Work Text:
This has got to be Daichi's favorite time of the day. Lunch time. Not just because he's eager to eat the protein loaded bento he packed but because for the past two months Ushijima Wakatoshi has been joining him in the breakroom.
Ah... Ushijima Wakatoshi.
Daichi had been smitten with him from the moment they met. Which had been on his first day at work around three years ago. Ushijima had been a new hire as well but he had assimilated way faster than Daichi. He had been of great help to Daichi and naturally he had grown fond of Ushijima. A little too fond, really.
"Sawamura-san," Ushijima says in greeting, sitting down across from Daichi. "Good afternoon. How has your day been?"
"Ushijima," Daichi can't help but grin. "It's been a morning but I'm not complaining."
"That is good to hear," Ushijima is smiling back.
It had taken a long time for Daichi to be witness to one of Ushijima's genuine smiles but once he had unlocked it they had come easier. It had exponentially increased Daichi's crush on his friend.
Try as he might though... Daichi could never get the timing right to ask Ushijima about his love life and preferences. How could someone even subtly ask that question? But Daichi saw no ring on his finger which meant Ushijima had to be up for grabs.
Right?
"Sawamura-san," Ushijima breaks the comfortable silence that had settled between them, setting down his chopsticks neatly on top of his napkin. "Could I ask you a personal question?"
"Huh?"
Huh.... huh?!
"What do you look for in a partner?" Ushijima continues, is attention fully on Daichi, an inquisitive tilt to his head, eyes just a tad bit more narrowed than usual.
"A... partner?"
"Ah. A romantic one," Ushijima clarifies. Daichi had assumed that's what he meant but the clarification changes things anyway.
"Ah," Daichi blinks, his appetite gone suddenly. "Well..."
What is he supposed to say? Should he be describing Ushijima? Is this a hint? Does Ushijima like him too? Daichi hadn't gotten that impression at all which is making him doubt how well he can read a person. He sets down his chopsticks when he really can't think of stomaching another bite. Ushijima is smiling at him pleasantly and it makes Daichi's stomach do a tumble.
"Just... someone kind, I suppose," Daichi clears his throat, the urge to cover his face up strong as he feels it and his throat flushing. "I don't really focus too much on having a type. If we get along and become close then I could probably fall for them."
"I see," Ushijima nods and he seems to be contemplating it seriously. "Do you like people who make jokes?"
"Jokes? Sure, joking around is fun," Daichi nods, biting his lip.
"Would you like someone that is taller than you or shorter?"
"Taller," Daichi blurts out, thinking about their height difference. Daichi really enjoys looking up at him.
"That's good," Ushijima takes a bite of his food and looks like he's thinking deeply again.
About me? Is he thinking about me?
"Are you interested in women only, Sawamura-san?"
Alarm bells start ringing in Daichi's head. His head feels like it's on fire and he knows he's taking too long to answer because Ushjima's smile is looking a little bit awkward now, his head bowing down quickly as if he just realized he asked his coworker an extremely personal question.
"Sorry, I did not mean to-"
"No!" Daichi shouts and covers his mouth quickly, the slap of his palm on his mouth making him ache just a bit.
"Pardon?"
Pardon? He's too cute.
"I don't," Daichi uncovers his mouth. "Well... since we're on the subject. I'm gay."
"I see," Ushijima nods and leans forward on the table, closer to Daichi, his voice a near whisper. "As am I."
"Oh," Daichi nods, breathless.
If he doesn't get up and move around soon he's going to turn into a puddle. He's certain Ushijima is about to confess he's attracted to him and ask him out.
"I thought you might be as well," Ushijima leans back then, rubbing a fingertip to his cheek. "I have a question, then. I hope you can consider it carefully."
"What is it?" The answer is yes, a million times yes yes yes!!!
"Would you be open to going on a blind date?" Ushijima looks at him again.
Yes yes ye- no no no no no....
"Huh?"
