Chapter Text
Guys, I don't like bragging but let me just brag about this okay because
LOOK AT THIS. EVERYONE JUST STOP SCROLLING AND LOOK AT IT. Do you recognise which SS work this art is from? (answer: Wedding!!) ISN'T THIS INCREDIBLE??? I still can't believe someone has drawn this FROM MY FIC!! MY VERY OWN FIC!! I'm over the moon guys like this is insane. A huge thank you to everyone who has read any of my works, kudos, comments, art, ANYTHING. You are so wonderful and I hope you have a fantastic day.
P.S.) this lovely art was done by Mirai which you can find here and you can find her art (SHE ALSO DID ANOTHER SS PIECE!!) over here
THANK YOU MIRAI! These are so great ♡
⚜
The hallways of the HQ headquarters were unusually peaceful if not for the lonesome man making his way through the corridor.
The heavy thuds of his military boots reflected his strong presence as he marched along, head held high. He was unexpectedly under average in height, and his smooth gait seemed to propel him effortlessly through the avenues, having just returned from his six week journey. His eyes flickered about like searchlights. They were almond-shaped, a deep earthy-brown, and very quick. His hair was a tousled mess and the man ran a hand through the stiff strands.
When it comes to a B rank mission, six weeks generally isn’t a long to be gone. But this was Iwaizumi Hajime we were talking about; and he is, if anything, a man of enormous talent.
The worn dufflebag thumped against his shoulder at each stride, the momentum giving him comfort. The agent inhaled, taking in the familiar scent of old sandalwood and lemon disinfectant. It felt good to be back.
Iwaizumi wiped his cheek with the back of his hand subconsciously. He’d just landed from an eleven hour flight and desperately needed a shower. Not yet though. There was still one final place he needed to visit and he felt the growing anticipation. Afterall, it had been six weeks.
He readjusted his bag strap and fastened his pace. He’d almost made it through the corridor if not for the sudden crowd of cadets who swarmed toward his direction. The rackety sounds of lively chatter filled the air and Iwaizumi paused, then wedged himself to the side to avoid the mob. He’d forgotten it was recruitment season.
The large group prattled on as they raided the entire walkway. A girl with long, mouse-brown hair glanced over at him, only to do a double take. She let out a strangled squeak and latched on to her friend’s arm.
“Oh my god, look, it’s Iwaizumi! Over there! That’s him!” she whispered in a very-audible hiss. The group paused, heads snapped over at him with immediate recognition, then awe. Their eyes glowed with admiration and they fidgeted with excitement.
Iwaizumi flashed an awkward smile. Did they always start off this young?
He held a hand up in a brief wave and they chittered excitedly, eyes wide as they fawned at him squeezing his way through.
“Good evening, Iwaizumi-kun!”
“Hello.”
“How was the mission, sir?”
“Fine.”
“When did you arrive?”
“Just now.”
“Are you excited about the new changes?”
No. “It’s always nice to see new faces.” He replied instead.
The group fluffed up at his comment, immediately warming up to him. They stepped aside to let him through, jabbing each other with their elbows when he ambled past. A tall boy leaned in eagerly, poking his head out from the crowd. “I always did pin you as being a team leader, sir!” he called out. “So, what’s going to happen to your old nickname? Are we still allowed to call you the lone wolf?” he chirped with a teasing grin.
Iwaizumi paused at that. He peered over his shoulder, brows furrowed in confusion. “Excuse me?” he asked in a low drawl.
The smile on his face wiped off immediately and the group stepped back. “Sorry, we didn’t mean to overstep. Sorry.”
The agent glanced at each cadet, inwardly memorising their faces. He inclined his head. “It’s okay. Better hurry along to your next class.”
He received a chorus of sheepish bows and the group scurried along, their soft hisses of “why did you say that? Lev, you idiot! He probably hates us now,” still audible in the distance.
Huh. Iwaizumi frowned to himself. Well, that was rather odd. He shook his head and hurried on through, slipping past a corner and down an unused corridor to avoid any further unwanted attention.
⚜
The training centre.
