"We Understand Why You Did It But...we're A Team, Right? Together We Can Fly Even Higher. Always." (HQ

"We understand why you did it but...we're a team, right? Together we can fly even higher. Always." (HQ Fluff Week, D1)

Restless, Ch2

Read Chapter 1 | Ao3

Hinata can't help the bouncing. It's been years since he's been back and after "sightseeing" from afar (because really, they could still be recognized, it hadn't been that long since they left) they're home.

Tsukishima scoffs, "It's only been a few years for us, it's been nearly their whole lives."

Hinata smiles, grabs Tsukishima's hand in his, reminds himself that yes, that's true, it could have been Tsukishima's whole life, nearly gone in the sixty years they'd been away, is glad they found a way to make it not so. But he also feels slightly guilty. Was Tsukishima glad he'd left all of this behind? It was still early but what if...

Tsukishima squeezes his hand, "Stop thinking, you always think about stupid things and then get sad."

Hinata pouts, "Not stupid!"

Tsukishima rolls his eyes, "Really? Then why the constipated look? Need a bathroom? You can probably run into the woods." He frowns at the lack of homes as they continue to follow the road, "Where did they say to meet again? I can't believe Tadashi lives so far..."

Meanwhile Hinata just splutters, "That's so unsanitary!! And no I'm not constipated, we haven't even eaten human food!!"

Tsukishima laughs and tugs at his arm, "Then everything is okay, let's hurry."

Hinata feels a smile come to his face again and he yells out, "Okay!" Because really, Tsukishima is right, somehow everything has been alright

Which is why they even have this opportunity

---

After being gone with little to no communication, most of Karasuno had paid them a surprise visit at their new home, which was so far out North that Tsukishima had nearly frozen when they'd first moved there.

(Hinata remembers how he'd felt so useless, unable to help warm Tsukishima. It was the opposite really, his body much too cold, and after sleeping together for years, making sure to keep his distance, at least at night when Tsukishima's temperature also dropped, had made him very sad. They'd both acclimated to the situation in time)

They had only just finished a feeding session, which Tsukishima had almost forcefully made Hinata do. He'd noticed how Hinata somehow felt colder, he had been spacing out, and that tanned tinge to his skin was starting to become paler. He had started to look like, well, a creature

"Just hurry up and drink!" He'd pushed his arm under Hinatas nose, his sweater sleeve drawn up. He'd seen the way Hinata's eyes had dilated, his mouth opened, but still he held back

He'd sighed, touched Hinata's lips, "It's okay, I'll be fine, it'll only be a bit."

Hinata had drank, carefully, watching him, making sure he really was okay. He'd then lapped at his skin, tickling him with his tongue, kissed the fading and new marks of his teeth, staining his lips red, and then bandaged him up, pulled his sleeve down, kissed him over the cloth, held his hand

"I love you."

The knock came when Hinata was putting away the first aid kit

They had both been confused. They hadn't told anyone their new address, although they also hadn't tried to hide it either (anyone who truly wanted to find them could with a bit of detective work). Tsukishima pulled on a small blanket over his shoulders as Hinata went to open the door

Karasuno's relieved but upset faces greeted him

They'd sat around their small living room, the air slightly tense.

It had been interesting to see Hinata apologize and try to hide what was going on, his flailing and muttered words so obviously lies that even Kageyama wasn't convinced.

Tsukishima had finally given into Hinata's side stare and admitted, "He's a vampire."

Hinata just gaped at him.

Surprisingly, or perhaps not, it was Kageyama who broke the silence with a so that's why your hands were always so cold, which made Tsukishima want to facepalm. Really? So easily? And because of that? Hinata could have just had bad circulation (although thinking about it, that probably wouldn't have made much sense either)

But then the pieces began to come into place for the others too and Tsukishima begrudgingly was glad for Kageyama's words. The little things that everyone always found off but never truly questioned surfaced

Sugawara, "The passing out?"

Tanaka, "I knew it was weird you didn't eat as much as us even though you ran around the most!"

Nishinoya, "So cool!! Can you turn into a bat?!"

Daichi, "Wait, are you...?"

He'd shaken his head, "No." He paused. They may as well tell them about their plans too, "Not yet."

That was how they shared their biggest secret. And also when they were made to promise not to disappear again

Sugawara had smacked their backs, "Our first years are so high maintenance! I can't believe you made us come all the way out here!"

Taukishima had just sighed, "We haven't been in school for years."

Sugawara was quick to reply, "And yet you two still act like kids, especially with this little stunt!"

Azumane had been kinder. He'd grabbed Hinata by the shoulder, a soft smile on his lips, "We understand why you did it but...we're a team, right? Together we can fly even higher. Always."

Hinata had cried big ugly tears, "Always!"

---

It was the first time Hinata had broken his rule about returning to a place before it was safe and he's glad the reason is this little town where he's gained so much. Perhaps he'll find himself living here a third time (another rule broken) in the distant future, Tsukishima at his side

But for now, they sneak into town in order to meet up with their friends, practically family, without anyone's notice.

"Finally, there it is," Tsukishima sighs

It was a perfect little home with a big backyard, nearly merging with the woods behind it if it weren't for the fencing around the house. There also weren't many neighbors, which was ideal for the occasion. They came in through the back, the door left unlocked just for them

There's a woman on the porch, her silver hair cropped, and her tiny feet dangling in the air, sandals right under just in case she needs them. She has a baby on her lap, a pacifier keeping them occupied, while another child, this one a toddler, runs around with a volleyball in hand. He seems to be blubbering about something Hinata can't make out. He feels his eyes prickle and he grins wide

"Yachi!!" he waves at her while pulling Tsukishima along.

Yachi turns around, only just noticing them. She rearranges the baby so they are sitting up, "Hinata!! Tsukishima!!" She turns into the house, "Tadashi, they're here!"

There is some shuffling indoors and then a freckled man appears, his back slightly angled, "Tsukki?!"