"I have a close friend I believe would be a great match for you," Ushijima continues and he's pulling out his phone, a small smile still on his lips. "I think you would look very good together. He is a little bit... strange but he has a good heart. He is one of the kindest people I know. He has been single for some time and recently started expressing interest in dating again. When he said that I thought about you for some reason, Sawamura-san."
Daichi is quiet as Ushijima takes out a notepad from his bag then, pulling off the cap of his pen to scribble down on the blank page.
"I had a bit of a inkling about your orientation since we get along so well and my spouse encouraged me to ask you about it," Ushijima keeps scribbling on the paper as if he's not crushing Daichi's heart to a million pieces.
Spouse? Ushijima is married?
"I showed him a photo from the latest company retreat and he agreed you and my friend would make a handsome match," Ushijima smiles and hands over the piece of paper he's ripped out of his notepad. Daichi looks down at it and swallows once.
Kuroo Tetsuro xxx-xxx-xxx
He blinks at the name and phone number, a funny feeling spreading from his stomach to his chest. He thinks he feels the sting of tears building up but he puts on a brave face, clearing his throat, forcing a smile that he hopes is not awkward.
"Please do not feel pressured, if you are open to it I will give him your number as well and ask him to contact you to set up a date," Ushijima continues.
Spouse. Blind date. Kuroo Tetsuro. Handsome match. Ushijima is married. Ushijima is not crushing on me. Ow ow ow ow.
Daichi looks up at Ushijima and he looks so hopeful and pleased with himself that Daichi can't help it. He nods, folding the paper carefully, tucking it into his breast pocket.
"Sounds good," Daichi croaks out and Ushijima is reaching for the water pitcher between them to refill Daichi's glass. "Thank you."
Daichi saves Kuroo's number to his contacts but doesn't text him. If Kuroo wants to go on a date then he can take care of setting it up himself.
What did Ushjiima mean anyway when he said they would make a handsome match? For all Daichi knew Ushijima thought he was ugly and was setting him up with an equally unattractive person. He's resorted to a sulky mood at home ever since. He cooks himself a feast and then snacks in front of the television until he knocks out. His pattern continues for a few days until he receives a text at 6PM on a Friday.
[Kuroo Tetsuro]
Hello! This is Kuroo Tetsuro. I got your number from Wakatoshi-kun. Sorry for not reaching out sooner. Work was busy. Are you free to meet tomorrow?
Daichi stares at the text for a few minutes, conflicted. He doesn't have any plans for the weekend. Suga is busy with Oikawa and Asahi and Noya are away on another spontaneous trip. Daichi has taken to calling them honeymoons these days, they might as well be. Which means he has no excuses to say no and delay this meeting.
He also doesn't want to flat out reject him and damage his friendship with Ushijima. The same friend this stranger calls by his first name which means they must be closer than Daichi initially assumed.
Daichi replies and they set a time and place for the next day. Daichi tells him he'll give him a heads up on what he's wearing tomorrow and Kuroo wishes him a goodnight. He's not even a little bit anxious about it or excited. Instead he checks Instagram again in an attempt to find Ushijima's profile but he has a feeling his crush is not on any social media.
Daichi settles instead for the work outing photos, probably staring at the same one Ushjima shared with his spouse as they discussed potential matches for Kuroo. He still hasn't fully processed the fact that his longstanding crush on Ushijima is a dead end and now he has to go on a blind date. He can't help but wonder a little bit about Kuroo. Ushijima had just told Daichi to trust him, that he could vouch for him, and that they lived relatively close to each other so if they hit it off seeing each other often would be quite easy.
𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔
[Daichi]
I have a crossbody white bag and a black shirt on.
[Kuroo Tetsuro]
I'm wearing a red jacket! I'm next to the fountain, it's pretty hard to miss.
Daichi takes a deep breath as he approaches the fountain, eyes darting between the people lingering around it. He hasn't spotted the red jacket yet so he assumes Kuroo is on the other side of it. He brushes his hands down his shirt, dusting away anything that might have clung to him on his way here, brushing his fingers through his hair quickly, shoulders straight. He's going to make a good impression even though he plans on rejecting Kuroo as soon as possible. He already has the thank you text ready, it's just about finding the right time to send it after today.