Iwaizumi inhaled deeply, before exhaling with a pleased smile. It was one of his favourite places to hang around and with new readjustments of the entire training course every week, he never grew sick of it. My own little Disneyland.
He tossed his bag aside and strolled in, casually swinging his arms. He tilting his neck forward for a light stretch but paused, body gone rigid. Iwaizumi straightened himself again. “How many agents does it take to complete a B rank mission?” he called out.
“Oi, shut up. Don’t get too full of yourself,” a voice shot back, though he didn’t miss the teasing lilt.
Iwaizumi grinned before leaning back for another stretch and he peer over at the others.
Agent Bokuto and Kuroo stood at the entrance, a heavy duffle bag slung over each their shoulders as they stared back. They were completely covered in what had to be multiple layers of grit, grime, and blood. From here, Iwaizumi could see the various overlays - they must’ve not had been able to shower very often during the entire eight and a half week span of their mission.
“Wow,” Iwaizumi raised a brow. “You two look different. Let me guess, new haircut?”
Kuroo ran a hand through his mud-slick hair. “Glad you noticed. When did you get back?”
“Just now. Wanted to have a quick workout before I hit the showers.”
“Jees, just got back and you’re already going for the playground?” Bokuto grimaced, and from here Iwaizumi could make out the fine cracks of dried dirt on his face. “Wazzy, you have an addiction.”
Iwaizumi snorted. “You tell me that when I outrank Ushijima. I’m not going to get there by lazing around, you know.”
“The day you outrank the almighty cow will be the day he dies.” Kuroo flashed a teasing grin. “Then again, you got the upper hand with your ‘secret weapon’, eh?” He nudged his elbow in to Bokuto’s side as though they shared an inside joke.
Iwaizumi frowned over at the duo. “Secret weapon?”
Kuroo waved him off. “So, you seen the newcomer yet?”
“Mm. I almost got swamped by a mob of them earlier. I swear they’re getting younger each year.”
Kuroo let out a lazy chuckle. “They are,” he agreed. “But not them. The other one. The new guy.”
“No?” Iwaizumi shrugged. “Why? He a nutcase or something?” He hadn’t forgotten about the incident with ‘Mad dog’. Then again, no one else had either. It was still a sensitive topic for everyone.
“Oh come on, dude.” Kuroo shot him a haughty look. “Quit pretending like you don’t have a clue. Everyone knows about it anyway.”
“What the hell are you on about? I honestly have no idea what you’re talking about.” Iwaizumi did a quick cross-arm stretch. “You know I don’t waste my time on things like that.”
Kuroo’s brows shot up. “Wait… so you.. haven’t you heard the rumours?” he asked slowly.
“What rumours? I literally just came back from my mission, how am I supposed to know?”
“Well, we heard from Yaku,” Bokuto raised his eyes to the ceiling in a contemplative manner.
“Dude, they’ve been circulating the whole place. You trying to pull our legs?”
“What?” Iwaizumi studied him for a moment with slow, humourless eyes. “What rumours?”
Bokuto let out a loud snort. “Ahuh, right. Nice try, Hajime,” he shot him a lopsided grin. “You’re one cheeky bugger-“ He paused when Kuroo held his hand out.
The agent was examining Iwaizumi’s face with a serious intent.
“What?” Iwaizumi asked, which only made the other squint harder.
“What?” he demanded again, now feeling impatient and somewhat nervous.
Kuroo leaned back, eyes wide with shock. “Dude, he’s not joking,” he murmured in surprise. “He actually doesn’t know.”
“What?” Bokuto clasped a hand on the other’s shoulder, oblivious to the sickly squelching sound it made as he peered over skeptically. He inhaled sharply. “Oh shit, you’re right..!” He threw his head back and let out an almighty burst of laughter. “He has no idea! Oh god!”
“What?! What is it?!” Iwaizumi snapped. “Tell me! What are the rumours?”
The pair glanced over at one another, an amused grin plastered on their faces. “You sure you wanna know?” they teased in a synced question.
Iwaizumi crossed his arms, his training now long forgotten. “Right now.”
