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Shoyo’s never been afraid to argue with Kageyama before. If he disagrees with Kageyama, he’ll say it. There’s never been any hesitation or second-guessing when it comes to their never-ending bickering. They argue about a lot of things. Volleyball and winning, mostly: who has more wins, who did the more impressive play. But little inconsequential things too: who ran faster, who can stretch further, who showered faster, which ice cream flavour is better, you ate all the leftovers, well you never replace the toilet paper, and so on.
Arguing with Kageyama is familiar, normal for them. It’s fun even, a lot of the time. And while he’s sure they could communicate without shouting or name-calling, if they really tried, Shoyo wouldn’t want to reach a point where he and Kageyama don’t argue at all. It wouldn’t feel right. Even if it’s a ridiculously long and drawn-out debate over who’s better at folding towels, it’s them. It’s just how they are.
But today...Shoyo finds himself wavering, holding back, giving in.
It’s kinda his own fault, as these things tend to be, naturally.
They’re making dinner right now. Some stir-fried rice, easy and simple since they’re both tired and it’s kinda late. Normally, Shoyo would be bickering with his boyfriend right now. Ducking around the kitchen, flicking water at each other, arguing about who’s better at cutting vegetables. Normally, Shoyo would currently be in a heated debate about whether they’re putting mushrooms in the dish or not.
You see, Shoyo doesn’t really like mushrooms in his fried rice. They’re gonna get all watery and then the mushroom juices are gonna make it taste weird. Kageyama likes them though and usually when it comes to this kind of stuff, they’ll argue about it for a good ten minutes until something starts burning or they’ll reach a compromise in which case Shoyo gets to add in something of his choice (whatever foreign hot sauce he picks up from the store to experiment with next, usually).
Today, however, it goes like this:
Kageyama turns to Shoyo, drying his hands on the kitchen towel and asks, “Can we add in some mushrooms?”
And Shoyo makes the mistake of looking at him, only able to wordlessly nod in reply, not even attempting to put up an argument. Kageyama makes a pleased sound and goes to fish out some white mushrooms from the fridge.
Dog ears. It’s the dog ears’ fault.
Unlike some people who firmly plant themselves in either the cat-person (i.e. Kenma, Omi-san) or dog-person (i.e. Bokuto-san, Yamaguchi, Natsu) camps, Shoyo simply considers himself a lover of all animals. Except for maybe bugs or creepy lizards or scary deep-sea fish. Regardless, Shoyo loves cats and dogs equally. Or so he thought.
Right now, he’s seeing the appeal of dogs very much.
He faintly recalls, years back, when Natsu was in middle school and dog-sat a friend’s puppy once. She was a terrible dog-sitter, letting the little guy run around and bite at her sleeves and dig up dirt in the yard. Mom had scolded her, but Natsu, the dog-lover she is, insisted that it was too hard to be strict. She couldn’t deny its whims, not when the puppy looked at her with those cute puppy eyes!
Back then, Shoyo just laughed when their mom made Natsu help fix up the garden the next weekend.
Right now, his current predicament is probably karmic retribution for that moment. After all, it was Natsu who sent them those things.
A pair of cute matching aprons, a (belated) gift to congratulate Kageyama and him on moving in together. The creamy white one, that Shoyo currently has on, came with a flimsy pair of angel wings as an accessory. The dark black one, Kageyama’s, came with a headband with fluffy dog ears attached to it, the colour matching Kageyama’s own inky black hair almost perfectly.
It had been an uphill battle getting Kageyama to put it on, Shoyo making exaggerated claims that Nat-chan’s poor heart would be broken if she knew Kageyama hates her present. In the end, Kageyama put on the dog ears and Shoyo put on the angel wings. He’s not entirely sure how angels and dogs are matching but at the time he was too busy trying to get Kageyama to put on the ridiculous thing, thinking he’d get a good laugh out of it.
He regrets it now, almost.
Because it’s cute. Way cuter than Shoyo would have thought. Dangerously cute. Shoyo’s hands are nearly twitching with the urge to crush something because of the overwhelming cuteness. Kageyama could probably ask to slap Shoyo across the face and Shoyo would agree without a second thought.
