Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sakusa Kiyoomi has found trouble in many people, particularly in alphas.

They’re like magnets, with any possibility for chaos around them being sucked in and converted into reality. Being an alpha himself, he’s had a lot of competition – it comes to him naturally because of his biology. Competition doesn’t really revolve around omegas, it’s more about fights when the other party crosses a line. Kiyoomi never initiates a fight, but once someone does, he isn’t willing to back down. He’s petty enough to assert his dominance. The people who picked on him and his hygienic tendencies were alphas, and the first time he intentionally growled, it was on them. Needless to say, it scared them shitless, and that’s when Kiyoomi knew that he won’t surrender without a fight ever again.

The list goes on and on, to alphas accusing him of trying to take their omegas, to foolish fucks who’d spill drinks at him on bars and laugh it off as if they did it purposely, to that one guy who threateningly rushed him for spending too much time at a restaurant’s public sink. Being an alpha, you’re sure to have limitless altercations with other alphas who abuse their power. Kiyoomi’s seen it all, and that’s so much unnecessary trouble.

But the person he finds the most troublesome isn’t an alpha at all. It’s–

Thump!

The ball weakly hits the floor, as it travels under the net to the other side of the court, and further away from them. Kiyoomi’s palm didn’t even reach it – he wasn’t able to put a momentum-inducing spin on it, hence why it fell like a leaf in the breeze. He lands on his feet; his upper teeth harshly clash with the lower set. He calls out the culprit of it all. “Miya!”

It’s Miya Atsumu, the most insufferable omega Kiyoomi’s met.

“What the fuck was that?” Kiyoomi raises his voice as he points to the ball that’s slowly increasing in friction and decreasing its motion.

“What the fuck was what? That was my set and ya just failed to hit it,” Atsumu counters with feigned innocence, both arms on his waist as he answers Kiyoomi’s rhetorical question. It didn’t even need an answer, Atsumu’s just bitchy enough to use that as an opening to explain his own point.

“ I failed to hit it?” Kiyoomi asks, even more infuriated than he was a moment ago.

“Yes, yes ya did. I just toldja’ didn’t I? Pay attention.” Atsumu raises a brow.

Miya Atsumu is the archetype of mayhem, the literal incarnation of chaos. If Kiyoomi’s the calm eye – the halcyon of the storm, then Atsumu revolves around him as the storm’s raging, violent eyewall. He’s a ticking bomb that can detonate any minute, and it seems like he detonates mostly around Kiyoomi. If the alpha has a fire in him, then Atsumu pours himself on it like gasoline – further fueling Kiyoomi’s anger. And again, Kiyoomi doesn’t surrender without a fight.

There is never a quiet moment around Atsumu. He simply won’t let you know peace.

“Maybe you should pay attention to the fact that your sets don’t even reach your spiker.” Kiyoomi says through gritted teeth.

Atsumu then has the audacity to howl in laughter. “And by spikers you mean only ya? Because last time I checked, Bokkun and Shou-kun can hit ‘em with their one hundred percent. Ya cursed or sumth’n?”

Kiyoomi’s brows furrow tighter as he starts to approach the teasing setter, his patience running like sand through an hourglass. “Now who are you calling –“

“I think that’s enough.” Thomas gets in between them, his hands are up as he tries not to involve himself in their fight, but at the same time, tries his best to halt it. “You guys just do things differently, that’s why you’re not syncing up.”

“Yeah, Thomas-kun is right!” Hinata says as he cheerfully skips towards them with Bokuto behind him.

“But I was able to hit his tosses before?” Kiyoomi asks, confused and a bit calmed down, his hot boiling anger is now losing heat. “Maybe he’s just being intentionally difficult.”

“That’s believable.” Adriah sighs. “Though there must be another, less petty reason as to why you aren’t synchronizing.”

“Well whatever that reason is, it has to be solved before our game with the Falcons,” says a very authoritative voice. They all turn to Meian, who just arrived at the scene. “While the others are practicing their serves, receives and spikes, Miya and Sakusa, you’ll have to practice together until you can fully sync with each other.”

Kiyoomi looks at Miya, who looks back at him. The damn brat lifts his shoulders in a shrug.

Miya Atsumu is definitely the most trouble he’s ever had.

They’re traveling to Tokyo today.

The sun sits high and hot in the sky at nine in the morning. The Jackals are lining up by the bus with bags hanging over their shoulders as they chat in the heat. Bokuto yaps about how excited he is to see Akaashi in Tokyo, the omega he’s been courting for a while now and has admired since high school. Hinata follows suit, also excited to see Kenma, the beta who’s been by his side since he trained in Brazil. Inunaki and Thomas are barking at each other over what brand of shampoo is best as Barnes groans exhaustingly at their illogical quibble. While Meian? He’s tired, even as he just got there. He woke up two hours ago and he begs for someone to disenthrall him from the torment he gets as captain.

Kiyoomi, as always, steers clear from anyone as he stands still by the place farthest from the rest, but still close enough to the bus. His curled bangs fall over his left eye and a mask rests on top of the lower part of his face, as typical of him. He doesn’t look the minimum bit of amiable as his eyes are trained into a consistent glare. Looks like Meian isn’t the only one already tired at this hour.

As if his gaunt and grim aura isn’t enough to fend anyone away, a blond, bubbling setter drifts towards him, bags jumping with every skip he takes.

Just like an eye wall to the eye of the storm, Atsumu always finds a way to linger within a ten feet radius from Kiyoomi whenever the latter is around.

“Omi-omi!” Atsumu chirps with a devilish grin.

Kiyoomi rolls his eyes. “Why are you here Miya?”

“It might come as a shock to ya but we’re goin’ to ride in the same bus to go to the same city to play in the same game! Oh, and we’re in the same team as ya know,” the omega sneers, leaning into Kiyoomi as he blinks his doe eyes up at him. Kiyoomi leans back to avoid touching Atsumu.

“I know that,” Kiyoomi snarls.

But oh , Atsumu’s too close to him, and even with the visible white scent patch by his neck, Kiyoomi can catch a whiff of something sweet, something like…

Honey.

Kiyoomi never knew what Atsumu smelled like – Atsumu revealing his scent in an environment full of alphas can be detrimental to him. But as an omega, Kiyoomi knows that it’s a sugary, fruitful scent. Although honey is the sweetest of the sweetest. With that, he concludes that maybe Atsumu’s a bee, always irritatingly buzzing by Kiyoomi’s ear and carrying around a scent of honey.

Atsumu pulls away to throw his head back in a laugh. “Omi, it was sarcasm!”

“I know that,” the alpha repeats, teeth still gritted.

A clap catches their attention as they turn to Meian. He tells them to slowly board the bus and into their respective seats. Kiyoomi and Atsumu turn to each other, their eyes meeting with an alarm printed in their irises. And with that starts a battle for something they both aim for.

They push through everyone else, Inunaki cursing at them as Barnes heaves another sigh. Thomas looks at them cluelessly as they try to outrun each other. Both Bokuto and Hinata, who are about to climb up the bus, are shoved to the side as the two continue to race against the other. They quickly skip across the stairs, shoving each other to gain the upper hand, and as Kiyoomi’s hand finds purchase on the strap of Atsumu’s bag, he swipes it off of the latter’s shoulder, leaving the bag to fall from the omega to the floor of the bus.

Once Atsumu hears the thump below him, his head turns to find his bag helplessly on the ground. He curses as he picks it back up and dusts the very bottom of it. He then looks around for Kiyoomi, only to find the bastard sitting on their wanted seat, looking at him smugly. Albeit covered with a mask, Atsumu knows Kiyoomi nurses a provoking smirk on his lips.

He turns red in anger and huffs as he approaches Kiyoomi who sits comfortably by the window. “I know ya cheated!”

“Hmm?” Kiyoomi turns to him and anyone who hears his tone can also hear of his teasing grin. He then mirrors the same mocking tone Atsumu used on him. “You’re the one who didn’t secure it properly, so it’s bound to fall either way.”

“No, ya played dirty!” Atsumu fumes.

“Doesn’t matter, I win anyways.” Kiyoomi has the gall to chuckle, how can he not when Atsumu’s enraged expression is so amusing to him? It’s usually the omega pushing his buttons but in the rare case where it’s the other way around, Kiyoomi basks in the opportunity to do so.

Every time there’s an away game, they usually sit beside each other due to the arrangements Meian made. No one else wanted to sit beside either of them – they don’t like Atsumu’s loud, insulting mouth nor do they like Kiyoomi’s meticulous fussiness. As much as they contradict one another, they have no choice but to sit with each other during every bus ride, and that’s the price they have to pay for being so difficult. Somehow, they seem to make it work without making the bus crash, but not without Meian glaring and scolding them from time to time for the first few trips. But if there’s something that never ceases to cause trouble for the both of them, it’s their mutual liking for the window seat.

“It’s my turn to sit by the window!” Atsumu whines as he stomps his foot childishly.

“Maybe next time honey.” Kiyoomi’s devilish grin never fades.

But oh.

The accidental slip of the pet name.

Well, it wasn’t intended. Everything in Kiyoomi’s mind that relates to Atsumu is honey, ever since he found out what the omega’s scent is. At that, Atsumu stops his whining as he silently sits on the leftover seat by the passageway and beside the very seat he wants; the one claimed by Kiyoomi. He grumbles out a quiet, “You found out?”

“You were too close to me, and you probably didn’t put your scent patch properly,” Kiyoomi responds matter-of-factly.

Atsumu continues to mutter something unintelligible as he turns the opposite side of Kiyoomi.

Kiyoomi himself isn’t facing Atsumu. His elbow rests atop of the lining where the window is attached to the wall of the bus, and his face is perched on his hand as it focuses on the streets outside the window. “If it’s any consolation, you smell nice.”

The tips of Atsumu’s ears are dusted with a pretty pink and Kiyoomi catches it from the periphery of his eyes. The corners of the spiker’s lips tug in endearment. Cute . He got to see a fuming Atsumu, a grumbling Atsumu, and a flustered Atsumu, all in one setting. These reactions aren’t supposed to be so adorable, but how can they prove not to be when Atsumu makes the most animated facial expressions? He somehow looks like a cartoon character – big eyes, baby fat on his cheeks, exaggerated furrow of his brows, and pouty lips. He doesn’t look that far from his high school self. Although there’s the apparent sharpness of his jaw and the contour of his face, these softer features are more prevailing. 

Kiyoomi is cut off from his thoughts as Atsumu whispers a small “thanks”, and then he realizes that he was internally admiring the omega’s facial attributes. He scoffs at the realization. Him ? Finding the most difficult person in his contact list adorable ? If Atsumu himself knew of this, his ego would aggrandize and his mouth wouldn’t shut up about it. Kiyoomi will admit that he is attractive, yet he asks whatever god is out there why , in their good heavens , did they give an absurd amount of charisma to the most egotistical idiot he’s met.

He decides to not dwell on it that much. They don’t interact for half of the ride. Kiyoomi stays awake as droplets of rain hit the glass of the windows. He watches the rain pours harder. His AirPods are plugged in and he enjoys the tranquility of his surroundings; the noisiest people are all asleep, and although they snore, Kiyoomi would prefer that over nonstop yapping that is rather tiresome to hear. And included in those noisy people who are now quieted by slumber, is Atsumu. His snores are audible, yet it isn’t that loud to disturb his seatmate. And Kiyoomi finds his soft snoring relaxing, like hearing a child sleep at the end of the day after using too much of their energy. If there’s a calm before the storm, it surely returns after. This might be what Kiyoomi’s experiencing.

He goes back to watching the surroundings pass by him in the window to keep him entertained as if it were a television. It’s not long when he feels a sudden weight on his shoulder and his neck being tickled by a ruffle of hair. He needn’t turn to know what it is yet he does so anyway. And hurrah, Kiyoomi finds Atsumu peacefully using his shoulder to cushion his head. His arms are crossed and his knees touch together. The soft snoring ensues and Kiyoomi’s nose is filled with honey again. This idiot should really put his scent patches properly.

Although the sight is heartwarming (the other side of Kiyoomi’s mind likes to say yuck ), the alpha doesn’t want to be used as a life-sized pillow.

And because he’s an asshole, he gives no regard to Atsumu’s blissful, untroubled sleeping, so he disturbs it. “Miya.”

No response. Kiyoomi nudges his shoulder where Atsumu’s head lays on. “Miya.”

“Mmn?” Atsumu slurs, consciousness still trapped in sleep.

“Wake up. You’re drooling on my shoulder.”

At this, Atsumu jolts up. Sure, he’s an asshole too but he does understand the principles of personal space, and how much Kiyoomi’s weary of it. He rubs his eyes. “Ahn, s’rry Omi-omi.”

It wasn’t in his place to disrupt Atsumu’s sleep, but the feeling of drool pooling by his shoulder isn’t so pleasant either, hence why Kiyoomi apologizes. It’s only fair since despite all the cheeky teasing and annoying, Atsumu is still considerate about his boundaries. “I’m sorry too for bothering your sleep.”

“Yeah, ya could’ve just–“ A yawn finds a place in the middle of his sentence. “–moved my head or sumth’n. Now I’m awake.”

“I know, which is why you should get back to sleep.” Kiyoomi says, and once he’s made aware of the sweet scent still lingering by his nose, he mentions it. “But before that, you should really fix your patches. I can still smell you.”

Instantly, Atsumu’s hand is on his neck, moving the patch to the exact area of his scent glands. “Was in a hurry this mornin’. Woke up late.”

“I could tell.”

Out of the two years they’ve been teammates, it’s only now that Kiyoomi learns about Atsumu’s scent. In practice, the setter only ever takes his scent patches off before he’s about to step into the showers. Kiyoomi is always the first to shower, and in connection, he’s always the first to leave. Whereas Atsumu is one of the last to hit the showers. He doesn’t rush to get home after practice, he likes to spend extra time practicing even as they’re dismissed. If not, he’ll chat around and hang by the lockers before he decides to finally head home. Because of this, Kiyoomi never got the chance to catch a trace of his scent. Atsumu is also meticulous and precise on how he puts his scent patch on. He makes sure that his scent gland doesn’t emit even just the faintest bit of scent when it’s under the concealability of the patch. It’s just by chance right now that with how clumsily and rushed it’s attached, whiffs of his scent seem to roam freely in the atmosphere around them. Though if Kiyoomi had been farther from him, he wouldn’t have caught it.

The rain becomes a drizzle, gently pitter-pattering on the window panes. It’s silent between them, yet Kiyoomi can tell that Atsumu hasn’t fallen back to sleep yet – the soft snoring hasn’t returned. He once again turns to question Atsumu. “Aren’t you going to sleep?”

“Ya woke me up! Now I can’t sleep!” Atsumu complains. “But I am curious Omi-kun, have ya fallen asleep?”

“No.”

“What? It’s nearing five hours now!” Atsumu asks in disbelief.

“Unlike you, I was well-rested last night. That’s why I was able to wake up with ample energy for the whole day and put on my patches properly,” the alpha points out.

“God, are ya that affected by my scent that ya won’t let it go?”

And what if I am?

Damnit Kiyoomi, think straight!

“Nice try, I’m not going to inflate your ego with that,” Kiyoomi counters.

“Mmm, but ya didn’t deny it.” Atsumu smirks.

“Your scent is too sweet.” Kiyoomi wrinkles his nose behind the mask, but Atsumu can distinguish the action. “I thought I was going to have diabetes just smelling it.”

“Hey! Rude!” Atsumu pouts. “I smell fantastic, excuse you.”

“Sure, whatever floats your boat.” Kiyoomi rolls his eyes. Albeit Atsumu isn’t wrong. Even though it seems boastful (and in a way, it is ), he is telling the truth.

Silence comes back between them, though it doesn’t provide any discomfort. Kiyoomi makes the most of the very few moments wherein Atsumu is quiet. He figures the omega is quite tolerable when his mouth doesn’t run a mile a minute. Sometimes Atsumu would hum in nonchalance to a song he heard on the radio or on the speakers of the mall he frequents. The alpha also finds that his voice isn’t that terrible – it’s fairly nice; sweet and husky like his scent of honey. As long as that very voice doesn’t start spewing out bullshit, then it’s oddly pleasant to the ear.

He manages to be surprised once he realizes that his train of thought steers towards Atsumu again for the nth time today. He’s been doing that lately, somehow thinking of something completely unrelated to the setter only to have him stuck in his head just moments later. It’s really hard to not think about Atsumu. He gets what he wants, which is attention. He knows how to shine brighter than anyone in the room, his cheerful vibes are contagious and despite being difficult, everyone manages to have a good time around him. There’s a light in him that attracts people and as much as Kiyoomi doesn’t want to admit it, he’s one of those very people. He can hang Atsumu in the sky by the clouds and the latter would very much be able to replace the sun.

He chooses to stop thinking altogether, because he knows that his thought process would reach Atsumu in some way later on. Instead, he turns his attention to the window in front of him. Next time they have to ride the bus for an away game, Atsumu might take the window seat, hence why he decides to make the most out of their current seating.

His attempts to stop thinking about the blond are futile as he can feel Atsumu also turn his head to the direction of the window, leaning a bit closer so he too can spectate the view. One of the reasons why they both like the window seat is because they find it delightful to watch the buildings pass by in a blurry haze. It gets boring on the bus, especially when they can’t sleep. Music can only do so much to keep them occupied, they need visual aid for them to remain entertained. Kiyoomi gets easily dizzy when he uses his phone on trips like these because of the vehicle’s motion, and Atsumu prefers to save his battery for long travels in case of emergencies because for the love of god , he doesn’t bother to prioritize bringing a power bank with him. So both their phones rest on their bags the whole ride with the exception of emergencies – and because of that, the window is the only thing keeping them occupied. It might seem boring, but there’s a lot to see. Believe them when they say that, they saw a building burning once and although they were alarmed, they found it quite interesting.

They pass by a mochi store that Atsumu deems familiar. His head lights up at the recollection. “Omi! Have ya been there before? The mochi store we passed by earlier.”

“You mean the one with the pastels on the sign?” At Atsumu’s affirmative hum of ‘mhm’ , Kiyoomi shakes his head. “No, I haven’t.”

“You should go there! Wan-san said there’s a branch in Osaka we can visit! They make the best mochis, I’ve been trying to replicate their recipe for a while now.” Atsumu beams as he goes into detail with the unique flavor of the filling and how pretty their pastel colors are. Kiyoomi hums as he listens intently. Another thing very endearing about Atsumu is when he talks enthusiastically about something. The sheer excitement and expression in the intonation of his voice give life to the conversation and his willingness to share it is nothing short of adorable. Maybe Atsumu’s also great company even with his mouth going, as long as his filter is on and he doesn’t choose to be insulting.

