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“So, you guys have talked about marriage right?” Oikawa asked Atsumu and Iwaizumi. Iwaizumi, who had been enjoying a nice cup of coffee, suddenly began choking, the coffee simultaneously going down the wrong pipe and up through his nose. Atsumu patted his boyfriend on the back. “Oikawa, ya can’t say the “M” word in front of Haji like that,” he chided, handing Iwaizumi a tissue to blow his nose.
Oikawa frowned, “What?”
“You know he has issues with c-o-m-m-“ Atsumu began when Iwaizumi interrupted. “I’m right here! And I can spell ‘Tsumu!” he glared at the blond who only smiled back, “I know darlin’, it’s part of why I love ya so much.” Iwaizumi glared at his boyfriend but still grabbed the tissue.
“But you guys have been together for over a year!” Oikawa exclaimed and Atsumu nodded calmly, taking a sip of his coffee. “And you live together!”
“Right, yes. But still…anyway, why’d ya ask?” Atsumu asked, curious.
“I’m going to propose to Tobio!” Oikawa grinned broadly. “I need some help coming up with a way to do it properly.”
“I’m kinda surprised he hasn’t asked you already,” Atsumu scratched his cheek.
“He did…kind of…poorly. I told him I would do the proposing,” Oikawa crossed his arms.
“That tracks,” Atsumu nodded. “So why are you asking us? Why not Hinata?”
Oikawa waved a hand in the air, “Because he would spill the secret. Not on purpose, but…”
Iwaizumi nodded, finally recovering enough to join the conversation. “Right. Or he’d tell Bokuto because he had to tell someone…”
Atsumu grimaced, “Yeah, and he can’t keep a secret to save his life. He’d get too excited and congratulate Kageyama before you even bought a ring.”
“I have a ring,” Oikawa informed them.
“Nice,” Atsumu nodded. “So, what’s the problem? I mean, you know him the best.”
“I know,” Oikawa sighed, propping his chin in his hand. “But for something like this…I know what I think a great proposal is, but I don’t want to project on to him. I want to do what he would think is a great proposal!”
Iwaizumi snickered, “You should write ‘will you marry me’ on a volleyball and tell him you’re going to teach him your serve and give him the ball positioned to where he sees the proposal first!”
Atsumu nodded thoughtfully, rubbing his chin, taking the idea seriously. As did Oikawa, who responded, “Are you kidding? He’d probably take the ball, say yes and then demand I actually teach him the serve!”
Atsumu stopped nodding and blinked. “You guys have been together for 20 years and you’ve never taught him your serve? From middle school?”
“It hasn’t been 20 years,” Oikawa sniffed. “And no, I have not. I can’t let him catch up to me!”
Atsumu leaned forward and squinted at Oikawa, “You’ve literally beaten him in the Olympics. You do know that, right?”
Oikawa scowled and leaned forward, “So remind me, when are you two getting married?”
Iwaizumi twitched and Atsumu scowled right back at Oikawa, “I told you, cut it out!”
“What’s with you two?” Oikawa leaned back and threw his arms in the air. “You live together! I’ve heard you say ‘I love you’. What…do you have an open relationship or something?”
“No!” Iwaizumi blurted out. “We do not. Our relationship is exclusive and monogamous.”
“So, you can say those words then?” Oikawa smirked, taking a sip of coffee.
Atsumu sighed, “Look, ya just gotta be sensitive to certain things. Close your ears, babe.” Atsumu smiled at Iwaizumi and leaned towards Oikawa, “Yeah, we are in a committed relationship, and we talk about the future sometimes…in general terms. I know Hajime loves me and he’s not gonna cheat on me. Because he knows if he did, ‘Samu would kill ‘em, cut him up into bits and scatter him on Kita’s farm.” He leaned back casually and picked up his coffee cup.
Iwaizumi leaned away from his boyfriend and looked at him cautiously, “That’s a very detailed plan, ‘Tsumu. Do I need to be worried?”
“Not as long as you keep it zipped,” Atsumu winked before taking a sip of coffee. Oikawa laughed, “You guys are great! I should have moved back to Japan years ago!”
“Wait-you’re moving back?” Iwaizumi perked up, forgetting plans of his potential dismemberment.
“Of course! What’s the point of…the ‘M’ word,” Oikawa air quoted, “if I live on another continent? Besides, my contract is up and I’m thinking of retirement. I’ve met my professional goals. Now I want to settle down with the love of my life.”
Atsumu nodded in support. “Good plan! Ok now…let’s think of a good proposal for you. Honey, you gonna be ok or you need to leave the room?”
Iwaizumi sighed and glared into his coffee cup. “I’m not a psycho you know, I can have a conversation about marriage.”
Atsumu raised an eyebrow and Iwaizumi sighed again. “Ok fine, I’ll be in my office. Carry on.”
Oikawa shook his head in disbelief, “I’ve never had a greater respect for you than in this moment.”
“Huh?” Atsumu turned back to Oikawa.
“You managed to domesticate Iwa-chan. I never thought it would happen. Why do I think you guys will be married before me?” Oikawa smiled softly.
