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There's a light drizzle falling over Osaka this early September evening. The sun has already set so far that the street lights have taken its place, reflecting off the puddles collecting on dark asphalt. There's people mingling outside with umbrellas, on their way to bars, izakayas, and clubs. All in all, it is a usual Friday night.
The only thing out of place is the tall figure stalking along the sidewalk. The mop of blond hair on his head is plastered to his forehead due to the rain and his left foot is slowly getting wetter since he stepped into a puddle five minutes ago. Atsumu hates everything about today and he can't wait to get home.
The MSBY share house is already in sight, so the blond quickens his steps, almost running now. There's people frowning at him as he rushes past them, but he doesn't really care. Wanting a day to end does that to you.
He fights against the tears threatening to spill, not knowing whether they're tears of disappointment or anger. The rain would most likely hide them, Atsumu however, is too stubborn to let them fall. He decided about halfway through his evening that it wasn't worth shedding tears over and he plans to stay true to that decision.
Finally reaching the share house, he punches in the building code to get in and takes the stairs two at a time to the first floor. He unlocks the door to the apartment he shares with three of his teammates, halting in the genkan. Atsumu doesn't bang the door shut, no. He’s not that much of an asshole. He rips off the scent patches he’s been wearing the whole evening, though and kicks off his shoes with more force than necessary, not bothering to get them in order.
The scent of his anger and hurt swim around him and he tries to reel it in. Just until he’s safely in his own room, he tells himself. Then he can let go and be as emotional as he wants to be.
Stepping fully into the apartment, he notices that there's still light coming from the common area, which is odd. Shouyou and Bokuto are both in Tokyo, spending the last weekends before the season picks up with their mates and Sakusa wouldn't be awake at this hour anymore. An intruder would probably not just leave the light on, but still, Atsumu is cautious as he walks towards their common area. He’s still a nosey bastard, so he needs to check out what is going on in his home.
As he walks past the four rooms, he notices that the door to Sakusa’s room is slightly ajar but the light is off. Atsumu raises his brows at the sight, but refrains from looking any closer into it. Sakusa would probably rip his head off if he saw him peek into his room. Instead, he finally steps into the common area.
The first thing he notices is a head of curly, frizzy black hair with tiny hands slapped against Sakusa’s sharp cheekbones. The next thing Atsumu notices is Sakusa’s bone deep sigh and that he’s wearing his pyjamas to the common area. This must be a dire situation.
“Sayori, my love, sweetheart, don’t you think it’s time to go to sleep?” Sakusa sounds tired, like he could fall asleep at any second now, but the baby in his arms doesn’t seem to want to grant him his wish. She exclaims a very awake “Bah!” and squishes her father’s cheeks with her chubby little baby hands. Atsumu melts at the sight.
“I see, very valid argument. Why didn’t I think of that? You’re just too smart for me.”
The way Sakusa delivers the statement like it’s an absolute truth, makes an unexpected giggle bubble out of Atsumu. The airy sound gets the attention of the father daughter duo on the couch and Sakusa’s head whips around to look in his direction.
“Miya?” Sakusa asks right as his little mini me practically shouts “UMU” and starts waving her little arms in his direction. She starts wiggling in her father’s arms and tries detaching herself from him in an attempt to get to Atsumu. The blond is set into motion as his inner omega shouts at him to not let her fall. He rushes over to the couch, where Saksua just lost the fight of holding back his child from flinging herself off of it. The setter catches Sayori, who falls against his chest in a fit of giggles. She pushes herself up again to look into his eyes and the bright smile that he’s met with sends a smile to his own face.
“Umu,” she echoes again and waves at him in a show of hello.
“Hiya, Sacchan. Ya gotta be more careful, love.”
“No!” The refusal rips a laugh from Atsumu’s chest. ‘No’ has been Sayori’s favourite word for a few weeks now and the setter isn’t surprised at all. With a father like Sakusa it is practically a given.
“Miya. Why are you wet?”
“Huh?” Atsumu looks at Sakusa and then down at himself and oh, yeah, he walked here in the rain. “It’s raining outside,” is what he, oh so intelligently, answers. Sakusa’s response is to frown and tell him to wait as he gets up from the couch and walks out of the room. The setter looks after him before focusing back on the child still in his arms. Sakusa Sayori is the spitting image of her father, with soft black curls framing her face, the same dark eyes, one mole sitting under her right eye and another one to the left of her mouth. What sets her apart from her father, though, is the way she hands out smiles like it’s the easiest thing in the world. She sends the brightest smiles to people, showing off her five teeth with pride.
She’s doing the same thing right now, grinning at Atsumu like he told her the funniest joke. The omega can’t help but smile as well, Sayori has that effect on people.
“What do ya think yer Pa is doin’, hm?” He asks while sitting her down on the couch to peel the light sweater he’s wearing off himself, leaving him in a t-shirt. The shirt is still damp, but not as soaked as his sweater at least. How he managed to keep his trousers dry (except for where he stepped into the puddle) is a mystery to Atsumu, but he will take every small victory this day will grant him.