“Oh, did ya see that fluffy dog?” Atsumu points out after they pass by someone walking their dog by the streets.

“The one that looks like a stuffed toy?” Kiyoomi asks.

"Yeah, ya know what breed it is?” Atsumu starts. “It’s a Lagotto Romagnolo! Very rare and cute breed, back in Amagasaki, we had this very rich neighbor who would walk their dog every 4 in the afternoon, and that’s the very same breed! Me, and ‘Samu would pet ‘im but Suna wouldn’t,” He giggles. “He’s afraid of dogs for some reason.”

Kiyoomi smiles at Atsumu’s story. Very endearing indeed.

Atsumu continues to comment on everything they see, and occasionally Kiyoomi would share a few stories of his own. For once, Atsumu’s presence relaxes Kiyoomi. They didn’t exchange insults nor squabble, no one riled the other up, there wasn’t a bite in the flow of their words. They just had a normal conversation, as if they were friends who knew each other for a long time now. Well, that’s true – the history of their rivalry-friendship dates back to high school, just a little after they’ve presented. Although in the past decade of parading around one another, they’ve never had a chat so peaceful before.

Suddenly, the bus decelerates due to traffic. By then, the surroundings don’t pass in a blur, giving them an opportunity to talk about more things that catch their eye. Among the things they spot is a pregnant woman walking. Atsumu surprises Kiyoomi with his abrupt silence. The alpha looks back at his companion, only to see the latter’s gaze fixed down on his stomach as he circles a hand to rub on it.

And when Kiyoomi remembers the pregnant woman they saw a while ago, his eyes gape in realization. He is left aghast by the possibility that Atsumu’s gluttonous nature might mean he’s eating for two. He lets the silence continue on as he stares at Atsumu, who seems to be lost in his reveries to notice his actions being observed.

“Miya,“ Kiyoomi begins carefully. He wants to collect his words as deliberately as possible to avoid scaring the setter, though he’s never hesitated in getting to the point, always as blunt as ever. “Don’t tell me you’re…”

Atsumu freezes at the implication as he retreats the hand on his stomach and directs his gaze to Kiyoomi. “Oh my god, no! I’m not pregnant, silly.”

“How… can I be sure of that?” Kiyoomi asks slowly, brow raising in suspicion.

“Relax Omi! I don’t even have an alpha yet.” Atsumu whispers the last part out, a bit embarrassed.

“Then why did you react like that?”

Atsumu gets even more bashful as tints of red rush to coat the tips of his ears to the apple of his cheeks. He avoids Kiyoomi’s eyes. “I… I always wanted to have pups one day.”

“Hmm.” Kiyoomi nods understandingly.

Atsumu has always been very close with children and he knows how to handle them right. Most of their young audiences and fans flock to him because of his bright smile, and even brighter personality. His hugs keep them warm, and his voice soothes them – it isn’t scary and unfriendly to hear compared to Kiyoomi’s. He radiates this happy-go-lucky energy and has a playfulness that matches a kid’s own. He’s like a golden retriever, the one often approached by kids to pet and play with it. Weird comparison but Kiyoomi knows it makes sense. In addition, dogs always have their tongues out and the same can be said for the setter and his goddamn inability to keep his tongue in his mouth for five seconds.

They arrive in Tokyo soon after. Once they climb down the bus, they stretch their arms and arch their backs to get rid of the stiffness in their muscles from sitting for hours. Bokuto and Hinata yawn in unison, having just woken up from their sleep. While they haul their bags out of the vehicle, Meian gathers them outside of the hotel they’re staying at.

“So y’all remember the roomin’ plan, right?” Meian starts, to which they all nod.

There are only three omegas in the team – Atsumu, Hinata and Inunaki. The rest are betas and alphas. Hinata won’t take part in the rooming since he’ll be staying with Kenma, while Inunaki and Thomas have some sort of unlabeled and ambiguous affair going on; add the fact that they also room together usually, it’s clear that that won’t be changing anytime soon.

So, who rooms with Atsumu? The alpha deemed most responsible to look after him is no other than Kiyoomi. They have roomed a couple of times before, and similar to the bus seating arrangement, they managed to room in peace in spite of their contrasting personalities and tendency to bark at one another during every waking moment. Meian has no trouble with the alphas in the team – he doesn’t doubt that they wouldn’t touch an omega without consent, more so Kiyoomi. The omegas also trust all the alphas as they’ve established a bond deeper than mere teammates would have. Even with all the mayhem, and the title of the most chaotic Division 1 VLeague team, they care for each other just like how a family does. It’s unspoken of, but they’re pretty sure that they formed something likely of a pack.

Meian leads them into the hotel and ushers them to their rooms one by one. He also sends Hinata off on a taxi, bidding him goodbye with a ‘stay safe, don’t be late for the game tomorrow’ . Before the team can enter their respective rooms, Meian informs them of dinner at seven.

Kiyoomi and Atsumu are in their room, and as the spiker surveys the interior, Atsumu stakes his claim on which bed he’s staying on. He jumps on the chosen bed and deposits his bags by its tableside. “Dibs on this!”

The alpha snaps his head to his annoying roommate, only to see him comfortable in what is likely the better bed between the two provided. It has a window (seriously, what is it with their obsession with windows?) , it’s near the bathroom and compared to the other bed, it’s way further from the lights, making it a more suitable place for sleeping. Seems like Atsumu didn’t care about the fancy interior. His mind was set on taking the preeminent bed.

“You didn’t even let me choose,” Kiyoomi points out, irritated.

“Ha! Payback for takin’ the window seat earlier!” Atsumu exclaims pettily, feeling pretty much victorious.

Kiyoomi scoffs. Atsumu’s back to being petty and insufferable again. No longer is he the good companion who made the alpha all warm inside during a rainy, cold bus ride. Of course, he should’ve expected his congeniality to end any moment now.

During the hours before dinner, they manage to trot around the hotel room to make it comfortable for their living standards. After all, they’ll be staying there for tomorrow and leave the day that comes afterward. Kiyoomi starts by sanitizing the pieces of furniture there because he doesn’t trust hotel staff after reading an internet article claiming that some of them who are tasked to clean rooms after check-outs do a half-assed job at the only thing they’re supposed to do. After scrolling through the article, Kiyoomi became paranoid, and it’s been a habit of his ever since to redo the hotel room’s cleaning, even as he’s tired from travel.

Atsumu seems to follow suit, because he starts doing work in the bathroom – scrubbing the floor and the walls. This surprises Kiyoomi, because he’s never thought of the omega as someone diligent in cleaning and chores before.

“Why are you helping me?” Kiyoomi asks from the bathroom’s doorway as he observes Atsumu’s figure, crouched down as he does his work.

Atsumu turns to him, unimpressed. “Doncha’ know how it puts me on edge? That you’re the one cleaning around when you’re s’pposed t’ be restin’?”

Kiyoomi’s heart is awfully full with Atsumu’s consideration. Though he doesn’t let it show. Instead, he clicks his tongue. “So you’re doing it out of pity I see?”

“Omi-kun, not every act of kindness is run by pity.” Atsumu rolls his eyes.

“Really huh? That’s a surprise, I’ve never deemed you to be kind though.” The corners of the alpha’s lips curve in the slightest.

“For your information,” Atsumu exclaims, pissed. He starts to scrub aggressively. It’s the usual banter again, the ‘I’m not letting you win this’ kind. “I’m plenty kind!”

“Sure,” Kiyoomi says, bored. The impassiveness further provokes the omega. “Anyways, finish up soon so you can unpack. We’re getting dinner any moment now.”

Kiyoomi walks away. Atsumu calls out to his ungrateful roommate. “A thank ya would’ve been nice! An’ don’t rush me! I’ll do shit job at cleanin’ if that’s the case!”

Atsumu doesn’t get a response, but he catches a humming – one intended for him to hear. It’s vexing, and very much teasing .

How infuriating.

They return to their room after dinner, bellies content with the meal. Kiyoomi immediately disappears to take a shower as Atsumu watches some television, opting to watch a drama Hinata suggested he check out. Once Kiyoomi emerges from the bathroom, he calls out to the omega, pointing to the door behind him with a ‘your turn’ . They run through their nightly routines without trouble and by the time it’s nine pm, Kiyoomi impertinently turns the television off, even with Atsumu binging the drama. The latter turns to the other in disbelief.

“I was watchin’ that!”

“It’s already nine, go to bed.” Kiyoomi shrugs off his actions.

“It’s so early? My bed time isn’t even at ten! What are ya, a grandpa?” Atsumu barks.

“We have a match tomorrow. And, as an athlete, sleep is as important as exercise and diet.” Kiyoomi retaliates. He pulls the blanket over his head, turning away from his complaining companion.

“You’re not the one watchin’ anyways! Why are ya mindin’ my business?”

“If you had the common sense to notice, I can hear the loud noise of the damn TV. Oh, and did I mention that it’s bright?”

Atsumu still doesn’t leave their argument at that. “Still! Ya could’v–“

“Go to sleep Miya,” Kiyoomi says sternly, and Atsumu is reminded that the other person in the room is an alpha .

Atsumu grumbles his disapproval. Still, he turns off the lights on his bedside lamp, which is the only thing illuminating the room. He shuffles to tuck himself in his own cozy blanket.

Minutes pass, yet neither of them are able to fall asleep. It’s just the silence and darkness waltzing in between their spacious room to the faint sounds of the city beneath them. Atsumu turns to face the bed opposite of his. Even with the lack of light, he can make out the lump resting on the bed and although it remains motionless, he can tell that slumber hasn’t caught Kiyoomi yet. The consistency of the combined wooden scents of cedarwood and mahogany is also a rough giveaway.

If Kiyoomi hadn’t known Atsumu’s scent before, then it’s quite the opposite for Atsumu’s situation. Despite wearing patches during training and outings, Kiyoomi always takes them off afterward. The texture of the patch irritates his skin and it always leaves a slight rash if worn for more than a couple of hours. Since they’ve roomed with each other before, Atsumu always had the opportunity to smell him because unlike what Atsumu’s doing now, Kiyoomi doesn’t wear a patch to sleep. It’s not like it bothers the omega – in fact, Kiyoomi’s scent comforts him. It reminds Atsumu of the woods in Hyogo (his family owns a lot of lands in Amagasaki) that used to be his and Osamu’s playground. Instead of Gameboys and other early video games, they grew up with the crunching of leaves underneath their shoes and the chirping of birds.

“Psst, Omi,” he whispers. Though in the quiet of their shared room, it doesn’t really sound like one. He doesn’t get a response, but it doesn’t discourage him.

“Omiiii,” he drags out, a bit louder than his last call. Nothing changes, an answer is supposed to halt the waltz the silence dances though it does not come.

And as Kiyoomi likes to reiterate, there is never a peaceful moment with Miya Atsumu – the said man repeats the alpha’s name again and again. Only getting louder by each call.

“Omi-kun.”

“Kiyoomiiii.”

“Sakusa Kiyoomi.”

“Prickly-kun,”

“ What ,” Kiyoomi hisses, finally giving in. He turns to face the tormentor of tonight, the constant source of his misery, his lifelong affliction.

“Yay, Omi finally answered!” Atsumu chirps in joy.

“What are you, five ?” Kiyoomi scowls. Though he will admit that Atsumu rejoicing over his attention is quite adorable.

“No, but I am bored.” Kiyoomi can hear the pout in his voice, which is oddly terrifying, because since when did he gain the ability to hear the omega’s facial expressions?

“Is it my fault?”

“Well yeah, ya technically stole the remote and interrupted my show,” Atsumu counters.

“I told you to sleep, didn’t I?”

“Well, that’s pretty hypocritical of ya since you’re very much wide awake right now,” The setter mentions.

Kiyoomi can’t deny that now can he? He’d be further proving that he’s a hypocrite if he tries to strike back at Atsumu’s words. He decides that it isn’t a moment of weakness to let Atsumu win one of their many petty discourses. Besides, he’ll elongate the nonsense of their exchange if he tries to retaliate with something rather more stupid than what Atsumu threw at him. Retreating or surrendering doesn’t mean he lost the war – it means that he’s looking forward to more careful and calculated victories, something an idiot like Atsumu isn’t capable of claiming.

And then resumes the dance of silence, the whole area becomes its ballroom as the two bask in its performance.

“Hey Omi?” Atsumu starts as he stares at the ceiling.

“What is it now?”

“Where do you see yourself fifteen years from now?”

Kiyoomi is stunned by the sudden question. It materialized out of nowhere, and it definitely isn’t on his list of topics that he knows Atsumu would bring up and discuss with him. He always saw Atsumu as carefree and a person who lives by the saying ‘que sera sera’ – whatever will be, will be. With how reckless his actions are and the ineptitude to oversee the consequences of said actions, he never took Atsumu as the kind to lay awake at night and wonder over where he stands tomorrow, or the years that follow. But that is exactly what’s happening now.

“Are you my sixth-grade teacher?” Yet another scoff from the alpha.

Atsumu sighs. “I’m askin’ a serious question, don’t think that I’m jokin’.”

“Hmm,” Kiyoomi hums thoughtfully as he decides to entertain Atsumu’s very arbitrary choice of a topic that’ll supersede the silence in the room. “In fifteen years, I’ll be thirty-nine? Yeah, I definitely will be.”

The alpha continues to envision himself in that time. “I’ll also not be qualified to keep playing professionally, will I?”

Atsumu chuckles. “No shit sherlock. None of us will be. The life of an athlete is awfully short.”

“Mhm,” Kiyoomi agrees. “I guess I have to start looking into what I’ll do once I hit my early thirties.”

“You’re still young, twenty-four to be exact. Ya have a lot of time to think it over,” Atsumu says.

Kiyoomi raises a brow at this, albeit he isn’t sure if the former can see it. “I’m not the one asking where I’ll see myself years from now.”

“Well, I’m askin’ what do ya see in your future as of the moment. It can change as time goes by.” Atsumu snorts.

“Touché.”

“Anyways,” Atsumu turns to properly face Kiyoomi in a snuggly position. His hands are bound together on top of his pillow as they cushion his cheek, the blanket sinks into his body further. “Are ya gonna answer me?”

Kiyoomi takes his sweet time in gathering what he would like to see in his future. He wants the stability of adulthood; emotional, financial, physical and social. But everyone wants that, so it would be useless to voice that out. First, he thinks of what he’ll do once his time in the professional league runs out, which is an inevitability for both him and Atsumu. As much as they’d do anything to keep playing until their last breath, the careers of athletes have an inescapable expiry date.

“First, I’ll settle on what I’ll be doing after I retire from playing. It’s either I put my college degree to use or become a volleyball coach or physical ed teacher,” Kiyoomi responds.

“Hm, office work is quite boring, y’know? I’d rather coach. My volleyball skills hafta’ be passed down to the younger generation,” Atsumu huffs boastfully.

“Well, we’re quite different. I’m not as dedicated to volleyball as you are.”

“Where will ya stay then? Are ya goin’ back here to Tokyo after resigning from the Jackals or are ya stayin’ at Osaka?” Atsumu asks. And Kiyoomi thinks it’s a good question. He hasn’t considered which city he might make a home of several years from now.

“Depends on where my work is, of course,” Kiyoomi answers. “If it’s out of Japan then I will be there too.”

“Noooo Omi, I’m goin’ ta miss ya!” Atsumu whines.

“Correction, you’re going to miss annoying me.” Kiyoomi scoffs.

“Same thing.” Atsumu chuckles. “Aside from work, what else do ya see in your future?”

What other aspects does Kiyoomi need to consider in envisioning his future? His work is currently undecided, yet it lies in between the lines of volleyball or his obtained degree – his home address would depend on his work, he doesn’t have a lot of hobbies that can change how he lives his life, but oh –

The general notion of a partner and children.

Maybe that’s what Atsumu meant to ask.

“I’m not really sure if I see myself starting a family.”

Atsumu tilts his head in question, though Kiyoomi couldn’t make out the gesture due to the darkness. “Eh? You’re not seein’ anyone? Ya don’t have a pretty little omega waitin’ at hom–“

“For the love of Kami Miya, I don’t know where you’d get the idea that I’m the type to have time for romance.” Kiyoomi rolls his eyes. Dating isn’t really something found in between the figures of his watch.

“You’re the type of alpha that every omega drools about, I don’t see why ya don’t have anyone.”

“By every omega, you mean you too?” Kiyoomi mocks, with a smirk full of mirth.

“Sh-shut up!” Atsumu raises his voice. It’s a good thing that the darkness masks the blush crawling on his cheeks.

“I’m glad that you think of me as an ikemen Miya. I’m flattered, even.”

“Don’t let it get into your head!”

Kiyoomi clears his throat. “To answer your question earlier, I’m just like you. We’re both not seeing anyone as of the moment.”

“But, have ya ever dated?”

“Well, that’s pretty typical.” Kiyoomi shrugs. “I’ve dated thrice only. The relationships lasted in the span of college. Two female omegas and a male one.”

Kiyoomi doesn’t know what spirit possessed him to share his dating history with the blond who he doesn’t really consider a friend. Atsumu just asked if he involved himself in any romantic connections, but Kiyoomi himself relayed how many relationships he’s had, at what time in his life did they occur, and both the first and second genders of his former partners. He’d slap himself in the face for oversharing about things he usually wouldn’t talk about – he treats his privacy regarding aspects of his life like this as something sacred. Though by some miracle, he seems to like the flow of conversation he and Atsumu have. It appears so natural and unforced, as if they’ve been sharing their lives with one another for the past decade – which they did, though in volleyball only. But the way they communicate with one another was always an enigma; there are the derisive jeers and never-ending quarrels, and there are also the times like this and the ride they had on the bus earlier, where they interacted without contempt, sharing everything they had to offer with one another. It’s a juxtaposition that Kiyoomi will never get how it happened, but he doesn’t complain. He wouldn’t trade their interaction or their way of communicating for the world.

“That’s pretty tame compared to what I thought of ya’,” Atsumu comments.

“Do you think I’d be the playboy type to collect omegas?”

“That’s what your fanbase wants ya to be. They’re simpin’ on ya on a constant.”

“Enough about me, how about you? I hope you don’t sleep around,” Kiyoomi remarks snidely. But deep inside, he wishes it was true.

Atsumu gasps dramatically. “Omi why dya’ think so lowly of me!”

“Apparently your fanbase also thinks the same way.”

