaze. All the love and concern. One moment she thought she had answers and the next they were ripped from her grasp. She felt a sob bubble up in her throat. She could see Atsumu’s face transforming in concern, him shifting through the crowd to get to her. The smell of pomegranates was missing, only a burning sensation in its place. 

It was all too much.

Far too much.

The world went black.  

Chapter Text

Atsumu awoke with the sunrise, the early morning light painting the room grey. He felt like he’d been hit by a truck, the events of last night racing through his brain so loudly that sleep was little more than waves on a beach. He’d been pacing most of the morning, driving Osamu insane with his worry while he began preparations for dinner that night. 

Bile rose in his throat every time he saw the delicate white frosting of Hitoka’s wedding cake in the corner. She was getting married today. There were no more tomorrow. The thought of the ceremony happening today brought back the anxiety-inducing sight of Hitoka’s eyes rolling back as she dropped to the floor last night. She’d look so small, so fragile. 

His little girl. 

Atsumu winced, pulling his thumb from his mouth. He’d bitten the nail to its bed, a sliver of blood welling from where he’d nipped the skin. “Fuck,” he muttered. 

“Okay, enough,” Osamu grumbled. He placed his blade on the cutting board, levelling Atsumu’s wide eyes with a look. “Ya need to leave.”

Atsumu’s jaw dropped. “What?!”

“I said, ya need to leave, ” Osamu repeated, gaze never wavering. 

Atsumu sputtered, “It’s my kitchen!?” 

“Wrong–”

“Wrong?!”

“It’s my kitchen,’’ he said. “It’s been my kitchen since Hitoka hired me to cook the food for her weddin’. And ya,” Osamu took the knife in hand and pointed it at Atsumu to emphasise his point, “are making this worse with all your anxious pheromones.”  

Atsumu’s hand shot to his neck, cupping his main gland self consciously. “I don’t know what you're talkin’ about.”

“Tsumu, it smells like a pomegranate that’s been out in the sun too long. My kitchen reeks .” 

Atsumu flushed, tugging on the ends of his hair as he took a whiff of the kitchen. He cringed at the smell. Osamu was right. He’d overwhelmed the kitchen, his scent was sour enough to make even his eyes water. 

His shoulders dropped. “Sorry.”

Osamu sighed. “It’s fine. Just get out of here. You’re gonna make yerself sick with worry. Go see Shou or Kawa. I’m sure they gotta be up by now, they’re good at talkin’ ya down.” 

Atsumu picked at his cuticles, before stopping himself. “Right. Thanks, Samu,” Atsumu gestured to the kitchen that was in various stages of prep, “For everythin’.”

Osamu rolled his eyes before waving the knife once more. “Get! I’ve got a dinner to cook for my favourite niece.” 

Atsumu huffed an awkward laugh. “Right, right.” 

He was at the exit when Osamu called him from behind him. 

“Everythin’s gonna be fine.” 

Atsumu cracked his twin a half-smile over his shoulder before leaving the kitchen. “Right,” he mumbled. 

He went straight to Tooru and Shouyou’s room, bundling his robe tighter as he walked. It was still early, the guests of the Onsen sleeping, the sky bearing the lightest touch of pink. 

As he pulled the door to the room open, Atsumu couldn’t help the flood of relief at the sight of Shouyou up and trying to coax a comatose Tooru. He pulled the door closed behind him, deciding it was best not to chance fate with someone deciding to wake up early and overhear them. 

“I’ve been tossin’ and turnin’ all night,” Atsumu confessed, striding across the room before falling into the futon beside a groaning Tooru. The moment he sat, Atsumu bolted up once more, the idea of sitting still setting his anxiety on edge. “Those three alphas are still loose on my island.” He turned to face Shouyou, tugging at his blond locks in frustration. “We’ve gotta do somethin’.”

“Atsu–”

“I mean, what if they ruin the weddin’?”

“Atsu–”

“I can’t–”

“Atsu!” Shouyou shouted, grabbing Atsumu by the shoulders and shaking him.

Atsumu’s mouth clamped shut as he stared at Shouyou wide-eyed. The tension in his shoulders started to melt as tangerine greeted him in a warm hug. It eased his ruffled feathers and stilled his rapid heart. 

Shouyou smiled, fixing a disarrayed lock of Atsumu’s hair. “It’s all under control,” he said, voice soft.

Atsumu exhaled. “Really?”

Shouyou’s grin stretched wider. “Yes, I’m taking Suna and Sakusa fishing.” Atsumu's face scrunched up at the idea of Kiyoomi willingly fishing. “And Bakayama has convinced Mister Competitive into watersports.” He nodded.

Tooru groaned from beside them, finally deciding to join them in the land of the living. He pushed himself up on his arms, twisting to face them. 

The sight had Atsumu and Shouyou breaking into laughter. 

Tooru was a certified mess. His normally immaculate hair had taken on a Frankenstein treatment, sticking every which way with remnants of body glitter somehow still decorating the ends. The lipstick he’d decided to wear the previous night was smudged so high up his cheek, he looked like he’d had a heated make out session with a clown. To top it all off, his mascara had left him with eyes so black a panda would envy him.

Atsumu was laughing so hard, he had trouble breathing.

Tooru grumbled at their laughter, swatting weakly before collapsing back onto the bed. He clutched his head in pain before Atsumu and Shouyou finally took pity on him and came closer. Atsumu rubbed his back gently while Shouyou provided him with a few pills and some water.

“It’s going to be fine.” Shouyou comforted, looking Atsumu in the eye. “I promise.” 

Atsumu nodded, repeating the words like a mantra. “It’s gonna be fine.”

Tooru gave a thumbs-up as he inhaled another glass of water. Atsumu sat down, leaning into Tooru’s shoulder. Despite the sweat and alcohol, he still smelled strongly of juniper. Atsumu inhaled it slowly. Fingers caressed his hair as he breathed. 

He was going to be fine. They were going to be fine. Everything would be fine. 

“Now,” Shouyou said with a clap of his hands, startling them. “Atsumu, you go get dressed, unless you’re planning to wear a robe all day. I’ll whip Tooru into shape while you go check on Hitoka, I’m sure you’ve been itching to check on her since last night.” 

Atsumu nodded, taking Shouyou’s offered hand and giving it a squeeze. When Hitoka had gone down last night, Atsumu swore his life had flashed before his eyes. She hadn’t been unconscious on the ground for long, but it was enough to get Atsumu’s inner omega growling, his theoretical fur on end as he forced everyone to stay back. When he reached her, she was already coming to, eyes fluttering with her lavender scent on edge and staring up at him.

When he’d asked her if she was okay, she’d only nodded, arguing that she'd had a little too much to drink. Tsukki and Tadashi had taken her back to her room to sleep it off before he could press further. To say Atsumu had been uneasy ever since would be an understatement. 

“Thanks, ya two,” Atsumu said, pulling his closest friends in for a hug before standing.

“We’ve got this.” Shouyou beamed, giving Atsumu a thumbs up. Tooru raised his glass in a hungover cheers. 

Atsumu smiled before turning and taking his leave. He had his pack, everything would be fine. 

The first thing Atsumu did was head back to his room. When he entered, his nest was a disorganised mess, the evidence of his agitation weighing the room in sickly sweet pomegranate. The wall of pheromones only raised his anxiety, swirling in his gut like poison. He ripped open a window, hoping it would help clear the air and his head as he changed quickly. 

The outfit was simple, the wedding was not starting until the evening. He had to remember to fix the crack in the mosaic in the courtyard. Now with the bachelorette party over, it should have enough time to seal and dry before the dinner later that night.

As he made his way toward the old storehouse, his mind couldn’t help but flicker around. What were they doing here? Why now? The questions had Atsumu spinning in circles so quickly he felt like he was going half-mad. Only Shouyou’s mantra was keeping him together. 

Everything would be fine. 

As he picked through his supplies, bucket, caulking, garbage bags, he couldn’t help the way his nose twitched. The scents from yesterday were long gone but a part of him ached for the phantom scent of cedar. He wanted it again. A desperate addiction brought back to life. He wanted to taste summer on his tongue, to feel the youth between his bones. He sighed as he headed back to the courtyard, longing nestled deep within his marrow.

He was partially grateful for the sight that was his courtyard. Lights were half falling from where they’d been hung, shattered bottles along the ground. It was a miniature disaster, but one that could keep him occupied all the same. Atsumu slipped on a pair of gloves and grabbed a garbage bag, best to get to work.

The labour helped him focus, the task at hand easier to process than the thousands of concerns wanting to well up and crash over him. He started with the bigger items, large chunks of broken bottles and a fallen disco ball. The sound of the items clicking in the bag was meditative as he hunched over to collect the discarded items. This was fine, he could control this. 

As he worked, the Onsen slowly came to life. Early alarms woke hungover and half-drunken guests, everyone in the wedding party had a role to play. They all wanted to give the alpha and omega the wedding of their dreams. Atsumu couldn’t help but grip the bag a little tighter at the thought.

His nose twitched at the smell of lavender. He lifted his head, eyes widening at the sight of Hitoka sneaking past him. “Hey!” he called out, placing the bag of garbage down.

Hitoka turned to face him, eyes avoiding his. “Hi?” she asked, uncertain. 

Atsumu walked towards his daughter, the nervous energy from the night collecting in his gut. “Ya okay?” he whispered, voice soft.

“I’m fine.” Hitoka nodded, turning to walk away. Atsumu smelled the lie, his hand reaching out to catch her arm and pull her back.

“Woah, woah, woah, Hitoka… Dove.” Atsumu placed his hands on her shoulders, taking in her face. Her scent was on edge, her eyes shifting and body stiff beneath his grip. He searched her face trying to decipher the eternal puzzle that was his daughter. One moment he thought he had Hitoka all figured out, the next it was like starting from scratch.

He thought Hitoka and Kiyoko were happy, but last night, when his daughter had pulled away… Atsumu frowned. 

“Last night, ya and Kiyoko… What’s wrong?” Hitoka didn’t respond. He pushed forward, he needed to know so he could comfort her the way she needed. “Tell me. Tell me what’s wrong.” 

He watched as Hitoka’s eyes welled up, her face going red. His daughter had never been a discrete crier, a trait she’d inherited from him and one he was so grateful for now. It made it easier to see when something was truly wrong. 

“I don’t know what to do,” she whispered. 

Atsumu’s heart ached. He pulled her close, letting his scent surround them. He wanted to keep her safe, hide her away in his nest and away from all her concerns. “You know what to do,” he encouraged. It was fine to get cold feet after being swept up in a whirlwind of love and hormones. There was nothing wrong with waiting. “You don’t have to do anything.” He pressed a kiss to the crown of Hitoka’s head, rubbing her shoulders with his hands. “It’s not too late,” he whispered. “I can still call off the wedding, everyone will understand.”

Hitoka stiffened next to him, pulling away from him slowly, face painted in shock. “Call–Call off the wedding?” She blinked.

Atsumu froze, stomach-dropping. “Isn’t that what ya want?” 

“No,” Hitoka whispered, her voice wavering as she shook her head. Her eyes were resolute and her voice was laced with betrayal as she said, “No, that’s what you want.” 

Atsumu took a half-step back. “No,” he said, voice firm as he tried to keep his hackles from rising. Hitoka’s scent was on edge, the lavender taking an overwhelming turn that was cutting and sour.

“Yes!” she argued, hands pushing back her hair in frustration. “Gods. I can’t believe I didn’t see it.” 

“Hitoka!” Atsumu yelled, hoping to pull her back. He could see her spiralling, fear that was ready to lash out. It was a fact he was very familiar with, he was guilty of the same thing. Like mother, like daughter he supposed.

Hitoka shook him off. “You just–You have no idea.” Atsumu’s brow scrunched in confusion. “You never had a wedding.” His face pulled back. “You never did the marriage and baby thing. You just did the baby thing .” Atsumu’s heart felt like it had been ripped from his chest as he heard her words filled with venom. “And that worked for you.” 

Atsumu released her. His hands were shaking. He’d always worried about the fact he’d been a single mother, but to hear it from his daughter... He gulped. “I don’t understand why you’re bringing this up on me now.” He growled defensively, hackles raising. This was the last thing he needed. The nail in the coffin for the nightmare of the past twenty-four hours. 