“Papa,” Sayori answers like it will give the setter the answer he’s looking for. She crawls back to where Atsumu is kneeling next to the couch and uses his outstretched arm to heave herself into a standing position again. The softness of the couch cushions complicates the whole endeavour, so the omega stays ready to catch her, should balancing herself not work anymore. He shouldn't have underestimated her, though. Sayori’s a Sakusa after all and they seem to excel at everything they do.
“Look atcha. Standin’ like a pro!”
“Po!”
“Why are you teaching my daughter weird words?” Sakusa comes back into the room as his daughter repeats Atsumu’s words. He’s carrying two large towels that look suspiciously like his own and not the ones that are in the communal cabinets in the hallway. His omega basically purrs with satisfaction at the sight and he tries to tone it down, to not let the feeling bleed into his scent.
“It ain’t my fault that children aren’t born with perfect speech, Omi.” There is a teasing lilt to his voice while he tickles Sayori to elicit some giggles from the little girl.
Sakusa places one of the towels on the couch while continuing to admonish Atsumu for tainting his daughter’s vocabulary. “You say that now, but who says she won’t be shouting ‘po’ for the next two years? Come sit down here.” He points to the towel and Sayori chirps “Umu” as if to underline her father’s request. And really? How can Atsumu say no to two Sakusas? He’s not strong enough to do it.
He still can’t help but try to have the last word while he sits down. “Ya really think Sacchan would do that? What a dad ya are, Omi-Omi.”
Sakusa of course knows that he’s only joking, so all he gets in response is a massive eye roll. Meanwhile, Sayori clambers into Atsumu’s lap, plopping right down there to cuddle up to him. The setter can’t help but coo at the absolute cuteness displayed. He pulls the little girl close as Sakusa whispers a “traitor” in his daughter’s direction.
The alpha then scoots closer to Atsumu on the couch and places the second towel on his head, drying the dripping wet blond strands of hair. He expected Sakusa to be rough with his movements, to not care if he messed up Atsumu’s hair, but the alpha is careful, almost reverent in how he pats his hair dry. The gesture sends tingles down Atsumu’s spine and he has to suppress a purr working its way up his throat. He can, in no way, let Sakusa know he enjoys this. The outside hitter places the towel over Atsumu’s shoulders, making sure that it will collect the last stray droplets of water.
“So. Why were you walking around in the rain? Without an umbrella nonetheless?”
“Ah, ya don’t wanna know, Omi,” Atsumu’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes. He lets the hand that is not cradling Sayori to his chest run through her black locks, eliciting a sigh from the little girl.
“You came in here smelling like anger and disappointment. What happened?” Ah, straight to the point, just what Atsumu expected from the alpha. Sakusa isn’t known to beat around the bush. That’s apparently also the case when his teammate is miserable.
“Ugh, it’s just … Stupid alphas and their stupid pea sized brains,” the setter groans while leaning against the back of the couch. “My parents pestered me to go on another blind date and the guy was a real kno- uhm knucklehead.”
“Nu!”
“Exactly, Sacchan. Don’t ever let a stupid alpha tell ya how ya should be livin’ yer life. No matter yer dynamic.”
“He did what?”
“Oh, just told me how I’m wastin’ away my body by bein’ an athlete and I should rather focus on startin’ a family. Also, did ya know that I should be lucky he agreed to go on a date with me, since I’m such an untraditional omega ?” The tears he had been willing down the whole evening were now trying to make their way back up Atsumu’s tear ducts. His brother always called him a crybaby and sadly, he wasn’t wrong. It didn’t take much for the setter to start crying. He could be happy, tired, angry or sad, any emotion could get him going.
“It’s not that I haven't heard way worse, or that I actually wanted the evenin’ to go well. I couldn't care less about what some no name, prissy alpha thinks of me. And yet, here I am, carin’ ,” he sniffs.
Then there's two things happening at once. The omega thinks he starts smelling the faintest hint of burnt earth, almost woodsmoke, a suffocating, unpleasant version of Sakusa’s usually clean and earthy scent of a rainy day. And Sakusa Sayori starts crying and trying to fuss in Atsumu's arms.
The blond realises that his usual spicy ginger scent has turned acidic and sharp, almost biting, with his anger and disappointment. He immediately starts comforting the baby in his arms while trying to regulate the way he smells.
“I’m so sorry, Sacchan. I didn't mean to worry ya, bug.” She lets herself get lifted higher up, where she buries her head in Atsumu's neck, close to his scent gland, inhaling his scent of ginger, which has returned to normal. “I was just upset, nothin’ else. We’re safe,” he murmurs and rubs comforting circles into her back. Sayori sighs, her little fingers fisted into the towel still around Atsumu's neck. The change in scent from the alpha in the room is forgotten, as the omega concentrates on calming down the little girl in his arms.
Gently rocking her and still rubbing circles across her back seems to do the trick as her breathing starts evening out, finally lulling her to sleep. While she starts drifting off, Atsumu looks up and over to Sakusa, who's regarding them with an expression the omega has never seen on him before. His lips are slightly parted and his eyebrows are raised, leaving his eyes wide open. It almost looks like wonder to the blond, but he’s sure he’s reading that wrong. No-one has ever looked at him in wonder, so why should Sakusa Kiyoomi?
