Archive of Our Own

“Mornin’ everyone. Why didn’t ya wake me?” Atsumu asked, yawning as he stretched his way into the busy kitchen.

The sun hadn’t even peeked past the horizon, yet almost his entire household was up and moving. He himself had been startled out of slumber by the sounds of toddler shrieks coming from somewhere else in the house with an empty other half of the bed.

Their twins, Ayame and Eiko, were already running underfoot, too young to understand just how early it was but old enough to already be causing chaos with all of their pent up energy that never seemed to settle down no matter what time of day it was.

Kiyoomi was hovering over the stove with their youngest pup, Masaru, in a carrier on his back while he had started preparing breakfast for everyone, pouring pancake batter into a pan. The eye-bags on his face were prevalent, and so was the permanent look of exhaustion. Clearly, he was overwhelmed.

Atsumu kissed Kiyoomi on the cheek before softly bumping him out of the way, stealing the spatula from his grip. Kiyoomi sighed, but allowed it without a fight. He rubbed at the scarred scent gland on his neck that had long since been marked by Atsumu years ago like it was sore.

“You’ve been exhausted lately. I wanted to let you sleep for as long as possible.” Kiyoomi explained as he took Masaru out of his carrier, situating himself at the dining table to let him nurse before he started getting too fussy.

“And let all of my family do the work without me? No way. Where’s Chinatsu?” Atsumu asked.

“She’s still asleep. How? I have no clue. Ayame and Eiko have been up for hours crying,” Kiyoomi laughed, though there was little humor in it. Their oldest pup, Fumiko, was old enough now at eight to mind her manners and not cause trouble like her younger siblings tended to do, so Atsumu tried to secretly spoil her when he could. He’d make an extra pancake for her later.
The stove sizzled and popped with oil as Atsumu poured in more batter. The twins rounded the island again with a loud squeal, sliding across the slick floor in their socks. It was a bit close for comfort for Atsumu, and he managed to dart his hand out against the corner of the counter just in time to prevent Eiko from bumping her forehead against it.

Her eyes went wide, and even though she was perfectly uninjured, she started crying anyway, so Atsumu scooped her into his arms with a sigh while Ayame hugged his calf from below, pinching the hairs on his leg and staring upwards at them silently with the biggest puppy-dog eyes Atsumu had ever seen, so he took pity on her and snuck her a bite of pancake while Kiyoomi wasn’t looking.

Behind him, Kiyoomi groaned, and Atsumu twisted around to eye his large belly warily—he was pregnant with their fifth and by now Atsumu knew to expect Kiyoomi’s water to break at the worst moment, just like it had with all other three of his pregnancies. His poor mate had a rough go of it, but hopefully this would be their last. Well, according to Kiyoomi that is, but he’d said that about his last pregnancy with Masaru, too.

“How’s baby Miya doing this morning?” Atsumu asked in the gentlest way he could without sounding like too much of a worrier. Kiyoomi glared up at him still. “Kicking the crap out of me already. My ribs are going to bruise at this rate. I need her out.”

Atsumu hummed thoughtfully, shifting his weight to adjust Eiko to his other side while Ayame tugged at his shorts again, tears welling in her eyes.

“What is it?” Atsumu asked in exasperation, flipping the pancake onto a plate before starting on the next one.

“Is Mommy gonna yell at you again tonight?” She asked with a faint sniffle. Atsumu stiffened, eyes snapping up to Kiyoomi who was wearing a similar expression of surprise.

To make things easier on his pregnant mate, he’d been doing some… extracurricular activities in bed last night that must’ve been good enough to make Kiyoomi call out his name several times, but he’d been certain they weren’t loud. Guess the walls were thinner than he thought.

Atsumu ruffled her hair. “Don’t worry, baby. Mommy isn’t really mad. He’s just excited to meet yer new baby sister soon.”

But that answer wasn’t good enough apparently because Eiko started to wail anyways and Ayame followed suit as she usually did.

Atsumu sighed.

It was a lot to handle before eight in the morning on a weekend, but he couldn’t complain. He loved his family more than anything. This was what he’d always wanted after all.

“Ow!” Kiyoomi hissed, rubbing at his sore chest after Masaru nipped at him a tad too hard.

Atsumu grinned at his family, and then his mate. He’d have to be sure to spoil Kiyoomi today.

-

Nine Years Earlier

“Oh come on.”

Kiyoomi threw the fourth pregnancy test into the small trash can next to the toilet with a growl.

All positive. Each and every one. Without a shadow of doubt, Kiyoomi was pregnant.

His life was ruined.

Gravity didn’t seem to exist anymore as Kiyoomi sank down onto the toilet seat, his elbows pushing into his knees and his hands harshly rubbing against the skin of his face in disbelief.

How on earth could Kiyoomi be so stupid, so blind? His belly was swollen already, but he’d chalked it up to poor eating habits as of late. Not a baby.

Deep down, Kiyoomi maybe did suspect pregnancy, but it really wasn’t until Atsumu said that something smelt ‘milky’ at their last practice that finally raised the red flags in Kiyoomi’s mind. And four pregnancy tests later, Atsumu’s alpha nose proved to be in perfect working order.

“Shit. Shit. Shit.”

Kiyoomi took several deep breaths before steeling himself forward, yanking his pants up angrily. He wasn’t happy. The realization of pregnancy meant lots of things were about to change, and fast. Things he wasn’t quite sure he was ready for. He didn’t even know who to call to tell.

No, there was no reason to tell anyone right now. Kiyoomi chewed on his lip. Well, no. He needed to let Coach Foster know right away—he couldn’t afford to be diving around on the hardwood floors anymore, much less jumping around everywhere. This was really going to suck. Kiyoomi wasn’t ready to quit volleyball yet.

Then there was the other matter of… Atsumu.

It was a delicate topic, and Kiyoomi wasn’t sure if he knew how to completely navigate it. He and Atsumu had been dancing around each other for months now, stolen kisses here, random dates there and sex, a few times.

And that’s all it took, apparently.