“Man, they really paint us as the type to jump from person to person. Fandoms are crazy,” Atsumu sighs. “Though ya are correct. I’ve only had one boyfriend. I had him from the start of my stay with the team, cap’n has met ‘im already”

“Really then? What happened?” Now that piques Kiyoomi’s curiosity. He’s not one to pry into someone’s dating history. Just like how he takes good care of his privacy, shielding it from nosy people, he also believes that other people should do the same with theirs. He couldn’t give a damn about how many hookups Inunaki had before Thomas became the constant. Nor could he care about Oikawa and Hinata’s orgies in Brazil. If someone wants to tell him about the people they tied themselves with, then Kiyoomi doesn’t mind either, though he doesn’t ask about it further. But somehow, Atsumu’s very own simple history has him intrigued, and very eager to know more.

And then there’s a bitter feeling stirring in his gut with the knowledge that some dude has already made an abode out of Atsumu’s heart. That someone had to be the reason for his sweet smiles and sweeter laughter. That someone was Atsumu’s first love . He doesn’t feel that way when anyone else would narrate their past relationships. And if Kiyoomi recognizes the feeling as jealousy, then he insistently denies it.

“He only dated me because he wanted the challenge of ‘taming’ me. He was traditional, and he despised omegas who wouldn’t submit to alphas – omegas who were as fierce as them. Of course, I didn’t know that until towards the end of the relationship. He became abusive and even tried to force me on his bed. I didn’t like his nonconsensual ways so I fought back. Given that he was stronger than me, I didn’t emerge unscarred but I managed to escape the fucker.” Atsumu narrates, his voice calm and unwavering despite the tragic experience he retold. “He was so sweet in the beginning, he gave me the lovin’ I wanted, the lovin’ I deserved . It was all a plot to get me to soften around him and lead me into submission.”

Oh, how Kiyoomi wanted to beat the bastard. He wanted to knock his teeth out one by one so there’s none left for when he smiles – or for when he smirks at any other omega. Maybe he’d even take his ability to bear children who would inherit his very traditional but harmful beliefs. Though permanent damage to his balls wouldn’t be enough to compensate for the hell he made Atsumu go through. Sure, Atsumu isn’t a typical omega but he’s just as amazing as any other omega could be, submissive or not.

“What’s his name?” Kiyoomi grits out, blood boiling, set on preparing him for the devil to pick up.

Atsumu shivers at the tone of Kiyoomi’s voice. He whispers. “No, Omi ya can’t beat him up. I-if it makes ya feel more at peace, ‘Samu beat him up already!”

Kiyoomi relaxes, and he breathes out the stiffness along with a chuckle. Of course, Osamu would do that. As much as the other Miya would deny it, he loves his brother more than anything in the world. Anyone who dares harm Atsumu is sure to go through his definition of hell.

“Is that why…” Kiyoomi pauses as he continues their discussion. “You haven’t been with anyone ever since?”

“Oh no, I’ve moved past that point already,” Atsumu says, and Kiyoomi can hear the warm grin in his voice. Had there been sufficient light, he’s sure that he could spot said grin on the omega’s face. He’s glad that Atsumu’s made his peace with it, because if not, he’d volunteer with pleasure to give that asshole a second beating so he could assure Atsumu that he won’t be bothered anymore by him.

Atsumu continues. “Besides, the only reason why I’m not with anyone yet is that our schedules are hectic. Just like ya, I don’t have the time to dedicate to a person.” And then he shyly adds, “Though I’d like someone to love me as much as I love them – even start a little family with ‘em.”

Kiyoomi smiles at the timid confession. Atsumu can be as ferocious as an alpha. He can be dominating and he won’t hesitate to pick a fight with one, but deep inside, he’s still an omega – one who has dreams of carrying a pup in their arms one day, one who yearns for a partner who will envelop them in a whole lot of loving.

“I wouldn’t mind being a housewife in the future.” The quiet, bashful voice continues. It’s nothing like his loud, unfiltered string of words that always seem to cause a commotion. “I could be the person someone comes home to and the one who’ll greet them with a kiss. I wanna raise our children to be as fantastic as ‘Samu and I. Oh, don’t tell ‘Samu I called ‘im fantastic.” Atsumu rushes the last part with a small laugh.

Kiyoomi can’t help but laugh fondly as well. “Sure, sure your secret’s safe with me.”

“How about you Omi, whaddya’ think about children?” Atsumu asks.

“Hmm, I’ve had experiences with them,” Kiyoomi says. “My siblings have families of their own. I have three nieces and two nephews. I’m not close with them, but I do get along with them well.”

“You’re the grumpy uncle!”

“Oh shut up.” Kiyoomi chuckles. “Though I’m not really fond of kids. They’re loud and messy, just like you.”

“Hey!”

“And they seem like a big responsibility. I’m not sure if I can raise them right or be a parent they can be proud of. And as of now, me getting in a relationship is something that’s a bit far-fetched. I haven’t met anyone who I’d like to be in a relationship with just yet, and I guess that’ll continue on for a while. I have come to terms that I’m going to grow old and die alone,” Kiyoomi finishes.

Atsumu frowns. “Don’t say that Omi! You’ll meet someone someday, and it’s okay if ya don’t have pups.”

“Mhm, we’ll just see.” Kiyoomi hums. “The future isn’t ours to tell anyways.”

“But if ya had the chance to travel years from now, wouldya’ take it?” Atsumu asks once more.

“Seems like a scary thing to do.” Kiyoomi contemplates. It’s impossible, though it’s nice to think about it just like some weird utopian sci-fi movie. “But if the chance is available, why not?”

“Yeah! It’d be fun to take a peek at what’s in store for ya and–“ The setter is cut off by a long yawn. Kiyoomi can hear how quickly sleep is catching up to him.

“Hey, I think you should sleep.”

“You too Omi.” Atsumu yawns once more. “We have a game tomorrow.”

“Of course, I know.” Kiyoomi turns to his other side that isn’t facing Atsumu. He gets comfortable enough for sleep to fall on him. “Good night.”

“Mmm, night Omi.”

The future huh? Kiyoomi’s mind ponders, even after their conversation. What could be waiting for me when I reach there?

The ball falls on their side of the court and the whistle blows, signifying the end of the match.

The falcons are declared the winners as men in red rejoice on the other side of the net; they cheer and exchange hugs, fists pumping in victory.

Both teams line up to shake hands. Once Atsumu reaches Aran, the latter smirks at him – his grey eyes have smirks of their own as they stare the omega down. “Think ya can beat yer’ senpai huh?”

Atsumu grits his teeth as he grips Aran’s hand tightly, the veins on his own hand slightly protruding. “I’ll get back at ya next time! Remember that!”

Aran laughs as their hands detach from one another’s. “Make sure to come to dinner, someone wants t’ see ya.”

Like the inner child inside of him, Atsumu is petulant. He turns away with a ‘hmp’. Aran’s laughter amplifies.

After six years on the professional league – all years spent with the Jackals – Atsumu had learned how to deal with loss. It doesn’t devastate him as much as it used too. His sixteen-year-old self would stomp his feet in anger when the win is snatched from them by the other team; he’d huff and whine and spend the whole week after grumpily, picking on his food in frustration as he thought about what he could’ve done to save a point from ending up on the opposing team’s score. Current Atsumu however made his peace with the fact that losses will come and go, just like how wins do. Though it doesn’t make him less frustrated, especially since he was up against his former upperclassman. It is rather embarrassing to lose to someone who knows you to the bone. And Aran sure knows that Atsumu despises losing.

They gather in the locker rooms for a shower. It’s there that Atsumu recollects the last bits of the match. He knows better than to put a fault on a single person for leading them to the losing end when volleyball is a team sport – six people to be blamed for a loss and six people to be credited for a win. Though it still leaves a harsh sting in the pool of his stomach, because the last toss from their side of the court was his, and he delivered the ball to Kiyoomi. Due to the sloppy foundation of the toss, the precision Kiyoomi usually puts in spiking a ball couldn’t be executed, therefore it was easily received by the Falcons’ libero and their attempt on attacking was countered – Aran slammed the ball down and despite Hinata’s receive reaching it, it couldn’t be brought up, so it helplessly bounced off and fell, touching the half of the court that belonged to them.

Maybe Meian was right, Atsumu and Kiyoomi need to work on their coordination.

“I’m sorry,” Hinata starts, a whisper amidst the quiet of the room. Only footsteps, the opening of lockers, and the rustling of personal belongings fill the atmosphere with sound. “I-I could’ve received it bett–“

“There was no way you could’ve received that ball. It was impossible and everyone knew it. By the time Ojiro-san hit it, we all knew it was bound to end up in our loss.” Kiyoomi refuses to accept Hinata’s apology, because he simply has nothing to apologize for  in the first place. “On the other hand, if I had hit it better, they wouldn’t be able to receive it.”

“You’re a jerk ya know?!” Atsumu hisses. “Stop blamin’ yourself, I was the one who tossed that ball. It was shaky from the beginnin’. If Sho-kun couldn’t receive it then ya couldn’t have hit it better because of me!”

“Why don’t we all stop trying to put ourselves at fault one by one and start preparing for dinner?” Barnes comments as he pulls his shirt on. “We don’t want to keep the Falcons waiting, now do we?”

“I thought we went over this already.” Meian adds. He then gestures to Hinata, Kiyoomi and Atsumu. “ You three out of everyone should know best that there is no single person to blame. Each member is the reason why we lost points. If we hadn’t lost any, then even if ya did, we wouldn’t lose in that instant.”

“Besides, that’s all in the past now! Right now, we have a dinner to look forward to! I heard from Akaashi that the restaurant we’re headed to is nothing short of divine! You all would love the food!” Bokuto tries his best to lift up the mood with his cheery spirit. This seems to restore a bit of normalcy around them and tension regarding their loss slowly dissipates as they follow what Bokuto said – they leave their loss behind and diverge their attention from it to the upcoming dinner. Food is always a great reward for their hard work. Win or lose, the effort they put is already something worth celebrating.

They enter the restaurant, and a lot of the Falcons are already there. They sit on a long table, consuming the space of almost a third of the restaurant’s entire second floor. They give friendly waves as the Jackals approach and take their seats on the opposite side of the table.

The Jackals have a good relationship with the Falcons – one of the best. No one holds grudges towards anyone within the two teams and each member gets along with the other well. They pick their orders and the waitress takes note of it. The food arrives, and they don’t hesitate to immediately start eating their hunger away once the servings touch the table. It’s been a long grueling match after all. They’re all tired and in need of a good feast to end the day.

In between munching and refilling their plates, they chat with one another casually. They talk about upcoming games, the arrival of the new season which is nearing, strategies and plays, and players they’re closely acquainted with from other teams. Seems like the talk of the night is Kageyama Tobio, who is in Italy. They analyze his tosses and serves and Hinata, being the ever so petty rival-slash-best friend of said setter, has his mouth yapping in both complaint and commendation. He just never runs out of words to say when it comes to Kageyama.

Atsumu doesn’t listen to it all as he picks on his food. He’s stuffed, satisfied with the meal. In fact, he ate a lot, which is nothing surprising considering how much the Miyas eat on a daily. His plate has been refilled three times now as he tried the different assortments of delicacies he didn’t even know existed. He had participated in the conversation a while ago, especially between him and Aran, though he doesn’t have a lot to say on his kouhai of a setter. But that isn’t the only reason as to why his mouth stays closed, and why he doesn’t bother to interfere in their current conversation. It’s because something’s been plaguing his mind lately. He checks the time on his wrist watch. It’s a quarter to eight.

Kiyoomi, who sits just beside him, takes notice of this. He arches a brow in question at the odd behavior of the omega. “You’re awfully quiet. Are you pissed about the topic revolving on Kageyama?”

Atsumu’s attention is caught as he faces Kiyoomi, reflecting the raised brow on the latter’s expression. “No? Why’dya’ think that? It’s been years since I left that resentment towards Tobio-kun. I couldn’t give a damn about him really.”

Atsumu shrugs, and although his words make it seem like otherwise, the way his voice is relaxed, and his intonation steady, is a telltale sign that he’s stating the truth. It would be dumb of him to think lowly of himself whenever Kageyama surpasses him in any way. Despite him still being tremendously competitive towards the younger, he doesn’t take every lack he has to heart. He knows Kageyama is amazing, and he also knows that he himself is amazing too. So why bother thinking that his kouhai’s wins make him any less of a volleyball player? It’s illogical and completely useless to nurse thoughts like that.

“Then what seems to be distracting you? You look out of it.”

Atsumu finally reveals on what he fixates on. “Aran-kun mentioned sumth’n about about someone wantin’ to see at dinner. I just can’t figure out who.”

“Maybe someone from your alumni?” Kiyoomi suggests.

Atsumu doubts it. Osamu is in Hyogo, so is Akaagi. Suna’s at Nagano. Ginjima is coaching at Osaka – Oomimi’s also at Osaka, working his boring office job. And Kita? He’s back home at Hyogo too.

Or at least, that’s what Atsumu thinks.

The quick clatter of small feet on the floor is made audible with a voice calling out to their table. “‘tou-san!”

All heads turn to the little girl nearing a member of the Falcons. Behind her follows her mother, who takes his sweet time in approaching them, only chuckling at his daughter’s excitement. She climbs to sit on her father’s lap though her attempts are fruitless. Instead, she puts her arms up, stretching them – and in an instant, her father gets the gesture.

Aran lifts his daughter to settle her comfortably on his lap. She hugs him as he starts to scent her. She giggles, delighted to see her papa again.

The child has soft, brown skin just like her father. Her hair resembles telephone curls as it’s cleanly put up in high pigtails – it’s white with black streaks in between bunches of strands. Her eyes shine with a gleaming medallion hue. She takes most of her facial features from her father but the shape of her eyes is made from her mother’s genetic mold.

“Chiho-chan.” Aran greets and the little pup, Chiho, snuggles closer to her father. “How was your trip with ‘kaa-san?”

“Chiho tired.” She sighs before looking up to beam at Aran. “But Chiho gets to see ’tou-san!”

Aran laughs at this. “Is Chiho-chan happy to see ’tou-san?”

“The happiest!”

Chiho’s mother appears behind Aran’s chair and he rests his hands on the latter’s shoulders, massaging them. His calm voice is like a lullaby to the alpha’s ears, his words sound like a song of the nightingale.  “She’s been looking forward to seeing ya.”

“Shin,” Aran turns to his mate, careful as to not disturb the pup resting on his lap. Kita bends down to receive Aran’s scenting – the alpha rubs his nose by the scent gland on Kita’s neck. Once they part, he sends a smile, grateful to the gods above for guiding his omega and daughter safely from Hyogo to Tokyo. “Ya must be tired too, darlin’.”

“It’s okay, just like what Chiho said, it’s worth it if we get to see ya.” Kita returns the smile before he lets out a yawn, further proving what Aran said. Normally when someone yawns, it’s messy – the way the mouth opens, the crinkling by the corners of the eyes, the scrunching of the nose and the very yawn itself. But Kita does it oh so gracefully, as if he rehearsed how to execute the simple act as elegantly as possible.

Everyone is endeared by the family’s display of affection. It looks perfect, but so natural at the same time. It’s effortless – because one of Kita’s favorite routines is loving Aran and the pup conceived from their very love.

Chiho’s grip on Aran’s shirt loosens, a sign of how tired she is from travel. Aran picks up on this, he leans down to nudge at her soft cheek. “Does Chiho-chan want to go the hotel with ‘kaa-san so she can rest?”

“No, Chiho is fine. Chiho can stay!” She says insistently, although her weariness is clear in Aran’s eyes. But he doesn’t force the idea of returning to his apartment to rest on her, instead he listens to her when she says she can stay.

“Hmm, that’s good. You should stay awake for a while.” Aran hums.

The childish curiosity flashes in his daughter’s face. She tilts her head in question. “Why?”

“Remember? I’m not the only one Chiho-chan wants t’ see right now, am I correct?”

The little girl has a small mental gymnastics going on in her head as she tries to process the implication behind her father’s words. And then once all her thinking leads to a mutual conclusion, she lights up – and just like that, all her tiredness seems to disappear from her vibrant expression. “Is Tsumu-oji here?”

“It’s clear that ya haven’t looked around.” Aran grins.

At the mention of his name, Atsumu perks up. Perhaps Kiyoomi was half right and half wrong with his assumption – an Inarizaki alumnus didn’t specifically request to see him, but the daughter of one (two, actually) did.

Once her bright eyes catch the sight of fluffy blond hair, said eyes meet the omega’s. Atsumu smiles at her, just as warm as the smile she returns. She cheers in excitement. “Tsumu-oji is here!”

Aran laughs. “Come on, go to yer’ favorite uncle.”

She giggles once more – a pup’s bubbly laughter echoes in the room as she climbs down from her father’s lap and takes her mother’s hand. She and Kita round the table to reach Atsumu’s spot. Aran resumes his conversation with his teammates and the Jackals that halted in order to entertain the exuberant little girl.

Once they near Atsumu, he leans forward in a small bow. “Kita-san, ‘m glad that ya had a safe trip.”

“Thank you Atsumu.” Kita smiles at him, and it’s as kind as every smile he gives.

“Tsumu-oji!” Chiho chirps, vibrating in enthusiasm. Atsumu leans down once again and opens his arms, to which the pup jumps at. In a cozy embrace, he lifts her into his lap. When she’s comfortable with how she sits, Atsumu reaches to his neck and slightly pulls away the patch on his scent gland. He’s still leant over and Chiho notes of the invitation. She bends forward to nuzzle her cheek on Atsumu’s neck. It’s relieving and really healthy to be scented by an omega other than her mother, and she does love the sweet scent of her uncle ‘Tsumu.

As they pull away, Atsumu reattaches the patch as if it wasn’t separated from his neck in the first place. He coos. “How is my little sugarcube?”

“Chiho has so much to tell Tsumu-oji!” She claps, her excitement overflowing. “Chiho helped ‘kaa-san make daifuku! And the day before, Chiho went to ‘Samu-ojii and helped make onigiri!”

“Wow! I’m sure it’s tasty! After all, Chiho-chan helped make it with her super special secret ingredient!” Atsumu mirrors the same excitement as his words string out animatedly.

“Haaa, really?” Chiho gasps, then covers her mouth with both hands to further express her surprise. “Tsumu-ojii know Chiho’s special ingredient?”

“Of course I do!” Atsumu huffs his chest, feigning pride. “Wanna say it together?”

“Mhm.” Chiho hums as she nods her head.

“Alright, alright.” Atsumu chuckles. “Chiho’s special ingredient is…”

“Love!” They both blurt out in unison, and laughter follows, creating a merry harmony around them. The two get lost in their own little world.

Kiyoomi observes the exchange. How can he not when the sight of Atsumu bonding with a pup warms his heart in ways he cannot explain? Perhaps it’s because of how endearing it is – their laughter complementing one another’s in a euphonious melody that’ll carve a lasting impression on him. Perhaps it’s because of the familiarity shared between them, how they sync their words and bear the same thoughts, how their ardors match one another. Perhaps because with the sight in front of him, he could imagine Atsumu carrying their pu -

What exactly is he thinking?

