Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/10988655.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Underage
  Category:
      M/M
  Fandom:
      Haikyuu!!
  Relationship:
      Azumane_Asahi/Oikawa_Tooru, Azumane_Asahi/Tsukishima_Kei, Hinata_Shouyou/
      Kageyama_Tobio, Azumane_Asahi_&_Sugawara_Koushi, Kozume_Kenma/Kuroo
      Tetsurou
  Character:
      Sawamura_Daichi, Sugawara_Koushi, Hinata_Shouyou, Oikawa_Tooru, Kageyama
      Tobio, Sugawara_Koushi's_Parents, Nishinoya_Yuu, Azumane_Asahi, Azumane
      Asahi's_Parents, Yamaguchi_Tadashi, Tsukishima_Kei, Tanaka_Ryuunosuke,
      Shimizu_Kiyoko, Ukai_Keishin, Ukai_Ikkei, Takeda_Ittetsu, Tsukishima
      Akiteru, Iwaizumi_Hajime, Ushijima_Wakatoshi, Kuroo_Tetsurou, Kozume
      Kenma, Yachi_Hitoka, Tanaka_Saeko
  Additional Tags:
      Explicit_Sexual_Content, Explicit_Language, Drama, First_Love, First
      Time, First_Dates, Sleeping_Together, Sleeping_with_the_enemy, First
      Kiss, Broken_Promises, Heartbreak, Kissing_in_the_Rain, getting_caught,
      After_What_We_Just_Did..., Hiding_it, Secret_Relationship, Secrets, Now
      That_I_Know..., Enemy_Lovers, Friends_to_Lovers, Strangers_to_Lovers,
      Infidelity, Take_Off_Your_Glasses, Doing_Something_We_May_Regret,
      Emotional_Hurt/Comfort, Comfort_Sex, Where_are_your_parents?, Male
      Friendship, Salonpas, I'm_Your_Weakness, You_Know_Him!?, Aobajosai_High,
      Karasuno_High, Bisexual_Oikawa_Tooru, Loss_of_Trust, Immature_Tsukishima,
      Possessive_Tsukishima_Kei, Bottom_Azumane_Asahi, Foothill_Store, Suga_has
      second_thoughts, Not_giving_up_till_you_find_the_right_one, Absent
      Parents, Hand_Jobs, Mutual_Masturbation, Domineering_Oikawa, Rimming,
      First_Time_Blow_Jobs, First_Time_Bottoming, First_Time_Topping, First
      time_for_everything, Family_Drama, Romance, Keeping_It_In_The_Closet,
      Experienced_Oikawa
  Stats:
      Published: 2017-05-30 Updated: 2017-09-28 Chapters: 2/? Words: 5969
****** The First Sip Of Beer ******
by Iszabeau_N
Summary
     Asahi is forced to either live alone and finish school, or move
     abroad with his family. Choosing to stay, even though his parents
     send him money, he's instantly thrust into the life of an adult.
     Having to pay bills and manage the money they send, it's just not
     enough!
     After being completely shut down during the Date Tech match, making
     his difficult decision to quit easier, he begs for a job at the store
     that he and his friends had frequented so many times, and finally has
     a way to not only help keep ramen on the table, but take his mind off
     things.
     Working alone for the first time, a customer that's way out of his
     territory and way out of his league, comes in for directions and
     turns his already shaken life upside down.
Notes
     Updates as regular as possible, as I am constantly working on
     multiple fics.
     This fic will be decently long, and starts right after Asahi has left
     the team, the beginning couple of chapters or so going over stuff
     that's taking place during the month that he's absent from the team
     etc, moving into the period where he comes back, meets the new first
     years. Finally moving into when they play against Aoba Johsai again,
     but with a full team.
     Of course, there will be some divergence as I fit my story around
     things. There will be some time variance here and there and only
     certain events from the anime will be gone over. English isn't my
     primary so you may see a mistake or two, but I will try my best to
     keep it minimal.
     Hope you enjoy it and thanks for reading.
     I own nothing...
