The moment first-year Kageyama met first-year Tsukishima on the Hogwarts Express, Kageyama had taken an instant dislike to him. Tsukishima had made fun of his bangs and his tawny gold owl Haru, and no one (no one!) got away with making fun of Haru!
That intense dislike was only exacerbated when Kageyama was sorted into Gryffindor and Tsukishima was sorted into the rival house of Slytherin. They were also both on their respective house’s Quidditch teams, which only served to irritate Kageyama even more. Especially when the smug keeper would block one of his attempts to throw the quaffle into a hoop. Kageyama really wanted to wipe the smirk off his face.
By the time they were third years, it became quite common for students to hear professors say, ‘Kageyama, Tsukishima, knock it off! Five points deducted from both Gryffindor and Slytherin!’ But at that point, neither of them cared. What were five measly points to having Tsukishima win an argument? No one cared about the stupid house cup anyway!
While most professors would let them get away with a scolding or some point docking, their potions professor Takeda was not as lenient. ‘You two need to learn how to work together. See things from each other’s point of view. Tsukishima, from now on, you’ll be tutoring Kageyama in potions.’
The horror on each of their faces was immediate. The last thing Kageyama wanted was to spend even more time with the salty-ass beanpole! But no matter how many excuses they came up with or how many times they both begged otherwise, Takeda would not budge.
‘You brought this upon yourselves. You will be tutor and tutee until the Christmas holidays.’
Much to Kageyama’s chagrin, Tsukishima was actually a pretty decent tutor. He was straightforward and had a knack for explaining things. Of course, it wasn’t all rainbows and unicorns. If only the blonde keeper would actually keep his mouth shut and not dole out insult after sarcastic insult, then Kageyama would probably get things done much faster. Alas, there was no room for wishful thinking.
After nearly three months of tutoring, Kageyama had become immune to Tsukishima’s brand of entertainment. He had, unfortunately, become so used to the blond’s insults and sarcastic comments, that he actually found himself missing them when Tsukishima had to skip one of their weekly tutoring sessions when he fell ill.
It came to a point that even after the Christmas holidays, both Kageyama and Tsukishima sought each other out in an empty classroom to study together. Tsukishima would help him with Potions, Astronomy, and History of Magic, and Kageyama would laugh at Tsukishima every time he messed up what Kageyama would call a ‘simple’ Transfiguration spell or an ‘easy’ practical assignment for their Defense Against the Dark Arts class.
When Kageyama began his fourth year, he would die rather than admit that he was eagerly looking forward to seeing Tsukishima after a long summer spent at his empty parents’ house. His wizard and witch dad and mom always insisted he spend the summer at home, even if they were always away on work trips and were never present.
At the Hogwarts Express, Kageyama walked the length of the whole train to try and catch a glimpse of his tall, blond ex-tutor. When he couldn’t spot him, he tried locating him in the Great Hall but came up blank. Kageyama was starting to get worried. Did Tsukishima not come to school?
In the first week of his fourth year, Kageyama found himself aimlessly wandering the halls and unconsciously trying to find the blonde. He never showed up in any of their classes together, and Kageyama even considered asking Takeda-sensei about it. In the end, he decided to ask Tsukishima’s best friend and right-hand man, Yamaguchi.
He cornered Yamaguchi during lunch in the Great Hall. ‘Hey, Yamaguchi.’
The green-haired, freckle-faced boy looked up at him and smiled. ‘Hey, Kageyama! What’s up?’
‘It’s just-’ He cleared his throat, ‘D’you ah… do you know, um… where Tsukishima is?’
‘Oh, yeah. His family went on a trip to Romania during the summer and extended, I think. At least that’s what his brother Akiteru told me. I think he’s coming back in two weeks.’
‘Oh,’ Kageyama said, blinking his eyes. Looks like he was worried for nothing. ‘Okay. Thanks for telling me.’
‘Sure!’ Yamaguchi said jovially. Kageyama never understood why he was in Slytherin. He seemed like such a Hufflepuff…
Kageyama would never admit it, but the next two weeks were some of the longest in his life. Classes were boring without Tsukishima and his snarky banter. The chaser’s grades were suffering without his tutor and he had a hard time studying on his own.
When Kageyama saw Tsukishima early one morning in the Great Hall having breakfast, he breathed a sigh of relief. Tsukishima was back! Things could go back to the way things were!
Or so he thought. Something was wrong with Tsukishima. He wasn’t himself. He was quiet, never rising to any of Kageyama’s baits and comments. He was sullen and not paying attention in class. He even looked different! Paler, more tired, with huge eye bags under his eyes. Kageyama had even stolen a few of Tsukishima’s favorite strawberry tarts from the kitchens and had left them at Tsukishima’s place on the table, but the blonde didn’t even look at them! Something was seriously wrong!
When Kageyama had divulged some of his observations to his highly boisterous best friend, Hinata encouraged him to investigate.
‘Maybe he’s hiding a big, dark secret!!!’ Hinata whisper-yelled excitedly.
Kageyama rolled his eyes. ‘You watch too many of those muggle dramas.’
Hinata frowned. ‘Fine, maybe he’s just tired or sick or something. What if he has cancer???’
Now it was Kageyama’s turn to frown. Was Tsukishima sick? It could be a possibility. The paleness, lack of appetite, and lack of motivation certainly ticked all the boxes. But Kageyama still wasn’t too sure.
‘You could just ask him, Kageyama-kun,’ said Yachi, their fellow Hufflepuff friend.
‘No, no, no! You have to follow him and see what he’s doing! What if he’s high on some illegal drugs and smuggling them in school?!’
Kageyama’s jaw dropped. ‘Are you actually suggesting- do you actually hear yourself, dumbass??’
Hinata shrugged as he pulled out a chocolate frog from his bag. ‘You’ve got nothing to lose.’
Kageyama would be ashamed to admit that he actually followed his best friend’s advice. He was merely observing Tsukishima. Not stalking, not following. Just observing. Observing that Tsukishima usually drank from a flask now, especially during dinner time. And judging from the look on Tsukishima’s face, it was far from palatable.
Tonight, Kageyama just happened to be waiting by a hidden alcove outside the Slytherin common room. He had to bribe Sakusa Kiyoomi to reveal the location for him. But that was neither here nor there. He immediately straightened as he saw Tsukishima emerge from the common room. On quiet footsteps, Kageyama quickly followed the blonde as he made his way out of the castle and headed to… the Whomping Willow???
Was Hinata actually right? Was Tsukishima involved in some illegal smuggling? By the way he was hurrying across the grounds, you would think so. At least the full moon was out, which made it a lot easier for Kageyama to follow Tsukishima’s every move.