“Probably because you’re gonna turn into a bridezilla and need 4 years to plan a simple wedding,” Atsumu replied promptly. “Come on, now, let’s get on with the proposal.”
Oikawa ignored the insult and leaned in to talk with Atsumu. Not that he thought Atsumu was the most romantic man ever, but he had tamed Iwaizumi, and he was friends with Kageyama. So, he must have some kind of insight that would help Oikawa, right?
…
Oikawa and Atsumu got nowhere. Oikawa wanted a grand gesture and Atsumu kept trying to rein him in. Eventually Oikawa gave up and went back to Kageyama’s apartment, where he was currently staying on an extended vacation. He had decisions to make – such as whether to try and look for a team in Japan or retire? Explore coaching opportunities? Lean into modeling? Maybe even a broadcasting career? What he’d told Iwaizumi was true-he’d met all his goals as a player, so did he really need to continue? Especially since his shoulder was giving him some trouble and wasn’t that ironic? He’d spent years worried about his knee, but in the end, it was arthritis in his right shoulder that was bringing him down. He knew he could take pain killers and get through it…but at what cost down the line?
He and Kageyama knew that marriage was in their future and so now that he’d made the decision that he was coming home to Japan for good, they were going to search for a new apartment, something a little bigger than Kageyama’s current place, and move into together. Things were going great-they were communicating better and hadn’t had a stupid fight in months! Now was the time, Oikawa could feel it, to propose and truly settle down.
He just needed the perfect proposal.
Oikawa knew he had been…somewhat difficult in the past. Their relationship had its ups and downs and there were times when he really feared they wouldn’t make it. But here they were! Together and stronger than ever! And Kageyama deserved the perfect proposal-something to show him how much Oikawa loved and appreciated him.
The problem was, Kageyama was pretty low key and didn’t necessarily enjoy grand gestures. Not that he wouldn’t appreciate the effort, but Oikawa knew his boyfriend would be happy even if he proposed in the same lack luster way Kageyama had proposed to him the previous summer. That was not happening.
So, what next? Iwaizumi and Atsumu weren’t helpful. Hinata was not an option. Miwa? Oikawa had generally gotten along pretty well with Kageyama’s older sister. Miwa would probably help me plan a proposal…but wait. Should I ask for her blessing first? It was then Oikawa started sweating because he hadn’t even thought of asking for her blessing. But she’d probably like that, right? After all, she was Kageyama’s only family member left, practically raised him by herself after their grandfather has passed. Oh shit. What if she says no, though? I know Tobio wouldn’t care…but still…she’s scary…
After perseverating for a good half hour, Oikawa called Atsumu for help.
“Hello?”
“Hey, it’s Oikawa. Question-you’re close to your brother, right? Since you guys will murder for each other and all?” Oikawa asked, tapping his foot nervously.
“Oh yeah, of course. Why?” Atsumu sounded amused.
“So, if Iwa-chan was to propose to you…would it be important to you for him to ask for Osamu’s blessing? Or your parents?” Oikawa bit his lip, waiting for an answer.
“…”
“Atsumu?”
“You didn’t talk to his sister yet?” he asked flatly.
“Well…” Oikawa trailed off. He heard Atsumu heave a huge sigh. “Oikawa, yeah, ya gotta talk to his sister. I would expect Hajime to talk to ‘Samu about it. I would expect anyone who wanted to propose to ‘Samu to talk to me about it. What’s wrong with you?”
“She’s scary?” Oikawa responded. It was more of a question than an answer. Atsumu snorted, “Nah, she’s a sweetie. You know she does my hair now? Exclusively? She’s amazing!”
Oikawa pulled his phone away from his face to look at it for a moment. “Sweetie? Kageyama Miwa?”
“Yeah, well, I don’t break up with her little brother every 3 weeks, crushing his heart, so she probably likes me better. I bring him milk boxes and make him smile,” Atsumu teased, but Oikawa was not amused. “You keep your milk boxes to yourself, you little homewrecker!” Oikawa snapped causing Atsumu to laugh out loud.
“It’ll be fine, Oikawa. You want me to come with you?” he asked sincerely. “Maybe she’ll be less likely to cut you if I’m there.”
“No,” Oikawa pouted. “That would be weird. I’ll just do it myself,” he sighed.
“Alrighty, let me know how it goes,” Atsumu smirked and ended the call.
Oikawa blew out a sigh and flopped back on the couch. Find time to text Miwa and set up a time to meet and talk about this when Tobio isn’t around.
…
Kageyama got home shortly after Oikawa ended his call with Atsumu. “Hey, babe, how was your appointment?”
Kageyama grunted and dropped down on the couch next to Oikawa and leaned in for a kiss. “Ok, I guess. They said I need a bite guard, so I gotta go back another time for the molding or something,” Kageyama grumbled.
“Why do you need a bite guard?” Oikawa frowned. Unlike himself, Kageyama had perfect teeth and perfect vision. It annoyed Oikawa to no end.
“I guess I’m grinding my teeth at night? I don’t know,” he shifted uncomfortably on the couch.
