Welcome again to my playground of HQ! I'm happy you've stumbled onto my story, and I hope that you enjoy this because I've been working on it for some time. I will warn you now that it will contain some lemons. But if you've read my stuff before, you already knew that. Now enjoy!

Disclaimer: They are not mine. Sadly.

Warning: Lemons are in the future. Yummy yummy lemons.

Chapter One: The Idea of Love

"The next time that bridezilla says her wedding doesn't 'feel romantic', I'm going to sleep with the groom." If there was one thing Sugawara Koushi knew about his assistant, it was that his statement wasn't an idle threat. Letting out a quiet sigh, the silver-haired man lifted his eyes from the document on his laptop to focus his attention on the whining brunette. Hazel eyes were hidden behind the glasses he only used to read, so Suga pulled them from his face while he responded.

"You can't use sex to solve every problem you have, Tooru." Brown eyes blinked at the statement, as if Suga was speaking a different language.

"Hasn't failed me yet. If it's not broken, why fix it?" From an objective point of view, Sugawara knew why Oikawa Tooru thought so highly of himself. The man was attractive, and his silver tongue and debonair flair made most people putty in his hands. This was part of the reason that Suga had hired him; Tooru could sooth any raging bridesmaid or panicked groom with little effort. If there were divorced parents who didn't get along, the flirty brunette could have the two laughing together at the same table with just some sweet words. Drunk groomsman saying a little too much about the bachelor's party? No problem for the smart man. He'd have them sober and tight-lipped with a not so innocent pinch to their thigh and a few sultry promises for only the man to hear. If there was a problem, Oikawa Tooru could fix it.

His intelligence and beauty had been the reason Sugawara Koushi hired him as his assistant for "Little Crows".

As a child, Suga was surrounded by love. His parents were the perfect example of a happy relationship; they loved each other dearly, accepted each other's flaws and encouraged their partner with unconditional faith. That love got expressed even more in their wedding business; The Happy Crows. The name seemed morbid to some, who asked why they hadn't gone for doves or another romantic animal. But Suga's parents saw the bird for their potential; not only did crows mate for life, but they raised their babies as a team, the father crow sticking around. This was the same mentality that Sugawara was raised on, with his mother and father working as partners to bring their bright son into adulthood.

They also took care of him in death. Just weeks after his high school graduation, Suga's parents were killed in a drunk driving accident. He was devastated, and struggled to see anything but the loss of his parents. How was he supposed to find his way without their guidance? But like the loving parents they were, the two had given him the answer. Sugawara had been informed by the lawyer that the wedding venue, as well as the business and a large amount of life insurance, had been left in the younger man's name. The thought had left him stunned, though not for long.

After all, crows always protected their children, even after they were grown.

Taking over the business had been hard and a bit overwhelming for Suga, unsure if he could manage the establishment on his own. Just the venue alone was massive, which was what enticed so many wedding couples to come there for their ceremony. It had an inside venue, an outside venue, a beach, a gazebo, and even a garden maze. So when Oikawa, a talented classmate with no desire to go to college, offered to work for Suga, the silver haired man eagerly accepted. "The Happy Crows" became "Little Crows", Suga changing the name to represent his desire to make a name for himself while still honoring his parent's love for the black bird.

Seven years had passed, and the business was soaring.

"How are the preparations going for tomorrow's event?" Oikawa's loud sigh was followed by an eyeroll from Suga; with all those positives, there had to be some drawbacks. And the brunette's dramatics sure was one of them.

"I passed by Kuroo on the way here; he's out by the gazebo taking pictures for the scrapbook. He just needs to get a few snaps of the lake in the morning to go with the yellow theme of the wedding. Kenma is going to do a quick development on them so the scrapbook will be ready for the guests to sign." Kuroo Tetsurou was a charismatic photographer who gave Tooru a run for his money in the sex appeal department. Golden eyes were seductive behind the camera, while his unruly bed hair only seemed to beg the question if it looked just as appealing between the sheets. The only difference between the camera man and Tooru was how little he used his looks. Sometimes Suga wondered if the handsome man understood just how many customers did double takes when he walked by. His smile was bright and endearing, snaring even the most defiant moth into his wicked flame.