He was just about to enter the not-so-secret passage to the underground room beneath the Whomping Willow when he felt a hand grab him from behind.
‘No,’ Takeda’s hushed voice sounded in his ear. ‘Do not follow him, Kageyama-kun.’
Kageyama looked after Tsukishima’s rapidly retreating form. ‘But-’
Takeda shook his head. ‘It would not be safe for either of you.’
Kageyama frowned before tilting his head, ‘What do you mean?’
Just then there was a sickening crash that sounded like a chair or a table breaking. Kageyama looked up, alarmed.
‘What was that??’
Takeda grabbed his arm and started tugging. ‘Come with me.’
‘But Tsukishima!’
Takeda sighed. ‘Will be fine. I think he is used to it by now.’
‘I- I don’t understa-’
Suddenly, he was interrupted by a long, low howl. The sound coming from the closed door up ahead. The tiny hairs on Kageyama’s arms prickled and goosebumps erupted on his skin. There was something haunting about that noise as if the animal it came from was hurting.
‘Do you understand now, Kageyama? We have to leave before Tsukishima-kun comes out.’
Kageyama looked at Takeda in horror. ‘You mean… Tsukishima…’
Takeda began pulling Kageyama out of the passage and into the school grounds. ‘It isn’t my story to tell, Kageyama.’
‘But, but how?? When?? Will he be okay?’
Takeda let go of his arm and sighed. ‘Come to my office and I will try to explain it to you.’
In his office, Takeda placed a cup of green tea in front of Kageyama before taking his seat behind his desk. ‘Why don’t you tell me what you think is going on, Kageyama-kun?’
Kageyama swallowed, his mind furiously trying to piece the pieces together. ‘Tsukishima, Tsuki-’ he stuttered, ‘Tsukishima is a… werewolf?’ He looked at Takeda-sensei, hoping his answer was wrong for once.
Takeda nodded. ‘Do you understand how dangerous what you did tonight is?’
Kageyama shook his head and Takeda sighed. ‘Werewolves are very dangerous creatures. They transform during the full moon and are prisoners to their base and primal instincts. They have no higher level of control and can be feral and lethal when in contact with humans. They are very strong and have no sense of morality or intelligence when in their animal forms. Because of this, you must not be seen by Tsukishima, especially during the full moon. Am I understood?’
Kageyama nodded, his mind still reeling.
‘Good,’ Takeda said. ‘Now get back to your dormitory and make sure I don’t catch you out and about after curfew again.’
Kageyama didn’t need to be told twice.
The next day, Kageyama was in the library. He was supposed to be doing his research for his History of Magic assignment that was due later, but instead, he was poring over books about werewolves. He had again enlisted the help of Sakusa to get access to some of the books in the restricted section. He didn’t know how the older Slytherin had done it, but he had all the books he needed in hand.
Several hours later, Kageyama was running late to his potions class. If it hadn’t been for Hinata’s fat tabby cat sending him a last-minute message that read, ‘BAKAYAMA DON’T BE LATE FOR POTIONS AGAIN!!!’ He sprinted to the classroom and made it just in time. While Takeda was explaining the process of how to brew some potion, Kageyama’s mind was spinning with everything his mind had just absorbed.
By the end of potions class, Kageyama determinedly walked up to Takeda’s desk and declared, ‘Takeda-sensei, I have a few questions about we-’
‘In my office, Kageyama-kun,’ Takeda interrupted loudly. ‘Let us take this there.’
Kageyama nodded before silently following his professor.
Takeda tiredly dropped down on his office chair before looking at Kageyama expectantly. ‘Well? I’m sure you have a lot of questions now that you’ve had time to digest it.’
Kageyama nodded again. ‘I-’ he licked his lips, ‘I did a bit of research too…’
Takeda’s brow raised but he motioned with his hand for Kageyama to continue.
‘Do you know what happened?’
Takeda pursed his lips before nodding slowly. ‘Yes. I do. But like I mentioned last night, Kageyama-kun, it is not my story to tell.’
Kageyama nodded, expecting that answer. ‘But it only happened recently, right?’
‘Yes, on his family trip to Romania, so I believe.’
‘So he was bitten then?’ Kageyama asked bluntly. Navigating conversations was never his strong suit.
Takeda gave him a clipped nod.
‘Is there a cure?’
Takeda sighed before clasping his hands and wringing them. ‘No. Unfortunately, there is no known cure that will reverse the effects of a werewolf bite.’
‘But there is something?’ Kageyama interjected.
Takeda nodded again. ‘Yes, there is a potion that can help a werewolf retain his or her mental faculties while in animal form.’
Kageyama lit up, ‘That’s what Tsukishima’s been drinking! In his flask!’
Takeda shook his head sadly. ‘It’s a poor imitation of it, I’m afraid.’
‘Of what?’
‘Wolfsbane potion. A very complex potion to complete with very scarce and expensive ingredients.’
‘So the potion he’s drinking isn’t working?’
‘It works… to an extent. I’m afraid we don’t have all the ingredients available here at the school as some of them are extremely rare and expensive. Also,’ he frowned even harder, ‘I have to admit that I am not the most skilled or adept potions master, I’m afraid. These highly complex potions are a bit beyond my level of expertise.’
‘What do you mean it works to an extent?’
Takeda placed his fingers on his temples and began massaging them. ‘He is not fully present, yet not fully animal. I would say, it is a fifty-fifty kind of thing.’
Kageyama considered this. ‘Is it painful? The transformation?’
Takeda nodded, his lips downturned. ‘Yes, very much so. You have to understand that one’s whole body undertakes a very physical change during the transformation. Bones, organs, muscles – they all have to shift and change, and it’s not a very pleasant experience, I’ve been told.’
‘And he has to be alone the whole time?’
Takeda pursed his lips. ‘Yes, it is too dangerous for humans to be near a werewolf, even one that is drinking a poor imitation of the wolfsbane potion.’
Kageyama hesitated before blurting out. ‘I- I’ve read something about how… there are some cases where an animagus can keep one company. Make it better… somehow.’
Takeda looked at him sharply. ‘Are you trying to tell me something, Kageyama?’
Kageyama quickly shook his head. ‘No! No, I’m not!’
‘To be an animagus is exceedingly difficult. The process of learning and mastering it can be exceptionally tricky and can have disastrous consequences if there is even a single misstep. I highly advise against this, Kageyama-kun.’
‘I’m not- I don’t think I could even… you know…’
Takeda nodded. ‘Just so we’re clear Kageyama.’
‘Does anyone else know? Like Yamaguchi? Or the Slytherin Quidditch captain, Kuroo?’