“Sorry, Omi. I didn't mean to make her cry.”
“She’s asleep,” Sakusa whispers. He doesn’t even admonish Atsumu for making his daughter cry, he just keeps staring. “She’s never fallen asleep on anyone that isn’t family.”
Those words make a warm feeling bubble up inside Atsumu as his inner omega puffs out his chest with pride. Heat travels all the way up to the tips of his ears and the telltale sign of burning behind his eyes tells him that he’s close to crying again. He never thought that little Sayori, who is a papa’s girl through and through, would trust him like that after two months of knowing him. He also never thought that he would be willing to commit unspeakable crimes for a fourteen month old baby, yet here he is, ready to tear anyone to shreds who would even think of hurting this little angel.
“Well,” the raspiness in his voice betrays how emotional the whole thing makes him feel, “maybe she just appreciates how great I am.” Burying his head in Sayori’s curls to hide his tears, makes him inhale the little girl’s scent. She doesn’t really have one of her own for now, but the distinct smell of baby and Sakusa’s summer rain scent calm him down and make him realise how tired he actually is. Which is probably why he imagines a “maybe” from Sakusa’s direction.
🧸🧸🧸
The official story of how Sakusa Kiyoomi came to be an outside hitter for the Jackals involves a coin toss. The unofficial story, however, which only he and his cousin know, is far more embarrassing. It involves a certain blond omega setter and Kiyoomi's big fat secret crush on said blond omega setter.
Motoya likes to tease him about it every chance he gets, which is why Kiyoomi is currently ignoring his call in favour of entertaining his daughter. It consists of him lending her his two pointer fingers to hold on to, so that she can toddle around their room whichever way she pleases. The alpha laments the fact that he has to bend down into the most uncomfortable position for it. Having the height of a professional volleyball player does not lend itself well to taking care of a 77 cm short toddler. But alas, Kiyoomi loves his daughter and will be accepting back pain if it means Sayori can explore her surroundings to the best of her abilities.
They are currently on their way to the bedside table, where the alpha’s phone is happily chiming away, since Motoya is a gremlin who will not stop calling until Kiyoomi picks up. Which is why the outside hitter is currently debating whether or not it's worth it to brave the common area, where Miya is having a very loud phone call with his brother.
Before he can decide on a course of action, though, Sayori makes an executive decision for them both. By now, they reached the aforementioned bedside table and before Kiyoomi can even utter so much as a peep, she slaps her chubby little fingers onto his phone screen, successfully connecting the call to Motoya.
As soon as his face pops up on screen, Sayori screeches “MOMO” and starts waving around the hand that is not grabbing onto Kiyoomi's pointer finger. Motoya's face, which looked very disgruntled at first, lights up in an instant and he waves back with just as much enthusiasm.
“Riri-chan! I knew I could trust you to answer my calls. My sweet little angel.”
“Evil traitor seems more like it,” Kiyoomi grumbles good-naturedly and settles himself and his daughter on his bed, to be able to pick up his phone properly.
“Nuh-uh, don't be like that Kiyo. Just because you're still grumpy that Atsumu went on a date with an alpha that isn't you.”
“That's it, I’m hanging up.”
“No!” As Kiyoomi looks at his daughter like she just executed a betrayal of epic proportions, Motoya starts laughing on the other end of the line. The screen starts to shake and suddenly his face is gone and the screen turns black, though his laugh can still be heard. Sayori’s face scrunches up in confusion and she lets out a questioning “Momo?” before looking at her father for answers.
“I can’t believe my own blood would betray me like that. You should be on my side, sweetheart.” Motoya’s giggles just get louder as Kiyoomi sighs. “Your niece is looking for you. Are you done?”
His cousin’s head pops up on screen in an instant, which in turn brings back the bright smile on Sayori’s face and really, Kiyoomi cannot stay mad at Motoya when he is the reason for his daughter’s smile. He revokes that statement as soon as the next words leave Motoya’s mouth.
“So, when will you stop being a wimp and ask Atsumu out?”
“Goodbye.” With that, Kiyoomi hangs up on his cousin. The dark screen confuses Sayori, who looks up at her father again and asks “Momo” while pointing to the phone.
“Oh, I’m sorry, sweetheart. Momo-oji had to go. We’ll see him next week, though.”
“Ee?”
“Yes, see, you’re right. You're such a smart girl,” he coos and places a kiss against her forehead, while also gently running his wrist along her back, scenting her. Sayori, in turn, rubs her curly head against the scent gland on Kiyoomi's neck, effectively spreading his summer rain scent all over her. A soothing rumble travels through his chest, the puff of air Sayori breathes against his neck a clear sign of her relaxation.
While Kiyoomi would like nothing more than to nap with his daughter for a while, he still has to make them dinner before it’s time for them to go to bed. Which is why he tries not to jostle Sayori too much, as he gets up from the bed and leaves their room for the kitchen.
That happens to be the place where Miya still resides. The omega hasn't ended the call with his brother yet, but it seems like he's resorted to listening for now. His only responses are hums and ‘yeahs’ as he lies on the couch, head hanging from the edge of it.