“Because–”

“I really don’t.” He turned away, reaching for the garbage bag he’d dropped. 

“BECAUSE I–” Hitoka shouted before exhaling slowly, her voice wobbling. She took a deep breath. “I love Kiyoko, more than anything. ”

“Good.” Atsumu waved, picking a piece of glass from the ground. 

“I want to be with her.” Hitoka was shaking. 

“Great.” Atsumu kept moving, the energy under his skin too much. They didn’t do this. Sure, they’d fought here and there, growing pains, but never like this. 

“I don’t want my children growing up,” Hitoka exhaled, no longer shouting as her hands fisted in front of her chest, “Not knowing who their father is. Because it just… just sucks!” 

Atsumu stilled, watching Hitoka turn on her heel and walk away. His body felt like lead, he couldn’t move. The garbage bag dropped from his hands, clattering to the ground. He’d tried his hardest to raise Hitoka the best way he could, to never have her want for anything. He thought he’d done that, alpha be damned. It looked like he hadn’t been enough. 

He took a deep shaky breath, trying desperately to collect himself. He had to be strong. It was just wedding nerves, he’d read and heard so much about those after all. He turned, noticing Iwaizumi and Bokuto watching him. He gave them a half-smile that died on the way to his eyes. 

“Clean this up, will you?” he croaked out.

The duo nodded, Iwaizumi coming to take the garbage bag from Atsumu’s feet. “Of course.” 

Bokuto gave him a little salute. Atsumu simply gave a half nod, exiting the courtyard. He needed a moment. 

He took off down the path, weaving between the forest before coming to the gazebo that overlooked the sea. It had always been his favourite place. The worn wood creaked beneath his feet as he settled on the bench. He sighed heavily, reaching out to tap the old wood chimes. The sound was melodic in the silence, a sense of peace falling over him as he breathed deeply. Cedar filled the cavity of his chest. 

“I see you kept my wind chime.” 

Atsumu’s head whipped around at the sound of his voice. There, leaning against the gazebo post was Sakusa Kiyoomi in all his glory. Atsumu’s mouth dried. His hands itched at the cedar that filled the space. 

“They’re supposed to keep away unwanted spirits,” Atsumu took Kiyoomi in from head to toe before settling on dark eyes, “And unwanted visitors.” 

Kiyoomi’s left eye crinkled, the tell-tale sign of a crooked smile. “Well, you don’t need wind chimes to do that.” 

Atsumu looked away. His chest ached. Hitoka had ripped out his heart, and now Kiyoomi was twisting the knife to keep it bleeding. “What are ya doing here, Sakusa?” He sighed.

He heard the wood creak, Kiyoomi walking closer. From the corner of his eye, Atsumu could see the alpha at the edge of the bench. He was giving him distance, but no distance would be long enough with the way the smell of cedar curled around his senses.

“This is our dream, remember?” 

Kiyoomi’s voice curled in Atsumu's ear. It made him want to shiver and sob at the same time. How many nights had he ached for his man? Too many and for far too long. He was his kryptonite. Atsumu’s fingers scratched at the peeling paint of the structure. It had once been a brilliant white gazebo, but salt air and limited funds had made it a victim to the weather. Atsumu still adored it though. 

“A home on the island?” Atsumu could swear Kiyoomi almost sounded wistful as he spoke. 

Atsumu wanted to laugh. His eyes burned. “Well, this is my reality. Hard work and a crippling mortgage.” His eyes focused on the water, throat feeling heavy. If he looked at Kiyoomi now, he thought he might break. He moved his thumb over the wooden bench absentmindedly. “And an Onsen that’s crumbling around me.” Atsumu was well aware his business was far from picture-perfect, but he’d built it himself, made a home for Hitoka here. 

The reality was still hard to face sometimes, that soon it would just be him with it. 

Atsumu cursed as a splinter caught his finger. He brought the finger to his lips, sucking lightly and attempting to pull it out with his teeth, to no avail. 

“Here let me.” Atsumu turned to see Kiyoomi a step closer. His brow was furrowed, his hand reaching out as if to take his hand. 

Atsumu’s lips parted as he pulled the finger from his lips. His cheek flushed as he looked down at it. The thin piece of wood was still there, visible. “I’ve got it,” he whispered, pulling the irritation out and throwing it to the side. He barely met Kiyoomi’s gaze before looking away. His face felt hot.

“Right,” Kiyoomi agreed quietly. Atsumu tried not to inhale deeply as the sound of crashing waves filled the silence between them. “Why didn’t you tell me it was Hitoka getting married?” 

Atsumu frowned. He turned to see Kiyoomi was standing beside him, barely an inch of space between them. He was leaning forward, forearms against the railing of the gazebo. His face was pointed towards Atsumu, staring him down, his mask at some point having been removed. Atsumu’s breath caught in his throat. 

He’d always been annoyingly handsome. 

“I didn’t think it was any of your business,” he admitted quietly, not understanding the sudden interest in his daughter.

“Why is she getting married? Settling down on the island?” Atsumu’s head tilted slightly in agreement as Kiyoomi spoke. “If it were up to me, I'd be telling her to go out there and get a life.”

Atsumu’s lip quirked at Kiyoomi’s concerns. It was all the questions he’d asked himself since the engagement announcement. Silent ones he’d never had the heart to ask out loud. “Yeah,” he breathed out.

“She’s a bright kid.” 

Atsumu smiled at the compliment, chest warm. “I know.” His eyes met Kiyoomi’s for a moment before darting back to the sea. He couldn’t help but lean a little closer. “ I know . But my daughter, she’s got a mind of her own.” 

“I see that.” Atsumu turned to see a look from Kiyoomi that sent his stomach to his throat. “I see that,” Kiyoomi repeated a little quieter, a little more resigned. “She’s just so young.”

“I know,” Atsumu sighed.

“I mean, does she know what she really wants?” Kiyoomi asked softly. Atsumu’s heart clenched. “You see, I think part of her just wants to let you know that she isn’t going to leave you alone here on your own.”

Atsumu nodded before the words were fully processed. His brow furrowed as he turned to Kiyoomi—the peace the cedar had given him disappeared into thin air. Instead, the mix of cedar and pomegranate had Atsumu feeling on edge. “What do ya mean?” 

Kiyoomi levelled Atsumu with a look. His hackles rose. “If Hitoka truly felt you were okay on your own, would she want something different for herself?”

He stilled, his heart cracking in his chest. He was too tired for this, he just wanted him and his daughter to be okay. “Here’s the thing...” Atsumu pulled away from Kiyoomi standing to his feet and striding across the gazebo. “I love bein’ on my own. I really do.” Atsumu turned to face Kiyoomi, the distance feeling infinite but needed. “Every mornin’, I wake and I thank the gods I don’t have some middle-aged, menopausal Alpha tellin’ me how to run my life.” He fidgeted with his fingers before forcing them to still. He willed his heart to steady, meeting Kiyoomi’s serious eyes. “Ya know, I’m free and I’m single,” he sighed as he shrugged, eyes drifting back to the sea, “And it’s great.” 

“Is it?” Kiyoomi asked. His gaze left Atsumu feeling like he was drowning. He’d always been good at that, seeing past Atsumu’s posturing, the need to be strong and independent—of not needing to rely on anyone. 

Atsumu turned away. This was too much. “I need to go. I have a mosaic to fix and a weddin’ to get in order.”

“Independent doesn’t have to mean lonely, Atsumu.” 

He froze.

They were the same words Atsumu had said to Kiyoomi when they were younger. Kiyoomi had been steadfast and prickly, thinking personal connections were for other people. Atsumu had met him head-on, making him question those views with feral smiles and sharp quirks. It had ended in a love so tender and vulnerable it still left Atsumu aching. News of an arranged marriage had ended it. Love shattering like pottery on the concrete. It never quite fit together right after, no matter how Atsumu had tried. Too many jagged pieces and missing splinters.

Atsumu closed his eyes at the smell of cedar that washed over him. Heat radiated along his back, not enough to touch, but close enough all the same. He shivered. 

“ Atsu,” Kiyoomi whispered, his breath caressing the shell of Atsumu’s ear and making him shiver. 

Atsumu bit back a sob. He felt like he’d been gutted, left open to the world for the birds to have their fill. He could so easily lean back, fall into the arms that once held him when the world was too much. But misgivings were not so easy to forgive, they stole his breath like a bucket of ice water. Cold reality set in.

“I have to go,” he croaked, stepping away and down the path. He needed to check on Hitoka, make sure she was okay. Today was her day, and screw the gods, Atsumu would try his hardest to make it right by her. Old flames and lost soulmates be damned.

It had been hard at first, visiting the island in the aftermath of his relationship all those years ago. Every nook and cranny had reminded Atsumu of him. Walks along the trails had been accompanied by the ghostly weight of phantom fingers holding his and the salty breeze carrying the scent of cedar from the mainland. The sand between his toes and the sea licking at his ankles had carried to burning memory of overwhelming kisses and the whisper of infinite promises. 

But then he had Hitoka and he was able to bury the ache of Kiyoomi with the memories of her and sharing the island. Walking paths became the places for some of Hitoka’s first steps. The sand beneath his feet was him teaching her the basics of volleyball. The wind carried the sound of her laughter and the warmth of her lavender. That dream of a home on the island became true with her. 

However, with Kiyoomi here, Atsumu couldn’t help but think of the dream they’d first dreamed together. A quiet love that wished a starlit dream.

Atsumu’s chest ached. 

He was robotic in his actions, checking in on the groups flitting around the Onsen. The cake was in order, Osamu wrangling the kitchen into shape for the later dinner. The courtyard had been cleaned and seating was being carried in by the likes of Iwaizumi and Bokuto. Kiyoko was in her room, her groom’s party making sure she was getting taken care of and dressed. The only person he needed to see was Hitoka.

Atsumu approached her room, picking at his nails, before raising his hand to knock. The sound of laughter greeted him. Oh. His shoulders dropped in relief—it seemed she was fine. He backed away slowly, no point in disrupting her and making her even more distressed than she was. It seemed she was happy and had her own pack to support her. He was better off setting tables with dishware for the reception. 

He returned to the courtyard, grabbing the spare plates they’d been collecting for months to set the tables. When asked if there was a plan, Atsumu just laughed and shook his head; there was no plan, they just had to make the arrangements as lovely as could be. 

“It’s lookin’ lovely, really,” Atsumu encouraged, placing sake glasses at each table setting. “Make sure to fold the cloths in a triangle shape.” He turned from the place settings and jumped at the sight in front of him. There, before him stood Tobio, who was drenched in water and looked straight from the beach. “Tobio?”

“Hello,” Tobio said breathlessly, hand tucked behind his back.

“What are ya doin’ here?” Atsumu asked wide-eyed.

“I, uhm,” his eyes flickered before pulling his hand from behind his back and shoving it towards Atsumu, “I just wanted to give you this.” 

Atsumu took it in confusion, eyes never leaving the alpha’s. “I don’t mean here , here. Why are you…” His eyes flickered down to see the item he’d been given was a check. A check with very large numbers. “On this island? Wait. What is this?” 

Tobio coughed before meeting Atsumu’s disbelieving eyes. “Now I know you’ve had to tighten your belt a bit, bringing up Hitoka on your own. So I just wanted to make a small contribution to the wedding.” He shrugged.

Atsumu was stunned silent. This was not small. What the hell had happened during watersports with Tooru?“Tobio, um,” Atsumu shook his head, trying to give the check back, “I can’t accept this.”

“No, no,” Tobio argued, taking a few steps back and putting up his arms.

Atsumu frowned. “Tobio...” He followed after him.

“No, I won't accept that!” Tobio yelled as he turned on his heels and ran out of the courtyard. “Keep it!’’

“Tobio!”

“You’ll have to catch me first!” Tobio’s voice carried before he was out of sight, only wet footsteps left behind on the ground.

Atsumu stood staring. What the hell had just happened?

He sighed, taking a seat at one of the tables. Things just kept getting weirder and weirder. He looked at the check, tucking it into his pocket. He’d think about it later. He fiddled with the plate in front of him. The past twenty-four hours had been chaotic. Hitoka getting married by itself would have been enough to occupy Atsumu’s brain with stress, but added her three possible sires and it was just… so exhausting. Maybe when all this was over he’d try and figure out who her father was and tell her. A belated wedding gift. 