From there, an outpour of people comes. Tsukishima mutters an I can't believe the King is still alive, I thought he'd keel over first, and Hinata can't help the bellow that leaves his body

And Kageyama, such a force on their team, is still loud and awkward and unwavering. And he needs a cane because of an injury

Sugawara had laughed when he'd told them the news a few months back, "He still acts like a kid, his body can't keep up!"

Azumane is the first to properly greet them, "You two really haven't changed."

Nishinoya is on his heels, still bright and energetic. His hair is shorter and speckled with gray, and just as wild as his high school days, "Of course they haven't, you know why!"

Azumane laughs, "Not because of that."

Yachi asks Hinata if he wants to hold the baby, her grandchild from her youngest daughter, now 23 and conveniently not home. Hinata nods enthusiastically and he's instantly charmed by the gurgles and kicking and the honey-brown eyes he's sure they've inherited from Yachi (Yachi blushes, but nods, "Yup! My daughter and her husband both have dark eyes so all mine!).

As he's holding the child, he realizes this is the first time he's been this happy, not about leaving, he will always hate leaving, but at how things turned out

He watches Tsukishima carry the other child, who hadn't stopped staring at him because "Ta'! Me, up, up!"

Daichi and Tanaka aren't there yet, both of them running late (Sugawara tells them Daichi went to pick up Kiyoko and Tanaka from her family home where she'd been visiting her parents' graves. He'd laughed at Hinata's worried look, Don't worry. None of them are actually driving.) - but everyone else is sitting outside in the shade of the porch, recounting the latest gossip. Their laughing is loud and Hinata thinks that his family has also not changed at all

He looks over at Tsukishima, who now has a slightly disgusted look on his face as he lets the child climb on his shoulders, his dirty hands pulling at his blonde hair

Hinata smiles.

Together they really have flown to the top

It's perfect.

---

A/N:

i was conflicted about tenses and character names #rip (ah well)

i hope you guys enjoyed! this is sort of the “good ending” of this used to be oneshot i wrote for the seasons of anime exchange, but like i mentioned in that posts notes, i kind of wanted to continue but didn’t know if i should do the good or bad ending xD maybe if there’s a hq angst week i can post the bad ending :”) but for now, i think this will be it?! who knows

Prompts for day 1: - Reunion - Found family - "We can fly even higher!"

🍂SEASONS OF ANIME EXCHANGE 2021

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Reveals happening on 1st September! 🔖Bookmark our collection: https://archiveofourown.org/collections/sofa_exchange_2021/works

Enjoy this sneak peek into our collection tags↘

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I can’t wait to share what I did for the seasons of anime exchange >_< 

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He was in his second year of university when he met Reigen (ReiMob, same age AU)

One Semester

Read on Ao3

Mob wouldn't really describe himself as insecure. Or at least not anymore.

He remembers his middle school years and how he'd always stutter and choke on his thoughts and words, especially anything regarding his childhood sweetheart Tsubomi. But there were many events in his short esper life that had helped him grow and before he knew it, he'd graduated high school and finally started university, and all of those insecurities had stayed in his past. Of course, that didn't mean he wasn't insecure sometimes even as an adult. Sometimes, when his new friends would invite him out, he'd stand in front of his bedroom mirror and ponder what to wear, unsure if he should put more effort into his looks. At other times, when, as Ekubo so kindly assured him he was being hit on he'd feel a flush on his face, confused as to why this could be true, and he'd once more trip over his words, but it was nothing compared to how he felt now

He was in his second year of university when he met Reigen

Normally, their classes wouldn't overlap since Reigen was a senior and in the business department, and Mob was still taking beginner classes as an undecided major, but they'd somehow picked the same elective course, and, Reigen with his affability, had pretty much charmed everyone. Especially Mob

So much that during their first month of classes together, Mob was sure he'd never been more embarrassed. His being an esper wasn't exactly a secret and he'd never particularly enjoyed showing off, especially after Tsubomi had lost interest in his powers, so he had kind of panicked when he'd lost a bit of control and made all the desks in the room float. Not even Ekubo's voice had been able to penetrate the haze he'd apparently been in. It was Reigen's exclamation that had brought him back to Earth, and with him, the desks as well, all of them falling with roaring thuds. Luckily nobody had been hurt, but Mob had been so sick, he'd missed the rest of his classes and even decided to skip the next day

He remembers Ritsu at his door trying to coax him out

Ekubo was the one who managed to get Mob back to class, that business kid, the one you like, he wants to see you

He really didn't want to, but he was also curious. His heart was racing, not just from the nervousness of seeing the guy he was currently crushing on (he remembers Ekubo's shocked face when Mob blushed during their introduction on their first day. He'd gone over to him and nearly screamed, Are you serious?! This one?!), but from the uncertainty of their conversation. What did Reigen want to tell him? Why did he want to see him? Was he mad? Upset? He was in business, Mob wasn't sure what career path, but perhaps he...Mob felt something get stuck in his throat...wanted to s-sue him? Damages? He vaguely remembers something similar happening when he was younger

Trying to figure out the reason was tougher than a test question with the "all or none of the above" option. Ekubo just picked his nose, claiming he didn't know either. He'd just heard the kid asking about Mob, but no he didn't seem upset

Mob had somehow sat through his classes, all of them, even as he felt a penetrating gaze at his back. After his classes, he'd walked to the quad and sat at a bench by the library entrance, waiting

"Mob!" he heard his name called out and when he looked up, there he was

Mob hadn't known Reigen for long, but the few times he'd seen him, Reigen was always wearing a suit. He'd never understood adults who wore them. They seemed constricting and stuffy, but the way Reigen looked in his suits somehow fit. The suits also made him look a bit older, more precise, and when he spoke, it seemed to give him more authority. People always listened to him, enraptured, not just by his voice but his body language, the flow of his hands, his confident stare

By then, perhaps because it was near the end of the day, the sun was nearly setting, Reigen had changed. He wasn't wearing a suit. Instead, he wore a white t-shirt and some grey sweatpants, a pair of sneakers on his feet. His hair was also slightly messy and Mob wasn't sure which Reigen he liked best, this one that looked softer and his rightful age, or the suited and more mature one

He barely registered Ekubo's, ugh, I'm heading home

"Hey," Reigen greeted him and Mob only nodded, then reminded himself that this was his chance to properly speak with him!

