Twist of Fate - sakuatsu fluff + angst

Chapter Three: Discovering Home

Barcelona had been a balm to their souls. With every touch and glance, their love seemed to grow, resisting the pressures of distance and time. But like every vacation, their time together in the sun-kissed Spanish city had come to an end. Atsumu had to return to Italy, and Sakusa to Japan.

On their last night, the two of them found themselves walking the winding alleys of the Gothic Quarter, hands intertwined. The soft glow of the street lamps painted a romantic hue over the ancient stones.

"Do you think this is how it's always going to be? Meeting in different cities around the world?" Atsumu mused, his voice laced with a hint of melancholy.

Sakusa looked over, his usually stoic face softened. "I hope not. But we're both committed to our careers. It won't be forever."

"I don't want to spend my best years without you by my side, Omi-kun," Atsumu confessed.

It was a truth they both felt. The longing, the waiting, the stolen moments in different cities – it was getting harder. The elation of being together was always followed by the heart-wrenching pain of separation.

"What if we found a way to be on the same team?" Sakusa hesitantly proposed.

Atsumu stopped in his tracks, studying Sakusa's face to see if he was joking. "Are you serious?"

Sakusa nodded. "Yes. I've been thinking about it. We could look for opportunities. Perhaps a team in Europe or even back in Japan."

Atsumu's eyes brightened. "It's risky. We'd be giving up our current positions, the recognition."

"But we'd gain time together, more memories. We wouldn't constantly be missing out on each other's lives," Sakusa added.

They sat down on a nearby bench, contemplating the gravity of their decision. Both of them were at the peak of their careers, and such a move could make or break them. But the allure of being together was too strong to ignore.

After a lengthy silence, Atsumu finally said, "Let's do it. Let's find a team together. I don't want to keep wondering 'what if'."

Sakusa squeezed Atsumu's hand. "We'll figure it out, together."

The following months were a whirlwind of tryouts, negotiations, and decisions. They had their fair share of rejections and doubters, questioning if their partnership would work or if it was just a fleeting desire. But, after what felt like endless efforts, both Atsumu and Sakusa were signed by a team in France. It was a fresh start, a new challenge, and most importantly, they would be together.

Their first game was a sensation. The synergy between Sakusa's spiking and Atsumu's setting was undeniable. Their team, fueled by their energy and connection, soared through the league rankings. Off the court, they explored France, immersing themselves in the culture and, of course, the food. They cherished every sunrise they watched together and every sunset they didn't have to say goodbye.

One evening, after a particularly challenging match, they returned to their shared apartment. Atsumu wrapped his arms around Sakusa from behind, resting his chin on his shoulder.

"Omi-kun," he whispered. "We made the right choice. This feels like home."

Sakusa turned, pressing a soft kiss on Atsumu's lips. "Because home, Atsumu, is wherever you are."

Their journey had taught them that home wasn't a place, it was a feeling, a connection, and they had found it in each other. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they were certain of one thing: they would face them together.