***** Alone *****
Chapter Summary
     Closing the door behind him, relieved to be free from their
     happiness, he flipped open his phone and tried to look at the numbers
     through the tears that were flooding his vision. Bringing up his free
     hand to wipe away the wetness just in case he happened across anyone,
     the first button he hit was Suga's.
     He'd be able to talk to him about this without the match or the team
     even being brought up. Suga wouldn't pressure him... he'd listen.
**********
As soon as they told him, he was filled with panic. With just one year left of
school, to up and move to a place he'd never been, starting life over
surrounded by people he'd never met, and attempting to do it all while trying
to speak a language he didn't understand. There was no way he could do it.
Completely ready to put up a fight, his mind went over everything he would say,
every argument he could make, and in the end he'd been the one to stand there
speechless again. He literally couldn't believe that any of this was happening!
They didn't expect him to leave with them. They'd give him the choice of
course, but when he took a moment to really analyze their expressions and
reactions to what his decision was, they'd seemed almost relieved that he
wasn't coming. After all, they'd only purchased two plane tickets.
His father had shook his hand, telling him that he was already a man and that
while this may be a hard transition for him, it would make him stronger... more
ready for what life had to throw at him.
It was no secret that they'd been relieved after receiving the letter from his
guidance counselor either. He was an average student. Average. The man had
basically told him that college was not in his future. Not in those exact words
of course, but that's what it'd meant!
With his scores, the best he'd do was community college. Where he could rack up
a bunch of debt, to probably flunk out of some classes that taught him nothing
that he would need, for whatever manual labor job that he would be lucky to
find.
And that's pretty much what the letter had said that was dropped into their
mailbox just several days ago. Again, his parents hadn't been surprised. And
they weren't upset that they didn't have to worry over helping him with the
cost of said community college either.
He liked school. He didn't mind the work, but had never over excelled in it.
He'd loved Volleyball. Loved, as in past tense. Before he'd basically lost the
match for them. Now he didn't even have that.
He couldn't face Yuu. He couldn't face any of them. Two years together and now
this! He couldn't remember a single day that he hadn't spent time with one or
all of them, and they'd barely spoken since the match. And it was his fault!
He hadn't spoken to Yuu at all since their argument in the hallway, and that
was killing him! All of it was.
He missed them, but every time he thought of picking up his phone, or tracking
one of them down between classes, it would all replay in his mind all over
again. Every minute of that horrible match... right down to him turning his
back on one of his best friends and walking away.
He hadn't even told his parents that he hadn't been going to practice. He just
didn't come home until he figured it was his normal time to walk through the
door, and then he'd go straight to his room. They were so busy, neither of them
had noticed. At first it'd seemed easier on him, but now just getting through
each day had become like a weight around his neck that he couldn't shake off.
He hated keeping secrets. He hated not feeling like he could talk to his
friends... like he didn't have anyone to turn to. He just couldn't face the
loss that he'd caused them, and even though they kept telling him that it
hadn't been his fault, he knew better! He'd seen with his own eyes what'd
happened!
His mom and dad had come home with boxes and rushed around the house packing
everything that they absolutely couldn't do without, their plane left first
thing tomorrow morning. The shipping company would be by in two days to collect
the boxes they would have packed and ready by the door. The rest of the
furniture would stay at the house for him.
His mom kept telling him he'd have everything he needed. There was no need for
her to go over the use of the laundry machines, as he'd been doing his own wash
since middle school, literally because she'd demanded it.
Both having high level careers, there was maybe one night a week that a home
cooked meal was made. The rest of the time he ate store bought, microwaveable
or was eating at Suga's or Daichi's house. But most of the time it was Suga's.
There were many times that Suga's mom had prepared him extra food along with
her own son's, to take to him when they'd had late practices or games. Neither
of them could stand the idea of him going home and having to prepare his own
dinner after being that exhausted.
Looked like that wouldn't be a problem anymore.