“Why? That’s new, right? Are you stressed about something,” Oikawa prodded for more information. In general, Kageyama was not a guy who lived in a stressed state. He didn’t repress emotions, he didn’t look for hidden meanings, or relive previous conversations. No, those were things Oikawa did, not Kageyama.
“No, I’m ok,” Kageyama dismissed the questions and changed the conversation. “How’s Iwaizumi?”
“Good,” Oikawa murmured. “Hey, did you know he’s, like, all freaky about talking about commitment?”
Kageyama shrugged and leaned back against the couch, closing his eyes, “Yeah? I mean, who doesn’t know that? It’s just something no one brings up. Doesn’t matter to Atsumu.”
“Right…” Oikawa trailed off thoughtfully. “It’s just-“
Kageyama opened his eyes a scooch and looked at his boyfriend, “Don’t create problems where there aren’t any. They’re fine.”
“Ew,” Oikawa scrunched his nose and crossed his arms over his chest. “I am not creating problems, I’m trying to prevent them, thank you very much.”
“Hmm,” Kageyama shook his head and closed his eyes again.
“What’s wrong with you?” Oikawa uncrossed his arms to run his fingers through his boyfriend’s hair. “Did anything happen?” Kageyama grunted in response. From past history, Oikawa was fairly certain that was a ‘no’ grunt, but he also knew his boyfriend well enough to know that something was up. “Come on, talk to me Tobio.”
“Just a headache, I think I’m gonna take a nap,” he mumbled. Oikawa hummed in response, concerned because Kageyama wasn’t really a nap guy, but who knew? Maybe he really had a headache. “Ok then, you wanna lay down here with me?”
Finally, he was able to coax a smile out of his boyfriend. “You wanna nap with me?” Kageyama asked with a smile on his face, not opening his eyes.
“Always,” Oikawa responded. “Don’t you know that’s the whole reason I’m moving back to Japan?”
Kageyama snorted, “Yeah? Just for the naps?”
“Sure. Who wouldn’t want to lay down with your body on top of them, all warm and tangled together-“
“I said a nap, Tooru,” Kageyama tried to sound offended, but his soft chuckle gave him away.
“Right, of course, a nap. Come on then,” Oikawa readjusted on the couch and pulled Kageyama down next to him. “Is this good?” he murmured, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend.
“Mmhmm,” Kageyama responded, burrowing into his side. Oikawa gave him a quick squeeze and gazed at the ceiling. Do not turn this into a big deal. He’s just tired. It happens. He’s not upset with you, don’t start a fight! We’re doing so well! Just relax, he can tell when you’re in your head. Enjoy the moment. Truly, this is why you’re moving home-to be close to this man as much as humanly possible. Letting out a soft sigh, Oikawa pulled off his glasses and laid them on the end table and closed his own eyes.
…
“So, Tooru,” Kageyama Miwa draped her napkin across her lap and reached for a chip from the basket in front of them, dipping it in salsa before taking a bite. “What’s this all about? A secret lunch without my brother?” Sizing him up as she chewed, Miwa gave Oikawa no indication if he was currently on her shit list or not. It was…unsettling.
“Thanks for meeting me! Um…so I don’t know if Tobio told you that I’m planning to move back to Japan soon-“
“He mentioned that you were thinking about it. I don’t remember him saying it was a done deal,” she interrupted.
“Oh. Well. Yes. It is. My contract in Argentina is up and I have not renewed it,” he smiled nervously at her one raised eyebrow. “And, as you know, he and I have been together for a few years now-“
“On and off,” she interrupted again.
“Ah, yeah. Yes,” Oikawa nodded. “But we’ve been on again for quite a while,” he paused while Miwa nodded her head in acknowledgement. “And I’ve been thinking that it’s time to take the next step in our relationship. I mean, we are planning to move in together when I move back…but I’d like more than that. I-I’d like to ask Tobio to marry me. With your blessing, of course.” Oikawa was twisting a napkin in his hands under the table, needing to let his nervous energy out somehow.
Miwa cocked an eyebrow and tried to hold back her smirk, “And if I said no?”
Oikawa’s mouth opened and closed a few times, not sure how to respond. “I would…I would ask Suga and Hinata and they would say yes. Two beats one,” Oikawa nodded and Miwa burst out laughing. “Oh my God, Tooru, you are the best! As if I can’t take on Hinata,” she chuckled.
“And Suga?” Oikawa tilted his head in confusion. She shrugged, “A worthy adversary. Too much carnage would be involved,” she waved a hand. “So, yes, of course I give you my blessing. My baby brother has been in love with you since middle school. If I said no and he found out, he’d never forgive me.”
Oikawa visibly relaxed in his seat, that is until Miwa continued. “Of course, if you hurt him, you know I’ll kill you right?”
Oikawa chuckled in response, but Miwa didn’t join him, although she still kept that creepy smile on her face. “Right?”
“Uh right! Yes ma’am!”
