A/N: This took forever, I apologize. See the end for more info on what's coming next!

Watari and Yahaba were giggling and if they didn't stop Oikawa was going to smack them. Also, Maki had this stupid smirk on his face. On the bright side, the rest of his team didn't seem to care.

Or they were planning something. Hopefully it wasn't the latter.

"So! Since we don't have the right number for a full on mini match, I figured we can just divide and see what happens," Iwaizumi declared. Me and Trashykawa are team captains and we'll try to balance the sides, alright?"

"That's fine," Oikawa agreed. "But as actual team captain, I get first pick. Therefore, I choose Shou-chan!"

Maki rolled his eyes. "We are oh so surprised by this choice."

"Predictable as ever captain!" Yahaba coughed, trying to hide his laughter to no avail.

"Yahaba, get over here, you're on my team," Iwaizumi cut him off, motioning to his side of the court. "You're setter, kick Trashykawa's ass alright?"

"Of course Iwaizumi-senpai!" Yahaba grinned, giving a thumbs up. "I've got you covered!"

The rest of the selections went in a similar fashion, until the teams were pretty much evenly matched, the Aoba Johsai players spread evenly, in a formation loosely based on their regular positions. On Oikawa's side of the court, Oikawa himself and Maki stood on the left and right sides respectively, with Hinata bouncing in the middle. Kunimi and Matsukawa took up the back positions in the meantime, making up for the makeshift team's lack of a libero.

Iwaizumi's team faced back, Iwaizumi giving a smug look while Yahaba smiled cheekily. Motomu took the left hitter position while Kindaichi and Watari guarded the back. The teams were a little uneven, with a few of Seijou's players being no shows, but five players on each side would make the game harder and a little more interesting. In order to keep the teams at the same number of players, Heisuke would be acting as ref and scorekeeper for the impromptu match.

"Alright," Iwaizumi declared, holding his hand out for Oikawa to shake. "Captain of the losing team has to do something of the winner's choice. That's the terms for this match."

Oikawa grit his teeth, grabbing Iwaizumi's hand in a firm hold. "Fine, Iwa-chan. When you lose, I'm going to make you eat those words!"

Iwaizumi laughed, a malicious smirk forming on his face. "Good luck Oikawa!" Letting go of Oikawa's hold, he walked to his position, before tilting his head back slightly. "You're going to need it."

Oikawa felt a chill go down his spine and quickly strengthened his resolve, going into full captain mode as he turned to his team. "There's only one thing I want you all to do," he said quietly. "Absolutely crush them."

Once the teams were in position, Iwaizumi's team took the first serve at Oikawa's insistence that he didn't need the first serve in order to win. Oikawa watched as Yahaba's serve flew smoothly over the net, heading in an even arc over to Maki's position on the court. It was an easy receive, at least it should have been had Maki not side stepped at the last second.

"Oops," Maki smiled, rubbing the back of his head. "Didn't see that one coming, sorry Captain!"

Oikawa fixed Maki with an innocent smile. "Don't worry about it! All mistakes are fixable after all, even if it takes extra practice after school for the rest of your miserable life! But," Oikawa began, "As long as it doesn't happen again, I'm sure we won't have to resort to such measures~!"

Maki shivered at his Captain's malevolent air, giving Iwaizumi an apologetic glance. "I-it won't happen again! I promise!"

Oikawa nodded. "Good, now let's continue!"

After the initial setback, things went fairly smoothly. While they definitely weren't playing their absolute best, the fear of extra practice hours kept things in order on Oikawa's side of the court. Keeping an eye of Hinata, Oikawa noticed that there was definitely some improvement in his receives, although his sets and serves were still mediocre at best. What he didn't have in skill, the younger boy made up for in speed, something that very few high school players, and not even many professional players, would be able to match.

It was honestly refreshing to see someone with such raw determination that didn't revolve around pure talent, and it reminded Oikawa of when he and Iwaizumi had first started getting serious about volleyball. The innocent enthusiasm that had all but vanished in him after years of hard training just to be beaten by the naturally talented, was something that overflowed from Hinata, and suddenly it made sense, how much better Karasuno had become, with the presences of this singular, glowing player.

Hinata really was an exceptional person and Oikawa wasn't sure why he was the only one very obviously head over heels for the younger boy.

"Oikawa-saaan!" Said boy yelled, waving over at him excitedly. "Toss to me!"

Oikawa grinned. On the other hand, it meant that he got the bright haired player to himself.

"Incoming!" Maki shouted to Matsukawa, who nodded, focusing on the ball flying over the net, which he met with a smooth receive towards where Oikawa was waiting.

Oikawa backed up, preparing to toss the ball up. A quick glance and time seemed to slow as his and Hinata's eyes met, a fiery connection that instantly decided the location of the ball.