His father kept pointing to the papers on the table. The landlord had been paid
in full for two years. He would have the last year of school that was just now
starting, and the year after. At that point, he would have the choice to
continue here on his own, which he already knew he wouldn't be able to afford,
or move elsewhere.
The more he heard, the more he felt he would suffocate under the pressure that
was steadily mounting up in his chest! The utility bills were on the table,
along with postage and directions that had been written out for him to follow.
They'd paid the school for any extra uniforms he may need, and money was in his
student account for lunches and school supplies. There was his first and second
month's grocery money in an envelope... the cupboards were stocked with things
that he could easily make...
His eyes shifted between them, their voices growing distant as his ears began
to ring. He stood there watching them in a daze as they laughed, going from
room to room packing suitcases, talking about where they might search for
apartments once they got there till they found a house they wanted.
They'd planned all of this without his knowledge... all of it. They were ready.
It was like they were free. They were free of him and were planning out the
rest of their lives.
Turning from the sight, he walked into his room, grabbed his phone, his uniform
jacket and walked to the front door. As soon as his hand hit the handle, his
dad's voice rang out from the back bedroom. "Don't be out too late! I want to
go over the details with you again before bed!"
Closing the door behind him, relieved to be free from their happiness, he
flipped open his phone and tried to look at the numbers through the tears that
were flooding his vision. Bringing up his free hand to wipe away the wetness
just in case he happened across anyone, the first button he hit was Suga's.
He'd be able to talk to him about this without the match or the team even being
brought up. Suga wouldn't pressure him... he'd listen.
The phone rang just once. Then that familiar voice on the other end sounding so
relieved to hear from him... so relieved. "Asahi! I'm so gla- "
Just hearing that voice compounded the pain in his chest to the point of agony.
The flood gates opened and he sobbed out! "Suga!... I need to... can I come
over?"
Standing in the middle of the street, his hand plastered to his face, shielding
his eyes! He cried into the phone! His friend's voice coming through the other
end, concerned and worried, telling him to hurry! Asking him if he wanted him
to meet half way...
That soft, melodic voice stayed with him on the phone the entire time he was
walking, almost as if Suga was afraid he'd get lost... he sounded lost.
By the time he'd gotten to the end of the gate that surrounded their small farm
house, how he'd even gotten there was gone from his mind. Not that it was a
long walk by any means, it usually only took about ten minutes if he was moving
at a good pace. It had to have taken him longer than that though, his feet felt
as if they weighed a ton.
He'd cried the entire time, barely able to get a word out. The worry over
someone seeing him this way was long gone. The longer he heard his friend's
voice and the closer that he got to his house, the more the hurt he was feeling
broke free. Almost as if his ailing heart knew that he was heading toward his
only place of solace.
Suga was waiting for him out front. As soon as he saw him, he rushed through
the gate out to greet him, already consoling him and not even knowing what for
yet. Hearing his voice in person, and now seeing him... knowing that he was
right there just made it worse! It was like all of his stress was culminating
into one horrible painful moment of release.
Sobbing as he was led into their house, Suga's mother rushed to him... a tiny
woman that was so delicate and beautiful. Every time he saw her it never ceased
to amaze him how much Suga looked like her. They were so much alike in
personality. Both so gentle and caring, always thinking of others before
themselves. Always thinking of him.
Her voice so soft, "Asahi! What is wrong? What happened to you? Come... come
sit down."
Bowing to her, he apologized for his appearance and lack of notice before
arriving! Waving him off, she led him to their table leaving Suga with him, and
went into the kitchen to warm the kettle on a small hotplate that sat in the
corner of the counter.
Sitting down, he could smell that their dinner was already in process... he was
interrupting. He felt like an idiot! His head bowed, Suga's smaller hand
reached out to take his and he could barely look him in the face! His heart
felt like it was breaking and this was the only place... these were the only
people he felt he could turn to.
Suga's mother and father both, were genuinely wonderful people. He'd spent a
lot of time here and was used to seeing more of them than his own parents. His
father worked in the city and had a decent commute each night, so he wasn't
home yet and probably wouldn't be for awhile. He didn't want to disrupt their
evening, but he had to talk to someone before he exploded.