When he rounds the fountain he spots a red jacket, Kuroo has his back to him, swaying just a bit from side to side. The first thing Daichi notices after the jacket is the way his hair seems to be shooting in every direction it wants to, the next is how broad his shoulders are, and as he gets closer and closer that Kuroo Tetsuro is taller than him. Enough that he's sure he'll have to tip his head back to see Kuroo if they stand close together.
"Kuroo-san?" Daichi asks, taking one step back after he gently nudges Kuroo's back.
"Sawamura?" Kuroo spins around and Daichi blinks when he finally sees his face. It's a handsome one after all.
Kuroo is stylish, a tucked in low cut v-neck black shirt under his jacket, form fitting jeans that go up to his waist, and silver chain around his neck. Daichi feels like he didn't accessorize enough now and even though his look is usually rather simple he thinks he cleaned up well himself today too.
"That's me," Daichi nods, holding out his hand for Kuroo to shake it. "Nice to meet you. Thank you for inviting me out."
"Uhn," Kuroo groans out, staring at Daichi, his expression blank.
Daichi waits. Maybe he's slow on the uptake. Maybe he was expecting something else. Maybe Ushijima hadn't done a good job of describing him or described him at all. The longer Kuroo is quiet the more Daichi's discomfort grows and his feet are itching to make a run for it. When it's obvious Kuroo is not going to shake his hand Daichi drops it, tucks it behind him, and takes one step back.
Well, isn't this just great?
"Kuroo-san?" Daichi asks again, his voice soft in an attempt to hold back the annoyance he can feel.
Kuroo whimpers, suddenly he straightens up, slaps both hands into his cheeks and looks at Daichi with wide eyes. There's a red flush spreading from his neck to his the tip of his ears and Daichi thinks it's probably because he's so embarrassed for ignoring his introduction.
"Are you—"
"Coffee! Let's go get coffee!" Kuroo practically shouts and then turns around, walking away from Daichi stiffly.
"What the hell?" Daichi mutters under his breath, gripping the strap of his bag and following after Kuroo. Rude.
Kuroo stands awkwardly to the side as Daichi orders his coffee, paying for their order once he's done. They find a table for two and sit across from each other. Kuroo still hasn't looked Daichi in the eye since he first spun around. His eyes dart around Daichi instead, clearly nervous about something.
He's probably trying to think of a way to bail quickly, Daichi thinks to himself, a fist clenching under the table. Well, I'll make it easy for him so he shouldn't be stressing too much.
"So..." Daichi clears his throat. "How do you know Ushijima?"
"Oh," Kuroo rocks forward slightly, his shoulders relaxing from their previous stiff pose. "We were roommates in college."
"Ah," Daichi nods, his turn to look away from Kuroo, eyes moving to glance out the window they sat next to. "We're coworkers."
"He mentioned that," Kuroo sounds a bit squeaky and Daichi turns his head to look at him.
Kuroo is bright red and Daichi wonders if maybe he had been waiting in the sun for too long for him. The buzzer for their drinks goes off and Kuroo stands to grab them. When he sits down again Daichi really hopes the iced drink cools his date down because it can't be comfortable to be breaking a sweat like that.
"So... what do you for work?" Daichi has to break the silence stretching between them. It might not be the most interesting question but he doesn't know what else to ask.
"Science stuff," Kuroo answers, clearing his throat.
"Uh... like what?"
"Well there's a lot of swabbing and back pain," Kuroo shrugs, lifting his drink to take a sip from his straw.
"Right."
"I don't want to bore you," Kuroo looks at Daichi and his eyes are pleading with him in a way that stirs something in Daichi's gut. "Let's save it for a third date type of conversation?"
If there is a second date at all, Daichi thinks to himself but he nods anyway.
The rest of the date is a bit of a drag. Kuroo keeps making jokes Daichi doesn't get and laughs loud enough that people keep glancing over at them. More than once Daichi has the urge to cover his face with the drink menu on their table and sink under it. When Kuroo finishes drinking his coffee Daichi is filled with relief and he looks for a good moment to end their conversation which had somehow pivoted to the most effective over the counter cold medicine Kuroo had ever tried.