A silence settled over the court, surprise plastering the faces of the players, just

to be broken by an unsurprisingly menacing voice.

"What," Iwaizumi ground out. "The hell." A pause. "Was that."

"Um," Oikawa rubbed the back of his head. "A quick?"

The stupor was broken and suddenly everyone was talking.

"Wow, Hinata-kun! That was amazing!" Yahaba exclaimed, jogging over to the net with the ball he had retrieved from his side of the net. "I thought that dark haired teammate of yours- Kageyama was it?- was the only one you could do your super quick with!"

"That wasn't the same quick," Kunimi, who had moved to stand near Hinata, commented. "There was something different about it."

"Ah," Maki sighed poetically. "A quick that reflects the heartfelt emotions of two hardworking players, built out of passionate- mmph!" Oikawa's hand suddenly found itself over Maki's mouth

"Aha! Sorry Maki-chan, my hand slipped!" Oikawa laughed, fixing his teammate with a menacing look, trying to convey the extent to which Maki needed to shut up.

Once Oikawa's hand was removed, Maki gave a sly grin, before walking off towards Matsukawa.

Oikawa looked back towards where Hinata was being crowded by the Seijou players, who were obviously impressed that he didn't need Kageyama in order to play well. All the Seijou players were built off of hard work and dedication instead of enormous natural talent and were more than happy to welcome a like minded individual into their circle.

"Really Hinata-san, you should leave Kageyama behind and transfer to Aoba Johsai. We could use a player like you," Kindaichi remarked smoothly, discontent obvious in his voice when he spoke Kageyama's name.

Hinata waved him off. "I can't! I'm going to be the ace of Karasuno, just like the small giant you know!"

The team let out a sigh of disappointment. "Ne, Hinata-kun, you're always welcome to come play with us though! Next time you should be on my team and try some of my serves!" Yahaba offered excitedly.

While Hinata smiled happily at the attention, Oikawa let out a small grin of his own. The opinion of his team mattered and even though he would have been completely okay with continuing to keep his infatuation with Hinata a secret, it felt nice to have their approval.

"Hey. What're you smiling about?" Iwaizumi said, coming up beside Oikawa and slinging an arm over his shoulders.

"Nothing really," Oikawa replied. "Just thinking."

"That's bad for your health you know," Iwaizumi sniped, though in good fun if the soft smile on his own face was any indication.

The two stood in silence for a moment, watching their team plus one.

"You two would do each other good," Iwaizumi muttered, not looking away from the scene.

Oikawa turned in surprise. "Eh? Iwa-chan, are you saying I made a good choice?!"

Iwaizumi turned his head and glared. "Don't get the wrong idea Trashykawa."

A sigh.

"It's just, there's things I can't help you with you know? But I think Hinata can. He'll force you to work harder to succeed just so you can see him smile. And you'll do the same for him."

"Iwa-chan! You do have feelings!" Oikawa gasped.

"Shut up! I'm trying to be nice here you idiot!"

Oikawa stuck his tongue out. "Never mind. Iwa-chan is just a jerk afterall."

Iwaizumi looked away, the tips of his ears pink. "Whatever! Just don't do anything stupid!" With that, he walked towards the rest of the team, leaving Oikawa standing alone.

Another smile graced his face as he watched Iwaizumi ruffle Hinata's hair, much to the youngers chagrin. Having his team's approval was one thing, Iwaizumi's approval was another. They had been friends since the early years of their childhood and despite the whole growing up and apart phase of their lives, they would always be there to back each other up.

It was comforting to know that Iwaizumi had his back.

"Oikawaaaa!" Hinata's orange hair poked out from where he was surrounded by Seijou players, waving one arm frantically trying to get his attention.

Oikawa put his hand over his mouth to cover a snort, walking leisurely over to the ecstatic looking player.

"Captain!" Yahaba patted Oikawa on the back in a friendly manner. "Maki-senpai said that you're buying drinks today!"
"I'm wha- Maki!" Oikawa shouted, looking for the pinkette, who had conveniently vanished from sight.

"Oikawa! Oikawa! Can we really get drinks from the machine?" Aw crap. Hinata's got such a cute, puppy dog look on his face that Oikawa can't refuse without feeling like he's kicked said puppy.

"Aha… yeah, of course! You can choose whatever you want Hina-chan!" Oikawa finished with a smooth smile.

"Uwah! So cool!" Hinata's eyes sparkled. "You're almost as cool as Captain Daichi!"

"Come on Hinata-kun, let's go!" Yahaba tugged on Hinata's arm, pulling him away from Oikawa. The two were fast friends apparently, but it wasn't really all that surprising as Hinata tended to have that effect on people.

