UshiKawa : The Most Unexpected Duo

Twenty-One

Oikawa's POV.

For the next seven days, Ushiwaka was in and out of my apartment. When I finally decided to confront him about it, he told me he was getting everything set up for my quote birthday surprise end quote. I usually rolled my eyes, but the longer he was gone, the more I grew upset.

I spent my time spoiling my little baby, hoping to ignore the ache in my chest from missing my boyfriend. I wanted him to come home, and if I texted him, I knew he would immediately come back to me. He always did when I missed him.

Sometimes, I didn't even have to text him. It's like he knew when I needed or wanted him back. He came through the door, and he stayed with me until the next day when he would leave again. He was psychic I tell you.

I sighed, running my fingers through the soft, white fur absentmindedly. I wanted him home, but I also kind of wanted to know what this so called "birthday surprise" was. It was too cold to take Rin on a walk. It was an unusually cold day outside today, so that ruined most chances of getting out of the house.

"How about we go visit Iwa-chan?" I cooed, holding his small body above my face. Rin barked and howled in excitement. I lowered him, giving him Eskimo kisses. He licked my face, and I giggled. "Would my baby boy like that?"

The young shiba inu barked again as a yes. His tail was whipping back and forth at lightning speed. I laughed, standing up and cradling him against my stomach. I sat him on the dining chair while I pulled on my Aoba Johsai volleyball jacket.

I zipped the jacket up before picking him up again. I only zipped the jacket up part way, so there was room to put Rin inside with me to stay warm. I grabbed what I needed before heading out and locking up. I did get Ushiwaka a key to my apartment and a card to get in downstairs on his own. Therefore, I didn't worry about it as I walked out the door downstairs.

¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

I stepped into Iwa's work. The restaurant wasn't too busy, so I took a seat by myself, letting Rin out of my coat. He shook out his fur, and I sat the unclipped leash between me and him. He licked my hand as I put my bookbag against the window behind his small body. I slipped the leash in the biggest part.

In a split second, someone slid in on the other side. I looked up to see Iwa with a small, sly smirk. I raised my eyebrow at him in amusement as my own smile started to form. I handed Rin over to him, and Rin bombarded him with licks to the face. Iwa chuckled, settling him on his lap and began to stroke his fur gently.

"I was wondering what the female trainees were gawking at," Iwa smirked at me, and I just laughed at them.

"How many are you training?" I wondered.

"Only three of the fifteen."

"That's a lot."

"Yeah. Seven guys and eight girls."

"Yeesh. I'm coming to work for you," I teased. He shook his head at me.

"I'm not the boss, Moron."

"I can see the future," I joked.

"Sure you can."

Iwa huffed in amusement when we heard one of the girls in the back whispering, "That guy is the only one who's ever made him smile. He must be very close to our sensei."

"Or they could be lovers," another murmured.

"Sensei?" I teased. "That's a new one." Iwa rolled his eyes at me.

"Shut your mouth, Shittykawa."

"So is the mistake that we're lovers."

"I said shut up," he growled. Then, he just laughed. His cheerful mood was really surprising because he's usually mad at me and hitting me with volleyballs all the time.

"You're in a good mood today," I said. He nodded, glancing at his three trainees and the other twelve that hoovered behind them. They all tensed and waved at him nervously. He just chuckled.

"Well. You did come here unexpectedly, and I heard your boyfriend is making you a surprise party."

"Yeah...about that. I don't want him to do that for me." Iwa suddenly turned serious at my confession, and I looked down.

"Why not?"

"He's already done so much for me and spoiled me rotten..."

"But...?"

"But I've never done anything remotely close for him as he's done for me." Iwa sighed heavily, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the table after setting Rin on the bench beside him.

"Look, Kawa." I looked up at the new nickname. "Love isn't about the gifts or about the money."

"I know that," I muttered.

"Good. Then you should also know that Ushiwaka isn't as great at expressing his feelings in words like you are. He shows it through actions and his gifts. That's how he expresses how much he loves you, appreciates you, and cares about you. It's his sure way of saying he loves you."

"He's said "I love you" before," I commented.

"But he doesn't talk about it because he doesn't know how to."

"And how do you know all of this?" I asked warily.

"He's asked me about it before. How to express his feelings to you." I bit my lip. He's really done all of that for me.

I love you so damn much, Ushijima Wakatoshi.