Takeda shook his head. ‘As far as I know, only select school faculty, the nurse, and the headmaster are privy to this information. I expect you will keep this quiet as well.’
‘Of course,’ Kageyama murmured quietly.
Several days later, Kageyama approached Sakusa again. Sakusa was the Prefect of Slytherin House and was highly regarded as one of the smartest and most skilled students in school.
‘You want me to what??’ asked Sakusa.
‘Teach me about animagi.’
Sakusa raised a brow. ‘What makes you think I know anything about that?’
Kageyama pouted. ‘Because you’re one of the smartest students in the school? Everyone’s saying it!’
Sakusa smirked. ‘Well, they’re not wrong.’ His smirk quickly faded. ‘I don’t think you know what you’re getting yourself into, Kageyama. It’s a very dangerous process.’
Kageyama shrugged, ‘Show me.’
A few hours later, Kageyama dropped down on his bed, utterly exhausted. Sakusa had outlined the basics of transforming into an animagus, and it was highly technical. The amount of work he had to put into it would be monumentous and Kageyama wondered if it would be worth it. Then he remembered Takeda-sensei’s words about a werewolf being alone, and he bit his lip and determined to study even harder.
Kageyama woke up the next day to an angry redhead standing above him. ‘WAKE UP BAKAYAMA!!! DID YOU SERIOUSLY FORGET OUR MATCH WITH SLYTHERIN WAS TODAY???’
Oh shit. Kageyama jerked out of bed and grabbed his Quidditch robes. How could he have forgotten?? Hinata quickly threw him a sandwich and then his broom. ‘Hurry up! The match starts in five minutes!!!’
When they walked out onto the pitch, their captain Daichi was giving him a look of disapproval.
‘Sorry, slept late,’ Kageyama mumbled.
Before Daichi could reply, they heard a braying, cackling laugh.
‘Well, well, well, if it isn’t brave Gryffindor come to lose to us once more,’ smirked Kuroo, the Slytherin captain.
Daichi’s jaw was clenched. ‘I’d be more worried about your own team, Kuroo-kun. I’m sure mine can hold our own.’
‘Ha!’ Kuroo mocked. ‘We wiped the floor with you last time! You call that holding your own?’
Daichi smiled his infamous scary smile. One he only reserved for his younger kouhai who disobeyed orders and his opponents.
‘It will be my pleasure to wipe that smirk off your face later, Kuroo-san.’
‘Shall I hand you a napkin later and tell you how to do it too?’
Slytherin’s seeker, Shirabu, walked up to Kuroo and tugged on his robes. ‘Come on, captain, your comebacks are getting shittier and shittier. Let’s go before you embarrass yourself.’
Kuroo made an aborted sound of betrayal but allowed himself to be dragged off. As the rest of the Slytherin team followed behind him, Tsukishima turned and flashed Kageyama a small smirk.
‘Do your best today, King. Wouldn’t want a mere peasant to win, would you?’
Kageyama immediately fired back. ‘We won’t lose!’ His heart was beating wildly as he saw a flicker of the old Tsukishima back.
It was a close game, but in the end, Shirabu had found the snitch. Despite the talented trio of Kageyama, Ushijima, and Kindaichi racking up more than 100 points each, it wasn’t enough.
‘Not a bad effort, King,’ came a snarky voice from behind him in the locker room. ‘Not good enough to win, but not a bad display.’ He smirked, ‘Too bad your seeker sucks.’
Kageyama rounded on him, ‘We could do better, I know we could!’
‘How does it feel losing two games in a row? I wouldn’t know.’
‘Shut up! We’ll beat you next time!’
‘Promises promises,’ Tsukishima laughed as he grabbed his bag.
Kageyama had been so distracted by Tsukishima’s laugh that it took him a few seconds to realize that Tsukishima was already leaving the locker room.
‘Wait!’ He tugged the back of Tsukishima’s robe.
Tsukishima turned to face him, one elegant brow raised.
‘Please tutor me!’ Kageyama shouted bowing at the waist.
‘The King losing to me and then bowing before me?’ Tsukishima teased. ‘Must be my lucky day.’
‘Asshole!’ Kageyama muttered murderously.
‘Tsk. That’s not a nice way to talk to your potential tutor.’
‘Please!’ Kageyama said.
‘Still can’t get History of Magic, huh?’
‘A-and Astronomy and Potions,’ Kageyama stuttered.
Tsukishima let out a long drawn-out sigh. ‘Well, I suppose. If the King insists.’
In just a matter of days, they were back to their regular programming. Well, with a few exceptions. Kageyama noticed that every time there was a full moon, Tsukishima would find some excuse to skip their tutoring sessions. Most of the time, he feigned a headache, other times a bad cold that miraculously disappeared the next day.
It was almost the Christmas holidays, and by some miracle, Kageyama’s parents had finally allowed him to spend Christmas at school. He spoke excitedly to Tsukishima about it during one of their late-night tutoring sessions.
Tsukishima nodded along to Kageyama’s excited chatter before asking, ‘What do you plan on doing this Christmas then?’
Kageyama shrugged, ‘Probably go to Hogsmeade and walk around the village. I think it would be nice.’ He turned to Tsukishima. ‘What about you? What are your plans?’
Tsukishima hummed thoughtfully. ‘I actually think I might stay here with you.’
‘Really?’
‘Yeah,’ Tsukishima nodded before his eyes turned sad. ‘My family planned a vacation to Australia for Christmas but I can’t-’ he cleared his throat. ‘Uh… I don’t want to be a burden to them,’ he said quietly.
Instinctively, Kageyama reached out to squeeze his arm in sympathy. ‘Then we’ll just have fun in Hogsmeade then, just the two of us!’
Tsukishima nodded before squeezing back gently. ‘Sounds good to me, King.’
It was the morning of Christmas Eve and the day Kageyama and Tsukishima planned to go to Hogsmeade. Kageyama eagerly got dressed and met Tsukishima by the Great Hall.
Tsukishima looked like a blond burrito in his beige coat and white scarf. ‘Someone looks excited,’ the blond teased.
Kageyama nodded eagerly before leading Tsukishima out the doors. ‘I’ve never been to Hogsmeade at this time.’
Tsukishima took one look at Kageyama’s puppy dog face before relenting, ‘Yeah, me neither.’
The two set off exploring the quaint town, entering any shops that caught their fancy. They stopped by a local cafe for some hot drinks before heading back out to look at the decorations of the shophouses. During a lull in their conversation, Kageyama looked over at Tsukishima who seemed deep in thought.
‘What’re you thinking of?’ Kageyama blurted out.
Tsukishima turned to him, a look of surprise on his face before it quickly morphed into a wry smile. ‘Do- do you… ever feel alone?’
