!Disclaimer! This is my first fic I appreciate any tips lol but I’m not expecting anyone to actually read ts 😭. It’s gonna be multiple parts and will include nsfw content. I made it really long lol but here’s part 1 so if you’re reading this I hope you enjoy!!
You weren’t sure why Coach Ukai decided to take the team on a month long vacation to South America’s beloved rainforest, even more so why he decided to invite you, (Name) Kageyama. Sure, you got on greatly with the team. At least most of the team. There was just a single person who ground your gears, Tsukishima Kei. You’d tried countless times to befriend the guy, but his lack of interest eventually led to you giving up on small talk. You had come to the conclusion that his attitude towards you was the fault of your brother- they were rivals after all. It never made sense to you; having a rival on your own team just sounded ridiculous, but apparently it was common. You’d always hear Tobio grumbling about him whenever you went to watch them practice, it made you laugh at the absurdity of their distaste for one another.
You’d been invited to this trip months ago, at the time you were full of excitement (along with a bit of confusion), you couldn’t wait to spend a month in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Your passion and curiosity for the Amazonian culture and creatures overwhelmed you alongside the opportunity for research you’d been dying to participate in. Receiving the invite ignited a memory of your childhood, your desire for adventures, your love for animals, your obsession with pretty flowers. Immediately your mind was racing with possibilities and a feeling of excitement you hadn’t experienced in what felt like forever. You couldn’t wait for this trip.
That was until a few days before your flight. You were packing your suitcase, humming along to the delicate tune of Lana Del Rey, feeling completely at peace whilst still being consumed by your excitement. Then your phone buzzed, startling you out of your daze and returning you to the task at hand. You picked it up and opened the message, your heart sank to what felt like the Earth’s core. Tears blurred your vision as you read every word of that breakup message, your stomach twisting with pain and nausea. It was completely out of the blue, you hadn’t expected this, never in a million years! Your three years together felt like a complete lie, your tears gushed out before you could fully comprehend what had just happened. You’d cried so much that you’d passed out on the floor, succumbing to the heartbreak of losing your everything. The following days had felt empty, now you were dreading the trip, spending a month with a whole team of volleyball boys was the last thing you wanted now. All you wanted to do was curl up in bed for weeks and allow sadness to stab at you until there was nothing left. Nevertheless, you couldn’t cancel now; besides, Tobio had convinced you that having a month long getaway in nature would do you good and give you a chance to get over him.
Next thing you know you’re at the airport, the whole team’s excitement radiated throughout the entire place. Everyone was smiling wide, like a kid trying chocolate for the first time. Everyone except two. You, and Tsukishima. He wore that signature scowl of his, his eyes narrow and glistening with irritation at everyone else’s happiness. He sat slumped in the uncomfortable airport chair, arms folded with his index finger tapping impatiently on his bicep, occasionally clicking his tongue or scoffing when Nishinoya and Tanaka ogled at random women or when Hinata and Kageyama began to bicker over nothing. You sat across from him, staring off into space with eyes so full of despair and sorrow that kept threatening to spill tears. You subconsciously kept chewing at your lower lip or biting at your cheek, despite flecks of blood appearing you didn’t notice. He did though. Tsukishima’s gaze kept falling back on you, his eyes softening ever so slightly for the flash of a second before he would just gulp and turn his attention back to the rest of the morons on his team. He knew about the breakup. Everyone did. Everyone also knew how infatuated you were with him. He kept feeling a strange sensation in his chest seeing you so look so empty, but he wouldn’t admit it. Instead just tried to ignore it. Surely it was nothing, right…?
The plane journey was a drag, but you’d slept through most of it. You’d had the window seat and thankfully the quiet Asahi sat next to you. You were grateful as it meant you didn’t have to engage in a ridiculous conversation or having constant tapping at your shoulder to ask you stupid questions. You’d settled quickly, putting your headphones on and choosing your favourite playlist. You’d slowly drifted into a comfortable sleep, something that you hadn’t experienced in days. The exhaustion of the breakup had finally caught up to you, a deep sleep engulfed you. You’d become numb to your surroundings, sleeping through turbulence and the team’s loud voices. When the plane landed, Asahi had woken you up with a gentle shake and a whisper that you’d landed and it was time to get off. You’d had to navigate your way through your unfamiliar surroundings to find your bus which eventually was located with the help of Google translate.