The only explanation the wedding planner could come up with was Kuroo's best friend, Kenma Kozume. Kuroo and Kenma were like peanut butter and jelly: impossible to think about one without the other. And while Kuroo oozed with personality, Kenma was unlikely to even make eye contact with a customer. The smaller man was quiet and did everything he could to stay out of the limelight. While his partner took hundreds of pictures, it was Kenma who selected the best and then pulled out their fullest potential in editing. Kuroo was a natural in his job, but Kenma was the genius that deserved just as much credit as his flashy friend.

"Those two sure like to cut it close," Suga mussed, Tooru shrugging as he dropped onto the other side of the couch Suga was sitting on. Though he had a desk in his office, it was rare to see the wedding planner behind it. He enjoyed to be active in his wedding planning, only coming to his office when paperwork needed to be finished. The big couches had been put in after Suga noticed his easily distractible team liked to spend time with him, and meetings were always held in the office. This was also the first place the wedding customers came to talk about their future with Suga. It only made sense to make the place comfortable for his friends and clients alike.

"Just like our little flower pixie." Without asking, Sugawara knew who the assistant was referring to. Yamaguchi Tadashi was their wedding florist, and the newest edition to their team. He certainly looked young with his freckles, messy cowlick, and innocent brown eyes. Only being twenty three made him the second youngest member of the group, but his youth paled to his expertise. Yamaguchi was raised with flowers, his family owning their own floral shop. The kind man had an affinity for plants, and with his parent's encouragement, branched off to try his hand at being a wedding florists. Two years later, Yamaguchi was just as important to Suga's coalition as any other member.

"Tooru, you know Yamaguchi doesn't like that name," Suga chided, Tooru's cheeks puffing in disagreement.

"But it's true! You should have seen him out there, fiddling with the little burlap bows on the centerpieces. And the smile he gave the daffodils? So cute." There was a beat of silence between them as Suga patiently waited for the other shoe to drop from Tooru's mouth. "One day a lucky man will enjoy fucking that pixie into whatever surface he can find."

"And there it is." Laughing despite the raunchy statement, Suga looked back to the document shining on the laptop.

"I would love to tell you about Tobio-chan's progress, but he refuses to unlock the kitchen door."

"Don't worry, I've already spoken with Kageyama. The cake's complete, and the lemon square bars are about finished. He's waiting for the chocolate to harden on the pineapple blocks, and he'll be ready for tomorrow." It was pretty obvious to Suga that the baker was going to clash with his assistant the second they met. Kageyama Tobio was a stoic man, with a scary blue glare and well groomed black hair. He was only twenty three, yet he was known for his fantastic skills with an oven. He graduated with high ranks from the best culinary school of the country, and had kind of stumbled into being hired by Suga by accident. The reason he stayed for four years could also be attributed to the brunette now pouting on his couch.

"Why does he always avoid me? Am I not supposed to manage him, as well?"

"Maybe because you make it your daily goal to tease, torment, or royally aggravate him?" Suga's suggestion took little thought as he clicked on an email, his eyes focusing on the new referral.

"What? I don't do any of that."

"This morning you switched his sugar with salt. Why do you think he's still here so late?"

"Tobio-chan just doesn't understand my affection!"

"I think it's more like you don't understand how to give affection." Not liking Suga's rebuttal, Tooru crawled across the couch and dramatically plopped his head into Suga's cross-legged lap. Suga didn't remove his eyes from the email, but his hand did lower to stroke through the soft strands of Oikawa's hair. "How did your final fitting with the bridesmaids and bride go?"