A box of tissues and a cup of tea were both set before him. The kindness in
just that simple thing sent more tears rolling and he reached for the tissues,
wiping his running nose so he could speak. "They're... they're leaving!"
The hitching in his chest was getting to the point that he could barely speak!
Suga grasped his hand harder, staring at him in amazement! Here was a boy... a
teenager, but in many ways still just a boy.
Here at his table, sat his friend, that looked about twenty five or even older
at times... strands of his long hair had come loose and now hung in his face,
getting caught in the wet mess that had run down his cheeks into his mouth.
Partial goatee, and at this point in the evening he had shadow from the beard
that he was constantly attempting to keep at bay. If the truth were known, he
had more body hair than even some of their teachers. Large in stature and even
larger in heart.
But regardless of how old and mature he looked, he had the most tender heart of
anyone he'd ever known. Often being insecure, gentle and timid. Until he was on
the court... then he was a force to be reckoned with.
That was actually what he'd thought Asahi had called him about. That perhaps he
wanted to talk about what had happened and was going to come back. But upon
hearing this and seeing him so distraught, there was no way that he could bring
it up now. It would just have to wait.
His large body shook the small table as he fought to get himself under control.
And each time his mother would attempt to console him, more tears fell.
Raising a hand to his friend's face, Suga pulled some of the dark hair sticking
to his jaw and tucked it behind his ear, speaking softly to him. "Asahi... it's
going to be alright."
"I... I thought... that I'd be... alright with it!" His fists clenched up as he
sucked in a deep breath, trying to quell the tremors that rocked him! He needed
to speak! To get it out!
Suga pushed the cup towards him, urging him to drink, knowing it would calm him
down some. Finally he reached out wth shaking hands and took it, sipping for a
few minutes before setting it back down. Wiping his face, he held the sodden
tissues. "I thought I'd be alright with it... I mean I am... I don't want to
leave!"
Red rimmed, swollen eyes now looked up at him, "I can't leave everything that I
know! I just can't... Suga... "
Seemingly endless tears rolled down his cheeks, "I don't know what to do!
There's a pile of papers on the table... I've never dealt with any of that
stuff!"
Both hands now clutching onto his friend's arm, he glanced up at his mother.
Her face was pinched in a way that he couldn't remember ever seeing before. Her
dark eyes were watering up, "Koushi, you should stay with him tonight. He
shouldn't be alone there with what is taking place!"
Asahi looked up at her, his face pulled into a painful grimace, "I don't want
to be any trouble for you... I'm so sorry!"
Standing up from the table, she nodded at her son, then turned to him.
"Asahi... you will always be a part of this family! It is no trouble."
Pulling him up from the table, Suga led him into his room so he could pack for
the night while Asahi cleaned up in the mirror that was over his dresser. "My
father's away for the night on business, so she'll want you to eat here at
least... you know, give you a decent meal."
The pained look that came across his big friend's face at those last words were
what pulled him in. They were finally alone and so it was alright.
Taking hold of his arms, Suga turned him so they were facing one another and
stepped into his embrace. Speaking muffled against his large chest, "You don't
have to worry about being alone... I'm here."
***** Always Welcome *****
Chapter Summary
     Suga's mother apologized that it wasn't his favorite. Like it
     mattered that the free meal he was getting wasn't his favorite. A
     hot, home cooked meal, at a table where he was welcome and wanted,
     with people that honestly cared about him. That was all that mattered
     to him.
     If he hadn't been so happy about all the above, combined with what
     had just happened in Suga's bedroom, he'd have cried into his bowl of
     katsudon.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                   *********
Musk. That was what he smelled like. Inhaling slowly, his warm breath seeping
through the cotton of Asahi's uniform shirt, that's all he could smell.
Moving his face away from the damp spot his continuous breathing there had
made, his eyes combed over the visible flesh at his neckline. His shirt was
unbuttoned to the point that he could see some of that dark hair that graced
his chest and just seeing it... seeing him this close, he almost felt guilty
for feeling the sensations arising inside of him.