“You okay?” Kageyama asks him, tilting his head to the side, the dog ears flopping with his bangs too. Shoyo kinda wants to cry, and not just because he mindlessly ended up agreeing to cut the damn onions too.
“M’fine,” Shoyo mutters, turning away and pretending to be busy pushing the chopped onions into the corner of the cutting board.
“Hey,” Kageyama says, and suddenly he’s right next to Shoyo, leaning in close. “You’re not getting sick, are you? You’re all red and stuff.” Kageyama brings up his hand to Shoyo’s forehead and his other hand up to his own forehead to compare, a small, pouty frown on his lips.
Cute. So cute.
“You don’t feel that warm,” Kageyama mumbles, staring at Shoyo in confusion. Shoyo’s seen Kageyama’s confused face countless times over the decade-or-so of knowing him. Why is it so adorable today?
“I’m fine,” Shoyo manages to say, clearing his throat when the words come out squeakier than he intended. “It’s just warm in here, since we’re cooking and stuff!”
“The stove’s not even on yet.” Kageyama turns the stovetop, pointing out the unheated burners to Shoyo.
“Whoops! My bad,” Shoyo laughs. “I’m done with the onions and garlic, so I’ll go do that now.” He slips away from Kageyama, trying to get his overly reactive cheeks to stop blushing so much.
“You want me to do it?” Kageyama’s right behind him, leaning over Shoyo’s shoulder as he watches Shoyo oil the wok, placing a light hand on Shoyo’s waist. “You’re being all spacey today.”
“It’s okay,” Shoyo waves him off. Too close! You’re too close.
Kageyama watches Shoyo for a minute, assessing his state with those sharp blue eyes. “Fine,” he relents with a huff. “Don’t burn yourself though, dumbass.” And Shoyo looks at Kageyama again, reflexively, because he’s just used to looking at him, okay, it’s not his fault!
Kageyama’s pouting, that small, huffy pout he does when he’s concerned or worried but won’t say anything about it. Shoyo’s always thought it was cute but right now, paired with those puppy dog ears, it’s downright lethally adorable. He’s like a sad puppy, droopy ears and tail between his legs, like he’s been denied treats or pets.
It’d be silly and ridiculous if Shoyo ripped off those stupid dog ears, especially after all the wheedling he went through just to get Kageyama to put them on in the first place. Plus...it’s so cute. Kageyama looks so cute and Shoyo wants to take a photo to immortalize his current cuteness but Kageyama would probably try to bite Shoyo’s hand off if he tried and Shoyo would let him because his higher brain functioning is clouded by his adorable boyfriend’s adorableness. So, the dog ears stay on. If he can’t take a photo, Shoyo’s gonna ingrain the memory into his mind through his eyes.
Besides, taking off the dog ears would only solve part of Shoyo’s problems.
The apron. They’re nice aprons, Natsu didn’t cheap out on her gift after all. They’re soft and made out of sturdy material, and will definitely hold up in the wash well. The aprons, cute and fashionable, were likely made in mind for, well, probably for some teenage girls who want cutesy aprons to take cutesy pictures to post online. They’re not the kind that crosses over in the back, but more Western-styled, with ties that wrap around the waist. Long, ribbony ties that were likely meant to be tied into pretty little bows, for maximum aesthetics.
Kageyama, obviously, does not tie it into a pretty bow because to him aprons are meant to keep your clothes clean, not look cute and pretty. So, what does he do with the extra fabric length? Tie it around his waist. Tightly. Around the back and then the front and to the back again, tied off into a neat knot. The apron hugs him tightly, causing the long-sleeved shirt he has on below the scrunch up a little around his hips. The bunching of his shirt does nothing to hide that waistline.
Small waist, broad shoulders, pretty hands, handsome face.
He’s hot. And cute. Simultaneously. A deadly combo.
Shoyo wants to kiss Kageyama. No, he needs to kiss him or his heart might just implode inside of his chest cavity.