Does he… does he feel something for Miya Atsumu? The same Miya Atsumu who’s an unbearable, haughty omega? The same Miya Atsumu who buzzes loudly by his ear at every opportunity, who approaches him for the mere purpose of provoking him and pushing his buttons in an order particular enough to vex him? The same Miya Atsumu who laughs like God, who bonds with children like the heaven’s kindest angel, and who smells like the sweetest of nectar?

Okay, now that thought process was supposed to be negative, how did he end up mentally listing all his benign characteristics?

That alone is enough to corroborate the conclusion that yes , he does like Miya Atsumu.

He honestly doesn’t know what to feel about this. 

“Hmm, Tsumu-oji, why is that weird oji-san staring at Chiho and Tsumu-oji?” Curiosity tilts little Chiho’s head as her doe eyes blink at Kiyoomi questioningly. Kiyoomi is suddenly very aware of the unwarranted action he’s been doing without his own awareness.

Atsumu doesn’t think much about it though, he smiles kindly. And goddamnit, that smile . “Oh, he’s sea urchin-kun! He’s a weird fella, so don’t pay him much mind.”

“Sea urchin-kun?”

“Sakusa,” Kiyoomi chimes in. “Sakusa Kiyoomi. Nice to meet you Chiho-chan.”

“Or, you can call him Omi!” Atsumu suggests, and Kiyoomi catches the hint of mischief in his ebullience. 

“Atsumu,” the alpha warns.

“Omi-oji!” Chiho cheers, her laughter ricochets around the three of them. Atsumu’s own laughter follows.

In any other circumstances, Kiyoomi would be annoyed. He never liked that nickname, it’s childish and so unlike him – he’s mature, responsible, professional and way past the stage of childhood. It used to irk him, it was an itch he kept scratching but always seemed to come back as Atsumu (the one who proposed said nickname) keeps throwing it at him. And by extension, Hinata and Bokuto boarded the ‘let’s call him some variation of Omi’ train.

However, he feels endeared. He’d be lying if he said the nickname never grew onto him. He’d be lying if he said hearing that nickname spill from Atsumu’s mouth is despicable.

It feels oddly domestic; him and Atsumu, and a pup on the omega’s lap. For once, he can imagine a future he genuinely wants.

And fuck , does he realize he’s down bad.

“How’s the single life Tsum-tsum?” Bokuto asks after he swigs another shot of tequila. Once he puts the glass down, a wicked grin takes form on his lips.

Their dinner with the falcons has ended as the teams scatter to go on their separate ways – most of the Falcons went back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest, just like Aran, who gladly brought his family home with him, while others went club-hopping at Ginza for the full Tokyo-nightlife experience. The Jackals are in a similar situation – as Meian and the other older members have retreated to their hotel to call it a day. The younger members, however, decided that the night was still young, and chose a nearby bar to loosen up before they embark on another six-hour bus ride back to their dear prefecture of Osaka the next day. Kiyoomi never intended to tag along but just as always, the holy trinity of chaos (namely Bokuto, Atsumu and Hinata) managed to drag his unwilling feet along with them. Someone must’ve told Komori about their outing, because the libero seemed to show up, grinning at his cousin’s exasperated expression.

That led them to where they are currently at – poking at Atsumu’s very much uneventful love life and tormenting mentioned setter. 

Atsumu huffs, rolling his eyes at the question. Out of all questions, of course they’d bring that up. “Boring. And ya don’t need to rub it in my face that I’m single. Not everyone can snag the perfect alpha just as Keiji did with ya.”

Bokuto doubles over in laughter, and his cackles echo in their booth. He then points out; “There are a lot of alphas after you, why don’t you give them a chance?”

As Kiyoomi sips on his beer, he looks over his glass to the two with a brow raised, keen on following the conversation.

The setter scrunches his nose in distaste. And at that grimace, it’s evident that Atsumu’s not the playboy or slut everyone makes him out to be. With how much Atsumu’s been around alphas, the public conjures up rumors that he gets into bed with every single one of them, because God forbid that an omega can get close with an alpha without any amorous intention. It’s not something he can avoid anyways, since being an athlete means involving himself in an alpha-dominated industry, and a lot of his close friends and peers are alphas. Still, being around a lot of potential partners doesn’t guarantee actually having one.

“They’re not my type,” He says, grimace never faltering.

“What is your type anyways, Miya?” Inunaki takes his turn to ask.

“Yeah Atsumu-san! What is your type?” Hinata repeats.

Out of genuine curiosity, Atsumu lifts both his brows up as he sips on his vodka casually. “Why? Are ya plannin’ to introduce me to someone?”

Bokuto once again howls in laughter, Hinata giggles and Inunaki rolls his eyes indifferently. Komori himself has to give a small chuckle, and Kiyoomi? He silently absorbs it all, ears opened wider at Atsumu’s remark.

“Would you like us to?” Hinata excitedly chirps. “I don’t know your type, but Kageyama’s been single for a while! That poor guy!”

Atsumu laughs at the other omega’s sheer enthusiasm. “Thanks Sho-kun, it’s tempting but I’d never date my dear kouhai.”

“Kuroo’s got his eye on you y’know?” Bokuto butts in, with equal ardor as Hinata has. “I too, don’t know if he ticks all the boxes of what you’d want in an alpha but he’s pretty slick.”

Laughter escapes Atsumu once more at the suggestion. Kuroo’s awfully attractive, and a good alpha, and Atsumu might’ve had a crush on him during his high school days, but he just doesn’t think that their personalities clash well together. They’re just too… alike. “Kuroo’s hella’ fine, but I don’t think it’d work between us.”

Meanwhile, Kiyoomi listens to it all. And as much as he’ll deny it when asked by a particularly annoying cousin, he doesn’t like that Atsumu’s considering all these alphas, but he doesn’t let it show in his face, remaining as impassive as ever.

“How about you Omi, do you know anyone who’d like Tsum-tsum?” Bokuto turns to him, and all heads follow. Even Atsumu has a shy smile directed toward him.

Me.

“None,” Kiyoomi says simply, elbows perched on the table, with his beer stein in between his hands and in front of his lips.

“He meant himself,” Komori corrects as if he read his cousin’s mind.

Atsumu flushes a pretty light pink while Bokuto whistles and Hinata shrieks in giddiness. Inunaki sports a smirk on his smug face as he watches the scene unfold. Kiyoomi is quick to react, he turns to his cousin and flicks his forehead. Komori mutters an ‘ow’ as Kiyoomi calmly repudiates his statement. “Stop guessing around.”

“Seriously though Miya, what is your type? I might know a few,” Inunaki starts.

“Hmm, well,” Atsumu takes the time to contemplate what really allures him in an alpha. “Handsome of course? I want someone who is a bit serious but has a sense of humor that moves me.” He lifts a finger up, and then another – and then another; “I want someone who has the same drive for volleyball as me. Preferably dark-haired and taller than me, oh and,” By the fourth finger, he hesitates.

“And?” Hinata asks as the whole booth listens intently.

“And… I want someone good with kids.” Atsumu finishes shyly, as he looks down at his lap to avoid their gazes. Kiyoomi observes that when it comes to his dream of becoming a mother, Atsumu gets quiet with bashfulness.

Everyone lets out an understanding “ohhh”. It made sense really. Atsumu loves children and does plan to have his own hopefully one day. Atsumu would like to be with someone who wants kids as much as he himself does. Kiyoomi can connect it all, it should have been predictable.

“Is there anything else?” Bokuto asks.

Atsumu smirks, and suddenly, everyone knows that some mischievous nonsense is about to leave his mouth. “I also want someone with a great dick ga–“

“That’s enough.” Inunaki puts that sentence to a halt before it can be finished.

Bokuto, Hinata, Atsumu, and Komori all laugh in unison as they move on to a different topic for a conversation.

The disclosure of Atsumu’s supposed ‘type’ bewilders Kiyoomi. Someone a bit serious but has humor esoteric to the omega, someone with a passion synonymous to his when it comes to volleyball, dark-haired and taller than him, and –

Oh, Kiyoomi isn’t good with children though.

Atsumu suddenly gets up from his seat, breaking the conversation for a while. “Imma go ask for a drink from the bartender over there. Is there anything y’all want?”

“Nah, we’re fine. ‘Sides, we shouldn’t get any more than tipsy lest we get an earful from capt’.” Inunaki waves him off. With that, Atsumu approaches the bar counter.

Kiyoomi’s eyes follow his figure. He watches as Atsumu takes a seat and orders the usual brand of whiskey he drinks. The setter makes small talk with the bartender until ultimately, the said bartender has to attend to another customer. Now, Atsumu is alone, and of course he’s going to want to return to the table with the team, but before he can get off the counter’s stool, some lousy alpha keeps him cemented there.

Now, Atsumu’s been advised a plethora of times by their PR to try to be polite with people, since he’s now recognized as a public figure. He used to churlishly scoff at fans during fan meets, or aggravate strangers he encounters. Now, however, he has to make an effort to show some grace when dealing with even the most atrocious people he’s had the pleasure (and he can definitely tell you, it isn’t a pleasure) to meet. So he couldn’t brush off this alpha as facilely as he should.

Their conversation is beyond Kiyoomi’s earshot, albeit his eyes clearly show him everything he needed to hear; because he can see Atsumu’s unusually short answers, his hesitant nods, the way he avoids eye contact with the interlocutor, the way he fidgets by bouncing his leg and tapping his fingers on the counter. Sheesh, now that’s unsanitary, but Kiyoomi couldn’t give a flying fuck about such a detail when Atsumu is practically stuck in a situation he doesn’t want to be in.

Kiyoomi finally decides to get up and save the blond from his misery. He nears them with a clear of his throat. Surely enough, it catches both of their attention. The spiker swears he saw Atsumu’s eyes sparkle with relief, and his tense shoulders sag in relaxation. 

“I’m sorry, but I have to collect my friend here. We must go, we have a trip to Osaka tomorrow.” Kiyoomi announces. 

“I see, a friend ,” the alpha responds, there’s a bite in the way he emphasized the last word.

Although needless to say, the alpha was fended off as Kiyoomi ushers Atsumu back to their table, for the certainty that no other alpha will approach him.

“What happened to that potty mouth of yours? I thought you were unrestrained with your words and had no sense of verbal filter,” Kiyoomi points out.

“I don’t know, I just froze up right there. Seems like my inner omega ascertained that that alpha was a threat and someone to not be provoked or some shit,” Atsumu elucidates.

“Oh, so I’m not a threat?” Kiyoomi jokes.

“You? A threat?” Atsumu raises a brow. He then bursts into fits of laughter. “Maybe you’re mean and scary sometimes but it’s not something I’m new to. You’re everythin’ familiar to me Omi. I trust ya, so I could never see ya as a threat.”

The tips of the alpha’s ears are dusted with the faintest of pink. God, Atsumu really lacks a verbal filter. Are there any on sale on Amazon? Kiyoomi would gladly spend his money on one for the omega. This idiot really says the most uncalled-for things that will either exasperate Kiyoomi or leave him a blushing mess. Still, he decides to use Atsumu’s words to his advantage. He starts to tease, “Hmm, is there a meaning behind that I’m not getting?”

“E-eh?” Atsumu’s eyes widen as his whole face heats up. Heh, adorable . “Yer’ readin’ too much into this Omi! What nonsense are ya up to?!”

“That’s not a valid answer to my question, therefore I’m free to assume anything, hmm?”

“Just shut up!”

Kiyoomi’s laughter that comes afterward is uninhibited.

Little does he know, it’s a sound Atsumu commits to his heart.

“I know what you’re thinking,” comes the mischievous chirp of Komori as he wiggles his eyebrows. Kiyoomi scoffs from beside him.

The night has lost its youth as they decided to wrap up their little gathering. Bokuto, Hinata, Atsumu and Inunaki called a taxi to send them back to the hotel. Kiyoomi however, was given the responsibility of chaperoning a possibly tipsy cousin back to his own hotel. Currently, they’re walking along the sidewalk, since Komori’s hotel is only a few blocks from the bar. Had Kiyoomi known that Komori would insist on being accompanied just so he can rub the former’s pathetic feelings on his face, then he would’ve left the libero at that bar, not caring at all if he doesn’t make it back. Perhaps he could ditch him now and there, he is being a little shit after all, so it’s quite justifiable.

“You’re thinking about what Atsumu-kun said, his type .” Komori’s teasing doesn’t end, even when Kiyoomi doesn’t show any interest in entertaining him. “It all adds up; dark-haired, serious but can make him laugh, is as big of a volley-nerd as he is, taller than him - but oh!” The libero snickers. “You aren’t good with children!”

Kiyoomi’s limits are being further pushed on as Komori’s snickers turn into a full howl of laughter. He throws his head back, laughing at Kiyoomi’s misfortune. His epicaricacy peeves Kiyoomi. The option of just leaving him here is getting more and more appealing.

“Maybe Atsumu was already considering dating you but then got turned off when he saw that kids cry at your hands!” His laughter doesn’t die down, instead, it amplifies. 

“ Shut up ,” Kiyoomi hisses, voice laced with warning.

“I know!” Komori starts in between fits of laughter. “You can make up for your lousy handling of children by giving him the best dick game!”

“ Motoya .” Kiyoomi seethes as he stops on his tracks.

“What?” Komori halts his walking 

“We’re here.” 

And sure enough, Komori finds himself standing in front of his hotel. He chuckles. “Aww, but we haven't finished our discussion yet!”

“There is nothing to discuss,” Kiyoomi says. “I’ve made my peace with the fact that I don’t have a chance to even ask his permission in courting him, okay?”

“Hmm, how are you so sure?” Komori grins. The playful lilt of his voice is not doing anything to help abate Kiyoomi’s dejection.

“Look, I can’t see the future, but I’m sure .” Kiyoomi huffs. “Don’t make me repeat myself again.”

“Oh but Kiyoomi, it’s dangerous to test the future. Anything can happen, hmm?” Komori’s tone is suggestive as if he knows something is going to happen.

But Kiyoomi brushes it off because his cousin always acts like that; like an impish man-child who always pokes at him for amusement.

They say their goodbyes. Kiyoomi takes a taxi to the team’s hotel.

He enters his shared room with Atsumu. The blond is deep in slumber on his bed, a blanket pulled by his nose, leaving a nest of golden locks and his closed eyes to peek from the fabric. It’s then that Kiyoomi notices how the scent of honey parades around the room, unrestricted to flow anywhere in the closed space. Kiyoomi chuckles endearingly. Atsumu must’ve been too out of it to put on another scent patch after he disposed of the one prior. 

Or, mayhaps he didn’t think of putting another patch on, because he trusts Kiyoomi.

“Maybe you’re mean and scary sometimes but it’s not something I’m new to. You’re everythin’ familiar to me Omi. I trust ya, so I could never see ya as a threat.”

His heart flutters at the thought. Though he doesn’t want to nurse high hopes.

He takes a shower and does his nightly routine before slipping into his own bed. It’s there he decides that he doesn’t mind sleeping with the scent of honey enclasping him.

He doesn’t further reflect on Komori’s statement.

Chapter Text

Kiyoomi rouses from sleep, though his eyes are still shut. The bed is just too comfy to leave. Which is an oddity in itself, because the hotel beds usually don’t provide this level of comfort. His senses are all awakened, sans his sight which remains dormant. His sense of smell is on alert as he catches the sweet scent of nectar floating around him; on the sheets, on the pillows, everywhere . And if there’s something he learned on the trip to Tokyo, it’s that there’s a specific omega who bears the scent of honey.

Now he’s alarmed; did Atsumu sleep in his bed? How did they even fit in a bed suited for a single person? And why would Atsumu want to sleep directly beside him? Perhaps he’s had too much to drink?

The alpha has his arms stretched, flailing around the sheets, trying to locate any sign of a sleeping body next to his. Apparently, all he’s met with is cotton. He tries to investigate more by rolling around the sheets, eyes too stubborn to open. Once he moves too much, he expects to fall down the bed and into the hotel’s cold, tiled floor, albeit the anticipated fall never came. In lieu, he finds his body still nestled in the warm embrace of the duvet, the only difference is the stronger scent of honey-soaked in the sheets. He concludes that the bed is larger than the regular hotel bed he fell asleep on the night prior. If he was alarmed earlier, then now he’s full-on disconcerted . The only possible reasoning for this would be a kidnapping.

As much as Atsumu’s scent tempts Kiyoomi to further sink into the luxury of the linen, the alpha has to assess where he is. He grunts as he sits up and blinks his eyes open, fending away any remnants of slumber. He takes in his surroundings, and he finds that he is, indeed, in a completely different room from the one he was in last night - and it’s evident that the room belongs to no hotel; the four walls surrounding him stretch wider than any regular hotel room, and there are indicators of consistent inhabitants here, such as the big closet cramped into one side, the dresser with sticky notes pasted on the mirror, the shelves dispersed all around carrying all sorts of trinkets and paraphernalia. His suspicion about the bed is also correct - it’s a king-sized sea of white, honey-scented sheets. 

Kiyoomi has no absolute clue where he is right now, though the surmise of kidnapping is getting more and more probable. But if everything here smells like Atsumu… did Atsumu do the kidnapping?

He stretches before he finally decides to leave the honeyed haven which is the bed. And concurrently, as his feet touch land on the hardwood floor, a harsh pitter-patter of feet can be heard from outside the door – along with are the yells of children squabbling at one another. 

“I’m goin’ first! The largest slice belongs to me!”

“Nuh-uh! No way am I letting a brat like ya’ have that!”

The noises get farther and farther until Kiyoomi can’t hear them anymore. He dares not to think of what he’ll encounter once he leaves this room. It’s too early in the morning to deal with these little devils called ‘kids’. There are so many questions and if he were to be honest, he’d rather not know the answers to them. But he knows that he’s not progressing anywhere if he stays at a standstill, which is absolutely the most stupid thing he could do in a situation like this.

So, the rational side of his brain impels him to exit the room. As he approaches the door, his ears catch another set of passing footsteps at the other side of the walls, though the pitter-pattering is much softer. 

“Nii-chan, nee-san! Wait up!” The voice of a third pup accompanies the footsteps that seem to get louder and louder. Kiyoomi doesn’t think much of it and doesn’t falter in swinging the door open.

The footsteps stop coincidentally in front of the doorway, and the little child turns his body in curiosity to the groggy alpha. Said alpha is now standing face to face with the small figure.

