Work Text:
The cookout the coaches had provided was almost over. Thanks to Bokuto, all the meat that should’ve been left over was eaten in the matter of seconds. Of course, he had to wrestle multiple players for it, but he ended up getting the most out of everyone. With no more meat, the only thing left to do was mingle. Players of all teams got mixed together in the wave of color. Laughter, yelling, and positive vibes filled the air.
The sun was starting to lower, ending what would be one of Daichi’s favorite memories from his high school volleyball career. With the sun setting, the clouds' fluffiness was more prominent. Noticeably, the wind was causing them to move much quicker than they were this morning. Daichi was struggling to find a spot where the sun was out of his eyes. He settled on holding his arm above his eyes, shielding the light from passing through.
The down side to this was that he couldn't keep track of his players as well as he could’ve before. He normally would have the eye of an eagle to monitor his players, but that was now gone. His field of vision was secluded; the boys had an easier time getting away with what they knew he would be mad about if he saw.
In Daichi’s view, he could see Tskuki talking with Bokuto, with Yamaguchi on his side. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Tanaka waving his arms around, speaking aggressively to someone who he could only assume was Ennoshita—seeing as he doesn't get along well with players from other teams.
Daichi shook off the anxiety of not knowing where the rest were and refocused on the conversation he was having with Noya and Asahi.
“The more round the better!” Noya yelled. “It’s easier to swallow that way!”
Daichi shook his head, rubbing his temple. “That doesn't even make sense. Just because it's round makes it easier to swallow? It all depends on how big your throat is—if you don't have one wide enough, then everything is hard to swallow.”
“That’s why I prefer thinner ones!” Asahi exclaimed. “Thinner ones are always more easy to swallow, despite your throat tightness.”
Noya groaned. “But the thicker ones taste better! Your whole mouth is filled with it! It’s so hot and juicy—” His eyes sparkled as he looked up at Asahi. “—and just satisfying and delicious!”
“All meat is satisfying and delicious, Noya.” Daichi placed a hand on his shoulder. “However, I think we are forgetting where the best meat comes from—” Silver hair bouncing off a red collar pulled his attention away from the conversation. He barely saw it as it walked by, but he was pulled in and couldn’t take his eyes off.
“What is it, Captain?” Noya asked, jumping up to see over his shoulder.
“It’s—” Daichi scanned the area. Just as fast as he saw it, it was gone. There were so many tall players around that the smaller, silver haired man got lost in the sea.
“What’s wrong, Daichi?” Asahi asked.
After a moment of rechecking the wave of boys, Daichi asked, “Have you two seen Suga?”
“The last time I saw him was when he was talking to us,” Noya answered. He placed his hands on Asahi's shoulders and jumped, using him to get higher to see more of the area.
“He told me before he left that he planned on talking to some of the other captains…it’s not like you to lose sight of him, Daichi.” Asahi patted his back, laughing.
“Well this damn sun—” A sharp inhale stopped him mid-thought.
There he is.
Suga, the boy who swarmed his dreams nightly, was over by the base of a hill. His back was turned to him—which perfectly, unintentionally showed off how long he let the back of his hair grow out. With all this traveling, preparing, and playing, he hasn’t had any time to get his hair trimmed.
Pretty as ever.
What made the boy stand out even more was the redness that encapsulated him. It was all over his body—a color Daichi has never seen on him before. Come to think of it, Daichi has only seen Suga in either his black warm up, his cream warm up, his black uniform, or his white and gray pajamas.
He looks…stunning. Stunning as always.
“Is that Kuroo he’s talking with?” Noya asked, who somehow has gotten on Asahi’s back—not that Asahi was one to complain.
“Seems like it,” Asahi answered, glancing Daichi’s way.
To the blind eye, Daichi was composed: he held his head high and crossed his arms confidently; however, Asahi saw the twitch in his eye and the grip he had on his elbows. Daichi was pissed, to say the least.
“He looks good in red, doesn't he, Captain?”
“Oikawa,” Daichi warned in a low growl. “Don't you have to beg Iwaizumi for validation?”
Noya choked on a laugh and hopped down, placing his hands on both of their shoulders. “You two never get along.”