"Wow," Daichi hums, raising an eyebrow when Kuroo finally quiets down. "That was... I'll keep that in mind next time I catch a cold."
"Awesome," Kuroo grins and Daichi can't help but notice there's still a rosy glow to his cheeks.
It's too bad he's so weird and a little rude, he thinks, pursing his lip. He really is very handsome.
Daichi picks up his phone for the first time, a impressive feat considering how stir crazy he had been feeling, and pretends like he's checking the time.
"Well this was nice but I have somewhere I need to—"
"Are you hungry?" Kuroo cuts him off, standing at the same time Daichi does.
Daichi opens his mouth to say no, he really does, but just then to his utter horror and embarrassment his stomach grumbles. Loudy. The scrunch on Kuroo's eyebrows smooths out and he smiles.
"There's a place a few blocks away with huge portions," Kuroo raises an eyebrow. "My treat."
Daichi's shoulders slump just a bit.
"Okay," he nods.
Daichi rarely makes it to the second location portion of dates. He's usually pretty good at excusing himself and then sending a very nice text to whoever he had met that he was not interesting in pursuing things further. Yet, here he is, walking next to Kuroo to a hot pot restaurant.
When they're seated Daichi looks around. He's never been here before despite living in the area. The decor is cozy, the entire building is warm in the way only hot pot spots are, and it smells of spices and meat. Kuroo had pulled Daichi's chair out for him when they had gotten to their table and for some reason Daichi's fingers were tingling ever since.
They settle on a spicy base and order their sides and sliced beef. Kuroo looks different under the soft lighting of the lamp hanging over them. The hair that hangs over one of his eyes slightly looks better here and Daichi can't help but notice the rest of his features. His eyes are golden and shimmer a bit every time he looks at Daichi, his bottom lip is a lighter pink than the top and fuller, and the grin he gives Daichi doesn't look crazy anymore. His nose is long, a small bump near the bridge of it that makes Daichi wonder if he broke it at some point, and there's a tiny dimple near the corner of his lips when he smiles.
Cute, Daichi thinks, biting his lip and looking down quickly. Cuter when he's not saying crazy things for sure.
"So, uh, where did you grow up?" Kuroo asks when their food is at the table, chopsticks hovering over the boiling broth.
"Miyagi," Daichi answers, taking a sip of his water.
I should say more, he thinks to himself, furrowing his brows. I should talk about my family or-
"You got any siblings?" Kuroo asks and Daichi grins a bit, wondering if Kuroo could read his mind.
"Yeah, a bunch, I've lost count of how many," he jokes and it gets a snort from Kuroo. "I'm the eldest."
"Oof," Kuroo laughs. "How big of an age difference?"
"With the first one? Like six years," Daichi sighs, shoulders drooping just a bit. "What about you? Any siblings?"
"An older sister," Kuroo shrugs. "Not much older but she was an adult already when I was still in high school."
"Are you close?"
"Now we are," Kuroo has a little smile on his lips. "It's easier after you grow up, I think."
"For sure," Daichi nods, pursing his lips just a bit as he thinks about that. "I noticed the dynamics are changing a bit for me and my siblings again now that I don't have to take care of them as much."
The conversation flows easier after that. Daichi asks about where Kuroo grew up too and they get the silly questions like favorite colors (red and orange) out of the way. Before he knows it Daichi is laughing at Kuroo's jokes and that odd little nervous twitch on Kuroo's hands and lips from before has calmed down completely.
It helps that the food is delicious too. Daichi is definitely going to make a note of it so he can come back next time he's craving hot pot. He wonders what other spots Kuroo knows of that he hasn't been to yet and maybe of some that he himself knows and can share with his date.
At some point during their date they start to play footsie under the table with each other and Daichi can't even deny the little flutter in his stomach every time their shoes tap together anymore. He's not so bad after all, he thinks to himself, looking at the food spread around them. It's about to run out but Daichi isn't sure if he wants the date to end just yet.