The real issue was that he and Atsumu didn’t discuss their feelings. Ever. And Kiyoomi had preferred it that way. But now, he wasn’t so certain, because it would be really nice to just call up Atsumu right now and share the news without wanting to actually vomit. Instead, his stomach was churning with nausea and he didn’t think it was because of the pup in his belly.

Kiyoomi stared hard at himself in the mirror. Was Atsumu even interested in raising a pup together? Or would he turn tail and run off the second he found out? Kiyoomi wasn’t so sure this was something he could handle alone, but he refused to think more about the matter. Atsumu would come later–he needed to take care of the more important things first.

With trembling hands, he returned to his living room to grab his phone and dial Foster, who answered almost immediately.

“Oh wow, Sakusa-san. Okay, give me a second,” was all that Foster said when Kiyoomi broke the news. There was some shuffling on the other end of the line, and then the sound of a door opening.

“I know it’s your off day, but it’d be best if you could come in right away so we can go over some paperwork and other details that are to be expected. Some of the other guys are here using the weight room I think, so do what you will with that information. Not sure if you’re ready to tell everyone,” Foster said. Kiyoomi wasted no time putting on his coat and heading out the door to get this over with.

It was a bitter cold outside, the wind chilling Kiyoomi to the bone as he made his way to the train station. When he arrived at the parking lot of MSBY’s practice arena, he ducked past the weight room windows just to be cautious in case his teammates started asking too many questions.

The only people he saw on the way to Foster’s office were staff workers who didn’t bother Kiyoomi, and he couldn’t help but wonder if Atsumu was here or not. They weren’t really the type to constantly update one another on their whereabouts, but Atsumu had been known to come here on his off days.

When Kiyoomi reached Foster’s door, he knocked raptly, trying to get this surely mortifying meeting over with as fast as possible.

“Come in,” a gruff voice called back, and Kiyoomi stepped in quickly, taking a seat in front of Foster’s desk.

“Hi, Coach.”

“Sakusa-san. First of all, congratulations. I should’ve said that over the phone. I was a little shocked by the news, and was also still in my coaching headspace. It’ll be a shame to have you out for the season, but life happens,” Foster said thoughtfully, though Kiyoomi saw his eyes flicker down for a moment to Kiyoomi’s unmarked scent gland at his neck. He was nice enough not to mention it, but Kiyoomi knew what he was thinking. What’s an unmated omega like Kiyoomi going around getting pregnant for?

Foster cut off Kiyoomi’s thoughts with the action of spreading some documents toward him over the desk. “Read this later. It’ll go over in depth more of the official league process of taking a pause mid-contract. There’s a clause in there for omegas who’re pregnant. And if you’ll sign this next…” Foster pushed several more papers in front of Kiyoomi for a good five minutes which he all signed dutifully.

“Well, that’s it. I’ll keep these copies for myself, and you get to keep these.” Foster slid over a manila folder filled with papers he’d have to pour over when he returned home tonight.

“Anything else I should do?” Kiyoomi asked.

“All I ask is that you update me. I need to know if I’ll still have one of my starters later on.” Foster smiled, before his eyes widened slightly. “Oh—and don’t forget to grab anything you might’ve left in the locker room if you’re not going to be back for a while.”

Kiyoomi stilled. Would Atsumu be around? “Er, is…,” He trailed off, and Foster tilted his head to the side. “Everything okay?” He asked. Kiyoomi pursed his lips.

“Do you know… Is Miya here today?” Kiyoomi asked, hoping he didn’t sound too obvious, but Foster’s eyes squinted with suspicion almost immediately. “I’m not sure. If you’re not wanting to run into him… for whatever reason, you can come back later. There’s no rush.”

The idea of making another thirty minute journey just for a few small things another cold day didn’t sound appealing. Kiyoomi shook his head. He’d take his chances. “No, it’s fine. I’ll just grab it now. Thanks for everything, Coach. I’ll be sure to keep you updated.” And with that, he bowed before leaving to sneak into the locker room.

He was quick to throw everything in his bag at once before flinging it around his shoulder and darting back into the hallway. Just as he was about to exit the corridor, he heard the unmistakable raucous laughter of Inunaki, Hinata, and Atsumu bouncing off the interior brick walls. Fear zipped through Kiyoomi, and he nearly jumped out of his skin as he practically ran out the door of the facility.

He was panting heavy puffs of cold air when he got outside in the parking lot, adrenaline thrumming through his veins like a drug. Kiyoomi was not ready to face Atsumu yet. He needed time alone for a while to mull this over before he told anyone.

Kiyoomi pulled a new mask from his bag and snapped it around his face before pulling his hoodie on his head and drawing it tight, making the trek to the train station for the last time for a while.

• • •

Something felt off.

“Wait, was Kiyoomi here?” Atsumu sniffed the air abruptly as soon as he, Inunaki and Hinata entered the locker room.

They both inhaled, wrinkling their brows. “Smells like it to me,” Inunaki confirmed while Hinata nodded. “Where is he?”

Disgruntled, Atsumu dropped his water bottle by the door and turned back around to follow Kiyoomi’s scent. Didn’t Kiyoomi know that Atsumu always came on their off days to workout? Where was he?

Atsumu let his nose lead his legs, thankful that he didn’t pass by any MSBY staff as he followed Kiyoomi’s sweet scent down some stairs and around a corner. He felt a little manic smelling Kiyoomi sometimes, and had been told more than once by Meian and the others to reel his scent in when it concerned Kiyoomi.

Atsumu stopped abruptly once he realized whose door he ended up at—he was at Foster’s office, and Kiyoomi’s scent was fresh.

The door was open, but no one was inside, so Atsumu took the liberty of stepping in discreetly and praying that no one would catch him snooping.

When he scanned the room, there was nothing in plain sight that looked to be Kiyoomi’s. Why would he be talking to a coach on their off day? Atsumu shuffled over to the desk, letting his fingers brush over the wood grain and countless papers that coach had to deal with.

