The King Fell and Needs Help Getting Up

Chapter 21

The two don't say anything until they're seated at the Karasuno table, Hinata and Yamaguchi across from them.
"So, how did meeting your sister go? Did she understand?" Yamaguchi asks and Kageyama nods, a small smile on his face.
"She was really understanding, I think I might make more time to talk to her and come see her."
"That sounds nice! I'm sure you've missed her while she's been in Tokyo!" Hinata says and Kageyama shrugs.
"I haven't seen her since my grandpa died." Tobio looks down solemnly and the table is quiet for a moment before Ennoshita leans over.
"Well, now you can see her more and have a better relationship. I'm glad it went well." Kageyama nods again, his smile returning.
"You have a nice smile when you aren't trying!" Tanaka says and claps the younger boy on the back, chuckling. Kageyama tries to hide it, embarrassed that someone called it out, but Tsukishima's hand finds his, under the table and squeezes to let Kageyama know that it's okay for him to smile. The two however, notice that they are the center of attention at the Karasuno and even some of the other teams were watching them.
"What? Is there something on his face? He makes a mess when eating. Not very kingly of him." Tsukishima says, trying to cover the bit of self consciousness rising in him.
"There was! Your-" Hinata starts before Daichi quickly runs over and covers his mouth.
"No, just glad you're back." He says before looking at Hinata with a fierce look to tell him to be quiet.
"You mean when your setter kissed blondie outside?! I knew it was going to happen sooner or later!" Kuroo laughs and the entire room looks at him.
"Kuroo! It was obvious they didn't want people to know!!!" Bokuto whines.
"They should have been more careful then..." Kenma says as he plays his game, having finished dinner long ago.
"Wait, you all saw it and were just going to pretend you didn't? That wouldn't have lasted long, I'm surprised it lasted this long." Tsukishima says trying to deflect any embarrassment he was feeling into snarky remarks. Tobio however, is mortified into silence as he stares at his lap.
"Well, we wanted to respect your privacy and the fact you guys never told us you were dating." Daichi says.
"Respecting their privacy would have been not watching them kiss and then cheering." Narita says and the captain of Karasuno blushes as he clears his throat.
"Well, I must say it was unexpected but I was very happy for you both."
"Well, we didn't tell you we were dating because we aren't. We're just doing what works for us." Tobio speaks up and although he wishes they were sometimes, he understands Kei's perspective and respects it. He's willing to wait.
"Oh! UH! Sorry for assuming!" Daichi says, panicked.
"Well, let's move on and continue dinner, we do have things to do that are not gawking at the unpredictable pair." Suga chimes in to draw the attention of the two who were shifting in their seats uncomfortably. Everyone returns to eating, Hinata begins to catch Kageyama up on the new move he learned from Bokuto and Kuroo. He listens intently as his best friend rambles on. Kei watches from the corner of his eye, watching how Kageyama smiles and how his round cheeks jiggle as he eats, with a small smile. Yamaguchi smiles at the sight.
"What? You're staring." Tsukishima says quietly to Yamaguchi who jumps a bit and quickly tries to cover up his staring.
"Nothing Tsukki!" He says, smiling and waves his hands. Tsukishima hums before returning to watching the youngest karasuno member.

After dinner was finished some went to shower and to get ready for bed while others returned to practice. Kageyama looks at Kei briefly as Hinata is asking to practice together.
"Go ahead, just don't push yourself." Tobio smiles at Kei's response and squeezes his hand before heading off with Hinata.
"Hey hey! Tsukki! Come practice with us!" Bokuto says as he walks up and drapes himself over the blond's shoulder.
"Yeah, I mean, your lover is practicing with Shrimpy anyway!" Kuroo adds with a smirk.
"Well, I guess I could for a little bit, but then I'll be gone." He says in a standoffish tone. The two third years chuckle and sneer before dragging the blond along, Akaashi following behind them.
"So, Kageyama hm??? That's a bit of a surprise!" Kuroo questions Kei with a smirk.
"I'm not going to comment." Kei says and looks off to the side.
"Oh hoo! Tsuki does feel things! C'mon! Just spill a little! We just want one juicy detail!" Bokuto pleads and Akaashi comes to Kei's rescue.
"Bokuto-san, leave it be. He doesn't have to share, it's his business. Please respect that." He says and Bokuto pouts before Kuroo claps and has them get to practicing.

Just as Kei stated, he left after around 45 minutes and went to check on Kageyama and Hinata. The two were still going at it but Kei could tell Kageyama was tired.
"Yo, king! Don't know you when you're tired? Let me help you pack up and get your majesty to bed." He says entering the gym.
"AW!! But I was really feeling them now!!" Hinata complains and Kei shakes his head, rolling his eyes at the ginger's whining.
"Does it look like I care? Besides, the king is tired, he had a long day. Just pack up so we can all have showers and go to bed." Kei sighs and helps Kageyama with the net as Hinata gives in and picks up the stray volleyballs. It takes about 15 minutes for the three of them to finish up and by the end Kageyama is leaning on Tsukishima.
"Cmon, you gotta shower before bed. Try to stay awake long enough for that." He says to the youngest who groans and follows as they walk to the showers. Kei helps Tobio through showering and getting changed into clean clothes before leading them to the Karasuno room. When they walk in they see their futons have been pushed together and the other members were trying to look inconspicuous. Kei just ignored their mischievous looks and helps Kageyama lay down before laying down himself.
With Kei closer than last night, Tobio was able to fall asleep and stay asleep once his hand found Kei's arm to assure him, he was beside him.