“Hey, Kageyama-kun,” Shoyo calls out, with much more nonchalance compared to how his insides are feeling currently.
“What?” Kageyama calls back, shuffling around behind Shoyo, likely putting away leftover ingredients back to where they belong.
“Come here!” And, predictably, Kageyama does just that, stepping closer until he’s mere centimetres away from Shoyo.
“What is it?” he asks. Totally innocent, not a hint of suspicion on Kageyama’s face.
Shoyo takes his chance, leaning up and stealing a kiss. Kageyama makes a surprised sound, blinking down at Shoyo with surprise as he pulls back.
“W-what was that for, dumbass?” he blushes, pinkish-red spreading across his cheeks and to the tips of his ears. But it’s clear as day to Shoyo that Kageyama is pleased, that happy gleam in his eye as he patiently waits for more affection.
Cute!
“Just because,” Shoyo shrugs, reaching a hand up to cup Kageyama’s cheek. He plants another kiss on the opposite cheek before returning his attention to the food cooking in front of him.
“Weirdo,” Kageyama grumbles, but gives Shoyo’s cheek a kiss too as he passes by.
Shoyo hums happily as they continue to make dinner together.
The rest of dinner progresses more smoothly. Shoyo’s heart is still dying from cuteness overdose but he at least got to give Kageyama a few kisses to help ease the pain. They finish cooking and then eat and then wash the dishes and clean up any leftover messes.
The aprons, and subsequently Kageyama’s dog ears, have been removed. But Kageyama’s still just as handsome and cute. Especially after taking a shower, his hair slightly damp and wavy, face glowing with that post-shower shine.
Shoyo bathed first and now sits in the kitchen, heating up some milk for Kageyama and himself, when Kageyama walks in, somewhat sleepy and completely adorable. Shoyo watches him from his seat on the countertop, shuffling into the kitchen, squinting up at the bright lights as he comes closer.
“What?” Kageyama eyes Shoyo. Shoyo simply makes a grabby motion with his hands and Kageyama complies, walking over to stand between Shoyo’s legs. Shoyo wraps his legs around Kageyama, pulling him in as close as possible. Their arms find their way around each other too, fingers in hair, hands resting on hips.
With Kageyama lulled into a false sense of security within Shoyo’s loving embrace, Shoyo is free to continue his devious plans.
Shoyo’s lips ghost over Kageyama’s jaw, travelling upwards to his ear, where he whispers a soft, “Good boy.”
Kageyama’s breath hitches, like he’s choking on the air he just inhaled. Shoyo can feel a tremor running through Kageyama’s body, the vibrations felt against his own skin where they’re touching.
Shoyo feels a giddy type of excitement coursing through him, kinda like when he’s about to try a new attack play.
“Such a good boy,” Shoyo continues with his attack, peppering kisses along Kageyama’s jaw, down to the dip of his throat, sucking at the soft skin of his collarbone. “Isn’t that right, Tobio?”
Shoyo wonders how he’s never noticed before, noticed how Kageyama has always been so eager to hear praise. It’s not just perfectionism, but a more innocent yearning, keenness to please. Just like a puppy, so zealous and energetic for praise and affection.
And okay, Shoyo’s the one who has, on multiple occasions, been told he resembles a cute dog, all happy vibes and endless energy. But he thinks of Kageyama, who pretends to be patient or nonchalant but secretly waits, eager for gentle touches and sweet words, and Shoyo is wholly reminded of a puppy dog, desperately trying to be on his best behaviour in order to get his treats and hugs.
Kageyama clutches Shoyo tighter, all clumsy and desperate; it’s so unlike him and Shoyo can’t get enough of it. He tilts his head back up, capturing Kageyama’s lips against his own. Slower this time, soft and velvety kisses because it’s really late now and they both have early morning practices tomorrow morning; Shoyo’s not that evil.
“Mwah!” Shoyo gives Kageyama one last kiss, pulling his mouth back with a pop. “Time for bed, carry me!” He stretches his arms out so Kageyama can scoop him up.