Kageyama’s heart sank. Was that what Tsukishima was feeling? Kageyama was right beside him. How could Tsukishima be feeling alone right now?
Tsukishima, seeing his crestfallen face, quickly said, ‘Not that I’m feeling alone now, I just…’ He shook his head. ‘Never mind.’
After a long pause where all they could hear was their footsteps crunching in the snow, Kageyama spoke up. ‘I’ve felt alone for most of my life,’ he said softly.
‘My parents were never home. My sister was always away. I was raised by a no-nonsense nanny who didn’t allow me to go out and play with other kids. In my school before Hogwarts, my classmates and teachers stayed away from me after an incident with a stuffed toy. Even in my first year, I felt so out of place. The only time I started getting friends was in my second year at Quidditch practice.’
‘You have to tell me about this stuffed toy incident, King,’ Tsukishima teased. Kageyama kicked some snow at him. Tsukishima raised his hands in defeat. Both of them realized how close they were to each other and pulled away, their cheeks bright pink.
‘Do you…’ Kageyama started before looking down at his boots, ‘Do you feel… like that sometimes?’
Tsukishima nodded, as he focused on his steps. ‘Yeah. More and more lately.’
Kageyama stopped walking and looked at him. ‘You know you’re not alone, right?’
Tsukishima turned around to look at him, a small genuine smile on his lips. ‘Yeah, I know now.’
By the end of their fourth year, Kageyama and Tsukishima had gotten even closer. Tsukishima still hadn’t told Kageyama his secret and he still disappeared every time there was a full moon, but other than that, the blond keeper sought out the raven-haired chaser whenever he could.
‘You going to be okay this summer?’ Tsukishima asked Kageyama as they were waiting for the Hogwarts Express to bring them back to their homes.
Kageyama pouted and shrugged. ‘It’s just gonna be like any other summer I guess. Just at home.’
Tsukishima nudged him, ‘Hey, you can write me you know. Have Haru bring me a scroll or two.’
Kageyama looked up at him, a hopeful smile on his face. ‘And you’ll write back?’
Tsukishima nodded.
Kageyama smiled, ‘Good. What about you? Will you be okay this summer?’
‘Yeah, I’ll also probably just hole myself up in my room.’
Kageyama smirked, ‘Watching dragon movies all day?’
‘Shut up,’ Tsukishima said, almost fondly.
When Kageyama got home, there was a package waiting for him.
Don’t know why you wanted such a random pile of books, but here it is. If you need anything else, just lemme know. Miss you lil’ bro! <3 Miwa
Great. He had written Miwa and asked for a favor. He had memorized all the ingredients needed to make a certain potion but needed extra help to source each of them. He quickly started on the stack of books and started writing.
During the first few weeks of summer, Kageyama would write to Tsukishima constantly. Every day or every other day, he’d write something. On some days he wrote short brief summaries of his day and what he would cook, on other days, he wrote about how he visited the nearby park and tried to coax the neighborhood cat to come out and play.
However, no matter how many scrolls he sent, Tsukishima never wrote back. After several days of radio silence, Kageyama finally gave in and wrote a quick note to Yamaguchi to inquire about his best friend. Was Tsukishima out of town? Even if he was, Haru would have found him. Was Tsukishima sick? Or unwell? It wasn’t the full moon yet though. Kageyama had been keeping track. Why was Tsukishima not answering him? Especially when he specifically said he would!
To Kageyama’s disappointment, Yamaguchi replied, saying they were in the same predicament. Yamaguchi hadn’t heard from Tsukishima since they had been in school and had even reached out to Tsukishima’s older brother Akiteru, who had been of no help.
Maybe he’s just not feeling well, Kageyama thought. He decided to make Tsukishima a little care basket with all his favorite things in it. He placed a carton of fresh strawberries, a jar of his homemade sweetened whipped cream, some chocolate dragons, and a potion his mother kept in the first aid kit to help clear the sinuses and get rid of headaches. He surveyed the rather large basket wrapped rather lopsidedly in red tissue paper with a gold bow on top. He hoped Haru wouldn’t kill him, what with all the extra weight he had to carry.
After he sent Haru on his way, Kageyama eagerly awaited his owl, hoping against hope the golden feathered creature would come back with a response, a tiny scroll with a simple ‘Thank you’ or a longer one with an apology and an explanation. But no, nothing. Kageyama had waited in vain.
In the days following, Kageyama threw himself into finding ingredients for the wolfsbane potion. Even though the recipient of the potion itself was currently MIA, the chaser needed a distraction to get his mind off of the radio silence. He wrote scroll upon scroll for ingredient requests, using most of the savings in his account.
He also practiced (without a wand of course!) and visualized his animagus techniques, reciting the spell, gathering all the tools he would need (for when he would practice again in school in the Room of Requirement), and mentally went through the motions in his mind until they were second nature.
All in all, he had a busy yet lonely summer, stuck in his house as usual. He couldn’t wait to go back to Hogwarts and be surrounded by his friends again. He also couldn’t wait to confront Tsukishima after he promised he would keep in touch.
Two weeks after his first day as a fifth year, Kageyama was at a loss. It was like Tsukishima was avoiding him on purpose. He didn’t sit beside Kageyama in any of their classes, making sure to take the farthest seat available after Kageyama had already chosen his. He changed the times he ate his meals, making the chaser miss him during the time he was in the Great Hall, and he never showed up to their usual tutoring sessions. Even in their Quidditch matches, Tsukishima never even looked his way!
Kageyama was hurt and angry. Did he do something? The least Tsukishima should have done was tell him something, not ghost him like he meant nothing to the blond. He paused, his heart aching. Did he mean nothing? Were they not friends? Maybe even more? Apparently not, if Tsukishima could barely look at him these days.
So Kageyama threw himself into his studies and Quidditch practice. He had daily animagus practice with Sakusa now and had even successfully transformed himself into a Doberman Pinscher. The first time he had done it, both he and Sakusa were in the Room of Requirement. He drank the potion Sakusa had handed him and chanted, ‘Amato Animo Animato Animagus’.
A black dog, with a sleek, shiny coat, and confident stance came to mind. Before he knew it, Kageyama was standing on four legs and pushing his nose into Sakusa’s stomach. He panted and could feel his tail wagging as he looked at Sakusa for praise.
Sakusa was in shock, his jaw open, eyes glued to Kageyama’s animal form. ‘You- you actually did it!’ he whispered.
Kageyama barked.
Sakusa reached out to pat Kageyama and asked, ‘How do you feel? Dizzy? Like throwing up?’
Kageyama shook his head.
