Archive of Our Own

“I’m engaged.”

“Yes, Iwa-chan, I’m aware,” Oikawa responded, trying to keep his annoyance at bay. Because, yes, Iwaizumi was engaged, having stolen Oikawa’s thunder on his own planned engagement evening. It was still constant news on social media while Oikawa’s engagement was not. But moving on.

“I’m engaged. To be married,” Iwaizumi clarified, as if Oikawa didn’t know the definition of engaged. The latter rolled his eyes, “Yes, I know. I thought you knew that as well, given that you were the one who’d proposed and all.”

“I can’t believe I did that,” Iwaizumi said in wonder as he ran his hands through his hair.

“Yeah, me neither,” Oikawa sniped, stealing a piece of chicken from Iwaizumi’s plate. The pair were out to lunch several days after they’d both become engaged. Iwaizumi didn’t seem to notice the missing chicken, or if he did, he didn’t care.

“I didn’t talk to Osamu first,” Iwaizumi worried. “Do you think that’ll be a problem?”

Oikawa shrugged and, feeling mean spirited, responded, “I don’t know. I don’t know the guy, but since he has access to sharp knives and a dumping ground, I think you might want to figure out if he’s in Tokyo or Osaka and pay him a visit.”

Iwaizumi’s eyes widened comically large, “Alone?”

Oikawa let out a bark of laughter, “Calm down, it’s not like you’re going to see Kageyama Miwa!”

“No, you don’t get it,” Iwaizumi shook his head. “Osamu doesn’t like me. I can tell he doesn’t. He doesn’t ever say it, but…he’s just…do you know how weird it is to be in love with someone…and think they’re so beautiful…and then there’s this person with an identical face that looks at you with total contempt? It’s…creepy.”

Oikawa grinned, unable to help his amusement at his friend’s expense. “I had no idea you didn’t get along with Osamu.”

“No, it’s not that we don’t get along, it’s more like…he just…”

“Use your words Iwa-chan,” Oikawa used his sing song voice that knew got under Iwaizumi’s skin. When Iwaizumi seemed incapable of continuing, Oikawa sighed and rolled his eyes. “He was probably just worried you were gonna hurt his brother. Which is valid. But you proposed, you’re not going to cheat on him or dump him or whatever so…” Seeing the fearful expression on Iwaizumi’s face, Oikawa paused. “You didn’t cheat on him, did you?”

“No!” Iwaizumi responded indignantly.

“Are you planning on taking the proposal back? Hajime?” Oikawa prompted when Iwaizumi didn’t immediately answer.

“No…” this ‘no’ was much weaker than the previous protest. “Not…no. But…maybe we could have a longer engagement?”

“No, I think you guys should just elope,” Oikawa leaned forward and eyed another piece of chicken on Iwaizumi’s plate. It’s not like he was eating it, after all. “Because if you hijack my wedding day the way you hijacked my engagement night, Miya Osamu is gonna be the least of your concerns.”

“Elope?” Iwaizumi pulled at the collar of his t-shirt. “Is it warm in here? It’s warm in here, yeah?”

“No,” Oikawa responded flatly and just grabbed the chicken. Not only was Iwaizumi not eating it, Oikawa figured he was owed the chicken first for having his thunder stolen and second for having to endure this interminable conversation. “Have you talked to his parents?”

“Yes,” Iwaizumi nodded, “we called them that night and told them before the news broke online.”

Oikawa nodded thoughtfully, chewing on the chicken. “But you didn’t call his twin brother?” he asked incredulously.

“He was out of town with his own boyfriend, they were having a romantic weekend,” Iwaizumi responded defensively. “Calling that late could have interrupted something.”

Oikawa cackled, “Oh my God. Or maybe Atsumu just waited for you to go to sleep and then he called his brother. Or when you went in the bathroom or…” His laughter overtook his need for poultry stealing and Oikawa dropped his chopsticks on his plate to cover his mouth. They were in public after all.

“No…he didn’t,” Iwaizumi’s voice was weak again as he appeared to be turning this scenario over in his head.

“Seriously, he wouldn’t want Osamu finding out online either,” Oikawa wiped his tears. “He’s absolutely talked to him. And hasn’t told you. Which, come on, means it didn’t go well. What a way to start a marriage,” Oikawa sighed, feigning sadness.

Iwaizumi suddenly snapped to attention, “Listen shithead, there are so many skeletons in your closet that you don’t want me sharing with Kageyama, so shut up.”

“No there’s not, he knows everything,” Oikawa waved a hand, unconcerned.

“He knows about Eduardo’s bachelor party?” Iwaizumi asked flatly raising an eyebrow and Oikawa flushed. “Technically, we were broken up at the time,” Oikawa clarified. “But yes.”

“Uh huh. And he also knows about how you almost confessed to him after your high school graduation?”

“He does, actually,” Oikawa nodded. He had told Kageyama about that, how he’d gotten good and drunk at a party the night of graduation and almost went to his junior’s house to declare his undying love until he’d passed out in Makki’s front yard. Kageyama had simply rolled his eyes.

“Ok,” Iwaizumi sat back in his chair and rubbed his chin, “does he know about you and Hinata?”

“Yes,” Oikawa sighed. “And you’re reaching, that wasn’t even that big of a deal. It was a kiss that happened before we were even dating the first time. I’m telling you, he knows everything.”

“There’s got to be something he doesn’t know, I’ve just got to think harder,” Iwaizumi mumbled and Oikawa sat forward and flicked Iwaizumi in the forehead. “Or go home and talk to your fiancé. Whether you have an elaborate wedding or you elope, you need to figure this shit out beforehand. Seriously, this is his twin brother.”