What sort of paperwork does a coach even have to deal with anyway? Atsumu thought to himself before glancing over to the filing cabinet, which had its bottom drawer still wide open. When he bent down to inspect it, he found a bunch of folders with all of the players' names on it. Atsumu really wanted to take his out and read it, but it would be so much more fun to look at his teammate’s first.

Barnes, Hinata, Inunaki, Bokuto. Hah, I should read his before anyone else, bet he has had some weird medical shit. But wait. Where’s…? Atsumu wrinkled his brows. Kiyoomi’s file was missing.

He straightened himself up and looked back to Foster’s desk before stopping dead in his tracks.

There was a stack of papers that he had missed earlier. He read the heading on one of the papers lying atop of the file labeled, ‘SAKUSA, KIYOOMI’.

Maternity and Paternity Leave Policy

Leave Request Form

“What the…” Atsumu mumbled, thumbing through the documents below. This wasn’t actually Kiyoomi’s. It must’ve gotten mixed together somehow.

They’ve only had sex a handful of times. Was it that fast?

Maternity leave policy, and a leave request—Kiyoomi wasn’t, no he couldn’t possibly already be pregnant.

Right?

His eyes widened.

Atsumu looked at the form again and laughed in shock.

Kiyoomi was pregnant.

He dropped to his knees, right then and there in Foster’s office, and laughed, and laughed, and laughed. He laughed until tears were springing from his eyes and his legs were starting to fall asleep. He didn’t even hear the approaching footsteps.

“Atsumu, what on earth are you doing? I can smell you from across the building!” Foster barked abruptly, a serious look crossing his face as he stood in the doorway, but Atsumu couldn’t bring himself to care.

“Coach, would ya get one of those paternity leave forms ready for me too later on?” Atsumu grinned. Foster shot him an incredulous look.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Foster uttered in disbelief before muttering under his breath, “Goddamnit. I knew it.”

Atsumu sprang to his feet, antsy to go find Kiyoomi right away. His alpha instincts were already kicking in, and he wanted nothing more than to keep Kiyoomi in his pocket to make sure he was safe.

“Sorry, coach, I’ve gotta go. See ya tomorrow!” He called as he ran back to the locker room to retrieve his phone. Kiyoomi must’ve called him several times by now. In fact, he was probably looking for Atsumu right now, and here he was wasting time. He couldn’t wipe the disgusting grin from his face the whole way there.

But when he fished his phone from his gym bag, the only text he had was from Osamu, who was asking to borrow his nice suit for a date.

A heated discomfort spread across Atsumu’s cheeks. He swiped to Kiyoomi’s contact and called him, but he didn’t pick up.

He tried again—No answer. He pulled up their text messages.

Atsumu: hey, u home?

His eyes bore holes into the screen for a full minute until he couldn’t take it anymore. A growl of frustration tore its way from his throat before he was throwing his bag over his shoulder and running out the door to visit Kiyoomi’s apartment.

• • •

“Fuck, Kiyoomi. Yer so damn bendy. It’s hot as fuck,” Atsumu marveled. He had Kiyoomi on his back while he hovered above, maneuvering Kiyoomi’s legs so that they were bent up to his chest while gripping onto his ankles for balance—it gave Atsumu the most perfect view of Kiyoomi’s cunt as slick dripped from it. This was only the second time they’d ever had sex, and Atsumu wanted to enjoy the sight of a naked, vulnerable Kiyoomi to the fullest.

Atsumu ground his clothed cock against Kiyoomi’s pussy, amazed at how quickly the cotton soaked up the excessive amount of slick. Kiyoomi whined at the contact, bringing his hands between his legs to tug at Atsumu’s underwear.

A chuckle escaped Atsumu’s lips as he slapped Kiyoomi’s hand away. “Let me enjoy the moment, will ya?” He pulled his boxer briefs down in a quick movement, cock bobbing out and smacking down against Kiyoomi’s cunt. The heat coming from his core made Atsumu dizzy, his glands flaring up and filling the room with his scent.

Kiyoomi embraced the touch, grinding upwards against Atsumu’s cock in a huff until Atsumu started moving too, bending down to give Kiyoomi an open-mouthed kiss. Kiyoomi met it in earnest, tongues sliding against one another quickly like they just couldn’t get enough.

“Just—ugh. Atsumu, put it in already.” Kiyoomi snapped, small omegan fangs nipping against Atsumu’s tongue impatiently. His cock was still lined up against Kiyoomi’s hole teasingly, the heat of it spreading wildfire down Kiyoomi’s spine as more slick gushed onto the sheets. He didn’t have the headspace to wait now, not with his heat fast approaching.

“Don’t be so impatient, baby. Gotta condom?” Atsumu asked with a lazy grin. Kiyoomi turned his nose up at the nickname. “I didn’t have a condom the first time we had sex, so what makes you think I’d have one this time?”

“Okay, fair. Yer on the pill though, right?” He asked, fingers tracing all the way up from Kiyoomi’s ass to the untouched scent gland at his neck.

“Of course.” Kiyoomi affirmed hurriedly, never missing a day. Atsumu laughed, “‘Atta boy.”

Then, Atsumu pressed inside of Kiyoomi in one quick motion, bottoming out completely before hissing. Quickly, he pulled back out to wrap two fingers around the base of his cock. “Goddamn it, yer tight. I forgot. Let me adjust.” Atsumu murmured, and Kiyoomi’s throat unwittingly let out a long whine at the sudden loss before he flushed. His instincts were quickly getting the better of him, and silently begged for the ground to swallow him whole. Atsumu teased him for it.

“Poor omega. Don’t worry, alpha’ll take care of ya,” Atsumu crooned, and before Kiyoomi could smack him for the audacious comment, Atsumu pushed back inside without warning.

“Fuck!” Kiyoomi hissed, walls clenching around Atsumu. He was too damn big, yet Kiyoomi needed even more. Kiyoomi threaded his fingers through the base of Atsumu’s hair and yanked him down until their foreheads met hard enough that Atsumu shuddered. Kiyoomi glared.