“I was just passing by looking for all of the first years while Iwa-chan is out looking for the second years,” Oikawa explained. “I couldn't help but notice that gorgeous, refreshing setter of yours wearing such a provocative color! Bye now!”
Daichi huffed and stared bullets into Kuroo’s head. “Is he actually wearing Kuroo’s jacket?” he seethed.
“Looks like it,” Asahi replied. “—Not that it is!” he quickly added. “It could be some random red jacket that happens to look the same as Nekoma’s! Maybe it’s another tall player from their team. Maybe it’s—”
Noya elbowed him, successfully shutting him up. “You’re not helping,” he whispered.
“Looks like someone found themselves a new boyfriend!” Tsuki joked while walking by.
And just like that—hearing the drama taking place—Hinata came sprinting over, stopping himself from knocking into Daichi by jumping. “New boyfriend?! Were you and Sugawara dating! If he’s wearing Kuroo’s jacket, does that mean he broke up with you to be with him?”
Kageyama grabbed him by his collar and aggressively pulled him to his face. “If you don't shut your stupid ass up right now, I will end you!”
“I’m sorry!” he yelled. “Put me down!”
Kageyama dropped him, but he was pulled up by Daichi. Daichi smiled deceptivally and slapped him a little harder than normal on his back. His eyes darkened as he spoke, “You have it all wrong, Hinata. Suga and I have never dated! We are just really, really close best friends!”
“Then why are you so jealous?” he deadpanned, tilting his head.
“J-Jealous?” Daichi stuttered. “I’m not jealous!”
“But your cheeks are really red, and you’re starting to sweat!”
“Shut up, Hinata!” Kageyama reminded him.
Daichi forced a laugh. “It’s okay. I’m not jealous! I’m just confused as to why Suga is wearing another team’s jacket! It’s not because it’s Kuroo or anything…I just believe as my Vice-captain that he shouldn’t be representing any other team, that’s all!”
Asahi didn't miss the prominent veins sticking out of Daichi’s neck, or the way his hands slowly clenched into fists. He could see that Daichi was having a hard time keeping up the ‘good captain’ act in front of the lower classmen. Asahi gathered all the younger boys in his arms and dragged them away. “It’s getting close to the time where we need to leave, isn't it Daichi?”
Daichi nodded. “Thank you, Asahi, I almost lost track of time! I’ll go tell Suga it's time to go…”
Daichi walked with a mission. He was borderline speed-walking his fine ass over to the hill where the person he was practically in love with was talking to a much taller, much more capable player than himself. Daichi hissed to himself out of, what he refused to admit, jealousy at the thought of those two actually getting together. His eyes were set on Kuroo, and Asahi could practically see the daggers in their reflection.
“It is inter—” Suga was cut off by strong arms coming over his shoulders, a little too tight for something less than friendly. He knew the hands that clenched around his shoulders could only belong to Daichi. He forced himself to hold back a happy sigh from being held so close.
Daichi leaned over Suga’s shoulder. His mouth was close to his ear, but his eyes were attempting to kill Kuroo. “Koushi…” he trailed off, just loud enough to make sure Kuroo could hear. Suga felt his heart leap out his chest—he thought for sure he was going to melt. “Asahi is helping me gather up the first and second years. It’s getting time to go.”
The rest of the team was out of ear shot, but close enough to see the death glare Kuroo was receiving.
“I don't think I’ve ever seen Daichi so irritated before,” Tanaka commented; the rest of the team laughed and nodded in agreement. They all could feel the tense atmosphere from far away.
Kuroo laughed and peered up at the sun. “Ah, I guess it is starting to get dark out, isn't it, Captain? I almost forgot myself that we actually have to leave soon! I had a really good time seeing everyone, especially your team! They really surprised me!”
“You shouldn’t be surprised,” Daichi retorted, his grip somehow getting even tighter. “We got the best players we’ve ever had, and this is the hardest we’ve ever worked. We really got something special!”
Kuroo smiled. “I was just telling Sugawara here about that special middle blocker you have! Not the freak one, the tall one! Tsukishima! I don’t know if you knew this, but me and Bokuto have been working on his blocking with him!”