“You two barely get along and you’re like my brother,” Iwaizumi argued. “It didn’t affect our relationship!”

“I didn’t even know you had a relationship,” Oikawa responded, exasperated. “I’ve been on my best behavior since I’ve found out. And I have to kiss Miwa’s ass all the time! And Suga! Do you know he wanted you barred from my wedding? I had to talk him down from that drama! All because you can’t keep it in your pants! So yeah, you can go talk to Osamu. Come on, man,” he finished in disgust.

Iwaizumi pouted, “Will you come with me?”

“Yeah, I don’t know about all that,” Oikawa smirked.

“Come on,” Iwaizumi pleaded and Oikawa rolled his eyes. “I talked to Miwa, Suga, and Hinata all on my own. You know that Hinata was unhinged?”

“This is different,” Iwaizumi was practically whining and Oikawa couldn’t help enjoying it just a tiny bit. “They all at least like you. Osamu has never liked me! Please!”

Oikawa let out a heavy sigh, “Who’s the boyfriend?”

“What?” Iwaizumi responded, confusion on his face.

“Osamu’s boyfriend,” Oikawa responded impatiently. “Maybe you can get to him through the boyfriend. Do you know him?”

“Not really,” Iwaizumi admitted. “His name is Akaashi Keiji, he’s an editor. He’s best friends with Bokuto,” Iwaizumi offered as if that would be of some help to Oikawa.

“That’s…ok,” Oikawa frowned trying to recall what he knew of Bokuto. “He’s a little…”

“No, he’s a lot,” Iwaizumi interjected. “But he’s got a heart of gold, and he always talks about how great Akaashi is. I swear Kuroo would be jealous if they didn’t all know each other back in high school. I’ve met him a few times, he’s a pretty chill guy. But I don’t know him.”

“How are you engaged to Atsumu and not friends with the brother’s boyfriend?” Oikawa shook his head in amazement. “What the hell goes on in Tokyo? How do you function as an adult Hajime? Seriously? I’m in Argentina half the fucking year, sometimes the whole year, and I know Tobio’s friends! In Italy and Japan!”

“I told you,” Iwaizumi insisted. “Osamu hates me!”

Oikawa shook his head. “You are a nutcase. Talk to your fiancé.”

…

“Your boyfriend still hasn’t called me,” Osamu’s dry voice made Atsumu roll his eyes. “He’s my fiancé asshole.”

“Doesn’t change the fact that he hasn’t called me,” Osamu repeated. He was sitting on the end of Atsumu’s couch, Akaashi sitting next to him while Atsumu lounged in an armchair.

“He’s afraid of ya!” Atsumu protested. “You’re all cold to him all the time.”

“Samu,” Akaashi sighed. “Why are you mean to your brother’s boyfriend?”

“Fiancé,” Atsumu interjected, annoyed at having to repeat it. Akaashi waved a hand at him to keep quiet.

“I’m not mean,” Osamu insisted. “I just don’t trust him.”

“And you don’t trust him because…” Akaashi prompted.

Osamu shrugged, “I don’t know, there’s just something about him.”

Atsumu shifted uncomfortably in his chair because while he was the setter and amazing at reading people on the court, in real life Osamu was the one who had the better people skills. Probably from dealing with them all day at his restaurants, he read people more easily and with more accuracy than his brother. He’d never told Osamu about Iwaizumi’s… somewhat unsavory past. He hadn’t known it himself until the day they’d been stuck in the elevator and by then they were already serious and Osamu was already suspicious. He saw no reason to rock the boat.

“He’s hiding something,” Osamu continued studying his brother. “So are ya,” his eyes flicked to Akaashi who shrugged noncommittally. “What could I be hiding about Iwaizumi? I barely know him.”

Osamu narrowed his eyes, “I don’t know exactly. I just have a feeling.”

Again, Akaashi shrugged, “Well he’ll be home soon enough right? Does he know we’re here?”

Atsumu shifted again in his seat, “Well…I…”

And then the front door opened and Iwaizumi walked in with Oikawa right behind him. “Hey, babe, I’m home!” he called out before making his way from the genkan to the living room. “I brought you dessert…” his voice trailed off as he stopped suddenly, Oikawa bumping into his back. He let out a soft grunt and stumbled, catching himself before dropping the dessert. “H-hey Osamu. Akaashi, nice to see you guys. Tsumu didn’t say you were stopping by?”

Osamu stared at him blandly while Akaashi let out a soft sigh of annoyance, “Yes, I hope we’re not intruding. After our mini-vacation Samu decided to stay in Tokyo with me for a few days before heading back to Osaka.”

“No, no not at all, like I said it’s nice to see you. Um,” Iwaizumi was sweating bullets and Oikawa could only stare in amazement. What has happened to this man since high school? He was supposed to be the strong, steady one.

“I’m Oikawa Tooru, by the way,” he stepped out from behind Iwaizumi. “I just wanted to stop by and chat with Atsumu, but I can see he’s busy. I can-”

“No!” Iwaizumi yelped then cleared his throat, “No, stay. You should stay.” He patted Oikawa on the shoulder and turned back to Osamu, “How long are you in town for anyway?”

Osamu ignored Iwaizumi as gaze flicked over to Oikawa, “Nice to meet ya. I hear you’re engaged too?”

“I am, yes,” Oikawa beamed. “Thank you!”

Akaashi coughed and elbowed Osamu, “And congratulations to you as well, Iwaizumi,” Akaashi smiled kindly. “On your engagement to Atsumu.”