⚜
The director gently closed the door behind him and refrained from sliding his back down the frame. The meeting with the international executives had proven to be thoroughly draining, seeming more like a screaming debate than a progressive meeting. He hobbled over to his desk and threw himself unceremoniously in to his seat. “God forbid why I do this to myself,” he sighed.
“I always pinned you as being somewhat masochistic.”
“Oh jesus-!” the director jumped violently, almost dropping his files. He jerked his head up to find a looming figure lurking within the shadows of the bookshelf. From the icy glare, it was blatant the news had finally spread. Uh oh.
“Hajime!” he beckoned him over, a polite smile painted on his face. “Just the man I wanted to speak wi-“
“I don’t need a partner.”
Double uh oh. He’d known this would happen. The director shook his head, chuckling. “Always so direct with your words. It’s something I always admired about you.”
He straightened himself when the agent stalked closer, emitting strong waves of irritation.
“I,” Iwaizumi repeated in a low voice. “Do not. Need. A partner.”
“Come, sit down.”
The agent hesitated at first, glaring hard. Finally, he huffed and begrudgingly took a seat across from the other.
Director Furudate lit up. “Thank you.”
He stacked his files up neatly and pushed them aside. He could sense Iwaizumi’s stare boring a hole in to his temple and he flashed another warm smile at him.
“So the rumours are true then? You’re actually considering this?”
“Well..” Furudate glanced up at the ceiling in fake contemplation. “Not.. considering, considering I have already considered.” The smile on his face evaporated at the sight of Iwaizumi smiling right back. “Is.. something amusing you..?”
“Hm? No, just thinking how this is probably the worst prank you've ever attempted.” Iwaizumi raised a brow, shooting him a disdainful look. “Very poorly executed, sir. I mean, no one in their right mind would actually think this would be a good idea.”
The director’s face fell. “Oh, come on Hajime. Don’t make this awkward for me.”
“The fact that you assumed I would even agree to this is what’s made it awkward.”
“How about I explain the situation first, then you can make a sole judgement, agree? Okay, excellent,” he concluded before Iwaizumi could even open his mouth.
“So, as you may know, it’s recruitment season which means there’s an abundance of new additions to our team. Most are novices in the business, but some are.. far from that. I have one particular individual who is showing some promising signs- are you listening Hajime? Please put that down and pay attention. He’s new to our agency. Someone who’s been in the business long enough to prove he’s.. an irreplaceable asset.”
The director leaned back, watching him carefully. “I need someone who can make him feel welcome. Someone who can help him integrate more smoothly in to the system.”
“So you’re assigning me as a babysitter.”
“No, of course not. He carries an excellent profile; ex-military with great commendations from fellow officers. He possesses an off-the-chart IQ with unnervingly accurate instincts - only two mission failures over a seven year period- ”
“If he’s so wonderful then why do I need to babysit him?”
Furudate couldn’t help but chuckle. “Not babysit. I just need someone who can counterbalance him, both physically and mentally. And who better,” he gestured at the other. “Than our top rank twelfth agent, Hajime? Say, did I ever congratulate you on that? If not then well-”
“Flattery will get you nowhere.”
The director dropped his smile, shooting him a tired look. “Okay, I get it, I get it. I understand your reluctance since.. the ‘incident’ with Matsukawa; but that was three years ago, Hajime! You’re a remarkable team player and don’t you even deny it. You know I wouldn’t have asked if there was anyone else who was capable of filling these shoes.”
“You could assign the newcomer with Ushijima,” Iwaizumi pointed out. “Pass the newbie on to him.”
“Oh, please. I want to keep the new guy here, not drive him away. Besides, wouldn’t it be nice to finally have someone by your side again?”
There was the light tap the door interrupting their conversation. The director lit up immediately, a smile of relief plastered on his face. “Yes? Who is it?”
Iwaizumi slumped in to his chair in brooding silence. Had it already been three years? The incident wasn’t exactly something he liked to dwell on since it left him feeling uneasy. Afterall, time hasn’t changed history. The last thing I need is another partner.
“Director, you called me?” A cool voice spoke from behind. It carried a casual tone, a soothing lilt. Iwaizumi glanced up to find Director Furudate’s eyes warm up.