“Hurry up,” Kiyoomi quietly demanded, and the shift in Atsumu’s demeanor was to be feared as both hands gripped the headboard above them.

Experimentally, he rolled his hips. This time was different. The first time they’d had sex, it was a bit softer, slower; they were getting to know each other’s bodies. This time, Atsumu meant business.

A lick of pleasure made Kiyoomi’s back arch, but Atsumu corrected him at once, pushing down hard against his chest so he sank back into the mattress.

“Hold onto me,” Atsumu rasped without giving Kiyoomi any time to process his words. At once, he set a brutal pace, pistoning himself forward with purpose to reach as deep inside of Kiyoomi as he possibly could. Each stroke made the head of his cock kiss Kiyoomi’s cervix with a growing fervor that had Kiyoomi suspecting Atsumu would go deeper inside if he could.

Kiyoomi gasped, fingers scrambling along the flat planes of Atsumu’s back for something to hold onto. His hole was quivering around Atsumu with every stroke he made, and the sound of his heavy balls slapping against Kiyoomi’s ass didn’t help the amount of slick pouring out from him.

Atsumu let go of the headboard, wrapping both hands around Kiyoomi’s ankles again as he leaned forward until his lips were by Kiyoomi’s ear. “I’ve never told ya this before,” Atsumu grunted between thrusts, “but yer scent is the best I’ve ever smelt. The first time we met in high school at the training camp it took everything in me not to shove you onto the gym floor and bite yer neck.” Atsumu admitted, and Kiyoomi shuddered at the thought of being taken so forcefully. Still, he couldn't help but imagine that sick sort of pleasure, fantasies running wild as Atsumu continued fucking him.

“So, I’m gonna be a little self-indulgent here if ya don’t mind. Sorry,” but Atsumu didn’t sound sorry at all as he licked a flat line down Kiyoomi’s neck, hips stuttering when he crossed over Kiyoomi’s unmarked scent gland, the skin smooth and milky.

“You won’t,” Kiyoomi breathed heavily, “You won’t bite me, right?” They were playing a very dangerous game, but Kiyoomi wasn't being sensible enough at the moment to put a halt to it.

Atsumu didn’t answer, only nipping gently against Kiyoomi’s neck in response. “Fuck,” Kiyoomi moaned. He wanted it so bad, but they couldn’t.

The noises coming from Atsumu were delightful–like some wild dog, he fucked into Kiyoomi and lapped at the scent gland on his neck for what felt like hours. The pheromones in Atsumu’s saliva must’ve been permeating through Kiyoomi’s skin or something, because the sudden wave of alpha scent invading his headspace made his knees go weak.

“Atsumu?” Kiyoomi asked, voice tinged with worry, though he wasn’t sure Atsumu had heard it. Was he feral? Then, without warning, Atsumu growled something vicious into Kiyoomi’s ear before his pace picked up. Kiyoomi cried out in surprise.

“Fuck. Gonna fuck ya pregnant, Omi.” Atsumu’s voice was so muffled into Kiyoomi’s neck that he almost missed it. It was the last thing Kiyoomi had ever expected out of his mouth, but the idea of Miya Atsumu being this eager to knot and mate him had Kiyoomi fawning, aching to spread his legs further and make sure that Atsumu actually did it.

Involuntarily, Kiyoomi clenched around Atsumu. The feral look in the Alpha’s eye when Kiyoomi lifted his head to watch his reaction had Kiyoomi baring his neck in submission without thought.

Atsumu reached between them, finding Kiyoomi’s sopping clit and circling it with purpose. Fire lit in Kiyoomi’s belly, growing hotter and brighter with every passing second as he spread his legs impossibly further, anything to help Atsumu ease his knot inside.

“Knot,” Kiyoomi begged. “Knot me, please.”

Atsumu’s eyes nearly rolled into the back of his head, the base of his cock beginning to swell. It started to catch with every rock of his hips, and all it took was the idea of Kiyoomi pregnant for his knot to grow; Kiyoomi’s flat tits bigger with milk, Kiyoomi’s muscular abdomen getting round and swollen with his pup, Kiyoomi’s motherly scent. “I’m about to-” Atsumu gritted out, chasing after his fantasies with every thrust inside.

When Atsumu’s knot popped, Kiyoomi came in tandem with a cry. His walls pulsed around Atsumu as he spilled inside, cock twitching and hips shaking with fatigue. Kiyoomi could feel the cum spurting against him, and it was the most blissful, satisfying orgasm he’d had in months. Atsumu’s face was screwed up tight as he continued releasing inside of Kiyoomi, wave after wave of cum never seeming to end.

Finally, once his cock stopped twitching, he gently unfolded Kiyoomi’s hips and collapsed on top of him, lungs heaving up and down like he’d just finished the biggest workout of his life. Kiyoomi fared no better.

The knot locking them together was actually comfortable, though Kiyoomi wouldn’t admit it. He liked having the excuse to cuddle like this—Kiyoomi hadn’t cuddled since the first time they had sex a month ago, and not for years before that. Atsumu made him learn something new about himself every time their paths crossed.

Once Atsumu’s knot finally went down enough for him to slip out, he looked up to Kiyoomi with wide, apologetic eyes.

“God, I’m sorry. About what I said, I mean.” Atsumu rubbed the back of his head apologetically. Kiyoomi cocked a brow at him. “What are you talking about?”

Atsumu’s cheeks turned rosy as he glanced around the room nervously with a chuckle. “Oh, er, ya know. The pregnant thing. And the stuff about yer neck.” Kiyoomi stared blankly at him. “I didn’t think much of it. Wasn’t that just dirty talk?”

“Yeah, it was, but I got so into my head with it I thought it was a little overboard. I thought you wouldn’t like that sorta thing. Have ya done that sort of stuff before…?” Atsumu trailed off as Kiyoomi’s scent flared. This wasn’t something they’d ever talked about, and it was uncomfortable.

