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It was one of those hard, gruelling training sessions. The kind that left Tobio more tired than satisfied. He packed his bag swiftly, flinging it over his shoulder and dragged his sore feet out of the Adler's Gym.
No sooner does he step outside, the chilly evening breeze hits his face, whizzing against his ears. He pulls the hood of his jacket over his head, stuffing his hands in the pockets. He's probably the first one out, he thinks. As he walks, the wind carries a scent of dango and yakisoba from nearby stalls. Tobio's stomach gives a low growl. The subway is another ten minute walk, four if he runs for it. He exhales slowly, hiking the bag higher over his shoulder and prepares to run. His mind is already thinking of Shouyou's pork curry. He could practically taste it.
Ever since Shouyou came from Brazil, not only have his skills on the court enhanced but his prowess in the kitchen and culinary finesse always leaves Tobio amazed. It would be a miracle if Tobio could make an omelette without burning their kitchen down, but Shouyou loves to cook and takes it upon himself to make all of their meals. So he leaves all the cooking to his husband.
"Kageyama Tobio!"
Tobio slows in his tracks, pulling himself out of his reverie, he turns to face his Wing Spiker running towards him.
"Ushijima-san!" He bows, "Hello."
"Hey, can I talk to you for a second?”
Tobio nods, words stuck themselves in his throat as he stares a few moments too long. Ushijima was sweaty, droplets catching the light of the street lamps as they slid down his face. He seems to have run all the way to catch up with him.
They walk down the street in silence. Tobio doesn't ask, he knows his senpai sometimes needs time to articulate his thoughts. He glances at Ushijima, something in his expression passes, but it's gone before Tobio could fully see it.
Ushijima stops suddenly and clears his throat, "Next week is my anniversary with Tendou." He turns to Tobio. "I'd like to cook him something impressive."
Tobio frowns, "I'm sorry Ushijima-san, but I don't think I can—" he cuts off, looking deeply embarrassed, "I'm not very good at anything related to food."
Ushijima waves his hand in dismissal. "I was talking about Hinata-kun." He takes in Tobio's bewildered expression and explains, "I've had the homemade Bento Hinata-kun made for you sometimes. He clearly has an expertise in such matters. I was wondering if he could help me?"
Tobio thinks back to the number of times Ushijima has talked to him outside of Volleyball. He could probably count them all on one hand. Although he likes the strictly professional relationship he shares with his Outside Hitter, even the new coach thinks they could do some bonding away from the game. And Tobio has never been a social person, he has a hard time connecting with his teammates.
Well, up until now. This, he thinks, is a perfect opportunity to get to know his Spiker and a little about his personal life. As the team's official setter, isn't it his responsibility to help his Spikers? And Tobio is sure Hinata wouldn't mind either, what could go wrong?
So he agrees.
He asks Ushijima to come by his place tomorrow night after practice where Hinata could teach him.
Ushijima thanks him and as Tobio watches his retreating back , he has this sudden moment of foreboding that maybe he should've thought this through. But Hinata is a great cook and he loves to teach and Ushijima is wanting to learn.
So honestly, what could go wrong?
________________
The chill of the autumn evening still clings to him as Tobio makes his way back into the apartment. He leaves his shoes and bags by the door, silently padding his way into the kitchen.
Tobio smiles as he is greeted by the sight of a familiar shock of red hair. Hinata was bent over the hob, stirring the contents of a saucepan.
He’s changed out of his practice jersey into a dark blue jumper and a pair of fitted grey shorts. Tobio's gaze lingers on the other man, Hinata looks freshly out of the shower, hair still dripping wet. He is humming a song under his breath that Tobio can't quite remember.
There was something comforting about the whole scene. It had been almost a year since they got married, moved in together, but Tobio had never gotten used to this domestic and homey sight in front of him. Well, in all fairness, he hadn't really known the concept of home until he met Hinata.
Tobio quietly walks up behind him, slides an arm around his waist and pulls him close, burying his nose into soft orange tufts. It smells sharply of strawberries, making his mouth water. Hinata's very warm and very pliant, and Tobio sighs happily.
"Welcome home," Hinata smiles, nudging him playfully with an elbow. "Took you long enough."
In answer Tobio just stoops low to press a kiss to Hinata's temple, making him giggle.
"What's for dinner? Smells good."
"Pork stir fry and Sashimi." Hinata replies excitedly. As if on cue, Tobio's stomach rumbles. Hinata laughs, "Go get changed, it'll be ready in five minutes."
When Tobio comes out of the shower, freshened up, Hinata is waiting for him with everything already neatly set on the table. Big bowls of rice, pork stir fry and servings of sashimi and eggs. All the things he likes.