“Speak of the devil! Come in, come in. Have a seat.”
That caught Iwaizumi’s attention. He sat up, shoulders tense and the back of his neck tingling with unwanted anticipation. He shifted in his seat to peer over his shoulder.
“Good to have the two partners finally meet!” Director Furudate chirped from behind, though he didn’t miss the underlying message in his tone. Please don’t make this difficult, Hajime.
“Hajime,” The director gestured over to the man standing by the door. “Meet Oikawa Tooru.”
Iwaizumi let his gaze climb the distinguished sharply-clothed figure standing before him. The man looked to be of similar age, in his mid twenties. His hair was stylishly ruffled up, soft waves of chestnut locks windswept to the side. His eyes were round, unnaturally light, framed by delicate lashes. He had a slim face, lips painted a delicate pink, and a sharp-edged nose which looked like it had been sculpted to perfection. Handsome face, Iwaizumi thought. Something which belonged on the cover of a glossy men’s fashion magazine. Not in a profession like this.
He stood tall, dressed in blacks, if not a deep midnight blue which clung quite snugly on his skin, showing off his well-built stature and long limbs.
The man simply radiated with confidence and he was flashing Iwaizumi with what had to be the world’s most photogenic smile. Tooru held his hand out. “Hey there,” he greeted. “It’s an absolute pleasure to finally get to meet-“
Iwaizumi flipped his head over to shoot the director a look of disbelief. “You’re kidding, right?” he asked. Iwaizumi jerked his thumb over at the man behind him. “Are you kidding me?”
The director let out a pained sigh. “Be nice, Hajime.”
His ‘partner’ seemed unperturbed, eyes shining in deep amusement. “Hajime, was it? That’s a nice name. Very masculine.”
Iwaizumi whipped his head over. “Don’t.” he growled. Only the director calls me that.
“Oops, sorry.” The man held his hands up in defence. “I wasn’t aware you didn’t liked to be called by your own name.”
This guy’s a total airhead. Before Iwaizumi could snap for the dangled bait, the director let out a nervous laugh. “Come on, fellas. First impressions are always important.”
Oikawa smiled, flashing a set of pearly whites. “Of course, no need to fret sir. I always say it’s nice to start off with a little bang. Besides,” His eyes flickered over, meeting Iwaizumi’s. “I can tell we’re going to get along just fine.”
There’s no way I’m going to partner with this guy. Iwaizumi rolled his tongue in his mouth, feeling an irrational amount of irritation brooding from within. He stood up, the heavy scrape of the chair making his director wince. “Well, I should get going then. Will that be all, sir?”
He didn’t miss the way Director Furudate glanced over at Oikawa then back at him. “Well, I was hoping you two could-
“I just got back from a mission,” Iwaizumi interrupted flatly. “I need to debrief.”
“Oh. I see. Uh, yes. Alright.” he replied, clearly unhappy with how the encounter went. Serves him right. What else did he expect? For him to just forget what happened with Mattsun?
“Hajime.”
Iwaizumi peered up, only to realise he’d been called by his first name again.
Tooru smiled, deeply amused. “I’m looking forward to working with you in the future. Catch you around?”
The nerve. Iwaizumi clenched his jaw, teeth grinding up a storm. “Don’t count on it.”
And with that, he spun on his heels, more than eager to leave the office.
⚜
News of the confirmed rumours spread like wild fire. Agents whispered amongst themselves, hoping to gain some insight on the ‘handsome’ new agent named Tooru. Iwaizumi already had three females of the Code department come up, asking about his new partner. What is he like? Is he nice? How old is he? Is he single?
Iwaizumi managed to pry himself away from the nosy crowds and did everything to avoid others whenever and wherever possible. Before, he could barely walk down the damn corridor without someone bombarding him with stupid, time-consuming questions he didn’t have answers to. I mean, come on. His favourite food? Really? It was exhausting having to pretend to share their excitement when he clearly didn’t. want. a. new. partner. Was that so hard to understand? Iwaizumi just wanted nothing to do with the guy. He wanted some peace.