Sakusa smiled and started stroking Kageyama’s soft, silky fur. ‘You actually did it, you genius! I mean, not that I doubted you. Okay, that’s not right. I did doubt you. Multiple times actually…’
Kageyama barked again and Sakusa swore he could see the dog pouting.
‘But if there was anyone who could do it,’ Sakusa continued, ‘I would’ve bet my galleons on you and your skilled penchant for transfiguration.’
Kageyama licked Sakusa’s hand, his tail wagging vigorously.
‘Don’t forget to visualize yourself as a human when you want to transform back. Go through all the mental steps in your head one by one and be very thorough. The last thing we want is for you to be stuck in your form, okay? And don’t panic, just breathe.’
Kageyama nodded, extremely pleased with himself.
After that first transformation, the next ones became easier and easier. Soon, Kageyama could transform at will without the need to recite the incantation or use his wand. Sakusa himself was quite jealous (and proud) of him as the older prefect was still working on his own animagus techniques and wasn’t quite as advanced as Kageyama.
By the time the next full moon was about to arrive, Kageyama was ready. This was it, he was going to out in his animal form and stay with Tsukishima. As he left the Gryffindor common room that night, he was met by Sakusa at the entrance.
‘Be careful,’ the older warned. ‘I know you’re talented and can successfully transform already, but you’ve never been around a werewolf before, and we don’t know how dangerous it’ll be.’ He pinched his lips before adding, ‘I can’t help you if something goes wrong Kageyama. I can’t fully transform yet. You’ll be on your own.’
Kageyama nodded. ‘How-how did you know about…’
Sakusa rolled his eyes. ‘You were never subtle, you genius. All those books you had me get from the restricted section, all those hours you spent in the potions room, come on, do you really think I’m that stupid?’
Kageyama pouted and Sakusa let out a small chuckle.
‘Promise me you’ll be careful.’
Kageyama nodded, ‘I promise.’
After that warning, Kageyama hesitantly made his way to the castle grounds. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all. What if Tsukishima did attack him? He shook his head. No. He’d come this far and he was fairly certain he could handle the skinny blond when push came to shove. He knew he was stronger and he had been going on a lot of endurance runs in his animal form to build strength. He could handle himself. He only hoped Tsukishima was still drinking some of that imitation wolfsbane potion so he was at least semi-rational.
By the time Kageyama made it to the grounds, he had talked himself out of his panic. He spotted Tsukishima’s lone figure making his way to the Whomping Willow. Kageyama took a deep breath and transformed at will, following behind Tsukishima at a more sedate pace. He saw Tsukishima reach for a long branch that was placed to the side of the tree and use it to press the knot at the base of the tree. Then he began walking through the tunnel after Tsukishima.
He must have made some noise or maybe the padding of his paws was audible, but Tsukishima turned around in shock.
‘Wh-where did you come from, boy? Who do you belong to?’ Tsukishima asked, eying him warily.
Kageyama barked. Who does he belong to? No one! Kageyama started pushing at Tsukishima’s stomach with his nose in retaliation, trying to find Tsukishima’s ticklish spot.
Tsukishima let out a small laugh. ‘Okay, okay.’ He bit his lip. ‘I’m not sure if it’s safe for you to follow me though.’
Kageyama barked again and started pushing Tsukishima even harder.
‘Fine,’ Tsukishima sighed. ‘I could use the company.’
Just as Tsukishima turned the knob, he turned to Kageyama’s Doberman form. ‘I hope you can keep this a secret, okay?’ He sighed again, ‘The transformation isn’t going to be pretty. I hope you won’t mind.’
Kageyama barked again, wagging his tail to show he didn’t.
Tsukishima reached out to pat him on the head, ‘And my animal form definitely isn’t as pretty as yours.’
If Kageyama could blush, he probably would. Thank god, he was in animal form!
Tsukishima opened the door and led him through the passageway and into the Shrieking Shack. The abandoned house had been cleared of all contents. There was nothing. No table, no chairs, no carpet or drapes, it was empty.
Tsukishima noticed Kageyama looking around. ‘Yeah, I’ve had to remove the stuff inside because I would break them every time I transformed. Either I was too big or heavy for the chair or tables, or I would tear stuff up.’
Kageyama tilted his head to the side.
‘Don’t worry, I’ve learned to control it more now. Plus,’ He brought out a flask from his pocket and downed its contents. ‘This supposedly helps. Wish I could have a more potent version though.’
Kageyama barked, thinking of his wolfsbane potion experiments. While he hadn’t quite accomplished the tricky potion yet, he would say he was about 75% there.
‘It’s actually nice, you know,’ Tsukishima murmured. ‘Talking to someone, even an animal. Doesn’t make the silence so loud.’
Kageyama barked again and started licking Tsukishima’s hand.
Tsukishima chuckled and looked out through the window. ‘Okay, boy, move for a moment and stay on the side, okay? I’ll need some space to transform.’
Kageyama obediently moved to the side of the room. He watched but turned his head as Tsukishima removed his shirt. Tsukishima noticed, and said, ‘Don’t want to ruin it. It’s just easier this way.’
Kageyama nodded before Tsukishima sat down in the middle of the floor and waited. Kageyama looked out the window. The full moon was almost out, probably give or take a few more minutes. Thank you Astronomy class for finally teaching him something useful.
A few minutes later, Kageyama heard a crack. His head swiveled to Tsukishima who looked like he was in pain. He was curled up in a fetal position on the floor.
Kageyama made to go to him but Tsukishima cried out, ‘No! Don’t come near me!’ He gasped in pain, ‘Later, but not- not now! You have to wait for the transformation to be complete.’
Kageyama grudgingly sat on his heels and waited. Slowly, Tsukishima’s bones started elongating and changing shape, long strands of gold-gray fur erupted from his skin, his hands turned into paws, and his teeth grew longer and longer. Kageyama gaped at Tsukishima’s completed werewolf form. He was still beautiful. Lean, elegant, and graceful, his gorgeous gold-gray fur swathing him like a regal prince.
Tsukishima let out a low howl before pacing around the room. Kageyama tentatively approached the large werewolf and gently nosed his face. The werewolf went still and allowed Kageyama to lick him. Soon, Tsukishima was slowly licking him back.
After getting accustomed to one another, Kageyama stepped back and looked into Tsukishima’s amber eyes. He was definitely rational. Maybe not 100% himself, but Kageyama could see his intelligence, could feel it in the werewolf’s every move. He swore he could even see Tsukishima’s trademark smirk when the werewolf grinned at him.
Now that Tsukishima had transformed, Kageyama could feel what he was trying to say, could understand him even more. Kageyama motioned to the door of the Shrieking Shack.
Is it safe to go outside?
Sure, just as long as we don’t go near any humans.