When he notices the two Sakusas entering the room, his eyes widen and he immediately scrambles into an upright position, which leaves him flushed from neck to cheeks. He looks cute, Kiyoomi thinks, as the setter tries to bring his dishevelled hair back in order.
“Omi-kun, Sacchan!”
“Umu!”
“Miya. Hanging upside down like that isn’t good for your head. You especially should be careful of that.” As soon as the words leave his mouth, his alpha starts growling at him in disappointment. Why can’t he act normal for once in front of the omega?
“Speakin’ from experience, are ya, Omi-kun?” At least the setter never takes his jabs the wrong way and gives back as good as he gets.
Before the alpha can answer, Sayori starts her journey to the couch. Without thinking of Kiyoomi’s poor heart, she toddles along, taking the outside hitter with her, since she is still holding on to his fingers. She blabbers something about “Papa. Umu go!” to get him to finally move. Miya’s eyes widen again and a smile spreads over his lips simultaneously, as he tells his brother that he has to hang up now.
The alpha doesn’t get to tell him that he didn’t need to do that. Miya has already picked up Sayori, who giggles and hides her face against his neck. It gets their scents to mingle, as Sayori still smells like Kiyoomi, which makes his heart jump in his chest and his inner alpha croon with happiness. Maybe he should go see a doctor about it. Surely, it can’t be healthy.
“Yer the cutest baby on the planet, ya know that? Never tell my cousin, but yer way cuter than Mika-chan.”
Kiyoomi can’t help but snort at that. He knows he’s biassed when he says that his daughter is the most adorable baby to ever exist. Hearing Miya confirm that in his usual straight to the point manner, gives him an ego boost of enormous proportions. To not let his pride bleed too much into his scent, he tries changing the topic quickly.
“I was going to make dinner for Sayori and I. Would you like to join us?”
“Oh, ya know how to cook?” There’s mirth colouring his voice and Sayori chooses that moment to chuckle like she’s never heard something funnier. Kiyoomi can’t help but melt at the sight.
“I have a fourteen month-old and went to university. I’m no Osamu-san, but I like to think I can get by.”
“Sure, I’d like ta have dinner with ya.” He doesn’t look at Kiyoomi, instead focusing on Sayori, but the alpha can still see the soft smile playing on his lips. It isn’t the first time that Kiyoomi wishes he could reach out and just touch .
“Great,” he croaks, his mouth suddenly dry with nerves. “Will you stay with Umu, sweetheart? So Papa can cook?”
“Yeah!” Sayori almost shouts and teeters dangerously to the left with how much she throws herself into expressing her excitement.
Miya, of course, keeps her from falling and softly admonishes her for being too careless. The two of them start a conversation that consists of a lot of nonsense from Kiyoomi’s daughter and a lot of serious answers from Miya. The alpha has to rip himself away from the sight to finally get started on dinner. As he starts chopping vegetables, he keeps listening to Miya and Sayori. If he doesn’t think too much about it, he can almost imagine it being like that all the time. If only he were good enough to call Miya Atsumu his.
🧸🧸🧸
After having dinner with the Sakusas, things change for Atsumu. He doesn't know why, but their schedules seem to line up even more than they already do due to their work. Most mornings, the two curly heads join the omega on his run. Sayori either sleeps in her stroller or delights in being pushed in front of Sakusa while Atsumu makes silly faces at her. When they don't make it in time for Atsumu's morning run, they're in the kitchen making breakfast when he gets out of the shower, a steaming cup of tea waiting for the omega on the counter. His inner omega delights in the treatment and makes it hard for Atsumu to not do anything embarrassing.
The alpha looks adorably grumpy whenever Atsumu sees him first in the morning. He’s obviously not a morning person, even with a child to take care of. Yet, he's up nonetheless, ready to go to practice when Atsumu is.
On their way, Sayori always demands Atsumu carry her, so she can bury her nose against his scent gland and inhale his ginger scent. At first, the omega is careful in how he reacts. He doesn't want to overstep any potential boundaries. Seeing as Sakusa sends an encouraging nod his way and smelling the strong scent of petrichor wafting off him gives Atsumu the answer to his unasked question. Sayori hums happily whenever the omega scents her gently, careful not to overpower her father’s scent.
Apart from their morning routines, Sakusa also waits for Atsumu after their training sessions so that they can walk home together. He buys him lunch regularly and always asks if he wants to join Sayori and him for dinner. The setter knows that their team is holding back on commenting on the whole thing. Especially Hinata and Bokuto, who have been denied food from Sakusa on several occasions with him telling them that they’re old enough to make their own food (in the end they always get a share of food, but never without a scolding).
Who doesn't hold back on their commentary are Atsumu's brother and his brother’s mate. They probably couldn’t, even if they tried. They’re both contractually obligated to be a pain in Atsumu’s ass. Which is precisely what they are doing now.
The Jackals have just won their Sunday game against EJP in Osaka and after having said goodbye to the two teams, the three of them are sitting in one of Onigiri Miya’s booths. Osamu has cleaned up his kitchen and the dining area while Suna and Atsumu made sure to bid the remaining players goodbye. Sakusa and Komori left early on in the evening, with Sayori fast asleep in Sakusa’s arms. Since their departure, Osamu and Suna have been throwing looks at Atsumu that very clearly mean ‘we’re going to talk about this’. Atsumu has tried to not be alone with them for the whole evening. He can’t very well do that now.