So where else to hide than in his comfort castle?
Almost there..
Faster.. Need to run faster..
Three steps left.. two.. one..!
Iwaizumi slammed his hand on button, exhaling when the sirens cut and he was met with silence. He peered over his shoulder at the wall.
3:15
Three minutes, fifteen! He let out a shaky pant of laughter. He’d shed his personal record time by three seconds.
The training circuit had been set on advanced level too. Maybe I’ll try for expert next round.
Feeling awfully pleased, he peeled off his singlet, using it to mop up the sweat on his forehead. The platforms shifted under his feet and he hopped to one side as they began to remould themselves to the default setting.
“Wow, I’m impressed.”
His mood plummeted significantly. Iwaizumi glanced down at the small figure below.
Oikawa was examining the interior with wide eyes, brows raised in a perfect arch. He watched the training course reassemble itself, patiently waiting as though it had interrupted their conversation. When it finally finished, Oikawa peered up at him with a polite smile. “You’re very fit. Work out often?”
“No.” Iwaizumi lied immediately. How the hell did you find me?
Oikawa’s smile deepened. “You just naturally look that good?”
“No.” Iwaizumi repeated, only this time it came out as a low warning. He glared at the other who resumed exploring the centre. This guy was either dense or very persistent.
“Can you believe it’s already been a week since we’ve first met? Time sure does fly.” Oikawa’s eyes traced along the ceiling slopes, the soft tap of his shoes as he ventured closer.
“I was hoping to get a personal tour,” His eyes landed on Iwaizumi’s. “But you’re a difficult person to hunt down.”
Iwaizumi glanced away. He shrugged casually. “I like to stay occupied.”
“Oh. I guess we have that in common.” Oikawa hummed. “Well, if you’re done with training maybe we could go grab a bite together? Or we could-“
“I’m not done with training,” Iwaizumi interrupted. He swung his shirt over his shoulder. “Go ask someone else, rookie.”
“My name is Oikawa, actually. But if you’re not done then all the more better!” The agent hopped on the spot, his tousled hair bouncing from the momentum. “Let’s train together! It’d be fun to have a good old-fashioned friendly brawl.”
Iwaizumi eyed the other with disdain. Upon closer examination, he’d noted how Oikawa was in fact already wearing a pair of training combat boots. Did he plan this?
He tugged his shirt down and stuffed it unceremoniously over the side of his trousers. Iwaizumi leapt off the edge, skipping from one platform to another, until he landed on the ground with a deep thud. He stared at Oikawa who’d lit up, his large eyes glistening with curiosity.
“No thanks.” Iwaizumi answered, purposely delayed. “I prefer to train alone.”
“A match is different to a circuit practice course. I admit, I’m alittle rusty but I do hold a pretty mean swing.” Oikawa grinned, the row of straight, white teeth flashing him.
Unnerving. “I said no thanks.”
“Why not?”
Iwaizumi shot him a disdainful look. “I don’t pick fights with rookies.”
“Again, it’s Oikawa. Oikawa Tooru.”
“In my eyes I see you as a rookie so therefore I will refer to you as rookie.”
“Come on, at least give me a try. I’ll make it worthwhile.”
“When I say no, I mean no.”
“Why? You nervous? I’ll go easy on you, I swear.”
Oikawa didn’t even flinch when Iwaizumi stepped entirely too close, glaring up at him. He carried a fierce expression, broad shoulders tensed, hair ruffled up, and a storm brewing in his eyes.
“Do not push me.” He warned in a low voice. “You won’t want to see the outcome.”
The other agent stared right back, unwavering and confident. He lowered his gaze down at Iwaizumi’s feet, crawling up to his naked torso then back to his eyes. Oikawa smiled, looking strangely satisfied as he ran a hand through his hair.
“Well, I won’t know till I tried, right?” he challenged.
Iwaizumi’s brows shot up. He laughed sharply, shaking his head. “Well, aren’t you just a ball of sunshine.” His lips tugged in to an aggressive grin.