“Um, once. At university. But I don’t think that matters anymore. It’s a thing of the past.” Kiyoomi sat up, stretching out his sore muscles.

Atsumu frowned, clearly displeased. “Who?”

“What?”

“Who was it that you slept with?” Atsumu asked.

Kiyoomi was hesitant to answer. “...Just a classmate, a few times. Why does that matter?”

Atsumu studied him carefully. “The one who still messages you, right?”

“You’re acting strange, Atsumu,” Kiyoomi snapped, and it must’ve been what Atsumu needed to hear because he shook his head and smiled.

“You’re right… I don’t know why. I’m sorry. Don’t let me ruin the night. I’ll go get the shower started so we can get cleaned up, stay right here,” Atsumu instructed before hurrying off to the ensuite bathroom.

Kiyoomi rolled his eyes. If Atsumu wanted to get all weird about sex, then he could find someone else. They were fuck buddies, and that was it–being a pro volleyball player meant that Kiyoomi had no time for relationships. All he needed was someone to help relieve the aches that came along with being an omega.

When he heard the showerhead start to run, Kiyoomi stood and walked over to the bathroom. But when he opened the door, he found Atsumu bent over one of his drawers, rummaging through them.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Kiyoomi asked brusquely. At the sound, Atsumu sprang up and turned on his heels, holding a bottle of Kiyoomi’s fancy moisturizer with a look of shame, and Kiyoomi laughed in relief.

“You don’t have to look so guilty. If you wanted to borrow that, just ask next time.” Kiyoomi yanked the moisturizer from his hand, squeezed a bit out into his palm, and replaced it back in its place next to his birth control pills.

“Haha, thanks! Sorry, Omi.” Atsumu gulped, applying the moisturizer liberally to his skin. It made Kiyoomi happy to see Atsumu take interest in something he enjoyed, though he’d never admit it. What had he been worrying about before? Atsumu was a good Alpha at heart.

“Come here,” Kiyoomi’s voice softened, pulling Atsumu closer until they were skin to skin again. Kiyoomi leaned forward to peck Atsumu on the lips, and Atsumu smiled, shoulders finally untensing as he deepened the kiss.

“Up for round two in the shower?” Atsumu grinned. Kiyoomi yanked him in, and they stumbled in together with a laugh.

-

Atsumu needed to cool off before he showed his face at Kiyoomi’s apartment.

He couldn’t, no definitely shouldn’t act like he knew about the pup yet. It was best for Kiyoomi to reveal the news on his own. Still, he was hurt that Kiyoomi told Foster before him.

Atsumu screeched to a halt—the pup was his, right? They hadn’t discussed exclusivity much because they were too busy fighting, flirting, or fucking, but Atsumu kept a close eye on Kiyoomi pretty much all the time and he never showed any sign of sleeping with other Alphas.

Plus, he took care of Kiyoomi’s previous partner from University who kept bothering him, so he didn’t have to worry about him anymore. The thought alone caused the back of his neck to prickle, and a passerby coughed and shot him a dirty look. Atsumu sheepishly reeled in his scent and kept walking.

When he finally made it to Kiyoomi’s apartment, he knocked softly. It took all but five seconds for Kiyoomi to open the door and grimace when he saw who it was. “What the hell are you doing here?”

The smell of distress and rage rolled out from Kiyoomi’s apartment, giving Atsumu pause as he took a step back. “Woah, what’s wrong? Didn’t ya see my text or calls?”

Kiyoomi faltered before pinching the bridge of his nose, still unwilling to open the door for Atsumu. “Of course I saw,” He snapped. “I clearly didn’t respond because I didn’t want you to come over.”

Hurt exploded through Atsumu like he’d been slapped. “Why not?”

“I’m not in the mood, Miya.” Kiyoomi’s voice had turned snippy, the door inching closed a bit more with every word.

His body reacted on its own. Atsumu wedged his foot in the door before Kiyoomi could shut him out completely, but once Kiyoomi realized it, he immediately stepped on Atsumu’s foot in retaliation. Hard.

Atsumu gritted through the pain. He didn’t get this far with Kiyoomi to be turned away now. “Really? I’m Miya now?”

“Move your damn foot,” Kiyoomi demanded, straining to push it out with his own, but he wasn’t wearing shoes which made it difficult.

“Okay sure, if ya let me in I will.”

“No.”

“Then I’m not movin’,” Atsumu said matter-of-factly, growing impatient. “I don’t get the big deal. Just let me in!”

Kiyoomi rolled his eyes. “What makes you think you have the right to barge inside my home?” Atsumu barked out a laugh. “Maybe because ya let me do that the last two times I came over!” That was not the right choice of words, because Kiyoomi reached up and started using his free hand to provoke Atsumu by pushing him out by his forehead, face going red with the effort.

“I”m going to call the police,” He threatened, pheromones exuding from his scent glands with such distress that Atsumu’s alpha instincts wanted nothing more than to fix everything right away. If only Kiyoomi would let me in the damn apartment, Atsumu thought.

A door to their left opened and one of Kiyoomi’s neighbors poked their head out.

“Everything okay over there?” She asked, some meddling older beta woman who’d seen them together before. Atsumu was about to snarl at her to keep her nose out of their business until Kiyoomi spoke up first.

“No, please call security and have them escort this man out right away,” He called out. Bewildered, Atsumu’s jaw dropped. “Omi!?”

“I’ve asked you to leave several times, and you don’t seem to understand that very well, so I’m helping you,” Kiyoomi seethed. Atsumu couldn’t stand it anymore. The boiling anger simmering in his stomach caused him to erupt.

“Don’t ya have somethin’ to tell me?” He asked with an obvious lilt to his tone.

But as soon as the words left Atsumu’s mouth, he regretted them. Kiyoomi stopped fighting against the door at once, eyes snapping up to Atsumu with a quiet fury that made him want to shrink back and run away.

“What the hell are you talking about?” He asked in a chilling tone.

Atsumu glanced away nervously, finally pulling his foot from the doorway. Kiyoomi made no move to close it anymore. When he didn’t say anything, Kiyoomi stepped forward so that he was nearly out the door. “Atsumu. I asked you a question. What do you know?”