He’d never realised it had been impacting her the way their fight had shown. He just wanted his little girl to be happy and protected. That was why he hadn’t brought it up as much as he raised her.

The sound of sandals on stone pulled his vision to the side. He looked to see Hitoka striding towards him, out of breath. Atsumu scrambled to stand. 

“Hey… Shouldn’t you be getting dressed?” He looked to see Tsukki and Tadashi missing. It was just her. “Where are the other musketeers? I thought they were goin’ to help ya?” 

Hitoka exhaled, catching her breath. “Will you help me?” 

Atsumu stood straighter. He nodded, giving her a sound of affirmation. 

“Okay,” Hitoka breathed, before turning on her heels and rushing towards her room. 

Atsumu suppressed a smile as he took off after her. “Wait, it’s okay. It’s okay!.” he soothed as Hitoka walked ahead of him. His voice went soft as he followed and reassured her. “We have time. We have time.”

Pomegranate and lavender swirled through the air. 

Chapter Text

Atsumu closed Hitoka’s bedroom door behind him with a smile. The bridal party was absent but inside his daughter's nest was a familiar mess. The air was soft with lavender, warming Atsumu’s skin with the subtle undertone of peppermint. He smiled at the thought. Kiyoko, despite his reservations about them marrying so quickly, had made his daughter so happy and he couldn’t imagine anyone more perfect for Hitoka. 

He took in Hitoka standing in front of the mirror in the corner of her room. She kept running her fingers through her hair and holding it in place for a moment before letting it fall back to her shoulder. Each time was slightly different, but that pinch of dissatisfaction stayed between her brow. Atsumu’s lip quirked at the thought. 

The scrunched brow was something Atsumu knew like the back of his hand. He’d watched Hitoka constantly wear the frown in moments of contemplation. She was a perfectionist always knowing what it meant in her head but had struggled at times to bring that to life in front of her. When she’d gotten into painting as a child, a birthday gift from Kita, she’d spend days working on each piece, humming and hawing with that scrunched-up brow, contemplating what was wrong or missing. Sometimes it was the angle of the highlight, other times the warmth of the shadows. Atsumu had spent mornings just drinking his tea as he watched her work. His little Mastercraftsman. 

As she’d grown older, the need for perfection had led to a level of fear and anxiety. A desire for perfection that was frozen by the whispers of not being good enough. That touching and trying would only break it. Ruin something good. It had squeezed at Atsumu’s heart. He’d never been anxious as a young kit, but the fear of screwing up had begun to haunt him when he’d had her. To see a similar fear reflected in her, he knew they would both work on it. It focused on drawing out her confidence, being a loud voice against the one whispering in her head. It wasn’t perfect but they worked through it. Hitoka, while still soft-spoken, was fierce when it came to things that mattered. 

He stepped up behind her, taking her hand from her hair. “Go shower first, then we can worry about yer hair.” 

He watched Hitoka’s shoulders drop, the scrunch in her brows fading as she nodded. “Okay,” she whispered. 

He smiled at her, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head. “Go.” Fresh lavender tickled his nose as he watched her leave into the adjoining bathroom. 

As the bathroom door clicked shut behind her, Atsumu couldn’t help but feel the ache in his chest throb a little harder.  He was standing alone in his daughter's nest and he couldn’t help but think that soon, it wouldn’t be her nest anymore. Rather it would one day become a place she’d just visit. Maybe it would be only on holidays or birthdays, Kiyoko staying with her. Maybe there would be a little Hitoka of her own, running around the Onsen, finding all the things only a kit could find. The idea of his daughter’s future left him warm, but the idea of being left behind was bittersweet. 

Atsumu shifted around the room, taking in the imprints of his daughter. There were streaks of paint staining the desk. Holes in the walls from nails that no longer had any use. Some had held paintings when she’d wanted her room to be a gallery of her work, others from when she said she was going to collect postcards from every corner of the world after a summer with Osamu. She’d only ever gotten ones from Japan.

Along her dresser there was a collection of photos. Some featured Tsukishima and Tadashi, one had Osamu teaching her to cook in the original Onigiri Miya. Another was Atsumu teaching her to bike around the Onsen parking lot. The one at the end was a picture of her and Kiyoko. They were smiling widely, a ring on Hitoka’s finger after Kiyoko had swept her up post-proposal. They were beautiful together. 

“Mom!” came a muffled whine. He turned quickly to see Hitoka opening the door to the bathroom. Her hair was thrown up in a towel, while a second hugged her body. She had a toothbrush in her mouth as she looked at Atsumu, distraught. 

“What is it, what’s wrong?” He could already feel himself pumping out pheromones for comfort. 

“I nicked myself,” her eyes were watery as she pointed at her leg to reveal a bit of blood dripping down her shin. 

The uneasiness that had tightened in his chest loosened as he shook his head with a soft laugh. 

“It’s not funny,” Hitoka mumbled. “What am I gonna do?” 

Atsumu’s chest felt full as he took her arms and steered her toward the bed. “This is nothing. I’ve got it.” 

“This isn’t nothing, what if I get it on the dress? It’s white and the wedding starts in a few hours, I—” Hitoka talked worriedly, letting herself fall back on the bed as her mother grabbed her calf. 

“Hitoka.” She stared up at him, familiar brown eyes wide. “It’s fine, I got this.” 

“Really?”

He shook his head in an exasperated laugh. “Yes.” He reached into his pocket, digging through to find one of the band-aids he always left on hand. It had been a habit when Hitoka was small. She was a clumsy little thing and would knick her knees or get bruises out of nowhere. Atsumu guessed he never truly outgrew the habit when he pulled a plaster from his pocket. “See?

Hitoka was quiet for a moment as Atsumu cleaned the blood and placed the plaster down. “You just carry band-aids on you?” 

Atsumu squeezed her calf, placing a kiss on the covered wound, before dropping her leg. “Always.”

Hitoka’s face was a soft pink as she whispered, “Thanks, Mom.” 

He smiled, helping her stand back up. “Anytime. Now go finish drying up and get your robe.” 

HItoka’s smile stretched wider as she hustled by Atsumu to the bathroom. She exited a moment later with a robe she’d gotten while visiting an Onsen in Tokyo with Osamu. She’d bought Atsumu a matching one. They were half a decade old at this point, if not more, but Atsumu still wore his every morning and night. To see her in hers made his instincts purr. 

He stepped to the desk, dragging out the chair tucked into it and setting it in front of the mirror. “Come sit, we’ll figure out your hair.” 

“Kay,” Hitoka grinned. Her scent had sugared, her steps with a little more bounce as she took a seat in front of the mirror. 

Atsumu’s heart ached in his chest at the view. Hitoka sat before him in the reflection, him proud behind her. She somehow looked younger and older than he remembered her getting. Where had the last twenty years gone? He swore they hadn’t gone through them all just yet. He took Hitoka’s hair, running his fingers through it softly as he pulled it back. Had her hair always been this long?

He began collecting the strands. “What do you think of your hair down?” He let the blond hair settle behind her shoulders. He brought his hands to the front. “We could twist some of your hair and pull it back,” he mimed the motion, “that way we can see your face, but your hair can be curled lightly.”

Hitoka hummed in contemplation before nodding. “Let's do it.” 

Atsumu’s smile grew. “Let's get started then.” 

He walked to one of the shelves in her room that carried her hair and skincare. Taking a bottle of product he pumped a dollop into his hands and warmed it between his fingers. Starting at the ends of Hitoka’s hair, he slowly worked his way through, coating all the strands carefully. He smiled at the sweet lavender and the purrs filling the room. He reached out to greet it, his chest vibrating with a content croon. 

“I miss this,” Hitoka whispered, eyes closed as she leaned into Atsumu’s hands.

“Oh?” Atsumu asked, fingers dragging across her scalp in a gentle massage. The tension dripped from her shoulders.

She hummed. “Yeah, you used to do my hair all the time as a kit. I loved it.” Hitoka let out a sigh as he massaged the base of her neck. “Why’d you stop again?” 

Atsumu laughed softly, scenting his daughter with his wrist as his hands moved. “You told me you were a big girl and didn’t need me doing your hair anymore when you were eight.” 

Hitoka leaned further against him, smiling at their reflection in the mirror. “I was an idiot.” 

Atsumu shook his head as he gave her a little squeeze. “No such thing. Just fiercely independent. Just the way I raised ya.”

Hitoka turned to him and smiled, eyes a little misty. “Thanks, mom,” she whispered.

“Of course.” Atsumu kissed her crown before pulling away to grab the hair dryer. The tool was loud as he turned it on and gently ran his finger through her hair. She leaned into the heat, letting her eyes fall shut. He couldn’t help but focus on this moment, trying to paint everything into his mind. When would be the next time he would do this. Every memory was more precious than gold.

Hair primarily dry, he turned off the dyer. “We’ll finish your curls right before we get you in that dress.”

Hitoka nodded. “Sounds good. I’m thinking maybe nails next.” 

“They’ll take a bit to dry.”  Atsumu agreed, stepping back as Hitoka stood up.

She walked to her desk where a bottle of polish was waiting. As she grabbed it, she paused. “Can you do it?” She turned, offering the bottle.

“Of course,” he said, taking it in hand. He tilted his head toward the nest. “I’ll need to be level with ya.” 

Hitoka bit her lip as she nodded, taking a seat and patting the space beside her. Atsumu couldn’t help but let out a groan as he took a seat. 

Hitoka giggled. 

“Oi, hush.” He batted at her before taking her hand and resting it on his leg to paint. “I’m getting old.” 

“Impossible.” She smiled, going quiet as Atsumu started to paint the lacquer on her nails. It was a soft nude pink colour that complimented her skin.

Her hands seemed so much bigger since the last time he’d held them. They were long and elegant, nails that curved to a gentle point. He couldn’t help but hold her hand a little tighter. He’d planned so many trips for them, summers away exploring more of the other islands. They’d done them, but not all of them and Atsumu couldn’t think as to why. They’d had so many sleepy mornings where he'd let time slip by. 

Fingers done, Hitoka climbed into his lap, toes against his leg to be easily available. “What ya doin’?” he teased, letting her cozy up under his chin. 

“Just want to be close,” she hummed, leaning into him more firmly as he started to paint her toes. 

“Of course,” he chuckled, leaning his head against hers, holding her a little closer as he focused on her toes. Would this be the last moment he got to hold her so close? He knew he had to let her go, she was all grown up, but he wasn’t ready. Not yet. 

As they let the nails dry, Hitoka remained in his lap, her eyes fluttering shut. “Sleep,” he encouraged.

“I have to get ready soon,” she yawned.

“We have time,” he whispered, pomegranate turning sleepily sweet. “I promise.”

“No fair,” she argued, leaning more heavily against him as she got comfy. 

“Sleep, I’ll wake ya soon.” 

Her breathing slowed and Atsumu held her a little closer. He took her in, the best he could. Her relaxed brows, a kiss of freckles along the bridge of her nose. Despite how small she curled up, Atsumu knew she had grown. Beautifully, in fact. His little kit was a woman, and she’d long been ready to leave the nest. He couldn’t help but be grateful Kiyoko was going to be there to help her. Quietly he began to hum under his breath, just stroking Hitoka’s hair as he took everything in. 

This was it. 

Slowly, Hitoka awoke, eyes sleeping, but a sense of well rested around her. “Better?” he asked.

“Much,” she said with a stretch, slowly getting to her feet and pulling the chair back to the desk. He watched as she slowly began to apply her makeup, movements slow but contemplative. He just stared, taking in every movement and the way she carried herself. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been able to watch her like this. Each stroke she did held a quiet confidence, an omega who knew what she wanted. Atsumu chuckled quietly; it was all he ever really wanted for her really. 

When she set the brush down and turned towards him, Atsumu knew. This was the start of his final moments. “Finish my hair? Then we can do the dress.” 

Atsumu swallowed around the ache in his throat. “Of course.” Atsumu took the curler, plugged it in and let it heat up. As he turned to Hitoka she looked at him. 

“What do you think?” she asked, referencing her makeup as she tilted her head left and right. 

“Simply angelic,” Atsumu replied honestly. Hitoka’s entire face flushed as Atsumu took the curler and began sectioning pieces of her hair. 

“You’re just saying that,” Hitoka muttered, fiddling with her fingers. 