Iwaizumi paled, “Yes! T-thank you! We were going to tell you that night, but you were away and-”

“Yeah, Tsumu already said. Congratulations,” Osamu’s flat stare settled back on Iwaizumi.

“T-thanks,” Iwaizumi nodded. He looked at Atsumu, who was being uncharacteristically quiet, for help. Atsumu was wide eyed and gave him an uncomfortable shrug. Oikawa caught Akaashi’s eye and smirked.

In return Akaashi let out the ghost of a smile and a discreet eyeroll. “Well, since you’ve been to lunch already and Osamu and I need to unpack at my place, we’ll get going. We need to get together before he leaves town though, maybe dinner tomorrow?”

“Yes, of course, sure,” Iwaizumi nodded like a bobblehead.

“Oikawa, please join us. And bring Kageyama. I haven’t seen him in ages,” Akaashi smiled graciously.

“Sure, I’ll ask him. Thanks!” Oikawa smiled brightly in return and Akaashi had to fight the urge to snicker.

“Alright then, Samu?” he looked at his boyfriend who was still staring at Iwaizumi. “You ready?”

“Sure,” he agreed easily. “See ya later scrub,” he grinned at his brother who only stuck his tongue out in response.

Akaashi rolled his eyes blatantly at that, “This is what you’re marrying into. Good luck.”

Iwaizumi let out a weak chuckle and walked the men to the door. Once they’d left the living room Atsumu slumped back in his chair and Oikawa let out a delighted cackle, “What the hell was that?”

“That was my version of hell,” Atsumu muttered.

…

“What was that?” Akaashi asked in exasperation.

“What?” Osamu asked. Akaashi gave him a look letting him know that he knew that Osamu knew exactly what he was talking about.

“Why are you so mean to him? It’s obvious Atsumu is in love with him. They’ve been together for, what? A couple years now?” Akaashi rolled his eyes as they stepped into the elevator.

“I told ya; I don’t trust him. He’s too…twitchy around me. And for no reason. Which tells me there is a reason,” Osamu shrugged, dropping his arm on Akaashi’s shoulder as they left the elevator and walked out onto the sidewalk.

Akaashi hummed and Osamu pinched his shoulder, “Ya know something. I know ya do.”

“I know your brother is happy,” Akaashi insisted. “And Bokuto thinks the world of Iwaizumi,” he continued before realizing his fatal flaw. He could only hope Osamu didn’t pick up on what he’d said.

“It’s interesting ya say that,” Osamu drawled. “I wouldn’t mind talking to Bokuto about him.”

“I don’t think-” Akaashi began before Osamu interrupted. “Sure, after all, you’re being so kind to spend time with my brother. The least I can do is spend time with your best friend. He’s like a brother to ya, yeah?”

Akaashi let out a soft sigh and dropped his head, “He is, yes.”

“Ya wanna see him, don’tcha?”

“I’m not sure he isn’t in Osaka right now,” Akaashi responded weakly.

Osamu gave him the side eye, “If Tsumu is in Tokyo, so is Bokuto.”

“I’ll call him later,” Akaashi gave in, accepting that the chances of Bokuto keeping the elevator incident to himself were somewhere between slim and none.

…

“Hey Bokuto, thanks for having us,” Osamu gave Bokuto a lazy grin as he and Akaashi walked through the front door of Kuroo’s apartment, also Bokuto’s apartment when he stayed in Tokyo.

“Of course! I love having you guys over…I wanted to cook you something, but Tetsu said it would just be better to order in…I’m a much better cook than he gives me credit for, you know?” Bokuto rambled on with Osamu ambling behind him.

Behind his back, Akaashi threw a panicked face at Kuroo who could only shrug. After Osamu had wrangled the dinner invitation out of Bokuto, Akaashi had hurriedly texted Kuroo a brief overview of the problem and begged for his help. Kuroo agreed to do what he could, but they both knew that while Bokuto had a great heart, he didn’t have much of a filter.

Akaashi tried to relax as best he could and between the wine provided by Kuroo and Osamu seemingly staying away from the topic of Iwaizumi, he thought they might make it through the night without incident. He should have known better.

“So, Bo,” Osamu picked up his wine glass and swirled the amber liquid inside it. “Did ya hear my brother got engaged?”

“Oh yeah! I congratulated him and Iwaizumi! They make such a good couple, don’t you think?” Bokuto gushed while Akaashi tossed back half his glass of wine in one gulp. Sorry Iwaizumi…I tried…

“They really are,” Kuroo interjected. “Iwaizumi is a really great guy, too, you know? You probably don’t know him all that well, being in Osaka most of the time, but all of the guys on the National Team really respect him.”

“That so?” Osamu smiled at him before turning his gaze back to Bokuto. “That’s good to know, since he’s marrying my brother and all. I want to make sure he’s in good hands.”

“Oh yeah! Of course,” Bokuto nodded. “You don’t have to worry at all! Iwaizumi really loves your brother; we can all see it. Not that he favors him or goes easy on him! Because he doesn’t, but you can still tell they love each other.”

Osamu studied Bokuto for a minute before nodding and sipping his wine, “That’s good. Thanks for telling me that. I feel better knowing ya guys think so highly of him.”

Akaashi started to relax a bit then, since Osamu seemed to be willing to let it go and Bokuto had actually not put his foot in his mouth. They were home free; no one else would bring up his less than monogamous past and Osamu would let his brother be happy. It was a win-win.

