Work Text:
Being born an omega in a household made up entirely of alphas had marked Tobio as an outsider right from the get-go.
It doesn’t mean his family hated or disowned him, but it does mean he’s always been disregarded as less than—there were simply no expectations about him or what he would become in life. When a younger Tobio showed insignificant academic prowess at school, there were little to no repercussions, as if he was fulfilling some mysterious prophecy known to everyone but him.
When baby Tobio showed the first signs of what would eventually become envious athletic abilities and an all-encompassing love for volleyball, the same indifference had been applied. There was no such thing as omega athletes—at least not according to Kageyama family law. For a time, Miwa had shared that same passion, making him feel less like an adornment and more like a genuine member of the family.
But then Miwa left, like their parents a few years before her, and it was just Tobio and his grandfather—his lifeboat.
Kageyama Kazuyo had been Tobio’s entire definition of family and unconditional love—the only one who had looked at a tiny, frowning omega boy and seen more. The one person who refused to reduce him to his second gender, and who ingrained in Tobio the most important lesson of his life: being an omega would never define what he could or couldn’t do.
His grandfather had raised him to achieve whatever he wanted through hard work and perseverance, be it in volleyball or anything else. In a sense, he was raised like an alpha—like his father, and his grandfather before him—and he honed his instincts accordingly, refusing to bow to anyone who expected it of him simply because he was an omega.
His appearance and attitude quickly made him unpopular throughout school—coarse, stubborn, proud, tyrant, he had heard it all. None of it mattered, not while he had his grandfather behind him, his words steeped into Tobio like invisible ink: a pack is only as weak as its weakest link.
Omegas are not weak, Grandfather would repeat, each time Tobio came back home with scratches, bruises, or tears in his eyes. As long as you keep your chin up and work for what you want, you can make yourself and your pack strong. Anyone who tells you otherwise does not deserve to be in your life.
His grandfather’s death had been a blow from which he had never recovered, not entirely, but Tobio had kept those words tightly locked inside his mind and heart as he somehow muddled through the worst days of his life. He had survived through his last year of middle school with his head held high, on stubbornness alone, gritting his teeth and pretending not to hear the taunts about the little omega who thinks he’s an alpha.
So, he had taken the blows like an alpha, refusing to back down and biting back whenever necessary. Maybe because of that, his omega instincts had turned to shit—which brought him a whole other slew of problems. Tobio had simply learned to bypass all expectations regarding his second gender and move on.
Kageyama Tobio was doing fine—or at least, he thought he was, until Karasuno High School and his new team came along. Until Sugawara Koushi stepped into his life, gently took his hand, which until then had always been slapped away, and patiently—so, so patiently—showed him that he doesn’t need to deny his omega instincts to survive.
That he can be an omega, and strong, and be loved—all without exception.
With Daichi-san, his new alpha, Tobio has learned that strictness doesn’t exclude love, that strength doesn’t preclude tenderness, and that being an omega means supporting his pack, yes—but also being supported in turn.
Tobio hadn’t truly known compassion and warmth until he was accepted into his new pack, and it’s still hard not to instinctively flinch away each time they are offered, but he has patient teammates—Hinata and Tsukishima maybe being the most obvious exceptions—who are willing to wait as he learns by trial and error.
Scenting, nesting, touching—it is all a mystifying challenge that he’s tackling one day at a time, and he’s grateful to have such a good example in Suga-san. The perfect definition of what a pack omega should be and act like, and a true pillar for the team as he stands side by side with Daichi-san, exuding a quiet strength that shines through his smallest actions.
With such an amazing pack omega, Tobio doesn’t expect to one day have to step up and become that pillar of strength for his packmates. Everyone leans on Suga-san, Tobio included, because he’s their pool of calmness when everything else turns chaotic. Suga-san will always be their port in a storm—his scent the perfect balm to soothe frayed tempers and keep them grounded, connected, when the world around them spins too fast and threatens to send them crashing.
Which is probably why Tanaka and Daichi’s collision in the middle of a game hits them so hard.
When the shrill whistle of the referee brings the game to an abrupt halt, Tobio feels winded, his chest heaving as if he has taken a hard punch to his solar plexus and the air refuses to reach his lungs.
Unblinking, his gaze surveys the macabre picture of Daichi lying on the ground like a broken doll. There’s no movement from their alpha for a moment that stretches into infinity—too long, too long—and his sight becomes blurry.
Tobio’s ears register nothing, as if suddenly stuffed with cotton, and Ukai-san and Takeda-san step into his narrowed line of sight like mute characters in one of those black-and-white movies his grandfather used to enjoy so much.
He thinks someone touches his shoulder, but he’s not sure—by the way it’s becoming harder to breathe, Tobio suspects he’s about to hyperventilate, but he needs to get a grip. He can’t become another problem for his pack to deal with, not now of all times.
His senses gradually come back online, leveling out one by one. The black edging his vision begins to fade, and he realizes the eerie silence in the gym isn't a trick of his ears—even the opposing team has gone quiet. His fingers are numb, but only because he’s clenching them too tightly. He forces himself to relax, but it only works when he sees Daichi finally start to stir under their coach and advisor’s gentle care.
There’s a bitter taste in his mouth, but the worst thing is the smell. When Tobio finally manages a deep, full breath, the scent of all his packmates’ fear and anxiety, mingling and thick in the air, hits him like a freight train—and nearly doubles him over.
Once Daichi is on his feet, Tobio finally allows himself to take a look around, and he only finds somber faces. Ennoshita-san, Shimizu-san, and Suga-san have approached the small huddle made up of Daichi and the adults with towels and worried faces, but the rest of the pack watches on in tense silence, sweating and heaving as if they are still in the middle of a rally.