Atsumu let the curl of hair fall into a soft ringlet from the heated tool before taking her chin and tilting it towards him. “I would never lie to ya.” 

Hitoka nodded. “I know.” 

“Good.” He placed a kiss on her forehead. “Now sit still so I can finish curling.” 

Hitoka laughed but nodded, letting Atsumu work through the sections of her hair. He was careful with her hair, making sure the heat wasn’t too hot as he let the curls fall and frame her face. When it was done he slowly took the pieces of hair back, twisting them back and securing them with a pin. A little bit of hairspray later and Atsumu watched Hitoka touch her hair in awe. Small flowers and little bejewelled pins reflecting light had been placed. 

“I love it.” 

Atsumu squeezed her shoulders. “Good. Now let's get you into that dress.” 

As Hitoka stood, Atsumu grabbed the dress from where it hung. He undid the lace of the back before taking the white tulle gown off the hanger. He helped navigate Hitoka into the multiple layers of white, her holding the corset to her chest while Atsumu went through the time-consuming process of lacing it. 

He could feel her gaze on his head as he methodically tightened the ribbon, making sure it didn’t buckle as it was fit into place. 

“Do you think I’m letting you down?” she asked quietly. 

Atsumu paused, looking up from her back to meet her eyes in the mirror. “Why would ya even think that?” 

Hitoka turned to face him, her hazel eyes teary. “Because of what you’ve done. I mean, competitive volleyball, raising a kid, and running a business all on your own.”

Atsumu looked at her in shock. He gently pressed a hand to her cheek, wiping a stray tear. “Well, Dove, I didn’t exactly have a choice.” He sighed, giving her a weak smile. “When I got pregnant, my gran didn’t want a thing to do with me. Thank the Gods I had yer uncle.” Hitoka lips tightened, and Atsumu couldn’t help but chuckle at the familiar habit. He tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way. My gods, look at what a life we’ve had.”

Hitoka gave him a shy smile, reaching up to play with his fingers. She focused on them for a minute before meeting his gaze once more, eyes a little brighter. “Will you give me away?” 

The air left Atsumu’s lungs as her words settled in his head. He nodded, mouth opening but not quite able to speak. He rubbed at his eyes, sniffling as Hitoka giggled quietly. “Yeah,” he croaked. “Of course.”

He spun her around to face the mirror, fixing the last of the dress’ lacing. The rift Atsumu had felt between him and his daughter faded before his eyes. She was his little girl and he knew they were going to be okay. He held onto her arms, hooking his chin over her shoulder as they took in her wedding dress. 

“Ya look beautiful,” he whispered, scenting her lightly. 

Her smile was breathtaking as she leaned into him, holding one of his hands. She was getting married, and neither of them could be happier. 

Pressing a kiss to her crown, Atsumu pulled away. “I need to run and get ready. I’ll meet ya at the ceremony to walk ya down the aisle. Plus this way ya have some time with Tsukki and Yamaguchi.” 

“Sounds good.” Hitoka pressed a kiss to Atsumu’s cheek before returning to the mirror. 

Atsumu couldn’t help but pause at the door. He watched the way Hitoka shifted in her dress, double-checking all the angles. His heart ached in his chest. His little girl was all grown up, and he couldn’t help but wonder when he’d next get to see her like this. Swallowing the frog in his throat, he exited the room, hurrying quickly to get dressed. 

It was an odd feeling walking down the hall toward his room. Time seemed slowed but not slow enough. The ache at the back of his throat was constant, the Onsen a vibrant palette of browns and greens. The gurgling sound of flowing water was louder than ever before. 

Atsumu entered his room, still a mess from the night before. Tooru and Shouyou were gone, either at the event or more likely still getting ready. His lip twitched at the image of Shouyou trying to force Tooru out the door. Tooru always loved an extra minute in front of the mirror. 

He walked to his closet, pulling open the clunky door to reveal the hanging fabrics. He pushed the hangers to the end, fingers skimming the materials as images came to mind. A pair of paint-ruined coveralls from when Hitoka and he painted her room together to be more “adult”. A threadbare Hawaiian shirt used to cover his shoulder from summers spent on the beach. 

His hand settled around a garment bag, pulling it from the closet to hang on a nearby wall hook. A “gift” from Shouyou and Tooru when they’d gotten the wedding invitation. Osamu had threatened him for his measurements and a promise not to open the bag until the wedding arrived. It had been a practice in self-control before the chaos of the wedding planning swept him away, the gift forgotten in the back of his closet. 

Atsumu’s eyes flickered to where it had hung, taking in a dark simple fabric hanging at the very back of the wardrobe. It was a dark velvet colour, embroidered with a shimmer thread. Atsumu’s heart ached at the dress, the ghost of cedar caressing his skin. Shaking his head, he turned away, sliding the closet door shut and focusing on the garment bag before him. His hand twitched as he lifted it towards the imposing zipper. It shook ever so slightly, a brief pause, before taking a deep inhale and pulling it down. His breath caught. 

The fabric was stunning. A navy blue embroidered with little lavender flowers. Atsumu couldn’t help but shake his head at his best friends and daughter. His pack was relentless. He slipped the canvas off the front of the outfit, to reveal it further. The outfit was a suit, but it was far from simple. The lines were clean-cut, straightforward. The material was a rich blue with a silk finish. It felt like water between his fingers. The pad of his thumb drifted upwards to a nearby bunch of lavender, the embroidery brushing his skin. The needlework was intricate, a painstaking amount of time and care, working the threads into fine art. Atsumu’s eyes burned. 

Rubbing at his eyes, he stepped away from the suit, pulling off the comfortable overalls and reaching for the white silk shirt tucked into the jacket. He couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of it. It had already been pressed, preventing Atsumu from having to iron and possibly destroy the expensive silk. They knew him so well. The buttons were pearlescent between his fingers, slipping easily between his fingers and securing through the holes. When he finished, he couldn’t help but look up. Despite the laughable sight of him in nothing but a button up and his boxer briefs he paused. He looked…different. 

Younger. 

More like his twenty-year-old self. 

He swallowed. 

Dragging his gaze away, he focused on the pants, the familiar motion of pulling them up his legs was comforting. Despite the expensive material it was the same metal closures. It grounded him. Keeping his gaze off the mirror he pulled on the jacket, slipping the weight onto his shoulders. A perfect fit. He let out a shaky exhale. He was fine. He walked to his bedside, pulling the top drawer to grab his small box of jewellery. He placed the polished wooden box on top of the small table, opening the lid. 

Inside was revealed to be a few bits of jewellery, worn gold that, while polished, hadn’t seen the light of day in years. Atsumu reached down. cCollecting the old hoops in his fingers, he rubbed them softly, images of a sandy beach flickering behind his eyelids. He couldn’t help but clutch them a little tighter as he finally returned to the mirror. The holes in his lobes were mostly healed over, but a little pressure on the piercings and they made their way through, clipping into the ears with ease. 

He made eye contact with himself, holding his own gaze as he reached blindly into the box. The pads of his fingers closed around a thin chain. He pulled it out. He fiddled with the clasp, taking a moment or two before finally unlocking it. As he looped it around his neck the image in the mirror seemed to change. No longer was he the forty year old omega. In its place was a young blond, leaning into the arms of his taller alpha. Pale fingers struggled to open the lock before the cold of the metal settled against the bronze of his skin. 

Now you have your own gold medal.

Atsumu blinked.

The vision faded.

He touched the gold token at the hollow of his throat before turning away. In the movement paper caught his eye. The peak of a curl poking out at the bottom of the jewellery box. He worried the edge between his fingers. 

Photostock. 

Atsumu reached forward, two hands working to delicately pull the photo from the box. He caught a glimpse of its image, nearly dropping it in the process. He swallowed. Turning it slowly, he braced for the image of a young Miya Atsumu and Sakusa Kiyoomi embracing. 

It was an overexposed image, the film damaged in Atsumu’s youthful rage. Now he looked at the young man he’d been and the one his instincts had claimed, only to be left without a bite. His eyes were closed, his smile wide and laughing as he clutched at the arm across the front of his chest. Kiyoomi’s arm held him close, the edge of his jaw pressed into the curve of Atsumu’s ear. His black curls were in disarray, a soft smile nearly hidden in the mess of blond hair he held close. 

Atsumu’s eyes flickered to the clock on the wall. He didn’t have long, only a moment. Maybe it would be enough. He turned back to his closet, crouching after opening the door. At the back of the space was a small box, this one scratched up with paint, and faded butterflies along the edges. It had been Hitoka’s for the longest time. He hadn’t had the heart to throw it out. 

The box had weight as he lifted it and turned to place it on the side table where the abandoned jewellery box sat. It took a minute to balance it, removing the lid to reveal a plethora of old moments and photos. A box he’d dedicated to all things Hitoka. 

Inside was her high school certificate, an old ribbon she’d worn to death in her hair. A bracelet that Osamu had gifted her as a toddler that was unbelievably tiny and tarnished. Stacks on stacks of photos littered the inside of the box, hiding other mementos from view. He'd never quite gotten around to placing them in a photo album. Maybe her next birthday, or a wedding anniversary gift, didn’t one have to do with paper? 

He fingered through the photos, little snapshots of the life they’d lived together. Proof his kit had always been growing, that leaving was inevitable. His lip curled at an image of her and Osamu in the kitchen, both of them entirely covered in flour. She barely came up to his hip. The cake they’d made was atrocious, but it was that moment that Osamu became dedicated to making his niece the best cake ever. Now here he was, cooking and baking for her wedding day. 

At the bottom he found one of her baby photos, he placed it outside the box beside the worn photo of himself and Kiyoomi. He sifted through the pile a little more till a shifting of graduation photos revealed a stained envelope. Atsumu hesitated, hand hovering. Swallowing the trepidation he grabbed it, opening it to reveal several other photographs. These ones were different. Similar to the first photo he’d discovered, he was the subject matter. Instead of a curly-haired alpha with him, instead, they contained two straight-haired ones. 

The first was Rintarou and Atsumu on a boat, smushed together to try and manage a photo. Rin had borrowed the vessel from his aunt and taken the two on a trip out to sea and around the island. They’d gone fishing, Atsumu teaching Rin how to hook a worm and cast a line. They’d barely managed to catch anything but one laughable fish, freezing on the water. But between the sun and the sea, Atsumu had been smiling and laughing for the first time since Kiyoomi had left. It had been easy to fall into bed with him, even if his heart was in another place. 

The other was Tobio and Atsumu on a community volleyball court. Atsumu was on the ground, legs sprawled while Kageyama pouted in classic fashion. Tobio had come to town, a visit to see how he’d been healing, and while the one-on-one had felt absolutely ridiculous, it had felt good to feel the weight of the ball under his fingers again. They played for a shorter period than either of them would have liked when Atsumu’s knee had started aching. It had been a hard pill to swallow for either of them. The community centre had been thrilled to see a national team volleyball player however; the committee took dozens of pictures and convinced Tobio to keep a class for the youth. It had been a hilarious lesson to watch. 

Atsumu placed the three photos beside each other, Hitoka’s baby photo in the middle. His heart squeezed at the unease. He saw so much of himself in her that seeing the three potential sires beside her made him both sure of all of them and none. She had Rinatarou’s playfulness, Tobio’s honesty, and Kiyoomi’s drive. Atsumu sighed, placing the photos on the table, rubbing at his temples. His gaze flickered to the time.

The wedding was about to start. 

He could always come back after and compare them again. A belated wedding gift maybe. Seeing how torn up she’d been made him ache, and he could understand wanting to know where you came from, even if you’d had a loving family. It was just a matter of knowing . 

But that was a later issue. 

For now, he had to get to his little dove’s wedding and walk her down the aisle.

Today was about her, the present.

The past could wait until tomorrow. 

Fiddling with the token at his throat a moment longer, he adjusted the front of his suit. His back straightened, and with a final firm exhale, Atsumu exited his room, making his way down the path towards the hidden courtyard for Hitoka’s wedding ceremony.

As he made his way down the path his nose twitched. His body knew even before the word was spoken. 

“Atsumu.” 

He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. 

Cedar caressed his skin.

 He turned. 