…
Maybe I should just call Suga and ask for his help? We’ve always gotten along pretty well. As long as I don’t mention Iwa-chan it should be fine. And so, Oikawa sent off a text to his boyfriend’s second best friend, Sawamura Koushi, who still went by his childhood nickname of Suga. Suga responded that he would happily meet Oikawa for lunch, if he wouldn’t mind buying the lunch and bringing it to him at the elementary school where he taught. Oikawa thought it was a small price to pay. The bigger issue was getting out of the house without Kageyama questioning him.
“Hey, Tobio,” Oikawa called out around 11 am. “I’m gonna head over to the elementary school and have lunch with Suga. I haven’t seen him in a while.”
“Oh, ok,” Kageyama looked up from the contract his agent had asked him to look over before their next meeting. “Have fun.”
Oikawa paused by the doorway and frowned. That’s it? Have fun? Doesn’t he care that I’m going out with someone else? Ok, that someone else is one of his best friends. And he’s married. But still!
“Do you want me to bring you anything?” Oikawa asked.
“Uh…no. I’m good. Thanks though,” Kageyama responded absently, flipping the page in the packet.
“Ok, well…bye,” Oikawa trailed off and Kageyama looked up briefly and smiled quickly before looking back down at the contract. Oikawa blew his hair out of his eyes and took off to purchase the best spicy mapo tofu in Tokyo.
Thirty minutes later he was sitting across from Suga in his classroom while the children were away for lunch and recess. Suga took a bite of his lunch and made an obscene sound for a second grade classroom. “Oikawa, this is amazing. Thank you so much for bringing me lunch!”
“Oh, of course Suga, it’s been a while since we’ve gotten to catch up!” Oikawa beamed and took a bite of his own lunch, a much milder chicken dish.
Suga took a sip of water and nodded, “It really has. Kageyama says you’re moving back to Japan?”
Oikawa grinned, “Yeah, I am! I’m really excited to be home, you know?”
Suga smiled, “I can imagine. So, what are your plans? You have a job lined up?”
Oikawa took a breath and squared his shoulders. “I don’t have a job lined up yet…but I still have endorsement deals with a few companies so…I still have income!”
“Oh, ok,” Suga smiled curiously and took another bite of lunch.
“But I do have plans…well I’m making plans…I’m…” and then a thought struck him. Should I be asking for Suga’s blessing? I told Miwa that him and Hinata together could trump her. Should I be asking Hinata too? Should I –
“Oikawa, hey,” Suga snapped his fingers in front of Oikawa face a couple times. “You ok? You totally zoned out and then started mumbling to yourself. Not gonna lie, it was kinda creepy.”
“What? No, I’m ok. I’m good. I just…Sugawara. Um, or should I say Sawamura?” Suga smiled in amusement and Oikawa cleared his throat, “I would like to ask for your blessing to propose to Tobio.”
Suga’s eyebrows raised and a piece of tofu fell out of his chopsticks. “What?”
Oikawa felt his heart stutter and stop. “What?”
“You…you should be talking to Miwa-“
“I have!” Oikawa nodded furiously. “And she said yes! She asked what I would do if she said no and I said ask you and Hinata and she said ok and something about you trumping her and carnage and I –“
“Oikawa!” Suga interrupted, laughing. “Breathe! Calm down! So, I can’t tell, Miwa said yes or I’m part of the backup plan?”
“She said yes!” Oikawa responded indignantly, as if there was any room for doubt. (There was much, much room for doubt).
Suga’s lips twitched, trying to hide his smile, “Of course, she did. And you’re asking me because…”
“Because you are a very important person to Tobio. And, because you are someone he respects so much, I feel that it’s very important to get your blessing,” Oikawa answered earnestly.
Suga’s lips went from twitching to trembling, “Oikawa!” he wailed, “Of course you have my blessing! Oh my God!” He hurried around his desk and threw his arms around Oikawa’s shoulders. “When are you proposing? Do you have a ring??”
Oikawa laughed, feeling the nervousness bleed out of him now that he had securely 2/3 of the needed blessings to actually propose. “I have a ring. Uh, but no plan yet. I was actually hoping you would help me,” he admitted. Suga scrunched up his face in concentration, “You know he hates a scene. Don’t do it in public, not at a game or even in a restaurant.”
“Really?” Oikawa asked weakly. He’d been hoping maybe the restaurant where they’d had their first date.
“Really,” Suga nodded firmly. “It’ll cause a scene. You know he hates that. Honestly, something simple, maybe just at your guys home.”
“You sound like Atsumu,” Oikawa grumbled.
“What’s Atsumu got to do with this? You guys are friends? You asked him before me?” Suga’s face fell and Oikawa felt the need to save the situation quickly. It was the only reason for the next words that came out of his mouth. “No! Not really, I was trying to talk to Iwa-chan, and he and Atsumu are living together. That’s all!”
“Iwaizumi?” Suga scoffed. “What does he know about commitment?”
“Not much, that’s why I ended up talking to Atsumu,” Oikawa responded carefully.
“He won’t be invited to the wedding, will he?” Suga crossed his arms over his chest.