“We do!” Bokuto nodded, then chuckled. A zap of fear streaked through Akaashi because he knew, he just knew, that Bokuto was about to say something that was going to end his good evening. “It’s a good thing Suga isn’t here, though. Right?”

“Suga?” Osamu perked up and Akaashi glared at Kuroo, control your man, dammit!

Kuroo widened his eyes in response, how do I fix this? “Uh,” he jumped in. “Suga’s a guy we know from high school. He’s married to an ex of Iwaizumi’s, so…you know…he might have a snarky thing to say. You know how that goes,” Kuroo chuckled. “We’ve all got a nasty break up in our past right?”

“Sure,” Osamu smiled. “Do ya?”

“Do I what?” Kuroo smiled uncertainly.

“Have a nasty break up in your past? One you don’t want Bokuto’s friends knowing about?” Osamu continued in a friendly tone, but Akaashi knew it was over.

“I…uh…I’ve known Kou since high school, so…no skeletons in my closet,” he chuckled. “And you?”

Osamu shrugged, “Not really, actually. I’ve been so busy with my restaurants, I didn’t have much time to date between high school and Keiji. I guess there’s probably a few who wished I would’ve settled down, nothing crazy.”

Bokuto grinned, “I don’t have any crazy break up stories either! I mean, me and Akaashi back in high school and then-”

“I’m sorry, what was that?” Osamu leaned forward and Akaashi closed his eyes, letting out a heavy sigh. Well, that was not on my bingo card for tonight, but sure. Let’s drag that up. When he opened his eyes Kuroo was staring at him, how could you not tell him about Bokuto after all this time? Akaashi shrugged, it never came up?

“Oh, me and Akaashi dated for a minute in high school. But the breakup was fine, really. We realized that we were better off as friends after about, what was it, ‘Kaashi? A couple months?”

“Yes, Bokuto,” Akaashi looked around the table for the bottle of wine, but Kuroo snatched it away, frowning.

“And why don’t I know about this?” Osamu frowned at Akaashi, who shrugged. “I was 16 years old. He was my first boyfriend; it was a decade ago. I don’t think much about it anymore. You’ve never talked about your first boyfriend.”

“Cause he’s not my best friend,” Osamu responded testily.

“Who was it then?” Akaashi asked innocently, knowing full well who Osamu’s first boyfriend was because Tsukishima had mentioned it once because Osamu’s first boyfriend was his current boyfriend. And also, he was Osamu’s best friend.

Osamu blinked and turned back to Bokuto, “So Iwaizumi’s ex has bad things to say?”

“No,” Bokuto shook his head. “His ex’s husband. But only because-”

“Your ex, Samu?” Akaashi interrupted.

“I really don’t remember-”

“I’m sure Suna will be real sad to hear that you don’t remember he was your first? Must have been a lackluster experience,” Akaashi snapped, irritated by the entire conversation.

Osamu gaped, “You knew?”

“Of course I knew! I’m friends with Tsukishima! I’m just not a lunatic so I didn’t care!” Akaashi rolled his eyes.

“Maybe that’s enough wine,” Kuroo suggested, reaching for Akaashi’s glass. Akaashi, however, disagreed and smacked his hand away.

“Uh, anyhow,” Bokuto responded quickly. “It’s not a huge deal it was just that Iwaizumi cheated on Daichi with Ushijima and Suga got upset because, you know, he was Daichi’s best friend. And I think he kissed Kageyama? And maybe Oikawa? But he’s totally monogamous now! He’s reformed and he’s never cheated on Tsum Tsum!”

Akaashi slumped in his seat.

“Wait-what!?”

…

Iwaizumi was brushing his teeth when he heard someone pounding on their front door. He knew Atsumu was already asleep and didn’t want him to be woken up so he hurried to the front door and pulled it open without looking through the peephole. “Sorry, I tried,” Akaashi mumbled pushing past him. “But your past indiscretions have royally fucked up my personal life so I’m sleeping on your couch tonight.”

“I’m sorry…what’s happening?” Iwaizumi asked, his mouth hanging open. He barely knew Akaashi, why in the world would he be wanting to stay with them if he and Osamu got into a fight? Why wouldn’t Osamu stay with them? Or Akaashi stay with Bokuto? Not that Iwaizumi would turn him away…but it was odd.

Akaashi sighed and flopped down on the couch. “Could I trouble you for some water? I think I overindulged in wine this evening and I can’t really afford a hangover since I think my day tomorrow will be spent salvaging my relationship.”

“Oh. Uh…sure?” Iwaizumi went to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water for Akaashi. “So, what’s going on exactly? I mean, you’re welcome to stay…I just…I’m confused?”

Akaashi accepted the water bottle and took a few sips before closing the cap and setting it down so his hands were free to massage his head.

“Osamu doesn’t like you,” he said flatly. “He thinks you’re hiding something. I know it’s just your unsavory past, we all know it, but he doesn’t and we’ve all been trying to hide it from him. But Samu’s just too smart…too damn smart. He set up dinner with Bokuto. And Bokuto, bless his heart, said all kinds of good things about you until he announced that he and I dated in high school, which prompted Samu to get jealous and lie about his first boyfriend, which I already knew about but really, he had to lie to me? Anyhow, I think Bokuto thought he was helping me by changing the subject and he basically opened your closet door and pulled out the skeletons. So…sorry. Anyway, after that we yelled at each other a bit and when we got home I decided we both needed to cool off. He wasn’t ok with me staying with Bokuto and Kuroo, and I knew if he came here it would be ugly. So here I am,” Akaashi waved a hand in the air.