Atsumu gulped. He smelt danger, but there was no talking his way out of this now. He needed to be honest. “I… was at the gym today, and I saw the papers on Coach’s desk. Is it true?”

Disbelief adorned Kiyoomi’s features, and he scoffed before turning around and walking inside, not bothering to turn around and see if Atsumu would follow. Hesitantly, Atsumu stepped in and shut the door.

“…Omi?”

Suddenly, a pregnancy test was being flung at his chest. He caught it clumsily, fumbling with it before studying it closely. There was a bold line present next to the control. “It’s positive,” He said in disbelief.

“No shit. What are we going to do?” Kiyoomi stressed, and Atsumu looked over to him in confusion. “What do ya mean, what’re we going to do?”

Kiyoomi gave him a look of bewilderment. “Atsumu, isn’t this a bit of a surprise to you? Aren’t you even a little upset?”

Atsumu shook his head. “I’ve always wanted a bunch of pups. There’s no possible way I could be upset. Especially when it’s… with you,” He admitted with such vulnerability in his tone that he felt embarrassed. But Kiyoomi looked close to tearing out his curls.

“Are you insane? We’ve never discussed this! A pup isn’t short-term you know, or did you even think that far ahead? Frankly, I’m pissed that you already know about this. I only just found out this morning! You can’t even give me the time I need to process this, so how can I expect you to be mature enough to raise a pup together with?”

Ouch.

Atsumu opened his mouth once, twice, and faltered. He wasn’t sure what to say. It wasn’t his fault that he came across the paperwork on Foster’s desk. He was only looking for Kiyoomi, not trying to reveal all of his secrets.

“You don’t mince yer words, do ya?” Atsumu mumbled.

Kiyoomi rolled his eyes, groaning loudly as he fell back against the sofa. “Look—before this, I really liked what we were doing. It was fun, even though we didn’t talk about the serious stuff much. That’s my fault, I guess. I looked forward to seeing what would’ve happened. Organically, I mean. But a pup cements us together. Plus, now I have to quit volleyball. Volleyball. I’m only twenty-two! God, I had so many things I wanted to do.” Kiyoomi trailed off toward the end of his rant, and guilt coiled tightly in Atsumu’s stomach. This was his fault, and it pained his Alpha.

“I know I’m not yer favorite person right now and it might not mean much, but you can go back next season, once the pup is old enough. I’ll make sure of it. Yer too young to be retiring just yet. And as for the other stuff ya mentioned… I liked it too. Hell, I loved it. And oh, God,” Atsumu paused, cautiously stepping toward Kiyoomi and taking a seat next to him. “I… I wanted to do things the proper way. Like courting you, seriously. And fuck, this might be outta left field for ya, but… I care about ya more than ya know. I haven’t just been fuckin’ around with ya. You mean the world to me, and I haven’t been able to get ya outta my head since we were in high school all those years ago. And I don’t want ya to take that as something I’m sayin’ just cause I pupped ya. Trust me, I had been thinking about it for a long time beforehand too. I hope that this doesn’t change our relationship and how it could’ve been.” Atsumu chewed on his lip before continuing.

“‘Sides… I’m gonna get deep here for a moment, so bear with me,” Atsumu chuckled, and Kiyoomi nodded tersely. “You know I love my Ma. I talk about her all the time, ‘cause I think she’s amazing. She raised me and ‘Samu alone. My dad was never around, and it really got me thinking more about a family of my own one day when I’m older. And how I never want to be like him. I’m different. I’m going to be the best damn dad the world’s ever seen. I promise, Kiyoomi, I’ve thought this through. I’m so sorry about everything else, but you can count on me to be present and involved to both you and our pup. And eventually, if you’ll have me, I wanna be yer mate. Forever.”

When Atsumu finally finished, they stared at each other in a stunted silence that lasted long enough for Atsumu to grow frightened. The look in Kiyoomi’s eye seemed like he was thinking about the best way to reject Atsumu.

“You can’t just say that,” Kiyoomi began, softly shaking his head. “But, that makes me feel a little better I suppose.” Kiyoomi smiled faintly, and relief washed over Atsumu like a wave. Even if it wasn’t a confession in turn, Kiyoomi had given him a rope to grab onto, and that was good enough for Atsumu. It always has been.

“Still,” Kiyoomi started, face growing serious again, “We are not going to mate. I’m hesitant about all of this. If you mean it, you have to show me with your actions, not just your words. I’m not joking around here.”

Ever the light-hearted one, Atsumu saluted. “Aye cap’n. Kiyoomi, you have my word. Whatever it takes, I promise to prove my worth. I can even start right now.” Atsumu looked around before lighting up with the perfect idea. “Oh, how about I take ya on a date?”

Kiyoomi pursed his lips, but before he could respond they were interrupted by a knock on the door. Atsumu sprang from his seat. “Don’t worry–I’ll get it.” But when he opened it up, he was greeted by the sight of two security officers with Kiyoomi’s nosy neighbor peeking out from behind them.

“Are you the resident who lives here?” The one on the left asked.

“No, he’s not!” The beta woman called out. Kiyoomi joined him at the door warily.

“It’s my apartment,” Kiyoomi answered.

“We received a call about an altercation between an Alpha and Omega. Sorry sir, but we’re going to have to ask you to leave,” The one on the right explained, looking over to Atsumu. Kiyoomi shook his head. “No, it’s fine. It was just a misunderstanding, he doesn’t need to leave.”

“I saw the Alpha trying to force his way into the apartment, actually,” The beta woman chirped. Atsumu shot her a glare, and one of the officers sighed.

“Just… Please leave. For today, at least.” He asked, clearly over dealing with stupid squabbles like these. Atsumu looked over to Kiyoomi, and he shrugged.

“Sorry. You should go. But… Come back tomorrow. For the date. I’m okay with it,” Kiyoomi answered, and a smile bloomed onto Atsumu’s face.