"H-Hi," he stuttered and felt his cheeks flush. Reigen only grinned

"I'm glad you came back to class. I thought maybe you'd drop the course. You seemed kind of...well, not okay that day when you left." There was an unspoken question in the air and Mob felt his body heat up remembering what happened. He swallowed the lump in his throat

"I'm o-okay," he assured, "I don't normally..." he made vague movements with his hands, "I was just d-distracted. It won't..." he took a deep breath to calm himself, "It won't happen again."

Reigen seemed to deflate a bit, "Wait, seriously? But that was so cool!"

Mob felt his heart skip a beat but he stayed firm, "I could have hurt someone."

Reigen frowned slightly, not upset, more so thoughtfully. He angled his hips for a moment, his hand on his chin, and then straightened out with a smile, "Hey, I know! Why don't you practice your powers with me!"

Mob could feel this was a bad idea, but the way Reigen's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm and knowing that they'd be interacting more if he said yes...

"O-okay," was his mumbled reply

----

After that, the two of them saw each other more frequently "to train" Mob's esper powers. He actually had stopped using his powers in middle school, preferring to hone his body and mind (or at least attempt to), which is probably why he struggled with some of the tasks Reigen gave him. Or perhaps it was because it was Reigen talking to him, smiling at him, touching his arm, throwing his arm around his shoulder, taking him out to eat, that had Mob at his limits. But if anything good came out of this, and Mob could list a few things, it was that Mob got used to Reigen. He still felt himself get nervous around the confident man, but at least he could speak without stuttering

The activities that Reigen came up with were usually childish and easy (like the time Reigen had Mob levitate some desks while he played loud music and sang along. He remembers Ekubo screaming about his ears and ok, Mob had to admit that Reigen couldn't hold a tune but he'd found it cute so while his ears did hurt for a bit, it was worth it. Or the time Reigen tried to tickle him while he concentrated on making water bubbles, except he wasn't ticklish. Mob would have counted this as a victory but then Ekubo went ahead and loudly exclaimed, careful, he's going to put his hands into your pants and Reigen's hands were a bit close to the edge of his pants and his concentration completely unbalanced and the water bubbles splashed them both. Ekubo couldn't stop laughing at how red Mob had gotten), so instead of training, Mob would often feel like they were just...hanging out

Ekubo would just roll his eyes, Shigeo, sometimes I wonder how you're twenty, you're so naive

He didn't really understand what Ekubo was trying to tell him but he knew these feelings for Reigen weren't "naive" or at least not always. He remembered the time Reigen, so perceptive, had noticed that Mob often "spaced out". Reigen had been slurping on some noodles, the broth getting all over his face and some, Mob noticed, sprinkling onto the table they sat at. "Not sure what's going on, but it's like, you're going to think I'm crazy, but it seems like you're listening to someone talk to you."

And Mob had confessed that that was exactly what he'd been doing. Reigen nearly choked from the excitement on his face, "Ghosts are real?! Can I talk to him?"

Ekubo hadn't liked the idea. For some reason, he'd never particularly liked Reigen and Mob had yet to figure out why, If he can't see me, he can't see me. Probably doesn't have even a spark of power. Mob had relayed the message and Reigen had just shrugged. He'd seemed nonchalant about the topic, but Mob, after spending so many evenings with him, had noticed the slight droop of his frame

After eating, the two decided to walk back to the dorms, but right before parting, Mob had taken Reigen's hand. Reigen had just looked at him curiously and Mob hoped and prayed his hands wouldn't suddenly start sweating too much, "I have an idea."

Mob pushed some of his own power into Reigen. He wasn't sure if it would work, but it was because of his own power that Ritsu's had manifested. Perhaps Ekubo was right and Reigen didn't have any abilities, but perhaps he did. Or perhaps he could temporarily share his own, just a tiny bit

Reigen's eyes grew wide as he felt Mob's esper powers flow into him and he couldn't help the grin and exclamation that escaped his lips, "He's a green blob! Can I touch him?"

Without waiting for a response or releasing Mob's hand, Reigen reached out towards Ekubo, who was Not Amused, "Hey! Hands off kid!" he floated behind Mob, "Shigeo, keep him away or I'll possess him!"

"Shigeo?" Reigen tilted his head, "He calls you by your first name?"

Mob felt his hand warm at the sound of his name coming from Reigen. He knew Reigen wasn't technically calling him but just hearing his name coming from his crush...he felt the butterflies again. Butterflies that quickly turned into a burning sensation as he imagined Reigen calling him Shigeo in a different context. He pulled his hand away and wiped them on his pants, having felt them start to sweat and become clammy. His face was red, he could feel it, but could also feel Ekubo's stare, Reigen's stare...it was too much and he excused himself. It was late, he had to go to bed, they had class the next morning

----

Sharing his power with Reigen was experimental. He hadn't ever done that before and he wasn't sure what the consequences would be. In the end, Reigen develops the ability to see Ekubo without Mob's help. There aren't any other spirits in the area so they can't really test out if perhaps Reigen can see or sense others. They decide that can be an experiment for another day. Instead, Reigen tries to befriend Ekubo, which doesn't exactly turn out well, but the two of them are civil. Mob is glad since Ekubo is his friend and Reigen, well, he likes Reigen

They become busier with school work as the semester starts coming to an end. All the teachers have surely conspired and Mob has too many final projects to go out with Reigen like they used to. This also means Reigen is busier since he's also taking his business core classes.