“He…ok…so he knows. Well…I mean…it’s in the past so…I’ve never cheated on Atsumu!” Iwaizumi insisted. “Technically I only cheated the one time-”

“Iwaizumi, I don’t give a fuck, ok? I’m tired, I’m drunk, and I’m sleeping on my…well not my brother-in-law’s couch because apparently Osamu isn’t ready for that kind of commitment after 3 goddamn years, and not in my own bed. Anyway,” he let out a heavy sigh. “Can we just deal with this tomorrow?”

“Uh, sure,” Iwaizumi nodded. “Tomorrow.”

…

Iwaizumi barely slept that night and when the sun finally rose in the sky he decided to just get up and go for his morning jog before either Atsumu or Akaashi woke up. After brushing his teeth and changing into shorts and a t-shirt, he strapped on his watch and opened the door only to stumble over someone curled up on the mat.

“O-Osamu?” he asked bewildered.

“Hey. Uh…is Keiji in there,” Osamu pushed himself off the floor to stretch.

“He is yeah. He’s sleeping…you want me to wake him?” Iwaizumi asked quietly, ready to push open the door but Osamu shook his head and reached around him to quietly pull it shut.

“Nah, I didn’t come here to talk to him. Actually, I came to talk to ya. Can we go somewhere?” Osamu asked, not exactly meeting Iwaizumi’s eyes.

“Sure,” he responded slowly. “There’s a coffee shop next door. They usually open at 5 a.m.”

Osamu nodded and followed Iwaizumi down the hall, into the elevator and through the lobby of his apartment building. Iwaizumi struggled for something to say but truthfully he had no idea why Osamu would rather speak to him than Akaashi at that moment.

After sliding into a booth, they both ordered coffee and a bagel. Iwaizumi continued to wait in silence while Osamu did everything but start the conversation; he fiddled with his napkin, looked out the window, checked the number of sugar packets in the small container on the table.

Finally, after their food arrived and Osamu spread cream cheese on his bagel Iwaizumi spoke, “So…you wanted to talk?”

“I do, yeah. So, uh…last night Keiji and I had dinner with Bokuto and Kuroo. It’s funny, ain’t it, how ya become friends with people cause of who you’re dating? I guess I’d know them anyway because of Tsumu, but we probably wouldn’t really be friends, ya know?” Osamu rambled on.

If it had been anyone else Iwaizumi would have rolled his eyes and told them to get to the point, but he couldn’t do that to his fiancé’s brother, so he sat silently and waited him out.

“Anyhow, we got to talking and Bokuto told me what a great guy ya were and then he told me that ya have a history of cheatin’ and what not and then he said-well, some stuff about me and Keiji came to light,” he cleared his throat and ripped his bagel in half with a sense of purpose that reminded Iwaizumi of Kita’s farm, causing him to flinch. “But that stuff doesn’t matter. I mean, not really. Kind of. But anyhow after we left we got in this big fight and it was stupid, but I guess maybe it needed to happen because we said some stuff and after he left I really got to thinkin’.”

Osamu sighed and went silent again and Iwaizumi wasn’t sure what to do. Should he push for more information or let him process before continuing? He knew that pushing Atsumu usually led nowhere good, so he just spread some peanut butter on his bagel and took a sip of his coffee.

“I think…it kinda turns out that I don’t like ya that much because ya remind me too much of myself. See…I had a real hard time settling down in my early 20s because I was too busy with the restaurants and all that and never had time to think about anyone but myself. Now, I never set out to hurt anyone and I was always honest, but I wasn’t careful with other people’s emotions either. It wasn’t until I met Keiji that I realized how wrong I’d been and how important he was to me…so much so that I made a lot of changes in my life,” he said softly.

Iwaizumi put his bagel down to pay closer attention and decided it was time to say something, “I understand that feeling.”

Osamu nodded and finally met his eyes, “I figure ya do. And I realized last night that I’ve been too careful with Keiji because I didn’t think I was good enough for him and I was afraid of hurting him, so I never fully committed. I didn’t want to marry him and then have him feel stuck when he realized I was shit in relationships. Sounds dumb sayin’ it out loud…”

“I get that,” Iwaizumi said softly. “When you finally meet the right person, you want to give them everything. You want their life to be perfect.”

“Right, exactly,” Osamu nodded. “So, I think…I think I just saw myself in ya and I was afraid that ya were gonna hurt my brother because I’m so afraid of hurting Keiji. Does that make sense?”

“Yes, it does,” Iwaizumi said with a wry smile.

Osamu nodded again. “So, I realized I don’t really hate ya at all. I don’t even really know ya. I mean, I know ya got questionable taste because your datin’ my brother and all,” he chuckled. “Ah, shit. But ya proposed to him in front of a room full of people and I don’t care what he says, he loved it. Scrub always has liked being the center of attention.”

“It was spur of the moment,” Iwaizumi admitted. “Oikawa talking about proposing got me thinking about it and I realized that I’ve never wanted a future with anyone but Atsumu. I’ve never even considered it before him. But I can’t imagine my life without him. Proposing was suddenly less scary than losing him.” Iwaizumi grimaced, “And the idea of marriage is scary as fuck. But I can’t lose him, Osamu. I’ll do anything to make him happy, I swear to you I will.”

Osamu smiled at him softly. “I know ya will. ‘Cause I’d do anything for Keiji. I get it now. All this time I knew ya were hiding something and that’s all it was. That ya were just like me-scared. And I think I just hated to see that mirror held up to me, ya know? But I can’t run anymore because I fucked up pretty good last night. All this time I thought I was protecting Keiji from me, he was protecting me from myself. And I’m pretty sure he’s over it at this point. I gotta level up or he might leave me,” he let out a heavy sigh.