“So, when will ya accept that Sakusa is courtin’ ya?”
“You could have at least segued into that conversation a little more smoothly,” Suna chuckles. He’s draped all over Osamu, who smiles at him all fondly. The sight makes an ache bloom in Atsumu’s chest. He couldn’t be happier that the two alphas found each other, that Suna takes care of Osamu when he can’t be there. And yet, their love reminds him of all his failed dating attempts. Of all the times he’s had hope for the same love his brother has found.
“I don’t got time fer that,” Osamu’s words shake the omega out of his moping thoughts and he glares at his twin.
“He ain’t courtin’ me, ya idiot,” he has to tell himself that all the time, or his omega will make him forget that there is nothing going on between them.
“Then what’s with that little thing you can’t seem to stop holding,” Suna intejects. Atsumu does the mature thing and sticks his tongue out at the alpha. Best friend his ass.
“Omi-kun gave that to me as a lucky charm fer today’s game. That doesn’t mean anythin’.” The little fox plushie is barely the size of the setter’s palm, given to him by Sakusa before they went to the stadium in the morning. He has only taken it out of his hand to play the game.
“And what about that book from yer favourite author he got you a first edition of? Or that signed jersey? Oh, or all those lunches he bought fer ya?”
“That doesn’t mean anythin’, Samu. He did all that as a friend. An alpha like Omu-kun wouldn’t court an omega like me.” The last sentence is almost inaudible. Osamu’s brows furrow nonetheless and the playful smile he had on his lips vanishes in an instant.
“Tsumu,” he sighs, “how many times do I gotta tell ya that that’s bullshit. Ya have two alphas here who tell ya that yer bein’ courted, why wontcha believe us?”
“To Sakusa, you're obviously a catch. Shouldn't that be all that matters?” Suna’s voice is more quiet than usual, almost like he’s afraid of scaring a frightened animal. The two alphas both know this is a sore topic for Atsumu.
“I dunno, Sunarin. Why does literally every alpha I’m set up with see that differently? Why do they all think I’m too tall, too loud, too muscly, too independent?” The words make his omega whimper and cower and his scent sours at the reminder that he's seen as a lesser omega because of his looks and behaviour. Osamu's scent changes as well. But instead of the sour notes, his cinnamon scent turns burnt with anger.
“They gotta stop settin’ ya up with absolute ragin’ assholes. Holy shit.”
“I haven't answered Ma’s calls in weeks.”
“Why don't ya just tell ‘em that ya don't wanna be set up on anymore dates? Yer just unhappy every single time.”
“That's easy fer ya to say. Yer not the family disappointment,” the setter laughs, but it just sounds hollow. “Rin and ya are mated, ‘even though yer both alphas’,” Atsumu repeats their parents’ words. He still remembers their attempts at setting Osamu up with an omega, even though he was already dating Suna. At one point they just accepted that he wouldn’t break up with the other alpha, though. Anything seems to be better than being unmated .
Before tears can actually leave his eyes, two sets of arms wrap around him and envelop him in soothing cinnamon and orange scents. He breathes them in and feels his inner omega relax gradually.
“Please tell ‘em ya don't wanna be set up anymore. Appeasin’ ‘em is not worth feelin’ like that.” What Osamu doesn't say is ‘ I can't stand to see you like this. I can't stand that they make you feel less than, ’ but it's present in the way he dries his brother's tears. It’s present in the huge bag of onigiri he sends him home with and the tight hug he doesn’t seem to want to break. While Atsumu doesn’t feel great when he leaves, he feels a little more like himself, a little more confident in what he wants and doesn’t want in life.
🧸🧸🧸
“Kiyo, when are we going to talk about the fact that you’re courting Atsumu?” The words are said conversationally while Motoya lounges on the communal couch in the living room and Kiyoomi prepares some tea for them. He almost spills hot water onto his hand with how he jerks when the words register in his brain. The alpha whirls around to his cousin, who grins like the little shit he is, wholy unfazed by the murder eyes being cast his way.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” It’s a poor attempt at cutting the conversation short. Kiyoomi knows it won’t work, but he’s willing to do anything that will stall his inevitable demise.
“Let me help your memory then, dearest cousin. You know Atsumu right? The blond omega? Setter on the team you play for? Guy you’ve had a crush on since High School?”
“Toya.”
“The guy your daughter loves and who loves her in return like she’s his own flesh and blood? Who you’ve been spending all your available time with? Who you’ve bought an abundance of presents for during the last few months?”
“Motoya.”
“Or should I say the guy you’re too scared to actually ask out?”
“Komori Motoya!”
“Uuuuh last name! We’re getting serious,” he grins, fully aware that Kiyoomi is all talk no bite. He's never had an aggressive bone in his body.
After a few seconds, his grin softens into a smile and he pats the couch to get Kiyoomi to sit down next to him. The alpha sighs, but walks over nonetheless and lets himself fall onto the cushions.
“Come on, moping doesn't suit you.” Motoya pats his back, which somehow feels comforting and condescending at the same time. “What's holding you back from making this official?”