Tobio doesn’t need to look over his shoulder to know the players currently standing outside the court are in the same situation. The smell of despair only thickens with each passing minute, and it’s worryingly easy to pick up the acid scent of Hinata’s anxiety in the middle of it all, although everyone adds to it with their own brand of bitter emotion.
To his left, Nishinoya-san is eerily quiet, his eagle-eyed attention entirely focused on Daichi, but Tanaka-san has his head bowed as he pants, hands twisting the fabric of his shorts. His eyes are tightly closed, and Tobio suspects he may be on the edge of a panic attack, because Tanaka’s breathing worsens when they realize Daichi has lost a tooth.
Tobio’s eyes dart to Suga-san, hoping he has noticed too, but the pack omega looks white as a sheet as he stares at Daichi’s bloody hand, his gaze locked on it as he listens to the recommendation that their captain be pulled from the game and taken to the infirmary. It’s clear that Suga-san is in no condition to offer any comfort right now.
Instinct takes over, and before Tobio can think, he’s already marching over to his senpai—only realizing Azumane-san was the one with a hand on his shoulder when it’s already slipping away. He’ll apologize later.
Tobio’s sudden presence beside him seems to startle Tanaka-san out of whatever descending spiral of worry and regret he’s falling into, which is good. Wide eyes dart in his direction, and Tobio takes advantage of the fact that his senpai is now entirely focused on him to lift a hand and wrap it around the nape of Tanaka’s neck. The omega has no idea what’s expected of him, he’s only aware that Daichi does this to him from time to time, and it always helps calm him down, so there’s no harm in trying. Right?
Tobio takes a long, deep breath, then exhales in a slow, steady rush, hoping it will center his emotions and, perhaps, clear his scent of mounting anxiety. There’s no time to think of himself at the moment.
He has no idea what he smells like to his pack, and he doubts his scent would ever be as good as Suga-san’s when the third-year setter helps the team wind down after intense practices and games, but the younger omega will offer anything he can.
Tanaka-san’s shock gradually melts into understanding, then obvious gratitude. His shoulders sag into an exhausted slump, and his breaths steady. Tobio steps closer, and his senpai accepts the silent invitation, looping his arm around Tobio’s back and resting his chin on his shoulder. The gesture likely makes it easier for Tanaka to breathe in the younger boy’s calming scent.
“Thanks, Kageyama,” Tanaka eventually murmurs in a hoarse voice, still miles away from his usual energy levels but at least sounding more present.
Tobio nods, as always too awkward to find the right words, but he waits until Tanaka lets go of him first to step back—only to collide with their libero, who had been standing right behind him. Tobio teeters on his feet, but Noya-san catches him easily enough around the waist. Before the omega can apologize, however, the short alpha is pulling him even closer and sinking his face into Tobio’s bony shoulder. The younger boy hears and feels the way Noya’s breath shudders.
“Good job, Kageyama,” Nishinoya whispers, looking up at him with proud, glinting eyes that make the omega’s cheeks flush.
Still caught in his packmate’s grip, Tobio startles when a heavy hand settles on his head, gently tousling his hair before patting it back into place. The hand slides down to rest at the back of his neck, and when Tobio looks up, he meets Azumane-san’s soft eyes and small smile.
“Thank you, Kageyama-kun. He really needed that.”
When Azumane-san’s gaze shifts over his shoulder, Tobio and Nishinoya follow it to find Tanaka bowing and apologizing to Daichi, only to be soothed by their captain’s calm words and demeanor. Tobio’s stomach does an unpleasant somersault when he notices the growing bruise on Daichi’s cheek.
He has no time to stew over it, though, because suddenly what feels like a ball of lightning hits him in the middle of the chest, and the only reason he doesn’t keel over with the force of it is Azumane’s and Noya’s firm grasp on him.
“No fair! I want Yamayama hugs too!”
Hinata. Of course.
“Don’t do that, dumbass,” Tobio gripes, but even he has to admit his tone is softer than usual, especially when Hinata’s soothing, smokey scent still spikes with something acidic that burns his nose. Tobio’s fingers card through red, sweaty hair before his mind can register what he’s doing, but it’s impossible to regret it when the shorter boy sinks into his chest with a pleased hum.
“You smell good, Kageyama-kun,” Hinata mumbles, sounding drowsy, voice muffled by the fabric of Tobio’s jersey. Nishinoya laughs, fondly patting the redhead’s back.
Tobio blinks. “I do?”
“You really are an idiot.”
The new voice makes him jolt, and Tobio is surprised to find the rest of the pack has already gathered around them, protectively huddled in a close circle. Even Ennoshita-san is nearby now, having left Suga and Daichi in the care of the adults. Tobio glances over his shoulder to see Tsukishima looming behind him, wearing a judging expression that immediately makes the young omega scowl. Before he can snap back, however, a gentle touch on his chin guides his face forward, and he’s met with Yamaguchi’s soft smile.
“What Tsukki means,” (Don’t call me that, comes the almost-growl from behind Tobio), “is that you’re our omega, so of course you smell good, Kageyama. Just like Suga-san does.”
Tobio is at a loss and quite skeptical—no one has a scent like Suga-san’s, he’s sure of that—but he’s also too tired to argue, so he mumbles an ‘okay’ even though it makes zero sense. At least it earns him a happy smile from Yamaguchi, whose thumb smoothing over his cheek almost feels like a caress before it slips away.
There’s an annoyed huff behind him. “Pay attention, King.”
Before he can bark at Tsukishima, fingertips brush the short hair at the nape of his neck, the touch so light and gentle that Tobio blinks in shock. He tries to glance back, wondering if it came from the typically disgruntled blond, but someone else wraps their hand around his right wrist, drawing his attention.
“He’s sort of right, Tobio,” Ennoshita-san intones quietly when their gazes meet, and the older boy offers a reassuring smile, “there’s someone who needs your attention more.”