Not even getting kicked out could dampen his mood now.

“Alright, be ready after I get back from practice then. See ya later… Omi.” Atsumu laughed, stepping past the officers and sticking out his tongue at the beta woman for good measure.

Things ended up turning out well for Atsumu after that, somehow. Dinner and a movie had been the perfect date to please Kiyoomi, no matter how cliche it had been. It turned out as long as Atsumu footed the bill and made sure the Omega was happy, then it was a good date.

One date turned into two, two into three, and eventually a few months had passed and Kiyoomi had grown much more tolerable of Atsumu. Enough so that they could call each other true partners. Not mated yet, but still fond of one another. Kiyoomi even allowed Atsumu to temporarily move in until they could find more permanent arrangements elsewhere.

At five months, Kiyoomi’s belly was showing, and Atsumu loved it. He didn’t want to let Kiyoomi out of his sight, but after one particular week of staying pent up in his room, Kiyoomi was growing irritated.

“I’m going for a walk. Move,” Kiyoomi demanded.

“Just wait! It’s probably going to rain! Why don’t you go on a walk later?” Atsumu begged.

“You’re testing my patience. Either come with me, or get out of the doorway.”

Atsumu growled, grabbing his keys and an umbrella. “Fine, but yer comin’ with me to a park to walk at. I don’t want ya walkin’ near the road.”

The park ended up being in a part of town that Kiyoomi was unfamiliar with. The streets looked foreign, and Kiyoomi was curious to know when Atsumu had the time to come explore when all he normally did was play volleyball and attend to Kiyoomi nowadays.

“Oh, this is a nice spot. It feels good to see the sky when it’s not through the window.” Kiyoomi breathed in deep, admiring the lush greenery planted along the paths of the park.

He didn’t wait for Atsumu’s response, instead turning to start walking deeper into the park. He’d turned rather slow lately, his belly causing him to waddle more than walk. Atsumu was quick to catch up, looping his arm through Kiyoomi’s for balance. Kiyoomi swallowed. “Thanks,” He murmured.

Whether or not he wanted to admit it, he was glad Atsumu came along on the walk. Having him by his side had been nicer than not these days, his constant Alpha scent a steady comfort throughout his days. Even his nest had transformed into something more that resembled a mated partner’s nest than someone unmated.

“So, how’s practice going these days?” Kiyoomi asked. Atsumu nearly tripped, entirely aware that this was a dangerous topic due to how resentful Kiyoomi still was about being forced to sit out for the season.

“It’s good. I’m missin’ ya on the court, though. Yer replacement ain’t as good as you are,” Atsumu said. Kiyoomi nodded in agreement.

“Too bad. Well, things will turn around once I’m recovered and back in shape.” Kiyoomi snorted, but Atsumu could smell his bitter scent. He was eager to change the subject.

“Hey, have ya thought anymore about what to call her?” ‘Her’ being their pup. They found out they were having a girl at Kiyoomi’s second appointment. Kiyoomi nodded thoughtfully, like this was something he’d been thinking over too.

“I’ve got a list. Want to see?” Kiyoomi asked, pulling out his phone. Atsumu took it, scrolling through the short list.

“Ai, Noriko, Setsuko. Hmmm… They have a nice ring to them, but I’m not sure.” Atsumu said. Kiyoomi seemed offended. “Well then, why don’t you come up with names for a change?” He challenged, kicking a rock in front of them on their path with some gusto.

“Alright, fine. I have plenty I like anyway. Do ya like Amaya?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Okay. Shika?”

“No.”

“Umm. Fuji.”

“Definitely not.” Kiyoomi cringed.

“Oh, here’s a good one–Kiyomi!”

“Isn’t that a little too on the nose? No.”

Atsumu groaned. “Yer tough, baby. Maybe we’ll just have to decide when she decides to come out,” He said as he rubbed Kiyoomi’s belly. Kiyoomi shrugged. “I guess so.”

They’d only walked half a mile yet fatigue was quickly catching up with Kiyoomi, and Atsumu must’ve noticed it by his heavy panting. “Are ya tired? There’s a bench up ahead. Let’s sit for a little bit.” Kiyoomi looked ahead, and almost gasped. They had parks like this in their city?

There was indeed a bench up ahead, but it was nestled underneath a beautiful, green canopy that was interwoven with vinery all the way through. It wasn’t incredibly large, but still big enough for two grown men to sit under comfortably. Kiyoomi bet that it would bloom some beautiful flowers soon, the buds already looking as though they were going to be bursting open any day now.

“Holy shit, that’s gorgeous.” Kiyoomi turned to look at Atsumu. “How did you know about this park? I’ve never even heard of it.”

“I came a few times during my first year with MSBY. I was bored, and explored the city often. Don’t really do it much anymore though,” He explained as they took a seat together. Kiyoomi took the opportunity to catch his breath, but the air was getting muggier and it made each breath he drew ragged.

Atsumu looked up with a worried expression. “Kiyoomi, I really think we should go home. It’s going to rain and shit–I forgot the umbrella in the car.” He stood quickly, but Kiyoomi refused to budge.

“Just wait. I’m too tired. I can’t get up yet,” Kiyoomi panted. Atsumu seemed torn, looking between the sky and Kiyoomi. “Okay, just wait here. I’ll go get the umbrella.”

But of course, in the same breath, the sky opened and it began to pour.

“Shit!”

“Wow.” Kiyoomi was unimpressed as Atsumu stood outside from the canopy’s cover and got soaked. Cursing, Atsumu sat back down on the bench to shelter himself from the rain. “What shit timing. Let’s just stay here and wait it out,” Atsumu huffed, ringing out water from his t-shirt.

And they waited. And waited. And waited. But there was no sign of the rain letting up.

“C’mere. You can’t be getting a cold. It’s not good for you or the pup.” Atsumu put his arm around Kiyoomi’s shoulder, pulling him in close to his side. Kiyoomi snorted. “I’m more worried about you. You’re already wet. Besides, it’s summer. There’s no way we’ll get a cold.”