"Well I don't know about you but," Kuroo cuts through his thoughts and Daichi looks at him with a tilt of his head. "I could go for a drink. Would you be interested in that?"
"A drink sounds great," Daichi laughs, nodding his head.
Kuroo pays for their dinner so Daichi is determined to cover their drinks. The sun has set by the time they leave the restaurant and they walk a little bit closer together this time. Every time their elbows brush together a little thrill goes through Daichi.
I'm so easy, Daichi thinks to himself but not too seriously. Good food, cute guy, and I've already got a crush.
They go to one of Daichi's favorite bars. It's quiet, small, not crowded even though it's a weekend, and the lighting is always soft and intimate. They pick a booth and order their first round. Kuroo scoots closer to Daichi every time he takes a sip of his beer and Daichi pretends he doesn't notice.
Eventually their thighs are pressed together, knees bumping into one another, Kuroo's hand under the table on his own thigh but his fingertips tap Daichi here and there. They're both turned towards each other, Daichi's head tilted up just a bit so he can meet Kuroo's gaze while he keeps asking Daichi seemingly about whatever comes to his mind.
"Favorite food?" Kuroo asks and Daichi laughs, grabbing another piece of karaage with his chopsticks to eat. Kuroo just watches him, waiting patiently for his answer, and now that they're three drinks in his hand is fully on Daichi's knee. Daichi can't help but notice how he glances down at his lips when he licks the salt from them.
"Shoyu ramen," Daichi finally answers.
"I'll take you for some next time," Kuroo grins, leaning in closer to Daichi.
I really want to kiss him, Daichi thinks.
"It's a date," he jokes. "What about you?"
"Grilled mackerel."
Kuroo answers quickly most of the time. Daichi is a little bit obsessed with that fact.
"Can I walk you home?" Kuroo asks after his eyes flit to Daichi's mouth again.
"I'd like that," Daichi nods.
Kuroo's phone buzzes on the table between them and they both glance down at it. It's the first time it has the entire evening and Kuroo picks it up with an apologetic smile to Daichi. Daichi shakes his head and tries his best not to peek at the screen. Suddenly he realizes it's possible Daichi isn't his only blind date on his radar and that sucks.
"It's Wakatoshi-kun," Kuroo says and Daichi's spiral stops suddenly. "He's asking how it went. What should I say?"
"That it's still going and you'll have an answer later tonight?" Daichi jokes with a roll of his eyes.
What he really wanted to say was: How do you think it's going? Because I think it's going perfectly.
Daichi pays for their drinks just as he had hoped and they make their way out of the bar. He's never been very good at making the first moves but all day he's been quickly realizing that Kuroo is.
"Don't want you to get lost," Kuroo grabs Daichi's hand and pulls him along down the street. "It's so crowded."
There's maybe ten people walking and most are on the other side of the street. Daichi bursts out into laughter but he laces their fingers together anyway. Kuroo's thumb is brushing on Daichi's, the touch so gentle that it makes Daichi's heartbeat feel sluggish and heavy.
"Did you mean that earlier?" Kuroo asks when they finally clear the streets and get into Daichi's neighborhood. "About... the ramen date?"
Daichi hums quietly, squeezing Kuroo's hand, biting his lip. If he never makes it to the second location he never makes it to the second date but right now he couldn't imagine not seeing Kuroo again and again and again.
"Let's figure out a good day for it," Daichi nods finally, tugging Kuroo down a street. "I'd like to see you again."
"Yes," Kuroo whispers quietly and Daichi turns to look at him just in time to see him pumping his first in the air. He snorts at the sight, unable to hold back a silly grin.
It's funny. Daichi has never been so sad to see his door before. Usually he's so eager to get inside, get into comfy clothes, and cook up a big dinner before he starts to wind down for the night. Right now, however, he really wishes he lived just a bit further so he could keep holding Kuroo's hand.
"This is me," Daichi points with his free hand and they both stop in front of the door.