“Alright, I’ll humour you.” Iwaizumi gestured behind him at the training course. “If you get through the track within 5 minutes I’ll go a round with y- ”
He didn’t even get the chance to finish. Iwaizumi’s vision flipped completely as he was thrown sharply on the ground. He let out a surprised grunt at the heavy impact of his back slamming the hardened floor. He blinked up, dumbfounded.
Oikawa towered over, mouth stretched in to a delighted grin. “Tracks are no fun. I prefer one-on-on matches- ”
He flipped his arm in front to block the sudden punch. The strength of the blow was still enough to unstable his guard and Iwaizumi seized the glimpse of opportunity. He lunged up, grabbing a vice grip of his left shoulder and right hip. He yanked him forward, sending Oikawa toppling over his head.
Iwaizumi snapped on to his feet and whipped his arms up just in time to block to sharp side kick. There was a distinct crunch of bone, but the pain wasn’t strong enough for it to have been broken. He stumbled back, then ran in for a shoulder charge.
It was as though Oikawa was expecting it – he raised his arms out like an embrace and wrapped them over Iwaizumi’s upper torso. Don’t fucking underestimate me. Iwaizumi grabbed a fistful of Oikawa’s shirt and threw him bodily to the ground.
Oikawa tumbled over, crashing painfully on his hip. He let out a surprised choke and Iwaizumi couldn’t help but feel ridiculously smug. With the other in a vulnerable position on his back, it was now or never.
Iwaizumi was just about ready to slam his knee down to finish him off – what he hadn’t anticipated was for Oikawa to surge back up, reaching for his pants. Iwaizumi leapt back. He barely had time to register when Oikawa tossed his shirt directly at him, blocking his vision.
Iwaizumi thwacked it out of the way, just in time to see the other charge at him head-on. He braced himself, stomach muscles clenched as he was knocked back again, only this time already anticipating the hard floor.
He almost had the wind knocked out of him and he coughed out roughly. He twisted his hips but Oikawa was already behind him, hooking his right leg around’s Iwaizumi’s and an arm looped over his neck. He tightened his grip as Iwaizumi writhed about, teeth grit in anger and pain. Oikawa leaned in close, his lips almost brushing against the shell of Iwaizumi’s ear. He was wearing that infuriating smug smile again and Iwaizumi exhaled roughly through his teeth.
“I may be new here,” Oikawa murmured softly, his hot breath prickling his skin. “But I’m not new at the business. Don’t underestimate me.”
Iwaizumi managed a strangled snarl, thrashing against the other, but Oikawa wasn’t loosening his choke hold. He struggled for a few more minutes before finally giving up.
Oikawa didn’t let go straight away – he kept him in the tight embrace for another good five minutes; only then did he relent his grip a fraction.
Iwaizumi shoved him off and sucked in a huge breath. He coughed harshly, hand clutched over his bruised neck. His legs felt wobbly and just about every muscle felt like it had been overly-strained and tightened. Jesus Christ.
He let his body go limp as he flopped down on to his back again and stared up at the ceiling. He couldn’t stop rubbing his sore throat. Everything hurt.
“What,” Iwaizumi panted. “What the hell was that?”
Oikawa wiped the beads of sweat formed on his forehead. He held a hand out and Iwaizumi eyed it down before he begrudgingly took it. He smiled. “I’d say that was a good match. Your punches feel a lot tougher than they look, by the way.”
Iwaizumi refused to acknowledge the small flare of appreciation which flickered. “Where did you learn to fight like that? Who trained you?” he demanded, pressing his face close in front of the other.
The bluntness of his question seemed to take Oikawa by surprise, for he blinked slowly at him. “Huh?” he asked. “Who..? I trained myself, of course.”
“Impossible.”
“Possible.”
“But someone had to teach you those moves.”
“Not really.” Oikawa smiled at Iwaizumi who ruffled with impatience. “Let’s just say I like to come prepared before a battle.”
“What? Don’t pull that philosophical bullshit with me,” Iwaizumi scowled, crossing his arms. “You counter-blocked my moves like it was second nature to you. There’s no way you could’ve done that spontaneously!”
"I don't know if I should say."