On the night of their last class, Reigen sends him a text, meet me at the quad

Mob checks the time, it's almost midnight, but he doesn't hesitate to put on a hoodie, slip on the closest pair of jeans, and head out. The moon is bright as he walks the block to the quad and a few people walk past him, taking a night stroll or heading home after a night of last-minute submissions. He doesn't pay much attention to them and when he finally reaches the quad, he sees a figure sitting on the ground, looking up at the sky. Reigen is wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants. There's a curious design on the shirt that reminds Mob of Ekubo and he wonders if maybe Reigen bought it because of that. He smiles

"Reigen," he calls out, announcing his presence. Reigen leans back, tilting his head and smiles, patting the space beside him. Mob sits down, listens to the night creatures and the sound of the few cars passing by the school, the engines quiet and almost soothing. A few voices reach them but they are far enough away where the words don't register. It's a peaceful night

There is a sense of dread building in Mob's stomach. They only really started to hang out when they started taking this class, when Mob showed his powers, and while he now had Reigen's contact information, a part of him wondered if this was the end. Maybe Reigen wouldn't want to hang out with him anymore.

Mob wasn't usually this pessimistic but Ekubo had been kind enough to remind him that Reigen, if anything, was only interested in his powers, And you already showed him all you can do. He's probably gotten bored. For a moment, Mob wishes he had used his powers when he was younger, done what Ritsu and Ekubo had told him, but it's a thought that comes and goes. The use of his powers was something he has always been firm about and while these last few weeks have been fun and nothing has happened, Ritsu is the prime example that something can always go bad

After a while, Reigen finally speaks and Mob thinks that maybe there's sadness in his voice, "Today was the last day of classes, submissions too. Gah! I can't believe they didn't give us until the weekend, grades aren't even due until a few weeks from now."

"They do have to grade everything," he commented, not especially caring about the topic. If he had more time, there really wouldn't have been much of a difference

Reigen lets himself fall onto the ground, "I doubt they actually grade everything. There's too much!"

He's not expecting an answer and Mob doesn't really know what to say so they end up in silence again but only for a moment. Reigen turns to him, "Lay down next to me."

Mob feels himself grow warm under his sweater but does as Reigen says. They both lie on the grass and he knows and feels how close their hands are to touching. Ekubo had decided not to join them and he's glad for that. He's sure he would comment on how Mob is blushing, how loud his heart is beating, how his fingers twitch in anticipation, hoping there will be an excuse, anything, for them to close the distance (but of course, he can't really think of anything, the last time they held hands was because Reigen started running and didn't want to leave Mob behind, before that it was to check and see if Mob had started bleeding after falling, before that to forcefully hand him his payment for the ramen they had after classes, and before that-)

Reigen holds his hand. His hand is clammy and warm and soft, Is he nervous too? His heart is in his throat and ears and maybe even on his palm and he wonders if Reigen can feel it beating so quickly

"Hey Mob," he says softly, he's turned to look at Mob

Mob does the same, "Yes?" And he just stares at Mob for a moment and seems to nod to himself

"I, I don't usually eavesdrop you know," he started, "but I saw you with Ekubo the other day. I heard him saying...I heard him say I only hang out with you because of your powers." Mob feels Reigen squeeze his hand tighter, "So I decided not to see you this past week. I mean, I was also busy with school work and you were too but I was thinking too and I wanted to tell you something."

Mob can't look away and he nods, letting Reigen know he's listening, that he can continue.

Reigen takes a deep breath, "I like you!"

It's so sudden and loud that Mob freezes in place, his pulse skyrocketing, the confession echoing in his mind and he's confused as to how they went from talking about Ekubo and his powers, to suddenly being confessed to. Reigen looks down at their hands and just smiles, moves his fingers away and Mob doesn't want that. He feels like he can breathe again and he nervously grabs Reigen's retreating hand.

It's his turn now, "I-I like you!...too."

It's quiet for a moment and then Reigen laughs, his body relaxes, and he threads their fingers together, "I'm so glad! I'm so happy, can you feel it?" He's moved their hands onto his chest and Mob can feel how fast his heart is beating. Exactly like his

"Mine too," he confesses.

Reigen grins at him, leaves their hands on his chest but rearranges them so that it's more comfortable, "This is the best day," he all but whispers. Mob only catches it because he can't look away

"You know, the first time I saw you, I thought you were so cool," Reigen confesses, "Well, you're still cool but you're also really cute."

Mob feels like he's burning up again, "The time with the desks?"

Reigen turns to him, a bit of a blush on his face, and Mob is fascinated. Reigen doesn't really blush, not even when he gets nervous (not that he gets nervous often, he's very confident and knowledgeable), "Well, about that...actually, this is going to sound kind of weird but...that wasn't the first time I saw you..."

And now Mob is confused because he's pretty sure he would remember someone like Reigen

"You went to Salt Middle School, right?" he doesn't wait for Mob to answer but Mob nods, "Well, I have a friend who went there, and I went to see him. There was some event going on, I just remember a marathon, but he was faking being sick and kind of left me alone. I know, what kind of friend does that, right? Well, I was just walking around and I somehow ended up watching everyone run and then I saw you. Your knee was bleeding but you had this really determined look in your eyes, I think I heard someone say you eventually passed out but I really thought you were cool. That same friend mentioned you got into this university and I thought maybe we could be friends. Well, that was before I actually saw you."

He's grins at Mob, "After I saw you I knew I wanted to date you."

"D-Date?" Mob croaks out but then he pauses, that's the logical next step, right? If they both like each other then...

"Are we boyfriends now?" he asks quietly.

Reigen sits up and turns to Mob, "That's what I forgot! Yes! Do you want to be my boyfriend Shigeo Kageyama?"

Mob smiles. He sits up too, "Yes."