Tobio follows the second-year’s gaze until it lands on the figure now standing on the sidelines of the court, hazel eyes fixed on Daichi and hands tightly clenched at his sides. Even from a distance, it’s easy enough to notice how Suga-san trembles, his complexion looking paler than usual.
A whine escapes Tobio’s throat before he can contain it—he’s never seen their pack omega so shaken before. Even he notices how it sparks a chain reaction, both from his teammates and Wakunan’s players. Their eyes are eerily fixed on him and Suga, even as their alphas stand on the opposite side of the court. Tobio doesn’t think Wakutani Minami has any betas or omegas, which is unsettling enough.
Tobio has no idea what kind of scent he’s giving off, but the way his pack instinctively closes in to form a protective barrier around him is telling. However, his attention is fixed solely on Sugawara, who remains worryingly unaware of the situation, exchanging soft words with Daichi as their captain prepares to leave the court with Ukai-san.
Trying not to draw any more attention to himself, Tobio bites his lip hard as he watches Suga bow his head at whatever Daichi tells him, the captain gently touching his cheek before he turns to leave. On his way out, his gaze briefly finds Tobio’s, and his senpai offers one last reassuring smile before disappearing through the doors.
The young omega is left unmoored, and he’s sure all his teammates share the sentiment. However, his focus is already back on Suga, looking heartbroken and lost on the sidelines, completely detached from his surroundings. Shimizu and Takeda stand beside him, exchanging a few worried words with the referee, oblivious to the fact that their vice-captain seems about to shake out of his skin with rising panic.
Tobio aches to be close to the older omega, even if there’s nothing he can do.
“It’s okay, Tobio. Go to him,” Ennoshita-san’s voice startles him, even if the second-year is as soft-spoken as usual. His thumb strokes Tobio’s inner wrist, smoothing over his quickening pulse in an attempt to ground him. “He needs you too.”
There are murmurs of approval around him as everyone slowly stirs to give him space—even Hinata lets go without a fuss, after tightening his arms one last time around Tobio’s waist. Extremely grateful but not knowing how to show it, the setter simply makes sure to exchange glances and one last touch with all of them before detaching himself from the group and heading over to his vice-captain on hurried steps.
There’s barely any reaction when he finally stands before the older boy, but he doesn’t let it discourage him. Ennoshita-san said Suga needs him, and he won’t disappoint either of them, not if he can help it.
Slowly—oh, so slowly, careful not to unsettle his pack omega further—Tobio takes Koushi’s hands in his, guiding them up to rest around his neck and keeping them there until the older boy begins to gradually come back to himself, his fingers finally tightening their hold. Once he’s certain Suga won’t pull away, Tobio gently lifts his hands to cradle the pack omega’s cheek and the nape of his neck, drawing him closer in small increments until their foreheads meet.
Tobio lets his eyes slip closed and his breaths deepen, doing his best to calm down and become a grounding presence. Suga has done this for him before, and he remembers how peaceful it made him feel. Safe and loved. He just hopes he can offer a small measure of it in return.
The world goes silent around them, unnoticed. They stay like this, eyes closed and breaths mingling in the small space left between their bodies, until Koushi lets out one long, cleansing exhale. Beneath his touch, the older omega has stopped trembling, which allows Tobio to relax as well.
Tobio's eyes sluggishly flicker open when he feels Suga’s hands lightly cup his face. Blue meets calm hazel, and Tobio’s breath hitches in relief when he finds his friend staring back at him, lips curved into a familiar, soft smile.
“Thank you, sweetheart,” Suga breathes out, before pulling Tobio closer and enveloping him in his arms. “I needed that.”
With a shuddering exhale, Tobio sinks into the embrace, fingers tightly clenched around Suga’s jersey as he hides his face against Suga’s shoulder so he won’t cry. He can still feel strange alphas’ eyes on his back, and it makes him want to coil into himself and disappear. Maybe attuned to Tobio’s emotions, or simply acting on instinct, Suga tightens his hold on him.
“Daichi-san will be okay,” Tobio eventually croaks, pressing in to revel in their proximity. He’s not sure who he’s trying to reassure—Suga or himself.
It doesn’t seem to matter, as Koushi nuzzles against his temple, his hand gliding down his back in a calming rhythm.
“Yes, he will,” he murmurs with reassuring certainty, right into Tobio’s ear. “And so will we.”
They win, and at the end of the final set, Daichi is already there waiting for them with a proud smile, so everything should be back to normal.
Tobio doesn’t feel so good, though.
He gladly sinks into his pack alpha’s arms when they open for him, but everything is muffled and distorted, as if he’s moving underwater. He doesn’t quite grasp the meaning of Daichi’s words, but the warm rumble of them against his chest is soothing nonetheless, washing over him like cool rain after a hot summer day.
He steps back with reluctance, knowing he’s not the only one who needs the physical reassurance, and someone—Tanaka-san—takes his place with urgency.
There are hands on his lower back, gently steering him forward, and Tobio lets himself be led without complaint, feeling woozy and unusually tired after playing only three sets.
“Are you okay, Kageyama-kun?”
The question is just a murmur, and Tobio finally realizes Narita-san and Kinoshita-san are the ones accompanying him. The latter is leaning close, worry written across his face, and Tobio doesn’t like it. Feeling almost detached, he watches as his fingers come up to lightly touch the frown lines between his senpai’s narrowed eyes, trying to physically erase the concern taking root there.
There’s a small huff of laughter behind him, but it sounds fond, then Narita-san is coming around him to brush away Tobio’s sweaty bangs.
“I think he just needs some food and rest, Hisashi,” Narita states, wrapping one arm around Tobio’s shoulders.
Tobio’s eyes flicker with pleasure at the closeness, and when he comes back to himself, he manages to hum in agreement.