Still standing there entangled in their embrace, his mother hadn't yet called
out that dinner was ready, but the apprehension that he was starting to feel
made it seem like she would any moment. And he just knew that if they didn't
move away from each other that it was going to escalate.
He couldn't risk it, his mother possibly finding out. Fact was, he wasn't sure
if he could handle it escalating either. It wasn't that he just worried over
hurting Asahi, he also didn't want to hurt himself. The fact that they had to
be careful was a gross understatement.
The fact was that he was scared. Period.
He stood there contemplating everything that he felt. Everything that Asahi
meant to him, and right when he thought he was ready to release him and back
away, those big, strong arms tightened around him, pulling him in even further
until they were completely joined in the middle.
This was how it always happened. How it always started. Asahi needed his
comfort, and he would comfort him.
It would start as playing around, winding up with them on the floor or on the
bed. Playful tickling and wrestling would become holding, touching and
stroking.
Or he'd be upset and need a hug. He couldn't blame Asahi, when he was no
better. More often than not it was him that would offer himself up. His
shoulder, his embrace.
He wanted it just as badly. The problem was that he was the only one afraid for
anyone else to find out. That was another thing that scared him. Asahi didn't
care. He didn't care who knew.
Large hips swayed slowly against his, his friend's erection rubbing into his
midsection. His breathing slowed as the overwhelming urge to grind his crotch
against Asahi's thigh in return tugged at his self restraint.
He swayed with him, and within moments they were moving slowly back and forth.
Like a pair of lovers on a dimly lit dance floor. The last two to hold out til
closing time, locked in each other's embrace... the music had faded and was
long gone, the band no longer there.
Smiling against his giant partner's chest, we're dancing, he thought. Just one
more first. He'd never danced with anyone, until now.
He didn't want it to end.
Whispering into Asahi's neck, he felt almost giddy, like he could giggle at any
moment. "Are you trying to romance me?"
Keeping the pace they moved at nice and slow, he lowered his hands down to
Suga's waist, rubbing light circles with his fingertips where his shirt had
come un-tucked from his pants, then slowly down to his ass.
Not squeezing, just a caress, pulling his bottom closer as he rocked against
him. Just hard enough for the smaller boy to feel what he wanted him to.
Smiling down into Suga's hair, "I'm trying... "
His mother's voice called from the kitchen... dinner was ready.
As soon as he heard her, Asahi felt him stiffen in his arms, trying to pull
away. Knowing Suga was too flustered to speak and knowing that in itself would
cause him to panic further, he called out for him. "Thank you, we're almost
done."
The most gentle face he'd ever known looked up at him. Beautiful hazel eyes
under pinched together brows, telling him that he was afraid.
Afraid that he wouldn't be able to recover in time to look right for his
mother. Afraid that she would notice and find them out.
Afraid of what he wanted, and the fact that he wanted more.
All of that was exactly why he did what he did next.
Sliding his hands from the tight little bottom he held, over the planes of his
back to his neck, Asahi ran his fingers through those locks, surrounding his
face and held him there.
Tilting Suga's head back, his thumbs braced against the lower portion of his
jaw, very gently, Asahi lowered his lips down to meet his.
Instantly, he felt the smaller body respond against him. The intake of breath
against his lips. It wasn't shock, it was something else. Venturing a little
peek, Suga's eyes were closed. Not tightly, but relaxed.
His body, which but a moment ago had tensed and was ready to break away, was
now pliant, yielding to his touch. Hands that had just a moment ago pushed at
his chest, now clung to it, clutching at his shirt.
                                     ♡♡♡♡
Full, warm lips pressed against his. The hairs on his chin tickled the
underside of his and within seconds he was lost. The fact that his mother had
called them for dinner was but a distant memory.
His body melted against the one that held him, his lips separated, tasting his
flavor as their tongues met. Warm breath ghosting over his skin like a soft
caress. His erection intensified, fighting to make itself known... he was
ready.