“He-what? Of course he will! He’s my best friend!” Oikawa protested and Suga snorted. “You can’t have us both there. And Kageyama won’t get married without me there!”
Oikawa could only blink. “I-you-I…what?”
“Fine,” Suga huffed. “I’ll come. But if he so much looks at Daichi-“
“That was a long time ago. You’ve both moved on. And really, you should be happy for Iwa-chan’s inability to maintain a long-term relationship because it led Daichi back to you!”
“Nice try,” Suga muttered. “You think no one’s said that before?” Oikawa sat silently, having no idea what to say next when Suga let out a big sigh. “Right, sorry. This is about you and Kageyama. I’ll put on my big boy pants and try not to be difficult. So…you’ve talked to Hinata then?”
Oikawa blinked. Suga’s mischievous smile returned, “You haven’t talked to Hinata?”
“Ok, in my defense, I didn’t want him to spill the beans before the proposal! You know how enthusiastic he gets!” Oikawa responded self-righteously, causing Suga to let out a peal of laughter. “No, you’re absolutely right! But seriously, if he finds out you asked Miwa and me and not him?” Suga tsked. “He will absolutely not let that wedding happen.”
Oikawa slumped back in his chair.
Ok, so here’s the thing. He was afraid of Miwa. She made no bones about the fact that she didn’t appreciate his less than mature behavior in the past. Her feelings were on the surface, and she’d come straight at him. So would Suga. Not that he wasn’t a master of passive aggressiveness…but he and Oikawa were on the same wavelength.
Hinata was a different animal altogether. Somehow, he was less forgiving than Miwa. Somehow, he was more passive aggressive than Suga. It was…odd. And unsettling. He hadn’t seen Hinata since the All Star Game last summer and while Hinata was sunny and pleasant during the game, afterwards…well, he made sure that Oikawa knew he wasn’t forgiven for the last break up. And they hadn’t really talked since. Partly because they both had professional volleyball careers in different countries and they had their seasons to get through…partly because Hinata was disgusted with him and wanted no part of him.
It was entirely possible his own boyfriend, Kenma, was rubbing off on him. Huhn.
“We haven’t spoken since…in a while,” Oikawa mumbled.
“Since in a while?” Suga repeated, smirking. “You need to call him. If you need to, call Kenma. Ok, no, scratch that. I can call Hinata and set up a meeting if you want, ok?”
Oikawa sighed heavily and Suga chuckled, “Here, let me text him…see when he’ll be in town…” Oikawa nodded miserably. He knew as well as Suga that once the season ended Hinata high tailed it back to Tokyo to stay with his boyfriend. He would be in town. Would he be willing to meet with Oikawa though?
“Hmm…he’s back in Tokyo for the off season,” Suga murmured. “He’s willing to see you…at Kenma’s house.”
Oikawa thought back on his conversation with Atsumu and Iwaizumi. “He’s not close to Miya Osamu is he?”
“Huh?” Suga asked.
…
Fortunately, Suga was able to set up a meeting between Oikawa and Hinata for the next evening. Oikawa would be lying if he said he wasn’t a little intimidated. Just a little. After all, how scary could a 5’9” ball of sunshine be? And so, he made another excuse why he was busy, this time a dinner meeting with his agent, and took off for Kenma’s house. He was only marginally concerned that Kageyama seemed to accept all of these excuses for running off on his own, but ultimately decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth.
It was a short drive from Kageyama’s apartment close to the Adler’s facility to Kenma’s neighborhood, just outside of Tokyo. Before he knew it, he was on the doorstep of a traditional, yet large, home. He knew Kenma was a successful Youtuber, streamer and CEO, but still. Taking a deep breath and running a hand through his hair, he pressed the doorbell and waited. Moments later, Kenma opened the door. “Hello, Kozume! I-“
“Yeah, yeah, come on in. I told you last time, just Kenma is fine,” Kenma responded, turning away from the door and beckoning Oikawa to follow. Which he did, scrambling behind Kenma, slipping off his shoes as quickly as possible to keep up.
“Shoyou’s back in my office. He’s…” Kenma let out a sigh that sounded world weary to Oikawa. “Well, you’ll see.” They paused outside of the office and Kenma banged lightly on the door before waiting for Hinata to bellow, “Come in.” Another sigh escaped Kenma and they entered a dimly lit office. Hinata was sitting behind a desk facing the wall. Once Kenma announced their presence, Hinata slowly turned around in the chair and laced his fingers together, setting them on the desk. “Oikawa,” Hinata said.
“Uhh…” Oikawa responded because what the actual fuck was going on? A movement out of the corner of his eye notified him that Kenma was shuffling away. “Kenma?! You’re-you’re not staying?” he asked, pleading with his eyes not to leave him alone with this unhinged version of the chibi-chan he’d known and loved. Kenma let out a somehow heavier sigh than the ones he’d heaved before. “Yeah, ok,” he mumbled and walked back into the office, settling in an armchair in the corner of the room and pulling out his PSP. Oikawa supposed it was better than being alone in the room with Hinata. He still hadn’t ascertained his relationship with Miya Osamu or this Kita person.