“M’okay, Kinoshita-san,” he mumbles, feeling glad when that seems to erase the last of Kinoshita-san’s worries.
“Alright, then. Let’s get you what you need, little omega,” Kinoshita agrees, playfully ruffling Tobio’s hair before they start moving again to meet an anxious Yachi at the end of the hallway.
When the entire pack finally flocks together, Tobio goes through the motions of eating and following Daichi’s directions, keeping mostly to himself to conserve his dwindling energy. He’s silently glad when they sit down to watch the end of the match that will decide their next opponent.
It’s Aoba Johsai. Of course. Behind all the exhaustion, some part of him is excited for the rematch, but he lets Hinata be the one to loudly exclaim his enthusiasm to the whole world, earning himself a reprimand from Daichi.
They huddle together in a less crowded hallway to await their next game, and Tobio just curls into himself for a nap. He gladly accepts when Azumane-san offers his shoulder as an impromptu pillow, cuddling close to his tall senpai without hesitation. He goes under quickly, unaware of the fond smiles and glances thrown his way by the entire pack.
Unfortunately, his hopes of feeling better after some rest crash to the ground.
As he steps onto the court once more, his head is cloudy and he feels disconnected—which only happens when he’s pushed himself too hard and practiced beyond his limits, forcing his body to run on empty.
He knows that’s not the case, though. Tobio ate all his meals correctly, kept himself hydrated, and did the same warm-ups as everyone else. Still, as Karasuno goes through their second match of the day, his extremities slowly grow cold and his limbs quiver, a sign that his muscles are losing strength.
He’s managed to keep it under wraps so far, only drawing a few suspicious looks from Hinata whenever the redhead stands too close, but Tobio knows it’s a losing battle. When the second set stretches close to the thirties, standing up already requires too much effort, and raising his arms feels like torture.
Whenever he feels close to giving up, however, his eyes will automatically search for the one who can soothe his mounting fatigue for a while. Seeing Daichi-san back on the court, making next-to-impossible receives again and again with barely a flinch and that grisly bruise stark on his face, Tobio tells himself he can handle a few more minutes.
So he does, until exhaustion takes over and his scent eventually betrays him.
The entire team keeps sending him worried glances from time to time, especially Daichi, who comes closer and briefly scents him whenever the game is halted for one reason or another. Tobio happily accepts the soothing touches each time they are offered, even if it’s not enough to cure whatever is happening to his body at the moment, but he firmly rejects all appeals to leave the court.
“Kageyama, maybe you should—”
“Daichi-san, please.” Tobio is not above begging, though he keeps his voice low so as not to draw Ukai-san’s attention, who’s been looking increasingly suspicious as the sets go on. “Let me finish the match. I promise I won’t disappoint you.”
Daichi sighs for maybe the thirteenth time in the last half hour. “It’s not about that. You could never disappoint me, Tobio. But your scent tells me you need to—”
“I’ll rest when the game is over. I promise I will,” Tobio interrupts, eyes growing wide with desperation. “Just please let me finish it.”
Daichi contemplates him in silence for a few brief seconds, and over his shoulder, Tobio can see the referee is about to restart the game. He’s surprised to catch a concerned glance from Iwaizumi-san thrown his way, and Kindaichi is openly staring.
With one last sigh, Daichi lifts his hand to rest it atop Tobio’s head, gently patting it just like Azumane-san had done earlier. As always, the kind touch from his pack alpha fills his chest with warmth, likely reflected in his scent, as Daichi’s expression softens noticeably.
“Alright, pup. But if your condition worsens, I’m telling Ukai-san to pull you out. No buts,” he states in a firm tone that brooks no argument.
Tobio nods quickly, aware that he’s treading on thin ice.
When they finally win the match, Tobio locks his shaking knees to keep himself standing, determined not to give Oikawa-san the pleasure of seeing him fall over like some fainting maiden.
He keeps his back straight and chin held high throughout the entire proceedings after their win, even if his body feels like wet cement by the time Karasuno reaches their bus. Tobio ignores everything around him as he slumps into his seat, immediately closing his eyes and curling up against the window.
A weird smell wafts through the enclosed space, probably related to his pack, but Tobio can’t deal with that in his current state—his body needs to shut down, and he can’t bear to soothe anyone else’s worries at the moment. Now that all movement has ceased, he realizes his head is pounding to the beat of his racing heart, and chills are creeping down his arms and legs, making him shiver.
He doesn’t manage to sleep, though, merely clenching his eyes shut and gritting his teeth against the numbing pain and increasing cold.
‘Yama?’ he thinks he hears Hinata’s soft call, but it feels too far away and he doesn’t manage to come up with an answer, simply curling up tighter in his seat and pressing his clenched fists against his eyelids. Even his eyeballs hurt.
He has no idea how long the trip lasts, only that the bus eventually comes to a stop and he has to bite on his lower lip to keep a sob from escaping and alerting everyone to his misery.
The idea of leaving his seat and having to walk promises to be unpleasant.
“Hey, sweetheart.”
Tobio wants to keen at the soft call right next to his ear, and his head turns to the side as his nose instinctively searches for the source of that familiar scent—sweet but not overbearing, gently luring him in.
“Suga-san,” he utters with some difficulty, his throat suddenly feeling parched. His eyes are closed against the glare of the security lights inside the bus.
Before he needs to ask, a bottle is already being pressed against his lips, and he greedily swallows the tepid water.
“Hinata tells me you don’t feel so good?” When he nods, a gentle hand cards through his sweaty fringe. “Can you tell me what you’re feeling right now?”
He lets out a tired whine, and Suga pulls him into his arms, soothing him with an almost inaudible purr. Tobio forces himself to answer, afraid of worrying his senpai even more.