“I don’t think he’ll do that,” Iwaizumi chuckled. “It was a bad night, that’s all. He loves you, it’s obvious. Just tell him you know you fucked up and you’ll do better.”

Osamu eyed him and finally took a bite of his bagel. “Keiji’s not as forgiving as Tsumu is,” he said.

“He loves you,” Iwaizumi said again. “You’d be amazed at how much even the most unforgiving people will let go to hold on to someone they love.”

…

Atsumu strolled into his living room and yawned, wondering how long ago Iwaizumi had left for his morning jog before work. He went to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee and nearly shrieked when he turned around and saw a wild haired Akaashi standing in front of his couch. “Sorry,” Akaashi muttered. “Where do you keep your ibuprofen?”

“Uh…bathroom? In the closet next to the shower?” Atsumu said, bewildered. “In the master,” he added.

 Akaashi nodded, “Would you mind getting it? I don’t want to rummage through your belongings...”

“Uhhh, yeah. Of course,” Atsumu walked back into his bedroom feeling like he was in an episode of the Twilight Zone before coming back out with the bottle of pills. “Ya want some water…?”

“I’ve still got the bottle from last night, but thanks,” Akaashi muttered before downing 4 capsules.

Atsumu blinked in surprise but let it go; he knew Akaashi well enough to read the room and know this wasn’t the time to offer well meaning advice. “So, what’s going on?” he asked cautiously.

Akaashi let out a heavy sigh and dropped back down on the couch. “Your brother is a fucking asshole, you know that? I know people say you’re the obnoxious twin and to be fair, you’re a bit louder, but he’s the asshole. No doubt.”

Atsumu blinked again and sat in the chair next to the couch. He wasn’t sure if he was flattered for himself or offended for his brother. “Right. Well…uh…”

Akaashi waved a hand in the air, “Iwaizumi’s dirty laundry got aired last night. And you know he had the gall…the unmitigated gall…to judge him. As if Osamu isn’t commitment phobic, as if Osamu didn’t run through a bunch of guys in Osaka while he was concentrating on work instead of people’s feelings, as if Osamu didn’t fuck his best friend…”

Atsumu sat back in the chair and shook his head. What the hell happened last night? “He fucked who now?”

“Oh, don’t tell me you didn’t know about him and Suna?” Akaashi rolled his eyes and then winced.

“I…” Atsumu hesitated. He knew they had dated for a hot minute in high school, but he hadn’t known they had sex. “I guess? Samu never talked about his love life back then and I was too caught up in being pissed at him cause he told me he was quitting volleyball when they were together so…I never really thought about it?”

“Yeah well, I try not to,” Akaashi said crossly. “And believe me, he never told me. But I knew anyhow and I never cared! Who cares what happened a decade ago?”

“I…” Atsumu was stumped; he had no idea how to continue this conversation. “So, you’re mad he didn’t tell ya?” he ventured.

“No!” Akaashi snapped. “I’m mad that he’s mad at Iwaizumi for being a wuss like him and still managing to propose after a couple years of you guys being together when we’ve been together for 3 and he’s still not ready! Still! Will he ever be?” Akaashi’s shoulders slumped. “I don’t know. I always thought I was different but maybe I’m not. Maybe I just put up with him longer than the others.”

“Hey, no,” Atsumu jumped into action. “Absolutely not. Samu loves ya, I know that. He might be scared of marriage, cause look, our parents weren’t the best role models there, but he loves ya. Ya just gotta knock him upside the head every once in a while. Metaphorically, I mean. I’m not condoning domestic violence or anything…”

Akaashi burst out laughing and then winced again. “Shit. No, I’m not going to assault your brother, no worries. I may accidentally cancel a rice order…”

Atsumu’s eyes widened, “I think he’d rather ya just sucker punch him.”

Akaashi grinned and leaned back against the couch, closing his eyes, “Yeah, I know.”

“You’re not giving up on him, are ya?” Atsumu asked, worrying his bottom lip.

“Nope,” Akaashi sighed. “I just need to bitch for a minute to gather my strength. Fighting with him is an endurance trial, you know that?”

“I do,” Atsumu nodded. “I wish ya luck. Haji’s easy, I just have to cry and he caves. Every. Time.”

“Really?” Akaashi opened his eyes, intrigued. “And you can turn on the tears that easy?”

Atsumu grinned, “Absolutely I can.”

“Huhn, I have to try that. You know, Iwaizumi is very similar to Osamu,” Akaashi mused.

“Yeah,” Atsumu sighed. “I know it. I try not to think about it. It’s kinda weird, ya know?”

Akaashi grinned and closed his eyes again, “Yeah. That’s ok, I won’t tell anyone your secret kink.”

“Ok, that’s just gross,” Atsumu pouted. “It’s not a kink, it’s a coincidence. Besides, ya got a thing for guys with gray hair and biceps.”

“That I do,” Akaashi’s grin widened. “And God your brother’s biceps…”

“Uh…getting kind of uncomfortable here, Keiji,” Atsumu grimaced and Akaashi laughed again.

Fortunately for Atsumu, Akaashi was cut off from continuing his tribute to Osamu’s body when the subject of their conversation entered the apartment.

“Hey, we’re home,” Iwaizumi called out to Atsumu’s immense relief.

“We’re in the living room,” he called back and sat up straighter when he saw his brother trailing in behind his fiancé, looking like a kicked dog. “Samu?”

Akaashi’s eyes snapped open and he looked over as well. “What are you doing here?”