Then as soon as it had happened, it was over.
Large hands removed themselves from his hair, sliding down to his shoulders to
pull him away, just enough so they were no longer one.
He stood there on shaking, unstable legs. Everything in his field of vision had
an almost far away and blurred quality, all except Asahi. He took in his
friend, whose eyes were still heavy with need. He had to get it together!
Bracing himself against his dresser, he turned and looked in the mirror. There
was no way he could walk out there right now.
His face and neck, which were normally quite fair in appearance, were blotched
a deep mottled red. His ears looked like they were on fire and he still
couldn't get his eyes to completely open. He looked like he was out of it! He
felt like he was out of it!
Asahi stepped behind him, looking at him critique himself in the mirror. And
within moments, a smile was on his face. Those soft, full lips that had just
consumed his, now turned upward into a beautiful smile, as his large hands went
into his hair to try and right some of the locks that he'd displaced while he'd
held him.
Each one straightening their shirts and making a futile attempt at hiding their
arousal, hoping that by the time they reached the kitchen they'd both have gone
down enough so that she wouldn't notice. They heard her call again.
Staring into the mirror, Asahi whispered, "There... she'll never know"
Smiling back at him, they both broke into laughter. "We still look like crap
Asahi!"
"Come on... I'm starved and we still have to walk back to my place."
                                   ********
Suga's mother apologized that it wasn't his favorite. Like it mattered that the
free meal he was getting wasn't his favorite. A hot, home cooked meal, at a
table where he was welcome and wanted, with people that honestly cared about
him. That was all that mattered to him.
If he hadn't been so happy about all the above, combined with what had just
happened in Suga's bedroom, he'd have cried into his bowl of katsudon.
Woofing it down, they grabbed their duffle bags, each giving her a hug. Her
telling him that she expected him over tomorrow for dinner! That he was not to
be alone to eat his meals. And just as she had blushed red when he'd embraced
her, he was now the one to turn red.
He didn't feel right about being there for dinner every night. Even though they
constantly told him they wanted him there, he felt like a weight that they
didn't need to bear.
Before they could even get out the door, his phone went off. Closing the door
to Mrs. Sugawara's concerned face, they stepped through the gate, him answering
his phone, while Suga secured the latch behind him.
"Yes father, I'm on my way... "
Suga stood there in the road with him, listening to his father lecture him on
the other end of the line. Watching the effect it was having on Asahi.
The smile that had taken so long to come back was gone. The relaxed posture
he'd had in their home was now stiff and tense. "I don't need you to go over it
again! I got it the first time father! I can read!"
He didn't really have it. Of course he could read, and yes, he could follow the
instructions they'd written down. But was he ready for any of it? No.
It was the way things had happened. The way that they'd told him and how they'd
acted about it. Truth be told, it'd been the last five to six years, that he
hadn't felt like he was even part of the family. Like he was in their way.
Their careers were what mattered to them. That, and money... status.
Sometimes he felt like he was hatched. Like he was spawned elsewhere by others
that were like him, and somehow he'd gotten separated from them and been found
by these people that were nothing like him. Out of sheer pity taking him in,
only to regret it later.
They were nothing like him and they didn't understand him. They were cold and
distant, where he was warm and friendly, always willing to give and love,
needing affection and friendship.
What it came down to in his eyes, was that they were ashamed in some way.
Perhaps that he wasn't smart enough or callus enough to lead the same kind of
lives they had. He would never be able to achieve what they had and they knew
it.
He could remember telling Suga when they were first years at Karasuno together,
that he'd been doing his own wash since the beginning of middle school. That
his mother couldn't abide washing his smelly, dirty uniforms and had thrown a
fit, his father actually backing her. That it'd made him feel like a piece of
shit.
Suga's mouth had dropped open, his eyes tearing up as he'd talked about it,
sitting across from each other in the lunch room. He couldn't believe that
someone's mom would do that!
Sure he knew of other kids who had chores and stuff. After all, it was a
parents job to teach responsibility, so their kids could take care of
themselves as they became adults.