“Head hurts too much. Can’t keep my eyes open. I’m cold, and my arms and legs are cramping.” He hesitates before adding softly: “I… I don’t think I can stand up right now.”
Suga hums to show he’s listening, and the tip of his nose caresses Tobio’s forehead until he falls silent again. The younger omega hears soft murmurs, but doesn’t make any effort to discern the words being exchanged. However, a soft purr escapes when a humid towel is gently placed over his eyes, protecting him from the lights right above his head.
“Tobio, I think you’re dropping,” Suga eventually utters, though his words are whisper soft so as not to instill any alarm.
Tobio frowns, but the action is hidden by the humid fabric covering his eyes. “Dropping? What does that mean?”
Koushi’s scent continues to swirl around him in thick, soothing waves, and Tobio wonders what happened to the rest of the pack—if they are alone inside the bus. It feels like it.
“It can happen when an omega feels overwhelmed, or a strange situation or environment makes us feel unprotected,” the other boy explains calmly, never stopping the soothing run of his fingers through Tobio’s hair. “Extreme exhaustion can also be a trigger."
When Tobio keeps his silence, Suga continues to speak patiently.
"Think of it like this. Too much outside input causes an overload of information, and if you're not used to it, it just keeps piling up and up until it feels like you'll drown in it." Suga sighs softly. "I know you've noticed how our scents change when we're sad or stressed, and how the team works together to ease it. But when an entire pack is unstable... there are a lot of distressed signals, all jumbled together at once. It can be really overwhelming—especially if you don't know where to focus to start untangling it all."
"I understand," Tobio murmurs, his cheek leaning on Suga's shoulder as he stares into the darkness provided by the towel.
Suga turns his head to the side, so when he speaks, Tobio can feel the shape of his lips brushing against his forehead. He finds that it becomes easier to think and process his feelings if he concentrates on that and on Suga's scent, which surrounds and isolates him from everything else. Almost like a protective barrier.
"You've dealt with a lot on your own today, sweetheart. Your body is just trying to process it. We should’ve seen this coming, really.”
Tobio grows tense, wondering what this means for him and the upcoming game. He won't be kept out of the finals against Shiratorizawa. He will not.
"You’ll be okay, Tobio," Suga says softly, as if reading his mind. "You probably just need food and a lot of rest in your own space, preferably with some of the pack close by. But if you’re not feeling better by tomorrow morning, we have to think about taking you to the hospital or an omega clinic before the game, alright?”
The image of his grandfather hooked up to numerous machines flashes behind Tobio’s eyes, and his body recoils on instinct. Suga is prepared for it, keeping hold of him and not letting him go far.
“No hospital. Please,” the last word slips out as a whimper before the younger boy can contain it.
Suga sighs, but his touch is gentle when his fingers smooth down Tobio’s coiled spine.
“I’ll make no promises, but let's take it one step at a time, okay? It's not worth worrying about it right now. Do you have any allergies?" When Tobio shakes his head quietly, Suga exchanges a few murmured words with someone else, and he realizes they aren't alone inside the bus after all. "Here, take this."
Something is pressed against his lips—a pill—and Tobio instinctively opens his mouth to swallow it, followed by the water that's offered right after.
"Tsukishima had some migraine medication in his bag. It’ll probably help with the intense headache and light sensitivity you’re feeling right now."
Tobio hums, wondering if it will help with the grogginess too. He feels so weird, but he even lacks the energy to be annoyed about it.
"Some of us would like to follow you home and stay around for the night. Are you okay with that?" Suga asks carefully, and he lets out a relieved sigh when Tobio nods without protest. "Alright, then Daichi can carry yo—"
"No."
Tobio doesn’t realize there’s a low commotion around him—soft murmurs, the rustle of bags pulled from overhead compartments—until it all cuts off at once. The sudden silence is disorienting, and he nearly jolts upright in alarm. But even the smallest movement makes his head pound mercilessly, and he has to give up.
"Tobio? Why—"
Suga sounds flustered and downright distraught, and it takes Tobio a moment to backtrack and understand why.
"Daichi-san is hurt. He needs rest, not to be carrying me around."
The strange silence stretches for another beat before a huff of laughter from behind them breaks it, setting the others off. Tobio feels Suga relax against him, then he presses a laughing kiss to the crown of Tobio’s head.
"Alright, sweetheart. The big, bad alpha will step back and let someone else take his place." Tobio thinks he can hear some grumbling coming from the front of the bus, but Suga immediately shushes them. "Are you okay with Asahi taking you, then?"
The younger omega nods, even if he already wants to shrink into himself with mortification. His scent probably betrays him, since Koushi sniggers before placing another kiss on his temple.
"You'll be okay, pup. Now let's do this."
Tobio unlatches from Suga with some reluctance, keeping the towel over his eyes, so for a disorienting moment, he's alone in the dark, almost adrift. It doesn't take long to sense Azumane-san's presence, though, as the taller boy kneels before his seat. His scent is just as soothing, though earthier than Koushi-san's.
"Hey, Kageyama," he greets in a quiet tone. "Just keep your arm and legs around me, alright? I promise I won't drop you."
"I know you won't, Azumane-san," Tobio answers truthfully.
The older boy emits a satisfied sound, and then Tobio is lifted with surprising ease. He presses his face against Asahi's shoulder, keeping the towel in place with one hand, and he can sense how the other boy hunches a bit as he walks so their heads don't hit any overhead compartments on the way out.
A large hand covers the top of his head protectively, and in his current position, Tobio can't help but feel like some baby koala clinging to its mother. The mental image immediately makes his cheeks burn, and he couldn't be more glad for the towel covering half of his face.
His house suddenly feels too far away.
Azumane-san carries him into Ukai-san's car and out, then through his front door and all the way up the stairs. His hold never wavers, and his steps are slow and sure, the steady rhythm almost putting Tobio to sleep. At some point, the towel slips from his face, but the pounding ache has receded into calmer waves, and Tobio can manage to keep his eyes at half-mast by the time they go up the front steps.