"Wonderful, of course. I am the king of tailoring after all. One of the bridesmaid had been upset about not losing the full twenty pounds she had been aiming for, but I had left a little wiggle room just in case. Now if that bridezilla would take a hint from her friends and stop being such a bitch, maybe her marriage will last longer than the toasts." After his explanation, Tooru hummed in appreciation when Suga's fingers scratched his scalp. Though the assistant was a handful at times, Suga had to admire how much work he managed. He was in charge of the dresses and tuxes for either side of the wedding party, one of the areas that had the most temper tantrums and breakdowns. He also assisted in keeping an eye on their "little crows", and Tooru had the uncanny ability to detect when something was two seconds away from becoming a problem.

"You're the best assistant, even when you're a pain." At the backhanded compliment Tooru only snuggled closer to Suga's lap.

"When are we going to get married, Suga-kun? You'd be the perfect housewife, and think of all the hot sex we could have."

"I'll have to pass on that. You are cute, but I don't think I can handle your sex drive."

"Just because you haven't gotten laid in years doesn't mean a thing. You're just a bear in hibernation; I'm sure once spring comes, you're an animal in bed." Suga burst out laughing at Tooru's cheeky pun, which was accompanied by a sensual growl. It was enough to overlook the slight prickle of embarrassment at the length of time it had been since he was in a relationship.

"If we're too busy having crazy animal sex, who is going to run the business?" Suga questioned, playing along with Tooru's absurd idea. Both were openly interested in men (though the assistant was just as distracted by women), yet he knew Oikawa was only teasing. After working together for as long as they had, it would be impossible to see each other as anything other than business partners and best friends.

"There you go, being all 'professional'. What a boner killer," Oikawa whined, though Suga couldn't say he felt bad. Whining and being dramatic was Tooru's default state whenever he was told 'no'. "If you won't marry me, then I'm going to die a bitter, lonely virgin with way too many cats."

"It's hard to be a virgin when your make it your job to sleep with someone from the wedding party every ceremony." The blunt statement from the wedding planner got a purr of satisfaction from his assistant.

"Now that you mention it, there's this red-head in the bridal party-"

"I don't want to listen to you brag about your future conquest." Suga tried to shoo Oikawa off of his lap, but the man didn't budge. Instead, he firmly linked an arm around Suga's thigh, proving he would not be ignored despite Suga's attempt to push him away.

"You know, your problem is totally self-inflicted. Stop focusing on the romance of it all. You're pretty, and you've been hit on plenty of times. If you wanted to break your dry-spell, almost any guy would be willing to jump your bones. And I don't just mean the gay ones."

It was weird to hear such things being directed toward himself, and Suga tried to ignore Tooru to re-read the sentence he had been unable to focus on for a few minutes. Suga knew that part of what the assistant said was true; Sugawara was a of it came from his parents, and it didn't bother him at all. Love was important to him, which is why he had been so eager to take over the wedding business. Seeing people on the best day of their lives was something precious. But being so invested in other people's love lives did take a toll on his own; the last two relationships had ended because Suga wasn't able to focus enough time on his partner. There wasn't any huge blow-out or argument from Suga's side when his partner broke up with him; just an understanding smile and a quiet apology. The last time had been two years ago, and since then Suga had avoided the topic like the plague.

"What are you working on so late, anyways?" Tooru's head popped up in Suga's field of vision, now laying his chest over Suga's thigh to read the email.

"It's a new client I'm planning on meeting up with this week," Suga answered, letting Oikawa nudge his hand away from the mouse to scroll down a little.

"Asahi Azumane and Nishinoya Yuu. A gay couple? We haven't done one of those weddings for a while." Tooru read the names over the picture, his eyes focusing on the image the two had sent in the email before bursting out in laughter. "Oh my god, look how puny he is next to that giant! How does that even work? I can't stop laughing!"

"You are awful."

"Do you think they use a ladder during sex?" Suga groaned as he yanked the laptop from his snickering friend, making sure the bottom hit the back of Tooru's head.

"I find it disturbing that someone so unromantic is my assistant." The laptop was placed on the extra cushion as Tooru grinned up at Suga, leaning forward to tap his nose with his index finger.

"If you didn't have a realist by your side, you'd never be able to say no to people's ridiculous demands. We'd be in debt after the first wedding. Besides, I do believe in marriage."