His gaze meets the eyes of the pup; they’re hazel – specs of emerald dance around the consistency of caramel. As he looks down at the expression of the little boy, he expects to find the littlest hint of consternation. It was a given; kids fear him, his six-foot-four frame, the undeviating scowl on his face, the raw wooden scent he emits, and the very aura of intimidation he carries around with him. This is the reason why pups never approach him, hence why he isn’t any good with them. He expects this child to cower and run as far from him as possible, just like all the rest he encountered before. Though that never seems to happen, because the mentioned child only cocks his head to the side, and his wide eyes blink up at him.

This pup appears to be used to his presence, and his deduction is further authenticated when the pup skips forward to hug his legs, nuzzling the sweats he wears. Kiyoomi hears a soft inhale and an even softer purr. Though what seems to leave Kiyoomi rattled, is the words the little boy directs at him.

“Good morning papa!”

What did he just address him?

Kiyoomi’s brain short-circuits; how did he earn a child overnight? Last he remembers, he didn’t even have someone to hold, someone to call his . Last he remembers, he just realized his feelings for a person he’s been genuinely attracted to. So why is there a child claiming that he’s his father?

The child looks up to Kiyoomi, his innocent gaze clearly questioning. Kiyoomi’s silence and unusual reaction must have been odd to him. “Papa?”

“Don’t call me that, you’re mistaken.” 

Conflict arises in the child’s expression. “H-huh?”

“I am not your father. Do not call me such.” Blunt as ever, Kiyoomi’s words are strict and succinct. “Now, where are your actual parents?”

“Y-you’re my papa…” The boy’s lips wobble as tears form in the corner of his eyes.

If there’s one thing Kiyoomi despises, it’s repeating himself. “No. I told you , I am not your parent, I am not your father . We are not in any way related. I don’t know you.”

“But you are my papa! Fufu…” The child full-on sobs. The dam breaks, and tears leak down his cheeks as his nose reddens with snot. His wails ricochet on the walls of the hall, and they eventually reach the other people inhabiting the household.

Kiyoomi panics, he tries his best to calm him, to assuage his cries. The situation doesn’t alleviate one bit, and his panic further aggrandizes when he hears people approaching.

“Ake-chan! Why are ya crying?” A girl much older than the sobbing pup rushes to the latter’s side, worry paints a frown on her face, along with a deep furrow of brows as she croons. She has a head of sunkissed curls – tawny and untamed. Her eyes hold the same hue, earthy tones blessed with the first golden rays of dawn. Under her left eye, a beauty mark rests there.

Another child follows the girl, also rushing to the littlest’s side. He is evidently younger than the girl but older than the other pup. He also attempts to allay the youngest’s sobs, though it doesn’t seem to mellow down anytime soon. The middle child looks up at Kiyoomi, “Papa, why did you make Akemi-chan cry?”

Kiyoomi flinches. He’s supposed to be the intimidating one, but the child’s glare keeps him in place, not allowing him to repeat that he isn’t their father. And then he observes the child’s eyes – they mirror his own, deep recherché lagoons of malachites. Once he grows up, people will surely fall victim to his stare. Just like himself, his hair color resembles the feathers of a raven. Had there not been an absence of curls (in lieu of this, straight short hair spikes out in different directions) and the facial features that surely aren’t found in the Sakusa bloodline, he’d undoubtedly be a mini copy of Kiyoomi.

Soon enough, Akemi (which Kiyoomi assumes is the name of the youngest pup) has his sobs reduced to small sniffles. The tears dry on his chubby cheeks and his nose is still red. He then begins to explain to the other children. “Papa says he don’t know me…”

The little girl has her turn in looking up, sure enough, she has the same deadpanned expression on her face just as Kiyoomi regularly wears. It’s safe to say that she’s unimpressed with her supposed ‘father’s antics. “Really papa? You’re actin’ like mama hit you so hard on the head that ya forget Ake-chan?”

“I-I don’t know you two either.” Kiyoomi tries to reason out. “And who is your mama?”

This time, the middle child bears the same expression as the older one. He turns to her. “Yasuko, check your calendar.”

“Don’t tell me what to do! And address me properly, I am your older sister!” She hisses at her brother. The bored, impassive expression falls as exasperation replaces it. She does, however, follow his instructions and pulls her phone out of her pocket. She spares it a glance before answering, “It’s May 26.”

The middle child clicks his tongue as his gaze returns to Kiyoomi, face still unamused. “It’s been two months since April fools, try again next time papa.”

“Are you thinking this is a prank?” Kiyoomi asks.

“No. You don’t do pranks. But what else can explain why you’ve been acting so weird? Looks like you don’t have amnesia.” The eldest, Yasuko, explains.

“I–”

“Can we go to mama?” Akemi requests with a sniffle, fisting his sister’s shirt.

Yasuko’s gaze softens at that. She ruffles his tuff of curls. “Alright, we’ll have mama scent you since papa couldn’t dare to do so.”

“You’ll have to answer to mama, papa!” The middle child points an accusing finger at Kiyoomi. He then reaches for his hand. “You’re comin’ with us!”

Yasuko holds Akemi by the hand as she ushers him down the hall, to the stairs. Behind them, this middle child who Kiyoomi still doesn’t know the name of forcefully drags him with what little strength he has. This child can’t be any older than eight, and Kiyoomi can remain in place despite how forcefully he tugs at his hand, but the alpha doesn’t want to start another ruckus – he needn't put another tantrum on his hands for him to handle. Thus, despite how clueless he is, and how unwilling he is to meet the mother of these pups who is also his so-called partner , he just acquiesces with them.

They venture through the halls and down the stairs. Kiyoomi’s eyes catch different photo frames hung on the walls, though he doesn’t have enough time to deliberately scrutinize each one for the purpose of determining the people present in them; courtesy of the child dragging him nonstop. They pass by the living room, and in the doorway, Kiyoomi can spot the highlighted display of the household, and his eyes only widen with stupefaction at the sight. 

On the wall above the long couch, his Olympics jersey proudly sits still in its confinement provided by the frame. The white, bold, SAKUSA 13 waves at him like an old friend, as if it’s now considered a memorabilium of the past. But what seems to startle him the most, is the jersey right next to it.

MIYA 11

And he connects it all; the meadow of sheets that bear the redolence of nectar, the appearance of the children, and the jersey is only the cherry on top. He knows who the mother is, it’s–

“Oh my, why is my little sugarcube cryin’?” 

As they reach the dining room, Miya Atsumu rounds the counter and hurries to crouch down in front of Akemi. His hands gently embosom the pup’s face and he coos to soothe his worries. The scent of honey only augments as the omega emits his own calming pheromones.

“Papa…” He mumbles shakily, a fresh wave of tears streaming down his face.

“Papa thinks he’s funny!” The middle child says, voice very much accusing.

“He’s trying to gaslight Ake-chan!” Yasuko adds.

“Now where didja’ learn that term Yasu-chan?” Atsumu raises a brow at her. He turns to the other pup. “Taigen, mind tellin’ me what yer’ father did?”

Ah, so his name is Taigen.

“Taigen.” Kiyoomi tastes the name on his tongue. It means great ambition, something that both Kiyoomi and Atsumu have in common. “That’s a beautiful name.”

Atsumu only gets more confused at this. “Uhh, you were the one who named ‘im that? Got amnesia or somethin’?”

“That’s exactly what’s happening!” Taigen exclaims. “He’s been acting weird ever since he woke up!”

“Mama he doesn’t remember us, he doesn’t remember you !” Yasuko cries out.

“Woah woah, calm down pups. Why don’t we give papa time to figure things out? He might be too out of it that his brain doesn’t seem to comprehend anything.” Atsumu reasons out.

“I don’t get how you’re so calm about this, mama.” Taigen huffs.

“Oh, hush now darlin’.” Atsumu chuckles. Then, he redirects his gaze to meet Kiyoomi’s addled stare. Atsumu’s eyes are kind, but his mouth forms into a small smirk. “After all, I know your papa the best, right?”

Kiyoomi gulps. Can this Atsumu see right through him?

And then Atsumu’s eyes are back on their three pups. He puts his hands together in a single loud clap as he beams at them. “Now! Since papa surely didn’t scent ya because of his little episode, why don’t ya three c’mere instead so I can be the one to do so?”

Yasuko and Taigen run to him, and they crowd him along with Akemi to acquire his scenting. Atsumu happily receives them in his arms as he hugs them and they take turns in nuzzling against Atsumu’s scent gland by the neck – close to where a bond mark is imprinted on his mating gland. The bond mark is supposedly embossed by Kiyoomi’s teeth.

Atsumu himself looks older; the faintest hint of facial hair rests idly on his chin, a few wrinkles appear by the corner of his eyes, and his very demeanor says that he has quite aged. He just seems… wiser , and most likely less annoying than the Atsumu from Kiyoomi’s time period. It does perplex Kiyoomi how this Atsumu still chooses to retain the hair dye, though his roots are peeking out, clearly he’ll need to redye them soon.

And then realization strikes him that the picture of his current life doesn’t fit the time frame he fell asleep on. This is not his present, it’s his future. 

Once the gears in his head turn to deduct this, he blurts out. “I need to go to the bathroom.”

“Sweet Kami Omi, you’re really out of it today if you don’t remember where your own bathroom is in your own house.” Atsumu comments, genuinely looking consternated. “It’s down the hall, on the right, across the stairs.”

Kiyoomi rushes to follow directions, he doesn’t waste time – it slipped from his grasp once, and he won’t let it happen again. There must be some colossal glitch in the matrix that happened to revolve around him by the hours he slept. It’s all too bizarre for him to comprehend.

He does in fact, find the bathroom, aggressively swings it open like a mad lad, and hurries to find his reflection in the mirror. His presumption proves to be correct as an older version of himself greets him in the mirror. Signs of aging are evident in the way his skin looks a bit rougher than usual, and the gray streaks of hair tucked in between bunches of black.

He’s screwed. He’s totally screwed. He just skipped through what? Probably more than a decade of his life in just a few hours of slumber. He might’ve felt giddy about mating with the omega he pinned for, but what good is it when he doesn’t even recall the highlights of their love story? The moment they confessed to each other, their engagement, their bonding, marriage, and even their first ti–

Okay, now he’s getting ahead of himself.

He decides to retreat to the dining-room-slash-kitchen and finds his pups and mate eating at the dining table. The sounds of cutlery clanging on plates and each other is euphonious if accompanied by the domestic sight. He doesn’t watch that long, as a furry friend snuggles right on his legs, pushing him towards the table at his supposed seat. He ascertains the creature is a golden retriever. Quite ironic due to the fact that Kiyoomi has compared Atsumu to a golden retriever so many times before. 

He sits on his seat, he’s at the head of the table, with Akemi and Atsumu by his left, and Yasuko and Taigen by his right. They’re eating breakfast and the food served is not exactly what he expected – apple pie, a very western delight. Usually, meals like this are given as dessert.

He’s about to comment on it, but then comes the decision to leave it be. Perhaps servings like this are a staple in this household. For all Kiyoomi knows, future him might’ve influenced this, and the present him wouldn’t have called it. He’s just going to go with whatever direction this household flows in and as much as possible, avoid questioning things so as to not make him seem more suspicious than he already is.

He reaches for a slice. Something sweet in the morning is something he can indulge in, seeing as his body now (the aged-up one) has advanced way past the finish line of an athlete’s career. That translates to no more strict diets and abstaining from the most sugary delectations. As the pie server touches a slice, Yasuko and Taigen gasp and start gabbling.

“Papa ya can’t take that!” Yasuko stresses out.

“Yeah, it’s mine!” Taigen follows.

“No, don’t be delusional! I am going to eat that!”

Kiyoomi is at sea. “The slice is still here; on the serving plate , meaning anyone can grab it.”

“No! I got dibs on it!” Taigen retorts.

“ You got dibs on it? Funny ‘cuz I remember doin’ that first!” Yasuko enunciates.

“If this slice belongs to any of you, then why isn't it on your plate?” Kiyoomi asks, trying to make sense of the situation.

“Because mama gave the biggest slice to Ake-chan and told us to take the other slices. By the time our plates were full, the slice was available because Ake-chan refused to eat it!” Yasuko explains hysterically.

“And mama said to finish our slices before taking another!” Taigen finishes.

“It’s called proper table etiquette.” Atsumu chimes in. His calm smile juxtaposes their pups’ frantic rambling. “Omi-kun, you should take that slice.”

“NO!” Comes the unified exclamation of both children.

Kiyoomi sighs. These kids being petty over things as simple and insignificant as pie slices may be the very quintessence of the word ‘insufferable’ . And if that very word is applicable to a single person, then it’s most likely to appertain to the blond omega, who is sitting still next to their youngest pup, calmly feeding him despite the commotion across him. These pups are Atsumu’s, alright.

The alpha knows it’s going to be a long day.

“C’mon Mochi! Good boy!” Atsumu cajoles their dog into the bathtub with encouraging coos and small claps, gesturing him the way.

“Mochi, ba-bath!” Akemi giggles and Mochi wags his tail, reflecting his human’s merriment.

“That’s right Ake-chan, Mochi’s gonna have a fresh bathe!”

“I still don’t get why we named him Mochi.” Kiyoomi deadpans. He’s standing behind a crouching Atsumu and a very enthusiastic Akemi. In his hold is a bottle of shampoo and a towel with paw prints embroidered on it. 

“Akemi named him.” Taigen informs as he enters the bathroom.

“Why did you choose the name Mochi, Ake-chan?” Kiyoomi catechizes. 

“I love mochi, and I love Mochi!”

“Pardon?” Comes the puzzled question of Kiyoomi. His confusion must’ve shown on his face because Taigen clarifies. “Ake-chan loves mochi, the dessert, and he loves our dog, so he named him after something else he loves.”

“I… see.” Kiyoomi nods, albeit dubiety causes hesitation to seep into his tone. “It kind of makes sense.”

Mochi sends water splashing as he wiggles around the tub. Drops of water scatter around; at the wall, at Atsumu, Akemi, and even Kiyoomi. Atsumu hovers the shower head over him and he moves around a lot; enjoying the cool temperature of the water. He paces back and forth in the tub, and it doesn’t seem like he’s going to be staying still any soon.

“He’s really energetic.” Kiyoomi remarks.

“Yeah, especially today.” Atsumu agrees. He turns to his youngest pup. “Ake-chan, wouldya’ like to help me bathe Mochi?”

“Mhm!” Akemi gives a determined nod.

“That’s my boy.” Atsumu chuckles and hands him the shower head and instructions to follow. “Now, Mochi moves a lot, and if the shower stays in one place, it won’t reach him. So I want ya to hover it over him as I rub his body, kay’? Just follow his movements.”

“Yes mama!”

“C-can, I help too?” Taigen asks hesitantly from behind Kiyoomi. The alpha himself almost forgot he was there.

“Sure buttercup, help me rub his fur to get rid of the grime. Then, we’ll put shampoo all over him and rub it again.” Atsumu directs. Taigen goes to crouch beside his mother, helping him tend to the lively Mochi.

“And papa?”

“Papa stays there until Mochi finishes, then he can dry him.” Atsumu answers. He then looks back to his alpha, with a smirk already present on his face. “Get ready Omi, because you’re gonna get wet b’fore ya can even dry our sweet Mochi properly.” 

Kiyoomi grunts. Tending and caring for another living being has never been part of his repertoire, so he can’t guarantee anything. But he’s not Sakusa Kiyoomi if he doesn’t put any effort into doing his best. 

For a while, bathing Mochi was okay. The golden retriever was, for the most part, cooperative. Despite his consistent movements, bathing him was a breeze. His zealous behavior is contagious, it coaxes giggles out of Akemi, small laughs out of Atsumu, and even chuckles out of the austere Taigen. Occasionally, water droplets dance around them, hitting every surface there is. Though the little splashes they receive aren’t tantamount to the domestic joy that fills the small room of the bath. 

It is all smooth-sailing.

Well, that is until a cheeky fox appears with mischief on her tail.

There’s a ring of a bell from outside of the room, just by the hall. Mochi’s movements meet a sudden halt. He stops playing with the water and stops responding to their coos. 

It feels like the calm before the storm. And it sure is.

Then, the bell rings consistently, not slowing down one bit. Atsumu recognizes the bell, but before he can say something about it, an upheaval happens in that time span – as sudden as the arrival of his stillness, Mochi leaps out of the tub, all wet and fur hefty with water. He runs to the ringing, but not without slipping multiple times on the way. Yet he always finds himself back on his paws after, just as ebullient. 

“Hey hey! Where are ya goin’ big fella?” Atsumu rushes, standing up in alarm, ready to chase him down.

“Nee-san?” Akemi calls out.

“It’s Yasuko! That idiot!” Taigen grits his teeth. 

His exclamation does manage to reach his sister, who only giggles. The clangor of the bell continues in her hold as she runs around with Mochi chasing her. Even with the rest of the other family members stuck in the bathroom, the chaos of the halls is still audible. They can hear the bell, Mochi’s barks, and the pounding of their footsteps. 

They can also hear Yasuko’s yell.

“Payback for not givin’ me that slice!”

They all groan. The floors are damp and slippery, and they have to get Mochi back so he can finish his bath. The only girl in the family is making their tasks harder to do.

“Yasuko, bring ‘im back!” Atsumu shouts out. She doesn’t respond.

Yasuko. Kiyoomi examines the name. If Taigen means great ambition then Yasuko holds the definition of peace and tranquility. Whatever the energy that child harnesses, it definitely is not peace. It’s the complete opposite, to be frank; she’s a menace, her schemes are mayhem, and whenever she uses her head to excogitate something, a pandemonium is bound to follow.

Kind of reminds Kiyoomi of a teenage Atsumu; always ever-so-troublesome and rowdy.

She clearly is a young Miya.

“Her name contradicts her so much. Who named her?” Kiyoomi slides in a comment. This, apparently, is an erroneous thing to ask. Because the omega only eyes him with skepticism, though an answer eventually follows. “ You named her.”

“I did?”

“Yes ya did, dumbass.”

“I named the three of them?”

“No, I named Akemi.” Atsumu doesn’t even bother to look surprised at Kiyoomi’s lack of memory anymore, he just opts to answer each and every question. He doesn’t want to worry his pretty little head over his husband.

Kiyoomi should keep his mouth shut now, but question after question keeps flowing out. He needs to know, to make sense of this sequence of events. “What’s with the bell?”

“We use that bell to call Mochi over. Like for meals and playin’ in the backyard.” The blond enlightens.

Their little question-answer exchange ceases when they hear the little one’s sobs. It starts off with sniffs and then said sniffs escort mewls. “Mochi come back!” 