Shouyou eyes him critically when Tobio makes no move to sit. "What's wrong?" he asks.
Tobio shakes his head, sitting down across from him. "Everything looks great. Thank you for the meal," he says earnestly, and clacks his chopsticks.
"So, how was your day?" Shouyou asks him, and Tobio wonders when is the right time to break the news about Ushijima-san's request. Will Hinata be angry that he agreed without asking him first?
"What's gotten into you?" Hinata grouses, nudging his chopsticks at his husband’s shoulder.
"Ushijima-san,"
"What?"
Tobio scowls, then clears his throat uncomfortably. "Ushijima-san's anniversary is coming up and he asked for you to help him cook something. And I said yes on your behalf."
Hinata stares at him for a solid, silent minute before letting his head drop back down. "He asked for me? Specifically?" he demands, voice low.
Tobio nods grimly but then Hinata cackles wildly and Tobio thinks he has finally lost it.
"YES!" Hinata whoops and thumps the table. "So he finally admits that I'm superior to him."
"Huh? I don't think that's—"
"This is just perfect! I always wanted to bond with him, especially over something where I'm clearly the ace. Not saying that he's better at volleyball than me but you know what I mean. Plus it'll be a chance for you to build a rapport with your teammate. I know how much you suck at it. Also, you remember how I purchased that cookbook last month? And I've had no chance to use it till now? Maybe I can show him some recipes from that.." Hinata lit up as he chattered animatedly, looking so bright-eyed and excited.
"I had no idea Ushijima-san was into food!"
________________
"I have zero interest in food."
Ushijima states impassively. "If I could, my diet would only consist of pale beige smoothies containing all the nutrients required by the human body."
Shouyou looks like he might cry. Tobio's mouth twitches as if he might laugh.
Ushijima comes the next day after practice. Carrying a small bag with a notebook and pen and a baby blue frilly apron, which he says he had borrowed from his neighbour. It hangs a little too tight and too small on his big frame.
"But for my anniversary, I would like to cook something nice. Would you orient me with the whole process of it?"
"Sure." Shouyou gulps then shakes his head. "Preparing food for one's lover is the most intimate gift of all." He steals a glance at Tobio, "Aside from playing volleyball together." He winks, making Tobio's heart stutter.
Shouyou leads them to the kitchen where he has prepared everything. Big cups, spoons, knives and other cutlery are all neatly stacked on the kitchen counter. There are vegetables and fruits, washed and kept ready in big bowls. Right beside, are the small jars full of herbs and spices. He offers Ushijima a high stool and rushes around the counter to take something out of the refrigerator.
"Okay! So, the first step to cooking a perfect meal," Shouyou says, taking out a plastic bag and placing it in front of Ushijima, "Is to identify the ingredients by look; and by taste."
He takes out coriander, basil, parsley, mint, and fenugreek leaves, from the bag, putting them in individual bowls.
"Do you know what these are, Ushijima-san?"
Ushijima stares at the herbs for a while before nodding. "Plants."
"Uh..yes but can you name them?"
To be honest, the only reason Tobio knows them all is because sometimes Hinata asks him to buy groceries and vegetables. And there's only so many times you can confuse coriander leaves with curry leaves, right?
Ushijima clucks his tongue, "This isn't Ellen's burning questions, Hinata-kun. Tell me what they are called."
Hinata bites the inside of his cheek, throws a look at Tobio before he calmly explains, "This is coriander and this is called basil." he points at the herbs, "They are used for seasoning and garnishing."
He plucks a few leaves of coriander and puts them in his mouth. "Now, coriander almost tastes.." he trailed off, closing his eyes. "Refreshing, tart, and," he hums, "Citrusy."
"It's similar to parsley but 'juicier' and with lime undertones." Shouyou narrates as Ushijima makes notes in his book.
"Now, describe what you taste," he says, passing Basil leaves to Ushijima.
Ushijima stares at the leaf eerily. Then slowly puts it in his mouth. Closing his eyes to imitate Hinata. "I taste.."
"Yes?" Shouyou asks, shuffling closer, sounding almost hopeful.
"Leaf."
"Right. Okay, that's good! But try being more descriptive." Shouyou gives his herbs one last mournful look before he pushes them aside and hops and sits onto the counter. Now at eye level with Ushijima, he says, "Forget the leaves! Tobio tells me you love Hayashi Rice, why?"
Ushijima blinks. "The components have a long shelf life and are easily found at the nearest store; they are cost effective; and it is so simple to make that a child could make them."