----

OMAKE (One year later)

Reigen finishes up the tidying and turns to Mob who is setting up the "counter" where he will mainly be taking payments. They don't have a lot in terms of starting capital so everything they've bought or scrounged up are the bare essentials. Reigen starts, "You know, you don't have to stop going to school. You could help part-time. I don't want your scary brother to think I stole you away or something."

Mob can't help but let out a small laugh at the almost accurate accusation, "It's okay, I talked to him about it, and my family too. I didn't really know what I wanted to continue studying so this works out." He'd finally finished up his electives, leaving him no wiggle room for classes. His counselor had scheduled a meeting with him and pretty much said that if he didn't have a career path in mind, it was best to just take a break. School was expensive and Mob's grades had never been great. He'd taken a break and in that time Reigen had finished his own degree

Ekubo comes in through the window, "Shigeo, you sure you want to be part of this shady business? Spirits and Such Consultations? Sounds like a con-gig to me."

Reigen claps loudly, "Not conning people! We're really going to help some people out. Mob can exorcise spirits and if there aren't any spirits involved, we just find a solution to what's bothering them. Here are some fliers." He hands a stack to Mob and then looks at Ekubo, "Well, I guess you can't pass these around. That's fine."

Ekubo sighs, "I wouldn't even if I had a body. Shigeo, we're going to get shut down."

"Not all businesses are successful the first time! We just have to be flexible, right Mob?"

Mob nods, and pulls Reigen into a back hug. He's sure everything will work out. Reigen is passionate and hardworking, and Mob is willing to match that dedication with his own love.

There's a knock on the door and they all scramble, even Ekubo.

"Our first customer!" "I can't believe someone actually came in here!" "I'll get some tea started!"

Reigen calls out that the door is unlocked and three kids come inside. They're all wearing the same uniform, a baseball one Reigen notes, and they look so different in personality it's almost jarring, but a customer is a customer. He gestures towards the "sitting area" and as they all settle down, he begins...

"Welcome to Spirits and Such Consultation, what can we do for you guys?"

One of them looks like he's already fallen asleep and the smallest looks over to the brown-haired kid and nudges his leg.

"Well, you see..."

---

A/N:

OMG it's been AGES since I last wrote in this fandom!!

I hope you guys enjoyed and that I wasn’t too rusty...!

Some notes + I like to play around with ages but this is the first time I've done a same age AU + GOD I hope they're not TOO ooc (but they probably are *cries*) + I originally had this other idea with ghosts but then this one won out

Gift for aliquoten: Tsukishima closes his eyes and falls into a restless slumber (sofa’21)

Restless

Read on Ao3 

Tsukishima can’t sleep. Actually, he hasn’t been able to sleep well for the past few days, but this is the first time he’s opened his eyes to see him sleeping. The reason behind his insomnia. The room is dark, they always close the blinds every night, but it’s slowly approaching sunrise and some of those lights are starting to peek into their room.

Hinata is lying completely still next to him. It’s so different from the excitable and human version he (and everyone) sees during the waking hours.

Since Hinata doesn’t usually have to sleep, it’s rare for Tsukishima to see him in this state. After all, why would vampires need to sleep? He can see Hinata rolling his eyes at him, Everyone needs to rest every now and then, even people like me! He remembers Hinata’s stories of how he used to have a younger sister and they’d both end up sharing a futon sometimes, their limbs sprawled all over the bedding but also spilling out onto the hardwood floors of their traditional Japanese home. Their mother would find them snoring loudly in the mornings, their bellies uncovered, I don’t really remember what it felt like, to sleep like that, but sometimes I remember feeling happy you know? So I miss it. I can’t really snore anymore since I don’t need to breathe

No, he doesn’t. Instead, Hinata’s slumber is still, dark, and Tsukishima would usually panic if he woke up to someone so still and cold sleeping next to him, but this is somehow a comfort to him. He knows anything can easily wake up Hinata but his hand moves before he can think and he places it into Hinata’s, holding the lifeless limb

Hinata doesn’t move so he’s either truly dead to the world or he’s humoring Tsukishima

Tsukishima closes his eyes and falls into a restless slumber.

---

They have been living together for five years. Tsukishima doesn’t believe in forever. He knows that things change for one reason or another, but he feels like this could be it and it scares him that Hinata will just stare at him in silence when he talks about something longer. Or that his answers will carry some uncertainty. He’ll still be exuberant, but his eyes will shift, his hands will randomly start to play with something as a distraction, and Tsukishima wonders if maybe he’s the only one that wants forever

But Hinata truly has forever. He’s changed his life numerous times. Forever to him means a timed life, I haven’t lived everywhere in Japan yet but I’ve visited every place I can find, you know, to see if maybe it can be my next home. One time I went to America! It was so different!! But I came back. Maybe it can be my next home one day but I like it here

Tsukishima has only considered and embraced forever because Hinata is by his side

He doesn’t want to move from town to town and start a new life, change his name on occasion, leave loved ones behind, but he does want to keep holding Hinata’s hand. He wants them to keep going on those expensive trips where Hinata tells him some obscure tale about the inns that only someone who had been around hundreds of years ago would know. He wants to scold Hinata about walking around the house or outside with his hair wet, even though he knows nothing will come of it, because that’s what couples do. And as sullen as he’ll look in many of the photographs that have accumulated in their little apartment, Tsukishima also wants more of that

He wants to always be able to see Hinata’s smile at its brightest.

