The Flock Splits and Grows
Katsurou grinned as the new school year started. He and Haru were now officially 3rd years at Karasuno High School, Katsurou following in Daichi’s footsteps as the captain. Haru was their team’s libero, surprisingly having great receiving skills despite his parents’ abilities in the area. Riku had become their setter, having grown to a nice average height and able to communicate with others without words. Nobu followed in Asahi’s footsteps as their ace, proudly bearing the #4 jersey. Katsurou clapped his hands to get their attention. “Alright, guys, we’re getting new first years! They should be here any minute so please behave yourselves. Yes, I’m talking about you two and Hayate.” Tanaka Hayate had joined the same time Katsurou and Haru had, claiming he went to different schools than everyone else. He was excitable, yet was able to pull the team together. As soon as he finished speaking, the doors to the gym opened, a tall male with dirty blonde hair stepping inside.
“Kyou!!” Riku cheered, throwing his hands up in the air, causing the hair tie in Nobu’s hand to slip out, Riku’s long black hair falling over his shoulders. Nobu huffed but greeted their old friend anyway, a small smile on his face. Riku had developed most of Yuu’s personality, but he knew when to keep a cool head. Nobu, on the other hand, was the calmer of the twins, always keeping his brother under control. Kyou raised his hand in greeting, slipping his gym shoes on.
“...Wait, aren’t there supposed to be two new first years joining?” Haru pointed out, shifting through the papers in his hands. “Yeah, we’ve got two applications.” Kyou blinked in surprise, looking over his shoulder then around the gym like he was looking for someone. With a sigh, he turned around and leaned out of the gym.
“Hey, it’s alright. You know pretty much everybody in here.” There was a pause before he spoke again. “If you get scared, I’m here. It’s okay. I’ll protect you.” After a moment, Kyou shifted his body back inside, another familiar figure cautiously stepping inside. “Guys, I’m sure you remember Bokuto Itsuki.” Itsuki’s hair had grown out slightly, though it was still as messy as ever. His bangs covered one of his eyes, multiple clips keeping it out of his other eye. He was only a little shorter than Koutarou had been at his age, though Kyou had grown as tall as Kei had, his dirty blonde hair still cropped short, though his glasses had been abandoned in favor of contacts.
“Itsuki?! What’re you doing at Karasuno instead of Fukurodani or Nekoma?” Katsurou asked, honestly surprised and confused. Itsuki blushed and looked off to the side shyly, toying with his fingers and taking a few steps behind Kyou.
“He came here because I’m coming here. Plus, Hiroto’s always outshined him in school, so he wants to be somewhere he can stand out.” Itsuki nodded his agreement, squeaking and wrapping his arms around Kyou’s torso when Hayate suddenly appeared beside him.
“I don’t think we’ve met before!! Name’s Tanaka Hayate!! Nice ta meetcha!” Hayate grinned, leaning in a bit too close to Itsuki’s comfort. Itsuki tightened his grip on Kyou and shifted away from Hayate slightly.
“...I-I’m Bokuto Itsuki…” he mumbled, his voice muffled from his face being pressed half into Kyou’s jacket. Kyou gently patted his hand, dislodging the boy from his person and leading him a bit aways from Hayate. Katsurou cut in before Hayate could overwhelm the poor boy.
“Alright, well since you’re here now, why don’t we play a little practice game. 3 on 3. We’ll have Itsuki, Kyou, and… Riku on one team. Nobu, Hayate, and I will be on the other. Okay, so let’s stretch and practice! Haru, referee. I need two others to keep score. Haru, grab the practice jerseys please.” Katsurou clapped his hands once, everyone scrambling around to do as they were told. Kyou helped Itsuki stretch and practice, Riku explaining his non verbal signals to the other two as quickly as he could. Haru called for the match start shortly afterwards, sitting on the referee chair and watching as the game started, calling for Itsuki to take the first serve. The boy let out a breath, tossing the ball into the air and jumping, suddenly switching to a soft serve. His hand stopped the rotation of the ball, sending it into a jump float serve instead. Their opponents scrambled to receive it, the ball hitting just before the line. Score one for team Kyou-Itsuki.