Asahi gently sets him down by the bathroom door upstairs, ruffling his hair one last time before leaving him with Suga-san. Too exhausted to protest, Tobio lets his senpai help him get mostly undressed, offering his shoulder for support as Tobio shakily moves to the shower in his underwear, before giving him some privacy.
He sits in the bath not long after that, giving his weakened legs some respite, and even in the warm water, he shivers and shivers. He wraps his arms around himself, but it feels like his bones rattle beneath his chilled skin. Tobio is not sure how long he stays there, frozen in that same position, but it's enough for Suga to knock on the door and ask after him. Not wanting to worry his pack, he forces himself to leave the bath.
Once he's mostly dry and wearing the sweatpants and loose shirt that had been left for him on the counter, Tobio opens the door to his concerned senpai, who tries to disguise it with a soft smile. Suga's hand comes up to brush his messy bangs away from his eyes.
"Let's get your hair dry, okay?"
And that's where Tobio is—seated on the toilet lid, trying to stay awake while Suga stands before him, hands gently massaging his scalp after drying and combing his dark hair—when a second knock sounds in the enclosed space.
They turn in unison to the door, and Tobio's breath falters when he finds Daichi-san standing there with a small smile on his face, looking freshly showered as well and carrying a bundle of something in one hand.
"Hi, pup," he greets softly, stepping into the bathroom. He presses a kiss to Koushi's cheek before doing the same to the top of Tobio's head. "I brought you something."
It's a thick, dark sweater, and even before putting it on, Tobio knows it belongs to his captain. The fuzzy-soft fabric is steeped in Daichi's scent, and it envelops Tobio like a warm hug, immediately calming that rattling thing inside his chest that has lingered since their first game. Tobio buries his face into the large collar, taking a deep breath.
That weird knot beneath his ribs, the one that had formed as soon as he saw his pack alpha unconscious on the court, loosens at that moment. The release of pressure escapes as a sob that Tobio cannot control. Once the gates are open, there’s no turning back. To his horror, he finds himself dissolving into a blubbering mess—sniveling, sobbing, and snotting against his will. His body curls into a tight ball, his flushed face hidden behind closed fists—or he tries, at least.
“Hey, hey, none of that. It’s okay, Tobio. Tobio.” The young omega attempts to evade the hands that are gently trying to keep him upright by cupping his cheeks, with little success. “What have we said about hiding yourself when you’re upset? You’re not a pill-bug, pup. It’s okay, come on.”
“I’ll be right back, give me a few minutes.”
Tobio barely registers Suga’s words or his soft steps as he leaves and closes the door behind him. He eventually stops struggling, limbs too heavy with fatigue. Knowing he probably looks disgusting—he knows he’s an ugly crier, which is why he avoids it at all costs—his hands come up to roughly scrub at his wet face, too ashamed to face anyone. But his alpha’s hands are there again, soft yet firm, halting the harsh movements.
“Just breathe with me, pup. Come on. No need to hurt yourself like this.”
Tobio gives in to exhaustion and his alpha’s gentle persistence, his head sinking to the side, resting into the hand cradling his cheek. He forces himself to breathe through his clogged airways, and after a few attempts, he finally manages to inhale and exhale without struggle, unconsciously syncing with Daichi’s breathing pattern as his heart slows to a healthier rhythm. A few minutes later, he’s blinking his crusty eyes open, wincing minutely at the glare of the bright bathroom lights.
“There you are,” Daichi mutters when their gazes meet, his smile small but unbearably fond. It makes Tobio want to squirm and coil into himself again.
His gaze drops to the floor, awkward and ashamed. “M’sorry,” he mumbles, barely audible.
There’s a small huff of laughter, then a strong arm loops around his waist.
“Why? There’s absolutely nothing to apologize for. Now come here.” And before Tobio can react, he's pulled off his improvised seat and onto his alpha’s lap, now seated on the floor. A startled squeak slips from his lips as his arms instinctively loop around Daichi’s shoulders, desperate to keep his balance and prevent both of them from crashing down.
Like a rag doll, Tobio lets himself be moved around—watching in silence while his alpha arranges their limbs to his heart’s content, until they are comfortable and snuggled up together. The omega has no idea why they are doing this on his bathroom floor, but he won’t ask, happy to just enjoy the closeness and reassurance of Daichi’s presence while he can.
“There, that’s much better,” his captain eventually murmurs, his chin resting on the crown of Tobio’s head.
Tobio burrows into the embrace with a quiet sigh, his ear pressed as close as possible to Daichi’s chest until his steady heartbeat is the only thing the younger boy can hear. He blinks drowsily.
“Dai-san?” he calls softly, and Tobio won't realize until much later how he let Suga’s nickname for their captain slip out, and when he does, he'll be appropriately mortified by his own boldness. For now, though, he can only revel in the warmth of the body keeping him from touching the cold floor.
Daichi tightens his hold on him. “Hm?”
“I’m really glad you’re okay.”
The other boy hums, nuzzling against Tobio’s forehead. “Thank you. I’m glad you’re okay too, Tobio.”
Tobio frowns. Not this again.
“Why the sudden pout?”
Blue eyes snap up to find the alpha staring down at him with an arched eyebrow, a suppressed smile playing at the corner of his lips.
“I don’t understand why everyone is worried,” Tobio grumbles, his gaze dropping to his fingers, playing distractedly with one of Daichi’s buttons. “Did I do something wrong?”
Daichi’s chest shakes with quiet laughter. “The opposite, actually.”
Tobio looks up again in confusion, and the captain smiles fondly at him.