---

Hinata says he doesn’t live in the same place twice, but I made an exception for this place. I actually went to school here once, a long long time ago! I’m glad I came back

Tsukishima is glad too. He knows they started off on the wrong foot, mostly because Tsukishima is a jerk, he admits it, knows it, and is rather proud of it. He doesn’t like to give everyone his time and being nice to everyone is just exhausting. Perhaps there was some resentment in his way of thinking a few years ago, but he’s since then disentangled those threads and now he keeps up his attitude because it’s such an easier way to live

Being with Hinata has mellowed him out in some people’s eyes at least. Yamaguchi is still his best friend and they have the same sense of humor often, but if Tsukishima ever says the wrong thing, he knows Hinata will call him out. He doesn’t usually listen if the person he’s pissing off is Kageyama and he’s come to terms with the fact that there’s some jealousy in his blood regarding that

One of the reasons Hinata doesn’t like to come back to the same place more than once is because of people like Kageyama. They’re sitting on the couch when Hinata tells him, You shouldn’t be so mean to Kageyama, he’s not a bad guy. Tsukishima had only made an annoyed grunt. You know, this is a secret but…I used to know someone from Kageyama’s family when I lived here the first time. It actually scared me the first time I saw him, they look almost identical. Maybe that’s why we’re so competitive

Tsukishima wonders if this means anything. Hinata tells him that he’d been best friends with the other Kageyama and he speaks fondly of him. He wonders if that one knew of Hinata’s secret, if he would have also desired forever with Hinata, or if he’d known and decided to stay here. So many things could be different

He asks about his own ancestors. Hinata looks at him, No Tsukishima’s of your family in my life until you, that’s why I’m so happy I came back

Tsukishima agrees.

---

The first time Hinata drinks directly from Tsukishima happens when they first start living together. Hinata likes to hold his hand and Tsukishima doesn’t mind, he enjoys the way Hinata’s fingers will roam his skin, how his eyes will look so intently at the veins there. Tsukishima doesn’t know much about vampires, aside from the usual pop culture stereotypes, but he tells Hinata one day, if he wants to, that he doesn’t mind letting him drink from his neck

He imagines it would be painful, but if it’s for Hinata, he doesn’t mind. And there’s a sense of possession that he likes in the act.

Hinata had sat on his lap at the offer, kissed him slowly, so tenderly, on the lips. Drowned him in kisses, on his cheeks, his forehead, and then moved so slowly onto his neck. Tsukishima had gripped those small hips, prepared himself, but Hinata had only kissed him, gone so far as to leave a hickey. He’d seen how he’d stared at the blood coming to the surface, licked his lips. But he’d continued kissing, pulled his arm to his lips, kissed his wrist, up, up, up

And that’s where he felt the pinprick of teeth

Hinata had drank as carefully as he kissed, making sure to keep Tsukishima’s discomfort at a minimum. He’d asked about it when they were in the bath, Oh that, well, what if I hurt you? I’ve known vampires that have accidentally killed people like that. And doctors always take blood from the arm so that seemed safest to me

It makes Tsukishima curious about other things.

At that point, he’d known that sunlight didn’t truly affect vampires like it did in movies. Hinata didn’t turn into ash, otherwise, he wouldn’t have survived as long as he did. And he doesn’t start to look otherworldly…or at least not in a vampiric sense. It does make him dizzy to stay out for too long and one time he’d passed out. Tsukishima remembers they’d been having a team reunion and everyone had panicked when Hinata just lay still in the park.

Sugawara had already snapped open his phone to call for an ambulance and Yachi (who had been the closest to Hinata) had nearly fainted as she yelled out that Hinata wasn’t breathing. Tsukishima had just grabbed Hinata, and he was glad he kept a semi-regular workout routine because otherwise picking up his limb boyfriend would have been nearly impossible, and told the others he just needed to cool off indoors for a moment, I’ll be right back

He’d managed to help wake Hinata with a bit of blood and after that, everyone decided that the next time they met, being outdoors for too long would be a bad idea

As for the garlic, that was one of the earliest examples that proved “deadly vampire items” were not exactly accurate.

But Tsukishima wondered, what about turning others? He was afraid to ask. What if that wasn’t true either? Or, he felt a churning in his gut every time he thought about this, what if Hinata didn’t want Tsukishima in his life for that long?

---

Tsukishima’s sleep is restless so when Hinata starts to move his fingers along his arm, he feels it and he’s instantly awake. But he doesn’t open his eyes. He keeps his eyes closed and enjoys the feeling of Hinata’s cold touch. Tsukishima is still holding onto one of Hinata’s hands and when he feels Hinata move closer, he knows that Hinata has noticed he’s awake. Tsukishima opens his eyes to see Hinata only inches away from him. He’s smiling and they kiss good morning

“How did you sleep?” Hinata asks quietly. He’s so quiet that Tsukishima wonders if maybe he imagined it.

Tsukishima’s body feels tired. He wants to stretch and see if anything pops, if it will help him relax. His body is too tense. But he also doesn’t want to move away from Hinata so instead, he says, “Okay.”

Hinata is watching him and Tsukishima knows he can see the lies. Hinata moves up to touch the bags under his eyes, touches his pale skin, and caresses his damp hair. He only notices it now

Tsukishima closes his eyes again for a moment.

Hinata has been here too long.

Hinata has been here for ten years and people are starting to comment on his appearance more and more. It’s not entirely strange for someone in their supposed late twenties to still look young, but soon it will be apparent that something isn’t right. And soon Tsukishima will start to look older than the boy who has been stuck at twenty-five for hundreds of years. It will be obvious, so Hinata had started the process

Tsukishima had seen some of the photographs and decorations disappear from where they belonged. He’d seen Hinata’s usual messy clothes in their shared closet become neater. Some clothes folded and packed too meticulously. He’d been home for a few weeks too. He’s sure Hinata has quit his job

Hinata has also stopped asking for food. Hinata doesn’t have to eat and his body doesn’t reject the food (as long as he takes care and has enough blood circulating in his system, Hinata functions as a normal human would), but he’s always loved sharing meals with Tsukishima. Now he’s only seen Hinata snack on a few things.

It has also been a week since he last fed from Tsukishima.

He wonders if this is Hinata’s way of slowly removing himself from Tsukishima’s life. He wonders how Hinata even managed to get inside so deeply.

Tsukishima wonders if this is Hinata’s answer to the many times he’s implied he wants forever with him.