I can help with that.
Tsukishima nodded and stood on his hind legs to open the door with his two front paws. He led Kageyama out of the passageway and into the Forbidden Forest. Soon, the two were racing each other, running as they wove through trees and other creatures (most of whom gave them a wide berth when they saw the werewolf).
So what do you normally do?
Kageyama saw Tsukishima give a tiny shrug.
Usually, just walk around. I like going to the lake. It’s peaceful there.
Do you eat?
I try not to. It’s a very messy experience, even worse when I transform back into a human. You know… all the blood and stuff. I’d rather not deal with all that mess.
Kageyama nodded.
Is this your first time in the Forbidden Forest?
It’s my first time this far in, yeah.
It’s not that bad. I think the poor forest gets a bad rep you know.
Have you met other animals or creatures?
Tsukishima frowned. Not really. Most of them are quite scared of me. He turned to look at Kageyama. I’m surprised you’re here at all.
Kageyama barked a laugh. You’re not that scary, you know.
Tsukishima smiled. You’d be the first to think that.
They spent the rest of the evening exploring the forest together. They quickly established a routine after that. Every full moon, Kageyama would transform into a Doberman and sneakily follow Tsukishima to the Whomping Willow. Tsukishima, who had come to expect Kageyama, would always wait patiently until he heard Kageyama’s paws on the tunnel passageway, before entering the Shrieking Shack.
Kageyama enjoyed every night they spent together. Whether they ran about in the Forbidden Forest or just slept with their heads together in the Shrieking Shack, the chaser-turned-Doberman treasured every moment. They had even given each other nicknames in their minds. Kageyama called him ‘wolf boy’ and Tsukishima fondly called him ‘Dobi’. If Tsukishima only knew how close that name was to his actual first name…
It was after several months, after hours and hours of poring over books and consulting with Sakusa, after months spent studying and improving, that Kageyama had finally made some progress. He quickly brought Takeda-sensei to the Room of Requirement for his final approval.
Takeda looked at the bubbling cauldron emitting blue smoke, his eyes wide and his mouth open. ‘H-how did you…’
Kageyama looked down and scuffed his shoe on the tiled floor. ‘I studied…’
Takeda looked at the perfect lavender-colored liquid inside the cauldron. ‘Bu-but how? How did you get all the ingredients? When did you even…’
‘Last summer,’ Kageyama muttered quietly. ‘I started sourcing them when I was home. I used my savings to pay for them.’
‘Do your parents know about this?’
Kageyama shrugged. ‘They don’t care. They have lots of money anyway.’
‘How many batches did you make?’
‘This is the first one I got right. But I calculated and if I follow the exact dosage of ingredients and the exact way I made it before, there should be enough to last the rest of the year.’ He swallowed. ‘Then in the summer, I can go and get the same ingredients again.’
Takeda picked up the nearby ladle and swirled the potion. ‘This is absolutely magnificent Kageyama! I didn’t know you had it in you to make something this complex.’
Kageyama’s ears burned as he looked down. ‘I had help from Sakusa. A little bit. But I’ve been practicing and reading up on this for almost a year now.’
‘Even so. I’ve been a Potions professor for almost 10 years and I don’t think I could have ever pulled this off. You have a magnificent mind when put to good use, Kageyama-kun.’ He paused. ‘Tsukishima-kun is lucky to have you.’
Kageyama’s entire face flamed. ‘He’s not-! We’re not- no! We’re not together! He doesn’t even know I’m working on this. I wanted to ask if you could be the one to give it to him.’
Takeda looked at him, shocked. ‘What? I would have thought you would want to.’
‘He doesn’t know that I know.’
Takeda hummed thoughtfully. ‘Ahhh, I see.’
‘Besides,’ Kageyama muttered, ‘it’s not like he talks to me anymore…’ The time they spent together as animals didn’t count. Because it was more of a meeting of minds than it was actual talking. Plus, did it really count if Tsukishima didn’t know it was him?
Takeda cleared his throat. ‘That’s extremely magnanimous of you, Kageyama. Tsukishima is lucky to have someone like you who cares. But I will make sure to give him this potion. I hope the effects are exactly as stated in the books.’
Kageyama nodded. ‘Thank you. I hope so too.’
The first time Tsukishima transformed while drinking Kageyama’s wolfsbane potion, Kageyama kept watchful eyes on him. The transformation was the same as always, but once transformed, Kageyama could clearly see his eyes. Gone was the rather hazy filter in his eyes. He seemed completely rational and less prone to follow his animal instincts.
Kageyama reached out first. You okay? You look… different…
Tsukishima sent him a small wolfish smile. I feel different. More myself. Finally.
Kageyama tilted his head. Really?
Tsukishima nodded. Yeah. Takeda-sensei seemed to have finally mastered the potion. To be honest, I’d kinda given up hope. But he reared back and stretched, it feels great to be perfectly in control of my mental faculties.
That’s good.
Yeah, it feels like freedom.
I’m glad.
Thanks, by the way. Tsukishima nosed him gently. For staying with me. It makes things so much bearable.
Kageyama nodded before licking Tsukishima’s cheek. No problem. I’m happy to be here.
A week later, in their Defense Against the Dark Arts class, Professor Nekomata looked at all the fifth years. ‘Today, we'll be working on a very advanced and complex charm, the Patronus Charm.’
Professor Nekomata cleared his throat. ‘Let’s go through this step by step, shall we?’ The students nodded nervously. ‘Okay, step one. Clear your mind. Everybody, take a big inhale in… and out. Now close your eyes and try to rid your mind of all your thoughts.’ He smiled as some students snorted in disbelief. ‘I know, it’s a lot easier said than done, but if you don’t clear your mind, the next steps will be very difficult. Now. Breathe. In and out.’
After several moments spent practicing their breathing exercises, Professor Nekomata continued. ‘Now, choose a memory. One that brings you happiness and joy. The clearer and more vivid the memory, the better.’
Kageyama nodded as he closed his mind. Happy memories… hmmm… He imagined himself winning the Quidditch Cup, the first time he rode a broom, the happiness he got from just being in the air, feeling the wind whoosh past his robes.
‘Have you chosen your happy memory?’ Professor Nekomata asked the class. After the class murmured their assent, he continued. ‘Good, now picture that memory in your mind. Try to remember all the details and paint that memory with the brightest colors. Think about how happy you felt, the feeling of joy in your heart, your stomach, your hands, or wherever you feel happiness. Try and amplify that memory. Immerse yourself in it, relive it.’
He cleared his throat. ‘Now get your wands, sit up straight, and recite after me, Expecto Patronum!’