There Kiyoomi stood, somehow more handsome than he’d been when they’d fallen in love all those years ago. The edge of his temples had greyed, crow's feet framing his eyes. He was dressed in a simple suit, dark lines carefully tailored to every angle. It probably cost more than Atsumu’s entire closet, the current suit he wore outstanding. His trusty face mask was off, hanging around his elbow, most likely ready to be worn the moment he entered the venue. 

He’d always been striking, confident.  Now he looked tired. 

Atsumu swallowed the frog rising in his throat. “What?”

Dark eyes flickered past Atsumu’s shoulder. The chatter of the wedding party in the distance filled the silence between them. It was supposed to be starting soon. “I need to talk to you about who’s giving Hitoka away.” 

Atsumu frowned, turning as he spoke. “That would be me.” 

Two strides had Kiyoomi beside him. Atsumu’s shoulders tensed. “What about her dad?” 

Atsumu wanted to laugh, twenty years of quiet, and now the twenty-four hours before his daughter’s wedding and everyone was clamouring, asking about her sire. "Her dad isn’t here.” 

“It’s what she wants,” Kiyoomi called after him, his pace picking up so he now stood in front of Atsumu. “She told me she wants her father here.” Atsumu paused, looking up at Kiyoomi’s face. “What if her father wants that, too?” he asked a little quieter. 

The tone shocked him. When was the last time he’d heard Kiyoomi’s voice so distressed? 

“What?” Atsumu couldn’t help but say. He could feel the nerves and confusion he’d tried so hard to bury this morning bubbling to the surface. He couldn’t do this right now. He needed to get to Hitoka’s wedding. He needed to walk his daughter down the aisle. Whatever Kiyoomi was trying to get at could wait till after the wedding. “Sakusa, please, don’t do this now.”

Kiyoomi opened his mouth as if to protest. Atsumu lifted his hand. “I can’t do this now,” he begged.

“Atsumu, please, listen to me.” Atsumu sighed. His eyes widened when he saw Kiyoomi’s hands shaking. His heart lurched in his chest, he buried the ache. He could deal with it another day. Any other day. But not today. Today was for Hitoka. 

Atsumu gave him a small shake of his head and a sad smile. His fingers twitched where they’d unconsciously gripped the charm of his necklace. He watched Kiyoomi’s eyes flicker. “I don’t wanna talk,” he whispered. “Talkin’ about the past and the things we’ve gone through isn’t something I can do right now.” 

Kiyoomi remained silent, staring at him, dark eyes pleading. 

“It hurts,” he confessed. He inhaled shakily, blood craving the cedar that greeted his tongue. Even when he wanted him to leave, he couldn’t help but wish he’d stayed all those years ago. “We had a… special love, I gave ya everythin’ I had, and I like to think ya gave the same to me. I dreamed of a life with ya, a home here. But the gods are cruel, and even though we loved each other, ya had yer family, and ya left. That’s our story, there’s no card to play that changes that.” 

Atsumu released the charm between his fingers, crossing his arms. Whether it was a hug or a defence, Atsumu didn’t know. He only knew the wedding was about to start and he needed to get to his daughter. He had to smile and carry her until her future mate would do that role for her. 

“Ya got away unscathed, but I didn’t. So I can’t do this now. It’s my daughter’s weddin’ and I gotta support her. I don’t know if you're here as an old lover or an old friend, but please, if ya ever loved me, don’t do this right now, not today. Not when my kit has to be my priority.” 

Atsumu gave Kiyoomi one more smile, this version blurring through the burning in his eyes. Sniffing slightly, he pushed past Kiyoomi, the back of their hands grazing. It lit his whole body on fire. He could feel his scent waver. 

Taking a deep breath, he straightened his spine, walking the last bit of the path towards the wedding venue. He thought of Hitoka, his little dove waiting for him. It was enough to ease his scent. 

The last thing this wedding needed was any more distress. 

Chapter Text

Hitoka paced outside the wedding venue, fiddling with her fingers. She could hear the murmurs of the guests just past the greenery. Everyone had done an excellent job of bringing her wedding vision to life. The quiet corner of the onsen was surrounded by walls of foliage and vegetation so thick she’d be hidden from sight until walking down the aisle. The small courtyard was filled with white chairs facing a plant-entwined arch. She could smell the touches of mint and lavender wafting through the air. 

It was perfect.

Almost.

Her gaze shifted to Tsukki and Tadashi. The former gave her a thumbs-up while Tadashi pulled her into a soothing hug of mochi. Hitoka buried herself in it, letting the wave of comfort wash over it. She craved pomegranate or mint, but the mochi would do.

“Everything's going to be fine,” Tadashi whispered into her hair.

She nodded, hands gripping at the back of his suit before taking a deep breath and stepping back. Better. “Thank you.”

“Of course.”

Hitoka returned to pacing, not wanting to wrinkle her dress by sitting but craving the control the movement gave. She was going to be married. She was going to be married to the most beautiful and wonderful woman Hitoka had ever seen and when the ceremony was done, she’d be complete. Life would make sense. She’d have her forever family, and be able to know what she wanted. No more wondering and searching. Her fingers twitched at the thought. 

She just had to say ‘I do’. 

Simple.

She’d wear her ring and mark with pride. 

Hitoka stilled at the sound of rushed steps against the stone. Her head shot towards the sound, Tadashi and Tsukki as well. They held their breath, a large rush of relief exiting them at the flustered face of her mother. 

“Mom!”

“Atsumu!” their little trio called in unison. 

Hitoka was moving forward, clasping at his hands. The smell of pomegranate was sweet, but had a ghost of something she couldn’t quite place. “Everything okay?” 

He cupped her cheek giving her a familiar comforting smile. “Everything is perfect,” he murmured, pushing a stray lock of her hair into place. “You ready?” 

The fluttering of her anxious heart settled. She nodded, gripping Atsumu’s hands tighter. “Ready.” 

“That’s my dove,” Atsumu said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. It warmed her from head-to-toe. Letting the pomegranates wash over what was left of her frayed nerves. “Let’s get you married and mated.” 

Hitoka nodded, standing still to let Tadashi and Tsukki correct the folds in her veil, a fresh bouquet of lavender pressed into her hands. She watched as her mother wandered past the greenery, giving a little wave with his hand. The sound of music quickly followed. 

She was getting married.

Atsumu returned to her side, offering his arm with a warm grin. It was the same one he’d had when she’d gotten into her first art show or learned to tie her shoes. It radiated with pride. It made Hitoka want to cry. It meant everything

They walked through the foliage, revealing Hitoka to the wedding venue in all its glory for the first time. It was a terrifying sight to see if she was being honest. Dozens of people standing, all eyes on her. It made her heart stutter, but Atsumu’s grip was the only thing keeping her grounded. They were her for her. For Kiyoko

The idea of her betrothed had her eyes moving forward. Soft lights decorated the hedges and wove in between the white painted chairs. A path of stars guiding her home. Sprigs of lavender tied in little bouquets along the aisle. They’d be infused with mint to surround the space in each other’s scent. It made Hitoka’s knees weak as her eyes settled on her future mate in the centre, under a painted arch of draping flowers. It was a fairytale. The image she’d always wanted. 

Her mate. 

The centre of her universe. 

Stunning in white. 

Hers . 

Hitoka felt like she was dancing across stars. A sureness in her step that left her feeling light and confident. The urge to hide away from the world was gone, and in its place a desire to step into the love that was all her own. She craved her mate like ice on a summer day. She wanted to drown in mint and never come back. This alpha was hers, had always been hers, since that fateful meeting in the Onsen lobby. The gods had been leading her here. The ache of not having a father, or knowing her sire. None of it mattered if Kiyoko was by her side. She could almost see the red thread, guiding her home. Bezaiten’s spring flowed beneath their feet. 

As they stepped up to the altar, Atsumu squeezed her hand once more. She turned, watching her mom press one last kiss to the back of her palm. “I love you,” he whispered, giving her one final scent.

Hitoka nodded, mouthing the words, voice caught in her throat. Atsumu gave a nod to Kiyoko, taking the bouquet from Hitoka’s hands and stepping back to take a seat beside her godparents in the front row. Hitoka’ took Kiyoko’s hands, the familiar weight sending a comforting thrill through her bones. She was right where she wanted to be. 

She smiled, hand’s squeezing as the wedding officiant began to speak. He was a friend of Kiyoko’s who’d asked when they’d first got word of the engagement. Sugawara was loud and exuberant, but upon meeting had filled Hitoka’s heart with such warmth and acceptance she was more than happy to oblige. Who better to marry them than a friend?

“Welcome to Hitoka and Kiyoko, and to all your friends who have gathered together this evening.” Sugawara’s voice was practised and confident. A stark seriousness to the drunk karaoke star from the night before. “And welcome, especially, to Atsumu, who represents your family.” Kiyoko’s hand gave her a squeeze of comfort. Hitoka had come clean about her scheme involving her possible sires, about the hole she’d felt. The fact Kiyoko was still supporting her now, providing her comfort, meant everything. 

A chair screeched.

 “—And welcome to…” Atsumu paused, having stood from his seat to face the crowd. Hitoka watched wide-eyed. “...to Hitoka’s dad.”

Her heart froze in her chest. Was this finally it? Her eyes flickered to Kiyoko before settling on Atsumu once more, pushing the veil from her peripherals so she could give her mom her full attention. Her hand shook. 

Atsumu’s voice was quiet as he told her, “He is here.”

Hitoka’s heart thundered with the admission, the truth rushing to her lips. “I know. I invited him.” There was no more hiding, no more secret. She was getting the truth. 

The sound of chairs screeching and quiet gasps filled the courtyard, but Hitoka’s gaze remained on her mother. She watched his eyes cloud and his brow scrunch in confusion. 

“Ya couldn’t have. I don’t know which one it is.” Understanding cracked like lightning. Atsumu gasped, hands covering his mouth. “Oh my God! That’s why they’re all here .”

“I’m sorry!” Hitoka blurted out, Kiyoko’s hand an anchor keeping her from crying. “I’m so sorry. I just…” The explanation didn’t matter. She’d seen the snippet of what her surprise had done. The unease that had put her mother on edge. They didn’t keep things from each other. “Please, please forgive me!” Her voice cracked. “ Please."

“I– I don’t know.” Atsumu’s mouth was gaping, confusion pronounced as he tried to come to terms with all she had said. “Can you forgive me?” he asked helplessly. 

Hitoka was shocked at the question. “What?” She reached with her free hand taking Atsumu’s in her own. She stared into the hazel eyes she’d inherited. “I don’t care if you slept with hundreds of alphas.” She squeezed tight. “You’re my mom, and I love you so much. ”

Atsumu pulled her into a hug, the smell of pomegranates enveloping her. “Oh Dove,” he whispered, pressing a kiss into the crown of her head. The ache in her bones was crushing in the best way possible. When they parted, Atsumu's face flushed, his eyes darting away before giving her a sheepish smile. “and I haven’t slept with hundreds of alphas.” 

The crowd chucked.

Hitoka flushed, the realisation setting in that this outburst had happened with their closest friends and family, in the middle of her wedding. She couldn’t help but give a watery laugh at it though. It would be a good story to tell her kits in the future. Atsumu seemed to also have realised, giving her an encouraging smile before taking a seat beside Uncle Tooru and Shouyou. 

She turned back to the altar, reaching for Kiyoko’s hand. She was ready now. She made eye contact with Sugawara, about to nod to encourage him to begin once more when a voice interrupted her.

“Wait.” A chatter of discourse. “Am I getting this right?” Hitoka turned to see Sakusa had stood, an intimidating furrow in his brow as he faced toward her and her mother. “Hitoka may be mine, but she may be Suna’s or Kageyama’s?” His gaze was on Atsumu now. Hitoka couldn’t help but stiffen at the intensity. Her mother had always talked about it, but now… now she was seeing it for the first time. She couldn’t help but admire the steeling of her mother’s spine when she watched Atsumu stand to meet his gaze.

“Yeah, yeah. That’s right.” Atsumu's voice was quiet but firm. It carried across the space as both he and Sakusa moved to meet each other near the altar. His voice dropped as they drew close, but Hitoka caught every word. “And don’t get all self-righteous with me, because ya have no one but yourself to blame.”