Taigen’s fury for his sister’s stunt vanishes upon that, only to be superseded by extensive concern for his younger brother. He rubs Akemi’s back in small, comforting circles and hushes him with soft reassurances.

Akemi’s weeps are augmented, and Kiyoomi understands him well. He was enjoying so far so good, bathing his dog with his mama and nii-chan, giggling around. And for it to suddenly stop with no warning prior or whatsoever is enough to dishearten him. Kiyoomi can feel his frustrated sadness.

“Yasuko! Ya made Akemi-chan cry!” Taigen roars out.

The sounds coming from the hall pause. And then footsteps approach with a rush. 

Yasuko’s figure emerges from the doorway, with Mochi in tow. Once she confirms that Akemi is indeed crying. She hurries inside, shoves past Kiyoomi and Taigen in a haste (Taigen retaliates with a sibilant curse), and crouches down, encompassing Akemi’s small but chubby face in her much bigger palms.

“Hey Ake-chan, nee-san’s sorry, okay?” She says softly, evidently regretful for causing her beloved brother’s tears. “Mochi’s here now, and I won’t do anything else stupid, okay?”

Akemi nods with a small sniff. His nose is still red and runny, and his eyes are still moist, but he has calmed down for the most part.

Kiyoomi looks amused at Yasuko’s caprice, and Atsumu points it out. “Y’know, Yasuko will cause headaches for everyone, but she’ll never intend to discomfort Akemi. Unlike her disposition towards Taigen, she has the softest spot for Akemi.”

“Taigen has it too, right?” Kiyoomi vocalizes his observations.

Atsumu hums in agreement. “Yep, they’re weak for their littlest sibling. If there’s one thing they can get along with, it’s their fondness for Akemi.” 

The alpha has seen a similar situation to this before. It played out between the twins and their half-sister. Kiyoomi’s convinced that it’s a generational trait, and he’s even endeared to see it passed from Atsumu’s generation, down to their pups.

“Reminds me of you and Osamu. You’ll throw each other across the room, but then you’d put aside your quarrels just for Hitoka.” Kiyoomi mentions fondly.

Atsumu seems startled at Kiyoomi’s words because the latter can see the blond flinch in the slightest from the periphery of his eye. Kiyoomi chooses to ignore it and wait for a response, but Atsumu returns him nothing.

“Did I say something wrong?” Kiyoomi queries. 

“No, you’re right.” At this, Atsumu appears to have recovered from his momentary shock, and lets out a laugh as warm dawn’s first few rays of daylight; both of which leave him glowing. “Some things never change, don’t they?”

Atsumu’s remark is affirmed by Kiyoomi’s soft smile.

Despite Yasuko’s apologies and her contrition for her exasperating antics, she doesn’t escape the consequences so easily. Atsumu made her wipe the wet floors, and mop them afterwards to ensure the cleanliness. She had no choice but to obey, because making her mother mad would be the last thing she’d want to do. 

This surprises Kiyoomi, to see Atsumu is strict with the children. He never took the omega as the type to discipline, especially with that insufferable behavior of his. Atsumu was always so unruly, causing all sorts of mischief from his teenage years, to his early adulthood. And Kiyoomi knew better than to assume that his misconduct abated as he gained years, because he can still catch the cheeky grins he’d distribute just before he made it rain acid.

“I may be naughty sometimes,” Atsumu contemplates. “But I always make sure to cause the least bit of inconvenience to someone. There are times where ya can be riotous and unrestrained, but you have to see to it that the consequences don’t bother other people.”

That’s what Atsumu told him when he commented on how the omega scolded their daughter, who harbors a literal carbon copy of his attitude.

“I was even naughtier back then, when I didn’t consider how other people were affected by what I did. I got through a lot of trouble when I was younger, and I regret those actions. I never knew how grave the consequences were. I don’t want her to experience the same.” Atsumu continues.

This Atsumu has surely matured.

By now, Kiyoomi, the two younger pups and Mochi are idly lounging on the couch; Kiyoomi is seated on the long couch, and to his right, Akemi is with Mochi, streaming cartoons on an Ipad. Taigen is lying at the couch seat across theirs. Atsumu disappeared into their storage closet, organizing stuff and clearing out rubbish. According to him, he’s going grocery shopping one of these days, hence why he needs extra space for storage. Yasuko is still stuck in the halls, aggressively mopping and grumbling complaints under her breath. Huh, she really reminds Kiyoomi of a younger Atsumu.

“Yasu-chan.” Kiyoomi calls out, now comfortable to use the nickname. “Take a break sweetie.”

“Pa, she doesn’t deserve one, leave her be.” Taigen scoffs from where he lazes on the other couch to his left.

“Shut up Taigen!” Yasuko yells back before she composedly responds to her father. “No need pa, I’m finishing up already. Thanks though.”

And true to her word, she does finish a few minutes later. After she returns the now-clean mop to the laundry room, she strides towards the couch, and once close enough, she flops face down into the cushions, courtesy of her exhaustion. 

“‘m so tired.” She muffly whines. Kiyoomi’s hand threads through her hair as he tries to ease out her exhaustion. “Pa, can we get ice cream later?”

Kiyoomi hums thoughtfully. “You ask your mother. Seems like he has all the say.”

“Ugh!” She whines louder into the couch. She doesn’t want to talk to her mother right now.

As if the timing is impeccable, Atsumu enters the living room with boxes in tow. Akemi beams, “mama!” 

Once Yasuko learns of her mother’s presence, all her whining comes into an immediate halt and she seems to behave now. 

“How’s the storage organizing?” Kiyoomi asks.

“For the most part, fine. But as ya can see, I have nowhere to put these boxes in.” Atsumu looks behind his shoulder to peek at the boxes he dragged with him. “We could dispose of them but the trash doesn’t get picked up until next week. I don’t know what to do with ‘em for the meantime. Any ideas?”

Had Kiyoomi been a kid himself, he would’ve known what to do with these boxes. He did have a very eccentric habit as a pup.

If he were smaller, he’d –

“Box!” Akemi squeals, and makes no effort to restrain himself from running and jumping into the item. He gets comfortable in the box, with his knees up and his head peeking out. “Box!”

Yeah, that child really is Kiyoomi’s son. The alpha had a weird affinity with getting into boxes before he was attacked by a surge of growth hormones (as he got bigger, he barely fit into any box, no matter how large it had been). There have been multiple occasions where his mother would find little Kiyoomi fast asleep in boxes, with a single cushion pillow to offer him comfort - boxes were already very comfortable, Kiyoomi would like to argue. It’s nostalgic seeing his son following the same silly habits he had done decades ago.

“Do you think boxes are comfortable too, Ake-chan?” Kiyoomi asks, amused.

Akemi nods excitedly. “Mhm!”

“Why, you’re a little papa.” The alpha laughs. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you sleep in there throughout the night. I did that a lot too.”

“Nice! Boxes!” Taigen exclaims as he sprints to one and takes his turn in settling in it. “Don’t throw the boxes away mama!”

“You two really are your father’s spawn, hmm?” Atsumu sighs. He stalks towards the box with Taigen on it, and starts to push it forward; like how one would push a sled. “I better keep these boxes b’fore ya start forgettin’ where your beds are.” 

Kiyoomi’s hands find their way on the edges of Akemi’s box as he too, starts to push. With a smirk, he starts, “I bet I can push this box faster.”

Atsumu glares at the alpha, but a smirk of his own takes shape afterwards. “Oh you’re on!”

Thus how two grown adults reverted into a mentality fitting for little children. With childish competition, they race with one another, pushing the boxes around the house; throughout the living room, the halls and the kitchen. Taigen and Akemi shriek in excitement as they enjoy the mini-joyride their parents are providing them.

Despite the quick and rash rowdyness, both Kiyoomi and Atsumu are careful in maneuvering the box so as to not injure their pups. They avoid turning in narrow corners and stay as far from sharp furniture as they could, only racing in the open spaces of their home. They might be adults who possess a childish fervor for competition, but they aren’t stupid and irresponsible enough to disregard their sons’ safety. 

For what seems like the third time, they zoom back to the living room, their very starting line. Their breathing is a bit irregular, and they no longer have that stamina they once fostered as young adults in the prime of their athletic career. Kiyoomi himself wonders how much time has passed since their retirement as he wasn’t so quick to tire out just yesterday (it does make sense, since he’s in an older body right now). 

Although there’s a significant decrease in their stamina, they won’t hesitate to go on another round just to beat each other once more. Kiyoomi huffs, “I win!” 

“Nuh-uh! Ain’t true!” Atsumu retaliates. “One more!”

Yasuko tugs at Kiyoomi’s shirt. “Papa, when can I get a turn?” 

“No turns for you, that’s the price for causing trouble earlier!” Taigen teases with his tongue stuck out.

“I already cleaned the halls!” Yasuko reasons out. “Isn’t that enough punishment for me already? You’ve had too much fun Taigen, it’s my turn to join in!”

“Oh really?” Taigen mocks with wide affronting eyes and a tilted head to add to the act. “You’re just jealous that mama only plays with me!”

“Ugh, shut up!” Yasuko yells, approaching the younger pup. Using all her strength, she pushes the box that her brother is in, with the intention of making it fall over to its side. Taigen can barely register the movement of the box before he falls face first into the mahogany floor. He screams in pain and suddenly, all the good-sported competitiveness and merry laughs shift into somber silence.

“Taigen!” Kiyoomi hurries to the pup and helps him up. Taigen rises with teary eyes, a pout, and a bruise taking shape on his forehead. The alpha massages his arms before he hastens to get an ice pack.

“Yasuko!” Atsumu starts, his tone austere and intimidating. “Why didja’ do that?”

“So what… gonna scold me again?” Comes the reluctant whisper of the young girl as she avoids meeting her mother’s angered eyes.

“Well of course, ya just-“

Yasuko cuts his sentence short. “Because that’s all you ever do to me now.”

The omega’s fury seems to dissipate at this. His hardened gaze goes mellow at the bitter realization of what his daughter implies.

“Taigen pushes me all the time, and I fall too. But you leave him be,” her quiet voice proceeds. “But when I do the same, you get angry.”

It takes a while for Atsumu to respond. He’s at a loss of words. “It’s not like t-“

“It is! You favor him over me!” Yasuko argues, desperately.

Atsumu repudiates. “I don’t have favorites-“

“Then do you hate me?” Yasuko asks. “You don’t love me anymore then?”

Atsumu’s heart completely breaks at that.

His voice gets caught up in his throat, and his mind can barely form the words to respond to that. How can he when he feels the fragments of his heart drop to his stomach, like an unpleasant meal settling in his belly that doesn’t feel right.

Her words don’t feel right. Atsumu loves her like rain to a drought. He still feels how the whole galaxy lit up for him when he held his daughter in his arms for the first time all those years ago.

“Yasu-chan,” Kiyoomi begins. He just arrived with an ice pack, but he heard the whole exchange, and he feels the hurt that sinks in in Atsumu’s heart. “What made you think that?”

Her fists clench and her words hesitate. “Mama was with me every time. He carried me, he never let me go and he always reminded me that he loved me with hugs and kisses. He always held my hand and we did everything together.”

She takes a short pause before continuing. “But then he told me my brother was in his tummy and then the attention he gave me became less and less,” she hiccups, “and then he barely looked at me anymore...”

She sobs. “I tried to do everything to get his attention, but he only pays attention to me when I make trouble!”

The more her sobs become wails, the more Atsumu’s eyes collect moisture. “So I always do that, but it’s getting tiring being scolded always, it doesn’t feel like he loves me anymore! I want him to hug me again, carry me again even when I’m a big girl, I want him to play with me like how he used to!”

Atsumu is quick to wrap his arms around her small body. She wasn’t as small as she was. Now, she’s walking down puberty and in a few months, she might arrive at a presentation. Atsumu last remembered her to be a little younger than Akemi’s age, just babbling her first words over and over again because she loved how it made her mother proud (the first word needn’t be specified since it’s already obvious ). Maybe time did pass them by so quickly, and Atsumu wasn’t able to comprehend how much she grew because he was always so busy; busy with things like work and her two younger brothers. 

His little girl is growing and he hasn’t been there to guide her through every step.

“I could never hate ya.” Atsumu whispers softly as she melts in the hold of her mother’s arms. Everyday, she wishes to be held like this again by Atsumu. “I love you dearly, and nothing will stop me from lovin’ ya more and more every single day.”

He listens as Yasuko continues to cry, and tries to soothe her by excreting more of his sweet scent. Perhaps that’s the only gesture of affection he shows her lately; scenting. 

“I’m sorry ya felt unloved because you were withdrawn from the constant affection you were used to. You’re growin’ up, and I didn’t think thatcha’ needed the hugs, the kisses and all that kind of attention anymore. I even fear the time that you become a teenager, and then you’ll be embarrassed of me gettin’ close to ya.” Atsumu chuckles humorlessly and he feels how damp his eyelashes have gotten.

Yasuko hurriedly looks up to Atsumu with a determined gaze and shakes her head to repudiate. “That’s not true! I’m gettin’ older but I still want you to be there for me, and I will never be embarrassed to have mama as a parent!”

Kiyoomi inwardly laughs. Of course no one would be embarrassed to have a former star athlete and three-time olympic qualifier as their parent. If anything, it would be something one would boast about. 

“Alright, I’ll take your word for that.” Atsumu smiles as he plays with a strand of her hair; brown like his but curly like Kiyoomi’s. “‘sides, I have to be fair to your brothers. I showered ya with so much affection when you were an only child, now I have to balance that affection to each one of your siblings; I have to show them as much love as I could, just like I did to you.”

The alpha observes, and then learns. It’s hard being a parent of multiple children, because it’s inexorable that each child will think of you having favorites among them. Balancing the attention and affection you provide each one in order to live up to the claim, “I love you all with the same boundless love,” or “you all are my favorites,” is not easy to do, especially when you’re busy. 

Kiyoomi can’t say he completely understands how it feels for the child, but to some degree, he can empathize. He’s the only child of his mother, sometimes he’d claim that his mother’s love is overwhelming, and would choke him sometimes. But he knows his mother has no bad intentions and only wants the best for his son. He is his mother’s only child, and his mother is a very loving person.

His father, on the other hand, has his siblings from his previous marriage. And although his siblings have a stepfather, his father still wants to spend time with them on numerous occasions. Thus his father’s attention is quite divided, but Kiyoomi himself never found an issue with it. Whatever his father lacks, his mother makes up. 

“I’m glad ya told me your worries, I’ll make sure to spend more time withya’, how about that?” Atsumu says, and it’s as kind as the way he gently wipes her tears. 

Yasuko lights up, very happy. “Mhm! I’ll stop causing trouble for you then!”

“You’re still our little troublemaker though.” Atsumu laughs.

“Just like mama himself!” Yasuko counters.

“Hey, I was not that naughty when I was younger!”

“Oh but you were.” Kiyoomi butts in with a smirk of his own. “I took too many ibuprofens during MSBY days, you were a pain to deal with.”

And it’s true.

“Was not!”

“Believe what you want, honey .” Kiyoomi chuckles. He can finally use the nickname again now that they’re together. He does like the effect of it, because Atsumu is now red in the face.

They continue their box racing, now with Yasuko and Mochi in the boxes. They’re already exhausted, but it’s fun, right?

Plus, Kiyoomi is yet to beat Atsumu anyway.

Minimal smoke floats around as Atsumu swabs a brush on chicken cubes lined on skewers. 

“Mama,”

Atsumu diverts his attention from the indoor grill to his daughter who just appeared behind him. “Yes, sugarcube?”

“You’re cooking yakimeshi too, right?” Yasuko asks.

“Yeah, to go with the yakitori.” Atsumu smiles.

“Can I start chopping the ingredients?” 

“Do ya know how to?” The omega raises a curious brow.

“Can you… teach me?” Yasuko looks away bashfully.

Atsumu chuckles. “Alright, you’re a big girl now, right?”

The little girl beams. “Mhm! n’ papa said I can spend more time with you if I help you with the chores!”

“He did, now did he?” Atsumu’s eyes flit from his daughter to his alpha, who’s leaning on the wall opposite to them. Kiyoomi shrugs it off with a grin.

“Omi, can ya watch the yakitori for me?” Atsumu orders. “I’ll start on the yakimeshi with Yasu-chan.”

Kiyoomi nods and gets up from his comfortable position. He approaches the indoor grill while Atsumu starts collecting last night’s leftover rice with their daughter in tow. The alpha watches the grill while brushing sauce on the skewers of chicken from time to time. Eventually, he grows bored and abandons his task in favor of watching his mate and pup. Yasuko obediently scoots around the kitchen to deliver the items Atsumu asks for; the vegetables, the chopping board, a knife (to which Atsumu warned she be careful with) and ham from the fridge.

Kiyoomi watches Atsumu teach Yasuko how to be deliberate with handling the knife. The omega also teaches Yasuko how to slice vegetables in the safest way possible, and to watch where her fingers go in order to avoid getting cut by the blade. Yasuko follows, and her hesitant movements tell how much she takes to heart Atsumu’s instruction of being careful. 

The way the vegetables are cut ends up being sloppy, but for a first timer like Yasuko, Atsumu thinks her work is pretty neat. Her ‘Samu-oji will be proud to learn of her achievement. Once Atsumu starts up the pan, an unpleasant smell reaches his nose.

His head whips up to Kiyoomi, and he catches the alpha staring at him. “Omi-kun? The grill!”

Oh shit.

Indeed, as he turns to the grill, he finds the lower side burnt.

Atsumu strides towards him and peeks over his shoulder to find the burnt chicken cubes. “Omi ya weren’t payin’ attention!”

“Papa kept staring at mama, I know it.” Yasuko says. “He can’t keep his eyes away from mama’s beauty!”

Atsumu’s face heats up again, either from irritation caused by Kiyoomi’s inattentiveness, or from being flustered by Yasuko’s words. Either way, Kiyoomi decides that it’s cute.

And perhaps Kiyoomi thinks Yasuko’s words are true; his eyes won’t leave Atsumu.

He’s absolutely down bad, so bad.

Come the time they finish lunch, Atsumu sets up a task for them to follow for the next few hours; Yasuko and Taigen need to study and Kiyoomi needs to put Akemi to bed. The omega himself will assist any of the eldest pups if they’re having some difficulties assimilating their lessons.

The two pups retreat to their rooms while Atsumu starts with the dishes. Kiyoomi carries Akemi to his own room. There are two things Kiyoomi notices on the way; an intensifying foul smell and the pup’s incessant tugs at his shirt.

Kiyoomi has a hunch on what’s happening.

“Papa…” Akemi whispers out shyly.

“What is it Ake-chan?” Kiyoomi asks.

Akemi timidly points to his diaper.