“Keiji,” Osamu walked straight over to him and dropped to one knee in front of him. “I was thinkin’ about what ya said all night and I came over and sat outside until it was decent enough to knock. Iwaizumi happened to be leaving and opened the door, and we went to breakfast together and had a real good talk.”

“Uh…ok?” Akaashi’s brow furrowed, he looked up at Iwaizumi for an explanation, but he only shook his head with a small smile on his face.

“Ya’ll went to breakfast? And ya didn’t bring any back?” Atsumu grumbled and Iwaizumi shushed him.

“I apologized to him. Ya were right. Ya were right about everything. I was being an asshole, and I saw too much of myself in him, and I didn’t want Atsumu making the same mistake I was afraid ya would be making if ya married me. But the truth is that Iwaizumi is committed and he loves my dumbass brother just as much as I love ya. I was scared but it wasn’t ever about me not being sure about ya, it was about me thinkin’ ya could do better than me and I didn’t want ya to wake up one day and feel trapped. Ya know, well, now more than before I guess, that my past isn’t so different from his. But he got over all that to be with Tsumu. He trusted Tsumu to make the decision on his own, what’s right for him. And I gotta do that for ya too. If ya still want me.”

“If I still want you?” Akaashi let out a disbelieving laugh. “Of course, I still want you, you idiot. I just can’t believe…you guys had a meal? Together?”

“Well, we sat at a table together. Not sure if either of us really ate?” Osamu shifted uncomfortably.

“And you apologized. Really?” Akaashi smiled fondly.

“I did, yeah, ya can ask him. I even meant it,” Osamu gave Akaashi a cheeky grin and Akaashi laughed again.  

“That’s good, because your brother really is in love with him, you know?” Akaashi said.

“I know,” Osamu turned around to face Atsumu, whose mouth was hanging slightly open at the spectacle of his brother on his knees, apologizing to his boyfriend. “And Tsumu, I apologize for being such a dick and I give ya’ll my blessing on your marriage. Although to be fair, I was right and he was hiding something. But I can’t really be mad at what he was hiding, he just wanted to make a good impression on me.”

“Right…well, thanks?” Atsumu screwed his face up in confusion. “So, ya’ll are good now?”

“We’re good,” Iwaizumi reached down and grabbed Atsumu’s hand to give it a squeeze.

“So now, what does all of your apologizing mean to me? Atsumu gets to get married with your blessing and all that, which is lovely,” Akaashi struggled to sit up only wincing slightly at the pain in his head at the semi-sudden movement. “But what does this mean for us?”

“It means I’m ready to make more of a commitment to ya. Whatever ya want. I can’t lose ya Keiji,” Osamu said from his place on the floor.

Akaashi frowned, “I don’t want you making decision because you’re afraid of losing me. I want you to want to be with me, not just afraid to lose me like I’m some harpy giving you an ultimatum.”

“Ooo,” Atsumu murmured in the background before letting out a squeak when Iwaizumi nudged him.

“It’s not that,” Osamu said quickly. “I’m not afraid of losing ya. Well, I am, but it’s not that. I’m still afraid that one day you’ll figure you’re too good for me, but since ya haven’t figured it out yet, I want to move forward. If you’re sure you want to be with a guy who lives above a restaurant and works far too much?”

A smile twitched on Akaashi’s lips. “I can hardly judge your work schedule. The apartment works for now…but someday I do want a nice quiet house in a suburb. Where we have a back yard and a garden.”

Osamu nodded, “I can do that for ya. We can look at houses right now. Ya want to look this afternoon?”

“I want to be married first,” Akaashi raised an eyebrow.

“Ok, well let’s do that then,” Osamu grinned. “I don’t have a ring on me, but I’ll marry ya right now if ya want.”

Akaashi laughed helplessly and fell back on the couch. “Am I still drunk? Is that what this is?”

“That’s not funny Keiji,” Osamu frowned. “I’m pouring my heart out here!”

“Ok,” Akaashi conceded. “I will marry you but not today. We have too much to work out first. Are you sure though? Really sure?” he asked more seriously.

“I’m totally sure,” Osamu said just as serious. “In fact, let’s get changed and go see your parents, I’ll ask for their blessing today.”

“That’s…ambitious,” Akaashi mused. “Sure, let’s see how it goes.”

Osamu beamed as he stood up and gently pulled a hungover Akaashi up to stand next to him. He leaned in for a kiss and then wrinkled his nose. “Geez Keiji, they didn’t have a spare toothbrush?”

“You’re lucky my breath doesn’t smell like vomit,” Akaashi sniped back.

“Congratulations on the engagement!” Atsumu grinned. “We’ll have to coordinate our weddings so mom and dad don’t have a heart attack planning both of them.”

“If you think my parents are going to let anyone else plan anything, you’re insane,” Akaashi chuckled. “Your parents are officially of the hook. But you two should feel free to plan a wonderfully large celebration.”

Iwaizumi tugged on his collar, “Is it warm in here?”

“Buddy, being warm’s gonna be the least of your problems if ya don’t give my big brother the wedding of his dreams,” Osamu clapped Iwaizumi on the back. “Come on, Keiji, let’s get outta their business.”

Akaashi smiled at Atsumu and Iwaizumi. “Thank you for your hospitality. I hope I wasn’t too much trouble.”

“Not at all, that’s what family is for, right?” Atsumu winked at him while Iwaizumi gave them a weak smile.

“Family. Yes, I suppose you’re right,” Akaashi grinned back and followed Osamu out of the apartment.