“Can’t you just listen to me for once? I’m trying to help,” Atsumu stressed, muttering under his breath. But Kiyoomi bit his tongue for the sake of both of their sanities. He didn’t want to step on Atsumu’s toes anymore than he already had today. He wasn’t that cruel.

Carefully, he cast his eyes sideways to sneak a glance toward Atsumu. Raindrops were still stuck to his lashes, and his poor hair was sticking to his forehead in a rather unattractive manner. He was shivering just a little bit too, and Kiyoomi couldn’t help his heart from softening.

Perhaps he’d been too hard on Atsumu all these months after all.

He was a good partner, and had stayed faithful to Kiyoomi’s request ever since the day Kiyoomi found out he was pregnant. All Atsumu ever did was make Kiyoomi comfortable. And yes, he was a big worrier, but Kiyoomi knew that it was because he cared. He was kind, attentive, attractive, a great Alpha, and even greater in bed. Kiyoomi took him for granted, he was just now realizing, too blinded by his own misfortunes to think about anything past them.

“Hey, we’ve been on the team together for about a year now, did ya realize that?” Atsumu asked suddenly, breaking Kiyoomi from his thoughts. Scrunching his eyebrows, Kiyoomi looked out at the rain in front of them. It had been a year now, hasn't it? Last summer was when he joined the Jackals.

One year ago had been the start of Kiyoomi and Atsumu’s odd relationship–of flirting, and arguing, and sneaking off after practice to make out in a supply closet. Before Kiyoomi had gotten pregnant. He had loved it so much.

Kiyoomi gasped at the realization that dawned over him, crashing into without warning.

Yes, he loved being on a pro team. It had been his dream since forever. But Atsumu made his experience what it was–better than he could ever dream. Without any more thought, Kiyoomi opened his mouth to let his feelings flow.

“I love you,” Kiyoomi whispered.

Atsumu whipped his head to turn and look at Kiyoomi, eyeing him up carefully.

“Kiyoomi? Did you just…?” He asked, taken aback. Slowly, Kiyoomi nodded his head.

“I did. I did say it.”

“Say it again!” Atsumu urged, like he couldn’t believe it. Kiyoomi wasn’t sure he believed what he’d just said either, but then he said it once more.

“I love you, Atsumu.”

“Say it again.”

“Atsumu, I love you,” Kiyoomi whispered. Atsumu’s lower lip wobbled, but he didn’t cry.

“Kiyoomi, where did this come from?” Atsumu asked, taking both of Kiyoomi’s hands into his own. Both pairs hovered above Kiyoomi’s pregnant belly.

Taking a deep breath, Kiyoomi figured there was never a better time than the present.

“We’ve… we’ve been hanging around each other for a year now. And you’re amazing. Well, better than amazing. I’ve been sort of stupid not to realize it. Basically, I wasted this entire year worrying about worthless things, when I should’ve been focusing on you. You’re going to be a fantastic father, and there’s no better Alpha I could ask for to do it. It’s only one summer now, but I… I want to be with you for the rest of them. I’m sorry for not knowing sooner. If you don’t want to be with me anymore, I’d understand why.”

Atsumu looked almost offended once Kiyoomi finished speaking.

“Kiyoomi, there’s no reason to be gettin’ all insecure on me now. Besides, none of this is yer fault. It’s mine. It’s my job as yer Alpha to take care of both you and the pup. That’s the only thing that makes me happy, baby,” Atsumu smiled, but Kiyoomi still seemed put off.

“Well, aren’t you going to say it back?” He asked with a pout—he was so adorable when he was upset with his round belly. Atsumu couldn’t wait to see it even bigger.

“I love you too, Kiyoomi,” Atsumu said before pausing to throw his hand out, “Wait. What do you think about the name, Chinatsu?”

“Chinatsu?”

“It means a thousand summers. A thousand summers that we’ll all spend together as a family.”

Kiyoomi paused, mulling it over. “I… actually love it. Okay, then. She’ll be little Miya Chinatsu.”

Atsumu slung his hand behind Kiyoomi’s neck and pulled him close to kiss him. Kiyoomi could feel the love radiating through it, and he’d never felt so whole in his life. Even though Chinatsu wasn’t here yet, Kiyoomi could already tell that he was going to love his little family.

The rain slowed down to a sprinkle as they kissed.

“Let’s go home, Atsumu.”

-

Nine Years Later

The sun was harsh as it beat down against Atsumu’s neck.

After pancakes this morning, Atsumu got everyone ready and loaded the kids into the car for a surprise visit to the park. In fact, the very same park that Kiyoomi had confessed to him in all those years ago.

Ayame and Eiko sprinted toward the playground as soon as their feet touched the ground, laughing as they climbed their way onto an empty seesaw. Masaru stayed asleep, even as Kiyoomi unhooked him from his car seat, still tired from feeding earlier. Chinatsu hovered close to Atsumu, waiting for permission to go play.

“Yer a good girl, Chinatsu. Go run and play with yer sisters,” Atsumu smiled as he ruffled her dark curls. She nodded shyly before sprinting away.

Atsumu took Masaru from Kiyoomi as they walked hand in hand to a bench near the playground–not their favorite one a little ways down, no, but one even better–big enough for their entire family.

“Are you happy, Kiyoomi?” Atsumu asked. Kiyoomi considered the question carefully. He knew that Atsumu didn't just mean right now in the present, but rather an overarching, general happiness. After he gave birth to Chinatsu, he had the opportunity to play volleyball again for a few more years before ultimately deciding he was ready to stay home and try again. Within a month, he ended up pregnant with Ayame and Eiko, and couldn’t be happier.

“I’m so damn happy,” Kiyoomi whispered as his eyes followed Eiko laughing at some bug on the seesaw.

Atsumu hugged Masaru tight, following Kiyoomi’s gaze.

“Me too.”

Atsumu knew that he made the right decision nine years ago–swapping Kiyoomi’s birth control pills with placebo pills instead was nobody's business but his own.