And Kiyoomi’s hunch is confirmed.

“Alright sweetheart, we’ll change your diaper.” Kiyoomi assures him.

He maintains his stolid disposition, albeit he’s actually agitated on the inside - never has he changed a diaper before. Perhaps this timeline’s Kiyoomi can do the task efficiently with his eyes closed, but this Kiyoomi has jumped probably a decade and a half without harboring the wisdom one would usually attain as they pass the years.

He’s not a stupid person. In some aspects he is, but he isn’t completely dull-witted. Hence, he tries to think of how he can change the diaper. He sees his older siblings do that to their own children, and it made him swear to never have a pup under his care because the very task is repulsive to him; having to bear the stink, cleaning the pup and if the said pup is quite difficult to handle, he’ll have to add into account the struggling he must endure as he puts on a new diaper.

But alas, how ironic of him to find his future self changing diapers since his eldest was born. Kiyoomi knows that Yasuko’s age has passed double digits, so he can estimate a good ten years of changing diapers. Current Kiyoomi has to commend future Kiyoomi for his sedulity.

He remembers his older sister laying her pup on what she calls a changing pad. So he sets out to find one.

Once they’re in the room, he puts Akemi down. “Don’t sit, I know how uncomfortable it is for you.” 

Akemi only nods and stands by the side of the room awkwardly.

Kiyoomi scurries around, looking through cabinets and drawers so he can encounter what he’s looking for. While at it, he thinks of what else he needs; baby wipes and a new diaper. He needs to find them too.

He must’ve taken a long time because Akemi is squirming in the discomfort of a full diaper. His cheeks are puffed and his tiny brows are furrowed. There’s also a pout that lingers on his face.

Kiyoomi panics as if he wasn’t already consumed by it earlier. Making his pup uncomfortable is the last thing he’d ever do.

As if any deity up there took pity on him, Atsumu manages to pass by at the right time. He surveys them with incredulity - Akemi’s stiffness and Kiyoomi’s hurried rummaging through every compartment in the room is enough to tell him that something’s not right. 

“Omi? Ake-chan? What’s going on?” Atsumu enters the room.

For once, Kiyoomi throws his pride out of the window. He would never do that in front of a younger Atsumu, but he knows that this Atsumu has gotten more insightful and approachable with age. And he couldn’t care about blowing his cover or whatnot - it’s not his priority to blend in with the timeline anymore; his current priority is to pull his son out of discomfort as soon as possible. 

“I’m trying to find the things needed to change Akemi’s diapers.” Kiyoomi says, not beating around the bush.

Atsumu allocates a few moments to stare at Kiyoomi and fully come to terms that his husband is really out of it today before Akemi’s whine sends him back to the matter at hand. He walks toward his mate, pointing out where the necessary items are stored. Never mind that Kiyoomi’s supposed to know this, since as a father, it’s also incumbent for him to have a share in tending to his pups. After all, Atsumu has long given up trying to question his mate’s peculiarity. 

The changing pad and wipes are in the drawer just below the changing table, and the diapers are stuffed in a smaller drawer in the closet that Kiyoomi missed. Once they collected these items, they set the changing pad on the table and Atsumu carries Akemi up to gently lay him there.

“Do ya need to be reminded of how to change?” Atsumu asks, because this behavior of Kiyoomi’s suggests so.

“...yes.” Is the soft response of said alpha.

Yup, Atsumu has long given up trying to question his mate.

“Okay, why doncha’ do as I say then? You’re the one in charge of Akemi now.” Atsumu gestures for him to take his place before Akemi. 

Kiyoomi steps in and follows. Not before trying to hide a gulp of anxiety that the omega does catch.

He undoes the small tapes by the sides of the diaper and meticulously unfolds it. By the time it’s splayed open, the foul smell spreads throughout the room, to which Kiyoomi grimaces. He holds his breath when Atsumu tells him to neatly roll it for disposal. 

“Ake-chan’s had quite a dump today.” Atsumu chuckles. “Omi-kun, use the wipes to clean him, once you’re done with the front, carefully turn him around to clean his bum. I’ll throw this away, okay?”

Atsumu leaves with the full diaper in his hands. He decides that he’d check on the other two children with their study sessions - Taigen might be slacking off again. After all, Kiyoomi seems to be doing so well so far.

Kiyoomi gently dabs the wipe at Akemi so as to not irritate the boy. Akemi seems calm and cooperative, slightly flinching when Kiyoomi wipes too rough and squirming when he gets ticklish. The alpha always adjusts after each one of these reactions so as to not make the same mistake, although it can’t be helped that this is his first time doing so ( this Kiyoomi’s first time. Future Kiyoomi would look down at him in pity), and repeating mistakes is nothing but inevitable with unskilled hands. As deliberate as he tries to be with his wipes, he’s even more deliberate in maneuvering the toddler to lay on his front.

Despite his lack of experience, he still has the same hygienic standards. And it seems like future Kiyoomi remained consistent with it too, seeing as how this Atsumu adapted some of his sanitation habits. With that mentioned, he ensures to clean Akemi well, wiping him down with the extra effort, but not too much to the point where it would cause a rash. Once he determines that Akemi is clean enough, he fishes for a new diaper from the pack.

The final step in changing is to put on a new diaper. And although Atsumu isn’t here to guide him, Kiyoomi assures himself that such guidance is not needed, because even a cretin would know what to do afterward.

Kiyoomi unfolds the diaper and carefully lifts up Akemi’s hips to position half of the diaper’s length beneath him. He puts his hips down and stretches the other half over the pup’s crotch. After he deems it the ideal way to put a diaper, he secures the tapes on each side.

He takes a step back, rests his hands on his waist, and huffs. He’s proud of the work he’s done. Now that was easier than he thought.

It did seem easier because he did it incorrectly.

Akemi tries to wiggle out of the diaper and he fusses at it. 

Kiyoomi only falls into confusion. He tries to ascertain what he did wrong.

A few more moments passed, with tension growing by each second. Kiyoomi doesn’t make a move to alter the fit of the diaper, and this makes Akemi sob.

Atsumu’s timing seems to be impeccable whether he’s aware of it or not, because by chance, he just reached the top of the stairs as Akemi’s wails find him.

“What’s happening?” Atsumu enters the room in a rush.

Kiyoomi tries to elaborate while holding his crumbling composure together. “I put on his diaper but-”

Atsumu scoots over to inspect how Akemi’s diaper was put on. His brows furrow at the sight. “Omi, ya put it too tight. Ake-chan can’t breathe or move properly with that.”

The omega doesn’t waste time; he readjusts the diaper in a way that isn’t too tight as how it was prior, but isn’t too loose either; otherwise, the perfect fit - as expected of a mother of three. Kiyoomi’s eyes carefully observe Atsumu’s application. 

Akemi stops fussing, but he does let out a final sniff. Atsumu scrunches his face playfully and dives down to press his forehead on the pup’s, nosing him and scenting him. He chuckles. “Happy now, little guy?”

Akemi giggles, as soft as the petals of a blooming flower. Atsumu’s scent becomes sweeter. It’s all too much for Kiyoomi’s heart. He adores Atsumu more and more as time passes, and he feels like nothing can halt how his adoration flourishes with every single second Atsumu is near him. 

The omega used to be the turbulent eyewall that circumvallates Kiyoomi’s still and windless eye of the storm. But after the storm, the sun peeks from the diminishing heft of the clouds. By then, no longer are they chaos when together; an unbridled disaster tantamount to a storm. In lieu of this, they complete each other like puffs of zephyr on a clement day, like a gentle drizzle on meadows; everything just feels right.

“Mama!” Taigen calls, and there’s a tapping on the wooden floors of the hall that follows. Soon enough, the pup appears in the doorway of Akemi’s room. His hand presents a book of elementary kanji. “Help me read these!” 

“Sure buttercup, I’ll follow you to your room, ‘kay?” Atsumu smiles at Taigen and turns to his other son. “Papa’s gonna put ya to bed okay? Try to be patient with his shortcomings, he’s surely not himself right now.”

Kiyoomi freezes at the implication of that statement. He shouldn’t be so surprised though, his behavior exposes it all, and Atsumu’s bound to catch up on it sooner or later.

The omega leaves the room, trailing behind Taigen. 

Kiyoomi approaches Akemi, who blinks up curiously at him.

They partake in a staring contest that eats away a good forty seconds of their time. It’s not until Akemi loses with an interrupting yawn that they stop, and only then is Kiyoomi reminded of his task which is to send the pup to bed.

Kiyoomi carefully hoists Akemi up. “Nap time, little man.”

The pup is slowly laid down on his crib, which is getting quite smaller for him considering how he’s approaching the toddler stage and how his parents are both over six feet, leaving him to be sizeable for his age just like his older siblings. Once he’s settled, the alpha spreads the blanket over him.

They enter another atmosphere of shared silence. Just like everything else, Kiyoomi has no clue about putting pups to bed. He remembers his mother singing lullabies to him, but his voice was never soft and soothing to begin with - it’s deep and rough, and it scares children. Singing is out of the options. He could read Akemi a story, but if this pup is really his and Atsumu’s, then he knows better that bedtime narrations don’t work in their favor. Neither the alpha nor the omega seems to sleep with the static of someone talking in the background. 

Having nothing left to resort to, he opts to hum slowly and pat Akemi’s thigh gently in order to get him to sleep. 

Akemi doesn’t though, he tosses and turns, as if he’s in need of finding a comfortable position to slumber in. One of Kiyoomi’s strong and admirable suits is his patience (that seemingly only Atsumu can take apart), so he doesn’t think much of Akemi’s inability to stay still. He surmises that sleep will reach the little pup soon. 

However, after an estimate of fifteen minutes situated like this, and not a single sign of Akemi drifting off to dreamland, Kiyoomi thinks that there must be something wrong, something that prevents him from accomplishing that sweet sleep he needs as a growing child. Kiyoomi ponders; he reflects on his childhood and how his parents managed to get him to bed. It’s then in his reminiscing that he ascertains the only thing missing in between Akemi’s pillows and sheets.

His mother’s scent.

As a pup, Kiyoomi felt security and a stable ground when his mother scented him. When he was just a baby, he knew nothing of the world around him, but all he was certain of was that his mother’s presence shooed all his troubles away. His mother would be there to feed and clean him, to hold and snuggle him, and that was enough to make him feel he was in a safe place. Kiyoomi assumes that the same goes for his pup, who spends his days basking in the comfort and soundness of Atsumu’s arms.

Kiyoomi hums. “Alright pup, let’s sleep in mine and mama’s room?” 

There’s a pleased purr from Akemi. He appears to like that idea. A lot.

Akemi finds himself being lifted once more by his father as they venture towards the master’s bedroom, the very bedroom Kiyoomi woke up in without a single hint as to where he is and how he arrived at such a predicament.

Albeit Kiyoomi no longer sees this situation as a predicament. 

Once they enter, Kiyoomi shuts the door behind him, laying the pup down, and plopping right next to him. Heaven embraces him in the form of Atsumu’s scent; it welcomes him back to their nest, along with the pup who is now content and ready to be taken by sleep. It feels as if they’re resting on clouds – the comfort of an omega knows no bounds, all to the degree that even just their scent will leave their family in peace.

“Smells like mama, hmm?” Kiyoomi coos, to which Akemi nods.

The alpha turns to lay flat on his back, while his left arm wraps tighter to further caress his son. Akemi himself snuggles closer to his father’s warmth as his eyes droop with languor.

“You know, I never really got your mother.” Kiyoomi starts. “He’s a very enigmatic person, I had, maybe still have, ambivalent feelings about him. He never fails to surprise me.”

He doesn’t know where this rant is leading, and he doubts that Akemi is actually listening, so he supposes that he’s talking to no one in particular, probably to himself. He doesn’t think there’s a point in ranting, but he really needs to vocalize his feelings, since he’s been rather overwhelmed by omega in the past few hours, of course, overwhelmed in a good way. 

By some inexplicable phenomenon, he’s traveled years into the future. He decides that he should reminisce about the past to balance the fragile equilibrium of time.

He goes as far back as high school when they first met in the volleyball high school scene. They were made aware of each other during their final year of middle school; as both were aspiring and ambitious volleyball players. Back then, Kiyoomi didn’t get the hype around the so-called monster twins who dominated the court. Words can be fabricated, rumors are most likely to not be as they actually are. He needed to see them in action to authenticate their competency.

Their first meeting in high school was unpleasant. Maybe unpleasant is too kind of a term – it was galling, irritating. Atsumu’s ability to never shut up and repel Kiyoomi’s patience is something that was astounding in all the wrong ways. In his eyes, Atsumu was all talk, just a feisty omega who still hasn’t moved on from his presentation; because he knows that Atsumu expected to present as an alpha.

Atsumu managed to make Kiyoomi reassess what he gathered from his first impression when the omega stepped on the court. Perhaps he wasn’t all talk.

But goddamn, did Atsumu talk a lot .

“It’s impressive how I never seem to predict him even when he runs his mouth like a 24/7 convenience store. His words always seem to get him into trouble.” Kiyoomi chuckles. “I remember at all-japan, he managed to offend every volleyball player out there, throwing all sorts of nicknames and whatnot, making all sorts of comments. I called him out on it, and we ended up fighting and causing a huge commotion. We caught everyone’s attention, unfortunately, including the ones of the coaches.”

That was one of their many clashes. Not the first, definitely not the last either. That one involved yelling, and a very questionable language. It wasn’t tolerable; it was an inconvenience to everyone in that gym. Kiyoomi didn’t regret it though, Atsumu deserved to be called out – sometimes he gets too much and needs someone to make it their business to reprimand him.

“They put us on timeout and we had to sit beside each other. We both hated each other then because we really wanted to play on the court, but the punishment for our trouble was having to sit out.” 

“We didn’t talk, we were both bitter and grumbling curses at one another as we faced the opposite direction from the other. I turned my head to look at him, and thought to myself, maybe he isn’t so bad sometimes. He was and still is beautiful, he may be an unorthodox omega, but his charisma is inimitable. He never tried to conform with the traditional standards of an omega, which made him all the more attractive.” 

It alarmed Kiyoomi; how he found someone so exasperating, attractive. It still does at the present timeline. Oftentimes he would ponder in bed during the incipient hours of the morning and the late ones of the night, how his heart gravitated towards a very ornery omega. Atsumu was so difficult to handle, but easy to love. Loving Atsumu was arduous and needed so much patience. But it made loving him sweeter; it leaves Kiyoomi in bliss, knowing that no one would ever love Atsumu the same way he does.

“He glowed even more when we met each other again at MSBY. He was less annoying, still annoying though. He was everywhere, amiable with everyone, but at the same time, he felt so difficult to reach. Once his presence grows onto you, it’s not easy to replace. No one ever shone like him, not even the sun.” 

When Atsumu puts aside his arrogance, he giggles like a god and has a disposition sweeter than his scent. He becomes kinder than the crinkle of his eyes. He’s a companion you’d want to walk life with. You’d want to stand every stage with him, celebrate every little one of life’s joys by his side. 

He’s also a companion whose hold you’d want to be in during your lowest times, you’d want to hold his hand as you walk through a thorny path of life, you’d want to be strong for the both of you, and you’d want to make his smile your motivation for getting back up from your fall and trying again. He’d give you the incipient push you needed to keep going – and you’d keep going, just for him.

“He’s everything I wished for in a lover; strong but loving – consistent with his drive and ambitions. Years have passed yet he never seemed to change. I never wanted him to, He’s perfect as himself.” Kiyoomi fondly says. “Try as I might, but I'll never be able to vocalize my full admiration for him. No words are as strong as what I feel.”

And it’s true. Kiyoomi was never the best at words, but he could scan through the whole dictionary and still never find the words to properly relay how he feels.

Perhaps love is just like that. It always leaves you at a loss of words.

And as much as he is in love, he is also oblivious to the listening ear on the other side of the bedroom door.

Kiyoomi took a nap.

He doesn’t remember dozing off, but he does wake up with Akemi still snuggled beside him. The pup snores peacefully. He looks so comfortable in the security of Atsumu’s scent. 

Same can’t be said for his father. Although the bed is a cherished oasis, Kiyoomi is restless. No matter how much the aroma of honey lures him back to sleep, there’s a blockage preventing him from succumbing to it. This blockage is his need to further familiarize this timeline, and there’s no way to circumvent this necessity. So, he complies and once again bids goodbye to the bliss of the sheets. 

He’s careful so as to not interrupt the pup. He leaves the room as he closes the door, as gently as he could. He has no clue on where he’s supposed to go, or what he’s supposed to do, but he’ll figure it out on the way downstairs. He’s well aware that the only people who set on a pursuit without a plan beforehand are idiots who runs on impetuosity, (he may as well be an idiot now) but something tells him that he should follow the invisible arrows in his home, and only his heart can determine which direction they’re pointing to.

Somehow, all the arrows direct him to the living room.

The house is quiet. No one’s around the first floor and Mochi’s also asleep by the kitchen; right where the afternoon sun peeks from the glass walls that lead to the backyard. The other two pups are still probably in their rooms, with Atsumu tending to either one of them. And thus how Kiyoomi finds himself standing alone, in the living room.

He surveys the place; the interior is cozy, and filled with warm hues. Only one word can describe it accurately; rustic. It’s evident that Atsumu chose the motif for the place, because it reminds Kiyoomi of the countryside where a lot of sun enters and graces their days. The alpha wouldn't have it any other way.

It’s a bit messy for Kiyoomi’s standards, but it's that kind of mess that he finds endearing; a volleyball and a basketball sitting at the floor by the corner, a few clothes stacked up by one of the chairs, crayons on the center table, plush animals lounging on the sofa, by the TV table are frames scattered around the living space.

And there’s where he spots it, just above a few magazines; a photo album idly resting by the lower tier of the center table.

He approaches it and takes it in his hands. His finger glides absentmindedly through the hard cover, nervous on the pictures he’d find once he opens the album.

A dream life with the omega of his affections. It’s all too good to be true.

He does eventually flip the album open – for the first few pages, he finds pictures from their MSBY days; pictures with the team, pictures with other people in the VLeague, pictures taken after matches, and pictures with the most uncalled-for shenanigans that grown men would do without a second thought. Everything was there; pranks, wins, losses, post-match celebrations, the daily gym life. Kiyoomi remembers a lot of them all too well.

Then there are pictures from when Atsumu and Kiyoomi started dating. Kiyoomi doesn’t recall a thing, because in his timeline, it didn’t happen yet . There are pictures of dates, pictures of trips, pictures of the mundane but domestic daily live-in life, and more.