He feels Hinata shift in bed again and then he’s being hugged, Hinata’s small hands rubbing his back. He’s half laying atop Hinata and he wants to tell him to get away, but if this is what he’ll be left with, he wants it all. He grips Hinata tightly and they both lie there as the birds sing outside and the sun finishes its ascent.

Hinata clears his throat and Tsukishima realizes that lying like this, he can’t see Hinata’s face, his eyes, and from how wobbly he speaks, his tears, “Kei, it’s time you know.”

Tsukishima doesn’t say anything, let’s Hinata continue.

“I’ve never stayed this long you know,” he’s not trying to hide the fact he’s crying, “Ten years is a lot in my time. People grow and change a lot in that time, but…but I like it here. I like the kids at the school, they’ve been practicing so hard for their next match, and I like to see K-Kageyama huff and even smile when we beat his team.” Hinata’s hand stops rubbing Tsukishima’s back, opting to just stay in place

“And whenever we can meet up with the team. Yachi also called me the other day. She’s having twins, did you know that?”

He did. Yamaguchi had been so happy and scared that he’d called Tsukishima as soon as he’d heard the news.

“But you know why I didn’t leave?” they shift again and Tsukishima feels a messy kiss on his forehead. He moves to kiss Hinata and is surprised and glad at the desperation they both share at that moment. Tsukishima is breathless when they finally part and Hinata is looking at him like he also wants forever with him, “It’s because you’re here. I don’t want to leave. I don’t want to leave you. Ever.”

Hinata cries into him and Tsukishima wants the same thing, but neither of them knows how to make this come true. Hinata has rarely encountered any other vampires and he doesn’t remember how he came to be in this state. He just remembers…being.

Tsukishima isn’t the type for mushy talk but he grabs Hinata’s face and finally lets his feelings flow, “We can find a way. And if we can’t, ” he swallows the lump in his throat, because that is always a possibility, and if ten years have passed by so quickly, he’s afraid of how fast the rest of his life will go, “If we can’t…then let’s just enjoy what we have. Together.”

He kisses Hinata, “You don’t have to go alone this time. Be selfish. Ask me to go with you.”

---

When they finally manage to get out of bed, the apartment starts to become cold. Decorations are taken off the walls, the refrigerator, the shelves. When Hinata moves, he tries not to take anything with him. It helps alleviate the pain of leaving people behind, but this time Tsukishima is coming with him.

They don’t have to start from zero

---

A/N:

OMG this story was TORTURE

I actually had a few ideas when it came to these two but then I was sleeping (restlessly) and randomly thought, what if Hinata were a vampire?? And since there was recently that TsukkiHina or Tsukishima magic week (or something) and my giftee's likes included some fantasy elements I was like why not? And of course, DA ANGST, which my giftee also listed

Watch me cry over what I wrote

Also, I usually like writing OMAKE in the end notes, please let me know if that's something you guys would like. I kind of didn't automatically do it this time because uhm, I was too busy crying so (esp aliquoten) if you want a little something extra, lmk, I kind of already have something in mind

I hope you all enjoyed~

“The next few days, Yachi makes sure he doesn't forget about Hinata Shouyo. ” (HQ Secret Santa 2021)

Doctor’s Visit, Ch2

Read Chapter 1 | Ao3

Tsukishima's week has been hectic and by week he means since last last Sunday when he was called in because a coworker got sick and well, he hasn't had much luck in getting a break. He's told he'll be able to get a break this weekend, but he knows that's not always true. Emergencies happen and while the clinic isn't really short-staffed, it's also nearing the holidays. The time, in his opinion, when people become stupider.

He sighs and mutters, "I hate the holidays," then he looks up from his desk and says, "What happened to the next one?"

Yachi stands in front of him with a clipboard and the paperwork of his next patient. Hinata Shouyo is written at the top in very clean and elegant writing. He's not sure why but he gets the feeling his grandparents would approve of this penmanship

Yachi looks worried as she explains, "His name is Hinata Shouyo. It looks like he hit his head at work. He's been sitting in the lobby holding his neck. He doesn't look well."

Tsukishima is only half paying attention, reading the details that this Hinata wrote down. It doesn't seem like it's too serious, but one can never know with blows to the head. They can be really nasty and he's glad that at least this patient had the sense to come to the clinic and get checked. Even though it's after the fact. Better late than never.

"Bring him in," he tells Yachi and while she does, he takes a moment to rub at his eyes.

When Yachi returns he's standing and back in professional mode. While he can't be as sunshine and rainbows as some of his peers, he can be civil. No need to worry or harm the patients, although there have been many tempting times to hurl insults. He raises a brow at the man who walks in. His parents chose a good name.

The checkup goes well for the most part and he's surprised that Hinata can pick up on some of his silent insults because really, who gets hurt while playing with five year olds? He looks like he's a pretty lithe person, but he supposes that appearances are deceiving.

But if he's being honest, he's also arrested in those moments. They don't make much eye contact since he's making sure Hinata is alright (his hands are small but hold strength, his neck surprisingly warm) but when he turns, Hinata is watching, staring, and his eyes are so bright and piercing, they make him stall.

He hands Hinata his prescriptions and says, “Just take this to the front desk, they’ll give you the medicine. Take it easy for the next few days. And maybe tell the kids to go easy on you next time. Any questions?” He wouldn't have spoken like this to any other patient, but there's something about Hinata that makes him think he won't start trouble, well, if he even catches the insult. I wouldn't be surprised if it goes over his head

But what Hinata says next completely derails him, “How long have you been a doctor here?”

It's not really something he's been asked frequently. If anything, he only gets it from upset parents and older patients who always want a more "experienced" doctor. But there doesn't seem to be any malice in his question, just curiosity so he says, “Just over a year.”

“You look really young, how old are you?” and that's what Tsukishima was hoping wouldn't be asked. It's not that he doesn't want to reveal his age, but he's already the youngest doctor in the clinic, and he'll admit that he does have a connection, but he's also qualified. He spins the pen in his hand and smiles in a way he knows pleases the nurses, “I meant any questions about your well-being.”