“So, I understand that you come here asking for Kageyama’s hand in marriage?” Hinata asked and Oikawa was totally thrown. How do I take this seriously? Are we in The Godfather or something? “Uh, yeah, yes. Yes, I would like to propose to Tobio.”
“And you are here to ask for my permission?” Hinata asked.
Oikawa blinked and glanced at Kenma who gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head, just humor him, his expression said; Oikawa could hear the words as if he’d spoken them out loud. “Yes, I have. As his best friend-“
“I’m his best friend, yet you didn’t come to me first?”
“I- well, Miwa is his sister. She raised him. It only seemed right to show her the respect of approaching her first,” Oikawa offered. Glancing at Kenma he noticed that the younger man closed his eyes and nodded briefly good answer. Oikawa’s confidence jumped up a notch and he was starting to feel a bit more comfortable. Hinata continued, “And then Suga? Why am I hearing from him and not from you directly? What kind of respect is that?”
“Shoyou,” Kenma said tiredly. Hinata squirmed in his seat but kept his focus on Oikawa.
“Uh, I wasn’t sure if you were in the area…and I…well…I knew that you would be so excited for Tobio that…I didn’t want to take the chance that you might…in your excitement…slip and tell him. I know it’s hard for you to keep a secret and I didn’t want that burden on you.” Never let it be said that Oikawa couldn’t think quick on his feet. His success was evident by the small smile on Kenma’s lips and the trembling of Hinata’s. “Oh my God! Oikawa! You guys are gonna get married!” Hinata wailed, vaulting over the desk and throwing his arms around Oikawa.
“Oh well, yes, I hope so! With, uh, your permission of course,” Oikawa grunted out under the weight of Hinata who was deceptively heavy for being 5 inches shorter than himself.
“Of course! I could never say no! I just had to make you sweat a little! You guys have been very up and down and I need your solemn promise that you will take care of him and treat him right!” Hinata’s voice was stern, but he was still grinning ear to ear.
“I promise!” Oikawa replied earnestly. “I just have to ask…do you know Miya Osamu?”
“Of course!” Hinata beamed. “He’s the best! Why? Oh!”
“Oh? What oh?” Oikawa asked, confused.
“Is Iwaizumi going to propose too? Does he need help talking to ‘Samu? I don’t think there’s anything for him to worry about!” Hinata beamed. The panicked look on Oikawa’s face caused Kenma to snicker. “No! No! Iwa-chan’s not ready for that! Please, no, you can’t tell anyone that! Don’t tell Osamu that!”
“Oh,” Hinata’s brightness dimmed, but only for a moment. “Well, when are you proposing? ‘Cause you’re kinda right. I can’t keep this in very long.”
“Right well…I don’t know? I don’t know how to propose. I want it to be special, but I know he’s not an over-the-top type of guy, I just…”
“Oh, yeah,” Hinata scrunched up his face and rubbed his chin. Then his eyes lit up, “The JVA Awards Night!
“The what?” Oikawa’s brow furrowed.
“The JVA Awards Night! You know,” Hinata flailed his arms around. “It’s in a week! Don’t tell me you guys aren’t going?”
“Uh,” Oikawa wracked his brain for a few minutes before responding, “Oh, yeah! Yes! I had to force Tobio to buy a new suit!”
“Perfect! So, while you guys are out, have his apartment decorated all romantic and when you come home, you just propose! It’s intimate, and romantic, and he’ll be all gooshy already from spending all evening thinking about volleyball, but he’ll be really dressed up too! Kenma can decorate-“
“Kenma cannot,” Kenma intoned from his armchair. “And if you ever jump over my desk like that again, I will ban you from this room.”
“Suga can decorate,” Hinata corrected himself and ignored the rest of what Kenma said. “That’s right! Cause Kenma will be there with me! Duh!”
Kenma’s pained face told Oikawa he was reconsidering being on the decorating committee.
…
Oikawa hummed happily. Tonight was the night. He looked amazing in his new suit, as did Kageyama. What a stunningly handsome couple we make, he mused, it’s a real shame we can’t make a child together. That kid would set the standard of modern day beauty.
“Hey, you ready?” Kageyama paused outside of the bathroom. Oikawa turned to look at his boyfriend (very hopefully soon to be his fiancé) and grinned. “You tell me,” he winked and Kageyama snorted. “Tobio,” Oikawa stomped his foot, “that’s not very gentlemanly.”
“Sorry,” Kageyama responded (although Oikawa didn’t believe he was sorry at all). He pulled Oikawa in for a kiss and responded in a low voice, “You look incredible. If I wasn’t contractually obligated to be at this event, I would skip it and I would spend the night doing all your favorite things.” He followed his statement up by trailing kisses up Oikawa’s jaw, to the sensitive spot just below his ear. “Mmm, that would be…wait, no! Tobio! You can’t leave a mark there! There will be media present!” Oikawa pulled away and Kageyama snickered. “Ok. Come on, handsome, let’s get this night over with.”