“Stupid,” Kageyama pinches Shoyo’s cheek and picks Shoyo up anyway, carrying him off to their bedroom, not even stumbling and slipping once the whole way.
Hinata likes attention. Tobio learned that fairly quickly after meeting him. It’s not really in an arrogant or egotistic way. More like in a childish watch me! look at me! kind of way. It’s annoying sometimes. But also cute. But Tobio’s probably a little biased when it comes to Hinata and his loud personality.
He can’t really remember the first time he thought Hinata looked cute, just that he’s thought it many times. When Hinata wakes up, when Hinata stretches, when Hinata smiles so wide his eyes crinkle, when Hinata clings to him and begs for tosses, when Hinata talks to their plants when watering them, when Hinata reaches up onto his toes to press kisses to Tobio’s face...
Tobio’s known Hinata since before high school. If you count every day Tobio’s seen him since then and say Tobio noticed Hinata’s cuteness only once a day...that’s...a lot. Math that Tobio can't do in his head. Or with a calculator probably.
Anyways, thinking Hinata’s cute isn’t a big deal or anything. It’s just a fact. His boyfriend is cute, it’s something Tobio appreciates in passing. No need to make a fuss out of it. It’s not like Hinata’s cuteness will make Tobio act any different. He’ll still call the dumbass a dumbass if he’s being a dumbass. Won’t go easy on him at anything, not volleyball, not their races in the streets, or their competitions to see who can put their half of the groceries away faster.
It wouldn’t feel right if he didn’t. Their endless competitions and bickering, it’s pretty much second nature at this point. Tobio understands (and has been told outright) that it’s not the most romantic kind of habit to have in a relationship but it works for Hinata and him. Hinata will be a dumbass and Tobio will call him a dumbass and they’ll fight and argue and Tobio won’t ever hold back, not with Hinata, and he has no expectations for Hinata not to do the same. It’s just how they are.
But today...Tobio wants to make a fuss, wants to be affectionate and nice.
It’s not his fault though. It’s Hinata’s, as these things almost always are.
They’re making dinner, their go-to stir-fried rice when neither of them is in the mood to make anything that requires any more energy or ingredients. Usually, when Tobio makes dinner with Hinata, they’d be arguing. About everything and nothing. Who has to wash the vegetables or cut the onions, who’s on stirring duty or clean up duty, which one of them is better at slicing the vegetables. Whether they’re putting in mushrooms or not.
The mushrooms are always a source of an argument. Hinata, that dumbass, doesn’t like putting them in and will always try to convince Tobio of the same. And yet today, without Tobio having to agree to let Hinata put in his stupid foreign hot sauces, Hinata concedes, nodding his head when Tobio asks. A fuzzy kind of warmth blossoms in his chest as he goes to get the mushrooms from the fridge. It’s a little embarrassing, how Hinata does one nice, pretty much inconsequential thing for Tobio and his mood is instantly brightened. Some sort of combination of Hinata being so kind to him, that just sends Tobio’s stomach aflutter.
Of course, today, there’s another little element added to the mix.
Tobio isn’t a religious person in general, let alone knowledgeable about Christianity. He goes to shrines on New Year’s or occasionally on other big events, and his grandmother sorta practiced Shinto, telling Tobio about different stories and folklore he never paid all that much attention to. But Tobio’s never given much thought to gods or life after death. Who really cares about what comes after life, when he can focus on volleyball during life?
Right now, Tobio sees it. The appeal of the divine, the otherworldliness of heaven.
An angel. Hinata’s like an angel.
It makes sense, after Tobio gives it a few seconds of thought as he washes the mushrooms. He’s sweet and nice, in an effortless way, unlike Tobio who has to go through several mental hoops to make sure he’s not coming off as rude or arrogant. Hinata’s all sunny smiles and cheery voice, like the summer sky and a refreshing glass of lemonade. Plus, he looks good in white.