“There's nothing to make official, Toya. We’re not dating and I’m not courting Atsumu.” He can feel the judgemental look his cousin is throwing his way at his words. His inner alpha also doesn’t seem impressed. It’s been trying to get him to really make a move for the longest time.
“Except you do all the things you do when courting. And you go on outings that can be called dates.”
“You don't know what it's like.”
“Why? Because I’m a beta and don't understand your dating games?”
“That's not what I meant,” the alpha pouts while halfheartedly swatting at Motoya, “and you know that. Don't put words in my mouth.”
Patting Kiyoomi's curls, the beta asks “then what is it about?”
“Atsumu is just … he's vibrant and full of life and so unapologetically himself and I-”
A hum from Motoya is what encourages the alpha to keep talking: “I’m just me. I’m not a loud alpha, I’m not territorial, I’m more … ‘soft’,” he puts the last word in air quotes. It's something his mother has called him his whole life. He knows she never means ill with it and yet it has stuck with him. ‘ You’re just soft, sweetheart. An alpha with a soft heart.’ And it’s true. His inner alpha has never been the aggressive type that needed excessive posturing.
“Not to forget I’m a single parent at 23. That's not really something most people go for at our age.”
“Kiyoomi, don’t you think that according to all these horrible dating stories- oh, don't stink up the room with your anger, will you? Don't you think that Atsumu doesn't want the traditional alpha? That he’d rather have someone who sees him as equal and not weaker? And Sayori really isn’t a valid argument here. Atsumu adores her. You know, sometimes you need to take a leap of faith for what you want. It can be scary, but so so worth it.”
“I-” Kiyoomi gets interrupted when they hear the front door to the apartment open. The subtle smell of ginger wafts into the common area and Kiyoomi is sitting upright, as his alpha stands at attention at Atsumu’s scent.
The omega looks surprised to see them, his lips parted into the slightest O-shape.
“Sorry, I didn't know ya were still awake. I just wanted to put the leftovers Samu gave me away.” Tussling the blond strands of his hair, the setter makes his way to the communal fridge.
“Are you okay,” Kiyoomi blurts without thinking. He can just keep himself from adding ‘ you smell sad’ , while his alpha wants him to go and comfort the omega right now. He feels Motoya's elbow dig into his side uncomfortably.
“Oh, yeah. I’m just tired, Omi-kun. Dontcha worry.” The smile Atsumu sends their way doesn't reach his eyes and he averts his gaze quickly, like he knows they’ll be able to read him. “Anyways, I’m gonna head to bed now. Night ya too.”
As he turns his back to them and makes for the door, Motoya digs his elbow into the alpha’s ribs again and gestures wildly for him to do something. Kiyoomi thinks for a second to just ignore his cousin and the voice of his alpha, but Motoya’s words seem to be burned into his brain and he can't seem to shut his alpha up.
“Atsumu,” he blurts out the omega’s first name before he can even stop himself and feels his face warm all the way to the tips of his ears in an instant. Atsumu doesn't seem to be off any better though. The setter stares at Kiyoomi with wide eyes, while his ginger scent takes on a sweeter note that makes the alpha’s head spin slightly.
“Yeah, Omi?” Atsumu's voice is merely a squeak and next to Kiyoomi, Motoya shifts to hide the obvious grin spreading on his face. He will murder his cousin for sure.
“I’m … uhm I wanted to ask … This movie you’ve been talking about non stop is finally out. Would you want to go see it tomorrow? Together?”
“Oh, yeah! But,” Kiyoomi's heart sinks, “what about Sacchan? It's definitely not a movie for lil kids,” and his heart soars high again with affection for the omega. He can't believe Atsumu's first instinct was to think about Kiyoomi's daughter. Gods, he's in love. But the omega does pose a good question.
“Oh, don't worry. I was going to take a late train anyway to spend time with my favourite niece. That just means I’ll get her without her annoying dad while you two enjoy the movie!” Maybe Motoya will live to see another day.
From that day on out, they spend even more time together. Kiyoomi invites Atsumu out to restaurants, museums, to go get new clothes for Sayori, everything. Sometimes it’s just the two of them, like the ice rink they went to in December, where the alpha embarrassed himself by falling onto his ass multiple times, while Atsumu skated circles around him like a pro. Other times, Sayori is present, like the time they went to Osaka castle on a sunny but snowy day in January. Kiyoomi was close to confessing then and there, when he saw Atsumu let himself be chased around by an 18 month old Sayori, who was still unstable on her little legs.
It’s that day that Atsumu tells him he’s finally told his parents to stop setting him up on unwanted dates. They’re having dinner while Hinata and Bokuto are out and Sayori is happily munching on some rice while sitting on the omega’s lap. The alpha tries to tone down his satisfaction at the revelation, but he’s sure some of his pleased summer rain scent still wafts over to Atsumu.
They don’t talk about what this means for them, but the team sure does. They love teasing them about their “date nights” and about how Sayori loves Atsumu more than Kiyoomi by now. The alpha can’t even disagree with them at this point. He’s not too fond of them pointing out the withering looks he sends alphas who try approaching the blond omega after their games, though. Kiyoomi isn’t usually a territorial alpha, but he’s not going to lose Atsumu to some random alpha who doesn’t even really know him.