Her love for her mother flared. Atsumu had done everything to try and raise her right. He’d been the most incredible mother. He’d been alone to deal with Sakusa the first time, he wouldn't be alone now. Her lavender scent flared intertwining with the souring of her mother’s pomegranate. A silent shout of I am with you. They stood like a wall against the waves of Sakusa’s cedar. No storm would tear them down. 

“Besides,” Hitoka said. Sakusa’s gaze flicked to her. “If you hadn’t just dumped my mother and gone off and married somebody else…” 

Sakusa’s frown grew deeper, the tension in his shoulders growing before, dropping as if in defeat. “I had to go home. I was engaged.” Hitoka blinked. Had Sakusa always looked so tired? “But I told Wakatoshi I couldn’t marry him, and I came right back.” 

Silence.

Hitoka’s heart pounded in her chest. Her eyes darting to Atsumu who was staring at Sakusa like a bomb had dropped. He opened his mouth a couple times as if to test the words but nothing came out, until… 

“Ya…” Atsumu looked dumbstruck. “Ya…” The words faded a second time. Atsumu's arms had crossed in front, a weak shield for whatever truth might be revealed. “Why didn’t ya tell me?”

The laugh that escaped Sakusa’s throat was painful. He ran a hand through his hair, sending carefully crafted hair in disarray. In the short time she’d known him, Hitoka had never seen him like this before. “Because you made me a romantic, and I was crazy enough to think that when I returned you’d still be here waiting for me.” He sighed, dark eyes churning with an emotion Hitoka wasn’t privy to. “But when I arrived, they told me you were off with some other alpha. So I left. My family called me an idiot and I’ve been a bachelor ever since.” 

Hitoka stared at Sakusa in shock. He’d never mentioned a mate or much of his family, only his two nephews he wanted to bring to the island. She remembered Atsumu’s journal, the way Sakusa had felt like his fated mate. His red thread to make a home. It had been the same for him. And he’d never moved on. 

The same way Atsumu hadn’t. 

It was a tangle of misunderstood circumstances. 

An earth-shattering heart break.

And yet.

Sakusa was still in love with Atsumu.

Twenty years later and it had taken only one letter.

A simple invitation.  

“Sorry, can I just...” the sound of a chair scraping earned the entire room’s attention. “Can I just…” Suna stood trying to exit the row where he was seated to walk down the aisle to the altar. Murmurs erupted once more. Hitoka’s face burned. What had she started? Kiyoko gave her a comforting squeeze. 

“Rin, don’t,” Atsumu started in an attempt to stop him. 

“Can I butt in?” Suna asked.

A stilted nod. He was already at the altar at this point. 

“I just wanted to say,” his gaze went back and forth between Atsumu and Hitoka. “It's great to have even a third of Hitoka.” His eyes were on her now, that usually piercing gaze filled with kindness and warmth. “I never thought I’d get even that much of a child.” He looked back at Atsumu. “You were the first omega I ever loved.” He coughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. “Well, actually, you were the last omega I ever loved.” He looked back, Hitoka following his gaze to see him staring at Osamu in the crowd. No way. He cleared his throat slightly. “Now, this gives me an excuse to come here much more often.”

Hitoka’s smile stretched wider. He wanted to come back. Her possible sire, her father , wanted to come visit her. They liked her. Despite all the chaos she’d put them through, one of her possible dads wanted her, and from the looks of Sakusa, he wanted in some form to stay too. 

“We can find out if you want,” he said. Hitoka turned to look at Sakusa. He moved to stand beside Suna, a matching pair, dark, brooding, and handsome, “but I’m with Suna.” Sakusa’s eyes were warm when he looked at her “Being a third of your dad is fine by me.” 

“Me too!” A voice came from the crowd.

Hitoka couldn’t help the laugh that pushed from her chest at the sight of Kagayama attempting to push through the crowd. His shoulders were a little hunched as he attempted to manoeuvre his long legs through. 

“I’ll take a third.” 

Hitoka’s eyes were burning. Her heart was overflowing. She’d invited them to her wedding in hopes of figuring out which was her dad and if they’d be willing to want anything to do with her, and now… all three were willing to say it didn’t matter if they confirmed it, they wanted in. 

She could help but stare at all three alphas in front of her. They’d chosen her. They wanted her. Even if not by blood, she came from them. These three wonderful alphas had accepted her as pack, their kit. The same ones that had helped her mother through a difficult time in his life were now going to be there for her. 

“Okay?” Sakusa asked quietly.

Hitoka nodded sharply, pulling back to herself. “Yes,” she breathed, an unknown weight lifting from her chest. She turned towards the altar, the heat of her three fathers at her back, and to her right, the constant, steady grip of her fated mate. 

She could see it now.

Christmas on the island, the warmth of the onsen painting the building in a mist of steam. Little fairy lights decorating the path. A large family around the table, everyone coming in from all over. A fresh hot meal cooked by Uncle Osamu, Suna at his side in the kitchen making the final preparations. His Mom and Sakusa at one end of the table, possibly reconciled, Atsumu’s face pressed into the crook of Sakusa's throat with an arm thrown around him. Uncle Shouyou and Tooru being late as always, catching the last boat ride in as they stumbled through the door with a mountain of gifts to place under the tree, arguing that it’s not too much and this is how the Westerners do it despite everyone’s protests. Hitoka and Kiyoko would be bundled up beneath the kotatsu table, wearing homemade sweaters she’d attempted to make. A kit or two who would be running around with Kagayama, him teaching her kits the basics of volleyball so they could maybe play on the beach when they would visit in the summer. 

Hitoka’s brain paused at the thought. 

Visit .

Not home. 

She couldn’t wait for the future, but as she looked up at Sugawara and the altar, she didn’t need it just yet. In fact… a calm overcame her. She didn’t need to be married right now. She’d just found her family and Kiyoko had said she was all she wanted, that Hitoka by her side was enough. Yes, Hitoka wanted to marry her mate, she wanted to be claimed body and soul, but she wanted to experience the world with her first. To exist outside her pack and home, to embrace the world with her beloved at her side. 

When she thought of all that had happened Hitoka’s heart ached. Secretly inviting her sires, lying to her mother, not being honest with her betrothed. While an absurd series of events, a wedding wasn’t supposed to be like this. Kiyoko hadn’t wanted nor cared for the big showcase, but she’d done it for her. Their union should be more than Hitoka attempting to find herself, and forcing herself to want this. She just wanted Kiyoko.

Kiyoko had chosen Hitoka.

Now Hitoka was ready to choose Kiyoko. 

“Dearly beloved,” Sugawara started, the wedding finally seeming ready to continue, but the hidden truth was it shouldn’t.

“Wait.” The word felt strong, confident. She finally knew what she wanted. 

Silence.

The space was so tense a pin could drop.

Hitoka’s cheeks ached from how wide her smile stretched. She turned towards Kiyoko, taking her other hand so she was able to clench both tight. Hitoka looked up into Kiyoko’s dark eyes and warmed with the love she found there. Her mate, her love. The one who’d allowed her to drag them on this crazy adventure cause she knew it’s what Hitoka thought she wanted. But now Hitoka was thinking about her. 

“You have stood beside me from the moment we met. Let me cry on your shoulder in frustration, and held me close whenever the world became far too much. You have loved me without selfishness and have let me guide our story the way I saw fit, and I will forever be grateful.” Hitoka squeezed her hands tight, letting her love warm the smell of lavender intertwining between them. “But I want to love you equally, to give and support you the way you’ve done for me. I thought I wanted a large wedding and to be married, but I know now. I know what I want.” 

She reached up and cupped Kiyoko’s face. “Let’s not get married.”

A gasp spread throughout the court but all Hitoka could see was Kiyoko. 

“You never wanted this, you did all this for me. I know that. So… let’s get off this island, and go see the world. The way you were before you found me.” 

Hitoka watched as the shock from Kiyoko’s eyes melted into a deep, heartwarming fondness. She leaned forward pressing her forehead with Hitoka’s. The mix of mint and lavender was a soft, kind scent. “I still want to marry you,” Kiyoko whispered. 

Hitoka’s smile grew wider. She leaned forward, nuzzling to scent her mate lightly. “And I you. But not today.” 

Kiyoko hummed. “But not today.” Hitoka opened her eyes to see Kiyoko smiling down at her. “I love you.”

Hitoka nodded, cupping Kiyoko’s face to pull her in for a kiss. Before their lips touched she whispered excitedly, “I love you too.” 

The kiss was like fireworks, the world correcting itself on its axis. The weight was gone. The clouds had parted. There was only sunshine and warmth. Hitoka had never been more sure about anything. She would marry her fated mate, but first she was going to have a lifetime's worth of adventures, experience the growing pains of living with one’s mate. And then, when the time was right, when they were ready to settle and have kits, she’d have her Alpha, her wife.

As they pulled back, Hitoka couldn’t help but tug on Kiyoko’s lip playfully. And if she got bitten before that… well her family was anything but conventional. 

Hitoka felt free as Kiyoko took her hand and started walking them down the aisle towards the onsen. She couldn’t help but laugh, running forward to take the lead, dragging Kiyoko behind her. Supportive whistles greet their ears as they moved forward. The world was waiting, and this love was going to be the best adventure. She couldn’t wait to see it all, all those dreams as a child, finally realised. 

They were almost out of the courtyard and into the greenery when a voice made her stop.

“Why waste a good wedding?” 

Hitoka stopped, Kiyoko sliding into her when she turned. They looked at each other wide-eyed, turning back the way they’d come to see Sakusa standing in the aisle looking at Atsumu.

There was no way. 

“How about it, Miya?” Sakusa said. Atsumu was staring wide-eyed. Hitoka and Kiyoko gave each other a look before moving closer. “You’re gonna need someone to boss around at this Onsen of yours.” 

“Are ya nuts?” Atsumu was gaping at Sakusa, his eyes flickered to Tooru beside him before lifting his chin towards him. “I won’t kneel for no alpha.” 

“And I would never want you too.” Sakusa stepped forward slowly. Atsumu was staring, hackles on edge. Hitoka had never seen her mother so shocked. He reminded Hitoka of a cornered animal, Sakusa attempting to placate him. “I’m a city man who has loved you for twenty-one years, and ever since the day I set foot on this island, I’ve been trying to tell you how much I love you.” 

Atsumu’s mouth dropped, a quiet gasp escaping his lips. The silence of the courtyard made it echo against the stone. His eyes were taking on a shiny quality, one Hitoka was oh-so-familiar with. It was the one when he was fighting off tears because he was feeling overwhelmed with emotions. It was a face Hitoka had often seen in the mirror. 

He wanted to say yes.

They all gasped as they watched Sakusa drop to one knee. 

The proud, germaphobic alpha. 

Hitoka couldn’t believe her eyes as she watched a third of her fathers pull a box from his pocket, flipping it open to reveal a ring. Her jaw dropped in shock. As much as he’d come for a wedding, this is what Sakusa had come for. Why he’d asked to see Atsumu almost immediately upon arrival. He’d come for one thing, the only thing he’d wanted for twenty-one years. 

Atsumu. 

Sakusa pulled the mask from his ear, letting it hang to reveal his face. His smirk was weary as he spoke. “Well? What do you say, Atsumu? It’s only the rest of your life.” 

Hitoka couldn’t help but smile at the challenge in the proposal. That innate understanding of Atsumu’s competitive nature and the willingness to challenge him even now. Atsumu was staring, gobsmacked. Hitoka couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen her mother look so thrown. 

Atsumu’s eyes meet hers. She saw his struggle. The hurt, the fear, the want. 

She gave a small nod. 

It’s okay. 

His hazel eyes widened.

She’d read the way they talked about the other. Felt their pull. 

No one should be away from their fated mate. Especially for more than twenty years. 

Say I do, she mouthed.

He swallowed and gave a tiny nod. His gaze fixed on Sakusa, his mouth opening and closing as he gave a bigger nod. “I do.” He croaked. As if opening up the floodgates, tears streamed down his cheeks, him nodding more fervently. “I do. I do.” 

The rush was instant. Sakusa lunged upward, wrapping his arms around Atsumu’s waist. Her mother twisted his fingers in Sakusa's hair as they dragged each other in for a kiss. The courtyard exploded in an earth-shattering wave of cedar and pomegranate. It engulfed the wedding altar in a cacophony of scents. 

Mates reunited. 