The creamy coloured apron he has on makes his cheeks look even rosier, his hair looks warm and soft and Tobio’s itching to sink his fingers into the short tufts. The angel wings just add to the enchanting effect, making Hinata look like a character out of a fairytale book. Enchanting enough that Tobio practically forgets all about the embarrassing dog ears his boyfriend made him put on.
Tobio has no clue why aprons of all things require accessories, and dog ears and angel wings specifically as well. But Hinata kept pointing out that they were a gift and you should use gifts to show your appreciation, even going so far as to threaten Tobio by telling Natsu he didn’t like the gifts. Which isn’t true, the aprons are nice and Tobio appreciates the sentiment. He just doesn’t get why he needs to put on some stupid dog ears too. Too hungry to want to waste time arguing about the dog ears (and maybe just a little worried about upsetting Natsu), Tobio gave in and puts them on and Hinata puts on the angel wings.
Maybe he should have been more stubborn. Held on to his refusal just a little longer and maybe Hinata would’ve given in first.
It’s pretty, Hinata’s pretty. The angel wings don’t really make Hinata prettier, rationally, since they’re just some cheap, shimmery pieces of fabric stuck to his back, right above the large, ribbony bow Hinata tied his apron with. But it’s the imagery of it all. Tobio can’t help but think of Shoyo jumping up, ready to spike a ball, flying high up in the air like he truly has a pair of wings attached to him. The wings make Hinata look airy and soft, like he’s really glowing and Tobio can’t help but feel sentimental and bewitched at the same time, unable to take his eyes off of Hinata.
Funny, since usually, Hinata is demanding aloud that Tobio watches him but today he’s doing it wordlessly, silently, and it’s an overpowering thing.
And because Tobio’s been watching Hinata so intently, he happens to notice that flushed look on his face, eyes unfocused and cheeks stained a reddish colour.
“You okay?” Tobio asks, eyes locking onto Hinata’s glassy ones. Yeah, Hinata’s definitely flushed. Worry begins to swirl in Tobio’s stomach. He hates seeing Hinata sick.
“M’fine,” Shoyo says quietly, shoving the chopped onions into a pile.
“Hey,” Tobio leans in closer, dipping his head so he’s in Hinata’s view again. “You’re not getting sick, are you? You’re all red and stuff.” He brings his hand up to Hinata’s forehead and one to his own. “You don’t feel that warm,” Tobio mumbles, frowning a little. Not warm enough to be sick but then what’s with the weird look?
“I’m fine,” Hinata insists, whining a little. “It’s just warm in here, since we’re cooking and stuff!”
Tobio narrows his eyes. “The stove’s not even on yet.” He turns around and double-checks, and lo-and-behold the burners have not been turned on. Maybe it was just the onions? Tobio suddenly feels a little bad; he knows Hinata hates cutting onions but Tobio got him to do it today anyway.
“Whoops! My bad,” Shoyo laughs. “I’m done with the onions and garlic, so I’ll go do that now.” He slinks past Tobio and over to the stove, the little angel wings fluttering behind him.
Cute.
“You want me to do it?” Tobio comes up behind Hinata, peering over his shoulder at the wok. The angel wings brush against his chest as he moves closer, holding Hinata by the waist. “You’re being all spacey today.”
“It’s okay,” Hinata insists, grabbing a wooden spoon to stir everything together.
Tobio watches him for a moment, making sure the idiot really is alright. “Fine,” he relents, letting out a sigh. “Don’t burn yourself though, dumbass.”
Tobio frowns again; he wanted to be nice and stuff to Hinata but he ended up just making Hinata do all the work. He heads over to the counter to start cleaning up at least, putting away stuff they’re done with and taking out the last few things they still need.
“Hey, Kageyama-kun,” Hinata calls out to Tobio while he’s putting away the extra tofu.
“What?”
“Come here!” Hinata calls and reflexively Tobio comes closer, stopping in front of him.
“What is it?”
And then, almost too swiftly for Tobio’s eyes to track, Hinata swoops upwards and presses his lips to Tobio’s.
“W-what was that for, dumbass?” Tobio huffs, butterflies erupting in his stomach. Ah, Hinata looks really pretty though, all orange hair, big brown eyes, and pink cheeks. Tobio wants another kiss.