“Itsuki, nice serve. One more.” Kyou said, glancing back at the other boy. Itsuki smiled slightly and did a regular jump serve this time, rushing forward in time with Kyou after Kyou received the ball straight to Riku. Riku analyzed the situation quickly, locking eyes with Itsuki as he tossed to Kyou, the blonde slamming the ball down onto the other side of the court. The game went back and forth for a while, though Kyou-Itsuki kept the lead. Katsurou smirked as he noticed the obvious synchronization between Kyou and Itsuki. Ever since they were kids, Kyou always favored Itsuki over everyone else and vice versa. He had a feeling, though, that there was something deeper to their relationship. The game ended with Kyou-Itsuki taking both sets.
“Congratulations, you two are in. You two have amazing synchronization. How long have you two played together after elementary school?” Katsurou asked, handing them each a water bottle. Kyou shrugged and took a gulp of water, gently toweling off Itsuki’s hair with his other hand.
“Itsuki went off to junior high with his brother, but we’d practice after school and such. I dunno, we just kind of built up a connection with each other.”
“I see… Is a connection the only thing you built?” he teased, smirking when Kyou blushed and accidentally pressed down too hard on Itsuki’s head, earning a soft, protesting yelp from the smaller male.
“S-Sorry, Itsuki. And… maybe… I don’t think it’s any of your business, anyway.”
“True, true. Either way, you both have a wonderful connection with each other. Hopefully, that’ll be spread to the rest of the team.” Kyou nodded and turned his attention to Itsuki, gently pulling the towel off his head.
“Sorry, did I hurt you?” Itsuki shook his head and grabbed a clean towel, reaching up to gently towel off Kyou in return.
“...No, I’m fine… Thank you, though…” Riku snickered from nearby, earning a towel to the face from his twin. Haru hurried over to Katsurou, a new paper in his hand.
“...Seriously, so soon? Again? What is he thinking…” Katsurou mumbled to himself, rubbing the back of his head. “Alright, team! Seems we’ve got a practice match with Aoba Johsai next Tuesday. I know it’s short notice, but their captain likes to try and put us on edge. Anyway, Haru, did our things come in yet?”
“Yep! Got ‘em right here!” Haru placed a box on the stage, opening it up to reveal new jackets. “They should all fit, but let me know if it doesn’t, alright?” Jackets were passed out, Itsuki pulling his on and looking up at Kyou when he realized he wasn’t putting his on.
“...Kyou…?” Kyou knew better than to look at Itsuki when he said his name like that, but he did and was met with deep amber eyes staring back at him through dark hair. Kyou blushed lightly and stared him down for a few moments before looking away and pulling the jacket on, trying to ignore the smile that appeared on Itsuki’s face. Riku snickered again, narrowly avoiding his twin hitting him in the back of the head.
“Alright, we’re gonna wrap it up for the day. Let’s stretch then get changed. Good job, everyone!” Everyone scrambled around to begin stretches, led by Katsurou. Once everyone changed in the club room, Kyou waited outside for Itsuki, the boy smiling at his lover and taking his hand.
“I’ll walk you home.”
“...Can’t I come stay over your house for the night…? Hiroto’s been a little rowdier lately since he found out he was going to Fukurodani…” Kyou blinked, but didn’t seem surprised. This had been a usual occurrence ever since the first time Kyou invited Itsuki over.
“Sure. You can call your parents on the way.” Itsuki smiled widely and dug his phone out of his pocket, dialing Tetsurou’s number and holding the phone up to his ear.
“What’s up, kiddo?”
“Hey, Mum… Um, I’m staying over Kyou’s for the night… Could you or dad drop off my things later tonight… or something…?” Tetsurou chuckled on the other side of the line. No matter how many times Itsuki has asked, he always sounded nervous, like he was going to say no.
“Sure thing. I’ll be around after dinner to drop off your bag. See you tomorrow. Love you, sweetheart.” Itsuki smiled at the pet name. Tetsurou only ever called him sweetheart when he truly meant something, especially after he told his little boy he loved him.
“Thanks, Mum. Love you too.” He hung up and looked up at Kyou, their hands still interlocked. Kyou smiled back, gently squeezing his hand.