The team clambered on wearily, settling into the next long journey. You were sat by yourself, alone with your thoughts, songs and the ethereal landscape of Brazil. Tsukishima sat on the opposite side of your seat. Alone, by the window as well; though his focus wasn’t on the views outside, but on you. He hated how his gaze drifted to you without his permission, he hated that tight swelling in his chest even more. Yet he found himself staring, acknowledging your features that he had chosen to avoid previously. You were gorgeous to him, so much so that he would try to ignore your beauty and you in general. He scowled and turned his attention to whatever was outside the window, internally slapping himself for getting carried away and staring too much. “Whatever.” He whispered to himself.
By the time you’d finally arrived at the lodges it was already late into the evening. The sun had almost fully set and the moon was shining passionately, casting a gentle sheet of moonlight over the jungle. Bright stars lay across the night sky, twinkling with contentment. The lack on light pollution accentuated the night’s beauty perfectly, capturing its mesmerising features. You’d never seen such a beautiful sight before, and you finally felt peaceful after days of emptiness.
Ukai gathered you all around to discuss lodge arrangements though you were too focused on the crescent moon above to really listen. Until your name was called out, snapping you out of your trance immediately. You realised that there was only one person besides you without a roommate: Tsukishima. You looked at Ukai confused, “I thought I’d be paired with another girl?” Ukai looked at you apologetically, “It’s only 2 to a lodge, Yachi and Kyoko paired up, sorry kid but you two are going to have to stay together.” You huffed slightly but were too tired to argue with him, knowing it would go nowhere. “Well” you turn to Tsukishima “Better stick to your half” you grumbled, picking up your suitcase and making your way towards your lodge, him trailing behind you looking bored.
The lodge was beyond luxurious. Including a spacious kitchen completed with pristine marble countertops, polished mahogany furniture, rugs with intricate patterns and vibrant colours lined the floor. This place had everything you could possibly need! At least that’s what you thought until you realised that there was only one bedroom.
You both stepped inside to see what it was like: two double beds on opposite sides of the room, each side complimented with more mahogany desks and wardrobes. It was beautiful, the only issue was your roommate. He kept mumbling words laced with annoyance and displeasure. You sighed and chose which side you wanted, shuffling over and lying your suitcase down at the end of your bed, unzipping it to get your pyjamas out. You were itching to get out of these sweaty travel clothes and into your comfortable shorts and oversized t-shirt. You peered over to the other side of the room to see that Tsukishima had already silently slipped out of the room, presumably to the bathroom to get ready for bed, so you began to undress. You tugged your clothes off, discarding them on the floor and slipping your pyjamas on quickly to avoid an awkward situation if he were to return. You were honestly so exhausted that you couldn’t even be bothered to brush your teeth, instead you simply climbed into bed and dozed off. After a couple of minutes, Tsukishima returned in his sleep attire, looking just as tired as you. His eyes landed on your sleeping form, softening slightly and observing the gentle rise and fall of your shoulders. You looked at peace while you slept. He shook his head and climbed into bed, his eyes closing with annoyance, though an ounce of tenderness remained. Even whilst he slept.
Your eyes fluttered open to the sounds of alluring birdsong and the gentle rustle of trees. You sat up, rubbing your eyes to get a good look out of the window. Cool breeze wafted in through the already open window, brushing your cheeks with tender care. You yawned and looked around the room, Tsukishima had already gotten up, made his bed and tidied any mess from last night’s carelessness. You groggily got out of bed, feeling slightly relieved from your sadness, and padded to the bathroom to freshen yourself up ready for your first day in the Rainforest.