"Just not for yourself."

"I would marry you-"

"Not even if you were the last person on earth." The frown was immediate on Tooru's face, and Suga knew the battle was won. His eyes turned back toward the computer, ignoring the strain from his eyes at how late it was getting. He had been up since six working on the final pieces of the wedding the next day, and he knew he was going to be up early again tomorrow. Just thinking about it made him yawn.

"Feed me." Tooru's demand was met with a blink from Suga, the brunette pointing to his mouth. "I want food, so feed me."

"You are twenty five years old, why can't you feed yourself?"

"If you don't feed me, I'm going to go bother Tobio-chan all night." The stipulation was paired with an innocent smile, but Suga wasn't fooled into thinking it was an empty threat. Despite the blackmail scheme, the wedding planner knew why Tooru was using it. He was concerned about Suga, who had been known to push a little too much self-care to the side during crucial times of the wedding. The joke had always been that Sugawara was married to the job, which was a little too close for comfort sometimes. Though Oikawa had a tendency to be childish and struggled to understand the beauty of true love, he always took care of his co-workers. He was known for conveniently popping into Kenma's darkroom and making him try something he cooked when Kuroo was off site all day and couldn't check in. 'You'd look so cute in this, pixie-kun' was his excuse for forcing Yamaguchi to wear a sweater on especially chilly nights. Kuroo was victim to many of Tooru's morning runs following a stressful shoot, though the photographer always felt much better afterwards. And despite the pranks and teasing Kageyama had been forced to endure, Suga was quite aware of how often Oikawa boasted about their baker's amazing capabilities to potential customers.

Tooru Oikawa was a caring person; he just showed it in very unconventional ways.

"I'm waaaaaiting, Suga-kun." The sing-song voice his assistant used brought Suga back to reality, the wedding planner showing his defeat by shutting the laptop.

"I guess I should save Kageyama from your devious ways." Suga moved off of the couch to place his computer on his desk, his eyes flickering to the phone he had left there earlier. The sight made Suga rethink his statement, nodding once before he grabbed his phone. "Why don't I get food for everyone, since we're all working so hard for our bride."

"You mixed up 'bride' and 'bitch'." Tooru's blunt comment from the couch had Suga shaking his head, praying the man could keep his sickly sweet persona tomorrow. Even if he hated the entire bridal party, Tooru was the best at putting on a show. Focusing on the task at hand, Suga's fingers tapped on the group chat that was used more than anything else on his phone.

Sugawara: Alright workaholics! Your wonderful boss is buying dinner, what would my little crows like?
Yamaguchi: Thank you, Suga-san! Can we get pizza? Maybe pepperoni? If it's not too much to ask!
Kuroo: Look at this bashful little virgin! He'd probably ask to slip his "pepperoni" in the same way, if you know what I mean. =P
Yamaguchi: What?!
Sugawara: Kuroo.
Oikawa: You think he'd top? Have you seen how flexible he is in the garden? That soil's not the only thing I'd plowed.
Yamaguchi: ...Maybe I'll just go home.
Sugawara: No, you're fine. But Tetsurou and Tooru are about to be on cleanup duty tomorrow. Alone.
Kuroo: Alright alright, I won't tease our cherry blossom anymore. Kenma wants hawaiian, let me wrestle the monster out of the dark room and we'll meet in the kitchen.
Oikawa: Sausage for me! Maybe I'll let Yamaguchi have a taste? -wink wink-
Kageyama: Peppers and onions, please. Can Oikawa-san eat outside?
Oikawa: Tobio-chan, you're so MEAN!

Sugawara couldn't contain his laughter as Oikawa rolled off the couch, his cries of 'Tobio-chan' ringing loud through the office. His fingers started to dial the number of the all too familiar pizza shop down the street, his eyes flickering over to a picture on his desk. The frame held a snapshot of his parents, both obviously in love by the endearing look they shared. And though he warmed at the sight of them, he couldn't help but wonder.

Could anyone ever love me like that?