They don't let go of each other's hands, standing in front of it, Daichi's head tipped back to look at Kuroo. He's trying hard not to bite his lip but he sucks half of it into his mouth anyway. He's so nervous. Or is it giddy? He really wants to be kissed.
Fuck, I'm so bad at this, he almost groans.
Kuroo takes two steps closer to Daichi and crowds him into the door. Daichi looks up at him, resting his free hand on Kuroo's waist. Kuroo's free hand comes up to cup Daichi's cheek and it makes his breath hitch. He can't even pretend anymore that he's not looking at Kuroo's lips.
Kiss me, kiss me, kiss me, Daichi thinks and when their eyes meet again Kuroo seems to understand that it's okay.
The first press of their lips is so sweet Daichi feels like cotton candy is melting on his tongue. When their lips part they both laugh a bit and then Kuroo is kissing him in earnest. A heat builds and swoops in Daichi's belly, both arms sliding around Kuroo's waist to pull him closer. Kuroo's other hand goes to the back of Daichi's head and he holds him in place as the kiss deepens.
Daichi can't help the quiet groan on the back of his throat and Kuroo takes the opportunity to dip his tongue into Daichi's mouth. Daichi's fingers grip the fabric of Kuroo's jacket, squeezing tight, tugging him closer and closer. He almost wants to jump on him, wrap his legs around Kuroo's waist, see if he's as strong as he looked when Daichi got a glimpse of the muscles on his arms earlier.
Calm down, calm down, Daichi thinks to himself.
"You're so pretty," Kuroo murmurs in between kisses and Daichi smiles. "I'm sorry about earlier at the cafe, I just get so nervous when I meet someone as handsome as you."
Daichi laughs a bit, already incredibly fond.
"I'm serious," Kuroo continues, trailing soft kisses along Daichi's jaw that make him shiver and his head fall back. "I forgot how to think as soon as I laid eyes on you. And to top it off you're so funny and smart and sweet."
"So not just a pretty face?" Daichi asks breathily.
"No, never," Kuroo shakes his head into Daichi's throat, his breath hot on his skin. "I like you so much."
"I like you too," Daichi admits.
When Kuroo pulls back he presses a soft kiss to Daichi's forehead before resting his own on it. Daichi gives him another squeeze as Kuroo brushes his thumbs on Daichi's cheekbones and his bottom lip. He wants to invite Kuroo in but he also doesn't want to give the impression that he's that easy.
"I'll text you tomorrow," Kuroo whispers and Daichi nods. "I hope we can see each other again soon."
"Mhm," Daichi smiles, tilting his head up to kiss Kuroo again, soft and tender. "Yeah, I hope so too."
"I owe Wakatoshi big time," Kuroo laughs quietly and Daichi does too.
"Yeah, so do I," he can't help the smile on his lips. "I should probably get a gift basket ready for when I see him at work."
It's crazy to think now that he started off this week with an unrequited crush on Ushijima and is ending it smitten with that same man's college roommate and friend.
They part after another sweet kiss, Kuroo walking backwards, eyes on Daichi until they're out of each others line of sight. Daichi laughs to himself and opens the door to his house, sighing a bit as he walks inside, heart still pounding faster than usual.
[Kuroo Tetsuro]
❤️
[Daichi]
🧡
𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔
"Good morning Sawamura-san," Ushijima greets Daichi on his way to his desk and Daichi stops short. He digs into his pocket and pulls out a chocolate bar, handing it to Ushijima who looks at it with surprise.
"Thank you for introducing me to Kuroo," Daichi smiles a bit and Ushijima rewards him with a gentle smile that usually would have sent his heart into a frenzy.
"I am happy it worked out," Ushijima purses his lips just a bit. "Tetsuro is really happy. I only say this because I know he cannot hide how he feels and you must already know. Please take care of him."
"I will," Daichi nods, that fluttery feeling on his chest again.
"And if you ever need help with gifts or ways to tease him you can ask me," Ushijima gives him a little nod and Daichi laughs.
"I'll keep that in mind."