After a long process of sorting out how wanted what drink and who was in charge of the bill (as usual Oikawa did end up paying; part of the problem with being captain he supposed), the group of teens interacted casually, enjoying the moment of relaxation. Oikawa sat on a park bench, watching Watari, Yahaba and Motomu inconspicuously place leaves, twigs and other random objects into Kindaichi's hair. Unfortunately, the moody teen noticed pretty quickly and drenched them all with his water bottle. Oikawa held back a snort, resigning himself to shake in a quiet fit of laughter.

"Oikawa?" At his name, Oikawa looked up to see Hinata fidgeting in front of him, drink in hand.

Oikawa tipped his head to the side questioningly. "Hinata? Whats up?"

"Ah! Uh, nothing!" Hinata's cheeks went pink. "I, uh, just came to sit with you! Since, y'know, you're the one who invited me and all!" With that, Hinata plunked himself onto the bench next to Oikawa, staring resolutely at his feet.

Oikawa let a smile slide onto his face as he leaned back onto the bench, closing his eyes as he felt the cool breeze on his face and Hinata's ever glowing presence next to him.

A weight fell onto his shoulder and Oikawa's eyes snapped open to see Hinata's head resting casually against his shoulder. While Hinata's face was hidden by his bangs, the tips of his ears glowed red, a colour which was quickly overtaking Oikawa's own face.

Oikawa waited to see if Hinata was going to move, but the orangette didn't make any move to indicate he was going to shift anytime soon. That aside, Oikawa exhaled the breath he'd been holding and closed his eyes, relaxing against the bench with Hinata's head warm against his shoulder in the cool evening air.

With some of the tension out of his body, Oikawa was more sensitive to the boy next to him, and that included the tremors - shivers? - that seemed to wrack Hinata's body. Having been too occupied with other thoughts, Oikawa hadn't felt the nightime weather, but being that they were both sweaty after the match and Hinata was still just in a T-shirt and shorts, it made sense that he was cold.

Shifting slightly to pull out his gym hoodie from the small bag he had taken with him to the court, Oikawa draped the sweater over Hinata, who's head instantly popped up in surprise.

"I-wha?" Hinata spluttered in obvious confusion.

Oikawa grinned, reaching a hand out to ruffle Hinata's soft curls. "You were shivering silly!"

Hinata blinked, before nodding his head seriously. "Mm. Thanks!"

"Yooo lovebirds! It's getting dark, are you guys gonna sit there all night?" Maki of course had to interrupt what could have been considered a connective moment. It figured.

The two of them broke apart, avoiding each other's eyes as they started heading back home, trailing the rest of the team, who spoke loudly and cheerfully, seemingly (but probably not) unaware of the inner turmoil both Hinata and Oikawa were currently experiencing.

And if they noticed when Hinata slipped his hand into Oikawa's, they didn't say anything.

Dinner was a spectacle all in itself.

Although Iwaizumi hadn't necessarily intended on actually staying, you didn't simply refuse an offer given out by Oikawa's mother. So while Iwaizumi had been all but dragged into the house, Oikawa silently prayed that his family could at least not make a big deal out of dinner.

Of course, that was too much to ask.

"It's so exciting to finally have you here Shouyou-kun! Tooru refuses to talk about you; something about not wanting his old mother to mess with his social life!" Akisa laughed, much to her son's chagrin.

"A-ah, I'm sure that's not it at all Akisa-san! But, um, it is really nice to sit down with you guys!" Hinata blushed, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.

"Uwah! So cute! I can't believe you managed to hid this little gem for so long Tooru!" Oikawa shrunk back as his mother fixed him with an accusing stare.

"Now, dear, Tooru's just feeling shy is all," Kin tried to placate his wife, to little success.

"The boy's got that from you, I swear Kin. Young boys should be brave and brash, not timid and awkward!"
"Gwah!" Oikawa slammed his head on the table, narrowly avoiding his plate. "This is why I never have people over, you do nothing but embaress me!"

His parents blinked owlishly from where they had been arguing.

"Now honey," started Akisa. "You know we only do it because we care."

"Pfft. Mom, if Daisuke hadn't already learnt how to put up with me, he never would have stuck around. You terrify people away," Misaki snarked, throwing an arm over her husband's shoulders. Daisuke laughed nervously, choosing not to say anything.

"Well, I think you're very nice Akisa-san!" Hinata said matter of factly.

Iwaizumi, sitting a seat away from Hinata next to Oikawa, paused from eating and shot the orangette a purposeful look. "You've done it now," he said despondently.

"Hmm?" Hinata turned to glance questionly at the older boy. And then he was dragged back into Akisa's arms.