…

“Tobio, did you see that Miya Osamu got engaged to Akaashi Keiji?” Oikawa asked, not bothering to look up from his phone as he spoke, sitting at the island in Kageyama’s kitchen.

“Uh, no. That’s nice,” Kageyama replied absently, engrossed in a college volleyball tournament on tv.

“I suppose,” Oikawa said, annoyance in his voice. “But now we’ve got to navigate two other weddings when we plan ours. I swear to God, Tobio. Iwa-chan breaks out into hives when wedding talk comes up, and I’m not even going to be in the country to deal with this.”

Kageyama smothered a sigh, “It doesn’t have to be a big deal.”

“Of course it does! No one’s going to want to go to three weddings in one season!” Oikawa sniped. “And they’re going to have to all be in the off season! Atsumu can’t miss part of his season for his wedding and Osamu won’t plan his own wedding when his brother can’t be there! And I’m not waiting more than a year, it’s not right, we got engaged first!”

Kageyama wisely chose to leave the fact that technically Iwaizumi and Atsumu got engaged first, even if only by a couple hours, unsaid. Instead, he resigned himself to missing the rest of the match and paused the tv. “We could just get married this summer?”

“Tobio,” Oikawa said crossly, “do you have any idea how long it takes to plan a proper wedding?”

“Nope,” Kageyama responded. “But I do know that we could just elope and get married right away and that won’t take any time at all.”

Oikawa froze in place, only his eyes moved up to look at Kageyama. “Elope? Are you serious?”

“Sure,” Kageyama shrugged. “I don’t care about having a party, I just want to be married to you. I’d be happy eloping. We can just go down to the local municipal office and file the paperwork and be done with it if you want, but I know you don’t want that.”

“I absolutely do not,” Oikawa wrinkled his nose. “But eloping…”

“Think about it,” Kageyama turned around fully on the couch and leaned over the back. “We can just take off and get married by ourselves, with no one else’s bullshit, and have a nice long honeymoon. We can go anywhere in the world, and it won’t matter because we don’t have to worry about anyone else’s schedule.”

“Hmm,” Oikawa set his phone down, starting to consider the option.

“Plus,” Kageyama said as casually as possible. “When we get back you can release to the media that we eloped and you’ll totally steal Iwaizumi’s thunder for his public engagement. No one will even care after they get exclusive pictures of the world’s two best setters getting married.”

Oikawa froze for a moment before snatching up his phone. “You’re a goddamn genius. Tobio, go get dressed in something nice,” he commanded.

“Huh?” Kageyama’s brow furrowed in confusion.

“I’m calling my travel agent to get us booked into a resort where we can have a beautiful, private ceremony. Where are you thinking? Someplace we’ve never been. Fiji?” Oikawa asked, scrolling through his contacts.

“Wherever you want,” Kageyama said, pushing himself off the couch. “Why am I getting dressed now though?”

“We have to go buy our rings before we leave,” Oikawa told him, holding the phone up to his ear. “I can’t have you walking into a jewelry store looking like you can’t afford a hamburger at McDonald’s.”

Kageyama wanted to be offended but truthfully, his sweats were threadbare and he was aware of the hole in the armpit of his t-shirt. Besides, anything that got him out of planning a wedding with Groomzilla and got him married ASAP was fine with him. “I’m on it,” he said stopping to kiss Oikawa’s cheek as he walked by. “Future husband,” he whispered in Oikawa’s ear.

He giggled in response, “I like that. Oikawa Tobio sounds great, doesn’t it?”

“Oikawa Tobio?” Kageyama pulled back. “I was thinking Kageyama Tooru?”

“Kageyama Tooru? That sounds ridiculous,” Oikawa frowned.

“It does not,” Kageyama scowled. “Do we even have to change our names? Hinata and Kenma didn’t.”

“Hmm, well what about when we have kids?” Oikawa asked. “What then?”

“We’ll figure it out then,” Kageyama said hurriedly, visions of an elopement disappearing from in front of his eyes.

“Hmm, whatever,” Oikawa murmured. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing.”

“Doing?” Kageyama asked innocently.

“I know you don’t want a big wedding,” Oikawa raised an eyebrow at him.

“I don’t really care either way,” Kageyama said. “I just want to be married to you, and I want you to be happy. And you can’t tell me that this won’t make you happy.”

Oikawa shrugged, still grinning. “Go on now. I’ve got to call Rosa before it gets any later in Argentina. I’ll be lucky if she takes my call now.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Kageyama muttered.

Oikawa grabbed his hand as he started to walk away. “Hey, this does make me happy. You are a genius. And I want to be married to you too. The sooner the better. I love you.”

“Love you too,” Kageyama leaned down for a kiss before being pushed away when the travel agent answered the phone and Oikawa started spewing rapid fire Spanish. Kageyama chuckled as he walked back to their bedroom. I’m absolutely going to end up being Oikawa Tobio aren’t I?

The end!

Epilogue

*Kageyama absolutely became Oikawa Tobio because he can refuse Oikawa nothing.

*Their elopement was definitely international news and Oikawa enjoyed every minute of the coverage. Kageyama tolerated the coverage but enjoyed his husband’s happiness.

*Atsumu and Iwaizumi genuinely did not care that their engagement news was overshadowed. They planned a large wedding for the following July. Iwaizumi did not get cold feet and the ceremony was beautiful.

*Osamu and Akaashi had a smaller, but no less swanky, wedding in early April. Osamu moved to Tokyo to open a new branch of Ongiri Miya and he and Akaashi bought a nice house just outside the city, exactly what Akaashi wanted.