"Fair enough,” Shouyou sighs, "But I was looking for a more emotional connection." He explains, scratching his head. "You know, for example, my favourite dish is Tamago Kake Gohan. It's my comfort food. My mom used to make it for me on my bad days and when I eat it, I feel as though she's with me, pulling me into her arms; comforting me." Shouyou wraps his hands around himself as if to put the point across, his big brown eyes flickering up to Ushijima . "What's your story behind Hayashi Rice?"
Ushijima stares straight at Shouyou as he says without missing a beat, "I want rice, I make rice, I eat rice."
Shouyou eyes flash for a moment, jaw clenching. His left hand spasms almost reaching for the knife.
"Okay!" Tobio declares, getting to his feet and crossing the room swiftly. "Enough foreplay, why don't we start cooking. Ushijima-san, why don't you go ahead and wash your hands?"
Tobio turns to Shouyou as soon as Ushijima leaves the kitchen towards the bathroom sink. "Calm down, Gordon Ramsay." He tuts and leans down, pushing the red strands out of the way to press a quick kiss to his forehead.
Shouyou just grunts in reply. "I'm trying." He scowls, muttering under his breath. Tobio pulls at the corners of Shouyou's mouth, tugging his lips upwards with his fingers, placing a kiss on his nose. He grins, "I love your smile." But Shouyou just shoves at him lightly.
This was one of those rare times where Tobio has seen Shouyou angry. Sure he gets frustrated and annoyed easily but he's also known to have an immense amount of patience. Once, he drove from Miyagi to Tokyo with Tsukkishima in the car, that too on a weekend. They came out of that seven hour road trip from hell without any casualties; and that's saying something.
When Ushijima comes back, Shouyou has calmed down enough. Although Ushijima doesn't seem to notice the difference.
Shouyou takes out two pans, chopping boards and two knives. Handing them to Ushijima, he says, "Now, many people believe that anything with rice is the easiest food to make, which is incredibly foolish ."
Ushijima stares in disbelief, but Shouyou continues bringing out carrots and onions, "Tonight, we are making a simple Fried Rice. And I'll show you how it is a highly nuanced and complicated dish."
Shouyou hands Ushijima the knife and explains to him how different vegetables are cut in different styles. Shouyou's descriptions are detailed and easy to follow. His brown eyes are set on the ingredients he’s working with, slowly cooking in their respective pans. His hands work with practiced ease, moving accurately.
On the other hand, Ushijima's cuts are sloppy and careless. It seems more due to impatience rather than lack of practice.
"Now, when you think the oil is heated up, carefully put the onions in." Shouyou demonstrates by sliding the onions off the chopping board into the pan. Ushijima follows the motion, but dumps the vegetable into the pan, with such force that a few diced onions fly out.
"Sauté them at a lower heat, and when the onions turn transparent, you can add the cabbage, carrots and capsicums. Like this, nice and slow. " Shouyou adds all the vegetables, one by one, stirring slowly. He nods at Ushijima to add his chopped veggies into his pan.
Ushijima throws everything in together, causing a loud sizzle.
Shouyou winces and rushes to lower the heat under Ushijima's pan, stirring quickly. "Oh no! You hear that sizzle? It means the heat is too high on those veggies. They will start sticking to the pan."
"Well, the higher the heat, the faster it cooks and the sooner Tendou eats them. Am I incorrect?"
Shouyou smiles, one of those forced smiles that look more maniac than consoling. Tobio shudders.
"You make an excellent point. But we don't want to feed Tendou-san burnt garbage, right?" Shouyou exhales loudly, "Cooking is about patience— are you completely INSANE ?!"
Shouyou all but screams and pulls the salt shaker from Ushijima's hands. "You cannot add salt right now!" He orders icily. "Always, always add salt at the end." Shouyou shakes his head in disbelief, "What you have done is the culinary equivalent of premature ejaculation," he whispers, disappointment dripping in each syllable.
Stung, Ushijima glares back. And as an act of rebellion, he picks up the box of spices and starts dumping spoonfuls of red chilli powder and pepper into his pan. He pours soy sauce into the mix then switches the flame to high and starts shaking his pan back and forth, nearly spilling all it's contents out.
"Stop it! Stop." Shouyou grits out. "You, sir, are not ready to cook rice. Hand over your spatula."
Ushijima shrugs, pulling his apron over his head. "Fine," he spat. He stomps towards the door, picking up his bag, he turns to Shouyou, one last time, glowering down at him. "I only wish I could return all the time I just wasted on this futile project. I'm going to make Tendou store-bought Ramen for dinner." And with that he's out of the door.