"Awwe! Shouyou-kun, I declare you worthy! Welcome to the family, make sure to invite me to your wedding! I want lots of grandchildren you know!" Akisa gushed, snuggling the confused boy against her chest.

"Wha-MOM!" Oikawa shouted, jumping up from his seat, cheeks turning a furious red.

"It's a bit early for that dear… you really are going to scare the poor boy," Kin lamented, signing heavily before turning to his enraged son. "I'm too young for grandchildren, make sure you two use protection."

"Shouyou-kun's a boy you know," Misaki muttered, a hand over her face. "Really, you two are so dense…"

Oikawa, who was dangerously close to passing out if the flush across his face and the heavy, panicked breathing was any indication, gaped at his parents' declarations.

Finishing his meal and placing his chopsticks across the bowl, Iwaizumi stood up. "Thank you for the meal," he said, nodding his head at Oikawa's parents. He walked over and lifted the dazed Hinata from Akisa's arms and pulled Oikawa out of the room by the back of his shirt and down the hallway to Oikawa's room.

"There. You're welcome," he said, depositing the two in the room and walking to the door. "I'm going home, make sure not to do anything indecent Trashykawa." With that, the door was slammed shut and Oikawa and Hinata were left on their own.

Hinata blinked, turning to Oikawa. "You're parents are sorta weird you know?"

Oikawa groaned, covering his face with his hands. "Agh, tell me about it.I am so, so sorry Shou-chan, I should have warned you."

Hinata smiled brightly. "It's okay. They were fun too! Akisa-san is a little scary, but she really does seem like nice person."

"How come you call my mom by her name and not me," Oikawa grumbled, taking notice of the (really not that important) detail.

"Ah, well, she asked me to, what was I supposed to say?" Hinata stuttered.

"Oh? So if I asked you to call me by my name, you would do it?" Oikawa peeked through his fingers to gauge Hinata's reaction.

The younger boy flushed. "I-I guess? Maybe? I could try,"

"Do it then, Shou-chan, call me Tooru!"

"What? So suddenly? Ah, I don't think I can!" Hinata waved his hands in front of him, flustered.

Oikawa pouted. "So mean! We're friends aren't we?"

"I-um, okay I'll do it!"

A moment of silence.

"T-Tooru-kun!" Hinata whispered.

"Hmm? What, I can;t hear you Shou-chan! Gotta be louder!"

"Uwah, I said, Tooru-kun!" Hinata announced loudly.

Oikawa blinked, before realization settled in.

"Oh. My. God. He actually said it, what do I do?!" Oikawa was internally panicking.

While Oikawa was panicking, Hinata was staring intensely at the floor, face red and looking like he was about to internally combust.

The door slammed open, revealing Misaki. "Hey! Stop flirting and listen up! Mom says Shouyou-kun has an early train ride tomorrow, so you better let him sleep little brother!"

Oikawa slammed his face into his pillow as his sister flipped the light off.

Damn it.

He really, really hated his family sometimes.

"H-hey Tooru-kun?"

"Hm? Whats up Shou-chan?"
"I-I just wanted to thank you for having me over this weekend! It was really fun!

"Ah, yeah, don't worry about it! It was the least I could do, considering how often you let me hang out at your place.

"Tooru-kun?"

"Yeah?"

Oikawa felt a touch of pressure on his cheek as Hinata stood up on his tippy toes, pressing his lips against Oikawa's cheek in a chaste kiss.

"Shouyou?! What-?"
"Heh." Shouyou smiled, his whole face lighting up as he ran towards the loading platform, waving as he yelled. "I'll see you next weekend, right?"

The train whistle blows, leaving Oikawa clutching at this cheek, a blush on his face as he watches the younger boy run off..

"Yeah," he said quietly, a soft smile gracing his features. "Till then."

A/N: Sooo, this literally took me forever, despite the fact that I pretty much had it done in December. Sorry bout that, but what can I say? University is kicking my butt.

Anywho, this installment is ending here! But, that said, I am interested in making this into a series of short 2-5 chapter works, with a few oneshots for some events that don't need a whole fic dedicated to them. The reason for this, is that I want to do so much work for this series and I love the groundwork I've done with ISYWR, but I'm not sure how much time I can dedicate to writing it. (Plus, I get distracted and work on other stories as well. Currently looking at doing a series of fics about a Haikyuu! Pokemon AU.)

Also, I apologize for a lot of dialogue heavy scenes, but this work will set a ton of groundwork for all future parts and I needed to get it done lol.

So, thanks to everyone who's followed me thus far and sent me words of appreciation for my work. Once I get the series tag up and running on AO3, go give it a follow alright?

Drop a comment if you enjoyed! I enjoy reading about your guys' thoughts and feelings!

Love you all and looking forward to seeing y'all on future works!

Jay~