“You have?” Daichi questioned, then looked back at Suga. “Did you know?”
Suga hummed. “Of course I knew! Every night while you’re talking with the coaches, I ask the boys what they’ve been working on!”
“I can’t wait for you to see what he taught him!” Kuroo added.
“I came over here to ask Kuroo what guidance I can give Tsuki and the other blockers.” His hand came to scratch the back of his neck as he looked at his feet. “I’m not so good at blocking myself, so I wanted to see what advice Kuroo could give me. I think I have a good idea of what blocking drill I want to try out.”
“We’ll talk about this on the bus,” Daichi whispered into his ear, his eyes never leaving Kuroo. “Everyone else is waiting for us.”
“You got it, Captain!” Suga excitedly smiled. “Thanks for the chat, Kuroo! Daichi and I appreciate your help with Tsuki, and I appreciate you talking over with me how we can help him! We’re sure to beat you next time we play!” Suga tried to take a step but was held back.
“Excuse you?” Daichi growled. “You are not taking that jacket home.”
“Oh the jacket!” Kuroo held his hand out. “I almost forgot! Thanks for the reminder, Sawamura!”
Daichi, for the first and only time, let go of Suga so that he could take the jacket off and hand it over. The second the jacket was off, Daichi obsessively placed his arm over Suga and held him close to his body. He half-heartedly said goodbye and good luck to Kuroo before they left, glaring at him until he was out of sight.
Instead of walking over to the bus where the team was waiting, Daichi walked them over behind a tall tree that provided a blanket of shade. Suga looked up at him, waiting for him to continue past the tree and to the parking lot. Once he realized Daichi wasn't moving, he smiled.
“You can release your death grip on me before it lives up to its name,” Suga teased.
Daichi let go of a deep sigh he was holding in and released his grip. His arms came over Suga’s shoulders, shifting his weight onto his partner's back. He stayed there for a bit, replaying the scene in his head.
Suga was wearing another captain’s jacket. And he smiled. And he enjoyed talking to him. And he looked so…happy. Content. Relaxed. I wasn’t the one to make him feel this. He looked so at peace…
Daichi started to feel guilt as he realized he was the one to force Suga to walk away from that feeling. Suga wasn't stressed or in need of Daichi—he was doing what was best for the team, and Daichi was the one to take him out if. He really couldn’t ask for a better vice-captain.
Daichi noticed he was being silent for a long time when he felt Suga’s soft eyes studying his expression. Suga was patient, just like he always is, and was waiting for Daichi to collect his thoughts, never pushing or prying him, only playing with his fingers.
Daichi rested his forehead against the back of the smaller one’s neck and closed his eyes.
He finally asked, “Why were you wearing his jacket?”
Suga laughed and turned him around, holding him up by his shoulders. Daichi’s hands twitched in slight nervousness before settling on the setter’s waist, his head hanging low. Suga hummed and raised himself on his tippy toes to brush his nose against Daichi’s to get him to look at him. Daichi felt his heart drop but confidently answered his request.
Suga smiled at him reassuringly when their eyes met; Daichi instantly melted. “The wind gave me a chill and Kuroo noticed. He gave me his jacket,” he paused to make sure Daichi was following. He saw the sadness and almost disappointed look on his captain’s eyes and frowned. “I know you two weren't on the best terms, but he's been working with Tsuki, and I wanted to know how we could help him practice more. I was afraid if I turned down his offer, he would walk away completely.”
“Like anyone could walk away from you.” Daichi squeezed his lips together when he realized he said that out loud.
Suga frown turned into a smile as he chuckled. “Is that right, Captain?”
Daichi blushed and tried not to die from embarrassment. “Where's your jacket?”
“Buried in my bed.”
Daichi quickly took his jacket off and started to place it over Suga’s shoulder. “Take mine.”
“But I’m not—”
“Take mine,” Daichi demanded once more, slipping Suga’s arms into the sleeves.
Suga smirked, giving in and placing a hand over Daichi’s as Daichi zipped it up. Both of their hands were soft, but Daichi’s were a little more sweaty than his own. He buried his nose into his shoulder, inhaling Daichi’s scent. He felt his head start to spin out of pure bliss. He looked back up and tilted his head. “On a scale of 10-10, how hot do I look in your jacket?”