"Sawamura, he's coming your way!" The call from inside the house had Daichi alert, his gun aimed at the door he was running toward. But his brown gaze was directed above him when a blurred body caught the corner of his eyes. Dammit, the guy was running on the roof. A muttered swear was snapped from his mouth before he chased the parkour suspect, the man jumping off the roof and tumbling to the ground.

"Stop!" Daichi's order was ignored as the suspect started to book it down driveway, the black haired officer slamming his gun into his holster before he increased his running speed. The perpetrator only made it to the sidewalk before Daichi's body crashed into him, both slamming hard into the side of the cop car. Sirens of back-up buzzed in Daichi's ears as he quickly detained the struggling suspect, cuffs being locked while the automatic 'you have the right to remain silent' droned past Daichi's lips. He ignored the man's words of innocence, making sure to pat him down and check for weapons. He was a little surprised to find none, wondering why his partner had let the man slip through his hands so easily.

"Get off me, you pig!" A high pitched voiced protested behind them, and Daichi only turned his attention away from the man once he was secured in the back of the cop car. Walking toward one of the backup cop vehicles was his partner, who had thrown his own handcuffs on a woman from inside the house. The black spiky hair framed an olive green stare as the frowning police officer made the woman bend to enter the back seat. Her screams of insult could still be heard as the cop shut the door, having a quiet conversation with the driver before smacking the top of the cop car twice.

"I thought you had him, Iwaizumi?" Daichi's question to his partner made the older man snort, his head snapping back to look at the shorter officer. It was only then that Daichi caught sight of the blood caked to the side of Iwaizumi's cheek.

"I did until the crazy girlfriend tried to slice my face in half."

"You want me to kiss it better?" Daichi's smile was bright at the teasing question, Iwaizumi making sure to punch his arm as he walked toward the driver's side of the car.

"Bite me, Sawamura."

Iwaizumi Hajime was a no-nonsense police office with an accurate shot and even deadlier glare. Daichi had met the other in the police academy, where the two bonded over their affection for volleyball and hard work. Maybe it was their late night conversations or drive to push the other further during training, but captain Ukai liked the chemistry that the two cops had. After they were sent to the Karasuno police force, both were more than pleased to have the other as their partner. The two had been a pair for three years, and lived in the same apartment complex. It was natural to become friends outside of the job, and Iwaizumi would spent many friday nights hanging out with Daichi and his old roommate, Asahi.

"Are you going to get your face checked out?" An hour later had caused the bleeding to stop, though Iwaizumi's face looked like it could use some medical help. Daichi made sure their suspect's paperwork was fully filled out before he dropped it into his captain's box, hearing Iwaizumi scoff at his question.

"I've gotten worse scratches during sex." The two weaved through their office and toward the locker room, Daichi already starting to unbutton his uniform.

"Your boyfriend doesn't really seem the type to attack for foreplay."

"Ex-boyfriend." The emphasis on the beginning of the word made Daichi wince, waiting until they were at their lockers to respond.

"I was wondering why I hadn't seen his car this morning. I'm guessing it wasn't a mutual decision?"

"Considering I walked in on him practicing 'downward doggie' with his friend from yoga, I'd say no." Iwaizumi was blunt with almost everything in life, and his cheating ex was no exception. As the two shrugged off their uniforms, Daichi took a few seconds to think of the proper response to the statement.

"Was that last night? I thought I heard some yelling coming from your apartment."

"Yup. I kicked his sorry ass out. He kept begging me to 'sleep on it', like I would magically forget him getting fucked on my brand new rug. I wasn't going to spend another night with that waste of space."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. Better to know now then when we're married or something. Besides, the only thing I'm really bummed out about is that I won't have a date to Asahi's wedding." Yanking his pants down his legs, Iwaizumi kicked the uniform closer to his locker before he grabbed his jeans. "Then again, I was the only groomsman bringing a date, so now I guess I'm just like the rest of you losers."