Hitoka couldn’t help but smile at the thought. She leaned into Kiyoko, letting the scent of mint soothe her as she watched her mother cling to Sakusa, the two nuzzling each other and unable to let go. 

Her heart felt full, and for the first time, the itch within her bones settled. This was where she belonged and this is the pack she and her mother had made. It wasn’t conventional, and it wasn’t perfect. But she wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

Chapter Text

Atsumu’s face was buried into the curve of Kiyoomi’s throat, his hands clawing at the suit he wore. The smell of cedar was overwhelming. He never wanted to be apart from it. Let him drown in a sea of the scent and may he never recover. He pressed closer. 

“You’re shaking,” Kiyoomi whispered in his ear. The chest he was pressed against rumbled beneath him. 

Atsumu choked around a laugh, pulling far enough away to press his forehead against Kiyoomi’s. “It’s cause I’m feelin’ all types of things right now.” 

“Good things?” The concern in Kiyoomi’s voice had Atsumu holding him tighter. He was digging his nails so tight, he didn’t think the suit could ever be saved.

“The best,” he croaked, pulling Kiyoomi in for another kiss. The tremble in the hand cupping his jaw had him diving further into the feeling. He felt like a teen again, newly presented and overwhelmed by the new world around him. 

“I love you,” Kiyoomi said, pressing a kiss to the crown of Atsumu’s hair, scenting him gently. 

Atsumu’s entire body ached. It was like every wound had been ripped open, every scar no longer healed, put on fresh display. His soul felt raw, but he had a resounding truth echoing through his veins. 

Alpha.

Mate.

“I love ya too.” 

Lips dressed a smile into his skin. He felt delirious. Like he was walking through a dream, reality on the verge of setting in. The feeling of home settled between the space in his ribs unlike any he’d ever felt before. He hadn’t been homesick in years and yet, when Kiyoomi held him in his arms he couldn’t help but feel the fatigue melt from his bones as if collapsing into bed after days on his feet. Atsumu was going to be addicted to Kiyoomi’s skin, he could feel it. 

“Excuse me.” Atsumu looked up to see the silver-haired friend of Kiyoko’s approaching him. Sugawara, he believed his name was, he was a killer at karaoke the night before. “If you’d like, I can marry the two of you now.” 

Atsumu felt Kiyoomi’s grip around him tighten. “Yes,” Atsumu said, leaning into the curve of his alpha’s shoulder. The quiet rumble that reached his ear made him flush. 

“Well then,” Sugawara said with a smile. “Do you, Miya Atsumu, take…” He trailed off, eyes going to Kiyoomi’s at the realization he didn’t know Kiyoomi’s name. 

“Sakusa Kiyoomi.” 

Sugawara’s smile stretched and he gave a small nod of thanks. “...Sakusa Kiyoomi, to be your mate, your husband, your bond. In sickness and in health.” 

Atsumu took in Kiyoomi’s swirling dark eyes, they’d never felt warmer. “I do.” 

“And do you, Sakusa Kiyoomi, take Miya Atsumu, to be your mate, your husband, your bond. In sickness and in health.” 

Kiyoomi’s eyes never left him as he responded. “I do.” 

The world had narrowed in on them. The courtyard was gone, replaced by the crows' feet framing Kiyoomi’s eyes, the excited whispers of the wedding guests drowned out by the roaring in his ears. The warmth of the Onsen was instead the heat of Kiyoomi’s skin beneath him, exchanged rings slipping into place. He was drunk off the stars in his eyes when the world filtered in enough to hear the words.

“I now pronounce you Husband and Wife.” 

Atsumu was stepping upward, eyes closing when he was ensnared in a kiss that had his toes curling and his soul thrumming.  This.

The world drifted back in as they parted, their eyes never leaving each other as yells of celebration happened around them. Time stretched and pulled around them, an infinity just for the two of them. 

“Happy?” Atsumu asked.

“Undoubtedly,” Kiyoomi said, granting Atsumu the sight of his rarest smile. He was barely able to savour it, to lock it deep in his chest and brand the memory into his core before Kiyoomi was swooping him back in for another kiss. He laughed into it, fingers tangling in the undercut and loose curls. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d touched them. 

He felt full. 

When they finally parted, it was to a wave of family meeting them with hugs and shakes. Not even Kiyoomi was spared as he was pulled into the affection of his pack. Atsumu couldn’t help but laugh. He’d be sure to get him a shower when they had the chance. 

Tooru and Shouyou gained his attention first, pulling Atsumu into a rib-cracking hug. 

“You’re married!” Shouyou shouted, grabbing Atsumu by the shoulders and pulling him in once more. 

Atsumu savoured it, squeezing his friend tight. “Yes! Next one is yers.” 

Shouyou laughed. “Maybe, you’ll have to tell me how it is, and I’ll think about it.” 

Atsumu rolled his eyes. “Think about it tonight when ya drag Tobio to dance.” The flush on his friend was priceless. “Besides we can’t have Tooru getting Husband Number Four before ya.” 

“Haha,” Tooru sniped, pulling Atsumu in for a proper hug. “I’m so happy for you, Atsumu,” he whispered. 

Atsumu nodded. “Thank ya,” he croaked. His friends had been everything these last twenty-one years, these past twenty-four hours alone had reminded him of all they’d done and supported him when he’d first learned he was pregnant and decided not to go back to volleyball. 

“Always.” 

The two stepped away to be replaced by Hitoka who was looking at him with tears in her eyes. His heart panicked. “Why are ya crying?” 

“Cause I’m so happy for you!” Hitoka sobbed, jumping into his arms for a tight weepy hug. She truly was his daughter. He buried himself in lavender, cradling the back of her head. 

When he looked up he saw Kiyoko smiling at him, giving a little nod of congratulations. His heart warmed at the fact his daughter’s alpha would be sticking beside her for a while. Kiyoko was sweet and kind. A good fit. Even if they didn’t get married today, he knew he’d seen it in the future. When they’d had some of their own adventures. 

“Thank ya for bringin’ him back to me,” Atsumu whispered into the shell of Hitoka’s ear. “You’ve always been my peace, giving me everythin’ I could ever want. Thank ya for being my daughter, my Dove.”

Hitoka’s grip turned painfully tight as she croaked. “Thank you for being my mom.” 

They parted, Atsumu giving Hitoka a kiss on the forehead. “I’ll see ya at dinner. I’m sure ya and Kiyoko have much to talk about.” His daughter smiled, gave a little nod and took Kiyoko’s hand, walking away. 

The next person to enter his line of vision was Rintarou, shoulders hunched, hands shoved into his pockets. 

“So my brother, huh?” 

The flush was instant, Rintarou rolling his eyes with an easy smirk. “Yeah, what about it?” 

Atsumu simply shook his head. “Nothin’, just take care of him. He’s been doin’ enough for others.” 

The facade crumbled, Rintarou’s eyes warming. “I promise, and I’ll do right by Hitoka too.”

“I know.” 

Rintarou had done right by Atsumu all those years ago, being the shoulder when he was crumbling. He might be a pain in the ass, but he was honest and wasn’t willing to lose those he cared about. He’d be a good match for Osamu and a good confidant for Hitoka. 

“I’ll see you at the party,”  Suna said, giving Atsumu a hug. 

“Welcome to the family,” Atsumu said as they pulled apart. 

The smile was genuine as he walked away. 

“Tobio.” 

“Atsumu.”

 Atsumu’s grin stretched wider. He reached forward pulling the younger alpha into a hug. “Gods, yer so damn awkward.” 

“I don’t know what you mean.” 

Atsumu smiled, pulling back. “And don’t ever let that change. Thank ya, for accepting Hitoka.”

Tobio’s face somehow became more serious. “I would never reject her.” 

“I know, she’s lucky to have ya as a father in her life,” Atsumu said, giving Tobio’s shoulder a squeeze. 

The light hint of blush that dusted his cheeks was adorable, his chest puffing out with pride. “You raised an incredible omega.”

“Thank ya.” Tobio went to walk out of the courtyard; it was nearly empty at this point. “Oh, and Tobio.” He turned to him. “Ask Shouyou to dance after dinner.”

The scarlet blush and stilted nod were all he needed to know as Atsumu watched him rush from the courtyard. 

The last person to cross Atsumu's path was a face he was very familiar with. 

“‘Samu.”

“‘Tsumu.” Osamu greeted with a nod. The tension was thick. “Yer married now.” 

Atsumu snorted, holding up his hand with his newly ringed finger. “Looks like it.” He tilted his head back, gesturing to the way everyone had exited through. “Somethin’ ya could have too.”

Osamu chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, we’ll see about that.” 

“He’s a good one.” 

“I don’t know about that, he slept with ya, so something’s gotta be wrong with him.” 

“Oi—”

“But here’s to us. Findin’ our happiness. Even if we’re ‘too old’ for it.” 

Atsumu’s shoulders dropped, the indignation disappearing for a smile. “Yer never too old for love. After all, loneliness is never any fun.” 

Osamu sighed, lip quirking. “Yeah.” He tilted his head back. Atsumu felt Kiyoomi step up beside him. “Yer gonna be insufferable now, aren’t ya? Being all married an shit.”

Atsumu snorted, a wicked grin pulling at his lips. “Oh yeah, most definitely.” 

Osamu groaned, eyes rolling with a smile. His gaze flickered beside him. “Take good care of him.” 

“Promise,” Kiyoomi’s voice rumbled. It made Atsumu shiver. 

“Good. Or I’ll kick yer ass. I know what ya look like now.” Osamu gave Atsumu a rare smile. Proud . “I’m gonna go make sure yer dinner isn’t a complete mess.” He stepped away with a wave. 

“So you’re the more emotional twin,” Kiyoomi hummed as they watched Osamu leave, the courtyard empty except for the two of them. 

Atsumu gasped. “Am not. Ya just haven’t seen ‘Samu drunk yet.” 

Kiyoomi just wrapped his arms around Atsumu’s waist, resting his chin on his shoulder. “I look forward to it. I’m sure he’s got some great, embarrassing stories about you.” 

Atsumu elbowed him, a whine in his voice. “Omi. Don’t be mean. I’m yer wife now.” 

Kiyoomi’s grip tightened, his face pressing into Atsumu’s throat but said nothing. 

“Kiyoomi?” 

“You haven’t called me Omi in twenty-one years.” 

Oh.  

“Ya want me to stop?” he asked tentatively. 

Kiyoomi shook his head, pulling Atsumu closer. “No. No, you can call me that. I just didn’t realize how much I missed it.” 

Atsumu interlaced their fingers, giving Kiyoomi’s a squeeze. “Well, yer stuck with me now, so yer getting to hear it for the next twenty-one years or more if I’ve got anythin’ to say about it.” 

“I want to hear all you have to say about it.” 

Atsumu laughed, twisting in Kiyoomi’s arms to lace them around his neck. “Then ya will. Now let's get ya showered and head to dinner, yeah?”

Kiyoomi exhaled, the tension slipping from his shoulders, his head bumping with Atsumu’s. “You still know me so well.” 

Atsumu’s eyes burned a little as he fixed a curl. “How could I ever forget ya?” He reached to take Kiyoomi’s hand and led them to his room. The press of Kiyoomi’s ring into his hand left him feeling warm.

It was quiet as they walked, the majority of the guests were already gone and getting ready for dinner. Little fairy lights lit their way as the sun began to set over the island. It was as if they’d left reality, a fae garden taking over the world around them. 

“It truly is beautiful,” said Kiyoomi. Atsumu glanced at him. “What you’ve done with the island.”

Atsumu blushed. “Thank ya. Hitoka was a huge help for it in recent years. She’s got a good eye for design and these types of things.” 

“You did a good job fostering that.” Atsumu quirked a brow, but Kiyoomi only shrugged. “I could tell. She’s brilliant from the little time I've spent with her.” 

A thought filtered into Atsumu’s mind. He bit his lip in contemplation, fiddling with Kiyoomi’s fingers. “Did I do a good job?” 

“With what?” 

“Making our dream a reality,” Atsumu asked quietly. He’d worked hard to make this dream work, to make it his own with Hitoka, but a part of him had always wondered. What would Kiyoomi think if he ever saw it? 

Kiyoomi stopped, pulling Atsumu in so their foreheads touched. It settled his bones. “It’s perfect.” 