Iwaizumi was getting sick of this beating-around-the-bush-bullshit. "Look, you going to tell me or not?" he demanded. "Because if not then I'm leavi-"
“The double-palm strike you did earlier. You’ve been practicing it since you started in this program. Definitely improved since then, remarkably so, but you only ever seem to use it to unstabilise the opponent.”
Iwaizumi stared. “.. Excuse me?”
“Followed by full-body takedown,” Oikawa continued. “Only used when you’re eager to finish the match early. Used to knock the wind out of the opponent, but places you in a more vulnerable ending position.” He tilted his head to the right, rubbing his chin in thought.
“Not going to lie; that knee pin, that almost got me. But you have a tendency of throwing your left leg out straight after a takedown move so that was what really gave me the upper hand.”
Iwaizumi stared with his mouth dropped open, unable to mask the shock on his face as realisation dawned upon the implications of Oikawa’s words. “Have you..” he asked slowly, anger seeping in to his tone. “Have you been going through my profile?”
“I told you, I like to stay occupied.” Oikawa gave a yawn. “It took me awhile considering the amount of footage I had to go through, but the more, the better, right?”
“Who the hell gave you acce- ”
“I was given your profile to have a quick peek through.” Oikawa looked unnervingly coy about it. “You have a colourful history. Is it true you really completed four consecutive B rank missions in eight months? That’s incredible.”
Iwaizumi felt his stomach drop. It hasn’t even been a week and this guy knows more about him than he would have ever liked. He’s dangerous.
“What do you mean by a ‘colourful history’?” Iwaizumi asked lowly. He clenched and unclenched his fists to refrain from flat-out punching the guy in the face.
Oikawa glanced down then back up to him. His expression melted in to the most pitiful look – Iwaizumi felt sickened to the core. The agent took a step forward, Iwaizumi instinctively taking one back.
“It wasn’t your fault.” He spoke carefully, keeping his voice low and hushed; treating Iwaizumi like he were some cornered animal. “It’s not going to happen again, Hajime. You can trust me.”
I'm going to kill him. I'm going to kill him, right here, right now.
“You went through my profile! Behind my back!” Iwaizumi snapped. “What makes you think I’d trust someone like you?”
"I had to make sure I was choosing the right candidate," Oikawa held both palms out. "I promise I won't do it again."
"Too late now!"
Oikawa looked oddly ashamed. “Okay, you’re right. I apologise. Iwa-chan, don’t be mad. If you want, you can go through my profile. Actually, you know what? How about we can share things about ourselves, together! Coffee date?” Oikawa flashed a hopeful smile.
“Coffee date?!” Iwaizumi spluttered, face blushing a deep red. “Like hell I’m going to be on a ‘coffee date’ with you!” he barked.
“I am a grown-ass man, you complete nutcase! What are you going to suggest next, huh? Brunch sessions?”
“Brunch sounds quite delightful, actually-“
“We are not going to coffee date, or train, or do whatever the hell you suggest. We are not going to be partners.”
“Because we already are partners.”
“You listen to me, rookie.” Iwaizumi growled. “We won’t be partners for long. Not if I can help it-”
He almost flinched when the other snapped right in, the tip of their noses almost brushing.
“No, you listen to me.” Oikawa growled. His voice was so low, Iwaizumi could practically feel the rumble. “You and I are partners, whether you like it or not.”
“So you better get damn used to it,” His eyes flashed, promising danger. “Cause I ain’t going nowhere.”
The sudden change in demeanour caught Iwaizumi so off-guard, he couldn’t do anything but stare.
Oikawa watched him, not once breaking the gaze. Then he smiled politely, eyes suddenly sweet and warm. He tapped Iwaizumi on the chest. “Good match, Iwa-chan. Look forward to that tour of yours sometime.”
He slid his hand off, fingertips skimming over the sweat-slick chest.
Oikawa turned around, sauntering out the centre like nothing had even happened.
Iwaizumi didn’t reply. He stood his ground, waiting until he was certain the other was gone. Then he finally exhaled.
The agent rubbed his face with both hands.
“Holy shit,” he muttered under his breath.
His partner was terrifying.