Shouyou stares at the door, dumbfounded. "Store-bought Ramen? Oh god, that is low." He blinks rapidly to stop the tears from running, his lower lip wobbling. He pads towards Tobio and falls into his arms, shaking.
Tobio pulls him impossibly close, patting his hair. "I'm sorry," he mumbles as Shouyou cries on his shoulder, trembling.
"Hinata. Hina- Shouyou." Tobio whispers louder suddenly, gently tapping at his husband’s back. Hinata grunts into Tobio’s shoulder that he’s still wrapped around. "Shou-"
"What?"
"I smell burning."
"What you smell is the burning wreckage of our relationship with Ushijima Wakatoshi." Shouyou says, between great, gulping sobs.
"And the pan is on fire."
________________
Tobio lies on the bed drifting in and out of sleep. The gentle sun rays filtering through the curtains tells it's early. Shouyou is still fast asleep beside him, snoring lightly. Out of the two of them, usually, he is the first one up but Sunday mornings are meant to be spent in bed. Tobio snuggles closer to his husband, burying his face in the crook of Shouyou's neck. His eyes catch the glint of sunlight reflecting on his wedding ring. He sighs serenely, planting a soft kiss on Shouyou's neck.
"I love you," Tobio murmurs against his skin, kissing it again.
"And I will kill you if you try to wake me up."
Tobio laughs. He bites lightly at Shouyou's ear, tugging it between his teeth, which earns him a groan and a kick in the shin.
He winds his arms around Shouyou's waist and decides not to trouble him anymore. "Okay, sleep." He says, soothingly carding his fingers through the orange strands, "We still have a lot of time."
Or so he thought.
No sooner did the words escape his mouth, the doorbell rang.
"Stop it, Tobio. I swear." Shouyou whines into Tobio’s pyjama shirt.
"It's not me, dumbass."
Shouyou frowns and cracks an eye open. Who? They stare at each other and then at the door, warily.
"If we pretend to be asleep, maybe it will go away." He whispers.
Of course, no such thing happens. The ringing only gets louder, now accompanied with thunderous knocking.
"Open the door before they break it!"
Tobio slowly extracts his arms and legs from his partner, sliding across the sheets, and pulls the blanket over himself like a shield to protect him from whatever was banging at the door. Meanwhile, Shouyou grabs both pillows under his arms like machine guns.
Quietly, they slip into the hallway to the main door, where the knocking seems to have stopped.
Tobio unlocks the door and pokes his head out.
"Ushijima-san?"
"Good morning." Ushijima greets. "I thought you weren't home."
Tobio chucks the blanket on a nearby chair and shuffles back a few steps to make room for Ushijima to come inside.
"Pardon the intrusion." Ushijima says, as they make their way towards the couch.
There is a moment of awkward silence before Ushijima speaks up again. "After our disagreement a few days ago, I went online to watch your culinary vlogs from Brazil and scoff."
"Oh.." Shouyou winces.
But Ushijima's voice softens as he continues, "But to my dismay, I actually learned something. I visited https-colon-slash-slash-youtu-dot-be-slash-ninja-backslash-shoyo-cooks-backslash-s-seven-g-capital a-capital t-eight-f-m-l-dot-com. You must be aware of the video I'm talking about."
Shouyou looks dazed but nods nonetheless.
"I learnt about how food tells a story." Ushijima reaches into the small paper bag he is carrying and takes out a lunchbox. "So I had made Tendou this last night." He says, placing the box carefully on the table.
Shouyou blinks meekly, reaches forward and wraps his fingers around it.
"It's Takoyaki and salmon Onigiri." Ushijima says, "We shared one after we graduated, on a rainy evening right outside our highschool." A smile tugs on his face as he speaks, "It's one of our most treasured memories."
Ushijima's eyes then flicker to Hinata, "It's not up to your standards," He smiles again, his voice going soft, "But Tendou seemed to enjoy it." He bows slightly and stands up. "So, thank you for your guidance. I will take your leave now."
Hinata stares at him wordlessly before bowing. Tobio sees him at the door and with a "see you at practice tomorrow," Ushijima is gone.
"Shou-"
"Get a plate!"
Shouyou carefully unwraps the silver foil and sets the contents on a plate, noting they are still warm. He picks up the chopsticks Tobio hands him and gingerly takes a bite.
“Of course,” Hinata sighs, letting his eyes slide shut again. With a grunt, he flings the tea towel draped over the arm of the chair, into the air.
"Gross, huh?" Tobio offers, sympathetically.
"No!" Shouyou whines, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It's perfect." He sniffles, and flumps back on the chair. Silently whimpering and chewing. Tobio thinks it's hilarious.
"He's a natural, Tobio!"
Fin.