After you freshened up and got dressed, you made your way out to the living area of your lodge to see Tsukishima sat on the deck of the lodge, staring out into the vast space around the campsite. “How long have you been up?” You asked, your question startling him out of his daze and making him whip around to face you. His momentarily startled eyes quickly settled back into their natural narrow state before he sighed and looked back out into the distance. “Not long, sorry if I woke you.” You moved over to sit beside him on the other deck chair, “No you didn’t, the birds did.” The smallest hint of a smile cracked at his lips, just enough for you to notice, “yeah, they’re pretty enthusiastic about their music.” Your lips curled into a soft smile that made his heart swell faintly. “So now you’re actually speaking to me? Is it just because I’m going to be your only company for the next month?” You teased, nudging him with your shoulder playfully. “Don’t get used to it, I just woke up in a good mood today, don’t spoil it ‘cause you’ll have to deal with it.” He replied, though deep down he knew he couldn’t give you a hard time- it’d hurt him too much to see any type of pain etched across your face again, especially if it was his fault. “I’m sorry. About your… you know… situation with your ex.” He turned his head to look at your face, which hardened for a moment before softening into a bit more of a solemn look. “It’s fine. I just need to forget about him on this trip and not let him ruin my holiday without even being here.” You responded with a small sigh, your gaze avoiding his now. He swallowed and nodded “Good” he looked down and mumbled quietly, barely coherent “you deserve better anyway” before getting up and going back inside.
For the rest of the day you two hardly talked, though that interaction this morning kept replaying in your head and unbeknownst to you, also in Tsukishima’s head. You couldn’t stop thinking about the smoothness of your conversation, how it felt so right and comforting. You wondered why he’d always roll his eyes at your attempts at conversation or why he always seemed so uninterested in you, and why did it change today? On the other hand, Tsukishima kept thinking about you, your smile, your gentle yet firm voice and guilt was beginning to know at him for the way he treated you previously. He tried and tried to shake off his feelings, desperately trying to convince himself that it was nothing and he doesn’t like you, but he knew. He knew exactly what he was feeling, and it terrified him.
Everyone on the team was jet lagged, hence the day of simply relaxing. You went over to spend some time with your friends Kyoko and Yachi. You three spent time gossiping and they offered comforting words to soothe your sadness, however you didn’t tell them about you and Tsukishima’s conversation that morning, instead you decided to just keep it to yourself as you knew they’d likely make a big deal over it and begin to speculate about things that didn’t exist. By the time it was evening, you felt much lighter than you had been, your ex no longer infesting your mind. You finally felt like you could enjoy this holiday.
After dinner, the group decided to gather around the campfire to do some classic campfire activities: making s’mores, telling scary stories and drinking hot chocolate.You were honestly surprised to see Tsukishima there, typically he’d avoid these types of things, claimed they were “too childish” and a “waste of time” yet here he was. Hinata spoke up to ask “Where is Coach Ukai?” To which Daichi responded “He’s still pretty jet lagged, he said he’d sit this one out.” Your brother chuckled “Typical.”
The activities began, everything was going well; people were having fun, laughing, sharing personal stories that were hard to believe. After some time, Nishinoya and Tanaka announced it was time to tell scary stories while roasting marshmallows which most people agreed on, although a few people had left to go to bed. Tobio had taken Hinata back to their lodge because he kept falling asleep on him (and he knew Hinata was a wet wipe when it came to scary stories), and Asahi had left too as he was sleepy and hated the idea of scary stories at night. Noya decided to go first with the creepy urban legend of “the Frogman” which made a few people gulp and become extra aware of their surroundings, a few even calling it a night after hearing about it, but you stayed. Tanaka went second, explaining a personal encounter with ghosts that he used to live with and how they’d torment his family by slamming doors and knocking things off shelves. His stories sent shivers down your spine, but still, you stayed and kept listening. Then it was Suga’s turn and he talked about an urban legend that originated in this very rainforest. Honestly, it freaked you the fuck out, you stood up quickly and stammered out that it was time for bed. Noya and Tanaka chuckled, “too pussy?” You let out a fake, sarcastic laugh “no, I’m just tired.” Noya cackled and said cheekily “whatever you say pussycat” to which you rolled your eyes at. Tsukishima had been observing the whole time- the stories didn’t faze him whatsoever, but what did was your sudden reaction and change in demeanour. He had raised an eyebrow at your sudden outburst, knowing that he would leave too now that you were, his excuse in his head being to make sure you get back safely. “Yeah I’m calling it a night too.” He stated, pulling himself up and leaving no time for anyone else to say a word.