“What happened today… it wasn’t easy for anyone, but it could’ve been a lot worse if the pack had lost their heads. A simple provocation from one of Wakunan’s players could have sparked a fight and turned everything into a big mess.” Daichi lets out a tired sigh, one hand cradling the back of Tobio’s head, fingers sinking into his dark hair and stroking his scalp. “Suga told me what happened after I left, how he lost himself for a minute. He’s one of the strongest people I know, so I can only imagine how hard it was, being vulnerable like that, and in front of the whole pack no less.”
Brown eyes suddenly lock on him, and Tobio stills at the seriousness in Daichi’s gaze.
“You took on a big burden today on your own, Tobio. Being the touchstone for a distressed pack, especially without any previous experience, can be daunting.” He smiles softly, but the gesture is tinted by concern. “What you did was… exceptional. It’s no wonder you’re feeling the rebound of so many emotions hitting you all at once.”
“I’m fine, Daichi-san,” he mumbles, suddenly feeling too shy.
“You’re not,” the captain rebuts, not unkindly, “but we’ll make sure you’ll be.”
Now it’s Tobio’s turn to sigh—he feels his pack’s overprotective nature might be cause for some friction between all of them going forward, but he can’t deny it feels good to know he’s cared for. He doesn’t think this feeling will ever lose its novelty for him.
He hopes it doesn’t. He never wants to take any of his packmates for granted.
His head falls on Daichi’s shoulder, and he burrows closer to his chest, deciding it’s not worth arguing about it. There are thirteen of them and only one of Tobio—it would be a losing battle right from the start anyway.
This elicits a deep purr from Daichi, the alpha clearly just as pleased with their closeness after such a harrowing day. They let themselves be, enjoying the quiet and warmth, only distantly aware of the sounds coming from downstairs.
Tobio realizes his eyes have fallen closed only when the tiny sound of a camera shutter draws him from the edge of sleep. It’s followed by a low groan from Daichi.
“Koushi,” the captain scolds, but it’s too soft to be a reprimand, and Tobio hides behind his curled hands when he realizes their pack omega is still pointing a phone at them and wearing a too-innocent smile.
Suga shrugs, stepping fully into the bathroom as he puts away his phone.
“What can I say? You guys are cute,” he states in a flippant tone, kneeling beside them to kiss Daichi’s temple, then nuzzling against Tobio’s hair. “But what are you doing on the floor? You’ll get sick like this. There’s a perfectly warm nest waiting for you downstairs, come on. Up, up!”
Daichi groans again, but he’s already stirring from their current position. Tobio mourns in silence for the coming separation, but then the captain’s arms and hands tighten around him.
“Hold on, pup.” It's all the warning he gets, and then they are standing up—Koushi’s hands offering support so Daichi doesn’t lose his balance on the way.
Tobio manages not to emit any sounds this time, but his arms automatically tighten around Daichi’s neck at the sudden change of altitude. The captain looks unfazed by his weight, though, and Tobio has a sudden flashback of being carried like this on a cold morning not long after joining Karasuno. His cheeks warm up at the memory—‘You’ll be okay, pup, I’ll take care of you’—but Suga softly calling his name brings him back to the present.
When he turns to his vice-captain, the older boy gently wipes his face with a towel, and Tobio realizes he probably still looks a right mess from his crying fit. He pouts, and it draws a snicker from Daichi, but the older omega simply smiles.
“We’ve prepared a nest downstairs. Asahi, Chikara and Tadashi are here, but if you’re okay with it, the rest of the pack would like to come later and spend the night, after they check in with their parents.” Koushi continues his ministrations, keeping his tone soft as he explains. “If it’s too much and you’d rather stay in the nest in your room, that’s okay, sweetheart. We just can’t leave you completely alone right now, so at least let one of us stay with you.”
Tobio shakes his head, taking Suga’s hand before it can pull away from his face. “It’s okay, Koushi-san. I want them here too, if they don’t mind coming.”
Tobio can’t say he’s entirely used to the idea of a pack that wants him close, but he won’t refuse the chance when it’s offered. It seems to be the right choice, since Suga’s eyes glint with some unnamed emotion before he kisses Tobio’s knuckles and lets his hand go.
“Alright, gentlemen. Let’s move this party downstairs, then.”
Tobio is prepared for the rearranged configuration in his living room—after that first visit from Daichi and Koushi, his house has become a regular meeting place for his packmates, and it seems all of them enjoy the idea of nesting in one way or another. Still, this is the first time the entire pack will gather there at once, and he's shocked by the sheer amount of futons, sheets, pillows, and cushions spread out on the floor.
The lights are thankfully turned down, only the soft glow of a floor lamp offering some illumination for them to move around. His head feels better after whatever medication Tsukishima provided, but there's still a hazy echo of pain right on the edge of his senses, as if any minor trigger will spark another flare.
He hears movement from the kitchen and maybe the entrance hall, but Ennoshita-san is sitting cross-legged in the middle of the giant nest, also wearing comfortable clothes. When Ennoshita opens his arms for them, Tobio accepts the silent invitation with a nod, letting Daichi set him down beside his senpai. He nestles into the offered hug, letting out a pleased sigh that seems to amuse the three older boys.
Tobio doesn't mind—he'd much rather have his friends laughing than distressed, even if it's at his own expense.
"I think Kiyoko, Hitoka, and Kei just arrived," Koushi murmurs to Daichi, before kneeling in front of the pair inside the nest. "We'll sort out dinner for everyone, then we'll come back for you and Chikara, alright? Would you like anything before that, Tobio?"
The younger omega hums, blinking slowly. "Just water or Gatorade, please."
Tobio doesn't think he will manage to eat anything, but he knows saying that will make everyone worry again, and at least he can stay hydrated.
"Alright, sweetheart. Just rest for now."