"Either you're not really okay with the break-up, or your face hurts a hell of a lot more than you're claiming." Iwaizumi made sure to slam his locker a little harder than normal at Daichi's question, and the shorter man took the hint to change the subject. Neither were the best when it came to expressing emotional turmoil, and the last thing he needed was to get punched by his partner. "And there's a shot that one of us will get a date before the big day."

"Like who?" The two slung their bags over their shoulders as they left the locker room, Daichi politely waving to the secretary as they passed through the main office. Cool air from the edge of night rushed over them as they jogged down the steps, Daichi snapping his fingers when they hit the bottom.

"What about Ennoshita? He's a nice looking guy with a good head on his shoulders. On his way to getting his psychology license. I don't see why it's impossible for him to get a date."

"It's always hard for a single mother to go out." At his friend's bizarre statement, Daichi tilted his head and waited for him to continue. "I mean, Tanaka and Noya are basically his children. If he doesn't visit them in-between his internship and school, I'm sure one of them would end up in the hospital."

"It's a little scary to think we let them run their own mechanic shop with no real supervision," Daichi said, realizing that Iwaizumi was right. Ennoshita was a good person who happened to pick the worst type of people to befriend. Even if he did get a date, somehow the two troublemakers would find a way to accidentally blow the person up. Sending a silent prayer for the younger man, Daichi offered another name. "Well, Shouyou might find someone by then."

"Oh, right. I forgot Hinata was dating that blonde girl at the vet clinic. How's our little kindergarten teacher doing for himself?"

"Him and Yaichi broke up over a month ago."

"Seriously? But I just saw them out to lunch last week."

"Shouyou didn't really go into details about it, but he claims that him and Yachi are better off as friends." And as weird as it sounded, Daichi couldn't help but agree. He had seen the two a few times since the break-up, and both seemed much more relaxed than when they had attempted to date. Their laughs were real, each one no longer needing to hold back the urge to make fun of the other. Hinata continued to tell Daichi he was perfectly fine with the separation, but the police officer couldn't help but feel there was something off with his younger friend. Never being the one to push others to talk, Daichi left the subject alone. When Shouyou was ready to talk about it, he would.

"Okay, who else?"

"Well, there's Tanaka." At the mention of the mechanic, both cops shared a look before Daichi awkwardly smiled. "Moving on…"

"Well, there's me, but you already know that story. Who's the last groomsman for Asahi, anyways?" Iwaizumi's question made Daichi blink before his laugh filled the spring air.

"Did I forget to tell you?"

"You're pretty good for that."

"Shut up." Daichi nudged the other with his elbow before he looked out at the skyline, their steps on the sidewalk being the only noise. Karasuno was a pretty quiet town, with most of their calls being accidents or rebelling teens in need of a little guidance back on the right track. Today had been a little strange, but Daichi and Iwaizumi kept their training regime tough for these outlier cases.

"So you going to tell me or what?"

"Well, I'm not sure if we ever talk about Tsukishima. Me and Asahi played volleyball with him before he went off and became the super lawyer."

"Wait, you're talking about Tsukishima Kei? That brat who became one of the youngest people to pass the bar?"

"Yup, did it at 20, though he's pretty pissed that they wouldn't let him take it earlier. He's a little competitive, though he'll deny it as soon as you mention it to him."

"I didn't think he'd be the type to like weddings, since he's pretty well known for being a divorce lawyer."

"Well, you're not really wrong about that. I'd like to say he did it because Asahi is a good friend, but I think it has more to do with avoiding his parents."

"Even the mighty Tsukishima seems to fear something."

The two shared a laugh as they took the turn on their street, the streetlights now on from the lack of sun. A comfortable silence fell on the two, Daichi closing his eyes to enjoy the good weather. Spring was in bloom, which only emphasized how close the wedding was. Though Asahi had asked him to be his best man two months ago, the two had agreed to a wedding in July, which gave little time to actually plan it. According to Noya, they found a wedding planner who was known for working miracles. It definitely took a lot of burden off him and Tanaka's shoulders, though Daichi had the inkling feeling that he'd still be doing most of the best man work. While he appreciated Tanaka's fun personality, he wasn't the most pro-active thinker. It was almost second nature for Daichi to lead things, and he figured this wouldn't be the exception.