He had no problem helping and learning, but like his school counselor had said,
'It's all in the presentation.'
If his mother had acted like she cared and was proud of his accomplishments, it
would have been different. If she had shown him how because she was being a
good mother that just wanted her son to learn, it would've been different.
Instead, she acted as if her greatest sacrifice was giving him life, and now
she was done. She acted as if he should simply be grateful that he was drawing
breath and should expect nothing more of her.
Suga had admitted that he knew how to do laundry, but he'd been taught in order
to know, and if his mother was unable for some reason, he would help out. He
wanted to help his mother out. Because she cared for him, and she showed it.
His parents had never once been to a match. Not even his own father had
expressed an interest in anything he did. As long as the house was clean and
they weren't being bothered, that was all that mattered.
Flipping his phone closed, he stuck it in his back pocket. The feeling was
becoming mutual. And as much as he hated to think like that, to feel that way,
what else could he do? Continue to mourn for a relationship with them that he
would never have?
No. They were leaving, and after tomorrow, he wouldn't have to worry about what
he needed from them and couldn't get.
Fighting to give Suga the slightest smile, "Come on, let's go."
Turning from their yard, he started walking, Suga behind him, trying to keep
his concern quiet. He knew he wouldn't be able to.
"Asahi... do you think it's wise that I come over? Your father sounded pretty
upset. Perhaps you could just stay with me?"
His stomach started churning. If he had to go back there alone and face them,
he'd be sick. But he had to go back, at least for tonight.
"It's fine... they'll be going to bed and then we can relax. Besides, they'll
be gone before we even wake up. Their plane leaves at like four in the morning
and it's an hour drive to the airport."
The whole rest of the way, they were quiet. He didn't have to look at Suga to
know that he was worried, he could feel his hazel eyes boring into him as they
walked. And though he didn't really like putting his friend in this position,
he couldn't stand the thought of being there alone and having to listen to his
father lecture him again.
If Suga was there, his father would keep it to the bare minimum. He wouldn't go
off on him around company.
His counselor had said, that in itself was proof that they realized how an
outsider would possibly view their treatment of him, that it would be seen as
cruel and unacceptable.
He'd said, 'Of course a parent may choose a more private time or location to
correct their child, or speak to them about private matters, no differently
than a couple choosing not to fight in public. There was a time and place for
everything.'
But this was different.
His parents were nice to him in front of others. They took pains to act like
they should be acting, when others were around. Thus, when he did complain
about their treatment, people would be shocked and unbelieving.
At an early age, he'd learned to only speak to certain people about it. If
someone was intuitive enough, they would catch on while in their presence. Suga
had told him that they made him nervous, to the point of being uncomfortable.
Like he could feel they were putting on an act whenever he was around. Their
actions didn't match what he saw in their eyes. Smiles were forced and never
met their eyes.
It was like the dog owner that smiled at his pet while at the same time calling
it an asshole. Believing that it was so stupid, as long as the smile was
plastered on their face and they said the foul thing in a pleasant voice, it
would buy it.
The apprehension he, himself felt was nothing compared to what was coming off
Asahi. But his friend bore it quietly, knowing that this would be the last time
as he opened the front door.
Asahi's father stood at the door, ready to go off on him and as soon as Suga
appeared behind him, a look of absolute shock took over his face!
Suga could tell that it actually took him a few seconds to fight to control his
temper and paste the fake smile on for him. But it did not show in his eyes.
His eyes were cold and angry and leveled on Asahi as he spoke through his phony
smile. "Koshi... I didn't realize you were coming... "
Putting a hand to Asahi's arm, he stepped forward. He would stand at his
side... he would have his back, and he would not go through this alone!
He smiled a genuine smile, knowing that tomorrow his friend would be free from
this weight.
Giving Asahi's father a slight bow, "I'm sorry for intruding, but we have an
early practice tomorrow and... "
Asahi's mouth split into a grin as he looked down at Suga then back to his
father, as he listened to the fib coming from his friend. His father would buy
it too.