With one last press of fingers along Tobio's face and neck, his pack alpha and omega leave, and Ennoshita-san immediately starts up a conversation about their last game, keeping his tone light as he patiently waits for Tobio to share his impressions. He knows he needs to stay awake for now, so he does his best to answer everything his senpai asks.
The evening progresses like that, although his companions will change from time to time inside the nest. At one point, he's curled up with Azumane-san, Tanaka-san, and Noya-san; at another, Shimizu-san gently plays with his hair while a much more relaxed Yachi recounts what happened during the visit to the infirmary with their hurt captain.
Later still, all the first-years are clustered close with Tobio smack dab in the middle of the pile. Tsukishima looks a bit peeved, but he does take Tobio's feet into his lap without any complaints, which earns him a proud smile from Yamaguchi and some light teasing from Hinata. Tobio feels too woozy to comment, simply accepting the current state of things while he distractedly twirls Hinata's fiery curls around his fingers.
His packmates have all been to his house at one point or another, occasionally leaving some personal items—mostly clothes—here and there, so Tobio can always find traces of their scents around the place. It's different having them all gathered there at once, though, and in such close proximity. The scents are stronger, and it’s as if Tobio could float away with how good it feels as they soothe his overstimulated senses.
As the hours drift past, he’s distantly aware of lips pressed to his forehead and cheeks, of hands carding through his hair, of soft murmurs and gentle fingers touching his neck and wrists. Familiar, fresh scents surround and enclose him in a bubble of safety and comfort, and more sheets and pillows pile over him until it feels like he’s sinking into a cloud.
His attention starts waning at some point, his movements growing more lethargic, and he has a hard time keeping his eyes open or following conversations. He keens softly when Narita-san and Kinoshita-san leave him alone, but soon realizes they are simply ceding their places for other packmates.
Familiar arms loop around his waist and back, immediately soothing him.
"Let's try some soup, alright, pup?" Tobio makes a face, and his alpha laughs as he helps him sit up. "We'll let you sleep after that, I promise. Just try to eat what you can."
He finds Koushi already sitting cross-legged in front of them, waiting with a small steaming bowl in his hands. The older omega giggles at the dark glare Tobio sends to the food, keeping the bowl out of reach when the younger boy reaches for it with shaky fingers.
"I don't trust you won't simply throw this to the side when I turn my back," Suga says in a playful tone, lifting a full spoon and pressing it to Tobio's lips. "Come on, open up."
Disgruntled but obedient, Tobio does as asked, swallowing each proffered spoonful even if the soup tastes like dust, given the state of his current appetite. He doesn't want to offend his packmates or be ungrateful after they kindly took the time to cook for him, but it doesn't take long for his stomach to disagree with his decision. After a few spoonfuls, he has to stop and cover his mouth with the back of his hand, afraid the hot liquid will come back out. He leans more heavily on Daichi, who kept an arm around his waist the entire time, and the older boy nuzzles Tobio's temple in comfort.
"I guess that's enough for now, huh?" Koushi murmurs with a consoling smile. He and Daichi exchange looks, and then they are on the move. "Come here, sweetheart."
Tobio goes without protest, falling into Suga's arms gratefully once Daichi has taken the half-empty bowl from him. He burrows close, nose sinking into the fabric of Suga's long-sleeved shirt with a low whine that the older omega soothes, cooing softly. Gentle fingers thread through his hair, and Tobio inhales deeply so the scent of his pack omega fills his lungs.
His mind goes hazy as the sweet aroma works on him like a soothing balm, and when he comes back to himself, they are already lying down and cuddled close under the sheets. He started purring without even noticing. Suga's thumb strokes his cheek gently, up and down, up and down, in hypnotic repetitions. Tobio looks up through heavy eyelids to find hazel eyes contemplating him.
“You really were amazing today, y’know?”
Tobio can feel his lips twisting into a pout, and he shakes his head in denial. Suga smiles softly at his reaction, and it lightens some of the burden that's been shadowing his countenance since morning.
“You were, sweetheart. You did so much." Suga hesitates, and that seriousness is suddenly back. Tobio doesn't like it. "Maybe too much.”
The older omega sighs, his scent tasting almost mournful on Tobio's tongue, and he tightens his arms around Koushi on instinct. Stop, stop. The other boy is staring at the ceiling, though, unaware of Tobio's silent pleas.
"You did so well, but I never meant to put so much pressure on you, and without any warning too." He finally looks down, and when Tobio sees his senpai's eyes turning watery, his own tears spring up in reaction. "I’m older, and I should’ve handled that better. I’m sorry, Tobio."
Tobio shakes his head again, more emphatically this time, and he leans up to press a kiss against Suga's cheek, making the other boy blink in surprise before his expression goes soft with fondness.
"Don't apologize," he pleads in a hoarse voice. "You love Daichi, Koushi-san. Seeing someone you love hurt like that is… it’s…"
Horrible. Heartbreaking. Shattering. All the words get stuck in his throat, tangled with memories he would rather forget, but Suga's expression tells him he understands anyway. When the older boy cradles his cheek and kisses his forehead, Tobio exhales a shaky breath, then gratefully presses his face into Suga's chest, trying to make himself smaller.
He counts Koushi's heartbeats until his own eventually find their rhythm, and in the meantime, Daichi rejoins them. The alpha quietly plasters himself to Tobio's back, cradling both omegas close to his chest.
Tobio has always felt a little broken, a little weak, despite all of his grandfather's lessons. At moments like these, though...
"I don't think you realize yet how important you are to this pack, pup."
The younger omega closes his eyes, letting the low reverberation of his alpha's kind words wash over him.
"But it’s okay," Koushi adds in a whisper, his words gossamer-like, right into the shell of Tobio’s ear. "We have a lot of time to show you, if you’ll let us."
At moments like these, it feels as if there's nothing wrong with being a little broken and weak too.