"And what about you, Sawamura?" The call of his name pulling his attention back to the present, Daichi looked to Iwaizumi's arched eyebrow.

"What about me?"

"Are you bringing Yui?" Daichi shook his head at the suggestion, hoping his smile wouldn't show the weird tug in his stomach.

"Ah, no. I was thinking about it, but she told me last week that her boyfriend finally asked her to marry him." Which he was really happy about. Yui had been with the same guy since they were in high school, and their marriage was always a matter of 'when'. Yui was beaming when she practically shoved the engagement ring into Daichi's eye, her cheeks flushed the entire time she delved into the proposal. Daichi was invited to the wedding, the two joking about making him the 'man of honor'. It wasn't until after the two had parted ways that Daichi felt the same swell of concern he had gotten after Asahi's announcement. "I think it'd be a little weird to take another man's fiancee to a wedding."

"Then I guess you'll just have to go stag like the rest of us." Daichi's noise of agreement was soft, his eyes unfocusing as he let his mind wander.

"The whole thing's weird."

"All of us being single?"

"Asahi and Yui getting married. Everyone getting married. Isn't it just...don't you feel like we're behind somehow?"

"Because we're not getting married? Why the hell would that matter?" Daichi shrugged at Iwaizumi's strong response, his hands trying not to fist by his sides.

"Everytime I try to date someone, I just fear I'm going to settle. I like them, don't get me wrong, but it's not like Asahi and Noya. There's no real connection between us. But maybe-"

"Who cares if you don't want to settle?" A rough hand on his shoulder made him pause, the two standing in front of the steps of their apartment. Iwaizumi's strong gaze proved he wasn't trying to protect or coddle Daichi when he continued. "I sure as hell ain't doing it. Maybe if I wanted to 'catch up' with everyone else, I would have let my ex stay. But I'm worth way more than that bullshit. And so are you."

"Me?"

"Obviously. Why do you think so many people like you at work? You're not the person who has to settle. You're going to find that girl or guy who makes you happy and that's it. It'll end up being something you look back at and go 'damn, glad I waited for this'. If Asahi hadn't waited for Noya to barge into his life, he'd never be as happy as he is now. That's cause that glass-hearted giant knew not to just marry the first person that came along." The taller cop's lips pressed tightly together as he scrunched his nose, seeming to think over his next sentence. "Wait for the one that makes your heart goes 'bwah'."

There was silence that was only broken by the car passing down the street. It illuminated them before turning into the driveway across the road. Then a soft snort was breathed between them, Daichi's eyes softening with humor.

"Did you just steal Hinata's made up word?"

"I-!" Face flushed like a tomato, Iwaizumi slugged his laughing partner in the shoulder hard enough to make him stumble backwards, though Daichi didn't stop snickering. Embarrassed and angry, the cop stormed up the stairs as he shouted over his shoulder. "Forget it! I hope you end up old and alone with Tanaka living on your couch."

"Hey, now that's just mean. Old and alone is one thing, but don't wish that last burden on me." Daichi jogged up Iwaizumi, making sure to take a large step around him to get to the door just to the left of his partner's. He tried not to smile as he listened to the gruff teammate mutter threats under his breath, both unlocking their doors before lifting their heads back up to look at the other. "Wanna go for a morning run tomorrow?"

"Only if you bring the mutt. Otherwise I may be tempted to drown you." With an exchange of goodnights, Daichi walked into his apartment, tossing his keys to the side before he turned the light on and let out a soft whistle.

"I'm home." Though he didn't have a technical roommate anymore, there was one companion who kept guard of his apartment when he was gone. The sound of small feet scurried across the floor, Daichi crouching down when a white dog came bounding toward him. With a medium build, the lab-mix was quick to jump on her owner, who laughed as his butt hit the floor. The dog's happy yip was followed by a wet tongue on his cheek, Daichi letting his furry friend shower him in love.