The classroom erupted with voices of ‘Expecto Patronum’. Kageyama focused on his happy memory and said the incantation, ‘Expecto Patronum.’ A few slight strands of whispery-thin pale silver strands shot out of his wand.
‘Don’t be discouraged if nothing happens. Like I said, this is a very complex charm. One that requires constant practice and a clear state of mind. Let’s try that again, shall we?’ Professor Nekomata said to the class encouragingly.
A few weeks later, they were still in the same lesson with Professor Nekomata. ‘Remember,’ his low voice echoed throughout the cavernous classroom. ‘You have to clear your mind and then choose a very tangible happy memory. Not just any plain old happy memory will do. Think of a time you were exuding happiness, a moment you were absolutely overflowing with joy.’
Kageyama huffed in frustration. He had been trying for weeks to do the Patronus charm, but no matter how clear his mind was, he still couldn’t produce anything more than a few wisps of silver.
‘Why don’t you try changing your memory, Kageyama-kun?’ Professor Nekomata suggested to him. ‘The one you have might not be tangible enough.’
What other happy memories did Kageyama have besides flying and Quidditch? Suddenly, the last time he spent with Tsukishima as an animagus sprung to mind. The two were simply lounging in a glen in the Forbidden Forest, lying down on their stomachs, their noses just barely touching. Another memory filled his mind: Tsukishima laughing at Kageyama back in their third year, during their tutoring sessions. His amber eyes were joyful and crinkled, his mouth stretched in a beautiful smile…
‘Expecto Patronum.’
Suddenly a large Doberman Pinscher erupted from the tip of his wand. The dog strode across the room, swiftly running around the students. Professor Nekomata beamed at him. ‘Well, will you look at that! Excellent job, Kageyama-kun! You are the first in the class to accomplish a full-fledged patronus!’
The congratulatory murmurs of his fellow classmates fell on Kageyama’s deaf ears as white noise filled his mind. He turned to face Tsukishima. The blond was staring after the slowly vanishing Doberman, his eyes filled with a mix of shock, anger, and sadness. He didn’t even look at Kageyama when he turned on his heel and left the room.
The next few days were absolutely horrible for Kageyama. If Tsukishima had been politely sidestepping him before, now he was outright turning heel every time he was in the same room as Kageyama. The chaser didn’t know what to do. He had tried sending Haru with a quick apology letter, asking Tsukishima to meet up with him so they could talk. Haru came back empty-handed.
Tsukishima didn’t even attend Quidditch practice anymore. Kageyama never saw him in the Great Hall and even though they were in the same classes, Tsukishima was always the first to leave, high-tailing it out of the classroom as soon as the class was dismissed.
Kageyama had no choice but to wait for the next full moon. He had a feeling Tsukishima would try to go a few hours earlier to avoid him, so he stood guard by the castle doors to spy on him before he disappeared. True enough, Tsukishima emerged way earlier than normal and hurriedly made his way across the grounds. Kageyama quickly transformed and raced after him.
By the time Kageyama reached Tsukishima, the blond was already turning the knob of the door. Tsukishima turned as he heard the oncoming footsteps.
‘Go away,’ the keeper said in an icy voice.
Kageyama barked and shook his head, standing on his hind feet and placing his two front feet on Tsukishima’s chest.
‘Leave me alone!’ shouted Tsukishima, pushing Kageyama’s paws away.
Kageyama quickly transformed back into his human form. ‘Kei,’ he said desperately. ‘Please.’
Tsukishima was looking at him, a look of undisguised shock on his face. ‘So it’s really you? You… how did you even… when-’ Tsukishima shook his head. ‘I’m going to need you to leave, Kageyama.’
‘No!’ Kageyama shouted. ‘I’m not leaving you alone!’
Tsukishima’s voice was hard. ‘When did you find out?’
Kageyama hung his head. ‘In fourth year.’
Tsukishima rounded on him, ‘Why didn’t you say anything???’
‘I- I was scared…’ Kageyama whispered. ‘I was scared you were going to be mad.’
‘Well look at how that went,’ Tsukishima sneered.
Kageyama swallowed but didn’t say anything. He knew Tsukishima was right.
‘So what?’ Tsukishima continued, ‘You found out and took pity on me or something?’
‘No!’ Kageyama cried. ‘I wanted to help you.’
‘Because you pitied me!’
‘Because you’re my friend!’
They were both breathing hard now, their faces close to each other.
‘Some friend you are!’ Tsukishima yelled. ‘You should have told me you knew!!!’
‘What? You’re blaming me for being a bad friend???’ Kageyama laughed bitterly. ‘You ghosted me! You went MIA at the beginning of our fourth year, and then you said you would write to me, but you never did. And you’ve never even given me a chance to explain.’ Kageyama breathed harshly. ‘You’re a coward!’
‘A coward?’ Tsukishima laughed harshly. ‘I was trying to protect you.’
‘From what??’ Kageyama cried.
‘From myself! I’m tainted now. My life’s turned upside down. All my dreams of further education and working for the Ministry of Magic have turned to dust now. No one will hire me once they find out.’ His eyes turned bleak. ‘And they will.’
Kageyama was furious. He grabbed the front of Tsukishima’s robes. ‘You asshole! All that avoiding me… for.. for that???’
‘You don’t understand,’ Tsukishima said quietly. ‘No one associates with werewolves. No one respects them.’
‘And you think I care about that??’ Kageyama roared. Did this dumbass not know him at all??
‘I care,’ Tsukishima muttered quietly. He turned away and walked further into the Shrieking Shack. ‘I care about what people think of you.’
Kageyama grabbed Tsukishima’s shoulder and spun him around, ‘You don’t get to decide that for me!’
‘Oh like you decided to become an animagus to stay with me?’
‘Why won’t you let me help you?’ Kageyama cried. ‘I want to help you! I don’t care about what people think. I don’t care about what you are. You’re- you’re… Tsukishima. A sarcastic, snarky beanpole who can be a huge pain in the ass-’
‘Wow,’ Tsukishima said hollowly. ‘Tell me what you really think…’
Kageyama’s eyes flashed in frustration. ‘I’m not yet finished! You… you… beneath all that snark- you care. You’re kind and loyal and thoughtful. And you… you make me…’
‘Don’t-’ Tsukishima whispered, ‘Please don’t finish that sentence.’
Kageyama ignored him. ‘You make me happy, Kei.’ He said softly. ‘When I was working on my Patronus, I thought about Quidditch and flying and how it made me happy, but it didn’t work. No,’ he raised his brilliant blue eyes to Tsukishima’s gleaming amber ones, ‘it only worked when I thought of you.’
Tsukishima shook his head sadly. ‘You deserve so much better than me, Tobio.’