Atsumu smiled, biting his bottom lip before lifting to his toes to give Kiyoomi a chaste kiss. It was only a peck, but as he settled back onto his heels, Kiyoomi cupped his face and pulled him in again. This one was demanding, needy, and sent his insides burning. 

“So affectionate,” Atsumu teased quietly. It was new though. All those years ago, Atsumu had been the more affectionate one, wrapping himself around Kiyoomi as they walked along the beach, or smothering him in kisses when they lounged in bed. 

“Twenty-one years to make up for.” Kiyoomi brushed a lock of Atsumu’s hair back. “Besides, I can't have you questioning how much I love you.” 

Atsumu’s stomach flipped, “No more questioning. Just actions.” 

“Just actions,” Kiyoomi agreed, squeezing their joined hands. 

Giving a little nod, Atsumu tugged them to start moving again. “Come on, I’m sure Osamu will want dinner to start soon.” 

Kiyoomi simply hummed, their hands swinging back and forth between them. 

Upon entering his room, Atsumu blushed at the idea of letting his alpha into his nest; it had been years but a small part of him couldn’t help but feel self-conscious. He’d like it right? But Kiyoomi soothed him immediately, wrapping his arms around Atsumu’s front and pressing a kiss to the edge of the gland on the back of his neck. “It’s perfect,” he rumbled. 

Atsumu shivered, ear flushing. He elbowed Kiyoomi gently, looking away to hide the redness of his face. “Go shower ya jerk.” 

Kiyoomi released him, only to take his hand and tug slightly. “Join me?” 

Atsumu’s heart skipped. “I guess,” he said begrudgingly. By Kiyoomi’s chuckle, he knew his face had given him away. 

It was odd being here at this moment with him. To see the eyes that had haunted his dreams for decades staring down at him with such warmth. To have the feeling of home covering him in all its cedar-scented entirety. To have the ache in his bones finally relieved, like the first dip in an onsen. The life he’d been chasing, making for himself, felt more real than ever before. 

It took a while for them to leave the bubble they’d created in his room. The intertwining scents with nothing to interfere was addicting. As they got dressed post-shower they both looked at Atsumu’s nest in mourning. Soon, they could relearn themselves, but first they had to eat.

“What if we skipped?” Kiyoomi mumbled against Atsumu’s skin, he’d been focused on decorating the curve of his throat with nips and kisses. 

“‘Samu would actually kill us. He takes his cookin’ very seriously.” Atsumu tilted his neck to the side further, allowing a little more access as heat collected in the pit of his stomach. 

“Technically, the dinner was for Hitoka’s wedding, not ours.” 

Atsumu snorted. “Trust me, that ain’t gonna work on him. Besides, ya gotta make a good impression, or he will kill ya.” 

Kiyoomi sighed, pressing one last kiss to the top of Atsumu’s mating gland as if he hadn’t been scenting Atsumu thoroughly since they’d been alone. “Fine, but I’m not making a speech.” 

Atsumu laughed, twisting out of Kiyoomi’s hold to lead them out of his room. “I don’t think ya get a say in that. Me either, unfortunately.” 

Kiyoomi frowned. “I hate winging it.” 

“We, we’ll both be, in this case. I prepared to talk about Hitoka, not myself.” 

“Together then.” 

Kiyoomi’s hand was warm in his as they made it to the courtyard that had been prepared for the reception. “Together.” 

As they walked into the dining area, Atsumu wasn’t sure what he expected. Sure, he’d helped prepare and organize it, but to be on the receiving end was another thing entirely. As they stepped across the cracked mosaic he’d only partially mended, he took in the sight of twinkling lights and a crowd of people standing at tables ready to receive them. It was overwhelming, the cheers and yells of celebration. Atsumu felt his eyes start to burn—weddings made him too damn emotional, he decided. 

“Congratulations!” 

Kiyoomi’s grip was a godsend, keeping him grounded and preventing him from crying at the overwhelming wave of gratitude he felt for everyone he saw. Atsumu had always known he’d had people, sure he hadn’t liked to reach out and was steadfast about trying to do it alone, but it was a different thing to be greeted by the faces of everyone you loved excited to see and celebrate you. He couldn’t help the quiet sob that escaped his mouth as he covered his lips with his spare hand. This was his pack, the people he’d found, who had found him, and had helped support him and Hitoka when he’d felt so very alone. These were the people who had changed his life over the last twenty-one years. 

He’d be forever grateful. 

They made their way to the last two empty seats at the centre of the collection of tables allowing everyone to see them. Hitoka and Kiyoko were already there, along with his brother, Shouyou beside Tobio, Rintarou, and Tooru with Iwaizumi surprisingly beside him. Kita sat beside his mate Aran, sipping on a cup of tea as Bokuto and Akaashi leaned on each other. 

The atmosphere was warm, the curl of happy scents all around them as dinner was served. Osamu’s was the equivalent of beaming, his lips curled as he eyed everyone digging into their plates. Atsumu had to agree that it was some of his twin’s finest work as he ate a piece of marinated beef. Only the best for Hitoka, and now him, with how the day had gone.  The quiet thrum of chatter was a sound Atsumu never wanted to part with, the contentment of a pack all together. 

He’d missed the feeling. 

He’d been lonelier than he realised as he took a sip of sake, looking over to his right. He took in the sight of Kiyoomi beside him. Dark eyes met his over the porcelain. A brow quirked in question. Atsumu simply shook his head, leaning forward to press a kiss into Kiyoomi’s cheek and a quiet, “don’t worry about it.” 

Kiyoomi reached over and placed a hand on his thigh, giving Atsumu a squeeze. The heat was comforting as Atsumu leaned against him, resting his head on Kiyoomi’s shoulder. His eyes flickered over to a movement from the corner of his eye. Hitoka clinked her glass with a knife. 

“Hello everyone, in honour of the bride and groom, I’d like to make a speech.” The chatter quieted. The sake from dinner had left a dusting of pink across her cheeks. “I know this day has been less than conventional,”—a chuckle of laughter—, “but I want to thank you all for attending and still being here with me and my family. I think I speak for all of us when I say how grateful we’ve been for all your support.” A series of scattered nods around the tables. “Now to the main event, our unexpected bride and groom.” Hitoka looked at Atsumu. 

“When planning for what was supposed to be my own wedding, I stumbled upon a journal in one of our Onsen’s storage rooms. Within it, I learned about the most incredible omega. A young man who after an accident was trying to figure out what his next step in life would be. He was bold, passionate, and had the greatest capacity for love.” Atsumu frowned, but Hitoka only gave him a brilliant smile.

“I learned about my mother, who he was before me, and I realised I had so much more to learn about the man who raised me and the alphas who loved him.” Atsumu’s eyes widened, Kiyoomi’s hand tightening around his thigh. “I wanted to know more, I needed to know more. So I sent a letter, three to be exact, to the men who, with a little bit of math, I deduced could be my father. Never in my wildest dream did I think that single action would lead to the series of events we saw here today. But I wouldn’t change a thing.” 

“I got to witness my mother in love. Truly and fully and an alpha that considers him the most precious treasure in the world.” Hitoka raised her glass towards Atsumu. “You deserve the world and from what I know, Sakusa is ready to give it to you. To your happiness.”

“To your happiness,” the crowd echoed, taking a drink.

Atsumu’s eyes burned, he rubbed at them with his left arm, his right hand clutching Kiyoomi’s hand tightly. 

Hitoka was only the beginning as one after another, Atsumu’s pack stood and offered him a speech, saluting Kiyoomi and his happiness, while wishing Hitoka and Kiyoko the best on their adventures. Kiyoomi offered him tissue after tissue with an exacerbated fondness as he pulled out each one between the laughter and tears. When Atsumu thought he was finally free from the emotions overwhelming his heart, Kiyoomi stood. 

“What?” 

Kiyoomi ignored him, only clearing his throat. 

“I’ll try and keep this short, as I am a stranger to most of you, but I know you all care passionately for Atsumu, my mate.” His skin warmed at the claim. “Thank you, for taking care of him for all these years, for loving him when I was unable. I know I have much to make up for, and I hope for the rest of this lifetime and the next I am able to prove myself worthy of the love you have entrusted me with.” Kiyoomi looked down at him and Atsumu instinctively reached out, intertwining their hands as he came to stand beside him. He raised his own glass and they both looked to the people gathered around them. “To the rest of our lives and beyond death when he comes knocking.” 

They all took a drink, settling back into their seats as dinner came to an end, the music beginning to pick up. A collection of coloured lighting from the bachelorette party started to take over the courtyard. Full and satiated, Atsumu watched as everyone began to take to the dance floor, celebrating drunkenly and spinning with each other. 

He caught Shouyou dragging Tobio with him, teaching the alpha a series of steps to a dance he’d picked up while travelling. Tobio was more two left feet than anything, but he seemed determined to learn and Shouyou seemed excited to see him try. Hitoka and Kiyoko were twirling each other, Hitoka doing an exceptional spin under Kiyoko’s arm. They looked happier dancing now than the night before. Osamu was doing a casual sway with Rintarou, but the grin Rin had on his face let Atsumu know his brother was in for a ride. What surprised Atsumu the most was the sight of Tooru and a very reluctant Iwaizumi being dragged onto the floor. The alpha’s hair was more ruffled than usual and Tooru’s a mess. His lipstick was basically gone, his shirt untucked. The biggest offenders were the bite marks poking out from the top of his collar, neck littered with hickies that were bold and possessive. Atsumu couldn’t help but chuckle under his breath, Tooru wasn’t ready for how Iwaizumi would handle him. 

“Shall we?” 

Atsumu turned to see Kiyoomi standing and offering his hand. He raised a brow. “Since when did ya dance?” 

“Since I married you and knew kitchen dances were going to be routine.” Kiyoomi offered with the illusion of an unimpressed shrug. “But I’ll dance in a crowd only once. Might as well be our wedding day.” 

A smile crept upon his face. “Of course, our weddin’ day sounds like the perfect time to use that up.”  He reached forward, taking Kiyoomi’s hand and letting him lead them onto the dance floor. 

He gave Atsumu a spin as they entered the crowd, catching Atsumu’s waist, dipping him before lifting him back up. Atsumu’s breath caught as he laughed, pulling Kiyoomi in closer. The swell of the music was overwhelming, the ground trembling beneath their feet as the beat picked up. All around them everyone was dancing, jumping, feeling the vibrations in their bones. Atsumu couldn’t help but feel like he was merging with time, every thrum a second passing by. The crowd jumped and sang before excited squeals shouted all around. 

Atsumu turned. A speck of water hit his face. He looked up, gasping as an explosion of water rained down from the centre of the courtyard. The mosaic had cracked and a hidden spring had welled up. Bezaiten. 

Atsumu turned to Kiyoomi, already seeing his alpha wanted to get away. He shook his head, pulling Kiyoomi back in. “It’s a good omen,” he shouted over the excited yells and music. 

“We’ll get sick!” he countered, concern collecting in the furrow of his brow. 

Atsumu only laughed, arms twining around Kiyoomi’s neck to keep him close. “One night for the rest of our lives.” 

Kiyoomi gave an exasperated sigh before letting Atsumu pull him in for a demanding kiss. 

Life was perfect as they parted. Atsumu looked towards the sky. The stars were bright, the moon was full, and the water was warm on his skin as his pack danced in the gift from the Goddess above. He let Kiyoomi pull him into his chest, arms strong around his waist. He wrapped his arms around his shoulder, head leaning against his. He could see the world playing out around him, but he couldn’t help but think they’d been removed from time altogether. Just for this moment.

He watched Shouyou and Tobio dance, a reconciliation for more on the horizon. 

He caught Osamu and Rintarou in a kiss, the weight his twin carried nowhere in sight. 

Tooru was flushing like a young kit, Iwaizumi tucking a stray curl behind his ear. 

And Hitoka and Kiyoko . 

They were wrapped around each other, laughing as they held each other’s faces, the hot spring raining down around them. Their wedding dresses were soaked to the bone, but the tenderness they had for each other overwrote any discomfort. A lifetime of adventures awaited them. 

His family was happy.

His onsen was full. 

And as Atsumu looked into the eyes of his husband, he couldn’t help but grin. He’d always had a dream for the island, it had been his guiding star on the worst of nights, but he never thought he’d get it, not like this. And as Kiyoomi dipped down to place a kiss, his entire body sang. 

This.