Daichi rolled his eyes. There’s no use in trying to hide anything now. I practically gave myself to him on a silver platter.
“You know you’re always a 10 no matter what you wear. But in my jacket…” Daichi placed his hands on Suga’s neck, adjusting the collar before running them down his shoulders, arms, and eventually waist where he fixed the hem. “...I think you have to at least be a solid 20.”
As much as Suga tried, he couldn't hide his blush. A sense of pride filled Daichi—normally he was the blushing mess. “But my jacket is the exact same jacket as yours, how do I look twice as hot?” Suga teased, leaning close.
“Easy,” Daichi answered. “Because it’s my jacket. That makes all the difference.”
“Does it now?”
Daichi nodded and intertwined their fingers at their waist. “My jacket is the same size as yours, but I stupidly put mine through the dryer when it was dry, so it shrunk. I didn't want another jacket, so I just wore it as it was and it got stretched out. Now—no offense—I’m a little more built than you—”
“—And it's super hot.”
Daichi leaned closer to Suga’s cheek to hide his beet-red face. “The jacket is stretched out, more loose than yours is. So when you wear my jacket, you look smaller than normal. I find it incredibly cute because I only have about a centimeter on you.”
Suga leaned in even closer, challenging Daichi’s self control. “If I would’ve known that this would be your reaction to seeing me in your jacket, I would have ‘accidentally’ stolen it a long time ago.”
“Are you trying to ask me to give you some of my sweatshirts?” He let go of one of Suga’s hands and used it to rub circles into the other’s lower back.
This was slowly becoming a flirtatious, scandalous test of who would break first. Flirtatious and scandalous were Suga’s favorite words—he wasn't losing this. As much as he was blushing, and as much as his mind was screaming at him to kiss that stupid, hot smirk off of Daichi’s face, he held back. He eagerly threw his arms around Daichi’s neck, pulling him in until their lips were barely touching. He locked eyes with him as intently and sultry as he could. Daichi stared back, just as intense. Suga saw that Daichi wasn't going to break. He smirked—he still had one last trick up his sleeve.
“Koushi,” Suga said.
Daichi pulled back, squinting at him. “What?”
“Koushi,” he repeated. “That was the first time you’ve called me that…you really wanted Kuroo to know how close we are, didn’t you?”
Daichi’s jaw slowly dropped. He leaned back even more, taking in Suga’s full face, making sure he was okay.
Oh my god. Oh. My. God. I called him Koushi and I didn't even ask!
“Suga, I'm so sorry! I don't know what got over me! I should’ve—”
He cut him off. “—If you’re going to apologize to me for something you don't have to, at least say my name.”
Daichi blinked. And then he bit his inner lip, just to make sure he wasn't dreaming. “You…you want me to…”
Suga laughed and tugged on his shoulders, squeezing him in the tightest hug he could. “You’re so stupid sometimes, do you know that?”
“Koushi…” Daichi breathed out, returning the hug. “Koushi…” He nuzzled into his neck and tightened his grip. “Koushi!” He scooped him up, holding him against his body as he swung them in circles.
“Daichi!” Suga laughed, wrapping his legs around his waist. He felt nothing but happiness, contentedness, and relaxation.
The two laughed as the sun was disappearing under the hill. Neither of them could hear the rest of the team looking for them—Daichi had found a really good tree to hide behind. All they could hear was their over excited hearts beating together. They didn't care about whatever was happening outside of their moment, because it was just the two of them. All they cared about was holding onto each other and being as close as possible.
Suga should have been cold with the darkness filling the air and the wind never letting down, but he wasn’t. He could never be cold now that he was wearing his boyfriend’s jacket, keeping him warm.
Daichi should have been cold with the darkness filling the air and the wind never letting down, but he wasn't. He could never be cold now that he has his boyfriend in his arms, keeping him warm.
Daichi slowed down and lowered Suga to the ground. Suga held on just as tight as his feet touched the grass. He wasn't ready to let go.
“Never take my jacket off, Koushi. Never.”