“All good?” Itsuki nodded and stepped a bit closer, blinking when he heard two sets of rapid footsteps behind him. The duo moved out of the way just in time to see Riku and Nobu racing towards their house, Nobu pulling ahead thanks to his long legs. Unfortunately, Riku made it to the door before him, laughing and hurrying inside. Before the door shut, they could hear Yuu yelling at them to “Stop running in the house, dammit! You already broke too many vases and TVs, I swear - Hey! Don’t run away while I’m talking to you!” Kyou snickered and rolled his eyes, shaking his head slightly as he walked up to his door, stepping inside with a call of “I’m home!”
“...Sorry for intruding…” Itsuki muttered, slipping his shoes off and hanging his bag up. Tadashi blinked and looked over at the door, smiling when he saw who it was.
“Ah, Kyou! Itsuki! Welcome home! Your dad should be home soon, then we’re going out to dinner tonight, okay?”
“Sure, Mama. Call us down when it’s time to go.” Tadashi grinned and nodded, waving the two off. Kyou smiled softly and led Itsuki upstairs, quietly shutting his bedroom door behind them. Without a word, Kyou released Itsuki’s hand and sat on his bed, quietly gesturing for him to come closer. Itsuki obliged, happily walking towards him and straddling his lap, giggling a bit when Kyou pulled him into a kiss. Kyou smiled widely and gently ran his fingers through unruly black hair.
“Kyou… Kyou, how come you love me so much? I mean… There’s nothing really spectacular about me…” Kyou blinked in surprise before pouting slightly and nuzzling into Itsuki’s neck.
“How can you say that? You’re perfect in every way.” He pressed a kiss to Itsuki’s neck, smiling softly against his skin. “I love your pale skin, the way your hair looks messy everyday, the color of your eyes, the way you blush whenever I compliment you… But, I think, my most favorite thing about you is your smile and the way you can keep me in a good mood every time I see you… I love you for so many reasons… Stop doubting yourself, alright?” He felt Itsuki swallow, the boy’s body trembling slightly. He smiled and pulled away, gently wiping away the tears dripping down his cheeks. “Hey, now. No crying. It’s alright…” Itsuki whimpered softly and wrapped his arms around Kyou’s neck, leaning in to rest his forehead against his love’s.
“...I love you so much, Kyou… You mean the world to me…” Kyou hummed and leaned in closer, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. Itsuki smiled and happily kissed back, pressing a bit closer and squeaking a bit when Kyou pulled away to toss him onto his back on the bed, crawling over top of him. “Kyou…?” Kyou simply smirked and leaned down, pressing open mouthed kisses to his neck. Itsuki gasped and let out a small moan, blushing heavily and biting his lip. He squeaked out his name when Kyou moved to unbutton his uniform shirt, moaning again as Kyou trailed kisses along his collarbone and chest. Before they could get further, a voice called from downstairs.
“Kyou! Itsuki! Time to go!” Kyou groaned, but lifted his head to call back to his father.
“Alright, we’re coming!” Carefully fixing his boyfriend’s shirt, Kyou smiled and kissed his forehead gently, grabbing a few clips from his bedside table to pin his bangs to the side. “You look better when I can see both of your eyes.” Itsuki blushed lightly and smiled softly, kissing Kyou’s nose. Kyou grinned and sat up, climbing off of him and holding out his hand. Together, the two of them walked downstairs to meet with Kyou’s parents.
“Itsuki, it’s nice to see you again. How do you like Karasuno so far?” Kei asked as they made their way out the door.
“...It’s nice… We joined the volleyball club and all our old friends were there… Well, except Hiroto and Akira… We played a practice match and our team won…” Kei smiled and nodded.
“How is Hiroto, by the way?”
“...He’s inherited dad’s rowdiness… He’s been really excited about getting into Fukurodani… It’s kinda overwhelming…”
“Speaking of which, how come you’re so shy, Itsuki? Neither of your parents are shy…” Tadashi asked, smiling softly.
“...Mum said he was really shy when he was a kid, but he grew out of it thanks to dad… He thinks Karasuno will be good for me since there’s always energetic people there…”
“I think he’s right.” Kei muttered, climbing into the driver’s seat. All throughout dinner, Itsuki talked about his experience at Karasuno, Kyou adding in a few comments here and there. While he was shy most of the time, Itsuki truly opened up at Kyou’s home and his own. When they returned to the Tsukishima household, Tetsurou’s car was parked out front, the dark haired man sitting in the driver’s seat and playing on his phone. Itsuki smiled and hurried over to the car when he got out, knocking lightly on the window. Tetsurou grinned and got out of the car, a bag in his hand.