Oikawa took a deep breath and patted his suit jacket, making sure the ring box was firmly in place. One awards show later and we can get on with the important part of the evening.
…
It wasn’t that Oikawa couldn’t appreciate a good award show…it was just…these were all athletes that he had worked his ass off his whole career to defeat. And did defeat. So, sitting through an evening honoring them for their accomplishments that season was a bit, well, underwhelming. Nevertheless, his best friend was presenting an award and his boyfriend was receiving an award, so he was willing to get fancy and sit through a night of boring speeches. Admittedly, he might be more into it if he was able to drink and wasn’t waiting on the biggest night of his life to start after the ceremony ended. (No way was he taking a chance on getting drunk and ruining the proposal. Suga and Daichi were in Kageyama’s apartment at that very moment making it romantic. He couldn’t chicken out, he had to propose, no matter how anxious he was.)
Glancing at his watch for the 32nd time, Oikawa let out a sigh and Kageyama gave him the side eye, “Would you mellow out?” he asked. “It’s not that bad, is it?”
“It’s fine, Tobio. I’m fine,” Oikawa muttered in response. Kageyama shook his head and sighed softly. “Hey, there’s only a few awards left. And look,” he pointed to the podium at the front of the room. “Iwaizumi is about to present an award to Atsumu.”
Oikawa stifled his annoyance and clenched his jaw, “Mmhm.”
Kageyama sighed again and tipped his wine glass up to finish off before raising his hand at a waiter walking by for a refill. “That’s your third glass, Tobio. Maybe you should slow down?”
Kageyama frowned at Oikawa, “Why? I already got my award and we’re going home after this. I’m not that drunk. I think the better question is why aren’t you more drunk?”
“I don’t feel like it tonight,” Oikawa pouted.
“Might’ve had more fun if you did drink something,” Kageyama muttered as the waiter reappeared with a full glass.
“What?” Oikawa hissed. Kageyama waved his hand to shush him as Iwaizumi began speaking. He rambled on for a minute about Atsumu’s accomplishments that season before getting to the actual presentation. “And so, I would like to present this award to Miya Atsumu…who is not only an amazing, powerful volleyball player, but…he’s…”
Oikawa watched in fascination as Iwaizumi paused, a lightbulb seeming to click on over his head and a look of pure determination glinted in his eyes. “He’s ah…also…he’s also the love of my life. So…Atsumu,” Oikawa’s eyes swung to the blond, who was half standing next to his seat, mouth slightly agape, “I can’t imagine my life without you…and I know this is somewhat unexpected, but…would you do me the honor of marrying me?”
There was a collective gasp in the room as everyone’s eyes either swung to Atsumu, who was frozen in shock, or at Iwaizumi, who had left the podium and walked over to his boyfriend. “’Tsumu? I’m sorry this came out of nowhere, but I love you so much. Please,” he dropped to one knee, “Marry me?”
Atsumu’s mouth opened and closed a few times and he simply nodded, too overcome with emotion and sheer shock to answer with words.
As shocked as Atsumu was, Oikawa had him beat. He opened his mouth to shriek at Iwaizumi, because what the fuck was he doing, stealing Oikawa’s thunder and his night, when Kageyama quickly reached over and covered his boyfriend’s mouth. “It’s ok,” he murmured in Oikawa’s ear. “Let him have this…” In retaliation, Oikawa licked Kageyama’s hand to get him to remove it, but Kageyama only chuckled, “You act like your tongue hasn’t already been everywhere on me.”
At that Oikawa whined and pushed Kageyama away. “What? What’s wrong Tooru?”
“Nothing,” he scowled, continuing to pout. Kageyama sighed, “Be happy for your best friend. Who would’ve ever thought he’d get married? Much less be the one to propose?”
“Huhn,” Oikawa crossed his arms over his chest. “Hope he had his stupid talk with Osamu.”
“Huh?” Kageyama frowned. “Come on, let’s get out of here,” he tugged on Oikawa’s arms to get him to stand up. “That was the last award, I think. Anyhow, everyone’s all caught up with them. We can go home and you can-“
“I can what?” Oikawa narrowed his eyes. He got up to follow Kageyama but suddenly stopped. “What can I do, Tobio?”
Kageyama blinked. “I don’t-I’m not- I’m too drunk for this conversation,” he declared. “Can you drive us home?”
“Obviously,” Oikawa rolled his eyes.
It was a tense and silent ride back to Kageyama’s apartment. Oikawa was fuming over Iwaizumi’s sudden desire to grow up and Kageyama was kicking himself for letting it slip that he knew about his own impending proposal. It’s not like he was trying to find out, it happened on accident. He unintentionally found the ring in Oikawa’s jacket pocket when he was looking for the spare house keys. So, while he hadn’t known when it was going to happen specifically, he knew it would be happening soon. And with the way Oikawa had been so jumpy and nervous all evening…it wasn’t hard to put two and two together.