It was hard to think that the dog had almost died a year ago. Daichi and Iwaizumi had been on patrol when they got a call over their radio. The weather was rainy, so they had assumed there had been a car accident. When they arrived to the scene, they were surprised to find two firetrucks surrounding a hole in the middle of the road. Beside the opened sewer cap was a child who looked distraught at whatever the firemen were saying. When the two officers came to question the situation, the firemen explained that the kid had called to report hearing barking inside of the manhole. When the firemen showed up, they took off the cap and discovered that somehow, a puppy had gotten dropped into the sewer and was left with his back leg wedged under a rock. It was an obvious plan for someone to try and dispose of an animal no longer wanted.

To add to the matter, the rain had already started to fill the sewers. The storm made it dangerous for anyone to go in to retrieve the dog, not knowing how the puppy would react. The decision from the fire department was clear; no fireman was allowed to go forward with the rescue. Though the kid begged, none would budge. Finally, a pair of hazel eyes found Daichi, little hands clutching to the side of his soaked police uniform.

"She's going to die...please, she's just a puppy!" The little girl's tears had Daichi asking for the harness before his mind could even agree with him. The young officer offered to do the job, knowing there was little time to waste before the water would drown the puppy. Though the firemen looked hesitant, a fierce look from Iwaizumi had them scrambling to prepare Daichi for the rescue.

The officer wasted little time dropping into the hole, ignoring the slight fear he felt when his feet slipped in the current under him. But he gained his footing and pushed against the flow of water, his goal reached after a few minutes of struggle. He reached out for the dog, which growled and instantly sunk it's teeth into his palm. Daichi used the painful grip to pull the dog into his chest, the soaked puppy only flailing for a second before calming against Daichi's heartbeat. The police officer held the dog to his chest as the fire department lifted him up out of harm's way. Less than a minute after the rescue, the team watched a wave of water crash through the area the puppy and Daichi had just been in.

While getting checked out (both the dog and Daichi), it was easy to see the puppy was attached. Untrusting to strangers, the wounded animal wouldn't allow anyone feed or examine her unless Daichi was there. The worn out police officer stayed at the animal hospital the entire night, waiting to hear if the leg of the dog could be saved. Luckily, 'Sugar' (Daichi, in order to get the little girl to go home after the rescue, had allowed her to name the puppy) was a fighter. It was only broken, but would need a safe space for her several weeks of recovery. Knowing he had to see his 'duty' to the little girl through, Daichi offered to keep her until her leg healed up and she could be adopted out.

And the rest was history. Sugar became a staple in Daichi's house, and the officer simply accepted her company. Iwaizumi pretended to have no interest in her, but he was pretty easy to read. The grouchy cop was an animal lover by heart, and could be easily talked into walking Sugar on days Daichi was stuck with paperwork. Hell, Sugar even had a dog bed in the other apartment. The white puppy grew into a beautiful dog, who loved nothing more than to run around and play in the park.

Well, that and cuddling with Daichi.

"What a day."

The cop sighed in comfort when sinking back on the bed, his hair wet from the shower and stomach full from his reheated dinner. Sugar was curled beside him, Dachi lazily stroking her head as he closed his eyes. He thought back to the conversation with Iwaizumi, trying to keep a positive mind. Maybe he just needed to let fate take it's course, though it was easier said than done. Daichi always struggled to let go of control, especially over himself. But if he had learned anything from his past year of failed dating, it was he couldn't force a spark. It needed to happen on it's own.

"I guess the only love I need is from you, Sugar." He smiled when the dog licked his palm in response, the cop closing his eyes to sleep. He had to stop worrying. After all, didn't love come when you least expected it?

What Daichi couldn't know was that a half hour away, a particular wedding planner was in bed thinking the same thing.

Dun dun duuuuuun! What will happen with our fun crew? Of course I know, but I can't tell you or else you wouldn't read. Yes, I'm extorting you. No, I don't feel bad. Be sure to review and I hope to see you soon! And check out my AO3 site, more HQ writings to be found.

Chapter Two- Code Periwinkle: Morning Chaos and Flower Bets