“Hey, sweetheart. I got your stuff.” Itsuki smiled and took the bag, looking up at him. Tetsurou smiled softly and pulled him into a hug, love and affection evident in his eyes and voice. “Have fun, sweetheart. Call if you need anything. Love you.”
“Love you too, Mum. I’ll see you tomorrow…” Tetsurou smiled more and kissed the top of his head before pulling away, waving to Kyou and his parents before getting in his car and driving off. Itsuki waved a bit before turning and following Kyou inside.
“Itsuki, get up, we’ve got morning practice soon.” Itsuki whined and buried his head further under his pillow. Kyou sighed, already up and dressed for practice. “Itsuki. If we’re late, we’ll have to suffer Katsu-nii’s wrath. You know how scary he can get.” Another defiant whine. “I will literally drag you out of bed, get up.” With a defeated sigh, Itsuki sat up, pillow falling off his head. He pouted and glared at Kyou, bed head sticking up everywhere. “You know, your hair wouldn’t do that if you didn’t sleep under your pillow at night.”
“Shut up…” Itsuki threw his pillow at Kyou, his boyfriend laughing and taking the hint, leaving the room so he could change. With a tired sigh, Itsuki changed into his practice clothes, shoving his folded uniform into his bag. He picked out a few clips, pinning his bangs back before exiting the room.
“Come on, Mama’s got breakfast made. He also made us lunch and snacks for today.”
“Your mom’s so nice, Kyou…” Itsuki mumbled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Much like Tetsurou, Itsuki was not a morning person and was usually dragged out of bed by his brother. They ate quickly, Itsuki thanking Tadashi and Kei before leaving with Kyou.
Halfway through practice, the doors to the gym opened, two figures slipping off their school shoes and pulling on gym sneakers. The first figure, Shimizu Aya, stepped inside, her blonde hair tied into a loose, low side ponytail, gray eyes gazing around the gym before turning to her companion. The second girl looked familiar in face shape, eye color, and hair color.
“Everyone, may I have your attention?” Aya asked, smiling when the boys gathered around her. “I’d like to introduce you to your new manager. She’ll be working with me until I graduate. Then, she’ll take over.” The second girl smiled softly and bowed politely before straightening up to introduce herself.
“Hello, my name’s Azumane Yuko. It’s nice to meet you.” Azumane Yuko had deep brown eyes that held a certain gentleness to them, her chocolate brown hair down up in a braid that rested over her shoulder. Riku and Nobu tensed up, Riku pouting and narrowing his eyes.
“Ew, what’re you doing here?” he asked, glaring at his little sister. Yuko turned her gaze to her brother, her smiled growing, but her gaze hardened slightly.
“I’m going to be your new manager. I’m sure you’re not that stupid.” Riku huffed and looked away, crossing his arms. Yuko grinned in victory. “I’m here to observe you guys for today. If you’re almost done, though, I can come back after school.”
“Unfortunately, we are almost done, but I can have one of our first years walk you to your class. What class are you in?” Katsurou asked, smiling at the girl.
“I’m in Class 4.” She glanced around at everyone, her eyes falling on Kyou and the half-hidden Itsuki. “Those two are in my class. One of them can walk me back.”
“Unfortunately, we only come as a pair. Itsuki’s pretty much attached to me permanently.”
“...Don’t be fucking rude, Kyou…” Itsuki mumbled into Kyou’s shoulder, earning a snort from the taller boy.
“Yeah, we’ll walk you to your class. Come on, Itsuki. Let’s get changed.” Kyou started walking out of the gym, Itsuki not far behind. Once they were changed, the gladly walked to class with Yuko. “So do you parents have a thing for naming their children with two characters?” Yuko shrugged and smiled.
“I dunno. Maybe. Dad said it was mom’s idea to name all the kids.”
“How come we’ve never seen you before?”
“I went to a different elementary school, but the same middle school as my brothers. I came here because I really wanted to be the manager for this team. Also, someone has to keep my brothers in line besides Katsurou.” Kyou nodded and hummed, glancing down at Itsuki and blinking at the smile on the other boy’s face.
“...What’re you smiling at, Itsuki?”
“...I feel like things are going to get very interesting…”