Kageyama shivered. This was the first time Kei was using his first name. He quickly shook his head. ‘No. I want you.’
Just then Tsukishima stiffened. He looked out the window and saw the full moon high in the sky.
‘Tobio. You need to leave now. I can’t- I might… I can hurt you.’ Tsukishima said, his voice anguished.
Kageyama shook his head stubbornly. ‘No. I trust you. You won’t hurt me.’
‘Kageyama…’ Tsukishima said warningly.
Before Tsukishima could say anything else, Kageyama heard the familiar snap of the werewolf transformation. Tsukishima’s flesh grew matted fur, his teeth elongated to turn into fangs, and his fingernails transformed into claws. Kageyama still hadn’t shifted into his animagus.
Once the transformation was fully complete, Kageyama looked at Tsukishima who was cowering in a corner, as far away from the chaser as possible. He walked over to Tsukishima and took the werewolf’s face in his hands.
‘No, Kei. I won’t let you be alone again.’
Tsukishima keened and howled before standing up on his hind legs and wrapping his front legs around Kageyama. Stumbling back from the werewolf's weight, the raven-haired boy gently patted the werewolf’s cheek before sitting down with Tsukishima’s head in his lap. The two stayed that way until morning.
When Kageyama woke up, his back was hurting and he had a crick in his neck. He surveyed his surroundings and recognized the empty interiors of the Shrieking Shack. His brain registered a weight on his lap and he ducked his head to see Tsukishima’s human form resting his head on his lap.
Kageyama took that moment to admire the blond. He was pale, as usual, his eyebags were slowly darkening, but his pouffy golden hair surrounded his head like a halo. Kageyama gently weaved his fingers through a few of the curls and tucked them behind Tsukishima’s ear.
Tsukishima groaned as he opened his eyes. Kageyama watched as he took in his surroundings and sat up with a start.
‘You-’ Tsukishima said hoarsely. ‘You stayed.’
Kageyama nodded. ‘I meant what I said, Kei. All of it.’
Tsukishima grasped his hand, ‘Are- are you sure? I’m giving you one more chance to back out. Because if not, I won’t let you go. I already tried to do that.’
‘You dumbass,’ Kageyama rolled his eyes. ‘You’re so stupid.’
Tsukishima chuckled tiredly but turned to look Kageyama dead in the eye. ‘I mean it, Tobio. I’m tired. I’m so tired of being alone.’
‘Me too,’ Kageyama murmured, ‘I don’t want to be alone anymore eith-’
Tsukishima’s lips were already on Kageyama’s before he could even finish his sentence.
A few weeks later…
‘YAMAYAMA!!!’
Kageyama was rudely awakened from his sleep by a loud tangerine bouncing on his bed. The chaser quickly grabbed a pillow and threw it at his friend.
Hinata, with his boundless supply of energy, merely sidestepped the offending pillow. ‘GET UP YAMAYAMA!!!’
‘Go away!’ Kageyama said, burying his face beneath his other pillow.
Hinata quickly grabbed the pillow and shouted, ‘YOUR BOYFRIEND’S OUTSIDE!!!’
That got Kageyama’s attention. He quickly sat up, ‘What???’ He frowned. ‘And he’s not my boyfriend…’
Hinata rolled his eyes. ‘YET. He’s not your boyfriend yet. Although you two already kissed, so doesn’t that count???’
Kageyama refused to blush in Hinata’s presence and was seriously regretting telling Hinata that little tidbit. He frowned instead. ‘How does he know where our common room is?’
‘He said he bribed Sakusa.’
‘How does Sakusa know??’
Hinata shrugged. ‘Sakusa knows everything. Now hurry and get dressed, Saltyshima’s waiting outside!’
When Kageyama stepped outside the Gryffindor common room, he spotted Tsukishima right across from him, leaning against one of the staircase railings.
‘Why’re you up so early on a weekend?’ Kageyama asked, his brow raised.
Tsukishima motioned for Kageyama to follow him. ‘Couldn’t wait.’
‘For what?’ asked the chaser.
Tsukishima waited until they were in an empty classroom before turning to Kageyama.
‘Takeda-sensei told me something… He mentioned that you’ve been the one brewing my wolfsbane potion. The one with 100% potency.’
Kageyama immediately turned apologetic. ‘Sorry, I forgot to tell you. That completely slipped my mind.’
Tsukishima sighed and closed his eyes before muttering to himself, ‘Just when I thought I couldn’t fall in love with you more…’
Kageyama heard it anyway and blushed a pretty pink.
Tsukishima opened his eyes. ‘How did you even… I mean, I was your Potions tutor for more than two years…’
Kageyama bit his lip, ‘Well, I had a lot of help from Sakusa. He was the one who got the ingredient and procedure list for me. Then I spent last summer buying the ingredients. I memorized the procedure and had to practice for months to get it right.' He hurriedly added, ‘Don’t worry, Sakusa was supervising me.’
Tsukishima took Kageyama’s hand in his and kissed it. ‘Thank you. And… I am sorry for going MIA on you. I just couldn’t get too close to you because I’d fall even harder for you.’
Kageyama shook his head fondly, ‘What a dumbass reason.’
Tsukishima smiled. ‘Actually, that wasn’t the original reason I wanted to talk to you about…’
‘Oh?’
‘Yeah, I wanted to ask you to the Yule Ball. You know, the one the professors told us about a few weeks ago.’ Tsukishima’s voice suddenly became shy. ‘Are you…’ he cleared his throat, ‘Are you going with anyone?’
‘No, but I’m not really into those things. Are you?’
‘Well, not really,’ Tsukishima hesitated, ‘but I kinda wanted to take this opportunity to show everyone that um… that we’re- uh…’ He took a deep breath, ‘that we’re together.’
Kageyama let out a small gasp. ‘We- we’re together now?’
Tsukishima groaned before taking both of Kageyama’s hands in his, ‘Kageyama Tobio, I have never met anyone like you before. Someone who pushes me, annoys me-’
‘Hey!’ Kageyama pouted.
Tsukishima smirked before continuing, ‘Who understands me and accepts me for who I am, no questions asked. I love everything about you. The way you smile, how you’re sometimes so awkward it’s endearing, how you work so hard to achieve your goals, how you stay by my side regardless of how much I push back.’ He took another deep breath, ‘Will you be my boyfriend?’
Kageyama’s face was brick-red. ‘A simple yes or no to my question would have been fine,’ he muttered.
Tsukishima chuckled. ‘Then yes, we’re together now...’ He looked into Kageyama’s stunning blue eyes, ‘right?’
Kageyama let out a beautiful, breathtaking smile as he closed the gap between them, ‘Yes.’