But his attitude doesn't seem to deter Hinata and when his questions eventually turn more personal and Yachi's laughs become bolder, he realizes that Hinata isn't trying to belittle him. He was never really the type to get confessions so he's not sure how to react, and his traitorous body flushes and his heart starts to beat a bit faster. He scowls.

“Ok, one last serious question," Hinata promises and Tsukishima looks at him warily.

He didn't think Hinata could look brighter, but apparently this is him at his dullest. He grins wide, “Do you want to get a coffee? Or tea? I don’t really like coffee or tea but I was thinking we could-”

“Good BYE,” he emphasizes and is glad when Hinata does as he's told. He slams the door shut and Yachi is full blown giggling behind him. He turns around and she takes a breath to say, "You're blushing, oh my god, does that mean you think he's cute?"

He remembers the Yachi of when he first arrived at the clinic and misses how quiet and scared (of him) she used to be, "No." But he does take off his glasses to rub at his eyes, two curious and piercing eyes looking at him from the darkness.

The rest of the day is completely dull compared to that one visit, but he does manage to take a nap for a few minutes during lunch. He wakes up to a small bento from Yachi at his desk. He raises a brow at her but thanks her

"I knew you wouldn't bring a lunch today either and since I had extras," she says while already eating her own share, which the exact same size as his. He checks the time, making sure he has enough time to eat

----

The next few days, Yachi makes sure he doesn't forget about Hinata Shouyo.

They're having lunch one day when she says, "I wonder how Hinata is doing. He really had some trouble that day, remember how he was holding his neck?" She mimics Hinata but her face is completely miserable and Tsukishima can't help but smile.

"I'm sure he didn't look that miserable," he says. When Yachi smirks, he can't help but feel like he's lost.

"Really? How did he look then?" And his mind immediately conjures Hinata holding his neck after he'd tried to tilt it back. Yes, he'd been in pain but his posture had mostly been good. His hair had been lively, fluffy even, his skin warm, his eyes bright, and his lips-

He frowns and closes his bento, thanking Yachi once more, "For the lunch, your company has been less than stellar lately."

That only makes her laugh, "You don't like anyone's company."

It's true. He'd rather be by himself.

The next time she bring him up they're both on a quick fifteen minute break and he takes this chance to get a coffee.

"So why didn't you take him up on his date?"

She is so to the point that day that he nearly drops his coffee. He frowns, "You know that's unethical."

She has her own drink in hand and he recognizes it as a hot chocolate from the vending machine. But she's relentless, "Ok, what if you met him at like, the grocery store or at a cafe like he said, what if he asked you out, would you say yes?"

He scrunches his nose in defiance and lifts his coffee to his mouth, letting the aroma wake him up. He'd been called in again, his weekend rest ruined, "Why are you so invested in this? He probably said that to be cheeky."

She hums and Tsukishima worries about what she'll say next. His worry is correct when she says, "But did you think he was cute?"

He sighs and starts walking back to his office, "Our break is almost over." But he can tell he's blushing slightly, not just because he suddenly feels the heat on his ears, but because Yachi is smiling, a bounce in her steps.

The next time he's ready for Yachi's questioning, but she doesn't bring up Hinata. Instead, she says, "There's this really nice cafe a quick walk from here, by the grocery store. Their hot chocolate is so good! And they make some of the cutest latte art."

It seems innocent enough until, "It's the perfect place for a date, don't you think?"

He inwardly groans but smiles politely, "I'm sure. Did you and Tadashi go there?"

Yachi nods and starts to give him a detailed account of how her boyfriend found it, the really handsome staff, and the delicious food. But he also wonders how this pertains to Hinata. He was pretty sure he'd mentioned a kindergarten internship so he wouldn't really have time for another part-time job, right? He scowls at where his thoughts stray and decides he's overworked.

"I'm taking a break," he tells Yachi as he takes off his glasses and heads outside.

He finally gets to have a day off on Monday and he spends it sleeping most of the day. When he returns on Tuesday, he can feel Yachi watching him for longer than necessary. When the staring doesn't stop by mid-day he asks, "What is it?"

Yachi, in almost a whisper, asks, "Did you go?"

He is confused, "Where?"

Yachi sighs in disappointment, "Where else? The cafe!"

He shuffles some papers on his desk and stares at her with a deadpan expression, "Why would I go?"

Yachi looks too innocent when she says, "To see if the coffee is good?"

Tsukishima sighs. He doesn't have many vices but when you work hours like they do, it's nearly impossible not to get addicted to caffeine, and even when he knows it won't help, especially with how long he's been drinking it, he can't stop. But more importantly, "You know I try not to drink coffee outside of work hours."

Yachi sighs dramatically, "I know but still!"

Her posture is more subdued for about half the day before he once more sees a fire in her eyes. As they're both heading home that night she says, "The atmosphere is really nice too! You like quiet places too, right? It's very soothing."

He wraps a scarf around his neck and pulls on his gloves, his jacket and bag already on. Yachi is a bit slower in getting ready

"You must really like this place," he plays along. Then adds, "Is Tadashi picking you up?"

Yachi brightens, "Yes to both questions!"

It's nearing midnight when they finally head outside and meet up with Tadashi, and Tsukishima is glad he can finally get rid of Yachi. He's met Tadashi only a handful of times, his work keeping his social life as nonexistent as possible, but the guy seemed nice and Yachi never complained. And if you asked Tsukishima, they did make a nice couple, Tadashi with his slightly dorky smile and Yachi with her exuberance. They were both sickeningly doting as well

Before they part Yachi yells, "Make sure to go on your next day off!"

Tsukishima doesn't answer but as he's walking home, he thinks that maybe he can concede this one time. And it's not because he's worried or wants to see Hinata. No.

"...so she can stop pestering me."