Parting his lips just enough to take in a silent breath of relief, he was
already starting to feel better.
Knowing it would go better for him if he took the initiative, he spoke on the
issue first. Motioning to the table and papers that sat there waiting for him,
"I'm alright with this father. I'll follow the instructions and it'll be fine."
His father's hands clasped in front of him, his face becoming serious once
again as he took in his son. Suga stood there, not knowing what to do... should
he dismiss himself to the bedroom?
Asahi just stared back at him, waiting for a response.
Suga couldn't believe how two people that looked so much alike, could be so
different. He looked just like his father. Same size, same face. The younger
version looked into the mirror and saw himself twenty or so years in the
future.
That was the only thing he could think of. The only difference was the
expression on their faces... the lack of warmth in his father's eyes and the
style of their hair.
No. Asahi would not look like that in twenty years. He would still have his
warm eyes, his smile... his giant heart. Everyone that cared for him so much
would make sure of it.
Completely silent, his father stuck his hand out to him, waiting for him to
take it.
Suga stood frozen to the spot, fighting to keep his face from showing the
heartbreak he felt for his friend, as he took in the horrible display before
him.
It wasn't a hand given in love or the seeking of forgiveness, or even pride. It
was cold and unfeeling. It was goodbye.
Straightening his posture, Asahi puffed out his chest and took his father's
hand. For just a moment, they looked at each other, their eyes locked.
Then it was over. His father turned on his heel and walked upstairs into the
master bedroom, closing the door behind him.
There was no goodnight, we'll call you when we get there, let us know if you
need anything, or just want to talk. There wasn't even a farewell to him, their
guest.
No need to put on airs any longer.
Going down to the lower floor, they went into his room and shut the door.
Dropping their duffle bags, Suga clicked on the small desk lamp in the corner,
while Asahi leaned back against the door in relief.
Even though Suga hadn't stayed over since he'd left the team, the pallet on the
floor was still in it's normal spot. Washed and ready for the next time they'd
be together.
"Were you expecting me?"
Easing away from the door, he spoke quietly. "I was hoping."
Watching him as he walked casually over to his closet, opening it, Asahi
started to get undressed, not caring that he was there.
It wasn't like it did matter. They'd been dressing and undressing, showering
and everything else boys did in front of each other that were on teams
together, for the last two years.
But now it felt different. There was a tension there that wasn't there before.
It wasn't necessarily a bad tension, but it was still there and it was changing
things.
Suga tried to avert his eyes as Asahi pulled on a clean t-shirt, then slipped
out of his briefs to don clean ones. His hands fumbling with his own clothes,
constantly glancing at his muscled backside as Asahi bent over to put his feet
into his clean briefs.
His eyes involuntarily dancing over every curve, lingering over the cleft
between his cheeks and how the fine dark hairs gathered just above it, running
down between where they finally disappeared into the shadow there.
Swallowing, he turned his head and pulled his own bottoms up.
Before he could argue with him, Asahi got onto the pallet on the floor, pulling
the covers up over himself. His own bed lay open and ready next to him for his
friend.
It wouldn't have mattered even if he did argue. Asahi would never make him
sleep in the floor when he was there anyway.
Settled in, they turned toward each other. Asahi's hand stretched upward to
take his, and for a few moments they held hands.
No matter how each one of them wanted it, nor the tension they both felt over
it, nothing would happen while his parents were still there. Tomorrow though,
was another thing entirely. They would be alone.
Chapter End Notes
     I will apologize now for any misspelling of these guy's first names.
     I've noticed that this site has some of the first names spelled just
     a bit differently in the settings/tags than what I've seen online and
     in the anime, for instance Shoyo vs Shoyou and Koshi vs Koushi. So
     sorry for any errors.
     Also, some of the timing of events will vary from the anime, which is
     what I'm used to. I've never read the manga. Even though I'm fitting
     my story around this, I will try to keep things as correct as
     possible.
     Another coming, I will try to make it longer. Thanks for your
     patience and for reading.
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