🧸🧸🧸
It’s their second to last game of the season that changes things. Atsumu has made the decision that by the time the season ends, he will ask Kiyoomi out if the alpha hasn’t done so himself. When he told Osamu and Suna, the two of them started a ridiculous rendition of Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne over their video call, which was so out of sync because of lag that the omega still laughs about it to this day. He’s sure that there isn’t only friendship involved on Kiyoomi’s part as well. On the slight chance that it is, though, he wants there to be some time he can wallow in self pity in Osamu’s apartment. Away from Kiyoomi and the team.
But he’s far from wallowing right now. The Jackals just won their game against the Falcons and now only the Adlers stand between them and the championship. Atsumu is high on adrenaline as he’s crushed by his teammates. There’s noise all around him and when his eyes find Kiyoomi’s, the alpha’s grin splits his face in two. The omega tries to get through to him, but suddenly there’s Aran in front of him, pulling him into a hug and congratulating him on the win.
It’s only a few minutes later that Atsumu gets to orient himself again. He spots Kiyoomi at the edge of the court. His mother is next to him and handing over Sayori, who is already clinging to his sweaty shirt with her little fists. Before Atsumu can really think about whether or not he wants to intrude on them, his inner omega has started to transport him half across the court.
Sayori is the first to notice his approach and she announces him with a gleeful cry of “UMU”, which in turn gets her father’s attention. The omega’s walk turns into a jog and as soon as he’s within reach, Sayori demands “Umu, hold”. She is quickly transferred into Atsumu’s arms and clings to him like a koala.
“Hi bug,” he coos into her curly dark hair before turning to Kiyoomi’s mother to greet her as well. Sakusa Ai is a smart, capable omega in her early sixties, who raised her three kids alone after her mate died when Kiyoomi was only three. She has a heart of gold and the most gentle smile Atsumu has ever seen. He’s met her a few times after games already, since she comes to see them quite often.
“Hello, Sakusa-san.”
“Oh, honey, I told you to stop being so formal,” she coos and gently tucks a strand of loose hair behind Atsumu’s ear. “You played an exceptional game, Atsumu! That last set was phenomenal!”
“Nomenal!” Sayori parrots, which makes all three adults chuckle. She then rubs her cheek against Atsumu’s neck, but looks back at him with a pout that looks exactly like Kiyoomi’s, when she notices the scent patch that’s already a little loose on his skin. The omega apologises with gentle pats to her back and peels one of them off. They have finished their game, so he should be fine.
As he wants to finally talk to Kiyoomi, Sayori seems to spot Bokuto somewhere across the court and starts excitedly calling for him and wiggling in the setter’s arms. She gets so excited that Atsumu decides it’s best to get her over to the alpha, even when his omega whines for him to stay with the alpha. Kiyoomi gives him permission and so he sets off across the court again.
Before he can reach Bokuto, though, someone steps in front of the omega, successfully stopping him on his way. A tall woman with long brown hair stands before them. Atsumu’s first thought is that she’s an alpha with how she basically postures in front of him. He takes a careful, small step back, his inner omega already baring its teeth at her.
“Miya Atsumu, right?”
“Yeah, that’s me. Why?” The setter can feel Sayori clinging to him a little more. She’s not good with total strangers. More cautious and shy.
“I didn’t know you had a pup,” the alpha’s voice sounds curious, but there’s an undertone there that the omega doesn’t like.
“She’s not mine.” Although he wishes that could change in the future. He’s not going to tell a stranger that, though.
“Oh, really?” The alpha’s eyes brighten visibly and she steps closer to Atsumu and Sayori, who whispers the setter’s name, a clear sign that she doesn’t want the alpha close to her. “Why don’t you drop her off where she belongs so I can take you out.”
“No, thanks.” The answer is instant. Atsumu has had enough of dating strangers, of demanding alphas that just assume every omega would love to go out with them, when they haven’t even introduced themselves. Of alphas that never ask an omega’s opinion or preference.
The alpha’s presence changes immediately. The smug smile drops off her lips, showing her teeth in a silent snarl instead.
“What? You think you’ll find someone better? With the way you look?”
“Just leave us alone.” He’s not even surprised at this turn of events. He’s had too many alphas diminish him for his looks by now to really get upset over it anymore. As he tries to step past her, she grabs Atsumu’s arm and squeezes . His omega howls in fear and the whimper of pain he lets out visibly scares Sayori in his arms.
“You think you’re so cool because you’re a professional athlete. But what do you have going for you apart from that? Which alpha would ever wanna mate you with how big and bulky you are? All you’re good for is a quick-”
Before she can finish the sentence, she gets yanked to the side, letting go of Atsumu’s arm in the process, who immediately wraps it around a sniffling Sayori. Suddenly, Kiyoomi gets into view, as he’s fisting his hands into the other alpha’s shirt. How did he know what was going on?
“Get. Away. From. Them.” It takes a while for the omega to realise that his distressed scent is thick in the air around him. Kiyoomi must have smelled it and come over to look for Sayori. He’s never seen the alpha so angry before. His scent is leaking out of his scent patches, with an almost petrol tint to it.