And then there’s a pic of Atsumu crying, with a big smile as he shows the camera a white rectangular stick. The next pic is a selfie with Kiyoomi pecking Atsumu’s cheek as the blond still holds up the pregnancy test proudly, face blotched with tears and snot, yet still pretty as always, especially with how happy he was that time.

The next photos are of Atsumu as he progresses with the pregnancy. And then there’s a hospital picture with the tired omega smiling up sleepily, holding a pup in his arms. That must be Yasuko, Kiyoomi notes. 

There’s a proposal pic, where Atsumu flaunts his ring to the camera, and then a lot of wedding pics. As their family grows with time, photos of two more pups enter the album. 

The alpha’s too invested in the book of memories that he doesn’t even register footsteps approaching him.

“Omi-kun,” Atsumu calls out as he enters the living room. “Hmm, whatcha’ got there?”

Kiyoomi doesn’t respond. His eyes are glued, still too occupied in drinking the sight of the life he couldn’t remember, the life that apparently had passed him by but wasn’t able to be experienced by himself.

The blond finds out what Kiyoomi’s been busy with lately, and he decided to comment on it. “Feeling nostalgic I see.”

And then he spots a photo of a pup a tad bit younger than a year, covered in powder with its face scrunched up in distress and its mouth wide open as it cries. Kiyoomi can hear the loud wails from the visual alone.

“Who’s this?” He asks.

Atsumu tries as he might to stifle his laughs behind a hand, but ultimately fails in doing so. He falls to the couch in a shriek of laughter – It’s the noisy kind of laughter that always seems to invigorate their gym as he and the other two idiots (namely Bokuto and Hinata) devise something so stupid to Kiyoomi’s exasperation.

The omega doesn’t answer the question as he’s too busy laughing his ass off.

“Mama!” A flustered Yasuko sprints down the stairs and snatches the album out of Kiyoomi’s hands. “I told you that we forget about that photo!”

“What happened in the photo?” Kiyoomi asks once more. 

“This is the only instance where I’m glad you lost your memories!” Yasuko remarks.

Atsumu momentarily pauses his wheezing in favor of answering to Kiyoomi’s queries. “That’s when Yasuko was still a baby, she was playin’ around with the container of powder and–”

Yasuko interrupts, all red in the face. “Mama!”

“‘N the lid slipped off, and the powder poured all over her!” Atsumu once again bursts into laughter.

“Papa, stop him!” Yasuko commands frantically.

Kiyoomi muffles his own laughter behind his palm, rendering it inaudible. But with his bowed head and shaking shoulders, Yasuko could tell that her father had also joined her mother in poking fun at her.

“Papaaa!” Yasuko whines. “You’re supposed to be on my side!”

“Sorry, sweetheart but–” Kiyoomi pauses as another fit of laughter escapes him.

“You two are ridiculous!” She huffs and stomps off.

Kiyoomi recovers and eases down, he then calls after his daughter. Atsumu, though, is still vibrating with laughter, curled on the couch. “Yasu-chan, come back!”

“No!” The alpha can hear her sulking from the halls.

“We’ll play volleyball, hmm?”

Now that seems to bring upon a caprice to the little girl, she peaks from the corner and tilts her head in interest. “We’re playin’ volleyball?”

“Do you want to?” Kiyoomi grins.

Taigen walks down the stairs, and he’s startled by his older sister’s exclamation. “Yes please!” 

“Come here and ask your mother then.” Kiyoomi says.

“I don’t like him! He’s always teasing me!” Yasuko argues.

“Ask mama what?” Taigen chimes in, approaching his parents.

“If we could play volleyball.” Kiyoomi responds.

“Oh.”

“Yasu-chan darlin’, if ya wanna play volleyball then I’ll gladly participate.” Atsumu starts, sitting up straight as his laughter finally dies down.

Yasuko doesn’t acknowledge him, and instead she continues to mope.

“And we’ll get your favorite ice cream, the one ya were askin’ for this morning.” Atsumu singsongs.

Yasuko gaps and once again peaks from the corner wall. “Really?”

“Yeah, we’ll have your favorite flavor, mint choco!”

Yasuko gives up on her act of being angry, she approaches them and they all agree on volleyball.

It’s a quarter to four as they start hanging the net in the backyard. The weather’s clement - the clouds float by idly and the sun’s afternoon glow graces their yard. Akemi is still in slumber upstairs, and it worries Atsumu that with a nap that long, he won’t be able to fall asleep tonight. Mochi is lounging lazily by the grass, basking in the sun’s warmth. 

The family separates in groups of two. Atsumu with Yasuko and Kiyoomi with Taigen. And then for the next round, they switched partners; Taigen with his mother and Yasuko with her father. Seems like the couple’s competitiveness passed down to their kids, as each pup is just as determined as the other to beat one another. Kiyoomi should be worried, but it appears like he and Atsumu managed to handle their intense rivalry with one another, considering how they’re still together even as years flit by. 

And when the sun starts retreating by the horizon, with perspiration stuck on their clothes, the family concludes their set of matches. Yasuko immediately heads inside for a bath, with her mother following. Kiyoomi sets down the net as Taigen is sitting on the grass, contemplating something.

“A penny for your thoughts?” Kiyoomi begins, filling up the comfortable silence between them.

“Ah… it’s nothing.” Is the curt response of the boy. That alone tells Kiyoomi all he needs to know; there’s something that gravely concerns the child’s mind, yet he deems it as nothing worth confiding in. 

“You sure?” Kiyoomi pushes once more, just for extra measure. 

“Yeah…” 

Even that one word is stained in uncertainty. But Kiyoomi won’t force Taigen to reveal his troubles if he isn’t ready yet.

Kiyoomi tries to shrug it off, but the pup’s pensive nature concerns him. He doesn’t ask again though and the quiet eventually continues. 

The alpha didn’t have to wait long though, because suddenly, Taigen has decided to open the topic up.

“Papa…” He begins in a scared little voice. “Will you be mad?”

“If?” Kiyoomi reflects curiosity.

“If I-!”

“Pup, take a deep breath and calm down.” Kiyoomi instructs softly.

Taigen does the breathing exercises Kiyoomi’s all too familiar with. The mentioned exercises are the ones that work best for the alpha himself when he feels deluged with panic. Future Kiyoomi must’ve taught this method to the kids and probably to Atsumu too.

“Will you be mad if I don’t want to play volleyball?” Taigen starts, all too hesitant.

“Now why would I?” The alpha asks.

“Because you and mama are big names in volleyball and everyone’s expectin’ us to follow!” 

“What do you want to do then?”

“I like… basketball.”

Ah, that explains the basketball idling beside the volleyball by the corner

“Who told you to follow me and your mama’s career?”

“Everyone’s implyin’ it…” Taigen whispers. “‘baa-chan and ‘jisan kept saying how I’d be a wonderful volleyball player when I grow up, and my classmates keep pushing the idea too.”

Kiyoomi pauses, taking his sweet time in gathering a response. “You know, you can be anything - you don’t even have to be an athlete. You can be a businessman, writer, photographer, or anything.”

“Because whatever you become won’t change the fact that you’re my son.”

Kiyoomi as a child had a supposed career set by default. His father’s side has a reputable lineage of business, and as a son, people had this image in their heads - that he’d follow through with what is already determined by his bloodline. Growing up and further developing an affinity with volleyball left him petrified that the ball would be slapped out of his hands by his own parents and that the sport would be forbidden from him. When he confessed to his parents that volleyball is the only career he’d take, he had already conditioned himself to receive any yell, sermon or insult his parents would likely give him.

But they only smiled. “I’m glad our boy has something he’s passionate about.” His mother had said.

“He’ll make a fine athlete, won’t he, my dear?” His father cheered on with his mother.

Perhaps it’s because the union between his father and mother isn’t recognized by the Sakusa family business. Meaning Kiyoomi can choose not to succeed his father’s title. Despite that, Kiyoomi is certain that even if he were the only heir, his parents would have still left his future in his hands, not to the hands of a bloodline.

And just like him, Taigen’s life is his to discover, his to build - not Kiyoomi’s, not Atsumu’s.

“As long as you’re content and happy, I’ll be proud of the choices you make.” Kiyoomi gives the pup a pat on the shoulder. It’s good they’re having that conversation as early as now, so beginning from that very young age, he can abandon any restriction that has kept a grasp on. He could be more liberated in exploring himself, and what he’d picture in his future, which is definitely not a predetermined life plan courtesy of his parents.

The little boy muses for a while, seemingly processing his father’s acceptance when he too, just like a younger Kiyoomi, expected a more negative reaction.

“Thanks papa.” Taigen offers a small smile.

“Anytime,” Kiyoomi smiles back. “If you want, I could learn basketball so we could play together? I’m quite versatile with sports, though not as good as volleyball of course.” 

“Y-you would?” Taigen marvels at his father’s proposal with his eyes alight. 

“Of course, again you have our whole support. And I also speak for your mother in this case.” Kiyoomi reaches out to ruffle his son’s hair. 

The small smile on the pup’s face widens significantly, and it’s nothing less than rewarding for Kiyoomi. 

After dinner, the whole household gets ready for bed. Atsumu is strict with the kids’ bedtime, so by eight-thirty, he reminds them that lights are out at nine. Atsumu puts Akemi to bed while the other two pups take turns in brushing their teeth. Of course, they can’t help but do so noisily with their constant quarreling. 

“Pups, keep it down! Akemi’s goin’ ta bed!” Atsumu yells out, and the echo of his voice is just as commanding in the lavatory.

“Yes mama!” Yasuko obeys, though she still elbows her brother one last time.

Taigen’s about to retaliate - as kids with competitive natures like them refuse to let the other claim the final say. But Kiyoomi stops him before he can lay a hand on his sister. 

“Taigen, Yasuko, what did mama say?” Kiyoomi scolds as he leans sideways on the doorway. 

They both surrender and continue with their business silently. As soon as they finish, they approach Kiyoomi with a hint that they want to be scented. This also must be part of their family’s routine - scenting from parents after they wake up and before they go to bed. Kiyoomi knows that future him had implemented this, because it came from his own mother.

Kiyoomi does scent them, a little extra now since he failed to do so earlier in the morning. As a bonus, he kisses their foreheads. He might’ve not known them from their birth up till yesterday, but he feels the connection established between alphas and the pups they sire. In the limited hours of today, he learned to love them like he’s known them their entire lives.

“Goodnight papa!” Taigen greets cheerily.

“Goodnight kids.” Kiyoomi smiles back at them.

“Hopefully tomorrow you’ll get your memory back!” Yasuko chirps.

Ah, tomorrow.

“We’ll have to see.” The alpha exhales a shaky chuckle. Though he hopes that the kids didn’t catch its uncertainty. “Go say goodnight to mama before going to your respective rooms, hmm?”

They both nod and run off.

When Kiyoomi enters their bedroom, just after visiting a sleeping Akemi, Atsumu’s in front of the wardrobe, checking his nightgown in front of a full-body mirror. The satin velvet makes a wonderful contrast on his tanned skin. The emitted waves of soothing honey makes the visual all the more dulcet. 

“Have you prepared for bed?” Atsumu turns to him once his presence is noticed. Kiyoomi nods. He’s finally alone with this Atsumu, and he doesn’t know what to expect. “And the kids?”

“They’ve retired to their respective rooms as well. I suppose they’re asleep.” Kiyoomi reports.

“Alright, I guess we should too.” Atsumu hums as he approaches the bed - both his nest and Kiyoomi’s den. He gets comfortable and eyes the alpha when the latter stays glued in place by hesitation. After discerning the look Atsumu sends him, he walks to the bed with slow, deliberate steps before carefully lying on it as if making sure that the sheets wouldn’t crinkle. 

Once both bodies settle on the mattress, facing each other with some sort of mutual anticipation, a tense silence also settles in the atmosphere of the room’s four walls. The pair does nothing but stare at one another. Kiyoomi closes his eyes, praying for the night to pass as swift as a gust of wind. He wants to fall asleep and somehow wake up in his reality, as if the events of today were nothing but a mere dream he’d forget as he continues to yearn for his Atsumu. But with how stiff his body is, and his inability to relax with this Atsumu’s calculating gaze pinned on him, slumber doesn’t dare approach him. 

“How old are ya, really?” The silence severs with a single question; the elephant in the room that Kiyoomi had thought was invisible to this Atsumu.

“What?” Kiyoomi opens his eyes in suddenness. The single-word question escapes him in a small, amorphous voice. It’s shaky, frail, and so unlike the alpha himself - be it the present or the future one.

“You’re a stranger, but I know you’re still Kiyoomi. Just… not my Kiyoomi. I figured you’re younger.” Atsumu explains, too calmly for Kiyoomi’s liking.

“How so?”

“You’re unfamiliar with the house we spent years in together, you’re unfamiliar with our pups’ names, you don’t know how to do a lot of things you’re accustomed to doing.”

Kiyoomi stays silent. Of course this Atsumu would ascertain what’s actually going on with his mate.

“But, you know me so well - ya know my family, even my half-sister. Ya know what went on between us in All-Japan, I overheard ya talkin’ to Akemi.. From then I could tell that ya really are Kiyoomi. It’s like ya know me n’ our lives from a certain age, but not from the years that follow. So tell me, how old are ya?”

Kiyoomi’s face heats up at the mention of the omega witnessing that little admiration speech he shared with the sleeping pup. But back to the matter in hand, he sighs as he decides to finally unveil the truth.

“Twenty-five.” He admits. “I’m twenty-five. Last I remembered, I fell asleep in a hotel for an away game in Tokyo with the Falcons. We shared a room together. I woke up here, not knowing what exactly happened.” 

“Oh, twenty-five.” Atsumu ponders. “We weren’t together yet then.”

Kiyoomi affirms with a hum.

“I guess it came out as a shock to ya, wakin’ up ta’ me as your mate. How did that make ya feel?” The blond points out.

“It made me happy. I just recently stopped denying my feelings for you. But I think I got overwhelmed, it all happened a bit too fast - particularly overnight.” 

“I know. Fifteen years in a night’s sleep is mind-blowin’.” 

“Though this is a very unexpected way to learn that your crush likes you back - by living in a future of being together.” Kiyoomi comments.

“Definitely. I’m sorry ya had t’ find out this way. Would’ve been more romantic if you two confessed like usual - like how me and my Kiyoomi did.” Atsumu sympathizes. 

“I’ve never been so uncertain of my life. I mean, I am happy, but with this pacing? What if I wake up another fifteen years later and our pups are already teenagers? And then when I go to bed tomorrow, I’d wake up the next day to us being old and gray, with an absent recollection of the years that passed me by. Or what if I wake up tomorrow back in the past, and with the knowledge of this future, I fuck everything up and my timeline’s Atsumu wouldn’t want to be with me?” Kiyoomi starts rambling uninhibitedly now that he can confide in this Atsumu, who’s more mature and has a motherly lilt in him. Right now, he needs advice from a parental figure, even though supposedly this Atsumu is his partner.

“There’s only one way to find out.” Atsumu says. “I unfortunately, also have no clue on how this situation came to be, and am just as unsure as ya are. I can assure ya one thing though, if ever ya return to your own timeline, even with the knowledge of the future, ya won’t fuck up anythin’ ya and your Atsumu has. You two are destined for one another, plus ya won’t let just anything ruin the possibility of achieving what your heart is set to, you’re Sakusa see-through-things-till-the-end Kiyoomi.” 

Atsumu’s words seem to have made Kiyoomi’s worries abate, despite the unfaltering concern of where he finds himself tomorrow. He still sighs though, because he hasn’t a clue on what to do next but to just go on with this enigmatic and inexplicable predicament that robbed him of a steady-flowing timeline.

“Go to sleep pup,” Atsumu hushes, releasing calming pheromones. Honey has never been so sedating before. 

“I’m not a pup.” Kiyoomi grunts, but the pheromones’ effect is weighing on him, and his body gets heavier with somnolence by each passing second. 

“You definitely are for now.” 

“Even if I’m not your Kiyoomi, I’m twenty-five.” The alpha mentions.

“Touche,” Atsumu hums as he reaches a hand out to caress Kiyoomi’s curls. The latter leans into his touch, savoring the presence of someone who anchors him from the waves of his unending anxieties. “But ya still act like a pup though.”

Kiyoomi hums back, content for now. Though something still sets unease in him. He points it out, “uhh, Atsumu?”

“Hm?”

“Are you disappointed?” Kiyoomi starts.

“With what?”

“With the fact that it’s not your mate in this body right now - the one you shared a lifetime with.” 

Kiyoomi knows that in one way or another, Atsumu himself must be mourning the loss of his Kiyoomi. If twenty-five year-old Kiyoomi in this body, then where’s his forty-year old Kiyoomi? Where’s the soul he spent his years with? Did it evanesce into nothing? Is it gone forever? Atsumu’s heart must be aching, and Kiyoomi can feel it hurt from the small gap between their chests. 

Atsumu takes his time - he sorts his feelings and tries to translate them into words. “In a way, yes I am. After all, you’re not the one I’ve been spendin’ my blissful days with. But… you’re still the Kiyoomi I knew from highschool up to early adulthood. You’re still Sakusa Kiyoomi through and through, so I’m not entirely dejected at this turn of events.”

He talks as if he’s the least bit affected though Kiyoomi can see how he clutches the blanket. His grip relaxes though, as he exhales out a smile. “Either way, I’m glad it’s you.” 

He pauses before proceeding. “If my Kiyoomi won’t return to me, then that’s okay, I’ll make do with it. You can learn the life he lived and we can make more memories together. I’ll help ya catch up on everythin’ that happened to us.”

The fact that this Atsumu still manages to see the bright side out of the dark realization that his Kiyoomi may never come back to him astonishes the alpha. He chooses to stay strong even when he’s facing the reality that he might have lost his real lover.

“That’s brave of you.” Kiyoomi remarks.

“Well in life, especially one as unpredictable as this, situations will arise where ya don’t have a choice but to be brave.” Atsumu chuckles, and it’s a sound of sadness. “I think you’re braver, for tryin’ to adapt to this new, unfamiliar life of yours without anythin’ to guide ya with.” 

“I wish I’d be braver to face another day of uncertainty.” The alpha frowns.

“You will, I know it.” Atsumu comforts with a smile and a new release of pheromones. It does the trick and helps ease Kiyoomi further. “For now, ya hafta’ sleep soundly. Tomorrow will come, and we’ll figure it out. Let go of your worries for tonight.”

Despite not entirely shaking the unease off of him, Kiyoomi learns to breathe deeply, relax, and finally surrender to slumber. Atsumu’s pheromones have been gradually lulling him to sleep, putting him in a dream despite the nightmarish turn of time he’s found himself in. 

Kiyoomi lets go, because he knows that one way or another, he’ll always have an Atsumu with him tomorrow.