Once they reached the front door of the apartment, Oikawa had a full-on panic attack. He was going to propose. Now. It was actually happening. He didn’t have a choice-the apartment was decorated and the ring was in his pocket and Kageyama would know something was up the moment he walked through the door. There would be candles and rose petals and soft music playing and…and…well maybe he could just play it off as –
“Tooru, how long are we gonna stand here? I kinda have to pee, you know?” Kageyama asked, hoping to move his boyfriend along.
“Right, yeah, of course,” Oikawa shook himself and unlocked the apartment. He had to hand it to Suga-it looked amazing and romantic and everything that he wanted it to be. Dim lighting, candles, but not too many, a light dusting of rose petals leading from the genkan to the living room and down the hall to Kageyama’s bedroom. He even remembered the music, softly playing in the background. It was everything he could have hoped for, and he knew that he couldn’t back out. So, what if Iwaizumi proposed first. Publicly. It’s not like he did it at their wedding, because God how tacky and rude would that have been? No, he could still have this. He would still do this. He grabbed Kageyama by the hand and pulled him into the apartment.
“Tooru?” He looked at Oikawa, already knowing what was about to happen. Unfortunately, he wasn’t a great actor so he didn’t even bother to pretend to be surprised. But he was impressed, and in love, and had been waiting for this moment for months, ever since his own lackluster proposal outside of the elevator they’d been stuck in. Oikawa wanted to have his moment and so he’d let him.
“Tobio. I…” Nerves overtook Oikawa and he completely blanked on what he’d planned to say. “I love so much…so much more than I ever thought I could…and I…” he just couldn’t spit it out. What is wrong with me? You’re screwing up Tooru!
Kageyama simply smiled at Oikawa and grabbed his hand, getting down on one knee. “I know, Tooru. I love you too. I might not be as romantic as you, but I am prepared for this moment. I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?” Kageyama didn’t have a ring, but he did grab Oikawa’s left hand and bring it to his lips for a kiss. Oikawa squeaked, covering his mouth with his right hand, while Kageyama held his gaze. “I don’t have a ring…but I’m guessing you might?”
Oikawa squeaked again before shaking himself and pulling the ring out of his pocket. “Stand up Tobio,” he hissed as he kneeled down instead. “I need to put the ring on your finger!” Kageyama held back a soft laugh and stood up, offering his left hand to Oikawa, who slid a simple gold ring on his finger. “Tobio, will you marry me?”
“Of course,” Kageyama replied with a grin. “Come here,” he tugged Oikawa back to standing and wrapped his arms around his fiancé’s neck, pulling him in for a kiss. The kiss was short lived, however, when Oikawa pulled back with narrowed eyes, “You knew this was coming didn’t you? Who told? Hinata?”
“Hinata knew?” Kageyama asked in surprise. “Huhn. No, he never said.”
“Miwa?”
“No.”
“Suga?”
“How many people did you tell?” Kageyama asked with a laugh. Oikawa pouted, “Just them! And Iwa-can and Atsumu. That’s it! Why?”
Kageyama laughed louder, “Oh my God, were you nervous? You knew I’d say yes!”
“Not for sure! Plus, I wanted it to be special. You deserve special. I’ve put you through hell and-“
“We’ve both had a hand in our problems, Tooru,” Kageyama leaned in and silenced Oikawa with a quick kiss. “You gotta let that go.”
“Ok,” Oikawa nodded. “But I just wanted it to be special. That’s all. And I still couldn’t pull it off!”
“Come on, you did amazing! I’m impressed, really. Thank God you didn’t do what Iwaizumi did. Really, this was better,” Kageyama pulled Oikawa in for another hug.
“But you had to propose to me. Did I even answer you?” Oikawa mumbled into Kageyama’s shoulder. “I’m wearing the ring, Tooru. I’m assuming your answer was yes.”
“Hmph,” Oikawa buried his face into Kageyama’s neck. “Wait,” he pulled back. “How did you find out then?”
Kageyama bit his bottom lip and then sighed. “Ok, I lost my keys-“
“Again? Seriously, Tobio, we need to tie them to a string and tie string to your jacket…like little kids with mittens?” Oikawa frowned. Kageyama rolled his eyes and continued, “and I went to get yours out of your pocket and I found the ring box.”
Oikawa blinked, “You mean all that time I was sneaking around asking for permission from everyone in your life…you’ve known the whole time?”
“Didn’t you think it was weird I never cared where you were sneaking off to? I figured it had to do with the proposal and I didn’t want to make it harder on you,” Kageyama admitted. Oikawa couldn’t help it, he let out his own belly laugh. “I’m a mess Tobio, I really am. Thank you for that, though. I was so worried about coming up with excuses, then you didn’t even ask!”
They giggled together for a few minutes, high on the moment and each other. “We should probably let everyone know you said yes,” Oikawa whispered when they finally calmed down. “Hinata’s probably going to combust waiting.”
“I think Iwaizumi probably distracted him,” Kageyama murmured. “But fine. Go ahead.”
Oikawa sent out a group text that simply read, “He said yes!” before promptly shutting down both of their phones. “Now…earlier this evening you were talking about all my favorite things…”
Kageyama picked up his fiancé bridal style, causing Oikawa to shriek with laughter, “Absolutely.”