“And who do you think you are? We were just talking.”
“I don’t give a shit what you tell me. You stay away from him, or we’re going to have a problem.” Him? Atsumu? Kiyoomi came over because of him? His omega would be delighted, if Sayori wasn’t still scared in his arms, whimpering for her father. He tries soothing her with gentle pats to the back and steps away from the unknown alpha a bit.
“Why are you so riled up about this? They belong to you or what?”
“Yes. So you better get lost.”
“That omega’s not worth my time anyways. He’s nothing but a-”
She doesn’t get to finish that sentence either, because suddenly there are other MSBY players pulling the two alphas apart, before Kiyoomi can actually rip her to shreds. The curly haired alpha is cursing at his teammates to let go of him and still spitting venom at the female alpha, who is now being escorted off by security.
Atsumu’s mind is still reeling with what Kiyoomi just said.
“Omi?” At the mention of his name, Kiyoomi immediately falls silent. He whips his head around to Atsumu, who is still carrying his daughter, and then rips free of Barnes’ and Meian’s hold to rush over to them. He pulls them into a tight embrace, making the omega feel like he’s floating.
“Are you two okay?” The alpha looks at them both with wide eyes and places his hands on their cheeks. Sayori immediately nuzzles into her father’s palms and Atsumu is close to copying her, but he can still stop himself
“We’re okay, Omi.”
“Are you sure?” His eyes fall to Atsumu’s arm, where there’s a fingerprint shaped redness developing on his lower arm. The alpha’s gaze hardens and Atsumu can smell the anger in his scent. Before he can do anything stupid, though, he places his hand on Kiyoomi’s shoulder, to get his attention again.
“It’s okay, Omi. I promise. I just- Did ya mean what ya said to her?”
“Did I- Oh,” with the understanding, redness shoots to the alpha’s cheeks and he starts stammering. “I- I mean. I’m. Atsumu, I-”
Suddenly, Sakusa Ai manifests next to them and clears her throat. “How about I take my granddaughter? I feel like you two should go somewhere private to discuss this.” With that, Sayori is manoeuvred out of the omega’s hands and Kiyoomi’s mother ushers them in the direction of the locker rooms, away from the prying eyes and cameras on them.
“How do you feel about going on a date?” Kiyoomi blurts before they have even opened the door to the locker room. Atsumu can’t help the giggle that escapes his lips. Happiness fizzes in his belly like a freshly opened bottle of champagne.
“Ya know, I’d love that, Omi.”
🧸🧸🧸
There’s a light drizzle falling over Osaka this early September evening. The sun has already set so far that the street lights have taken its place, reflecting off the puddles collecting on dark asphalt. There's people mingling outside with umbrellas, on their way to bars, izakayas, and clubs. All in all, it is a usual Friday night.
This is also true for the MSBY Black Jackals share house. Bokuto and Hinata are both in Tokyo with their mates before the season kicks off, while Atsumu and Kiyoomi are in Osaka. The alpha is currently making dinner, while Atsumu tries to wrestle Sayori into her pyjamas already. He stirs the stew he made and waits for the rice cooker to indicate that it’s finished.
Suddenly, an arm wraps around his waist and a smaller one around his shoulder. The two giggles that follow indicate the owners of said arms.
“Gotcha,” Atsumu whispers, followed by a cheerful “gotcha” from Sayori as well. Recently, she has started emulating the omega’s Kansai-ben more and more.
“Oh no, whoever might that be?” Kiyoomi fake gasps, eliciting more giggles from his daughter.
“Papa, it us! Oton and Sayori!”
“No way!” Kiyoomi turns around with his eyes and mouth wide open. He even slaps his hands against his cheeks for dramatic effect. It is worth every giggle from Sayori and the sparkling in Atsumu’s eyes.
“Sacchan decided it was time ta scare ya,” the omega smiles into his daughter’s hair.
“I was sufficiently scared.” The outside hitter leans over to give his daughter a kiss, who is still giggling because of her evil plan.
“Where’s my kiss? I scared ya too, didn’t I?”
Kiyoomi can’t help but snort at Atsumu’s antics. Nonetheless, he whispers “come here” and pulls him into a short but deep kiss. Kissing Atsumu still feels like it did that first time in the locker room after their game against the Falcons. It makes his heart soar and grounds him at the same time. It makes him want to never let go of this man. He never felt incomplete before, but Atsumu still complements him in a way he never thought possible.
“That’s better. Ya gotta treat yer mate right.” The alpha’s eyes automatically fall to the fairly new bonding mark on the omega’s nape. He has a similar one on his neck to complement his mate’s. The knowledge that they belong together makes his alpha puff up with pride every time. He leans down to kiss Atsumu again.
Some people try to tell them that they’re moving too fast, but Kiyoomi doesn’t give a shit about their opinion. His and Atsumu’s relationship hasn’t been traditional in any sense. From their first months on the same team, to when they actually officially started dating, to when Sayori called Atsumu “Oton” for the first time. Why should they start with that when it comes to mating? No, Kiyoomi quite likes the way they do things.
“I love you two.”
“We love ya, too, Omi. But yer stew’s burning.”
“Shit!”