“Just because,” Hinata shrugs. He reaches a hand up to cup Tobio’s cheek, pressing another kiss to Tobio’s other cheek before turning away, back to focusing on the stove.
Tobio’s heart pounds, the butterflies multiply. Stupid Hinata being so pretty and sweet all the time. Tobio just wants to scoop him up and hug and kiss him, dinner be damned.
“Weirdo,” Tobio mutters, but can’t resist bending down and giving Hinata’s cheek a kiss too.
Hinata hums that never-ending song he’s always humming as he continues to make dinner. It doesn’t take that much longer before the rice is done. Then they eat and then clean up and then Hinata’s angel wings are removed but he looks angelic as ever still.
Especially when Tobio sees him exiting that bathroom after washing up, facing dewy and glowing, he looks so bright and beautiful it makes Tobio’s heart hurt a little.
Tobio quickly bathes too, heading back to the kitchen. Hinata’s sitting on the countertop, swinging his legs back and forth. Tobio’s eyes trail up the bare skin of his calves, up to his thighs, the loose sweatshirt Hinata has on, exposing some of his collarbone, up until he sees Hinata’s eyes on him.
“What?”
Hinata says nothing, just makes those silly hand motions as he demands attention. Tobio, still in some sort of spellbound state, complies. He walks over to Hinata, silencing a gasp when Hinata wraps his legs around Tobio’s waist. Hinata pulls Tobio in for a hug and Tobio winds his arms wrapping around Hinata as well. It’s warm and comfortable, to be in Hinata’s embrace like this.
He feels Hinata’s lips brushing against his jaw, moving upwards, and then—
“Good boy.”
Tobio almost chokes on air, his heart stops for a second, and a shiver runs down his spine.
“Such a good boy,” Hinata coos, randomly kissing Tobio along his jaw, his neck, to his collarbone, his lips soft and warm. “Isn’t that right, Tobio?”
Tobio feels his face heat up, both embarrassment and warmth bubbling inside of him. He hugs Hinata tighter, hiding his blushing face. More. He wants to hear more, to feel more of Hinata against him. Even if he has to beg and plead, like he’s praying to some holy being.
Death and mortality, gods and heaven. Who cares about any of that? Tobio is content enough to let himself get lost in Hinata, in Hinata’s smiles, in his kindness, in his passion. Tobio doesn’t need any higher power guiding him, Hinata and he are enough, together.
It’s weird. It’s always been Hinata, ever since high school, who’s begged Tobio to look at him, to praise his receives or spikes. Did you see that? he’d always ask and Tobio would always say no. Is this how Hinata felt then? Desperate and greedy, for praise, for attention, to be noticed, to be rewarded. No, Hinata was never like, like this.
Tobio lets out a shuddered breath, leaning against Hinata like they’ll both disappear if he loosens his grip even slightly.
Hinata shifts them slightly, tilting his head and kissing Tobio’s lips. They’re soft and slow kisses, sweet and addicting. Tobio thinks he’ll never be able to have enough of Hinata, he’ll always want, need more of him. Tobio kisses him back, enjoying the warmth and sweetness of it all.
Eventually, far too soon for Tobio’s tastes, Hinata pulls back with a loud “Mwah!”
He’s always making sound effects like that, cute little chu ’s or mwah ’s and it drives Tobio so insane, how can he be so adorable? Tobio’s tempted to just kiss the idiot again but well, they do need to get up early tomorrow and it’s already late. He’s not about to give Hinata any reason to scold him right now.
“Time for bed,” Hinata announces, “Carry me!” He stretches out his arms, wiggling his fingers, waiting for Tobio to pick him up.
Adorable.
“Stupid,” Tobio pinches Hinata’s cheek, making it even rosier than it already was, and scoops him up. He pulls Hinata close, letting Hinata wrap his legs around him again. Hinata’s so warm, he smells like apples and vanilla. He feels all soft and clean from his bath and Tobio never wants to let go.
And for the rest of the night, at least, he doesn’t.