The walk back to the lodge was quiet, a thin wall of tension between you both that you both recognised but didn’t know how to break. “You better not wake me up if you get nightmares.” He said bluntly, though you picked up on a hint of warmth in his tone. “Nightmares? Do you think I’m 7?” You retorted back playfully. His lips curled into a smug smile, “same height as one, must’ve been where I got muddled up.” Your lips parted to say something insulting back but you couldn’t think of anything to say so you just muttered something under your breath. He noticed and couldn’t help teasing you “got something to say? Couldn’t hear you you’re so far down.” “Well at least I don’t need to duck my head every time I walk through a doorway, maybe hitting your head on the doorframe too many times has damaged your conscience into being a salty prick 24/7.” You snapped back at him. He let out a breathless laugh “wow, I must’ve struck a nerve, but I’ve always been this salty, even when I was your height.” You huffed and opened the door to your lodge, “now I remember why I don’t like you.” He tilted his head, feigning innocence “you don’t like me?” He pouted mockingly. “Shut up.”
After the two of you had gotten ready for bed, you were sat up in your bed with your stuffed animal clutched to your chest. The stories from earlier lingering in your mind, you hate to admit it but you were spooked, super spooked. You sat watching the door, waiting for Tsukishima to come back from the bathroom, his careless attitude comforted you in an odd way. When he returned you noticed you immediately. “Someone’s enthusiastic, hm?” You shook your head with a small smile “no I just wanted to make sure those ghosts didn’t get you.” Tsukishima chuckled and got into bed. “If you get scared in the night just wake me up, I’ll scare them off.” He said jokingly. “I am NOT going to get scared in the night bro.” He smiled to himself “whatever you say.” You rolled your eyes and turned to go to sleep, and so did he.
You woke up abruptly, dripping with sweat and panting heavily, your previous nightmare still clouding your vision. You look around at the grandfather clock hung up on the wall which read 4am, your spine tingled with fear as you turned your attention towards the window. A gloomy and disturbing darkness settled beyond the glass, triggering you to jump up to shut the curtains quickly and breathing heavily with terror. Tsukishima lay sound asleep on the other side of the room. You took a moment to catch your breath before rolling over to try and fall back to sleep but no matter how hard you tried you simply couldn’t, the horrors from your nightmare still fresh in your mind. After some silent debate, you got out of bed and tip-toed over to his bed and shaking his shoulder gently. His eyes flickered open with annoyance, “what do you want?” He murmured groggily, squinting his eyes in the darkness to see you. “I can’t sleep.” You replied. “Not my problem.” He sighed and rolled over to face the wall. You looked down and turned back towards your side of the room before you heard his voice again “get in. Just stick to your side of the bed.” You were taken aback but curled up into bed beside him, his warmth offering comfort to you while you tried to fall back asleep.
You tossed and turned throughout the night but never awoke again, however you had woken Tsukishima up. In an attempt to get you to stop writhing he wrapped an arm around your sleeping body, pulling you in closer to his side, not overstepping but close enough to keep you from wriggling which allowed him to fall asleep again. Though as he shut his eyes he couldn’t help but bask in your warmth- his mind began to race with scenarios of waking up with you in his arms and falling asleep with you safe with him. It overwhelmed him, his face getting hot and turning pink, which brightened when you moved closer to him. His eyes squeezed shut, and his mouth began silently repeating stop. Gradually, he slipped back into a deep sleep, still holding you tight in his arm.
Birdsong awoke you again in the early morning accompanied by the gentle rays of sunshine filtering through into the room, illuminating the space beautifully. As you shifted you felt an arm tighten around you protectively. You froze. Your attention snapped to the sleeping Tsukishima that lay beside you with his slender arms draped lazily yet firmly over your waist. You could feel your cheeks get hotter the longer you looked at him, he looked so peaceful in his sleep- so vulnerable. A look he would kill anyone for seeing. You sat there staring at him for a few minutes, recalling how you’d ended up here. As you were lost in thought, his eyelids fluttered open softly, taking a second to adjust properly to the early morning sunlight. His eyes flickered up to you, squinting to try and see your face as he didn’t have his glasses on. The feelings that consumed him just a few hours ago flooded in like a catastrophic storm after getting a glimpse of your face fresh from waking up. He tried to ignore the feeling of the tips of his ears turning pink, hoping that you wouldn’t notice, but you did. You always noticed. Just never mentioned it.
