After All These Years (Iwaoi)

Catch Me if You Can

Finally. Iwaizumi pulled into the parking lot of the public park near his childhood home. He and Oikawa had spent countless days here playing as kids, and as mentioned in the letter, Hajime had brought him here for Oikawa's 19th birthday. A picnic under the stars.

Ms. Amaya. I need to talk to her. Tell her that Tooru Oikawa sent me?  Iwaizumi took a sharp breath in and glanced at his watch. 8:47 pm. Would the park manager even be here this late? What if she had no idea what he was talking about and he would make a total fool out of himself?

"Iwaizumi-kun! Is that you?" Hajime turned to find a shorter, silver haired version of the Ms. Amaya he had grown up with as a child waving to him from the visitors booth.

"A-ah, yes ma'am. I'm sorry I haven't visited in so long." He hesitated as she smiled and looked him up and down. "U-Um... Oikawa sent me here." She glanced up into his eyes and laughed heartily.

"He's sending you on that little treasure hunt isn't he?" She chuckled. "That boy hasn't visited in quite some time. But he made it clear he needed a favor from me. Now, I'm not quite sure why... He dropped off a letter to me and said not to open it. Only to give it to you. So come on in the booth and let me find it." She slowly made her way to the door and let Iwaizumi in.

"Here it is. From Tooru Oikawa. The silly boy." She handed it gently to Iwaizumi. "You must've had quite the drive to get all the way back up here? From Tokyo right? My my that's a good three hours." Hajime nodded politely but his attention was focused on the envelope. It was almost identical to the first except this one had a slightly different seal. A volleyball. Of course.

Iwa-chan,

Can I still call you that? If not it's ok. Just Iwa works. Anyways, I see you've followed my instructions. I'm glad. I mean, you don't have any reason to. What was it you said last time we spoke? "I never want to see your face again." Hm. Well you're technically not seeing me right now.

Iwaizumi grit his teeth again. Even without being there Oikawa was getting under his skin. But somehow, he felt like he deserved it. The argument hadn't even been a big deal at first. Something about how they were going in opposite directions in the future. Oikawa was off to the Olympics and Iwa was off to a desk job.

I still don't understand why we even fought that night. Though, you and I both know it wasn't just that.

Oikawa was right. Their relationship had been stretching thin for some time leading up to the argument that ended it all. Schedules never aligned, dates were always canceled, tempers were always on edge. At some point both boys had realized what was happening between them wouldn't last much longer. But neither had wished to be silent for so long.

I did try to reach out to you.

Iwaizumi paused. He stood stoic in his position, suddenly becoming aware of the moisture pooling in his eyes.

I really tried. I just couldn't do it. I thought you'd be happier without me. I think part of me thought what you said was true. Or all of me. Telling someone you never want to see their face again is a bit harsh don't you think Iwa-chan?

"I didn't mean it..." Hajime muttered under his breath. "Dammit Tooru I didn't mean it..." Ms. Amaya peeked up from the front both and Iwaizumi gave an apologetic glance.

Even if what you said was fully true I have another place I need you to go. Don't worry, I won't be there.

But part of Iwaizumi wanted him to be there. That was wishful thinking.

To the ice skating rink. The time you were sick but insisted on taking me on that date because it was your only day off. You ended up passing out on the rink and I had to carry you back to the car.

Iwaizumi's eyes widened and he blushed. That day had been so embarrassing that he wished he could forget it.

I hope you'll see my next message soon, you'll know where to find it.

Take care,

Tooru Oikawa

And that was it.